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“Dinner Table Theology” with Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee
Sunday, September 6, 2026
On this Labor Day weekend, we celebrate how the labor movement and unions have worked to make “room at the table” for everyone.
After-Service Forums will resume September 20th. Happy Summer!
“What’s in Your Backpack?” with Rev. Mary & Rev. Sara
Sunday, August 30, 2026
As we begin a new school year, we bless the backpacks for those of all ages who attend school, and we reflect on what we all carry in our backpacks. How do we pack for these times?
After-Service Forums will resume September 20th. Happy Summer!
“How the Light Gets In” with Rev. Carol McKinley
Sunday, August 23, 2026
“There is a crack, a crack in everything – that’s how the light gets in,” writes Leonard Cohen in “Anthem.” As individuals and as a community holding love at the center, we can help that light get into our lives, and into the world.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“On the Nature of Good and Evil” with Rev. Silvia Behrend
Sunday, August 16, 2026
In our UU tradition we share these values Interdependence: Pluralism: Justice: Transformation: Generosity: Equity. I believe that Process theology offers us a relational model of how to engage in the world, understanding the human responsibility for co-creating the world. This requires that we name and accept the reality of Evil, as well as the reality of Good. When we understand what constitutes each, we can refuse to bow to dictates which go against our nature, aligning with the Good. We will explore the theological roots of Good and Evil and ways that we can consciously choose the Good.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“Hope and Chaos” with the Hope & Chaos Book Group
Sunday, August 9, 2026
This past year, a dedicated group met monthly to talk about how to be grounded and hopeful in these tumultuous times. They used the writings of Joanna Macy and The Good Grief Network to guide their discussions. In this service, members of the group reflect on their experience.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“A Spiritual Journey” with Ann Yeo
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Ann Yeo (she/her) has been an active, engaged member of OUUC since 2001. She says, “I cannot imagine how my life would be now—if I and my husband had not found this spiritual community!” In this service, she will chronicle her spiritual journey.
Ann still maintains licensure as a Registered Nurse and certification as a Holistic Nurse, to allow for some volunteer activities. Historically, she is a retired Army Nurse Corps officer and a retired midwife.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“Talkin’ Bout a Revolution: A Queer Theology of Operation Metro Surge” with Seth Anderson-Matz
Sunday, July 26, 2026
This past winter, the streets of the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota were held under siege by state-sanctioned paramilitary forces who violently and publicly abducted thousands of the area’s residents. In response, people across the state quickly and courageously organized to protest the occupation and protect the community. This Sunday, join Minneapolis-based queer & trans theologian Seth Anderson-Matz for a personal and theological reflection of this resistance, and the queer & trans spirit that sustains our liberation movements in times of crisis and hope.
Seth Anderson-Matz is a public theologian and community minister based in Minneapolis. His scholarship and ministry centers the prophetic wisdom of queer & trans life and the spiritual practice of liberation. (His wife, Jennifer, grew up in Olympia!)
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“Getting Through” with Rev. Linda Hart
Sunday, July 19, 2026
How we manage best in hard times.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“Freedom and Liberty for All?” with Rev. Silvia Behrend
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Many of you may ask: Wait: shouldn’t this be ‘Liberty and Justice for all’? Isn’t this in the Constitution? It most certainly is and the facts which dictated the separation of the colonies from the British monarchy are as evident today as they were in 1776. The hymn “America”, also speaks of liberty, and it highlights the necessity of letting Freedom Ring! We will explore the roots of Freedom from and Freedom to, how it relates to Liberty and whether Justice is possible when the founding tenets of freedom and liberty are not understood or lived out.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“The Truths We Hold” with Rev. Carol McKinley
Sunday, July 5, 2026
This weekend the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, a perfect time to pause and reflect on the nuanced history of the world’s oldest constitutional democracy – a history of greatness, struggle, and aspiration. As citizens and as people of faith we have a responsibility to know the full story of our nation so together we can understand how our predecessors dealt with those struggles as together, we work toward a future of justice, equity and freedom.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
July 2025- June 2026 Services
“The Truths We Hold” with Rev. Carol McKinley
Sunday, July 5, 2026
This weekend the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, a perfect time to pause and reflect on the nuanced history of the world’s oldest constitutional democracy – a history of greatness, struggle, and aspiration. As citizens and as people of faith we have a responsibility to know the full story of our nation so together we can understand how our predecessors dealt with those struggles as together, we work toward a future of justice, equity and freedom.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“One Should Never Underestimate the Healing Power of Music.” Troy Fisher & the OUUC Choir
Sunday, June 28, 2026
A music service featuring the OUUC Choir with guest musicians and dancers.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“Celebrating Summer Solstice” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, June 21, 2026
We celebrate our community by welcoming new members and new leaders. We celebrate the coming of Summer with a solstice ritual.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forums will resume in September. Happy Summer!
