This congregation is a wonderful mix of shared ministry. We have fabulous and dedicated staff, but they can’t do everything - there is truly a job for everyone here as we create this beloved community together.

Last Sunday, we hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Game Show, and heard a heartfelt thank you to volunteers from Rev Mary. If you missed that please do check it out!

We are also inviting people to create volunteer appreciation tags in the Commons right now. That will stay up for a while longer, there is still time to add to it. Here is some of what has been collected so far:

A huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered this year, whether it was a big job or a small one. It takes all of us!

I am so pleased to announce Jo Ann Young as our May Volunteer of the Month! Jo Ann has been a pillar of our partner church program and worked with that committee and our partner church in Kissolymos, Romania, for decades. She is a member of the AntiRacism Team, and is our OUUC liaison to the Interfaith Works Council. Jo Ann created the Equity Library for children and families to bring beautiful books related to our faith in action focus areas to everyone at OUUC. And Jo Ann is the organizer of our monthly shelter meals for Hope Village and the Unity Commons.

Here is some of what folks say about Jo Ann:

“Jo Ann is a tenacious advocate for community and connection and without her dedicated work, we would not have the partner church relationship we have today.

When it comes to volunteering, Jo Ann is a force of nature. She got me involved in Partner Church Ministry and has modeled such commitment and dedication that inspiration proceeds her. The best thing about working with Jo Ann is that her energy and vision is always several steps ahead of most everyone. She does not settle for just getting by but keeps us thinking of the more we can do. Perhaps most importantly is the hospitality Jo Ann (along with her husband Mike) have displayed. Her personal connection to our partner church ministry team and the relationships that she and Mike have established has rooted this ministry in our congregation. More than a volunteer, she is a leader, teacher and friend. My heart felt congratulations to her!”

Rick Brandt-Kreutz, Partner Church Team

“Jo Ann is more devoted to helping those in need than anyone else I know! The example of her work at OUUC for so many years has been both inspirational and exhausting!”

Tim Ransom, Faith in Action Leadership Team

“Dr. Jo Ann Young models relationship-building for justice! She listens and responds with loving care.

I love the opportunity she provides to bring a Wednesday dinner dish to the downtown shelter. Her devotion provides ways for people to contribute. Her updates about Interfaith Works expand my awareness.

She builds caring conversations for racial & economic justice through classes she facilitates, ideas she shares, questions she asks, time she takes, events she coordinates, ways she follows up. The Equity Library is just one example of her loving offerings.”

Anne Hundley, Anti-Racism Team

If you all see Jo Ann, please thank her for all she does!

Thank you, Jo Ann!

More than a year and a half ago, we began the process of revisiting OUUC’s covenant, making some revisions to the current covenant and adding a behavioral covenant. Based on your feedback during congregational forums last Spring, the writing team made some revisions, and the Board of Trustees has made some decisions.

We’ve done a lot of talking and listening — now it’s time to vote. At the June 9 congregational meeting, members will be asked to vote on the proposed changes to the current covenant and the addition of a behavioral covenant.

On June 9, I will first ask you if you are ready to vote on the proposed changes. Your vote may be yes or no, but the first question is if you have the information that you need to vote. If the majority answer is yes, I will turn it over to Board President Arlene Colerick, to ask for the vote. If the answer is no, you are not ready to vote, I will ask you what you need to be ready to vote. We’ll have paper & pencils available for feedback.

You can find the proposed covenant changes and more history here.

One of the concerns expressed last Spring was about what would happen if someone didn’t follow the behavioral covenant. This is a concern about how we, as a community, handle accountability. The Board adopted a policy about addressing non-covenantal behavior, which you can find here. This is one of the ways we help maintain safety for everyone and stay in relationship even when we disagree. You will see that the first step, whenever possible, is to have a direct conversation.

If you have any questions about this proposal or the process, please contact me.

I hope you will lend your voice and vote to this project.

Rev. Mary

Minister@ouuc.org

For tonight's community dinner, we will celebrate tofu. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30pm.

Volunteers are needed to help cook, set up, and clean up. If you can help please contact Rev. Sara or show up early.

After-dinner (6:30ish) options include: the kids' class, UU Buddhists' Sangha, and Prayers from the Heart.

In this week's Tiny Little News, this week's events, some clips from the volunteer appreciation game show, and a save the date for congregational meeting.

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, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

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