the OUUC spark

As I write this, it is a beautiful summer day and there’s a hummingbird visiting the roses outside my window. The world is a wonderful place.

And as I write this, I’m seeing the news of the Marines being deployed to quell protest in Los Angeles, a blatantly authoritarian move by our federal government. The world is a terrible place.

Both are true, and we need to hold this Both/And if we are going to be able to respond to the world around us. We need to notice the wonder and beauty, to appreciate what is of value and what needs to be cherished in this world. We also need to let the beauty of the world nourish us and keep us sane and whole. But for those of us who are privileged to have much beauty and safety around ourselves, if we allow ourselves to stay in this happy bubble we would be turning our backs on the need and sorrows of the world, something I believe would make us smaller and meaner.

We need to face the terrible parts of the world - all the need, sorrow, grief and injustice - as witnesses, comforters, protesters and helpers. But all of this puts a strain on us, activates our nervous systems, hardens our defenses, and drains our resources. So we need to give ourselves the tools for renewal, healing, calm, and ease. The tools that come from the beauty and wonder of this world are what we need if we are to stay in the long haul work of facing the hard stuff.

This is why it is a good thing that none of us have to do this alone. When one of us needs to rest, another can pick up the load. When one of us forgets that there is anything good in this life, another can share some beauty and help them remember. And if any of us seek to hide from the hard things, others can speak truth and call them back to the work. A faith community like OUUC is especially good for this, comforting the afflicted and afflicting the too comfortable at the same time.

And now our community transitions into summer mode. Many of our programs take a pause in the summer, as we all need to rest and renew ourselves. Summer is often thought of as a time of rest and slowing down. But summer isn’t all rest. It is also a time of adventures and immersive experiences that are different from our normal lives. We’ll have camps at OUUC, and some of us may be going off on travels and adventures. Summer is a wonderful time to try something different. This might be the perfect time for you to learn something new or try a new justice practice out, in addition to rest and travel adventures. Summer, as a time between planting and harvesting or a time between school years, is a window in time that gives us a chance to try out new things. Those are some of the wonderful things about summer.

Summer can also be hard. As climate change brings bigger storms, more wildfires, and higher temperatures, summer can be dangerous. And we are clearly in a political climate that threatens our democracy and our freedoms. So this summer may also be a time for facing the hard things, for needing to show up to help or to protest. And our pause in OUUC programming doesn’t mean we won’t be here to do those things too. Keep paying attention to calls for action this summer, and keep those yellow T shirts ready to go as well.

This will be the last Thursday Spark of this church year, so I’ll wish you a happy summer now. May your summer hold rest, renewal, and beauty. And when necessary, may you find yourself ready to respond to the hard things that summer may bring as well. And may we know we are not alone, but in a community that is doing this work together.

1. Saturday, June 14th, 11 am — “No Kings” Rally at the Capitol. Wear your yellow shirts.

2. Thursday, June 19th — Juneteenth Celebration at GRUB. They need volunteers, contact Gail Wrede for more info.

3. Saturday, June 28th, 10 am — Invasives Removal Work Party at OUUC.

4. Sunday, June 29th, 10 am — the Pride Parade. If you’d like to march with OUUC, RSVP to me and wear your yellow T shirt.

5. EVERYDAY, ALL DAY — the beauty of nature is available to be noticed, no need to pre-register.

In faith,

Rev. Sara

Our volunteer of the month for June is John Crutcher. John is a newer member of OUUC who has jumped in to volunteering with both feet. John is on the Buildings and Grounds Team, the Environmental Action Team, the One Parish One Prisoner Team, and is a volunteer greeter.

John, thank you for all you do!

John says that volunteering keeps him sane(ish) and points to the spiritual principle of service:

The spiritual principle of service highlights the importance of helping others as a way to maintain one's own well-being and contribute to a broader sense of community. It involves understanding that giving back and serving others is not just a kind act, but a crucial part of personal growth and spiritual development.

Here's a more detailed look at the concept:

Key aspects of the principle of service:

• Giving Back: Service is about contributing to the well-being of others, often in a way that doesn't directly benefit the individual.

• Personal Growth: Helping others can build confidence, foster a sense of connection, and remind individuals that they are valued and needed.

• Spiritual Connection: Acts of service can deepen one's spiritual awareness and connection to a higher power, as it reflects the principles of compassion, love, and interconnectedness.

• Maintenance of Sobriety: In recovery programs, service is often seen as a way to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse, as it provides a sense of purpose and connection.

• Community Building: Service contributes to the overall well-being of the community, whether it's within a recovery program or in a broader context.

And here’s a few quotes from others about John:

I know he is on at least four teams one of them being building in grounds. On building and grounds he how’s taken the lead on Irrigation, which is a big responsibility that nobody wants to do. He also does garden maintenance twice a month and projects in the church as well.

~ Lynne MacDonald

John has been an outstanding addition to EAT and Building &Grounds. He has taken on important tasks: solar panel research, landscape irrigation and roof repairs. So grateful to be working with him.

~ Joe Joy

I really appreciate John's active participation on the Welcome Team. When I send out weekly reminders to fill the volunteer slots, John is often the first to sign up and is a regular presence on the Team. His welcoming smile is just what we need for the Welcome Team.

~ Jen Sabel

When John sees a need he steps up. He has been instrumental in the Environmental Action Team , working on solar panel analysis and bringing Joshua Wright's movie, Eden's Last Chance, to the congregation. He is our liaison to the Building & Grounds group working with them to discuss solar panels and work on removing invasive plants. Added to that, you will often see John greeting people on Sunday morning.

~ Wendy Steffensen

Thank you so much for all you do and the person you are, John!

Do you have another volunteer in mind who would be a great Volunteer of the Month! Please nominate them by using this form or email Rev. Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org

Look for OUUC members, Rev. Mary, and Rev. Sara wearing our yellow shirts, meeting at the state capitol campus near the WWII monument. Wear your yellow shirt! Don't have one? Order one now!

Oly Indivisible is looking for help from 14-25 volunteers who are willing and able to hold poles supporting an art installation at the rally. The art piece is the word "Resist" in 9-foot letters. Volunteers must be able to hold a pole while standing for up to 2 hours. The art installation will be at the top of the capitol steps, so the ability to climb stairs is a must. If you are able to volunteer, please contact Lisa Ornstein at 503-236-8277.

This is our final community dinner before summer break, and the menu will be "That's a Wrap" with wrap sandwiches.

All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30 pm. If you can help cook or set up, starting at 3:30 or 4:30 pm, please email Rev. Sara.

Community dinners will return in September.

After-dinner (6:30 pm) options include: All Ages Neighborhood Games and UU Buddhist Sangha.

This is the last full issue of The Spark for this congregational year. We'll just send a quick reminder of no more dinners next Thursday, and The Spark will resume on August 28. Note that the Weekly Update will continue to go out on Tuesdays, so look there for all of your OUUC news. Happy Summer!

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

Victoria Ridgway, Office Assistant

Ian Stephan, Office Manager

Isaac Jennings, Finance Manager

Marie Arensmeyer, Sexton

Teresa Madsen, Tech Coordinator

Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist

Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant