Olmsted Unitarian Universalist Congregation

11/05/2025

Here's last Sunday's Ted Talk Order of Service with links:

Nov. 2nd TED TALK :

Gathering Music: #149 "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - composed Nov. 6, 1900
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS2nBMVDm-Y&list=RDqS2nBMVDm-Y&start_radio=1

> Welcome:
The theme for the month is "Gratitude".
We Worship and find Spirituality in different ways, so we do services in different
ways.
Nov. 9th: Ted Talk " The Power of Gratitude"
Nov. 16th: Rev. Ian Anderson
Nov. 23rd: Samantha Illius
Nov. 30th: Bob Mulkins

Opening Words:

This service centers on the First UU Principle: The Worth and Dignity of Every
Individual !

Para-phasing Mike Robbins:
"Appreciation doesn't mean 'you like that person', or 'you agree with that person'.

Appreciation means "recognize the value of that person".
You can recognize the value of , and Appreciate, any human being.

Letting them know they have Worth and Dignity.

from William Arthur Ward:
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

Sharing Joys & Concerns:
& Announcements:

> Intro to Ted Talk:

Mike Robbins Doesn't just talk about The Power of Appreciation, but also on teamwork, leadership, and Positive Psychology. He has authored the books "Focus on the Good Stuff", "Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken", and "Nothing Changes Until You Do".


> Ted Talk:

TED Talk - Mike Robbins: The Power of Appreciation
On the practice of offering appreciation rather than recognition
https://www.ted.com/talks/mike_robbins_the_power_of_appreciation

> Offertory Music:
Gratitude (Official Lyric Video) - Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors (fade out at 2:40)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4SL8cn2dJ4&list=RDG4SL8cn2dJ4&start_radio=1

> Discussion: Talking points:

The Story of Your "Gift Hat' from - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Conceiving of something as a gift, changes your relationship to it in a profound way, even though the physical makeup of the "thing" has not changed. A knit hat that you purchase at the store will keep you warm regardless of its origin, but if it was hand knit by your favorite auntie, then you are in relationship to that "thing" in a very different way: you are responsible for it, and you have gratitude for your auntie for the hat. You're likely to take much better care of the gift hat than the commodity hat, because it is knit of relationships.

When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.
Vietnamese Proverb

Closing Words:

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It can turn a meal into a feast,
a house into a home,
a stranger into a friend.
Melody Beattie

Other Song :
Thankful for Today � Uplifting Gratitude Song by Valkyrie Beatflow | (3:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKj-9No1z4Y&list=RDAKj-9No1z4Y&start_radio=1

GRATEFUL: A Love Song to the World | Empty Hands Music (4:58)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO2o98Zpzg8&list=RDsO2o98Zpzg8&start_radio=1

Grateful song Written and Performed by: Nimo Patel and Daniel NahmodBeat Produced by: Don JarvisVideo:Visual direction and EditingEllie Walton and Sachi Man...

07/16/2025

Jim Carney, a long-time member and leader of OUUC,
passed away on 6/20/25.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Jim's Life
will be held on Friday, July 18 at 11:00am in the church sanctuary.
The Memorial Service will be led by Rev. Mary Grigolia and family members.
Please join Jim's family and many friends in honoring his memory.

OUUC Ways to Donate
1) Mail or drop off a check or money order made payable to "First Universalist Church of Olmsted" - Address: OUUC, 5050 Porter Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070
2) www.Givelify.com to send to [email protected]. This costs the church 2.9%
3) www.PayPal.com to send to [email protected]. Automatic payments can be set up.

07/16/2025

Jim Carney, a long-time member and leader of OUUC,
passed away on 6/20/25.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Jim's Life
will be held on Friday, July 18 at 11:00am in the church sanctuary.

The Memorial Service will be led by Rev. Mary Grigolia and family members.

Please join Jim's family and many friends in honoring his memory.

OUUC Ways to Donate
1) Mail or drop off a check or money order made payable to "First Universalist Church of Olmsted" - Address: OUUC, 5050 Porter Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070
2) www.Givelify.com to send to [email protected]. This costs the church 2.9%
3) www.PayPal.com to send to [email protected]. Automatic payments can be set up.

