We offer worship in two ways: our Worship Watch Party in the sanctuary and online through Zoom at 10:30 am. Be sure to look at the worship details for the next Sunday service. During the month of July, not all of our services will be in the Saltwater Church Zoom Room. 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 both in-person programming and through Zoom.
August Worship
Services and Connection Details
August 7: “Give Me a Place to Stand On, and I Will Move the World,” Scott Redman, Lay Leader, Tahoma UU Church
Among Unitarian Universalism’s six sources is a reference to teachings that “warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.” What might this mean? Perhaps Richard Rohr’s A Lever and A Place To Stand, which makes use of Archimedes’ lever principle in its call for integrated action and contemplation, is an example of such a teaching. Let’s consider how the teachings of this Franciscan priest might be a guide and warning to us and our congregation.
This Sunday we will have a multi-platform service. You can attend in-person the Saltwater Church Worship Watch Party, OR you can also attend via Tahoma’s UU Church’s Zoom option.
Zoom Information:
Tahoma UU Church Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84755311106?pwd=bmpQblllOVNoUjdpUm5oVHk5cWx2dz09
ID: 847 5531 1106, Password: 253
You can also listen on your phone by dialing 253-215-8782 with Webinar ID: 847 5531 1106 and Password 253 to hear the worship service.
The Tahoma UU Church Zoom Room opens at 10:15 a.m., and you’ll be greeted in their online chat by their Sunday Chat Chaplain.
August 14: Blessing of the Animals, Rev Kristen & the Lay Leaders at Saltwater UU Church
Live multi-platform worship in the sanctuary and online through zoom! Join us to celebrate our blessing of the animals. This is an opportunity to honor the connection we have with our beloved pets, and to express our gratitude and well wishes for the friendship and care they bring to our lives. There will also be a time to honor and remember pets who have died. We encourage those attending in person to bring their beloved pets, or pictures of them, to the Sanctuary during service. If you will be attending via the Church Zoom Room, you are encouraged to share your pet(s) on camera or hold up a picture.
- The sanctuary will be open to a maximum of 40 people (3ft social distancing) and overflow in the welcome room. There is no need to register in advance.
- Those attending will be required to wear masks. Family groups can sit together and will be asked to distance from others.
- We encourage people to connect after service outdoors when the weather is good.
Ways for All Ages to Participate in Sunday Morning Worship Time
Children and youth are welcome to worship with their families in the sanctuary. People of all ages who prefer hands-on activities or space to move or make some noise are welcome to participate in the Welcome Room, where we will have activities related to the morning’s worship theme. For our younger guests, we provide childcare in the Welcome Room and outside. Youth are encouraged to volunteer as ushers, greeters, worship leaders, or tech support if they are interested. Volunteers are needed to assist with childcare as well. Please contact Melinda Einander, Director of Family Ministries at melinda@saltwaterchurch.org, with questions or to discuss your family’s particular needs for in-person participation.
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.
The Passing of Art Anderson
Eva wishes to share with the community that Art passed away on Friday July 29th. She was able to be with him and provide care during his final days. The support our community offered by way of letters, phone calls, personal visits, and the sharing of musical talents over the recent months has been greatly appreciated. She wishes to thank everyone for their love and care. A service will be held in memory of Art but the date is yet to be determined. Please watch future newsletters for an announcement with additional details.
Weeding and Groundskeep Party
Saturday August 6, 10:00am
In Person – Saltwater Church Grounds
It’s been awhile since we’ve all gotten a chance to play in the dirt together. Join us on Saturday Aug 6 as we beat back some weeds and clean up our grounds. We’ll begin at 10am and will head home a few hours later. Bring your favorite gardening gear and help us make everything look pretty. Masks will be available for those who wish to wear one, however they are not required.
Worship Watch Party
Sunday August 7, 10:30am – 11:30am
In Person – Saltwater Church Sanctuary
& Tahoma UU Church Zoom Room
Join us in the sanctuary as we watch zoom service together on our big screen. Our doors open at 10:15. Connect with others, sing along together to the hymns, and experience the view of nature out the sanctuary windows. Our next service will be in the Saltwater Church Zoom Room.
