the OUUC spark

In this past Sunday’s service, Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee spoke about how disorienting change can be and how the power of imagination can help us transform during uncertain times. She went on to invite us to use this time to creatively imagine how we might be.

In the after-service forum, the OUUC Board did just that as they invited us to consider this big question: How shall we adapt to being a bigger congregation? The seeds of this question were:

• Who have we been?

• Who are we now?

• Where are we going?

Board president, Susan Moon, noted that this question is not “Do we want to grow?” but rather “We’re growing! Now what?”

All this exploration brings us solidly into the May spiritual theme of “Imagination.”

I participated in one of the online discussions where several issues came up, including staff capacity, an issue that came up in other groups as well. Things are changing for our staff team, too, requiring some creative imagination about how we can best serve a growing congregation. There are many things in the mix right now, so here’s an update.

First, our two newest staff people are making changes. Rosie Koppelman, OUUC’s part-time Office & Communications Specialist, is leaving for a full-time position at the food bank. You can read Rosie’s farewell note below. We will miss her and so appreciate her work with us these past 15 months.

I’m delighted that OUUC congregant, Sam Captain (pictured at right), has agreed to step into a temporary position to cover Rosie’s responsibilities until the congregational budget for 2025-26 is finalized and approved in June. Thank you, Sam!

You will see Rosie and Sam together in the office for the next two Sundays, May 4 and May 11. Please stop by to welcome Sam and wish Rosie well.

The second change is that Isaac Jennings, OUUC’s Business Manager, is moving out of state in mid-June for his husband's job. While we’ll miss Isaac’s presence onsite, the good news is that Isaac plans to work remotely as OUUC’s Finance Manager, continuing his excellent work as our bookkeeper, budget manager, and payroll supervisor. I plan to create a new part-time Office Manager position to assume Isaac’s duties that require someone onsite.

Into the mix is the most successful stewardship drive ever, with pledged congregational support of over $54,000 more than last year! Thank you all for creating and supporting a vision of OUUC’s future!

My hope is that this will allow us to increase & support the staffing as we requested in the stewardship drive: a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for existing staff, more hours to support the administration of our lifespan faith development programs, and to a hire new Member Engagement Specialist to broaden our welcome, integration, and inclusion. The final budget for the next congregational year (July 2025 – June 2026) will be voted on at the congregational meeting on June 8, then we’ll finalize positions.

All these moving parts have given me the chance to imagine how staffing might be configured at OUUC. I am certain that we need dedicated attention to the day-to-day maintenance of our building, so I am reimagining how we do that as well as long-range planning for our building and grounds. I plan to focus a Sexton on the regular maintenance of the building and place the long-range capital planning with a new Office Manager, who will also assume some of the duties that Isaac will leave behind onsite.

I am also certain that we need someone dedicated to OUUC communications within and outside our community, so will be looking to assign that focus as positions get finalized.

We plan to hold things steady until after the congregational meeting on June 8, when the budget for next year will be adopted by a congregational vote.

With all that is in flux, it is possible that we will be hiring two if not three positions in the coming months. If you or anyone you know is interested in a position, please send them my way.

Thank you for imagining an OUUC that is loving, just and healthy as we move into the uncertain future together.

Blessings,

Rev. Mary

Dear OUUC Community,

It’s been a joy getting to know you over the past year and a half. I'm grateful for all the connections and great teamwork we have shared during my time here, and for the opportunity to learn about OUUC's rich history and community.

I have accepted a new full time position, where I look forward to strengthening my skills and supporting local services. I'm sure I will cross paths with many of you around town—in the meantime, keep practicing kindness and fighting for justice!

Warmly,

Rosie

ONLINE AUCTION: Open NOW – Sunday, May 4, at 5 PM

LIVE AUCTION and DINNER EVENT: Saturday, May 3rd, 5 – 8 PM, at ASHHO Cultural Community Center

The online auction is open, and bidding is brisk! Register NOW to participate in bidding on this year’s outstanding offerings. Make your opening bids today and keep checking to refresh and secure your selections until 5 PM Sunday.

What a trove of choices! Jump in now for your chance at two certificates for 4 youth gymnastics classes; seven unique and locally handcrafted pottery bowls; an art appreciation and history museum outing in Aberdeen; lovely framed and unframed artwork; invaluable one-on-one tech help; a tutorial to make your own Polish pierogies and eat them, too; a rainbow chalice quilt; 2 nights in a private Hood Canal cabin… There is truly something for all — peruse slowly and start bidding!

Our annual auction celebration supports OUUC and is how we both share our diverse talents and deepen social connections throughout the year. It also allows us to put our faith into action by making a significant contribution to two important and timely Raise the Paddle causes: supporting passports and family safety plans for immigrant families and enhancing our beloved OUUC sanctuary with a Sound and Light package. Donate to both of these causes either online or at the live auction event Saturday night.

The online auction ends on Sunday, May 4 at 5 pm. Check the website often to adjust your bids, and set your alarm for 4:45 pm on Sunday to secure your choices!

Let’s celebrate OUUC together and LET OUR LIGHT SHINE!

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.

Tonight's dinner is food of laborers, in honor of May Day.

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

After-dinner (6:30 pm) options include: Sit & Stitch, Parents' Group, 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