the OUUC spark

As we end our stewardship drive, we can be grateful for the support pledged by so many people who took the leap of faith in OUUC and the future. Thank you!

And. The amount raised was about $100,000 less than requested — there's a big gap.

Join the Board of Trustees after the service on Sunday, April 28th for a congregational discussion about this and other questions, such as:

• What has been the pledge history at OUUC?
• Why was the stewardship request so big?
• Was it unreasonable?
• What are our options to bridge the gap?
• How are we going to pay for a sabbatical minister?

Money is one of the tools that we use to bring our vision and mission to life. Generosity is a spiritual practice. These questions and conversations are central to the OUUC community and our future.

Bring your questions, wonderings and dreams to the after-service forum on April 28 at about 11:30am.

See you there,

Rev. Mary

Our stewardship pledge drive has come to a close, and many of you took the leap, and we (the Board of Trustees and Staff) are so grateful for your commitment to our congregation. Taking a faithful leap requires risk without a certain outcome, and the belief that the effort is worthy of risk. As of April 17th, 223 congregants decided that the mission of the Olympia UU Congregation is worth believing in. And for that I extend to you my deepest appreciation.

Every worthy goal requires great effort. Four mighty women: Karin Landsburg, Zoe Myers, Tami Black, and myself took a risk with the belief that our congregation is worthy and capable of achieving a new level of stewardship. Others joined the effort by opening their homes and hearts to meet with clusters for congregants. Thank you to Joyce Steckler, Gail Gosney, Fritz Wrede, Susan Southwick, Joe Joy, Lee Doyle, Arlene Colerick, Susan Moon, Sally and Bob Brennand, Mary Walsh, Jeff Goltz, Karen and Jack Jackson, Helen Henry and Frances Tanaka. Dozens of UU stewards attended these gatherings over the course of eight weeks. Additional folks joined the stewardship work by mailing appeal letters, sending thank you notes, calling in late pledges and pledging early to lead the way for all of us. The word gratitude cannot fully encompass the feeling I have for all that said YES! to this challenging and yet rewarding risk. Your belief in the process of stewardship and building relationships was the highlight of this year’s pledge drive.

Choosing the leaping frog as our “mascot” for the stewardship pledge drive was the easiest part of the whole campaign. Frogs are simple great leapers! However, what really intrigued me was what I discovered on a trip to Alaska last June. The totem poles for the Inuit tribes of southwest Alaska contain three primary frog symbols: frogs with outstretched legs symbolized stability; frogs with long touching tongues represent sharing knowledge; and, frogs topping the totem (some with top hats) were, for the most part, reserved for tribal leaders who have great spiritual connection with the divine. In fact, frogs are considered to be supernatural beings that inhabit the human as well as the spirit world. How can you ignore that?!

The frog is considered a healer and their songs are a magical and powerful force. The transformation of a frog from water to land symbolizes renewal. Frogs also represent wealth, abundance, ancient wisdom, rebirth and good luck. No one can underestimate the significance of frogs or OUUC for that matter when we demonstrate these qualities through stewardship. We are Worth the Risk!

Karmel Shields

Member, OUUC Board of Trustees

Team leader, Stewardship Pledge Drive 2024-25

Tonight's Community Dinner is being ordered in from Ramirez Mexican. All are welcome at 5:30pm for food and fellowship.

Volunteers are needed just for set-up, starting at 4:30pm. If you can help, please contact Rev. Sara.

After-dinner options include the kids' class (6:30), the UU Buddhist Sangha (6:30), and the UU Pagan group (7pm).

In this week's Tiny Little News, Rev. Sara is away but has quick updates about what's for dinner on Thursday and other weekly updates.

Website: https://www.ouuc.org

Email: office@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

Sunday, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Staff Contacts

Rev. Mary Gear, Minister

Rev. Sara Lewis, Director of Community & Faith Development

Troy Fisher, Music Director

Isaac Jennings, Business Manager

Rosie Koppelman, Office Assistant

Teresa Madsen, Communications & Tech Coordinator

Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager

Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant

Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist