the OUUC spark

This month we explore the theme of Love at OUUC, and this last Sunday, as Rev Mary introduced the theme, she mentioned the institutional or organized ways that we might engage with Love, like the Side with Love campaign. Side with Love (formally known as Standing on the Side of Love - some of you may have those older T shirts still) is the origin of our yellow branding and has long been the public witness program for the UUA. Cornel West said that "Justice is what Love looks like in public," and Side with Love has called us to show up in public in loud and bright (literally) ways.

Here’s some OUUC folks with the old side with love banner - rocking the yellow!

One of the more reflective programs of Side with Love is 30 Days of Love, a practice that is held in the 30 days between Martin Luther King day and Valentine’s Day each year. You can access the materials for this year’s 30 Days of Love here: 30 Days of Love 2024 — Side With Love

This is one of the ways that we put Love into Action, but it’s not the only one. We have many practices of love! Here’s just three I’ll highlight this week:

• We put love into action by feeding folks. Jo Ann Young, fearless leader of the shelter meals team, reports that in 2023 OUUC provided 832 main dishes and 416 side dishes, (and some weeks more of each), for the guests at Unity Commons. You have helped make a difference in the lives of the 58 guests who find shelter there, and with your many, many donations of shelf stable food items for the weekend backpacks of kids and teens in need. If you are interested in helping with this Love work, contact Jo Ann.

• We also put Love into Action with advocacy work. Members of OUUC show up for public meetings, provide testimony, march and protest, write letters, meet with their representatives. We’re about to try an experiment to make this even easier, holding a weekly Action Hour at OUUC after the Thursday dinner. Just come at 6:30 and join with others to do those advocacy actions together. If you have questions, you can reach out to me.

• How we live and how we use our resources is also part of putting Love into Action. Many of us are aware of choices we can make like what we eat, what transportation choices we make, and where we shop. Another important impact choice we’re becoming more aware of is how we invest our money. This coming week the Faith in Action forum after the worship service will be focusing on Investing in our Values. Please join us in person or on zoom at 11:30am on Sunday to learn more about ethical investing choices.

These are just some of the ways we can put Love into Action. What is your favorite way to do Love, to place Love at the center of your values? Join us as we continue to explore Love this month.

In Love,

Rev Sara

January is National Soup Month, and we will celebrate that and enjoy soup together at this week’s Community Dinner on Thursday. All are welcome for food and fellowship; a donation is accepted to help pay for the food. If you would like to volunteer to help with dinner prep, set up, or clean up, email Rev Sara.

There are many activities at 6:30 pm: All Ages Board Games, Action Hour, the Social Justice Book Group, and the Christian group.

In this week's Tiny Little News, learn about our new Action Hours:

Website: https://www.ouuc.org

Email: liberalfaith@ouuc.org

Location: 2306 East End 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

Isaac Jennings, Business Manager

Teresa Madsen, Communications & Tech Coordinator

Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager

Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant

Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist