the OUUC spark

In this month, our theme is Generosity, and when we think of generosity and how we put our faith into action, we may naturally think of money and giving generously. This is definitely a way to practice generosity. We have established traditions here for practicing this sort of generosity, notably our Share the Plate program that gives to local organizations. And this month, we will be introducing the Guest at Your Table program to raise money for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee - more about that soon.

But there are many other ways to practice generosity. Here is how the new Article II defines generosity:

Generosity. We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.

We also share our faith and presence as well as our resources, as this points out. How can we be generous with our presence? There are so many ways to share our time and talents or to simply be present for another in need. We have folks who are generous in caring for our grounds, in helping us recycle our batteries and bulbs, in greeting and ushering on Sundays, and in helping cook Thursday dinners. We also have groups cooking meals for folks in local shelters. And much more!

And then we can also be generous in sharing our faith. I think what that means is that we are generous in witnessing and sharing what our heart and our faith tells us is right. That may mean showing up for a vigil, such as the vigils for peace on Friday evenings downtown. It may mean marching or protesting. Or it may mean testifying, signing a petition, or writing to your representative. OUUC is a member of two networks that help us advocate for our faith values: Faith Action Network and JUUstice Washington. We will have a representative of Faith Action Network here on Sunday for the after worship forum - I hope you will come to learn more about their work.

(Quick plug here, if you haven’t joined the Faith in Action Alert List on Realm, this is a great way to learn about marches, protests, petitions, etc. as they come up. Ask me for help if you need it!)

There are so many ways to practice generosity! May we do so in the knowledge that we are sharing in relationships of interdependence and mutuality, that generosity is a dance of giving and receiving, and that there is a place that is just right in this dance for each of us. My way of practicing generosity will be different from yours. I’m grateful to be doing this together.

Many blessings, my dears.

Rev Sara

“Don’t spin your tires, hit the road running!” says long-time OUUC member Connie Ruhl.

Connie is passionate about her UU voice being heard by decision makers, especially in the state legislature, as they make the policies and laws that affect us all.

“Right out of the gate! Cut to the chase!” she says, when asked how to go about it. At first, Connie was reticent about getting involved, worried about what to say, who to say it to, when to say it. But then she learned about two advocacy organizations, Faith Action Network and JUUstice Washington, that go out of their way to help people get involved by answering just those questions. These groups empowered Connie to become a confident and effective advocate for policies that reflect her values.

Now Connie wants you to know that you, too, can benefit from the work of these organizations this fall and “Get ready to practice democracy in the legislative session that begins in January!”

Both organizations are coming to OUUC for Second Sunday Faith in Action forums (after the worship service, 11:30-12:30) for everyone interested in their plans and techniques for supporting the development of good policies and laws in the state of Washington.

A forum with Faith Action Network will take place in the sanctuary on Sunday, November 12.

JUUstice Washington’s forum is scheduled for Sunday, December 10.

Connie will be there, and hopes you will, too!

The theme for dinner this week is “Believe it Or Nut!” There will be fun foods that will have nuts (and some without) - all well labeled.

All are invited for dinner at 5:30 pm.

Volunteers for set up and clean up are needed, contact Rev Sara.

Following dinner this week we will have the children’s Lessons of Loss class, the Buddhist Sangha, the Christian group, and an unhosted all ages games night. Bring a game you’d like to play.

Here is the Article II padlet Rev. Sara references in this episode: https://ouuc.padlet.org/olydre1/article-ii-esfjpelp9dlda457

Website: https://www.ouuc.org

Email: liberalfaith@ouuc.org

Location: 2315 Division St NW, Olympia, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 634-2005

Office Hours

Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Staff Contacts

Rev. Mary Gear, Minister

Rev. Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development

Troy Fisher, Music Director

Darlene Sarkela, Congregational Administrator

Teresa Madsen, Communications & Tech Coordinator

Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager

Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant

Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist