the OUUC spark

As we come to the end of Rev. Mary’s sabbatical, we come, also, to my time to move on to a contract ministry with the UU Congregation of Salem, Oregon. I hope to visit OUUC again in the future — perhaps a pulpit exchange with Rev. Mary! — and I’ll be wishing you all well as you transition into the next season in the life of OUUC.

When I was a high school choir singer, we ended every year by singing a piece that was simply titled “A Parting Blessing.” It went,

“May the road rise to meet you,

may the wind be always at your back,

may the sun shine warm upon your face.

May the rain fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Growing up in Oregon, we all especially loved the references to rain falling soft; as some of the boys matured into bass vocalists, we also all especially loved hearing the final notes of the chords drop down low. That blessing keeps coming into my mind now, as we close our time together.

It's a lovely blessing, to which I would add only one thing: May you turn to each other in shared ministry, to care for each other and meet the days to come.

Warmly,

Rev. Monica

Thanks to all who attended the after church forum last Sunday and contributed so meaningfully to the discussion. It has been our great honor to hold space with the congregation over the past several months. As we prepare to welcome Rev. Mary back from her renewal sabbatical, our work is coming to an end. We thank you for trusting us and engaging with us on the journey. Our shared ministry served us well — we not only survived, we thrived! You made this happen!

Some folks deserve special mention. To our amazing staff: Rosie, Issac, Teresa, Marie, Anissa, and Carbon — thank you for your gifts that enhance the congregation. To our music director Troy, we're grateful for the music and inspiration through it all. We salute and thank the amazing Rev. Sara, Rev. Carol, and Rev. Monica for their strong spiritual leadership and inspiring messages. We also want to acknowledge the work of the Pastoral Care Team for supporting our community. A special thanks to Rev. Carol especially for providing compassionate and loving pastoral care to many members dealing with loss and difficult situations during this time.

With gratitude to the whole congregation, we look forward to the journey ahead.

In faith and love,

Dan Donahue, Tiffany Felch, Kirsten Hill, Curtis Tanner, and Polly Taylor

Here we are in a moment of transition and change, within OUUC and in the larger world. Within OUUC we are welcoming back Rev. Mary from her sabbatical and saying goodbye to Rev. Monica after her sabbatical ministry with us. As was noted by many in the forum held by the sabbatical committee last Sunday, we have changed as a community during this sabbatical, and we expect Rev. Mary will have changed too. Here at OUUC many have found greater capacity for shared ministry and shared holding of hard things. We have grown as a resilient community.

The other moment of transition that we are facing in this week is the national election. Whatever happens in this election, it will impact our world in huge ways, and I know we are feeling the stress. So let’s remember, we are a resilient community. Together, we can take care of each other and lend our strength to the most vulnerable. Together, we will face this time of change by putting love at the center.

We will be holding space to be together at OUUC on election night next week. Tuesday, starting at 6pm, there will be space to be together and watch the news, space to be together with comfort and distractions, and space to hold spiritual practices. Bring your own dinner if you like — we’ll have some snacks.

Together, we are resilient, and we can do hard things and hold hard emotions.

Together with you all,

Rev. Sara

Volunteers to help with food prep and set-up are needed — please contact Rev. Sara or show up as early at 3:30 pm.

The UU Buddhist Sangha will meet at 6:30 pm.

In this week's Tiny Little News Show, we thank Book Sale volunteers, note the transition as Rev. Mary's sabbatical ends, and announce Halloween and Election Night gatherings:

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