Worship
Church zoom room (saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/)
Each Sunday we are offering 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.
June 21: “When Compassion is Hard,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
Cedars UU of Bainbridge will be worshipping with us this Sunday
June 28: “What Compassion Asks of Us,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
June: What Does it mean to be a People of Compassion?
This month we are exploring what it means to be a people of compassion. Compassion means to suffer with. It is part of the human experience to feel pain when others are in pain. This is central to our theology as Unitarian Universalists. We are all connected, and therefore our fates are bound up with one another. We will explore the three-part experience of compassion: noticing another’s pain, feeling with another, and then responding. When is compassion hard for me? How does compassion call me to respond? Soul Matters describes what it means to be a people of compassion as the path of healing our pain by opening to the pain of others.
Summer Worship News: Collaboration between Four Congregations
I am excited to announce that in the months of July and August we will be worshiping virtually with three other congregations: Northlake UU of Kirkland, Westside UU of West Seattle, and Cedars UU of Bainbridge. This worship collaborative is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between our congregations and find new and creative ways to worship. Saltwater will be hosting the services in our zoom room, so you will be able to connect in the same way you have been since we started worshiping on zoom. Each week there will be leadership from the different congregations using a shared order of service created for our summer worship together. We will also be alternating between social hour with all the congregations one week, and social hour with just Saltwater folks the next Sunday.
Technology Support for Worship
We are in need of volunteers who can help with supporting Sunday morning worship services on zoom. There are two different roles:
Zoom technology volunteer: includes screensharing videos, posting lyrics and announcements in the chat box, and being available for tech rehearsal on Saturday morning (day before the service you are the tech volunteer)
Zoom digital usher: includes admitting people, welcoming newcomers, addressing problems put in the chat box, helping with unmuting if needed, and being part of the team monitoring for zoom bombing
Training and support will be provided. The positions require access to a computer with a strong internet connection. We are looking for volunteers who can commit to once or twice per month, or who can fill in occasionally as needed. To express interest, contact Melinda: melinda@saltwaterchurch.org.
Ways to Live Our Values
Share the Plate for June: Black Lives of UU (BLUU)
Half of all undesignated basket donations received in the month of June will be shared with Black Lives of UU (BLUU). You can learn more about BLUU here: https://www.blacklivesuu.com/about-bluu . You can make a donation to the basket 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.
Stance for Racial Justice
Sundays in June, 2-4 pm, Puyallup
If able, please join Colette DeMonte and other community members in the weekly stance for racial justice in Puyallup. For the remaining Sundays in June from 2-4pm stand at the intersection of 136th and Meridian (near Puyallup Sonic). Please feel free to bring signs to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Contact Colette at colettedemonte@gmail.com for more information.
Mass Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington
On June 20th, the Poor People’s Campaign will hold the largest digital and social media gathering of poor and low-wealth people, moral and religious leaders, advocates, and people of conscience in this nation’s history. A global pandemic is exposing even more the already existing crisis of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and militarism, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. On June 20, the 140 million poor and low-income people across this nation will be heard! For more information go to: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/june2020/overview/
Side With Love/Love Resists Political Education Series
4 Wednesdays: June 10, June 17, July 1 and July 8
Unfinished Business: A Study of DuBois’ Reconstruction in America to Now
This political education series offered by Side With Love and Love Resists will explore the history of the reconstruction era (post-civil war), to give us a deeper understanding of the origin of today’s systemic racism in policing and mass incarceration as well as the Black-led movements resisting it. The political education group will begin each Wednesday at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET and you can join an hour earlier (4 pm PT/7 pm ET) to watch the film together, or you can watch on your own any time ahead of the discussion group. For more information and to sign up: https://www.uua.org/loveresists/four-session-political-education-series
Federal Way Day Center Donations Needed
The Federal Way Day Center is providing important support to our local community while practicing social distancing. Below is a list of current donation needs:
*Paper towels*
Windex
Single Use bowls (for cereal)
Single use sturdy plates and cups
sugared cereal
protective gloves
You can park in front of the Day Center and call (253-893-7895) and someone can come out to pick up the donations. 33505 13th Pl S behind the Multi-Service Center
Racial Justice Organizations
If you are looking for more information about how to take action for racial justice, we recommend you check out these organizations:
BLUU: Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism: https://www.blacklivesuu.com/connect
BLUU is very active on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BlackLivesUU/
Movement for Black Lives: https://m4bl.org/
Poor People’s Campaign: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/
SURJ: Showing Up for Racial Justice: https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/
(this group is for white people learning to be allies)
SCAN! Climate Message of the Week
Don’t drive into Seattle. Plan to take public transportation. Check the Metro website for bus schedules and routes.. An even better option is Link Light Rail. It often gets from Angle Lake Station to downtown, Capitol Hill, or the University District faster than a car, without the parking hassle.
