I’m recording this on June 14, 2023 as many things at OUUC slow down a bit and we prepare to take a breather this Summer. The past Thursday Community Dinner was the last one until we resume in September. The Coming of Age and Bridging service was on June 4, heralding the end of the school year. Most Adult Ed classes have stopped until Fall. We did a flower ceremony service on Sunday, which often points to the end of congregational programs.
And this will be the last edition of The Spark until we resume in late August.
Don’t worry--OUUC is not closed! There are plenty of things happening this Summer. Although the choir will take a breather, too, Troy’s voice class will still meet on Saturday mornings. There are a couple of camps happening and a congregational picnic on August 26. I hope to see you there!
And there will be a worship service every Sunday! I have invited several guests into the OUUC pulpit who bring different identities and perspectives. I also offered two opportunities this summer for some guests to lead worship so you will have the chance to get to know them a bit better.
Rev. Crystal Zerfoss is a dynamic minister who I served with in Portland. Rev. Crystal will be with us in July and August bringing messages of liberation and joy.
Roddy Biggs will join us for two Sundays in July. Roddy is a UU minister-in-training and brings a message of justice as a declared Public Theologian.
Rev. Jennifer Alviar is a UU chaplain serving in the Seattle area who will join us in July and August. She is a thoughtful speaker on issues of justice and compassion.
Rev. Victoria Poling will join us in August. Victoria has been in our pulpit before and is newly ordained.
And Rev. Carol McKinley will bring her presence and grace to the OUUC pulpit in July and on Labor Day weekend.
This month I virtually will attend the UU Minister’s Association Ministry Days and the UUA General Assembly and complete my usual meetings and tasks at OUUC. Then, in July I plan to take a month away from congregational work. I have plans to rest, reconnect with friends, and travel to see family. I will return on August 1. You can expect other OUUC staff to take a breather this Summer, too.
Taking a breather means taking a short break to rest, relax and renew. I wish that for all of us this season.
Blessings on your Summer!
Rev. Mary
Minister@ouuc.org
