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 January: Finding Our Center
Throughout the month of January, we are exploring the theme of Finding Our Center. Where does your center reside? How do you come back to center in the midst of uncertainty? Throughout this month, we will introduce spiritual practices to center ourselves, lean into authenticity, and explore what may need to be de-centered, both individually and collectively. Join us in reflecting, learning, and growing together.
Services
Live multi-platform worship in the sanctuary and online through zoom!
January 29: “Uncovering Authenticity,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
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.
Reflection Session on Proposed Changes to Article II of the UUA Bylaws
Sunday January 29, 12:00pm
Multi Platform: Saltwater Church Sanctuary
& Church Zoom Room
The Article II Study Commission of the Unitarian Universalist Association has released their report and proposed revisions of Article II of the UUA bylaws. Article II includes the purpose of the association, the principles and sources (in this version, called the values and covenant, and the inspirations), as well as statements on inclusion and freedom of belief.
You can access the full report here: https://www.uua.org/files/2023-01/a2sc_rpt_01172023.pdf
The Board of Saltwater Church is creating space for reflection and dialogue on the proposed revisions. Please join us in-person or by zoom on January 29th after worship. Additional sessions will be planned in the coming months as we move towards sending delegates to participate in mini-assemblies and to represent the congregation at General Assembly. If you are interested in serving as a Saltwater Church delegate, applications will be available on the website soon and the application deadline will be April 1, 2023.
Join us to engage with this important moment in our faith tradition to articulate who we are as Unitarian Universalists and what we most deeply value. ***image credit: UUA Proposal Pdf
Community Potluck – Everyone Welcome
Sunday February 5, following service
In Person : Welcome Room
Church-Wide Potluck on February 5, Yummy! Please mark your calendars for our first (in a long while) church potluck on the first Sunday in February, right after church. 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 debravalpey@gmail.com ***image credit: Lewisburg Comm Garden
Chalice Circle – Walk-ins Welcome
Sunday February 5, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
In Person : Saltwater Church Sanctuary
We host a Saltwater Chalice Circle on the first Sunday of every month. This is an opportunity to foster connection and share our experiences with one another. If you are new to the community or haven’t participated in a Chalice Circle in the past, we encourage you to drop by and see what our gatherings are all about. This event adheres to the current COVID-19 guidelines as determined by the Saltwater Board. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com.
***image credit: UU Medville
Youth Group Fundraiser Bake Sale
Sunday February 12, 11:30am – 12:30pm
In Person : Welcome Room
We will be hosting a monthly Book Sale after Church beginning in February! Come see a selection of wonderful books for sale written by our own Saltwater writers. All profits go to the church. For more information, contact Debra Valpey 206-953-5704 or debravalpey@gmail.com. ***image credit: Jill Wellington
UU 101 with Rev. Kristen Kuriga
Sunday February 12, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
In Person : Welcome Room
Do you have questions about Unitarian Universalism? Have you been attending worship for a while and want to get more connected? Join Rev. Kristen for a UU 101 class. Together we will explore:
- What does it mean to be Unitarian Universalist?
- Who historically were Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists?
- What are the values and beliefs that shape our faith tradition?
- What is the membership process at Saltwater UU?
Bring your questions and explore whether this might be your spiritual home. Questions or to RSVP, contact Rev. Kristen: minister@saltwaterchurch.org. This class will also be offered via the Church Zoom Room on Saturday March 18 beginning at 10:00am. ***image credit: UUA Website
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.
Growth & Learning
Transforming Conflict: A Congregational Opportunity for Learning and Skill Building
What’s your relationship with conflict? Is it difficult for you? As a congregation, we want to learn how to engage with conflict in loving and covenantal ways. Join the Healthy Congregation Team and the Board as we conclude our study of the book Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil by Terasa Cooley. Our final session is offered on Zoom and in person.
The same session will be offered in two different modalities:
1st Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Church Zoom Room &
3rd Sundays, 12:00pm – 1:30 pm, In Person – Church Welcome Room
February 1 & 19: Tools for Change
& The Courage of Creative Imagination
Questions? Contact a member of the Healthy Congregation Team: Bev Ross, Quinn Rose, Debra Valpey, or the Board Liaison to the Healthy Congregation Team, Aida Sanchez-Vela.
Ways To Live Our Values
Share the Plate for January
Federal Way Day Center
Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of January will be shared with The Federal Way Day Center https://ccsww.org/get-help/shelter-homeless-services/federal-way-day-center
Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of January will be shared with Federal Way Day Shelter. With the active involvement of SUUC, the Federal Way Day Center opened in December 2016. It provides a welcoming space to adults who are homeless and vulnerably housed. The Day Center offers showers, laundry, computers, phones, mail reception services, space for meal preparation, and access to health care and social services. Case Management services and Family-Only hours are also offered. Remember, our funds are matched so your contribution is doubled!
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.
