From Rev. Mary
We’ve heard once again that this will be a hard week as COVID-19 impacts all of us with change, illness, and loss. In these times when we may feel like nothing is firm or familiar, it is even more important to stay grounded, connected to something that is solid.
What is feeling solid for you?
Right now, I am finding comfort and connection in poetry and in meditation. The words of a poem can touch my heart and soul, helping me remember that I am connected to something greater, wider, deeper. Meditation helps me connect to my inner core and remember that I am connected to others, including you.
Here are a couple of things that may help you feel grounded this week.
Join us for an evening vespers service on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 pm. We will share words and inspiration from the holy days of Passover and Good Friday.
And, again this week, I offer a Mid-week Meditation using the beautiful poem from Rev. Nate Walker “A Survival Meditation.” May it provide comfort and connection.
May you be connected. May you be well. May you be safe.
Blessings on your week,
Rev. Mary
Vespers Service on Thursday
Join us for an evening vespers service on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 pm. We will share words and inspiration from the holy days of Passover and Good Friday. (Please note the earlier than usual start time.)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/341458638?pwd=YW9OaG9kZVk2OG51M3dMMFZrZ3Jydz09
Meeting ID: 341 458 638
Password: Vespers
+1 408 638 0968
Password: 461819
Zoom Practice with Rev. Mary on April 11 at 12:30 pm
Here's your chance to practice Zoom before the Sunday service. Let's continue to exercise our Zoom muscles!
(Same time as last week; different login.)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 771 858 695
Password: Adaptable
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 771 858 695
Password: 580594
Leading Zoom Meetings
Are you leading meetings on Zoom for OUUC or other groups? Want to learn more about leading or about the new Zoom protocols and best practices? Join our Interim Community Life Coordinator, Kari Kopnick, to explore this topic. Members and Friends of OUUC are welcome. Together let's keep Olympia protected from Zoom bombing. Two times: Friday, April 10 at 10:00 am and Wednesday, April 15 at 4:00 pm. Both meetings will use this Zoom meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/879283647?pwd=UXRCQVZmZGtReWliT0Z6Tk9zN1NZZz09
Meeting ID: 879 283 647
+1 253 215 8782
Password: 611382
A Few Words from OUUC’s Parish Nurse
Our Parish Nurse, Ann Yeo, knows that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended last week that Americans add another layer of protection from the Corona virus and the disease it causes (COVID-19). In addition to social distancing outside our homes and frequent hand-washing (or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer), we are now advised to wear cloth face masks when we venture out on essential errands where we may not be able to stay 6 feet apart from others. Those places where adequate distance from others may be difficult to maintain include grocery stores, pharmacies, and health-care facilities. Read more....
Supporting Our Community
Many of you are finding new ways to contribute to our congregation and to the larger community during this crisis, even while continuing the work you are already doing.
Thurston County Food Bank continues to welcome volunteers and financial contributions, and is collaborating with other organizations, like CIELO, to distribute needed supplies. Find updates and contact information at the Food Bank’s website or its Facebook page. An OUUC crew is preparing Backpacks for Teens each week; contact Sally Brennand, to help on this project or at the Community Kitchen. Like to sew? Our intrepid Sewing Ministry is making masks! Contact Karen Jackson to join them. OUUC’s Faith in Action Ministry is compiling a list of other ways to help in our local communities, and will have that available soon.
News from the Blue Apron Team
Many thanks again to all who, on the third and fourth Wednesdays in March, brought the very generous main and side dishes for the dinner at the Interfaith Works Shelter. On Wednesdays April 15, and 22, our congregation will again provide an evening meal for the 40 plus Shelter guests. Again as they do each quarter, PUGs will assist with food donations on April 15. Still needed April 15, and April 22, are several side and main dishes. Between 5:15 and 5:45 pm all donations should be brought to the Olympia Copy parking lot across from the Shelter (they will be delivered to the Shelter by Shelter employees). To donate and/or for more information, please contact Jo Ann Young.
Covenant Circles
In these times of physical distance, we still need connection. We will launch new Covenant Circles soon and need volunteers who would like to facilitate a Circle on Zoom. Facilitators will be trained and will use the Soul Matters theme packets for group content. If you are interested, contact Sara Lewis.
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom! Ages 12 and older are invited for a one-off campaign with DM Carbon on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 pm. Questions, email Sara Lewis.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/439746681
Meeting ID: 439 746 681
Sewing Ministry
The Sewing Ministry has been asked to make masks for our congregation. They are fast and easy to make and you'll have that happy feeling of being useful during these difficult times. I have the fabric that's been donated to the Sewing Ministry and can email the patterns. Please contact Karen Jackson. We'll figure out the logistics together.
Children's Zoom Play Date!
Date! Wednesday, April 15, 2:00 - 2:45 pm. Join Anisa and Sara on Zoom for a virtual playdate with your friends from OUUC! Fun, games, and friends!
Email Sara Lewis to receive the Zoom link.
Family Meeting
Parents Zoom Call with Rev. Mary and Sara, this Saturday at 10:00 am. Join us to share how you are doing, connect with other parents, and give and get support in these times.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/826241796
Meeting ID: 826 241 796
Consider a CSA
Local agriculture has been under pressure from many sources: urban and suburban development, climate change, invasive species, and rising costs to grow and harvest products. Now that we are experiencing COVID-19 restrictions, many farms have lost their local restaurant and produce market outlets. If stay-at-home orders continue into the growing season, many farms could face foreclosure. Participation in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, where customers pay in advance to receive a regular box of produce and sometimes other items, is one way we can help local farms survive.
The Thurston Conservation District has published “The Farmer’s Basket: A Buyers Guide.” aimed at connecting consumers with local farmers. The guide lists local farms offering growing-season CSAs, which last from June to October. Full share or partial share boxes of produce are usually delivered weekly to subscribers at local pick-up sites or to your door. Payment at the beginning of the season provides the farmer a guaranteed source of income, and you receive farm-fresh produce throughout the summer into fall. Some people find there is more than enough produce for a week and split the share cost with a close friend or neighbor. So, if you want to avoid grocery stores or can’t get down to your local farmer’s market, consider participating in a CSA!
About Us
Email: liberalfaith@ouuc.org
Website: http://ouuc.org
Location: 2315 Division Street Northwest, Olympia, WA, United States
Phone: 3607866383
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlympiaUUC/
Twitter: @OlyUUC