We offer worship in two ways: in-person multi-platform service held in our sanctuary and online in our Church Zoom Room at 10:30 am. Doors and Zoom open at 10:15. To join the Church Zoom Room go to: saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/. You can find more information about how to connect through zoom towards the end of our Saltwater Church Newsletter. Our newsletter also provides ways to connect and live our values through in-person programming and via our Church Zoom Room.

Worship

Theme for April: Resistance

Throughout the month of April we are exploring the theme of resistance. According to the oxford languages dictionary, resistance is “the refusal to accept or comply; the attempt to prevent something by action.” As Unitarian Universalists, what are we called to resist? What is the relationship between spirituality and resistance? Can resistance be joyful? Join us as we explore new possible directions and learn together!

Services

Live multi-platform worship in the sanctuary and online through zoom!

April 16: “Joyful Resistance,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga

April 23: “Earth, Religion, and the Human Future,” David Korten, Guest

April 30: Retreat weekend, there will be no in-person or online church hosted by Saltwater UU. More than 50 members and friends will be at the Church Retreat at Seabeck, which makes it so that we will not have the staff or volunteer capacity to have worship services and programming. That Sunday, we invite you to go on a field trip to a neighboring UU Church, either virtually or in-person. Below are some possibilities:

• Tahoma UU Congregation: Services start at 10:30 am
  In-person: 1115 S 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98408
  Virtual: https://www.tahomauu.com/worship/upcoming-worship-services/
• Westside UU Congregation: Services start at 10:30 am
  In-person: 7141 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136
  Virtual: https://wsuu.org/upcoming-services/
• Vashon Island Unitarian Fellowship: Service starts at 10:30 am
  In-person: 23905 Vashon Highway, Vashon, WA 98070, Lewis Hall
  Virtual: https://www.viuf.org/services/oneness-and-uu-meditation-as-a-form-of-resistance/
  We look forward to seeing you back in-person or through zoom for our Sunday service on May 7^th!

Notable & Upcoming Events

To view our complete calendar of events, click here.
If you wish to schedule an event, click here to fill out a request form.

Rise & Thrive Celebration Feast & Sing-a-long!
Saturday April 15
Dinner: 6:00pm – 7:00pm in the Welcome Room
– REGISTRATION CLOSED –
Multi Platform Sing-A-Long: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Sanctuary & Church Zoom Room

Join the Saltwater Church for a Feast and Sing-Along to celebrate a successful pledge drive. Dinner will be a delicious appetizer buffet from Project Feast, a past Share-the-Plate recipient that provides on-the-job training in the catering industry for refugee and immigrant cooks (https://www.projectfeast.org). The sing-along in the sanctuary will be led by Tom and Cami, and will be multiplatform. All are welcome, RSVP is requested for the dinner. For questions, please contact Sharon Crow via email at smcrow2@msn.com or text 206-940-2456.

Article II WRAP UP
Saturday April 22, RESCHEDULED!!!
New Date: Wednesday May 3, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room

Join the Board May 3 at 7pm on Zoom for our final discussion of the proposed Article II revisions. Your opinion matters, please submit this form: https://forms.gle/gLSzfCHwNLCXa6yo6 prior to our meeting, even if you won’t be attending the zoom event. During the meeting we will share the results of our survey and discuss possible amendments. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information about Article II, please see https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission

Family Ministry Listening Session for Saltwater Families
Sunday May 9, 7:00pm
Minister’s Zoom Room https://zoom.us/j/7434659479

Family Ministry Listening Session for Saltwater families Facilitated by the Faith Formation Team. May 9, 2023, 7pm in the minister’s zoom room. Please join us! This is a space to listen to one another about feelings related to the staff transition, the needs of families, and to think together about where we are headed.

Current In-person Activity COVID-19 Guidelines

Please see our website at https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/covid19-info/ for the most up to date information. We continue to review current guidelines for King County and the state of Washington to ensure we adhere to their standards.

From Our Leadership

Please Join us at the Celebration Feast and Sing-A-Long
April 15. In person Dinner begins at 6:00pm
Multiplatform Sing A Long begins at 7:00pm

Thank you to those who RSVP’d…we will have some extra food for those who would like to join us. The Sing-A-Long will be multiplatform and will begin at 7PM on the church zoom meeting room.