“Flourishing Together” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, June 14, 2026
We celebrate the diversity of our community with a flower communion ritual as we explore the spiritual theme of “Flourishing Together.”
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Annual Congregational Meeting
The After-Service Forum on 6/14 was the Annual Congregational Meeting. It was not streamed publicly on YouTube, but you can find more info here.
“A Whole, Healing, and Broken People” with CB Beal
Sunday, June 7, 2026
CB is returning to our congregation live and virtual! CB Beal (they/them) is a Unitarian Universalist speaker, educator, and consultant specializing in facilitating learning experiences that address issues of marginalization, oppression, and privilege. CB supports people to hold the complexities of our lives as we co-create a safe[r] brave[r] space within which people can be challenged to learn and grow, all toward the purpose of bending the moral and material arc of the universe toward justice.
View the order of service here.
The recording of this service has been removed at the speaker’s request.
After-Service Forum:
Budget Expo with the OUUC Board of Trustees and Rev. Mary.
A deep dive into the proposed congregational budgets for 2026-27.
“Love’s Hands in Difficult Times” with CB Beal
Sunday, May 31, 2026
CB is returning to our congregation live and virtual! How do we practice witness, care, and Preemptive Radical Inclusion as a gathered people as the political situation worsens? How does a community prioritize wholeness and wellness with a commitment to working toward increasing justice? Join us as CB shares some thoughts.
CB Beal (they/them) is a Unitarian Universalist speaker, educator, and consultant specializing in facilitating learning experiences that address issues of marginalization, oppression, and privilege. CB supports people to hold the complexities of our lives as we co-create a safe[r] brave[r] space within which people can be challenged to learn and grow, all toward the purpose of bending the moral and material arc of the universe toward justice.
View the order of service here.
The recording of this service has been removed at the speaker’s request.
After-Service Forum:
Graduation Party for Chloe, Carbon & Victoria
“Question Box Service” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, May 24, 2026
In a service crafted by the congregation, Rev. Mary addresses your theological questions.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
No After-Service Forum. Happy Memorial Day!
“The Future of Church” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, May 17, 2026
The media says that religion is in decline and young people are not interested in church. What is the future of faith communities like OUUC?
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
General Assembly & UUA Denominational Affairs with Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee & Rev. Linda Hart
“More Than One Way” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, May 10, 2026
On this Mother’s Day, we honor all the ways to mother in a culture that seems to demand only one way.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
No After-Service Forum. Happy Mother’s Day!
“Sharing Our Good News: Church is not Fight Club” with Rev. Sara Lewis
Sunday, May 3, 2026
We UU’s can sometimes be uncomfortable talking about our churches, much less (gasp!) inviting people to come check it out. Today we will explore why and how to talk about Unitarian Universalism and share our good news with others in the world.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Who Speaks for OUUC? With the OUUC Board & Rev. Mary Gear
“Stories Shared, Communities Enriched” with Rev. Carol McKinley
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Our Unitarian Universalist tradition teaches that truth is not sealed; it is also true that our lives’ meanings are not sealed. Our stories deepen narratives of families and communities, helping us to better understand and appreciate this life we share.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
No After-Service Forum
“The Possibility of Reconnection” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, April 19, 2026
We celebrate Earth Day with the possibility of reconnection to the interdependent web of all life. We welcome the coming of Spring with a Dirt Communion and an invitation to plant seeds of hope.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Skill Builder: Appreciating Volunteers with Rev. Sara Lewis
“Preemptive Radical Inclusion” with CB Beal
Sunday, April 12, 2026
CB is returning to our congregation live and virtual to share stories and reflections on the framework of Preemptive Radical Inclusion as an entryway to increase equity and justice among ourselves and in the world; a way we embody Beloved Community.