Those attending will be required to wear masks. Family groups can sit together and will be asked to distance from others. Everyone is encouraged to gather outside after service, weather permitting. People of all ages are welcome. To join via Zoom, read the service description above for the ID and Password information to Tahoma UU Church’s Zoom Room.
Meditation Group
Tuesday August 9, 7:00pm – 8:15pm
In Person – Saltwater Church Sanctuary
& Church Zoom Room
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.
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.
Announcements From The Board & HCT
From Our Board
One of the victories that we were able to accomplish through the Sound Alliance was for King County Council to pass an ordinance limiting the honoring of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainer requests at the local jail (except for violent or serious offenses).
The ordinance establishes clear guidelines for local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The end goal was to make our communities safer by reducing the sudden disruption and consequent harm on immigrant families’ lives, also by reducing the mistrust of immigrants in local law enforcement.
In the same spirit that guided us towards this social justice work, our board authorized VP Karin Leisy to sign a petition on behalf of Saltwater Church. This petition asks Congresswoman Jayapal to organize a letter from the Congressional Progressive Caucus and aligned Democratic representatives to request DHS Secretary Mayorkas to end contracts between ICE and law enforcement and to encourage President Biden to take Executive Action.
This petition is organized by the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW, the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WASIN), Faith Action Network, the Church Council of Greater Seattle, Seattle Indivisible, OneAmerica and Never Again Action.
By signing this petition Saltwater Church has joined Bet Chaverim Synagogue as part of the signatory instructions. Here is the link to read the signed petition: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvNZHV37fHA2fwGMd-MIKNK1VfsX251Lj-YJhorD4aNiTesA/viewform.
From Our Treasurer
Automatic Pledge Payments
Are your pledge contributions on an automatic payment schedule? With the new fiscal year, it’s important to update your schedule with your new commitment. Please double check your arrangement before your next payment processes. If your automatic payment is through your bank and your contribution has changed, usually you can adjust the amount for all future payments. If you have your payments set up with PayPal and have changed your contribution, please delete your current payment plan and begin a new recurring payment schedule.
Our Board meets monthly on Tuesdays
Staff Updates
Rev. Kristen Out of the Office
Mid August
Due to some health challenges, Rev. Kristen will have surgery on August 3rd. She will be out of the office for a minimum of one week following surgery and will be on light duty for the second week to support her recovery. If all goes as planned, she looks forward to being with you in-person for a multiplatform Blessing of the Animals Service on August 14 and being back in the office on August 16.
For Sunday, August 7th , we will extend our summer worship collaborative for an additional week and continue both our watch party in the Saltwater Sanctuary and our worship field trip. Sunday’s field trip will be to the Tahoma UU Church Zoom Room.
You may contact Katherine “Bubba” Miller (administrator@saltwaterchurch.org), our Office Administrator, and Melinda Einander (melinda@saltwaterchurch.org), our Director of Family Ministries, with urgent program needs. For pastoral care, please reach out to Lay Ministers Debra Valpey or Toska Rodriguez. Their contact information can be found in the church directory or in the Grief Support section of our newsletter. All non-urgent needs will be addressed upon Rev. Kristen’s return in August.
Staff Transition – Director of Family Ministries
We are grateful to Melinda Einander for the fourteen years of service she’s given to Saltwater UU Church as our Director of Family Ministries. Melinda has brought her passion, care, creativity, commitment to UU values, and teaching experience to this role, and supported countless families in our community. In August 2022, Melinda will be leaving the position as Director of Family Ministries to focus on her family and work in Aberdeen. In August, we look forward to celebrating Melinda’s gifts and offering our blessings on this transition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rev. Kristen: minister@saltwaterchurch.org
Director of Multigenerational Faith Formation Hiring Process
A message from Rev Kristen: I am writing with an update on the work of the hiring team for the current Director of Family Ministries position. In June a hiring team was formed including Lisa Key, Christina Frueh, and myself (Rev. Kristen). We met to discuss the purpose of the position, the main responsibilities, and qualifications for potential candidates. The team drafted a detailed job description which was shared with families, leaders in growth and learning, the Board, and Melinda. After receiving and integrating feedback, the position description is ready and being posted to receive applications. This is a 20 hours a week position.
