To join the church zoom room go to: saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/
Each Sunday we offer online worship through zoom at 10:30 am. For any of our worship services or meetings, you can join by computer or by calling in on your telephone. You can find more information about how to connect through zoom towards the end of the newsletter.
Worship
Summer Worship Collaborative
This summer, in July and August, we will be worshipping together with Northlake UU and Tahoma UU over zoom. We will be using the Saltwater Church zoom room, and you will have the opportunity to connect with local UUs from other congregations. More details coming soon!
August 8:“Fun Times,” Rev. Nancy Reid-Mckee, Minister of Northlake UU.
The idea of having fun is associated with children, and play, but is it something adults can embrace? Do we know how to have fun, how to laugh, how to have pleasure? The service will look at what fun can offer us in life.
August 15:“Expanding the Experiment,” Rev. Joe Rettenmaier, Sabbatical Minister of Tahoma UU.
How does our collective yearning for dismantling myths of supremacy in our world transform our faith into the thriving multicultural beloved communities we seek?
August 22: “Beloved Companions: Blessing of the Animals,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga, Minister of Saltwater Church.
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 are creating a slide show of members of our congregations with their pets. If you would like a picture included, please send it in an email to: minister@saltwaterchurch.org with “Blessing of the Animals” as the subject. Photos are due by Monday, August 16. We also invite you to bring your pets to worship with you so we can see them and bless them in our live zoom service!
August 29: “The Joy of Collaboration, Rev. Joe Rettenmaier, Sabbatical Minister of Tahoma UU and Rev. Kristen Kuriga, Minister of Saltwater Church.
This summer we came together as three congregations in one worshipping community. In our final week of the summer collaborative we will reflect on the joys we experienced by being together. What gifts have we received? What have we learned together that we couldn’t learn on our own? Come celebrate the joy of collaboration!
Upcoming Events
Stance for Racial Justice
Sunday August 8, 2pm-3pm
In person, Des Moines
Rain or shine, show up for racial justice. Join us in Des Moines from 2pm until 3pm at the intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack- in- the Box and Arco gas). We gather on the 2nd Sunday of the month to wave our signs, show support, and increase awareness. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing while participating in this event. Contact Colette DeMonte at colette.demonte@gmail.com for more info.
Gather The Youth: Stance for Black Lives
Sunday August 8, 1:45pm – 3:00pm
In-Person, Des Moines
Meet in the Jack in the Box parking lot in Des Moines for a brief check in followed by a demonstration where we join Saltwater’s Stance For Racial Justice and concluding with “coffee” & discussion. This event is scheduled specifically for our High School and Middle School Youth. Please RSVP to Amanda at acradak@gmail.com or 206-683-1330, so that appropriate adult ratios can be maintained.
***image credit: Colette DeMonte
In-person Opportunities
Salties Work Together
Saturday August 14, 10:00am – 2:00pm
In-Person, Saltwater Church
We’ve got EXCITING NEWS!!!! Our Facilities Team has set a date for us to enjoy time together outside while helping clean up our grounds. Back in May we started to clear out the cobwebs and cut back the weeds, now it’s time to really show those weeds who is boss!
Wear proper clothing for removing weeds and invasive plants (including NETTLES). Bring your own tools, gloves, and any other supplies. Pandemic precautions are advised and we encourage you to engage in conversation to establish best practices for the event.
There’s plenty to do and no such thing as being “late to the party” so come when you can. We’re grateful for the help and support you all provide in maintaining our beautiful church campus and look forward to seeing you there. The Office Building will be open to use restrooms, otherwise we will remain outdoors.
Gather The Youth: Blackberry Picking
Sunday August 22, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
In-Person, Saltwater Church
Gather at Saltwater Church for some berry picking fun. This event is scheduled specifically for our High School and Middle School Youth. Please RSVP to Amanda at acradak@gmail.com or 206-683-1330, so that appropriate adult ratios can be maintained. ***image credit: Thierry
From the Board and HCT
Our New Board Officers
For the 2021-2022 church year our Board Officers are: Mayda Taney as President, Karin Leisy as Vice-President, Kathy Jorgenson as Secretary, and Gaye Greeves as Treasurer. This year’s Board also includes Lauren Crowder, Aida Sanchez-Vela, and Katie Baker. Thank you for your leadership!
***Image Credit: Alleksana
Board Focus for this Church Year
The Board and Rev. Kristen met for a retreat over zoom on July 24 to worship together, build relationship, and get oriented to the work of the Board. We also decided on the focus of the Board’s work for this church year. From August-December, the Board will be reading and learning together through the UUA report Widening the Circle of Concern. You can learn more about the report here: https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening. From January through June we will be facilitating a visioning process for the congregation informed by our learnings in the fall. The Board will also continue to support the committees of the Board, the Healthy Congregation Team and the Nominating Team, and the Taskforces convened by the Board, the Reopening Taskforce, the Pandemic Taskforce, and the Safety Taskforce. If you have any questions about the work of the Board feel free to reach out to any of our Board members.