07/14/2025

Here's the Order of Service from 7.13.25:
July 13th TED TALK :

Gathering Music: B
Bohemian Rhapsody | Muppet Music Video | The Muppets (4:45)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY

> Welcome:
Opening Song:
Sesame Street: Do De Rubber Duck With Ernie (3:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6_d22aMqZs

Sharing Joys & Concerns:

> Intro to Ted Talk: B

> Ted Talk:
Why you should make useless things | Simone Giertz (11:47)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0bsKc4tiuY

> Offertory Music: B
Muppet Swedish Chef "Popcorn Shrimp" | (start @ :40 end @ 3:24) (2:44)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvDvTnTGjgQ

> Discussion: B

> Closing Closing Song :
The Muppets "Mahna Mahna" on The Ed Sullivan Show (2:50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb47CstE7R4

The Muppets "Mahna Mahna" on The Ed Sullivan Show on November 30, 1969. Subscribe now to never miss an update: https://ume.lnk.to/EdSullivanSubscribe Watch M...

12/08/2024

We discuss a Ted Talk the first Sunday of each month.
Here's Ted's Top Ten List:

Wrap up 2024 with a look back at your favorite TED Talks from this past year — from AI and aliens to work advice and democracy.

Watch the top 10 most popular talks of 2024 here: http://t.ted.com/yJvnYbG

06/30/2024

Sunday, July 7th, at 11 AM
"Ted Talk" Service with Discussion

How to talk to the worst parts of yourself | Karen Faith | TEDxKC

People researcher and empathy trainer Karen Faith found it easier to welcome strangers than the strange parts of herself, until a breakthrough moment changed that for good. In this honest and funny talk, she shares the story for everyone who struggles with self-acceptance. Karen Faith is an ethnographer and strategist whose work has guided teams and initiatives.
Service Leaders Lynda Garvin & Brian Warren

05/21/2024

Olmsted UU members and friends are invited to a Forest Walk on Sunday, May 26 from 2-4 pm. The practice of forest walking is said to increase energy, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure. This will be a chance to slow down and experience the pleasure of nature and stillness. We'll meet at the Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted. Please bring something along to drink. All are welcome.

05/16/2024

This Sunday at 11 am we'll explore our theme of the month, "Pluralism". Paula Cole Jones observes that a UU congregation is a "community" of communities." Rooted in love, in harmony with UU values, our shared spiritual practice is learning to see one another beyond differences, being transformed, and celebrating together. This will be an all-ages service with the children joining us in the sanctuary. Our service led by Zellda Zelley and Rev. Mary Grigolia.

Join us after the service for a reception to celebrate Rev. Mary's ministry with us at Olmsted UU and wish her the very best as she sets out on a new chapter in her life.

05/09/2024

This Sunday, May 12 at 11 am, we'll be exploring the value of pluralism. It isn't easy. It asks us for a constant willingness to self challenge, and to look at where we might be wrong, or limited; even with regard to pluralism itself. It requires a capacity to detach from our agendas, our beliefs, our commitments, and to recognize that there may be other ways.

Our children will meet at the same time to work on Top Secret Mother's Day Crafts and to hear a story.

All are welcome!

04/25/2024

Join us this Sunday, April 28 at 11 am as we discuss "interdependence". The term is used a lot these days, but what does it actually mean? Interdependence is a situation in which two or more people depend on or affect each other such that the actions of one will influence the other. We'll discuss the characteristics and advantages of interdependence and how we can create more supportive relationships that benefit everyone.

Children and youth are welcome to join our Religious Education program, also at 11 am.

04/18/2024

We're celebrating Earth Day this Sunday, April 21 at 11 am. Join us as we lift up wisdom from humanity and beyond, to re-member who we are in Earth's unfolding story of co-creation, justice and Love. Our service will be led by Zellda Zelley & Rev. Mary Grigolia.

Following the service at 12:15 pm we'll enjoy a potluck lunch followed at 1 pm by one of our favorite activities - Game Day! Learn the game of Bridge, bring a favorite game of your own, or play one of ours. All are welcome!

02/13/2024

This Sunday, February 18, at 11 am our service topic is "On Repentance & Repair". All of us have caused harm. All of us have experienced harm. All of us have witnessed collective harm from racial, gender, class (and other) hierarchies of power and privilege. We will explore moving from justice and equity as ideals to the deep work and spiritual practice of repentance and repair. Our service will be led by Zellda Zelley and Rev. Mary.

Religious Education for children and youth is from 11 am to 12 pm with the children starting in the adult service then leaving for their own program.