Engage in Climate Justice
Bet Chaverim Guest Speaker – Keah Calluccie
Sunday January 29, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Saltwater Church Sanctuary
Listen to our Guest Speaker, Keah Calluccie, the Multifaith Program Manager for Earth Ministry/Washington Power & Light. For over 25 years, Earth Ministry/WAIPL has been a national leader in engaging the faith community in environmental stewardship and advocacy. Earth Ministry/WAIPL envisions a just and sustainable future in which people of all spiritual traditions fully embrace their faith’s call to environmental stewardship.
Ms. Calluccie will be speaking to us about the history of the organization, the work they’ve been doing to help congregations reduce their environmental footprint, & to engage them in supporting public policies to help the environment & promote environmental justice.
Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
Monthly on the 1st Sunday, 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Church Zoom Room
Please join us on Sunday, February 5 to see how you can help make an impact on our current climate crisis. This month’s meeting will be starting 30 minutes later than our usual time, beginning at 12:30pm. 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
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 February 11 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 February 12 in Des Moines at the intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack in the Box and Arco gas). We will meet again on February 26 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)
3rd Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room
The next meeting will be on Wednesday February 15. 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
One out of every three bites of our food depend on the work of pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Pollinator populations are shrinking worldwide, in part because their habitat is being destroyed by development projects and climate change. Help pollinators by planting nectar- and pollen-rich plants in a garden or container. For information on what to plant and other ways to support pollinators go to King County Pollinator Information at https://tinyurl.com/5xs8nnc9.
Note: On January 28 JUUstice Washington, a UU Action Network, will be hosting the 2023 Environmental Justice Legislative Summit. Get information from legislators about important climate bills going through this legislative session. For more information and for a link to register, go to https://tinyurl.com/y3rrkbjzn
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
Growing Sunday Morning Worship
On Sundays, we continue to grow our multi-platform service skills. We’ve had (40-60) people, average, in the sanctuary, and another (20-30) on Zoom. We’re preparing to hire a part-time AV person so we have the resources and skills to support our services. We hope this will also free up volunteers to help in other essential areas, including welcoming visitors.
We invite you to take part in creating the kind of community that you want to be part of! Consider this list of roles, and please get in touch with Leanne LaFramboise, our volunteer coordinator, at anna57.5@gmail.com if one of these roles calls to you.
If you attend church on Zoom, you can be a “Digital Usher” once/month
Digital Usher: virtual support for multiplatform worship services, which includes being part of tech rehearsals on Sunday morning for sound check, admitting people, posting lyrics and links in the chat box, and opening break out rooms after service. Comfort with zoom is important.
Time commitment: 9:30 am-12 pm, once per month, from home
If you attend church in person, there are several roles including:
Greeter & Usher: work together as a team to open up the space, set up sign in tables, welcome people, talk with visitors, make people aware of COVID-19 protocols, count offering, and close up the space.
Time commitment: 9:45 am-12 pm, once a month, or sign up for Sundays that work for your schedule
Coffee Hour: In the coming months, we hope to restart coffee hour. There is a group of leaders working on this as a follow-up from the leadership convening in late October. Please let us know if you would like to be part of the team! Time commitment to be determined by organizing team.
Worship Associate: Help co-create worship on Sunday mornings, including leading chalice lighting, welcome, announcements, reading, and chalice extinguishing. Also assists with rituals like Joys and Sorrows, sets up the chalice table, and puts away the chalice table. Worship associate training provided.
Time commitment: 9:30 am-11:45 pm, in-person ***image credit: Bubba
Facilities Team
Monthly on the 1st 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 February 2. ***Image credit: Karolina Grabowska
Saltwater Church Safety Taskforce
Monthly on the 2nd 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 February 9.
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 has returned to zoom only for the fall & winter seasons. 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.
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 February 4.
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
Paint n’ Sip
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 will be February 27.
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 February 5. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janeane Weprin at jghonore@yahoo.com.
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 Febuary 8. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.
Support Circle – Schedule Change
Now meeting once per month
Church Zoom Room : https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/
3rd 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 Februrary 16. All are welcome.
Creative Hands
In Person : Welcome Room
3rd 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 February 21. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.
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
Children and Youth Registration for our Multigenerational Faith Formation Program
Families are encouraged to fill out a registration form for any children and youth participating in classes and activities at Saltwater Church. This helps our staff and volunteers with planning programs, and helps us know your family better. Register online at: https://forms.gle/nNG2M6Pth3AZMgH16
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 Gaming Night
Saturday February 4, 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.
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
Family Support Circles
First & Third Mondays, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Family ministries zoom room
Are you are looking for like-minded parents to support you through the challenges of family life? Look no further than the Parent Support Group! Join us 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:30pm in the Multigenerationl Faith Formation Zoom Room. For questions, contact Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com
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 is available upon request for any church activity if requested at least one week in advance. To request childcare, contact Jessica Alexander via email at jazz.itup@live.com. Childcare is currently being offered for the paint group 4th Mondays from 6-9 p.m. (This event is also open to youth participants.)
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: 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 Melinda: 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.
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 while also continuing to have virtual options. 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 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).