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

Worship In July at Saltwater Church 

In July our theme is Embracing Possibilities and the Worship Team is arranging for meaningful and fun opportunities in lieu of our regular services. For our in-person folks there will be Worshipful Workshops – informal, lay-led, participatory workshops centered on different spiritual practices. For our folks on-line, there will be facilitated Chalice Circles over zoom each week with discussion questions related to the theme of Embracing Possibilities.

Some things to note about these events:

1. These workshops and chalice circles are replacing the regular worship services in July and will be at the regular time of 10:30 am on Sundays. 
2. This is not a permanent change in how we do worship – this is something we are trying out for the month of July. 
3. These will not be multi-platform services; the in-person and online events will be separate. This will allow staff and volunteers who have been working diligently to create the multiplatform experience an opportunity to rest, renew, and be ready to start up again in August!

We hope you will take this opportunity to embrace a new possibility by attending one or more of these different ways to worship. If you have any questions, reach out to one of the Worship Team members: Janeane Weprin, Meri Murphy, Joanne Stonebraker, and Janeira St. Clare.

Worshipful Workshop: 10:30 am, In-person at Saltwater Church

July 23:  Music and Movement as Embodied Spiritual Practice led by Tom Burt

Come sing and move together, connecting with our bodies, our spirits, and each other. No previous experience required! All bodies and abilities are welcome and wanted.

July 30: Yes! You Can Write! – led by the Wednesday Morning Writer’s Group

Join the Writers Group in a fun writing exercise. You will have the chance to write and to share your writing (only if you want to!) in a safe and friendly way.  No experience required! If you have favorite writing materials such as a journal, or special pen or pencil, please feel free to bring these.  Otherwise, paper and pens will be provided.  This Worshipful Workshop will include inspirational readings and music to put us in a creative mood.

Chalice Circle: 10:30 am Online in the Church Zoom Room https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/

The format for our summer chalice circles is simple: a chalice lighting, check-in, and a reflection question on an aspect of the theme for July, embracing possibilities. In chalice circles we come to be nourished by authentic relationships, to listen and be listened to, to mutually support one another, and to create space for spiritual insight.

July 23: Facilitated by Miriam Woito

July 30: Facilitated by Rosalie Olds

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.

Neighborhood Potlucks – SIGN UP NOW
Thursday July 29 & July 30, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
In Person – Various Locations

Join your Saltwater neighbors for a potluck dinner, conversation, and fun! We have two dates, July 29 and July 30, 7-8:30pm. Times will be flexible depending on your neighborhood host. We have volunteer hosts in Federal Way, Normandy Park, Tukwila, and are always looking for more interested parties. Signup here to express your interest so we can match you up with a host in your region. Please select your preferred date and neighborhood region in relationship to the church’s location. Your host will contact you with details!

SAVE THE DATE

Announcing the dates of our Annual Church Retreat! Join us at Seabeck for another weekend of fun and community. The retreat will begin on April 26 at 4pm and run until noon on April 28, 2024. Watch our newsletter in the Spring for details about our theme, our programming, and carpooling opportunities.

From Our Leadership

Director of Faith Formation Update

Join us in welcoming our new Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash. We are very happy to announce she joined our team on July 6, 2023. A few words from Jessica…

Hi, my name is Jessica Nash. I have been orbiting Saltwater UU church for 10 years now. I have loved volunteering with the kids. Supporting the children’s ministry led me to see the beauty of the principles that this UU community holds so dear.

Through my years I have been; homeschooling, volunteering, teaching, mentoring and crafting my way through it all. Last year I helped at Camp Blue Boat. The amazing youth I encountered there inspired me to expand my role in this community.  I look forward to making new connections and growing along side such supportive and caring people. 

IMPORTANT Update For Our Volunteers

The locks on our buildings have been updated with new access codes. If you have access to our facilities, please watch your email, or contact our Office Administrator, for the new entry codes. Your personal alarm code has not changed. Thank you.  _{***Photo by Monstera}

Transitional Ministry Update

We have posted a position for a one-year contract minister on the UUA Ministry Search website. We will consider all ministers who apply.

The start date depends on when we find the right candidate. We listed it starting August 1st, but it may take longer than that.

This is the process that UU ministers agree to; it helps us follow best practices and avoid unintended bias.

We are taking the time to find the right fit. And we have time; Rev. Kristen did so much to help us that we have good lay and staff leadership to care for our congregation as we grow into this challenge.

Ways to Volunteer

Your Community Needs YOU!
Volunteer Now

We invite you to take part in creating the kind of community that you want to be part of! We need volunteers of all skills and ages. Opportunities include:

Sunday Morning Opportunities: Contact Bubba (administrator@saltwaterchurch.org) if you’re interested & need to get training/ orientation. For job details click here.

Facilities Team
Thursday August 3, 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. _{^{***Image credit: Bubba}} 

Ways To Live Our Values

Climate Message of the Week

There’s an old saying in the media “If it bleeds, it leads.”

Media coverage of the climate crisis is no different. “More than 80% of all news and mainstream media play up the issue of doomsday or catastrophe,” according to Norwegian professor and climate author Per Espen Stoknes. He continues that “if you overdo the threat of catastrophe, you make people feel fear or guilt or a combination. But these two emotions are passive. They make people disconnect and avoid the topic rather than engage with it.” Be aware that the media only reports on a sliver of all the research on the climate crisis. Seek out sources and groups that put forward information on solutions and people-driven actions.

For a fact-based but empowering view of the climate crisis read the book Not Too Late by Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua. _{***image credit: Ocean Defenders Organization}

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 
Now In Person
Tuesdays, 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Our meditation group meets in person in the Saltwater Church Sanctuary. 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)
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. Our next meet up will be on July 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. Our next meeting is on July 23.

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. If you would like to attend please 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 July 18. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.

Quarterly Meetings

After Service Potluck
In Person : Welcome Room
Sunday September 17
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 our Office Administrator for additional information administrator@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

Family Night at Indian Days Powwow!
Friday July 21, 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center

Join us in support of our indigenous neighbors and attend this outdoor Pow wow sponsored by United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. The Powwow will occur come rain or shine! This is a FREE 3 day event with Friday being designated as family day. There is some bleacher seating for the powwow, but it is limited, so feel free to bring your lawn, camping, chair, and/or blanket. Local Native artists selling authentic, hand crafted jewelry, arts and crafts and clothing. There will be food vendors, at the powwow. Ever have Frybread? If not, then have one this weekend, (it is fried dough, a delicious indulgent!) It’s a good idea to bring cash, as some vendors do not accept credit cards.

Tabletop Family Game Night!
Saturday August 5, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
In Person – Saltwater Welcome Room

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

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.

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 Volunteer Childcare Coordinator, Lisa Key via email at lunderhi@gmail.com. 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, 10am to 2pm. 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).