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OUUC Weekly Update 4-15-20

News from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation

OUUC WeeklyUpdate 4-15-20News from the Olympia Unitarian UniversalistCongregation

Worship Service April 19, one online service at 10:00 am


“All of Us” – Rev. Mary Gear


Join us for Online Worship.


Listen to recent sermons here.

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From Rev. Mary

Kindness is contagious, too.

~ sign posted in a westside neighborhood yard

We are four weeks into the greatest social experiment of our time. We are each being asked to offer grace to ourselves and each other as we adapt daily to the next new thing before us. Fear is contagious, and so is kindness. Anxiety is contagious, and so is hope. None of us wants to experience the virus and I hope we’re all working hard to prevent it’s spread. I invite us all to spread kindness and hope instead.

Care for ourselves is even more important than ever in this time, so we can be present to care for each other. This week’s Mid-week meditation is a blessing offered by Rev. Lisa Bovee-Kemper to help us appreciate our bodies.

Wishing you blessings and compassion this week.

Stay home. Stay safe. Stay well.

Rev. Mary

Mid-Week Meditation

midweek meditation 4-15
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Congregational Meeting

Planning for the Congregational Meeting to be held at 11:45 AM on April 26 took considerable discussion at the Board of Trustees' monthly Zoom meeting on Thursday, April 9. The agenda just seems always to be very full these days. The Board decided to add an item to the planned agenda regarding the potential Payroll Protection Program funding. This program was created by the recent 2 trillion-dollar stimulus package approved by Congress.. Read more....

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Why I Will Be “Away” Next Week

Did you know that there is a program of the Unitarian Universalist Association that credentials UU Religious Educators? Religious Education is a somewhat strange career, often one that people land in almost by accident. Many religious educators have a background and/or a degree in social work or education, but others come into the field with a background or degree in religion or theater or something else entirely. Read more....

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Masks Available

Our Sewing Ministry has been busy making masks for those of us who need one to go about our essential business. You can pick one up at Melanie Ransom's or Karen Jackson's front porch. No need to call ahead. They are all made from donated fabric, so we recommend that you wash your mask before using it. There are different styles, just choose the one that best suits your needs. Questions - contact Karen Jackson.

Quick Notes

A list of COVID-19 related giving opportunities is available here.


Read This Week in Religious Education here.


See a list of online meetings that you might attend here.

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Music and Meditation

Thursday, April 16 at 7:30 pm

Join Rev. Mary for music, a reading, and time to sit in silence together. Megan Johnston will provide Celtic harp music.


https://zoom.us/j/93555095497

Meeting ID: 935 5509 5497

Password: Namaste

+1-669-900-6833

Meeting ID: 935 5509 5497

Password: 346037

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Congregational Covid Cabaret

A ZOOM Event, featuring talent from our congregation on May 2 at 4:00 pm.

During the stay-at-home order, perhaps you have watched some of the creative on-line performance that individuals and families have downloaded. These performances have included: song parodies, original songs and dance routines related to the Covid Virus and the social distancing orders. We’d love to present you and/or your family’s creative offerings. We would like to preview your offerings before we air them on May 2. What are we looking for: Read more....

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Leading Zoom Meetings

Want to learn more about leading meetings or about the new Zoom protocols and best practices? Join our Interim Community Life Coordinator, Kari Kopnick, to explore this topic. All are welcome. Let's keep Olympia protected from Zoom bombing. Wednesday, April 15 at 4:00 pm.


https://zoom.us/j/879283647?pwd=UXRCQVZmZGtReWliT0Z6Tk9zN1NZZz09

Meeting ID: 879 283 647

+1 253 215 8782

Password: 611382

News from the Blue Apron Team

As we do each third and fourth Wednesday of the month, 24 members from this congregation will provide healthy and tasty food for the Interfaith Works (IFW) Shelter’s evening meal.
In order to provide the IFW Shelter guests safe sheltering, Meg Martin and her dedicated team of Shelter employees have divided the 42 guests into two smaller groups, and are now operating a second Shelter on Martin Way. In addition, the parking lot gate at 1st Christian is again open from 5 pm to 9 pm for others who are not residing at the shelter to receive available food and other supplies.
Doing all this has created many needed items that can be brought to the Interfaith Office at First Christian Church, or between 5:15 and 5:30 on Wednesdays April 15, and 22, to the Olympia Copy Center parking lot across the street from the Shelter.
Needed are: Masks (if you have or belong to group sewing masks, please the add IW shelter to your request list), blankets, pillowcases (no pillows please), single bed sheets, towels, personal hygiene, and feminine products.
Because the Shelter is now operating a 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daytime Shelter at First Christian, there is also a need for art supplies, paper, and adult coloring books.
Any financial contributions to Interfaith Works (IFW) will be used to help with the cost of thermometer covers and PPE for employees. Contact Jo Ann Young.

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Children's Zoom Play Date!

Children are invited to join a Play Date on Zoom on Wednesday, April 15 at 2:00 pm. Sara and Anisa will facilitate with some games, and there will be unstructured time for connection and play. For security reasons, please email Sara Lewis to get the zoom link.

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Dungeons and Dragons

Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 pm.

Join a one-off campaign, with DM Carbon, on Thursday at 6:00 pm. For ages 12 and older.


Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/439746681
Meeting ID: 439 746 681

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Adult Education

Are you missing the Adult Education classes? Yes, many have been canceled or postponed for now, but there are a few going online. You can still register and join the Book Group and the Vocabulary of Reverence class.


Register here.

In the Larger Community

Many More Masks Needed! Thanks to the tireless efforts of sewers at OUUC and in the community, masks are being provided for many of our vulnerable neighbors. Meg Martin, Executive Director of Interfaith Works, has requested masks for persons in the IW shelters. A number of steps have been taken by shelter staff to set up a rigorous daily cleaning schedule and to provide more space for shelter residents, some of whom have chronic conditions. Masks can help ensure their safety. Mask makers, contact Meg to arrange delivery.


Chalice Lighters - The spring call will support a serious need at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Willamette Falls (UUCWF), in Oregon City, Oregon. They face extraordinary maintenance challenges associated with occupying a landmark 95-year-old historic building that is central to their community. Donate on the PNWD automatic giving page. If mailed, send your check, payable to "PNWD Chalice Lighters" to PNWD Chalice Lighters, P.O. Box 567, Brighton CO 80601. Please include the PNWD-CL designation on your check.


Gov. Inslee and Health Secretary John Wiesman kick-off new Q&A series for older Washingtonians. Older Washingtonians are particularly vulnerable to the risks of COVID-19. The state Joint Information Center teamed up with AARP and TVW to create a Q&A mini-series for seniors to answer questions about how to stay healthy and maintain a connection with loved ones. The first episode aired yesterday and is online now and airing regularly on TVW. It features Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary John Wiesman. New episodes will air Thursdays at 6. Next week’s episode will be about caregiving and feature First Lady Trudi Inslee and experts from AARP and the state Department of Social and Health Services.


The City of Olympia provides regular updates on the steps being taken locally to support residents and businesses. Email cityhall@ct.olympia.wa.us to get on the list to receive email bulletins. Four virtual town halls are scheduled to discuss COVID-19 resources; of particular interest to the many OUUC members and friends supporting homeless programs will be April 22: “COVID-19 and Housing/Homeless Services.” Find the full list and town hall registration information on the city’s website.