This position is reimagined. What has been the Director of Family Ministries, will now be the Director of Multigeneration Faith Formation. The Director collaboratively nurtures the spiritual growth of people of all ages, with a focus on children, youth, and their families. They coordinate multigenerational faith formation programs connected to monthly themes, including through worship, small groups, and educational classes. They welcome families into the congregation and inclusively support the unique educational needs of our community. We are excited about this new way of thinking about the work.
You can access the full job description here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BtSdlv1thJyIlhAQ6HTGr_0gLSa4WyQq/view?usp=sharing
We hope you will share this announcement with your networks.
Growth & Learning
Find a Partner, Make a Team, Take the Challenge
The 21-day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge
(running all summer long)
Designed to lead us into lasting habits of furthering Equity and Racial Justice, the 21-day Challenge (click here), introduces us to many approaches to racial justice work and issues. There are a selection of themed challenges each full of resources, exercises, and ideas to contemplate and each includes readings, videos, music, blogs, actions, reflection questions and more.
The free challenges are supported by optional (RJOT encouraged) donations and self-guided; You choose what you want to do for the day, how much time you want to spend, how many days or which days you want to participate (there is enough for months), and who you want to do the challenge with. It could be solo, or…
Find someone or a group to do this with. Your accountabili-buddies will help keep you going, chat with you about what you are discovering, or just give you email reminders. It’s up to your team to decide the structure for your challenge.
We look forward to hearing about your discoveries and your feedback at our fall participant reflection gathering. This challenge is brought to you by the Saltwater Racial Justice Organizing Team.
For more information, if you need help finding a partner, and/or to let us know you are taking the challenge please contact: Miriam Woito miriamwoito@gmail.com
Ways To Live Our Values
Share the Plate for August:
Blue Legacy of Port Orchard, WA
Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of August will be shared (and matched) with Blue Legacy of Port Orchard, WA. https://www.blueforgegroup.org/
Blue Legacy is dedicated to educating and empowering artisans marginalized due to race, gender, age, ability, size, sexuality or economics. Founded in 1989, with a focus on education and breaking stereotypes, Blue Legacy pioneered the way publishers, record labels and studios work with their artisans including how books, films, games, and albums are made and marketed. Blue Legacy maintains its integrity, quality and mission by remaining a traditional studio with a noncommercial twist: Instead of paying their artisans a royalty and then pocketing the profit, they use the remaining funds to create a legacy account for that artisan so their book, album, game or film stays available indefinitely.
Gregor Fjellrev, who some may remember as Greg Laurel, celebrated the publication of his science fiction novel series, as well as his three music albums with this very publisher, in addition to his work as a professional film actor.
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.
Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
Monthly on the 1st Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Church Zoom Room
SCAN! will not be meeting during the month of August. In September we will continue our discussions about ways our church can be less fossil fuel energy dependent. Bring a friend too! Contact Bill Adams at badams6456@aol.com for additional information. We encourage you to in our monthly Zoom meetings and Act for Climate Justice. *** image credit: Margo Rolf
Sound Alliance
Monthly on the 2nd Saturday, 10:00am – 11:30am
Church Zoom Room
The Sound Alliance team works on multiple issues in alignment with our commitment to Social Justice. Our next meeting will be on Saturday August 13. 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.
Stance for Racial Justice
2nd & 4th 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 August 14 in Des Moines at the intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack in the Box and Arco gas). On August 21 in Puyallup from 2pm until 3pm at the intersection of 136th and S. Meridian (near post office and Sonic restaurant). Contact Colette DeMonte at colette.demonte@gmail.com for more information.
Racial Justice Organizing Team (RJOT)
Monthly on the 4th Monday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room
The next meeting will be on Monday August 22. 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.
Climate Message of the Week
How many hamburgers would you trade for a healthy planet?
Beef for dinner may be an American tradition but if the cattle used for beef were a country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. Currently the U.S. accounts for 21% of worldwide beef consumption. Use these strategies to cut (or eliminate) beef from your plate: Use meats which have less impact on the climate like pork or chicken. (Try to find sources for humanely-raised meat.) Consume less meat overall. Commit to eating plant-based meals at least several times a week, or better yet, go completely plant-based.
