Welcome Newcomers!
We welcome all who come with a yearning for truth, love
and peace. Ours is 
a community of varied ages, economic circumstances,
racial and ethnic origins. We are of differing genders and sexual orientations.
Our abilities are unique to each of us.
Our congregation is part of the liberal religious tradition. As such, we value freedom, reason and tolerance as fundamental to our communal and personal religious journeys. Toward that end we draw upon the teachings of varied religious traditions, science, philosophy and our own experiences as part of Life's sustaining web of existence.
We gather to create a religious community to which
we can bring the fullness of our humanity - our joys and sorrows, our
longing for spiritual renewal, our commitment to promote greater justice
in the world and our efforts to grow in wisdom, generosity and compassion.
We invite you to participate that we might journey together in this
ongoing creation.
What we do on Sundays...
The Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation is a joyful and caring liberal religious community. We offer Sunday services that include moving, insightful sermons by our minister, guest speakers and lay-people of the church. Our music is extraordinary and inspiring. Congregational singing begins about 10 minutes before service time. Come early if you love to sing! Following each service, all are invited to linger for coffee, tea, and conversation. Children are welcome, and after a story (part of the service), the children leave the sanctuary to take part in religious education programs.
Deep traditions
Our American History is rich with names of Unitarian and/or Universalists, noticeably in the areas of science, education, literature, political reform, humanitarian endeavors, and the arts. These include Charles Darwin, Joseph Priestly, Horace Mann, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Quincy Adams, Adlai Stevenson, Clarence Darrow, Florence Nightingale, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Rod Serling, Pete Seeger and Christopher Reeve.
We hope you’ll get to know us...
When
you arrive at the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Sunday
morning, you’ll be greeted by one of our members, who will help you
find your way to the sanctuary, the welcome table, teachers of children’s
classes or fresh coffee. Attending our services or listening to readings
and sermons online is a good way to learn about us and the principles
of Unitarian Universalism. Conversation over coffee after services is
a great way to learn about who we are and what we talk about. Getting
a name tag will help people get to know you by name (we all wear them).
Volunteering and working with our various committees is a great way to
better understand and enjoy fellowship with the members of our community.
You can learn about the opportunities by checking the Life of Our Community Table in the Commons.
Read what our members say about what life in this congregation has meant to them.
A good way to receive timely information about church activities is to sign up for our email announcements. Visit the mailing lists page or stop by the church office to sign up. You can also sign up to receive the electronic version of our newsletter.
And we would like to get to know you...
Everyone who comes through our doors brings interesting new knowledge, talents and ideas. A good way to help us get to know you is to get involved in one or more of our many activities, singing in our choir, looking into our social justice programs, attending adult education classes, or volunteering to help out serving coffee after services. We value the worth and dignity of all people, and look forward to engaging with you, working together to make a better world.
Ministry in different flavors...
All members of the congregation participate in our ministry. This occurs in our daily lives as we connect with others in the community. We also take part in conversation with each other in different ways. The following are some of the ways in which this happens.
Mighty Unitarian Guys (MUG)
We meet every Thursday at 10:00 A.M. for coffee and discussion. A manly time to discuss guy stuff. This group meets at Traditions Fair Trade Café. For more information contact Jim Lengenfelder.
Powerful Unitarian Gals (PUG)
This is a women’s informal conversation gathering that meets at Mud Bay Coffee Company every Wednesday at 10:30 am. Newcomers are welcome!
Guys TGIF
This is an informal group of guys that get together each Thursday afternoon for refreshments and conversation at a local ale house of interest. (We previously met on Fridays, but haven't come up with a good new name yet.) If you want to participate, contact Bernard Brady and he'll put you on the e-mail list. The group gathers at about 4:30 pm and never goes past 6:00 pm. Newcomers welcome.
Lady Unitarian Social Hour
Welcomes working (or not) UU women to our new gathering (also known as LUSH!). Please consider joining us for drinks and hors d'oeuvres on Tuesdays, 4:30-6:00 pm. We will gather at different venues around town. This is intended to be a drop in event, so if it works for you any given Tuesday, please join us. For locations, check the current OUUC newsletter or contact Susan Bakke or Suzanne Wilson. Newcomers welcome.
Young Adults
The OUUC Young Adults Group is for adults ages 18-35 who are religiously curious or identify as Unitarian Universalists. We meet twice a month, on the second and fourth Sundays, for lunch and thoughtful or fun conversation. For more information, contact Sara Lewis at dre@ouuc.org.
Circles of the Spirit
Groups of 8-10 folks gather twice a month for a year to discuss life’s big questions. Members are asked to commit to a year (April though March) of meeting with the same group. New groups are forming on an ongoing basis so sign up now if you’re interested. For more information contact Rev. Arthur Vaeni.
Dinners for Eight
This is a delightful way to meet folks as you enjoy a planned potluck meal and good conversation once a month with up to 8 OUUC members or friends (couples and singles) in the home of a member. Sign-ups are in September and January. For more information contact Ingrid Kail.