CB Beal, they/them, is a long-time UU religious and social justice educator based in Western Massachusetts. They specialize in facilitating transformative learning experiences that involve issues of marginalization, oppression, and privilege. They do this by creating safer, braver spaces where people can hold the complexities of their lives in perspective to learn, grow, and make meaningful change.
The recording of this service has been removed at the speaker’s request.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Faith in Action: Trees as Climate Solutions
Restoring Earth Connection will present on the benefits trees provide for our community, local efforts to get protective tree ordinances, and efforts to preserve legacy forests in Capitol Forest. Speaker: Lynn Fitz-Hugh, Executive director of Restoring Earth Connection.
The PropagationNation will discuss the benefits of planting coast redwoods and giant sequoias in Pacific Northwest forests to improve climate resilience, carbon storage, and economic stability. Speaker: Philip Stielstra, co-founder and president of PropagationNation.
“The Possibility of Transformation” with Rev. Mary Gear, Rev. Sara Lewis, Troy Fisher and The OUUC Chior
Sunday, April 5, 2026
We celebrate Easter with a reflection on transformation and a ritual of blessing to go forth. Join us for this celebration of Spring and new life.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
No After-Service Forum. Happy Easter!
“The Work that Reconnects” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, March 29, 2026
We will close our stewardship drive with a reflection on how we are connected as we learn and grow, fostering gratitude and generosity. We will also welcome new members to OUUC.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Trans Inclusion and Welcome
“Spotting the Men” with Dale Rhodes
Sunday, March 22, 2026
“Are Men OK?” was The Nation magazine’s title in April 2025. It highlights content and conversation not enough of us are engaged in, even within our personal spheres. ‘Where are the men?’ is a frequent question in certain circles, often left unanswered. Let’s explore how we all might better “spot” the men in our own lives— that is, metaphorically applying the coaching and support of a gym weightlifter who provides “spotting” for another trying to grow and change. Coaching and support is greatly needed amongst men of all ages, though most folks prefer to discuss this issue only through political and systemic spheres, allowing everyone a safe distance from actually contributing interpersonally with your own connections: male friends, neighbors, dads, partners, husbands, brothers, sons, nephews and grandsons. If you live amongst them, and you want to understand them better and also to support their growth and positive change live and local, join for an exploration that hopefully sparks a new area of attention and programs in our community here.
Enneagram Mentor and Spiritual Director Dale Rhodes has hosted a number of workshops for men and workshops about men at international conferences, online and in-person.
The service was not recorded at the speaker’s request.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Board of Trustees on the 2026-27 Budget Request
“Paying Attention to Covenant” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, March 15, 2026
In Unitarian Universalist congregations, we are united by values and covenants instead of creeds. What does it mean to be and live in covenant?
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Part two of How to Respond to hard things with Rev. Mary Gear & Rev. Sara Lewis
“On Families” with Rev. Mary Gear & Rev. Sara Lewis
Sunday, March 8, 2026
How are young families doing these days? We explore the terrain for families in Unitarian Universalism and at OUUC.
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
“Kids and Families at OUUC” with Rev. Sara Lewis and Rev. Mary Gear
“The Danger of Paying Attention” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Activist and author adrienne maree brown says “What we pay attention to grows.” We explore the depth and complexity of our monthly spiritual theme of “Paying Attention.”
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Self Care and Community Care
“Creative Resilience” with Rev. Liz Ullery Swenson
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Author Ursula K. Le Guin wrote in her essay collection The Wave in the Mind: Talks and Essays on the Writer, the Reader and the Imagination, “The exercise of imagination is dangerous to those who profit from the way things are because it has the power to show that the way things are is not permanent, not universal, not necessary.”
View the order of service here.
After-Service Forum:
Faith Formation as an Individual Journey with Rev. Sara
“Congregational Resilience”
with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Today we explore the spiritual theme of “Embodying Resilience” by reflecting on congregational life and how we are together.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
We Are Growing- Now What? Pt. 3 with the Board of Trustees
The topic for the third in a series of Board-sponsored forums about growth focuses on fundraising at OUUC. Come to the February 15 forum to talk about these questions:
How does growth affect our fundraising? Do our fundraising events fit with our vision and goals? How do we figure that out? Is there an official fundraising policy? What are the steps to have an event approved?