Updates from the Board & HCT
Congregational Meeting Follow-up
Thank you to the over 80 members of the church who participated in our virtual congregational meeting on Sunday, June 14. At the meeting the congregation voted for two new Board Members: Karin Leisy and Lauren Crowder, and two new members of the nominating team: Toska Rodriguez and Marlies Wenzel. We also announced that Galen Guffy will be the new Worship Operations Lead. If you would like to read the reports from the Operations Teams, they can be found here: https://saltwaterchurch.org/stay-in-the-loop/operation-team-annual-reports-2020/. If you would like to read reports from the Minister and staff, they can be found here: https://saltwaterchurch.org/stay-in-the-loop/minister-staff-annual-reports-june-2020/
HCT Guidelines for Having Difficult Conversations (June 2020)
As Unitarian Universalists we are committed to creating a safe space for conversations that foster, enable and encourage our own growth and learning. To this end and to help us remain a community in covenant, your Healthy Congregations Team offers the following guidelines/reminders for when we find ourselves having an emotional reaction to something another person has said in person and/or posted on social media. This is especially relevant in light of the current political and social justice challenges we are living with today.
When you have a deeply emotional reaction to something that was said or that you read on-line…
1.) It is okay to STOP and think about what you are experiencing before responding. Ponder your needs (to educate, to “win,” to get help with your feelings) and how they align with your values and our covenant with one another.
2.) Consider your intent (to convince, to learn, to empathize, or ?) as you prepare to respond. Know, however, that your intent may be different from your impact, which prepares you for another kind of learning. Patience and humility helps here.
3.) It helps to examine the historical and societal context of your own identity and privilege which might lead you to underestimate the weight of an issue which has not yet affected you personally.
4.) Determine if it would be helpful to schedule a Zoom meeting (or some other face-to-face structure) rather than continuing to communicate on-line; seeing someone while having a difficult discussion improves communication because tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language can be conveyed.
5.) In short, strive to keep yourself open to being influenced by what is happening around you. Patience, humility and clarity go a long way toward maintaining covenant with each other while we learn and grow together.
Your H.CT. (Debra Valpey, Bev Ross, and Quinn Rose) and your minister stand with you and will help in any way we can to maintain and, when needed, find a way back into covenant.
At Saltwater Church we practice love, foster connection, nurture spiritual growth, and act for justice.
A Few Words from your H.C.T. on Compassion (Quinn Rose, Bev Ross, & Debra Valpey)
This month we bring you some thoughts on Soul Matters’ theme of compassion: https://saltwaterchurch.org/uncategorized/a-few-words-from-your-healthy-congregation-team-h-c-t/
Upcoming Events
Social Distancing Grounds Work Party!
For more info: https://saltwaterchurch.org/uncategorized/social-distancing-grounds-work-party/
UUA General Assembly—Registration is open!
June 24-28, 2020
The Unitarian Universalist General Assembly will be all virtual this year. This is a wonderful opportunity to worship and learn alongside UU’s from throughout the country. The cost of registration is $150. You can find more information here: https://www.uua.org/ga/registration
Ongoing Fundraising Opportunity
Since the Winter Bazaar fundraiser was canceled this year due to COVID-19, Joanne Stonebraker is selling her handmade cards online to benefit Saltwater Church. This will be an ongoing fundraiser, where 50% of the sales revenue from her Etsy store (www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeWithDove) will go to the church. Now you can keep in touch with friends and family by sending handmade note cards that benefit our beloved community! Holiday designs will be released in the fall! If you planned to sell handmade items at the bazaar this year and are interested in selling your items online, please contact Joanne at JoanneStonebraker@gmail.com.
