This month, we’ll be screening My Neighbor Totoro (1988).

This film takes place in the Japanese country-side, post-World War II. Two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move to an abandoned house with their father and begin exploring the magical forests around their new home. One day, while Mei is lost in the woods, she stumbles on a huge creature that she mistakes for the troll in one of her story books and nicknames him "Totoro."
 
This film is rated G. Bring the whole family! Click here to watch a full trailer.

We'll be showing the movie at First Olympia UMC in The Redwood Room THIS Sunday, April 12th @12:30pm. There will be a light lunch provided before/during the screening.

The discussion will be held the next day Monday, April 13th at 7pm in a hybrid-style. This means you’re welcome to join us in-person at First Olympia UMC or on our normal Zoom link. However you’d prefer to connect, we hope to have you there!

If you're interested in either the screening and/or the discussion, please RSVP here:
https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/ARFCTotoro.

Do you love gardening? Our friends over at Tumwater UMC are setting up their garden again this year and are once again offering to let folks at our church adopt a small portion!

The Tumwater Community Garden is a garden located on the grounds of Tumwater UMC. All garden beds are available for adoption on a first-come, first-served basis by any community member, family, organization, school group, etc. regardless of background, income, or religious affiliation.

There is a refundable deposit for adoption of a raised garden bed. The deposit will be refunded in the fall after the gardener meets the requirements of volunteer participation outlined in the garden guidelines. The deposit will NOT be refunded if the volunteer requirement is not met. Persons who adopt a raised bed are also required to sign an agreement on garden practices including the conservation of water, respect for tools and property, and no use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Apply for a plot here: https://forms.gle/KGmKmXc5BmjX4azV7.

There will be two initiatives on our fall ballot, both are anti-trans. One would repeal the Safety Act, which would force teachers and school counselors to out their students to their parents.  We know that schools are often a safe place where kids can figure themselves out before coming out to their families, and this could have disastrous consequences. The other would require all girls who want to play school sports to get a genital exam or a hormone/genetic test. Not only would this be invasive, it would be potentially dangerous, and definitely classist. I can't see a way that they could possibly hold those free sports health checks in the mall anymore for girls.

Both of these initiatives were self-funded by a wealthy hedge fund manager who moved here from California. He was also responsible for the suite of anti-tax initiatives two years ago. This is a wedge issue, attempting to fear monger when we already have wonderful school and sports policies that have been working in our state for a long time, protecting all children.  

NO Hate in WA State is the organization working state-wide to encourage a NO vote on both initiatives.  Even with our tax status, our church has always been able to endorse policy, and I encourage us to "speak out boldly on social issues" as our UMC Social Principles encourages. It is so important to demonstrate our Christian values, especially when others claim to speak on our behalf.

Our church is clear that we stand with the LGBTQ+ community, and with all the vulnerable and marginalized. At my encouragement, our Church Council recently voted to endorse NO Hate in WA State and you will now find our logo on their long list of endorsers. If you are so moved, I encourage you to endorse them personally with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.  

— Marcy LaViollette

For those who have asked about helping the people of Lebanon, Lamia Murphy shares this link of a place where her cousin works called Merath. It is a Christian organization that works alongside 50 local churches and faith-based organizations to help people in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.

Click the following link to make a donation: merathlebanon.org/donate.

Our recent tradition here at First Olympia includes decorating the chancel on Easter morning with many beautiful blooming plants! And Sunday, 3/29 is your LAST day to order.

We invite you to join in sponsoring the Easter floral display. If you would like to help sponsor the flowers this year, please complete the form below (or fill out a hard copy in the church office) along with your gift of $25 or more. The names of those honored and remembered will be displayed in a slideshow on Easter Sunday. After worship, you are welcome to take a plant home with you.

Thank you for your generosity! You can order flowers with this link:
https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/easterflowers2026

IFW Motto: “Peace and Justice Through Interfaith Understanding and Cooperation”
Interfaith Works provides housing, shelter, a place to recuperate after being hospitalized and other support for those who are homeless in our community. They have recognized and are listening to the concerns of the ancestors of the Indigenous people on whose land we all live here in the South Sound. As the need has arisen in the past year, IW has advertised information about immigrant rights, opportunities to assist immigrants via volunteer training and legal support services.