Volunteer resources for each of fundraising events is in demand and valuable – how do we determine priorities? Come to the February 15 Forum to help contribute answers to these questions and become a part of OUUC’s ongoing and future fundraising plans.
“The Transformative Power of Grief ” with Linnea Gullickson & Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, February 8, 2026
We all carry grief and our culture encourages us to just move on, ignoring or denying what we are mourning. Today we explore the power of transformation and resilience that grief can offer.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
“Putting Our Faith into Action” with Rev. Nancy Reid McKee
Learn about some of the current Faith in Action work that UU’s are taking part in around the state and beyond.
“Moving on from Walden Pond” with Rev. Sara Lewis
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Many of us have found inspiration from the teachings of Henry David Thoreau and other Transcendentalists, but how does this sort of individualism answer the needs of today? How can we move on from Walden Pond and toward a radical mutuality that still retains what was good at Walden Pond?
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
SkillBuilder- How to respond to hard things with Rev. Mary Gear & Rev. Sara Lewis
Hard things happen in the world and in our lives. How can we respond in ways that are helpful and not adding to the harm? Join Rev Mary and Rev Sara for this skillbuilder which will explore ways we can care for ourselves and do the healing work we need to do in order to become helpers and healers ourselves.
“The Heartbreak of Limitations” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, January 25, 2026
We explore the monthly spiritual theme of “Practicing Resistance” by reflecting on the limitations in our lives and how we live with them and how we resist them.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
“Success Stories in Congregational Engagement” with Rev. Sara and Others
How do people find their way into being as engaged as they want to be with our congregation, its programs, and people? At this forum we will hear and share our success stories and talk about how we can help more newcomers find their way in as well.
“One Foot in Front of Another” with Troy Fisher and the OUUC Choir
Sunday, January 18, 2026
This “music service” is a call for connection in troubled times. It is about persistence, community and moving ahead. “One foot in front of the other” is a metaphor for determination and forward motion. We think of love warriors like Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Ghandhi, Dolores Huerta. All of them started their movements out of the love of their people not out of the hatred of someone else.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
“Chehalis Dam” with Lee First
Join Lee First, Twin Harbors Waterkeeper, to learn about the proposed flood control dam on the Chehalis River and how you can voice your opinion on it. Lee has been tracking this project for many years and works in collaboration with an alliance of non-profit groups. Find out what she has learned about why a flood control dam on the Chehalis will destroy habitat without delivering the proposed benefit of flood control. With the public comment period closing on February 4, 2026, this is your chance to get educated, form an informed opinion, and make your voice heard before the deadline.
“Looking back, looking forward: Reflections from our Transylvania pilgrimage” The pilgrims with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, January 11, 2026
The OUUC pilgrims who traveled to Transylvania share their personal experience of the people and places where unitarian beliefs emerged, offering the opportunity for us to reflect on our own UU pluralistic path.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Photos and Stories with the Transylvania pilgrims
“No Extraordinary Power” Rev. Linda Hart
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Rev. Linda Hart returns to our pulpit to explore what draws us together in community and why it’s so essential to a good life. What role does a religious community play in creating that life? Poetry and stories will be woven together to offer an answer.
View the Order of Service here.
No After-Service Forums until January 11th. Happy Holidays!
“Fire Communion For The New Year” with Rev. Sara Lewis
Sunday, December 28, 2025
During this fire communion for the new year we explore a very different kind of worship experience where we hold outdoor worship stations to pause, release what we want to release from 2025, and enter 2026 with new intentions.
No After-Service Forums until January 11th. Happy Holidays!
“Silent Night, Holy Night: A Candlelight Christmas Eve Service”
with Rev. Mary Gear, Rev. Sara Lewis, Troy Fisher, and the OUUC Choir
Sunday, December 24, 2025
A beautiful candlelight service to celebrate Christmas Eve, featuring the OUUC and guest musicians led by OUUC’s Music Director Troy Fisher. Come gather in the warmth of community and the glow of candlelight as we honor this special evening together.
View the Order of Service here.
No After-Service Forums until January 11th. Happy Holidays!
“Solstice: Flames of Magic” with Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee
Sunday, December 21, 2025
We will celebrate Winter Solstice during this service. As we share the time of the shortest day, we will explore the hope and the stories that light our way forward.
