the OUUC spark

May 2, 2024

The Spark! messages of inspiration from the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation

From the OUUC Board

Over 50 congregants attended last Sunday's "Bridging the Gap" presentation and listening session about OUUC revenues and expenses over the last few years. Thank you all for your participation and for your thoughtful emails. The Board is aware that the session caused unintended confusion, hurt feelings and deep concerns among congregants and staff members. We are meeting this week to draft a thorough response to your questions and suggestions, which we will share with you all very soon.

With abiding love,

Arlene G. Colerick, Board Chair

Embrace Our Differences - Rev. Mary Gear

Welcome to Spring!

Our spiritual theme for this month of May is “Pluralism,” the last of the proposed core values that define Unitarian Universalism. (If you’d like more information about the proposed values, please join Rev. Sara and me for the after-service forum on Sunday, May 5!)

Pluralism is defined this way by the Article II Commission of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA):

Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings,

diverse in culture, experience, and theology.

We covenant to learn from one another in our

free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

We embrace our differences and commonalities

with Love, curiosity, and respect.

I notice several ways to approach the theme of pluralism. One is to recognize and affirm all that is within us, all the identities that we are, the experiences we’ve had, and the opinions we hold now, knowing that some things are held in tension. How do we embrace our internal differences with Love, curiosity and respect?

Another way to approach pluralism is to recognize and affirm the differences between or among us, all the identities, experiences, and opinions that have existed, do exist now, and may exist in the future. How do we embrace the differences between us with Love, curiosity and respect?

And I also notice that this definition names our commonalities and differences. We can learn from each other on both counts.

One way to explore this theme is some self-reflection. Below are some writing prompts and music to inspire you to explore pluralism in your life. (Thank you to the Soul Matters team for this inspiration!)

May you enter this month with Love, curiosity and respect for yourself and for others.

Blessings on your week.

Rev. Mary

Inspiration for Personal Reflections on Pluralism

What were you taught in your family of origin about pluralism and welcoming difference? How does this still impact you today?
"32 Flavors" by Ani DiFranco

If you weren’t afraid of being judged or rejected, what part of your pluralistic self would you let out into the world?
"This is Me" from The Greatest Showman

How has an experience of having your difference included left a mark on you?
"Border Crossing" by Namoli Brennet

OUUC Auction this Saturday! / Online Auction closes Sunday!

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The Online Auction is open and bidding is brisk! With 175 choices there's plenty for every interest and budget. Join the fun!

Go to OUUC Auction and start bidding today! Remember to check back often to be sure your items don’t slip through your fingers—bidding closes Sunday, May 5th, at 5 PM.

Thanks to all who purchased tickets to the Live Auction event on Saturday, May 4th. Go to Live Auction and Dinner to check out the desirable dozen: brunches, weekend getaways, an evening boat trip, downtown dinner and theater tickets, choose your own dessert/Sunday service/anthem, and many more. Come prepared for an evening of entertainment, socializing, and helping OUUC Reach the Sky!

Tonight's Community Dinner & Activities

Community Dinner May 2nd: Southwest Rice Bowls

For tonight's community dinner, the theme is Southwest Rice Bowls. Starting this week, we're also offering a consistent "kids' menu" of Mac 'n' Cheese and fruit, available at every Thursday dinner. All are welcome at 5:30pm.

Help is needed to cook at 3:30 and set up tables and chairs at 4:30, contact Rev. Sara or just show up early if you can help.

After dinner activity options (6:30-ish) include the Kids' Class, Parent Group, UU Buddhist Sangha, and an Info Session with the Sabbatical Team.

Tiny Little News Show

In this week's Tiny Little News we have a message from the Sabbatical Team and this week's coming events.

Upcoming Events

Download the flyer below if you would like a list of OUUC events for May. Great for posting on your refrigerator! Looking for more upcoming events? Go to the OUUC Calendar.

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OUUC may events flyer.pdf

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