I love the dark time of the year. It’s a time when I especially appreciate the many blessings and privileges in my life — a warm and comfortable home, loving relationships, meaningful work.

For me, it’s a treat to see the stars and the moon on the longest night in the Pacific Northwest, or maybe just to know that they are always there behind the clouds. It’s a treat to see the colored lights in the neighborhood and the lighted tree in the OUUC Commons. It’s a treat to hear the tunes of the season; even if the theology no longer resonates, the music certainly does.

In this time of the longest night, I invite you to be present to the wonder around you and among us. It is there always if we but notice.

Blessed Solstice. Happy Hanukkah. Merry Christmas.

Blessings to you this holiday season.

Rev. Mary

Perhaps
for a moment
the typewriters will stop clicking,
the wheels stop rolling
the computers desist from computing,
and a hush will fall over the city.
For an instant, in the stillness,
the chiming of the celestial spheres will be heard
as earth hangs poised
in the crystalline darkness, and then
gracefully
tilts.
Let there be a season
when holiness is heard, and
the splendor of living is revealed.
Stunned to stillness by beauty
we remember who we are and why we are here.
There are inexplicable mysteries.
We are not alone.
In the universe there moves a Wild One
whose gestures alter earth’s axis
toward love.
In the immense darkness
everything spins with joy.
The cosmos enfolds us.
We are caught in a web of stars,
cradled in a swaying embrace,
rocked by the holy night,
babes of the universe.
Let this be the time
we wake to life,
like spring wakes, in the moment
of winter solstice.

Visit this blogpost for a video message from Rev. Mary and all the details:

Join us for a dinner to celebrate the darkest days of winter. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30 pm. If you can help cook, set up, or clean up please contact Rev. Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org

After-dinner (6:30 pm) options include: Winter Solstice Spiral & Fire, Holiday Sing-along, and UU Buddhist Sangha.

In this week's Tiny Little News Show, learn about upcoming holiday events at OUUC:

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 and Thursday, 12:00 – 4:00 pm

Sunday, during services

Staff Contacts

Rev. Mary Gear, 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