the OUUC spark

From time to time I return to the work of Barbara Kingsolver, one of my favorite authors. As much as I love her fiction, I may love her essays even more – her steady contemplation of the world, her invitations toward meaning-making. Her essay collection High Tide in Tucson reminds me that the world is full of beauty and wonder, even in hard times. She writes,

“Last May, I saw a dragonfly as long as my hand—longer than an average-sized songbird. She circled and circled, flexing her body, trying to decide if my little lake was worthy of her precious eggs. She was almost absurdly colorful, sporting a bright green thorax and blue abdomen. Eventually she lit on the tip of the horsetail plant that sends long slender spikes up out of the water. She was joined on the tips of five adjacent stalks by five other dragonflies, all different: an orange-bodied one with orange wings, a yellow one, a blue-green one, one with a red head and purple tail, and a miniature one in zippy metallic blue. A dragonfly bouquet. Be still, and the world is bound to turn herself inside out to entertain you. Everywhere you look, joyful noise is clanging to drown out quiet desperation. The choice is to draw the blinds and shut it all out, or believe.”

Life in these days is filled with alarming news, frightening predictions, so much to grieve and to worry over. So for your spiritual wellbeing, I hope you’ll join me in this invitation to also pay attention to the beauty of the world. It is still here – has been here all along – if only we remember to stop and notice.

Warmly,

Rev. Monica

In this week's Tiny Little News Show, find out about upcoming events and classes:

Thursday, September 19

5:30 pm

This week, as Rev. Sara is away on vacation, we are ordering in catering for dinner from Ramirez Mexican. Volunteers are setting up and putting it together — patience and cooperation is appreciated! If anyone is moved to bring vegetarian or vegan beans or a salad to go with dinner, that would be lovely.

After-dinner options (6:30 pm) tonight include: All-Ages Game Night, UU Pagan Group, and UU Buddhist Sangha. More information on most of these is available in the Weekly Update.

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, during services

Staff Contacts

Rev. Mary Gear, Minister - on sabbatical until 11/1/24

Rev. Monica Jacobson-Tennessen, Sabbatical 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