View the Order of Service here.
No After-Service Forums until January 11th. Happy Holidays!
“Advent, Again” with Rev. Monica Jacobson Tennessen
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Each year we have an opportunity to explore the lessons of the liturgical season of Advent from the Christian calendar, a season that resonates with the experience of being human in these times whether or not we hold this theology. Come explore what practices of hope and expectancy offer us in these times.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Skill Builder – Microaggressions 101
Come join Rev Sara and others in learning about microaggressions, intent and impact, and real examples of how we sometimes don’t treat each other as we’d want in a beloved community, as well as how we can do better.
“Choosing Hope” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, December 7, 2025
We explore the spiritual theme for this month, Choosing Hope. In this dark time of year we mark Advent, Hanukkah, and Christmas—holidays of light and hope. Is hope a choice, and how can we choose it when things seem hopeless? We’ll also welcome new OUUC members.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
“What Makes a Healthy Congregation?”
What do you think makes a church congregation healthy? Join members of the OUUC Board and Healthy Congregations Team to talk about what we can do to ensure that OUUC remains a healthy congregation. All ideas welcome, come with your curiosity and have a great discussion with us.
“Plant Seeds of Justice” with Rev. Mary Gear and Rev. Sara Lewis
Sunday, November 30, 2025
We kick off the annual Guest at Your Table effort in support of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s (UUSC) justice work around the world. Join us as we celebrate putting our faith in action historically and now.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Reflections on Growing Up in Nazi Germany with Harriet Ammann
Harriet was born in Nazi Germany and then came to America with her family. Come hear about Harriet’s family story and the wisdom and lessons she has to share from this experience.
“Forming and Unforming Together: Lessons Learned Along Spiritual Journeys” with Rev. Sara Lewis
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Rev. Sara has practiced as a religious educator and spiritual director, and reflects on lessons learned about how the spiritual journey is relational and shared.
View the Order of Service here.
View the Sermon and Readings here.
After-Service Forum:
“Who Are All the Ministers at OUUC?”
OUUC is so fortunate to have many ministers associated with our congregation and living in Olympia. Come hear each of them speak about who they are and how they are connected to OUUC.
“The First Step is Gratitude” with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, November 16, 2025
We explore the monthly spiritual practice of Nurturing Gratitude. How do we use gratitude as a basis for resilience and resistance in challenging times?
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Skill-Builder: Active Listening and Holding Space with Rev. Sara
“Gratitude for the Mystery” with Rev. Kathryn Bert
Sunday, November 9, 2025
It is human nature to fear the unknown. The world provides us with plenty of uncertainties and even chaos these days. But what if we were to embrace the uncertainty and express gratitude for the mystery? How might that change us and the world?
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Classism Part 3- UU Class Conversations with the Social Justice Team
“What Are We Missing When We Talk About Covenant?”
with Rev. Jon Luopa
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Since the late 1970s, UUs have been talking more and more about covenant. Things like ‘covenant groups’ and writing our own covenants we ground in behavioral guidelines and psycho-social paradigms. Have we forgotten the spiritual depth of the concept of covenant? Let’s explore that question.
Guest Speaker Bio: The Rev. Jon Luopa retired in June 2024 after 44 years in our UU ministry, the last 25 years of which were spent as Senior Minister at University Unitarian Church in Seattle. For 15 years, he taught UU history and church governance at Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry. He and his wife, Annie, have been married for 44 years and have two adult daughters and two grandchildren.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Generational Differences as OUUC Grows, with the OUUC Board of Trustees
“The Wild in Us”
with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, October 26, 2025
This Halloween season, we explore why we want to stay connected to the wild. What does it mean that we humans are part of the animal kingdom? How does that affect our being in the world and our spirituality?
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Geoff Willard from Wolf Haven
An interview with Rev. Mary
“Same and Different”
with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, October 19, 2025
We explore the human paradox that we are one and we are different. This is the 2025 auction service with John Tefajian and an original piece of music by Jeff Goates.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
“Who You Gonna Call?” Skill Builder with Rev. Mary
Join Rev. Mary for a practical walkthrough of OUUC’s new ‘Who to Contact’ list on the Contact Us page. With recent staff changes and new roles across the congregation, knowing who handles what can feel confusing. This skill builder will help you navigate the updated contact sheet, understand who’s responsible for different ministry areas, and feel confident reaching out when you need support. Whether you’re wondering who to contact about facilities, communications, membership, or something else entirely, we’ll make sure you know exactly where to turn. Bring your questions!
