OUUC Weekly Update

February 20, 2024

Worship Service February 25

“Singing of Honor and Glory” with Phoenix bell-shelton biggs

Drawing inspiration from Revelation 5:13, where every creature in heaven and on earth proclaims praise and honor to the Lamb, and Judges 5:4-5, which speaks of the righteous singing to the Lord, this sermon invites us to explore the profound connection between worship and divine glory. In a world filled with turmoil, we'll uncover the power of song as a spiritual weapon and a path to unity. We'll delve into the eternal anthem echoing through the heavens and its relevance in our lives today.

Speaker bio: Phoenix bell-shelton biggs is a Queer, BIPOC, non-binary seminarian and aspiring Public Theologian. Phoenix serves as intern minister for the UU Fellowship of Fredericksburg, VA, while they continue their studies and seminary education at Meadville Lombard Theological School.

Phoenix is called to lead Radical Love, care, and Sanctuary Movements, simultaneously disrupting patriarchy and all systems of oppression that plague our world. They are healing, growing, and learning to love themselves, trying to find their place on this topsy-turvy journey that we call life.

Prior to answering the call to ministry, Phoenix earned degrees in Media Production and Religious Studies from Pellissippi State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University. When Phoenix is not working or studying, they love being out in nature, traveling, eating good vegan food, all things theater, and coffee

The worship service starts at 10:00 am.

OUUC Sunday Morning Service

https://zoom.us/j/873210124?pwd=U21qdmwxcTNyaE1LQ0xlU0MwM3VMQT09

Meeting ID: 873 210 124

Password: 995142

Dial +1 253 215 8782

Feb. 25 After-Service Event: Darlene’s Retirement Party, including light lunch.

This Week

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Thursday Dinner

February 22 at 5:30 PM

This week the Community Dinner is being provided by the Leadership Development Committee and the Young Adult Group. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30.

Volunteers are still needed for table and chair set up at 4:30. Please tell Rev. Sara if you can help.

Following Dinner this week stay for the Children’s class, Buddhist Group, Christian group, Action Hour, (all those at 6:30) and the Prayers from the Heart with Rev Sara at 6:45.

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Prayers from the Heart with Rev. Sara

February 22 at 6:45 PM

Rev. Sara hosts this prayer practice on the 4th Thursday of each month. Come to pray together, to drop stones and light candles, to give voice to all that is in your heart.

Not sure about prayer? Not a problem, we are a welcoming and inclusive group and approach prayer in an inter-spiritual and expansive way.

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Our LAST Action Hour for this Session

Thursday February 22 at 6:30 PM

Bring your own device if you can: laptop, phone, tablet. We’ll have a menu of actions to take, all experience levels are welcome.

This was a new program for us, please contact Rev. Sara with any feedback you have. Should we do this again in the future? Would you be interested in hosting a future Action Hour sometime?

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All Ages OUUC Nature Group - This Saturday!

Saturday February 24, 9am.

This group meets the 4th Saturday of each month.

This month join us at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge for nature and companionship on this flat and accessible trail.

RSVP or questions, contact Rev. Sara.

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DARLENE'S RETIREMENT PARTY THIS SUNDAY!

After 33 years, our beloved church administrator, Darlene Sarkela, is retiring! And we are celebrating her on Sunday, February 25th. Directly after the service, there will be a brief tribute, and then a light lunch in the Commons. Hope you can be there. Questions? Want to volunteer to help? Contact Melanie Ransom.

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Rev. Mary at the State House

On Thursday, February 22, Rev. Mary will offer the invocation for the State House of Representatives. The Invocation is scheduled to begin at 9 am, and that is always subject to change.

You can watch the House proceedings here.

Tiny Little News Show

Would you like some of your church news by video? Try our Tiny Little News Show!

Ministry Programs

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Leap of Faith Stewardship Launch Party

Everyone is invited to: Take a Leap of Faith on Thursday, February 29 at 5:30 PM.

The usual Thursday Community Dinner will hosted by the OUUC Board of Trustees. Soup, salad and homemade breads will be served. Following the dinner, at 6:30 PM, there will be a special presentation of music and storytelling about faith, risk and OUUC.

This Leap Day celebration is the official launch of the 2024-25 Stewardship Pledge Drive. Come Support All that We Love at OUUC.

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OUUC Tech Support Resources

Did you miss the All Volunteer Training on Technology Use? You can find the recording of that training, along with all the other volunteer training resources from this year, on this padlet.

