the OUUC spark

On April 27, we began to imagine our future as we gathered at the invitation of the OUUC board to consider a Big Question: We’re Growing! Now What?

You can watch the recording of this gathering here.

The Board summarized what they heard in the article below. If you didn’t participate or have more ideas, never fear! There will be more opportunities for this Big Discussion.

Thank you for envisioning a future that is loving, just and healthy.

Blessings,

Rev. Mary

Thank you to all who attended the “Big Question” Board Forum after church in person and online on April 27.

As part of the Board’s long-ranging planning process, and to help prioritize our activities and spending for the coming year, the Board, along with the Congregation, is focusing on a “Big Question” this year:

How shall we adapt to being a bigger congregation?

At the workshop, we broke into small groups (two in the sanctuary and two online) to address that question divided into three sub-questions: Who have we been? Who are we now? Where are we going?

The attendees had many great insights and ideas. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• Some past practices. Participants reminisced about things we have done in the past, including prayer requests during the service, a more visible presence of children and youth during the service, sharing congregational birthdays, and other things that supported connection in a smaller congregation. We will use this history to inspire new ways to support connection in our now larger congregation OUUC.

• Growth. How do we measure growth? Is it membership numbers: attendance at Sunday Services; participation in other activities?

• Money. It can be hard to talk about money and sometimes feels it’s all we talk about – especially during a stewardship drive. We want programs to be available to all, without regard to ability to pay, and we raise money to fund those programs. We have made progress toward financial sustainability-no debt, and the most successful Stewardship Drive in our history, but we can and should continue to be inclusive to all, regardless of participants’ income level.

• Kudos to us! We do some things really well: paying a fair wage and providing benefits to staff; consistently giving to other groups through Share the Plate; maintaining a vibrant Faith in Action program; maintaining a wonderful music program; being inclusive to all; and offering a variety of educational program. We walk our talk.

• Reaching out. We are a covenant community rather than relying on set doctrine. We have opened our doors to more people by offering two services and we welcome congregants and visitors online. At the Thursday Community dinners, we offer options for families and others to be part of our community. There were some great new ideas for reaching out: encouraging everyone to greet new people and make them feel welcome (searching for those with temporary name tags and perhaps implementing a “buddy system” for new members) and helping the less tech savvy with technology to make their participation easier. But we may still be a well-kept secret in our community. We need to continue to make ourselves known as a liberal, open, and welcoming church, especially at this time when many need comfort. And don’t forget the new bright yellow OUUC shirts! Many of these ideas could be facilitated with the addition of the community engagement staff position currently in the operational budget for next year.

These and other great ideas came out of the discussion with forum attendees. This is just the beginning! At the next forum, we will talk about how we’ve implemented these and other ideas our wonderful congregation comes up with to help serve our members and friends.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact a Board member, listed here: https://www.ouuc.org/about/who-we-are/board/.

I am pleased to welcome OUUC member Ian Stephan as our new Office Manager. If you saw my Spark article on May 1, you know that Ian will be assuming the onsite responsibilities that Isaac Jennings leaves behind with his move. Ian will also assume some long-range planning for the building and grounds.

Ian has been attending OUUC for a couple of years with his wife, Julie. They moved to Olympia from Arizona, and over the last two years, they have embraced the OUUC community. In that time, Ian has served on several OUUC teams, including Buildings and Grounds, Adult Faith Development, Healthy Congregations, and Welcoming.

Ian brings experience as an economics, civics and ESL/BLE teacher. He has helped supervise and train teachers and teachers’ aides; worked as a teachers’ union Regional Director at the state level, Vice President at the local level, and representative at the site level; coordinated international educational programs; remodeled multiple houses, done commercial handyman work, and served as a chemical applicator for the HOA in which he currently lives. His unique combination of skills with people, organizations, and buildings & grounds will serve the OUUC community well.

Please join me in welcoming Ian!

Rev. Mary

June 1 — Deep dive into the budget. Bring your questions! (The draft budget will be posted in advance.)

June 8 — Congregational meeting to vote on board members, Leadership Development Committee members, and budget.

NOTE: You will be able to participate (including voting) in both of these forums either onsite or on Zoom, as usual. Links and info about other upcoming services and forums can be found on our website, OUUC.org, under Worship -> Upcoming Services.

This week's dinner will be variations on bread pudding.

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

After-dinner (6:30 pm) options include: UU Buddhist Sangha and Kids Class: Dharma Kids.

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

Su Sikora, Interim Office & Communications Specialist

Teresa Madsen, Tech Coordinator

Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager

Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant

Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist