the OUUC spark

We are coming to the end of our exploration of the theme of Inclusion, which has been the spiritual theme for February, but hardly to the end of our work to truly practice inclusion. That work will carry on, perhaps more important than ever in the current political climate of exclusion and oppression. And while there are many things we can do to shift our larger world toward more inclusion, there are many that we can do right here at OUUC as we continue to practice Inclusion right here and right now.

I’ve been thinking about the small acts of mutual care and inclusion more recently, as I am reminded that it is most effective when I have limited energy to focus on the zones where I have the most influence. If I have only a bit of energy to give, I could call my senators to urge them to take action or I could make sure I have written out all the ingredients on a food dish so that it is allergy friendly. It’s great to do both, of course, but sometimes I’m just at low capacity. So those are the times to focus on where my impact will be greatest, and it is often greatest closest to home.

How we treat each other up close, here in our community that is striving to be a Beloved Community, striving to be a just, loving, and healthy community, will have a great impact on one another and on this congregation. As we welcome newcomers who are looking for this type of community of hope and sanctuary, the way we treat each other sends a loud message to each of them about whether this will feel like home or not.

Many of you have asked me why I’ve returned to wearing a mask more often, and this is a great example of how small things add up to inclusion. Now, this is a question that can be intrusive and we shouldn’t really ask, but I don’t mind sharing. The main reason I’m back to masking when I can is that I’m taking a medication that is immunosuppressive, so I’m now in a higher risk category for my health. But I’m not alone in this, there are many members of our community who mask because of their health status. There are also members of our community who mask because they have a close loved one who is at higher risk, or because they work with people who are at high risk, or for various other reasons.

We want and need community, but we also want and need to keep everyone and ourselves safe. What could you do to be more inclusive of folks like me who need to mask? Well, you can be careful not to come into community when you are sick or have been exposed to something. You can choose to mask as well, which provides practical protection and solidarity for those who have to mask. These are practices of inclusion and mutual care.

What else can we do to practice inclusion here?

• Leave a space in our circles of conversation during coffee hour so that new people can join our conversations

• Talk to people we don’t know already, particularly anyone who looks new/alone/uncertain

• Introduce ourselves and ask for people’s names, and respect everyone’s pronouns. And if you forgot someone’s name, just ask again! “I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name, could you remind me?”

• Leave clear space for movement for those using mobility assistance such as walkers, canes, scooters, or chairs. Be careful of crowding or tripping folks.

• Don’t wear or use scented products, as some people are very sensitive to scents.

• Leave the aisle seats and chairs with arms open in the sanctuary for folks with access needs

• Avoid making assumptions or acting in exclusionary ways. I recommend the book The Person You Mean to Be by Dolly Chugh as a good primer on countering your own bias.

Learning to practice inclusion doesn’t happen all at once, and we will all continue to make the occasional mistake, learn of a new need, and have to learn new ways of being. Masking wasn’t something any of us practiced pre-Covid, and yet it is likely here to stay for many of us now. Like masking, there will be more new learnings in our future, more new adaptations to meet the needs of as many people as we can.

Thank you for being on this journey of growing and becoming a more loving community with us all.

In faith,

Rev. Sara

Dear Members and Friends:

This is an important notice about our Stewardship Communication.

We have discovered a typo in the address listed on our Stewardship communication mailed two weeks ago. We left out one digit on the street address. If you are mailing in your Stewardship pledge on the provided pledge card, please be sure to use the following address:

OUUC

2306 East End St. NW

Olympia, WA 98502

Our apologies for this mistake. Most of our pledges arrive electronically; however, if you have mailed in your pledge card and used an address other than the one above, please call us or email to let us know.

• Phone: 360-634-2005, Ext. 100

• Email: office@ouuc.org

Stewardship is both a practical act and a spiritual practice. We know that it takes all of us to support this congregation we love. It takes all of us to provide the resources that pay our staff and our bills. And we know that joining our individual resources to do this is a profound act of community.

Please make your pledge this month as we come together to lift the community we love. At last weeks’ service Dieter Jacobs, board member, told us why OUUC is so important in his life: “The focus on community, the acceptance of others, the thoughtful reflection, the discussion of ideas. Good people, coming together in a loving community.”

PLEDGE TODAY!

Thank you!

The OUUC Stewardship Committee

Tonight's Community Dinner is being prepared by our Leadership Development Committee and the Generation XYZ group, and the menu plan is Buddha Bowls. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30 pm.

After-dinner (6:30 pm) options include: Protest Songs Music Jam, Transylvania Pilgrimage Discussion, Youth Group, Kids' Class — World Blessings, and UU Buddhist Sangha.

More info is available on some of these events in the Weekly Update.

In this week's Tiny Little News Show, learn about the Stewardship campaign, this week's events, and more:

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