OUUC Weekly Update
April 8, 2025
As of this morning, we have 221 pledges, and a total of $512,950.61 pledged!
Dear OUUC Community,
Thank you so much to all who have pledged your financial support to OUUC during our Stewardship Drive. We’re over 80% of the way to meeting our goal to fund a budget of $593,400. This means we have just under $100,000 yet to raise in order to meet our goal for the budget year that starts July 1. We can do this!
We Need Each Other Now, More Than Ever
As many seek solace during these uncertain times our church is experiencing tremendous growth. Our building is buzzing with activity! We need your support now more than ever to keep our momentum surging forward. Annual pledges nurture and sustain vital programs that enrich our lives and impact our broader community. Together, we foster growth through our collective care and commitment.
Pledges provide the essential information we need to plan responsibly — ensuring fair compensation for our team, offering two services, maintaining a warm, dry, and safe building, and sustaining the many programs and social causes we support.
Once A Year
Once a year OUUC asks congregational members and friends to make a pledge. Pledges account for almost 88% of our budget, making the Stewardship pledge drive a crucial part of powering our congregation.
Who can pledge?
You do not need to be a member to pledge, and there is no minimum amount. Every dollar is important and appreciated. Our goal is 100% participation among congregants — by making a pledge to OUUC, you are telling us, “I’m still in! I’m connected and I want to be part of OUUC’s future.” Anyone who considers themself to be connected to OUUC is encouraged to pledge.
We’re so glad you have connected with the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation. It takes all of us to make OUUC what it is. Please join us to Nurture All We Love by making a pledge today.
With gratitude,
Thursday Dinner: Polenta
Thursday, April 10, 5:30 pm
This week's menu plan will be polenta. All are welcome for food and fellowship. If you can help cook or set up, please contact Rev. Sara.
Youth Group
There is no organized youth group this week, but youth are welcome to join the All Ages Game Night!
Parent Group
Thursday, April 10, 6:30 pm *date change for this month
All who are parenting or caregiving for children of any age are welcome to join us for mutual sharing and support at the monthly Parent Group, in person and on Zoom (contact Rev. Sara for link).
Nature Group at Mima Mounds
Saturday, April 12, 10 am
Nature group is meeting on a different week this month, all are welcome to join Rev. Sara and Anissa for nature and gentle walking at Mima Mounds loop trail. This is a flat and moderate walk, with (hopefully) wildflowers to view. RSVP to Rev. Sara.
Dances of Universal Peace
Thursday, April 10, 6:30 pm
Dances of Universal Peace is an embodied, transformative spiritual practice touching the essence of all traditions around the world. They include simple movements to live music. All are welcome, no experience necessary, dances are taught to the whole group each time. We hope you will come and lift your voice, your hands, and your spirit as we allow a variety of dances to work in our hearts as yeast works a loaf of bread. A cash donation will be collected for musicians.
Travel That Inspires Class
Friday, April 11, 7 pm
This Week: Touring Central Europe. In October 2024, Paul and Susan Bakke visited six countries in Central Europe: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia. Now that the stigma of being part of the “Eastern Bloc” has been left behind, these countries make wonderful travel destinations, each with distinctive traditions, art, food, literature, and history. They also hold some lesser-known natural wonders: spectacular waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, tranquil beaches and lakes. Learn why Slovenia is now Paul's favorite country! Learn more and register here.
UU College of Social Justice: Creative Lament workshop
Led by Rev. JeKaren Bell, participants will explore the practice of lamentation and the ways it could provide support in times of grief and sorrow. Participants are invited to craft their own personalized laments through the power of words and art. This workshop will be recorded—register to receive it after the event. Click here to register.
Don’t Leave This Earth Until You Clean Your Room
begins Wednesday, April 9, 2-3:30 (weekly 3 session class)
Gail Gosney Wrede is an inveterate organizer who has come to grips with “right-sizing” now and planning for disposal of her possessions upon her death. If this topic interests and/or overwhelms you, this class is for you. Find more info and register here.
Forum with Meg Martin from Interfaith Works
Sunday, April 13, 12:15 pm
All are welcome to join us on site and on Zoom for a forum with guest Meg Martin, Director of Integrative Services at Interfaith Works. Meg will be sharing about the work and successes of Interfaith Works, the many ways they currently care and support those experiencing homelessness, and of plans for future care and services.
Easter Donations Needed
Easter is just a couple weeks away, and we need your help to make it a fun event for all the children who will come to our Easter Egg Hunt! We need donations--items for prizes do not have to fit inside an egg, we will not be stuffing eggs. Suggested items: individually wrapped candies or other food treats, new or gently used childrens books, stuffed animals, or toys, and craft or art supplies such as markers, slime, etc. Bring donations to Rev. Sara or Anissa anytime before Easter morning.
Musicians Needed for New Ensemble!
Do you play an instrument?
We are looking for players to form a new instrumental ensemble at OUUC!
Please contact Music Director, Troy Fisher, for more information.
Weekly New UU/New Member Class
Every Sunday, 2 pm
This class is for everyone interested in becoming a member of OUUC or simply interested in learning more about OUUC, and will be offered every Sunday 2pm from March to May. April topics: 4/13 Connections and Communications, 4/27 Stewardship and Membership, 5/4 Q&A with the Minister.
National Boycotts In Support of DEI
Join in National boycotts called against companies that have slashed their DEI programs with this new administration.
The boycott schedule is:
April 7-14 Boycott Walmart.
April 18 total boycott: buy nothing, spend nothing.
April 21-28 Boycott General Mills.
OUUC Side with Love Shirt
Get ready to represent OUUC and Side with Love at gatherings and justice events by ordering your yellow T Shirt now!
Click here to order.
April OUUC Book Group
Sunday, April 22
The OUUC Book Group will meet on April 22 to discuss "Desert Queen" by Janet Wallach. Contact Frances Tanaka to join the group.
Help Needed for Coffee Crew on 4/20
We have openings for the coffee crew volunteers on April 20th and other dates. Also, we would love more fresh cookies and treats and if you want to bake but not serve coffee that is great too. Sign up here or email Rev. Sara.
April Faith in Action Opportunities
UPLIFT Gatherings for Trans and Nonbinary People
UPLIFT Trans/Non-Binary Gathering Space
4th Tuesdays, 5 pm
Join the UPLIFT monthly gatherings for trans, nonbinary, and other not-entirely-or-at-all-cis UUs. Join us to connect with other trans/nonbinary+ UUs and co-create support and community across our faith. All you need to bring is yourself! These gatherings focus on getting to know each other and on sharing community and connection across all ages.
UPLIFT Pastoral Care Group Space
2nd Fridays, 5 pm
You are invited to our monthly drop-in small group for trans/nonbinary+ UUs for fellowship, grounding, pastoral care, and connection. We know that things are tough right now, for so many reasons. We see you and are glad you are here; you are not alone!
This year’s program is for adults ages 18 and older.
Click here for more information and to register.
DRUUMM Public Worship: There Will Always Be Dancing
Thursday, May 15, 5 pm
Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries holds an annual public worship on Zoom open to all. OUUC is one of many sponsors for this event. Through the destruction and the devastation, something enduring resides within us that cannot be stamped out by bigotry, greed, or exploitation. No matter how much injustice we face and the burdens we carry, there will always be movement. There will always be music. There will always be dancing.
From this inner well, we sing, pray, resist, rejoice, dream, and rebuild—because our liberation is bound up together, and our spirits are uncontainable. Let us gather to remind one another of our sources of courage, joy, and power.
Join DRUUMM for our 2025 Public Worship with guest preacher, the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval of Vermont, and Dr. Jolie Rocke, our musical artist based in Texas. Rev. Christina Shu of California is our liturgist. This event is open to all. Register here.
Chalice Camp: Democracy Kids
Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 18, 9 am - 3 pm
We will explore how we can live in community based on shared values of mutual care, inclusion, and democratic decision-making. Register here.
Each day in camp there will be opportunities for: arts and crafts, movement and music, snacks, meditation, stories and outdoor play.
Pay what you can, Sliding scale, for kids ages 5-11.
Our Whole Lives for 4th-6th Grade: Summer Camp
Monday, July 7- Friday, July 11, 9 am - 3 pm
Our Whole Lives is a holistic and developmentally appropriate sexuality education program. We are offering the program for 4th-6th grade this summer as a week long summer camp.
Pay what you can program, registration is open now. Register here.
Carrie Newcomer Returns in May!
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Workshop at 10 am and Concert at 7 pm. Tickets available here. Carrie will also be with us for the Worship Services on Sunday, May 18.
OUUC Annual Picnic
Saturday, September 13, 12 pm
Save the date for the OUUC annual picnic at the Rose Garden!
Beware of periodic scammers via email and text. You may be contacted by scammers impersonating Rev. Mary or other church staff. Scammers also try to reach people via text. Often, they will ask for you to contact them right away, and they may ask for financial assistance/information or contact information of others at the church. Always double check and make sure the email or text was sent from a source you recognize. Scammers will create new addresses that appear like a known email address. When in doubt, check in with the person in your life who appears to be trying to contact you, using a known contact method.
