• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Service Times
  • Calendar
  • Latest News
  • OUUC Connect/Realm

OUUC

Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation

  • Newcomers
    • Plan Your Visit
    • FAQ
    • How to Become a Member
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • How We Are Organized
    • Our Staff Team
    • Board of Trustees
    • A Brief OUUC History
    • About Unitarian Universalism
    • Bylaws and Policies
    • Contact Us
  • Worship + Music
    • Worship
    • Music and Choir
    • Recent Services
  • Religious Education
    • Pathways Programs
    • Children’s Programs
    • Youth Ministry
    • Adult Faith Development Programs
    • Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Classes
  • Justice – Faith in Action
    • Justice Overview
    • Resources for Helping the Homeless
    • Share the Plate
    • Sanctuary Congregation Support
  • Getting Connected
    • Social Groups
    • Making Connections
    • Getting and Giving help in a Time of Need
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • OUUC Publications
      • OUUC Weekly Update E-Blast
      • The Spark! Messages of Inspiration from OUUC
    • OUUC Connect/Realm Tutorials
    • How-Tos / Tutorials
    • Forms
    • Contact Us
  • Giving
    • Funding Our Future
    • Stewardship Pledging
    • Online Donations
    • Endowment
    • eSale Giving
      • OUUC eSale Giving Fundraiser Donation Form
    • Shopping
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising Events
You are here: Home / Minister / Beauty and Joy

Oct 28 2021

Beauty and Joy

This week I attended the Fall meeting of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Minister’s association. I have been a part of this group since 2015, so I have met many of my colleagues in person, which was a help when we were online.  

In addition to deep check-in and some social time, we received training on trauma in ministry and how to best serve our congregations in these times. It was a helpful, thought-provoking presentation and much appreciated by many of us.  

Part of the training that was helpful to me was a reminder that no one can face the hard stuff all the time. We must be able to turn away on occasion, not to deny the hard stuff that is happening, but to rest if even for a moment. One way to rest is to turn toward beauty and joy. There is beauty and joy in the world, even now, especially now.  

What has brought you joy this week? What beauty is there in your world? 

Here’s what made me notice and smile this week: 

  • My ginger tabby cat Lucy curled up, napping, with her paw over her eyes.  
  • Looking out from my reading chair to see a rare bit of sunlight making the red, yellow, and orange leaves glow. 
  •  Many boxes of books at OUUC ready for the online book sale.
  • Five, yes five! deer running through our yard this morning.  
  • Reading a mystery that I didn’t figure out all the way to the end.  
  • A deep and rich conversation with an OUUC member about life, death, and the state of the world.  

I invite you to notice this week what makes you smile and what beauty is in your world. It is important, especially now. 

Blessings on your week. 

Rev. Mary  

Minister@ouuc.org 

Written by Jo Sahlin · Categorized: Minister

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Service Times
  • Calendar
  • Latest News
  • Bylaws and Policies
  • Resources for Leaders

Copyright © 2023 · Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation · Log in

Contact Us
Email List
Visitor Card