Coming Soon: Rise & Thrive Celebration
Sunday April 16, multiplatform service
Join us Sunday in person or on Zoom for our Rise & Thrive Pledge Drive Celebration Service. “Joyful Resistance.” We ask that all pledges be turned in by Sunday…so we don’t have to call you.

Thank you to everyone who has turned in your generous pledges. We are well on our way to the pledging goal which includes an 8.5% Rise from last year’s budget. This will indeed help Saltwater UU to Thrive into the future.

At Saltwater UU WE:
Practice Love
We are a contribution to one another and our community.
Foster Connection
We connect to practice our faith.
Nurture Spiritual Growth
We sing, dance, meditate, study and worship together.
Act for Justice
We act on our values and beliefs so that others may Rise and Thrive.

Ways to Volunteer

Growing Sunday Morning Worship

Facilities Team
Monthly on the 1^st Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room

Our Facilities Team helps organize the maintenance of our buildings and the upkeep of our grounds. We are looking for volunteers to help contact contractors, manage coordinating repairs, and assist with volunteer events. Our meetings are monthly and your time commitment is quite flexible. Discover how you can help support our community by attending our next meeting on Thursday May 4. _{^{***Image credit:  Karolina Grabowska}} 

Saltwater Church Safety Taskforce
Monthly on the 2^nd Thursday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room

Our Safety Taskforce encourages members of our community to join in discussions about our facilities and community. Common topics include building safety, necessary upgrades to our facilities, and emergency planning. We are beginning multiple new projects and welcome your knowledge and skills. Join our monthly meeting to learn how you can lend a hand. Our next meeting is Thursday May 11.

Ways To Live Our Values

Share the Plate for April
The Black Future Fund

Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of April will be shared with Black Future Fund
https://www.seattlefoundation.org/nonprofits/community-campaigns/black-future-co-op-fund/

Our Racial Justice Organizing Team supports the Black Future Fund. The Fund is Washington state’s first all-Black-led philanthropic organization, and is uniquely positioned to lead transformational change with Black Washingtonians. They fund the pursuits of Black communities and Black-led organizations that strengthen health, education, and economic opportunity for Black people.

The Fund’s work is structured around four key areas:

• Connecting Black communities for collective power.
• Promoting a truthful Black narrative.
• Investing in Black-led solutions for generational prosperity.
• Shifting the paradigm of philanthropy.

The Fund works under the umbrella of the Seattle Foundation and supports south King County efforts. One of their many efforts include We-See-You Grants. They are listed here: https://www.blackfuturewa.org/news/announcing-we-see-you-grants

You can make a donation to share the plate through the donate button on our website
 https://saltwaterchurch.org/stewardship/donate/  or mail a check to the church office with “basket” in the memo line: Saltwater UU Church, 25701 14 Pl S., Des Moines, WA 98198.

Racial Justice Organizing Team (RJOT)
3rd Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room

The next meeting will be on Wednesday April 19. Our Racial Justice Organizing Team meets monthly to discuss more ways to support our community in our anti-racism efforts. We share ideas, provide support, learn about additional opportunities, plan events for our members, and work together to advance our commitment to Act for Racial Justice.

Stance for Racial Justice
2^nd & 4^th Sundays, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
In Person – Des Moines & Puyallup

Rain or shine, we stand for racial justice every other Sunday.  Join us as we stand together in solidarity with our signs for justice. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Our next gathering will be on April 23 in Puyallup from 2pm until 3pm at the intersection of 136th and S. Meridian (near post office and Sonic restaurant)  We will meet again on May 14 in Des Moines at the intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack in the Box and Arco gas). Contact Colette DeMonte at colette.demonte@gmail.com for more information.

Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
Monthly on the 1^st Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Church Zoom Room

Please join us on Sunday, May 7  to see how you can help make an impact on our current climate crisis. Contact Sheri Jacobson at sheridjacobson@yahoo.com for additional information. It’s never too late to Act for Climate Justice.  ^{*** image credit: Margo Rolf}

Sound Alliance
May meeting new time and day
TO BE ANNOUNCED 
Church Zoom Room

The Sound Alliance team works on multiple issues in alignment with our commitment to Social Justice. The issues we focus on change from year to year, depending upon the concerns voiced by members of the congregation. All members and friends of Saltwater UU Church and Bet Chaverim are most welcome to join us in our conversations and Act for Social Justice.