Vacancies are coming up on the Interfaith Works Board
While the Board is looking for help with finances these aren’t the only skills needed. The main job of the Board is to assure Interfaith Works is financially viable and that Interfaith Works’ actions are in keeping with the bi-laws. A Board member term is 2 years and can be renewed twice up to a consecutive total of 6 years and or 10 years in a person’s lifetime. The deadline for applying to be on the board is April 10th. Obtain a Board application by clicking this link. Forward applications to Corey Passions at corey@interfaith-works.org.

The Interfaith Compassionate Meditation Series will Resume
On Tuesday, March 31st at 7:15pm.
At Temple Beth Hatfiloh, 201 8th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501

Ted Chamberlain, one of our members, has created a digital resource called Daily Bible Devotional, and it's a 478-day guided email journey through every chapter of the Bible. Each morning it arrives in your inbox with that day's passages linked at the top — clickable links to Bible Gateway in whatever translation you choose at sign-up (NIV, ESV, KJV, NLT, and more).

The devotional itself retells the passages in plain, modern language — more like how you'd explain it to a friend over coffee than a formal commentary. Each email has four sections:

• The day's Scripture in accessible language,
• Historical and cultural context for what was happening at the time,
• A reflection on how it connects to life today,
• And a question to sit with through the day.

Old and New Testament readings are paired by theme, so it always feels intentional rather than random. There's even a progress bar so you can see how far along in the journey you are. It's since been opened up for anyone to access at: https://bible.tedsvoiceacademy.com.

It’s a pay-what-you-want donation and all proceeds will be given to FUMCO.

Green bags will be handed out Sunday, March 22. Return them on March 29 filled with items like: Single serve oatmeal, Microwave rice cups and Toothpaste. Oatmeal must be kept in it's original box so that the best by date is available.

Toni will also need help transporting the donations to the Food Bank Warehouse on Saturday, April 11.  If you can help, please reach out to; tonimik@comcast.net.

Looking to Get Crafty?

Please join us for the 2026 launch of Craft-y Ladies from noon to 3-ish on Thursday, March 26 at FUMCO. Our first projects will be pet beds and snuffle mats. Supplies are provided. Also on the agenda: what other projects we may wish to undertake during the year. While the project you make is yours to take, we are hoping to also build an inventory of handmade items for the November Holiday Bazaar.

Question to donnagaddy210@gmail.com please.  healthy snacks will be offered!!

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April Luncheon

Attorney Steve Henderson, whose knowledge of legal matters is well known to our congregation, will be April's speaker at UWiF's April luncheon meeting. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Henderson who will explore legal planning and offer his observations on "unexpected consequences" at the 11:30 meeting on Wednesday, April 8 in the Great Hall. Mr Henderson's talk will follow a brief business meeting at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at 12.  

While reservations are not required, it would be greatly appreciated if those planning to attend would send a brief email to donnagaddy210@gmail.com so we are sure to have plenty of food. A donation of $3 is appreciated. UWiF welcomes all to these meetings.

Next Monday, March 23rd, First Olympia is partnering once again with our local Red Robin franchises. All day, 20% of food sale will come back to support the ministries of our church if you mention the fundraiser to your server. And we’re excited to announce that BOTH the Lacey and West Olympia locations are participating with us. So grab a burger wherever is most convenient for you!

For more information on how to get your online order to count towards our fundraiser goal, reach out to Miss Brittney (Brittney@fumcoly.org). No driving required!

Looking for another way to serve here at FUMCO?

Donations of cookies and similar snacks for Sunday morning coffee hour would be gratefully appreciated by Coffee Hour hosts! While the church provides the coffee, tea and condiments, the baked goods themselves are primarily donated by the generous bakers (or buyers) like YOU in the congregation.

Ideally, we try to provide a variety of snacks, including gluten-free, nut-free and vegan. Thank you for helping us keep this valued time of fellowship a treat for all!

We are supporting so many of our houseless and hungry neighbors with our Free Little Pantry, and it’s all because of you who donate generously to this cause! Still, we are always in need of more items, and are putting out a continuing request for replenishments.

Here are some items that are particularly useful:

• Canned tuna & chicken (pull tab)
• Protein bars
• Bottled water
• Single serving peanut butter
• Shelf-stable milk
• Microwavable rice bowls (no water added)

On Saturday, March 21, join us for another Easter Car Hop! It’s just like Trunk or Treat, but with a fun 1950’s theme! This year, there will be trunks, food trucks, local non-profits, games, free photos with the Easter Bunny, and so much more! Join us from 1-3pm in the FUMCO parking lot.

Can you volunteer?

If you’re interested in helping out, volunteering your trunk, or have any questions about the event, please reach out to Miss Brittney (brittney@fumcoly.org). Even if you can’t donate some of your time, we’d really appreciate it if you’d consider donating candy. We expect hundreds of kids to come through and we need YOUR  help to give them a fun Easter experience.

Loving our neighbor as ourselves requires learning about the challenges and needs of others. This understanding is critical to advocating on their behalf.

Interfaith Works is relaunching a Community Training Series. On Monday, March 23 from 5:30-7:30, Meg Martin, LICSW, of Homeless Services will present “End of Life Care in a Broken World” at Sergio’s Day Center (3501 Mary Elder Red NE, Olympia 98506).
All are welcome and NO reservations are required!

Meg will be covering how the increased cost of living, coupled with labor shortages and a lack of affordable care facilities has created conditions that are forcing older adults into homelessness faster than any other population in the US. Interfaith Works is currently serving many elderly homeless neighbors. There will be a discussion on supporting our elder community members as they seek dignity, care and compassion in today’s broken world.

Think Spring and Save the Date: Sunday, May 3rd. It’s almost time for Thurston County Hunger Walk, supporting both Thurston County Food Bank and The Community Kitchen!

This year, they’ll be hosting the event at The RAC (Regional Athletic Complex) in Lacey. The space features paved walking paths and leashed dogs are welcome. Take steps to end hunger with us with an afternoon of fun, music, and supporting two great organizations. Be on the lookout for more details, including sponsorship opportunities and the online campaign page, in the near future.

As the weather gets warmer (it really will!) Scarf-Bombing is ready to go on hiatus until next October. We have given over 300 items this year and have been blessed by the generosity of all who have donated to this ministry!

We still have yarn available in the library office if you need materials for knitting or crocheting. And we have an ample supply of scarves, hats, and gloves to finish out this season. Because we have such a plentiful stock that will get us started again in October, I would ask you to keep your donations at home until next fall. We have limited space to store them and that space is overflowing!

Keep knitting and crocheting, collect those safety pins for us, and be ready when those crisp, fall days come again. Thank you and we’ll see you next year!

First Olympia has an excess of Bibles in our building… do you need one? Would you like one? Do you know anyone who might want one randomly dropped on their doorstep?

If you’d like a free Bible, please reach out to our church librarian, Sue Sugarbaker (sue.sugarbaker@gmail.com) with your name and contact information and we’ll get you set up!

Since 1972, the Crisis Clinic of Thurston and Mason Counties has been the community's crisis line, providing anonymous, judgment-free, compassionate support to anyone in Thurston or Mason Counties who are struggling and looking for support. Each year, more than 10,000 people reach out to us, and every one of those calls is answered by a trained community volunteer. Many of the people we serve are families navigating mental health challenges, and the support they receive can make a profound difference during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

We are hosting a series of information sessions for individuals interested in becoming Crisis Line volunteers, and we would be so grateful to share that opportunity with your congregation. Volunteering with us requires no prior mental health experience, and the training we provide equips volunteers with skills in active listening and de-escalation that carry far beyond their service on our phone line. Many of our volunteers tell us that the training and time with us has changed how they show up for and support the people in their lives, whether at home, in their community, or in their professional work.

Visit their website to sign up for a training.

A most amazing Rummage Sale, right here at FUMCO. Shop for most anything you can imagine at United Women in Faith's annual event. Bargains will abound on:

Clothing, tools, household goods, crafts, shoes, books, sports equipment, accessories, small appliances, cd's, holiday décor, jewelry, antiques and toys—whew! The list just goes on.