Did you know that producing 1 pound of beef causes the same amount of carbon emissions as driving 30 miles in a passenger car?
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 Volunteer
Facilities Team
SPECIAL AUGUST MEETING DATE
Monthly on the 1st Wednesday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room
Our Facilities Team helps organize the maintenance of our buildings and the upkeep of our grounds. We encourage you to join our team. Discover how you can help support our community by attending one of our meetings. Our next meeting is Wednesday Aug 9.
***Image credit: Karolina Grabowska
Saltwater Church Safety Taskforce
Monthly on the 3rd Thursday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room
There will not be a meeting in July. 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 will not be meeting in May. Our next meeting is Thursday August 18.
Ways to Connect
Weekly Meetings
Al-anon Support Group
Private zoom, contact saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com for link
Mondays, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Meditation Group
Multi-platform, Saltwater Sanctuary and Church Zoom Room
Tuesdays, 7:00pm – 8:15pm
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, 9:30 am – 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.
Support Circle
Church Zoom Room
On Hiatus – Thursdays, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Please watch this weekly newsletter for information about when Support Circles will resume. Upon her return, Rev. Kristen will invite participants to reflect on next steps for support circle and meeting the needs of our community.
Twice a Month Meetings
Game Night — Sponsored by Saltwater UU Social Club (SUUSC)
In Person – Welcome Room
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 on August 6.
Creative Hands
On Hiatus – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Creative Hands is currently on hiatus. We anticipate our next meeting will be on August 10. Please contact Debra Valpey, debravalpey@gmail.com to confirm the August 10th meeting and it’s location. Please watch the newsletter for details or contact Debra with questions.
Pair Sharing
Rev. Kristen’s Zoom Room (https://zoom.us/j/7434659479)
2nd and 4th Sundays, 11:45am – 1:00pm
Discover the healing power in telling truth and bearing witness. Pair Sharing is the spiritual practice of deep sharing and listening. During August we will meet on the 14th and the 28th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janeane Weprin at jghonore@yahoo.com.
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
Saltwater Genealogy Club
Church Zoom Room
2nd Wednesday, 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 August 10. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.
Saltwater Chalice Circles
Looking for volunteers
Build personal connections with others in the community. Our circle program offers the opportunity to deepen and broaden spiritual growth while forming closer relationships with others. Our Spring/Summer Chalice Circles have ended. We hope to begin again in the Fall. If you are interested in volunteering to help organize the Fall Chalice Circles or have an interest in participating in our program, contact Susan Aigner at susanaigner@comcast.net.
Grief Support Group
Church Zoom Room
On Hiatus – 2nd Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Our next meeting will be in August. If you are grieving or supporting someone who is grieving any kind of loss (loved one, job, hope, faith) please join us for sharing, readings, and general support. All are welcome. Contact our lay leaders, Debra Valpey (206-953-5704 debravalpey@gmail.com) or Toska Rodriquez (toska_r@hotmail.com, 253 839-1921) if you would like more information or support in the interim.
Paint Night
In Person – Welcome Room
4th Mondays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Bring any size canvas. No experience required. All paints and supplies provided. RSVP to Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com. Our next evening of artistic expression is August 22.
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
Support for Children, Youth, & Families
Family Ministries Zoom Room
https://zoom.us/j/2349227683?pwd=aG4yL3RRb240UjJyWUR1Y2p2V0lQUT09
Family Support Circles
First & Third Mondays, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Family ministries zoom room
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/
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 Melinda: melinda@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 Melinda: melinda@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 small group 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 regularly scheduled hours, email administrator@saltwaterchurch.org to schedule an appointment.
Planting Flowers has resumed providing essential childcare support to families. Haitian Christians has resumed in-person gatherings with a limited capacity on Sunday evenings. Bet Chaverim has resumed events in the Welcome Room & Sanctuary. Currently our facilities are closed for all rentals involving indoor activities.
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 would like a statement of your donations for calendar year 2021 for tax purposes 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).