the OUUC spark

The theme for May is Imagination, the practice of bringing to mind new ideas that aren’t currently present to our senses. Imagination is a powerful tool for humans, and allows us to cast our minds into the future and what possibilities might exist there.

But our powers of imagination are limited, and there will always be things that we fail to imagine as possible. Sometimes we will fail to foresee something bad that might happen and in hindsight it may seem like we should have imagined this possibility. The fire onboard the Apollo shuttle was called a failure of imagination, as was the 9/11 attacks on the world trade center.

I wonder about other failures of imagination, though, that leave us feeling stuck in systems that seem inescapable. Ursula K Le Guin, science fiction writer, put it this way:

“We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings.
Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings.
Resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art, the art of words.”

Capitalism, white supremacy culture, patriarchy, poverty, and so many other systems that we live inside may feel too big, like they are just givens that have always existed and always will. But these are human creations, and so we humans can imagine and create something different. Let’s not fail to imagine boldly and bravely.

Come, let’s practice some imagination together this month!

In bold imagination,

Rev. Sara

We do corn salad frequently at our Community Dinners, most often a southwest style salad with chili powder and jalapenos, but last week we tried something new and it was a hit.

1 small bag of frozen corn, thawed and baked for a bit on a cookie sheet in the oven

1 red onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 celery ribs, diced

1 bunch of scallions, thinly sliced

1 large tomato, chopped

Parsley (optional)

Dressing:

1 Tb red pepper flakes

2 Tb mayo

1 Tb mustard

Juice and zest from ½ of a lemon

1 Tb apple cider vinegar

1-2 Tb Louisiana hot sauce

1 tsp smoked paprika

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp honey (optional)

Our volunteer of the month for May is Fritz Wrede. Fritz has taken on many volunteer roles over many years at OUUC, including serving on the Board, being a youth advisor and coming of age mentor, working on conflict management and policy governance, on the Ministry Development Team, and the Tech Team. Fritz has been described as a “behind the scenes kind of guy” who ably gets things done and leads in a quiet cheerful way.

Fritz, thank you so much for your continued work to keep our community healthy, loving, and sounding good.

Here is what Fritz says about volunteering:

I have done volunteer work my whole life. My mother had my brother and I volunteering for work at her church at young ages. Working with teams of volunteers has offered me different ways of interacting with peers and given me lifelong friends and companions. The volunteer opportunities that I have taken advantage of at OUUC have brought me joy and solidified my values in the world.

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

Fritz is truly committed to OUUC and shares his many skills generously! He has served on most team and committees and was president of the board when I arrived in 2019. We survived my first year, including the Covid shut-down, in part due to his leadership. Since then, he has supported implementation of the new governance model at OUUC and served on the Ministry Development Team, the group that supports my ministry at OUUC. A deep bow of gratitude to Fritz for his generous heart and open hands.

- Rev. Mary

Fritz is an integral part of our Tech Team. He brings experience, curiosity, and a great level of care to the desk. He never shies away from a new challenge, something that is especially valuable at the Tech Desk.

- Carbon Marshall

Fritz is one of our most reliable and consistent tech team volunteers, having helped with at least 50 services in the past 2.5 years that I've been on staff. I know he was part of the "old guard" A/V team from pre-COVID days when it was just a soundboard and audio recording. He's been brave about learning all the new tech and is always willing to help in any way we need him. And of course, he's always kind and friendly — a joy to work with!

- Teresa Madsen

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

Do you have another volunteer in mind who would be a great Volunteer of the Month? Please nominate them by using this form or emailing Rev. Sara!

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 provided by several of our social groups: PUGS, MUGS, and the mens beer group are all contributing for a Taco Bar.

All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30 pm.

After-dinner (6:30 pm) options include: Dances of Universal Peace, All-Ages Game Night, Kids Class: Dharma Kids, and UU Buddhist Sangha.

More info on some of these can be found in the Weekly Update.

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 & Communications Specialist

Teresa Madsen, Tech Coordinator

Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager

Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant

Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist