Dear Saltwater Community,

I hope that you and your family are well.

Last night, the Board of Saltwater Church met to discuss our response to the coronavirus and the Public Health recommendations that have been issued by King County. In order to care for the well-being of our community, and to do our part in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, we have made some decisions about church worship and programming for the month of March.

Online Worship Services March 15, 22 & 29
We will be worshiping online throughout the month of March. There will be no in-person worship services. Join us for worship via zoom, either online or through the telephone. See the end of this note for instructions on how to access zoom.  

All in-person Programming Canceled
All in person programming will be canceled for the rest of the month of March.

Ways to Stay Connected
During this time we need one another more than ever. We know that not being able to worship and meet together in person is hard. We are still connected.

We are offering a series of drop-in support circles via zoom starting this Thursday. The format will be simple: a few minutes of training on how to use zoom for those who need it, a chalice lighting, check in, and a reflection question on our theme for this month, wisdom. Join us!

Thursday, March 12, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday, March 17, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday, March 17, 7-8 pm
Thursday, March 19, 12:30-1:30 pm
Thursday March 19, 6:30 pm (gathering for families with children and youth)
Tuesday, March 24, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday March 24, 7-8 pm
Thursday, March 26, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 7-8 pm

We are encouraging groups to try meeting via zoom during their regular meeting times. If you are a group leader and would like training on how to lead a meeting over zoom, Melinda Einander, Director of Family Ministries, will be leading two trainings this week:

Thursday, March 12, 2-3 pm
Saturday, March 14, 10-11 am

Please contact Melinda with questions: melinda@saltwaterchurch.org. If you are planning to have a meeting over zoom, please contact CJ to get it scheduled on the calendar: administrator@saltwaterchurch.org. At this time, we only have the capacity to have one meeting by zoom at a time.

Support Available
Do you need support? Please let us know, we want to help.

Are you feeling lonely or isolated? Let us know and we can connect you with a lay minister or another member of the congregation.

Are you in a higher risk group and do not want to venture out to the grocery store? We may be able to connect you with someone in your neighborhood to help you get the supplies you need.

If you have lost income from being sick or unable to work, or do not have enough money to buy extra food and supplies, please let us know. The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is available for one-time emergency support for members and friends of the church. Contact Rev. Kristen: minister@saltwaterchurch.org.

Do you need to go to work but don’t have childcare? Are there other needs that your family has? Please be in touch with Melinda: melinda@saltwaterchurch.org.

How to Use Zoom for Worship & Support Groups
To access Zoom, go to https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/ and click on “To join a meeting—click here.” Or from the main church webpage, select Zoom Room from the drop down menu under “news and events” on the top menu bar. If this is your first time using Zoom, follow the prompts to download the application to your computer. It will be helpful if you have a high-speed internet connection.  For some connections, a pair of headphones will be helpful (a simple pair of earbuds will do.) 

If you would prefer to join by phone, dial 1-669-900-6833 and enter Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 when prompted.  Long distance charges may apply, so it is best to call from a cell phone.  

If you have a smartphone, you can download the Zoom app and join with Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 for video and audio connection.

Staying in Touch
We will continue to provide updates as we have more information. Please watch your email, the church website, and our facebook page. We also encourage you to stay informed about the recommendations being issued by King County Public Health: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx

Keeping you, your family, our community, and all those affected in my heart. May all beings be healthy and may all beings be safe.

Blessings,

Rev. Kristen Kuriga