“Cultivating Compassion”
with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, October 12, 2025
We explore our monthly spiritual theme of Cultivating Compassion. As a people of faith, we use this word a lot, yet we may not have a shared understanding of its meaning and practice. What does cultivating compassion look like at this moment in history?
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Recycling and the WRAP Act, with Heather Trim of Zero Waste Washington
Heather Trim will talk about the Recycling Reform Act, (aka the WRAP Act) which was signed into law in May 2025, as well as other zero-waste initiatives. The WRAP Act establishes a product stewardship program for packaging and printed paper, including recycling and reuse targets and plastic source reduction.
Heather Trim has been the Executive Director of Zero Waste Washington since 2016. Prior to that, Heather was active in zero waste issues, including helping to lead the Seattle bag campaign and to get the ban on styrofoam serviceware passed. Previously, Heather was Director of Science and Policy at Futurewise, focusing on habitat, shoreline, stormwater and other issues related to land use. Heather earned a BS in geology from Yale University and a PhD from UCLA in geochemistry.
“Bear Witness: Save Lives”
with CB Beal
Sunday, October 5, 2025
CB will share story and reflections about the spiritual practice of bearing witness, a vital part of Beloved Community. When we choose to be still and bear witness to one another with compassion, acknowledging and accepting what is shared, we can be present with curiosity, acceptance, and empathy that honors our different life experiences. This is a practice of becoming more trustworthy.
Guest Speaker Bio: CB Beal (they/them) is a Unitarian Universalist speaker, educator, and consultant specializing in facilitating learning experiences that address issues of marginalization, oppression, and privilege. CB supports people to hold the complexities of our lives as we co-create a safe[r] brave[r] space within which people can be challenged to learn and grow, all toward the purpose of bending the moral and material arc of the universe toward justice.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Our Big Question: “How Shall We Adapt to Being a Bigger Congregation?” with the OUUC Board
Last April, we explored the question “We’re Growing! Now What?” The upcoming forum will continue with this discussion about growth — specifically, “How Shall We Adapt to Being a Bigger Congregation?” The format will include an update from Board members, small group discussions, and time for sharing.
“Belonging to the UUUniverse”
with Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee
Sunday, September 28, 2025
We value church for the connections we make and the meaning we find together. It is also important to be connected with the Unitarian Universalist Universe because together we can do more than we can when acting alone. We will explore how we belong to the larger faith tradition.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Introduction to the UUA Congregational Study Action Issue for 2025-26
At this year’s General Assembly of the UUA, delegates voted to select a new congregational study and action issue. A study and action issue calls us to study an issue deeply for several years. Our new CSAI is “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation.” All are welcome to join Rev. Sara for this forum introducing the ideas of this issue and launching our study of it.
“Harm Reduction”
with Rev. Sara Lewis
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Our Unitarian Universalist tradition affirms that all are worthy now, which is counter cultural in a society soaked in the Christian cultural urge to punish sin. How can we reduce harm without punishment? What do all deserve if we are worthy now?
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
Skill Builder — How to Create a Covenant, with Rev. Sara
“Reconnection and Meaning”
with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, September 14, 2025
At this time in history, how do we reconnect to our values and what is important to us? How do we make meaning from what is happening to us, to others, and to the world? We explore these themes, and send the Transylvania pilgrims on their way with our blessing.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forum:
“Hope and Grief”
Join Rev. Mary & Rev. Sara for an overview of OUUC offerings this year to help us be together in challenging times.
“River of Life: Water Communion”
with Rev. Mary Gear & Rev. Sara Lewis
Sunday, September 7, 2025
We gather to begin another congregational year with our traditional water communion service. Bring water from a place of importance to you, which could be close or far. We’ll have water for everyone. We also recognize the beginning of a new school year for students of all ages. If you are a student, bring your backpack or briefcase, or whatever you have to carry a token of our love for you.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“We Who Believe in Freedom”
with Rev. Carol McKinley & Troy Fisher
Sunday, August 31, 2025
This weekend we celebrate Labor Day, a time to honor workers who provide the goods and services needed to keep society functioning. Many of those who were part of efforts to ensure workers’ rights in the Pacific Northwest became an integral part of the larger struggle to ensure rights and freedom for all.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“Golden, Wounded”
with Rev. Corey Passons
Sunday, August 24, 2025
True healing begins when we honor the complexity in ourselves and others—the wounds we carry and the light we hold. Through story, compassion, and spiritual practice, we’ll explore the transformative power of connection in times of injustice and divisions.