Saltwater Church Re-Opening Update
A Reopening Taskforce has been convened by the Board and met for the first time on July 21. Thank you to those who have agreed to serve on the taskforce: Rosie Olds, Robert Snipes, Diane Schairer, Anjali Lopez, Tom McDavid, Serena Spaulding, and Galen Guffy. The Taskforce will be supported by Lauren Crowder, Board liaison, Rev. Kristen Kuriga, and staff members Melinda Einander and Katherine Bubba Miller.
The purpose of the team is to develop a timeline and plan for reopening the church taking into consideration guidance from the Pandemic Taskforce and public health agencies while centering the mission of the church and our covenantal commitments. This team will also implement the logistics of the plan for successful reopening. The team is currently focused on working through the logistics of reopening Sunday morning worship and programming.
We are evaluating the timeline that is possible for starting multi-platform worship. This is contingent on a few factors, including: the trajectory of the Delta variant and case numbers in our local community and the timeline for installation of our audio-visual and sound equipment. The good news is that we have signed a contract with an excellent local company, NeuriLink, for our audio-visual needs. Due to manufacturer backorders of essential equipment, we are unsure of the timeline for installation. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
As the Reopening Taskforce, Pandemic Taskforce and Board continue to consider a possible timeline for restarting in-person indoor programming, we invite you check out the outdoor opportunities for connection that are being offered this summer. Additional details about indoor events will be announced in our weekly newsletter as they become available.
For all in-person activities we will be following guidance from the UUA on masking, which includes either all persons masking regardless of vaccination status or having a conversation about consent among the participants. We believe that this approach reflects our commitment to welcome and care for those are you more vulnerable, including children, those who are immune-compromised, and those who are unable to be vaccinated. Anyone who is unvaccinated needs to wear a mask at all times. For more details on the masking guidelines adopted by the Board: https://www.uua.org/leadership/library/masking-guidelines. We will also continue to stay aware of all guidelines from the CDC and Washington State Public Health as recommendations change.
Growth and Learning
UU Common Read
Tuesday August 24, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/7434659479
Please join the RJOT Racial Justice Organizing Team as we participate in the UU Common Read Breathe by Imani Perry. If you have not registered for a discussion session please email Susan at susanaigner@comcast.net. Contact our Office Administrator to borrow a book, or with any additional questions. Click the image for additional the details about the event.
Saltwater Pen Pal Project
Do you suffer from Zoom fatigue? Consider joining the Saltwater Pen Pal Project to exchange snail mail (or email) correspondence! Each month you would be paired up with someone from the group to exchange your thoughts about the monthly Soul Matters theme. Contact Joanne at JoanneStonebraker@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.
Ways to Live Our Values
Share the Plate for August: BLUU Housing Initiative
Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of August will be shared with Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism’s (BLUU) affordable housing initiative: https://blacklivesuu.org/bluu-housing-initiative. You can make a donation to share the plate through the donate button on our website: https://saltwaterchurch.org/stewardshipstewardship-overview/stewardshipdonate/ 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.
Engage in Racial Justice
The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection will be on exhibited at the Tacoma Art Museum from July 31-November 28, 2021. The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black Americans from 1595 to present times. Considered one of the most comprehensive surveys of African American history and culture outside the Smithsonian Institution, please do not miss this remarkable opportunity. Please visit https://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/ for more information. (Click the image for a video about The Kinseys.) ***Image Credit: Tacoma Art Museum
Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
Monthly on the 3rd Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Church Zoom Room
SCAN! One of our members recently had a Letter to the Editor published in the Seattle Times. Read what he had to say here: https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/climate-crisis-wake-up/ Scan will meet up again on September 5 to discuss our efforts to act for climate justice. Please attend and learn how you can be a part of that effort. Thanks!
Racial Justice Organizing Team (RJOT)
Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Rev. Kristen’s Zoom Room
In August, join in our monthly discussions to discover more ways to support our community in our anti-racism efforts. Share ideas, provide support, learn about additional opportunities, and work together to advance our commitment to racial justice.
Sound Alliance
Monthly on the 4th Saturday, 10am – 11:30am
Church Zoom Room
The Sound Alliance team works on multiple issues. The issues we focus on change from year to year, depending upon the concerns voiced by members of the congregation. Currently we are working to address and prevent homelessness, protect immigrant rights, and ease social isolation during the pandemic through the Social Connection Project. All members and friends of Saltwater UU Church and Bet Chaverim are most welcome to join us and act for Justice!