Climate Message of the Week

Science Moms is just what it sounds like—a group of female scientists who are moms. And they’re ready to help you tackle climate change.

The information on their website will help you “Learn how you can save money, share solutions and spread the message to protect our kids – right from your own home.” They have a handy three-item To-Do list for solving climate change to fit in busy schedules. Even if you’re not a mom, check out their site at https://sciencemoms.com/the-facts/ for inspiration and tips. ^{***image credit: MART PRODUCTION}

Are there topics or questions you’d like to see covered in future Climate Messages? Email suggestions to Sheri Jacobson at sheridjacobson@yahoo.com.

Ways to Connect

If you are planning to host an event in the Church Zoom Room please contact our Office Administrator (administrator@saltwaterchurch.org) the day before your scheduled event. They will need to verify your device has been registered to use the Church Zoom Room.

Weekly Meetings

Al-Anon Support Group
Private zoom, contact saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com for link
Mondays, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Meditation Group 
Church Zoom Room
Tuesdays, 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Our meditation group is currently available via Zoom only but will be back in person the first week of May.
We follow a UU modified Zen practice that includes lighting a candle, chiming a singing bowl, sitting & walking in silence, listening to words of wisdom, sharing tea and conversation. Would you like to join our group? Contact Jean Spohn jeanspohn@centurylink.net or (206) 200-7524.

Writers Group 
Church Zoom Room
Wednesdays, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Do you like to write? Would you like to share and receive feedback on your writing? We welcome all writers at all levels! For more information, contact Janeane Weprin 630-824-8343 or jghonore@yahoo.com.

Twice a Month Meetings

Game Night Sponsored by Saltwater UU Social Club (SUUSC)
April 15, Field Trip – Game Kastle in Kent, WA
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Join our Saltwater community for an evening of fun. Friends and visitors are welcome. We play all types of board games (ranging from lighter games like Clue to more complex games like Pandemic.) Our group also plays thematic games, card games, and party & social games. Almost anything is possible, bring your favorite game and let us know about it. This event will follow our current COVID-19 Guidelines. Our next meet up will be at Game Kastle in Kent, WA on April 15.

Weekend Writers Group
Church Zoom Room
Alternating Sundays, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
There’s no time like the present to start writing that novel you have been dreaming about for years!  Or maybe it’s time to share the poetry you have stashed away in your file drawer or to start immortalizing by writing down those unique memories that have been your precious life!  And it’s a lot more fun if you have an audience of other writers to share them with. We welcome new members, WE WELCOME YOU! Any questions?  Please phone me at 206-898-5452 or email me at mona_lee@centurylink.net.

Monthly Meetings

Pair Sharing by Zoom
Janeane’s Zoom Room https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82327295157?pwd=c3Q5QXdUekR6YXBCWmg4N21WYWs1dz09
One Sunday a month, 1:00pm – 2:15pm
Discover the healing power in telling truth and bearing witness. Pair Sharing is the spiritual practice of deep sharing and listening. Our next meeting will be Sunday April 16. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janeane Weprin at jghonore@yahoo.com.

Creative Hands
In Person – Welcome Room
3^rd Tuesday, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Join us for an afternoon of visiting and working on our creative projects. Bring your knitting, crocheting, hand sewing, jewelry making, or whatever with you. We gather monthly to foster connection through sharing our creative processes. We also support the Saltwater community with small craft projects throughout the year. Our next meeting will be April 18. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.

Support Circle
Church Zoom Room : https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/
3^rd Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 pm, led by Rev. Kristen 
Support circle is open to all members and friends and is a space for deep check-in and reflection on a question related to our monthly theme. In support circle we come to be nourished by authentic relationship, to mutually support one another through the joys and sorrows of our lives, and to create space for spiritual insight. Our next meeting will be April 20. All are welcome.

Paint n’ Sip
In Person – Welcome Room
APRIL MEET UP TO BE ANNOUNCED
4^th Mondays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
All ages welcome! Bring any size canvas. No experience required. All paints and supplies provided. Childcare is being provided. RSVP to Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com.

Saltwater Genealogy Club
Church Zoom Room
2^nd Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Do you love to talk about your family history and research? Saltwater Church has a Genealogy Club! We are not experts; we just share stories and research ideas. Our next meeting will be May 10. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.