Guest Minister Bio: Rev. Corey Passons is the interfaith minister for the Olympia-based faith community, Community for Interfaith Celebration. He also serves as the Director of Interfaith Relations with Interfaith Works.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“What is Home?”
with Rev. Ken Jones
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Rev. Ken Jones has worked with people who don’t have buildings to stay in, and the agencies trying to assist them, for many years now. Most everyone agrees that it is an urgent need and effective solutions are difficult to come by. But the fact that we have this problem raises some deeper questions about what a “home” is and why it is so important in our culture today.
Content Warning: Rev. Ken Jones will be talking about people without homes.
Guest Minister Bio: The Rev. Ken Jones (he/him/his) is semi-retired from Ministry in UU Congregations, having served in Tacoma, Yakima, and Ellensburg, Washington and Hood River, Oregon over the last twenty-five years. His “home” is in Yakima, but he is eager to spend more time wandering in his mini camper van (in which he’ll be traveling to Olympia for this service!)
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“If We Can Keep It”
with Rev. Linda Hart
Sunday, August 10, 2025
At the Constitutional Convention as the final vote was taken, Elizabeth Willing Powel asked Benjamin Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” He famously replied, “A republic, if we can keep it!” We’ll reflect on the state of the republic, using some famous words from a Unitarian forefather, found in a surprising place.
As the Story for All, Rev. Linda reads aloud from the book, “What Do You Do with a Chance?” written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom. This book and its images are shared with permission from the publisher: @compendiumliveinspired @CompendiumInc
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“Spirit of Life”
with Rev. Mary Gear
Sunday, August 3, 2025
“Spirit of Life” is a much loved hymn by beloved Unitarian Universalist musician Carolyn McDade. What does this song tell us about how to live in these times?
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“How We Do Family: Transgender Possibilities in 2025”
with Trystan Reese
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Trystan Reese is a transgender storyteller whose journey of love and resilience has delighted audiences worldwide. He’ll be bringing that story to our congregation, and we are overjoyed to welcome him as he shares his experiences of transgender pregnancy and what it was like to carry that pregnancy publicly in 2017. Trystan is based in Portland, Oregon, where he writes, parents, and works with communities interested in fostering belonging and compassion.
Guest Speaker Bio: Trystan Reese is an award-winning author, facilitator, and coach focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has been organizing with the trans community for nearly two decades, serving on the frontlines of this generation’s most significant fights for LGBTQ+ justice. An accomplished storyteller, Trystan has toured with The Moth MainStage’s renowned team; the video of his Brooklyn performance has garnered over 2.6 million views online, and his story was subsequently included in The Moth’s 2024 anthology, A Point Of Beauty.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“A Moral Document”
with Rev. Carol McKinley
Sunday, July 20, 2025
View the Order of Service here.
On July 4th we celebrated the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. How are the values of freedom and human dignity expressed in that document reflected in the values we honor in our Unitarian Universalist faith tradition?
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“Sacred Music”
with Carbon Marshall, Sharon Love, and Ginny Taylor
Sunday, July 13, 2025
A celebration of the spiritual power of music to open our minds, hearts, and bodies through melody, rhythm, and poetry. A few OUUC members and friends identify a favorite hymn and reflect how it holds meaning for them. We’ll sing together, inviting music to deepen our personal experience of the sacred.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
“Our Whole Lives”
with Rev. Linda Hart
Sunday, July 6, 2025
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the Our Whole Lives comprehensive sexuality education program developed by the UUA and the United Church of Christ. As the program was being developed, the UUA announced a contest for the best sermon introducing the new program. In this service, Rev. Linda Hart will share the sermon that she wrote that won that contest exploring the role of sexuality in our lives and the importance of ongoing education about it. She’ll share an updated version of it with us.
View the Order of Service here.
After-Service Forums paused until September 14. Happy Summer!
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