Climate Message of the Week
Want to help stop climate change and have fun at the same time? Become a Citizen Scientist. Citizen Scientists provide “more hands” to help scientists gather data and information. Climate scientists and organizations use Citizen Science data from projects like the Cascades Butterfly Project, Bumblebee Watch, Great Backyard Bird Count, even transcriptions of handwritten logs from whaling ships to understand past weather patterns.
Go to CitizenScience.gov and choose from hundreds of projects. The National Park Service, the Smithsonian, National Geographic Society, and the Audubon Society also have projects for Citizen Scientists. Read about how phenology—the study of animal and plant lifecycles—is being used by scientists in this review of the book Ground Truth, A guide to Tracking Climate Change at Home (https://slate.com/technology/2018/07/phenology-is-a-delightful-and-challenging-way-to-fight-climate-change-from-home.html).
(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
Pair Sharing
(Rev. Kristen’s Zoom Roomhttps://zoom.us/j/7434659479)
Sundays, twice a month 11:45am – 1:00pm
The Pair Sharing meetings this month will be on August 8 and August 29.
There is healing power in telling truth and bearing witness. Pair Sharing is the spiritual practice of deep sharing and listening. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janeane Weprin at jghonore@yahoo.com.
Saltwater Genealogy Club
(Church Zoom Room)
2nd 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 August 11. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.
Creative Hands
(Church Zoom Room)
1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Please join us to learn or practice hand work (knitting and crocheting, sewing, drawing, jewelry making or?) along with fun conversation and a supportive atmosphere. Pour yourself a favorite beverage, grab a snack, and join in the fun. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 18. Questions? Contact Lynn Crow at (206) 429-2005.
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
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. Our meetings now have the opportunity for in-person meditation as well as meditation via Zoom, with offerings on alternating weeks. Would you like to join our group? Do you need to know if this week is in-person or via Zoom? Contact Jean Spohn jeanspohn@centurylink.net or (206) 200-7524.
Writers Group
(Church Zoom Room)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:00pm
Support Circle
(Church Zoom Room)
Thursdays, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Over Eaters Anonymous
(Church Zoom Room)
Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Weekend Writers Group
(Church Zoom Room)
Sundays twice a month, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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
Mike Yanega: bowfinboy@gmail.com
Toska Rodriguez: toska_r@hotmail.com
Support for Children, Youth, and Families
Family Ministries Zoom Room
https://zoom.us/j/2349227683?pwd=aG4yL3RRb240UjJyWUR1Y2p2V0lQUT09
Religious Education Class for Kids and their Grown-Ups
(Note the class address.)
Sunday mornings at 9:30am https://tinyurl.com/NUUC-SUUC-RE
Junior and Senior High Youth Group
(Note the class address.)
Sundays at 12:00pm, https://tinyurl.com/NUUC-SUUC-RE
Jr./Sr. High Youth Group Game Night (Joint with Northlake UU)
3rd Friday of each month, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
We will be using an online game platform as one of the options for games (boardgamearena.com – free account is plenty), so if possible, please let Margaret know if you plan to attend so we can get set up ahead of time. We hope to see you there!
https://tinyurl.com/CRE-NUUC
Meeting ID: 309 145 529
Password: NUUC
If you are interested in having your youth (and/or yourself) receive reminder texts directly for game night and Sunday youth group, you can sign up for them by clicking this link and entering the information: https://www.remind.com/join/nuuc-6-12 Contact Margaret Rogers for more information: dre@northlakeuu.org
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 is closed to most in-person programming, groups, and meetings. Saltwater staff are primarily working from home while our Office Administrator is on-site at least twice a week to collect the mail and address any additional needs. Planting Flowers has resumed providing essential childcare support to families. Haitian Christians have resumed in-person gatherings with a limited capacity on Sunday evenings. As of August 1st Bet Chaverim has also resumed hosting some events in the Welcome Room & Sanctuary.
Volunteer Opportunities Serving the Saltwater Community
As we return to more in-person activities, the need for volunteers has increased. Saltwater relies on small volunteer teams to coordinate activities and projects. These team members are invaluable to our community and they need our support. Historically volunteers are able to discover opportunities by attending services and reading the bulletin boards in the Welcome Room. The pandemic has made it difficult to discover new opportunities to contribute to our community.
If you are interested in learning how you can volunteer with or without officially joining a team, please contact Katherine Bubba Miller. They would love to help you discover where your time and talents may contribute to Saltwater’s success. Sometimes, it takes a village to thrive. Can you help our village prosper?
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 2020 for tax purposes to 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).