the OUUC spark

Last week, I had the chance to gather with a hundred or so other UUs at a theological convocation to ask ourselves big questions about how our UU theology does or does not meet the needs of the world today.

There were many inspiring speakers and ideas at the convocation, but one that felt most useful to us at OUUC right now was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, who posed the idea that our most important question right now is a question of ecclesiology: what is the purpose of our congregations? Why do we exist? Parker’s answer, influenced by the call of James Luther Adams to resist fascism, is that our purpose is to be communities of resistance. To become these communities, Parker gives us five key practices:

1. Love One Another

2. Prefigure Change

3. Make Reparations

4. Shelter Freedom of Belief and Prophetic Witness

5. Be Grounded in Radical Joy and Transpersonal Sources

To put these practices into action, we can develop alternative and more humane ways of living, resisting a harsh world by being sanctuaries of compassion and care for all who need it. We can imagine the change we want to see and then make it real in the small ways we can now, developing countercultural pockets of alternative possibilities as a form of resistance. We can create more justice in our relationships with the people who have been harmed by our histories, resisting the cultures of white supremacy and other hierarchies that we have been taught. We can shelter freedom of belief and speak out prophetic truths that resist harmful theologies and teachings. And through it all we can ground ourselves in radical joy and sources of strength that we find that are larger than ourselves.

When we are at our best, this is what we do at OUUC and in other communities of resistance. Resistance isn’t all pushing out into the larger world, although it is that too. Sometimes resistance is stubbornly digging deep and holding on, right where you are. Keeping joy and compassion and care and all the rest alive, right here.

Too theoretical? Want some practical to do’s? Here’s a list for this week:

1. Love One Another by volunteering to help at the Thursday dinner or bringing home baked cookies on Sunday for coffee hour. Or if you know of anyone in need, make a meal or give someone a needed ride or engage in other mutual aid.

2. Prefigure change in our economy and social safety net by supporting a small local business or making a donation to an organization that is losing funding (public media, the food bank).

3. Make reparations by being a good ally and support for communities most impacted, beginning by educating yourself to know more about how these communities have been impacted. For instance, attend the screening of Fish War coming up on the 19th at the Olympia Film Society.

4. Shelter Freedom of Belief by listening to or following prophetic voices that are speaking up about these times. I’m following the optimist Rebecca Solnit on social media and find her a great source of perspective and truth.

5. And then find your grounding in radical joy and something larger than yourself. Dance, paint, laugh, star gaze …. These are not idle or frivolous pursuits, they are the source that helps us stay grounded and gives us both the reason and the strength to resist.

In all the ways we can, let us be a community of resistance.

Yours in resistance,

Rev. Sara

The April volunteer of the month is John Cox! John has been a member of OUUC for a couple years now, and almost right away John jumped in to start contributing through volunteering: on the Buildings and Grounds Team, the Member Engagement Team, as an usher on the Welcome Team, and with the Stewardship Team. John has many skills to share, and a wonderfully cheerful way of approaching what needs to be done. Thank you so much for all you do, John!

John is a very nice person, very skilled, and a really good sport. I misunderstood some information when we were forming the team, many of whom had been recruited before I got involved. I thought John was in that category, so I invited him without talking to him first. John answered the scheduling poll and showed up for the meeting and it wasn't until we went around the table sharing our roles and he said he assumed we needed computer help that I realized he hadn't actually been asked to help us. I'm so glad he jumped in, as his skills in presenting data have been a great asset to our team. I've gotten so many compliments from congregants about how clear, attractive, and useful the budget and pledge history graphics he created are. I so appreciate all the skills and insights that John has brought to our work on the Stewardship Team this year.

-- Sharon Love

John Cox is a welcome addition to the B&G team. We have enjoyed working with him on the ADA compliant door openers, landscaping, fence repair and other projects.

-- Jerald Dodson

And here’s what John says about volunteering:

Being part of a community means giving back, and volunteering at OUUC gives me the opportunity to do just that. I enjoy using my data and analytics skills to create charts and visualizations that help tell important stories, as well as my DIY abilities to help maintain the building & grounds. It’s rewarding to contribute in different ways while also gaining a deeper understanding of how the organization runs from the inside.

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

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 at dcfd@ouuc.org

Stewardship season is almost over! If you haven't pledged yet, please do so here so we can count your contribution as we finalize our budget for next year.

If mailing your pledge, please be sure to use the following address:

OUUC

2306 East End St. NW

Olympia, WA 98502

If you have already mailed in your pledge card and may have used an address other than the one above, or if you'd like to change your pledge, please email or call (360-634-2005, Ext. 100) to let us know.

This week's menu plan will be polenta. All are welcome for food and fellowship at 5:30 pm. If you can help cook or set up, please contact Rev. Sara at dcfd@ouuc.org.

After-dinner (6:30 pm) options include: Dances of Universal Peace, Social Justice Book Group, All-Ages Game Night (including youth group), Kids' Class: Dharma Kids, Parents' Group, 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 last week's "Know Your Rights" training and upcoming events, including the OUUC Auction:

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