Ways to Connect
Al-Anon Support Group (church zoom room)
Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm
Creative Hands (church zoom room)
Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 pm
We will support one another in our creative ventures, as well as discuss ways that we can help our communities during this time.
Meditation Group (church zoom room)
Tuesdays, 8-9 pm
Join the meditation group on zoom to help nourish your spirit. The group will have a teaching, sitting meditation, walking meditation, and an opportunity to share.
Writers Group (church zoom room)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am- 12pm
Support Circle (church zoom room)
Thursday, June 11, 12:30-1:30 pm
Over Eaters Anonymous (church zoom room)
Fridays, 5-6 pm
Support 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. Are you in a higher risk group and do not want to venture out to the grocery store? We may be able to connect you with someone in your neighborhood to help you get the supplies you need. If you have lost income from being sick or unable to work, or do not have enough money to buy extra food and supplies, 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. Do you need to go to work but don’t have childcare? Are there other needs that your family has? Please be in touch with Melinda: melinda@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
Lynn Crow: lynncrow1@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
Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, family ministries zoom room
Junior and Senior High Youth Group
Sundays at 12 pm, family ministries zoom room
Family Support Circles
First & Third Mondays, 7:30-8:30 pm
Family ministries zoom room
All Ages Movie Nights
Saturdays, starting at 7 pm
Kid-friendly movies, all ages invited. Join us!
Family ministries zoom room
UU Summer Kids Day Camp (online)–Now More Options Available!
The Rainbow Path June 29th to July 3rd
Animals of the Pacific Northwest July 6-10
Movement and Dance July 13-17
Stories, Improv, and Theater July 20-24
For the Love of Food! Aug 3-7
Art and Painting Aug 10-14
Minecraft for Environmental Justice Aug 17-21
Each day of camp will have three Zoom calls, some offline activities and craft projects, and some on-demand videos and stories to watch as you like. Supplies for craft projects will be put together in kits to pick up on the Sunday before camp. Sign up for one week, several, or all seven. These camps are collaborations from multiple area congregations. Open to kids of all ages, and youth who are interested in helping to lead the kids. Free! These camps are offered as a gift to the community and aim to be truly accessible to all. (Donations may be made to help cover the costs of supplies.) Please contact Melinda Einander for more information and to register.
Parents Facebook Group
You can also connect with other 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
Saltwater Church Building
The church building is closed to all in-person programming, groups, and meetings. All staff are working from home. Staff will be going by the property to collect the mail and to check on the campus. Planting Flowers has resumed providing essential childcare support to families.
An Updated Membership Directory is on the Church Website
The Member’s Page of SaltwaterChurch.org has the most current directory of Members and Pledging Friends. Please look for your entry and check it. Do we have your correct email address and contact information? Are your children’s names correct? Do you have a landline or cell phone that could be corrected? Send any corrections to CJ: administrator@saltwaterchurch.org. If you are a member and do not have a login to access the members only section of the website, please contact CJ who can help you get set up with a login.
New Church Year Begins on July 1: Expense Reimbursements and Calendaring
Our church year begins July first, and it’s time to finish up and look forward to a new year.
Expense reimbursements If you have purchased anything for which you need reimbursement, please submit your receipts and expenses before the end of June. If you have questions contact CJ at administrator@saltwaterchurch.org
Calendaring If you have events that you would like to get on the calendar for the new church year, please send in your calendar requests here: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/calendar-request/. A reminder that on-going events needs to be rescheduled each July. If you have questions contact CJ at administrator@saltwaterchurch.org
Scam Alert—TEXT Message
This morning, a few members of our congregation received a SCAM Text from phone number 206-479-4337, pretending to be Rev. Kristen. It was signed “Pastor Kristen Kuriga.” The message asks the member to be in touch right away. Please be aware that this is a SCAM. Do not respond to these messages.
Ministers and congregations throughout the country are experiencing increased scam attempts. Most often, this happens through the person creating a fake email account that looks like the minister’s account. We have also heard of scam attempts through texting and calling through zoom accounts.
Please know that Rev. Kristen will not contact you through these means for gift cards or urgent requests for support. If an email or text communication does not sound like it is from Rev. Kristen, it probably isn’t. Please check before responding to anything if you have questions.
I am sorry for this added challenge during an already difficult time. Thank you for taking extra care.