Hours for the sale itself are 9 am to 5 pm on Friday, March 6 and 9 am to 2-ish on Saturday. We are happy to accept cash, local pre-printed personal checks and this year, credit cards!! "Fill a Bag for $5" happens on Sat with most areas participating.

Profits from the Rummage Sale, as from our Holiday Bazaar, support non-profits, local and beyond. Questions may be directed to Donna Gaddy, donnagaddy210@gmail.com.

This month, the ARFC will be screening Passing (2021).

Passing (2021) is a recent adaptation of Nella’s Larsen’s 1921 novel of the same name. The story follows the intertwined lives of two light-skinned Black women living in 1920's New York. Irene is married to a Black doctor, content with her comfortable middle-class life in Harlem until she bumps into an old childhood friend. Clare has been "passing" as a white woman and enjoying the privileges of crossing the color line up into the upper-middle class... while married to a racist white man who has no idea who she really is.

This film is rated PG-13. Click here to watch a trailer.

We'll be showing the movie upstairs at First Olympia UMC in The Redwood Room THIS Sunday, March 8th @12:30pm. There will be a light lunch provided before/during the screening.

The discussion will be held the next day Monday, March 9th at 7pm in a hybrid-style. This means you’re welcome to join us in-person at First Olympia UMC or on our normal Zoom link. However you’d prefer to connect, we hope to have you there!

If you're interested in either the screening and/or the discussion, please RSVP here:
https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/ARFCPassing.

United Women in Faith will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, in the Great Hall.

It's our birthday month and we'll be celebrating with cake and ice cream after soups, salads and fruit. While we try to offer food suitable for a range of eating styles, you are always welcome to bring your food. The emphasis is on fellowship! Please plan to join us as we explore ways to improve the rummage sale and how to best distribute the profits!

Our recent tradition here at First Olympia includes decorating the chancel on Easter morning with many beautiful blooming plants!

We invite you to join in sponsoring the Easter floral display. If you would like to help sponsor the flowers this year, please complete the form below (or fill out a hard copy in the church office) along with your gift of $25 or more. The names of those honored and remembered will be displayed in a slideshow on Easter Sunday. After worship, you are welcome to take a plant home with you.

Thank you for your generosity! You can order flowers with this link:
https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/easterflowers2026

Our office regularly receives items left behind that the ushers or others find in the church.

These items will be on a table in the narthex this coming Sunday - feel free to claim your things! Any unclaimed items will be generously donated to the UWiF Rummage Sale, happening March 6 & 7!

Interfaith Works is pleased to announce that Eye-2-Eye, our favorite event of the year, is back! After a three-year hiatus, we’ll once again gather in person for dinner, laughter, stories, and a shared commitment to finding strength in community. You can help by joining us to celebrate you’re helping to do the big work of ensuring that every neighbor has the opportunity to move up and out of homelessness in our community.

On Sunday, March 1 from 5pm-8pm come, hear stories, meet our guests, and share a meal with us and our special Emcee Sam Miller (a national touring comedian). Tickets are $75 or $600 for a table for 8 at The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd (1601 North St SE, Olympia, WA 98501).

You can purchase your tickets now online on the IFW website.

Good Shepherd Lutheran in Olympia is extending an invitation to our local church communities to attend two special events focused on transgender topics.

Nico Lang, award winning acclaimed queer author, will be presenting his book “American Teenager” along with an open discussion of transgender topics on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00PM. Especially relevant to today’s youth and much more than just a book reading, Nico’s message is one of hope in these turbulent times that transgender youth are living through.

The following Sunday, March 15 at 9:00AM, Lahela Peterson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), will be presenting a 45-minute forum, “A Counselor’s Perspective on Gender-Affirming Mental Health Care: Creating Communities Where Everyone Belongs.” Lahela will clarify key terminology, provide relevant background information, and discuss recurring themes she encounters in her daily work. This presentation will offer valuable understanding as we consider how people of faith can thoughtfully and compassionately respond to the experiences of gender-diverse individuals.

Read more about both events at: https://gsolympia.org/t42.