Quarterly Meetings

After Service Potluck
In Person : Welcome Room
Sunday May 21 following service
Church-Wide Potluck, Yummy! Please bring a generous dish to share. Kindly mark ingredients if not clearly visible (like nuts, soy, etc.) We will also need folks to step up and help us set up before church and take down after church. Questions? contact Debra Valpey, 206-953-5704 or deberavalpey@gmail.com.

Support Is Available

Do you need support? Please let us know, we want to help. Are you feeling lonely or isolated? We can connect you with a lay minister or another member of the congregation. If you have been affected by the pandemic financially, 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. 

If you are in need of emotional or spiritual support, you can reach out directly to a Lay Minister:
Debra Valpey: debravalpey@gmail.com
Toska Rodriguez: toska_r@hotmail.com

Multigenerational Faith Formation

Multigenerational Faith Formation’s Zoom Room 
https://zoom.us/j/2349227683?pwd=aG4yL3RRb240UjJyWUR1Y2p2V0lQUT09

Middle and High School Youth Group (grades 6-12)

Youth will meet for social events several times a month. The Youth Group works with adult advisors to plan programs which include personal sharing, discussion of religious and ethical issues, guest speakers from other religions and from the community, service projects, participation in district youth conferences, and worship. This year youth will explore the monthly church-wide themes. Contact Amanda Radak or see the church newsletter for more information.

Tabletop Family Game Night!
Saturday May 20, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
In Person – Saltwater Welcome Room

Members and friends of all ages will attend the churchwide Game Night sponsored by SUUSC. Participants will play old classics or introduce new board or card games to the community.

Register for Camp Blue Boat
July 16 through July 21
Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center, Ellensburg, WA

It’s time to register for this year’s Camp Blue Boat. This is a Unitarian Universalist summer camp immersion experience for youth from rising 6th-grade to 12th-grade graduates, with age-specific housing and programming. Campers, counselors and staff will spend time exploring being in relationship with one’s self, others, and the wider world. At camp, youth learn about community, spirituality, justice, equality, and also have a ton of fun! For additional information and the link to register go to: https://www.uua.org/pacific-western/youth-ministries/events/pnwd-camp

Our Whole Lives (OWL) 

Comprehensive sexuality education classes will be held jointly with Westside UU Church for youth in grades 7-9. The class schedule will be available soon. Contact Steve Radak for more information.

Support for Children, Youth, & Families

Parents Facebook Group 

Connect with other Saltwater Church families with children and youth for support through the Parents Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SUUCFamilyMatters/

Childcare for Church Events & Services 

Childcare may be requested for any church activity at least one week in advance. As our Director of Faith Formation position is in transition, at this time all requests for childcare should be directed to our Office Administrator via email at administrator@saltwaterchurch.org. We will do our best to make accommodations whenever possible.

General Information

How to Access the Church Zoom Room 

To access Zoom, go to 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.

If you would prefer to join by phone, dial 1-669-900-6833 and enter Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 when prompted. You may need a password. If you do not have the password, please contact Bubba:  administrator@saltwaterchurch.org

If you have a smartphone, you can download the Zoom app and join with Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 for video and audio connection. You will need a password. If you do not have the password, please contact our Office Administrator: administrator@saltwaterchurch.org

A quick guide for our Zoom room can be found here. Feel free to download the file to keep a copy readily available at your fingertips.

Saltwater Church Building

The church building has opened for in person gatherings. If you wish to plan an event please use our online request form: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/calendar-request/.  All gatherings are asked to follow the current COVID-19 guidelines. If you have questions about the guidelines or need assistance our Office Assistant is on-site Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am to 1pm. If you need on-site assistance outside of their regularly scheduled hours, email administrator@saltwaterchurch.org to schedule an appointment.

Donations to Saltwater Church

When making a donation on the church website (click here), please indicate where you want your donation to go. After entering the amount of your donation, if you select “Donate with a Debit or Credit Card” you will see a line which starts with a pencil and has “add special instructions to the seller.” Please click on those words to specify “pledge” or your desired purpose. It will help our treasurer get money into the right places if that line is filled in. If you have questions, email or call our Treasurer, Gaye Greeves at gnatfw@aol.com or 253-508-3961.   

Please Note: Announcements, updates, and additions to the newsletter must be received by noon Wednesday to be included in that week’s newsletter. Send your submissions to administrator@saltwaterchurch.org or use the website form (click here).