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Question Box Service

What are your burning questions and your deepest wonderings?

Back by popular demand, Rev. Mary will offer another Question Box service on Sunday, March 10, where she ponders your deepest questions and wonderings.

Send your theological, philosophical or spiritual questions to Rev. Mary.

Save the Dates

OUUC Auction 2024: Reach the Sky!

Save the Date: May 4, 5-8 PM ASHHO Cultural Community Center, Tumwater

Whether you'll be trekking across the galaxy or just across town, we look forward to seeing you May 4th at the 2024 OUUC auction! This fun and important annual event is how Oly UUs and friends strengthen and celebrate our community, support our congregation's work, and donate and bid on activities that provide social events, rich experiences, and learning throughout the year.

Mark your calendars now for an evening that will be out of this world! Questions? Contact Alicia Martinelli.

Parent Group, 1st Thursdays 6:30 pm

Join us for support and community each month on the 1st Thursday of the month. We focus on a different parenting topic each month.

March's topic: Gender. How does gender affect our parenting and how do we parent our kids for greater gender justice?

We meet in person and on Zoom. If you would like to join us on Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting

Questions, email Rev. Sara.

New UU Seekers Class, 1st and 3rd Saturdays 10:00 am

All who are new to UU or to OUUC are welcome at these classes (one or all of the series). For those interested in becoming members of OUUC this class is required. This class is offered both in person and on zoom.

Upcoming classes:

3/2 Campus Tour and congregational history

3/16 Faith Development for children and adults

4/6 Worship and Liturgical Year

4/20 Social Action, Community Service, Racial Equity

5/4 Pastoral Care and Small Group Ministry

5/18 Small Group Connections

6/1 Q&A with Minister

6/15 Membership and Congregational Life

Register here.

For questions or more information contact Rev. Sara.

Save the Date: OUUC Chalice Camp “Building a New Way” for ages 5-10 will be July 15 -19. Open to all, pay what you can sliding scale, spread the word!

Quick Notes

OUUC’s address changed as of January 1, 2024. OUUC’s new address is 2306 East End St NW. The City of Olympia directed us to make this change. This is due to the regulations regarding emergency access. If you use an automated bill-paying service for your pledge payments (your financial institution sends OUUC a check on your behalf), you will need to update the address.

Remember to check out the Equity Library in the Religious Education hall and across from Reverend Mary’s office. It's open anytime OUUC is open.

Safety Reminder: Please lock and remove valuables from your vehicles.

Ways to Give - Did you know you can donate to OUUC by text message? Just text "OUUC" and "amount" to 73256. You can also donate online by visiting our secure online giving page.

Download the flyer below if you would like a list of OUUC events for February. Great for posting on your refrigerator!

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February Events Flyer.pdf

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Donate to OUUC Online

In the Larger Community

Learn more about the following events and others here.

Olympia Family Theater show February 23-March 17:

“Rooting through an old trunk, Barney and his dad make unexpected discoveries, including a beautiful bright set of fairy wings. But boys can’t wear fair wings…right? Wait, who made up that rule anyway?

Buy Tickets here. Access for all ticket pricing!

Recommended for ages 7 and up

Galactic Molasses Reads Banned Picture Books: Drag Queen Storytime Fundraiser on Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 am

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom Cascade Building, 9401 Farwest Dr SW in Lakewood Buy tickets or donate to the cause here. Hosted by Tahoma UU.

Save the Date of March 2nd to join the Poor People’s Campaign in Olympia - Mass Poor People's & Low Wage Workers' State House Assembly

Register Here: WA Poor People's Campaign March To Stay Alive In Olympia (actionnetwork.org)

Sunday Feb. 25, 1- 3:30 pm, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1515 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia WA 98502.
History of Squaxin Island Tribe by Lisa Johns

For more information contact Elizabeth Rodrick.

Dancing to the Music of the Forest

Join us for an engaging evening of learning through dance, music, and film where you’ll actually hear the trees sing!

Friday March 8, Capital High School ~ Old Performing Arts Center

2707 Conger Avenue NW, Olympia WA

Tickets sliding scale – suggested donation $25

Email questions here.

World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness that 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water. March 21, 4:00 PT / 90 minutes long.

Register in advance.

Pacific Western Region Assembly - A multi-day conference centered on connecting across individuals, congregations, and regions. Friday, April 19 - Saturday, April 20. More info here.

More details about these events here.