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.
May 31: “The Third Way,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
Staying in the in-between place can be incredibly uncomfortable. We crave certainty. Yet, what if the in-between place, the liminal space, is the place where creativity and new possibilities emerge from?
June 7: “Playing with Pavement: Laying the Steps Ahead,” Middle & High School Youth Group
The annual youth service considers designing our way in uncertain times and culminates in our bridging ceremony, acknowledging those transitioning from our youth group into young adulthood.
June 14: “Sharing Our Gifts – A Musical Mosaic,” Led by Thomas Burt, Music Director
Our Spring Music Service is taking a new shape this year. Many members will share their musical offerings in a virtual gathering of gifts. Young and old, vocal and instrumental, encompassing many styles, all bringing their spiritual nourishment to our beloved community. We will also celebrate the members who have joined since last spring and the gifts they bring to our community in a new member blessing.
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.
May: What Does it Mean to be a People of Thresholds?
In the month of May we are exploring what it means to be a people of thresholds. Thresholds, those liminal, in-between places, that can be both transformational and uncomfortable. Thresholds can be physical, like doorways and entrances. They can also be symbolic: rituals like graduations, weddings, memorials, and child dedications. The crossing of these thresholds are imbued with meaning. They mark a change or transformation in us and around us. What do we learn from being in-between? In the places where the sacred and the ordinary meet, where the known and the unknown meet, and where life and death meet. Soul matters describes being a people of thresholds as the practice of courageously stepping into the unknown and the new.
Upcoming Events
Social Distancing Grounds Work Party!
We missed out on our Spring Grounds Work Party and as a result, our church grounds are getting a bit overgrown and weedy. So if you are looking for somewhere to get out and be that isn’t your own yard, come over to the church and pull some weeds or trim some blackberries. The areas most in need of attention are the spaces around our buildings and the playground.
When you work and for how long, is up to you! Take a picture of yourself to share on the Facebook page so we can all enjoy the hard work you have done. If another family is working at the same time as you, show your love by remaining on a different side of the building. If you have questions please contact Karin at karinleisy@gmail.com or 425.922.1161
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Thank You!
Cards for Bridging Youth
On Sunday, June 7 during worship, we will recognize our youth who are bridging into adulthood this year. This year’s bridgers are Jacob Lomboy, Quinn Burt, and Isaac Radak. You are encouraged to write a card or note of encouragement and congratulations for each of our bridgers. Cards may be dropped off at or mailed to the church or mailed directly to the bridgers’ families. Please contact Melinda Einander with questions: melinda@saltwaterchurch.org
Congregational Meeting
Church Zoom Room, June 14th, 12 pm
Please put Sunday, June 14 on your calendar for the all-important annual business meeting of the congregation. The meeting will be held via Zoom, shortly after the music service that day. The agenda will be announced at least 10 days prior to the meeting. To vote at the annual business meeting you must be a member for at least 20 days prior to the meeting. If you have questions about your membership status of your ability to vote, please contact CJ, our church administrator to verify: administrator@saltwaterchurch.org
Candidates for Board and Nominating Team
Your nominating team has secured three candidates for our two board openings and two candidates for our Nominating Team openings. We will be voting during our June 14 General Membership Meeting. As per our by-laws, if there are nominations from the (virtual) floor, those will also be accepted. Please take time to acquaint yourselves with these fine candidates and, if you have questions, you may contact any member of the current Nominating Team or the candidates themselves: Debra Valpey, Nelson Schmitz, Sandra Petschek, and Colette DeMonte
Board Candidates: Lauren Crowder, Galen Guffy, and Karin Leisy
Nominating Team Candidates: Marlies Scott-Wenzel and Toska Rodriguez
You can read more about the candidate here: https://saltwaterchurch.org/stay-in-the-loop/congregational-meeting-candidates/
New Proposed Mission Statement
On Sunday, May 17 we shared our new proposed mission statement during worship. After service, the Board held break-out groups to receive feedback from the congregation. The new proposed Mission Statement is below. If you have feedback you would like to share and weren’t able to be part of a breakout group, please be in touch with a member of the Mission subgroup of the Board: Janeane Weprin, Mayda Taney, Anjali Lopez, or Rev. Kristen
At Saltwater Church
We
Practice Love
Foster Connection
Nurture Spiritual Growth
Act for Justice
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
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.
Ways to Connect
Support Circle (church zoom room)
We are offering drop-in support circles on zoom. The format is simple: a chalice lighting, check-in, and a reflection question on our theme for this month. Starting in June, support circles will happen once per week on Thursdays at lunch time: 12:30-1:30 pm. To foster connection, we are working towards forming new chalice circles on zoom for the summer. Stay tuned for more information about how to sign up!
Thursday, June 4, 12:30-1:30 pm
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
Choir Fellowship (church zoom room)
Thursdays, 7-8 pm
Members of the choir are invited to join Tom Burt, Music Director, for a time of connection and fellowship.
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.
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 GroupSundays 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
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/
Ways to Live Our Values
Share the Plate for May: Sound Alliance
Half of all undesignated basket donations received in the month of May will be shared with the Sound Alliance. You can learn more about Sound Alliance here: http://www.soundorganizing.org/. 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.
Sound Alliance Social Connections Program
Sound Alliance is starting a new program, in partnership with King County Housing Authority, Seattle Indian Health Board and others, to increase social connections within our community. Many in our community are especially isolated during this pandemic due to age, health concerns and/or few social supports. This project hopes to address this issue by connecting members in our Sound Alliance institutions with people who are experiencing high levels of isolation and loneliness. Volunteers are needed to make phone calls twice a week to 5-6 people identified by partner agencies as needing this service. All participants have agreed to be part of this program. A 90 minute online training will be provided. For more information, contact Diane Dobrowolski: ddobrowolski@earthlink.net.
SCAN! Climate Message of the Week
Fight climate change at the same time you take action to relieve the increased hunger, unemployment, and economic upheaval we’re facing during the pandemic. Substitute plant-protein for meat and donate the money you save to food banks or the WA Food Fund. Donate non-perishable plant-proteins like beans, nut butters, and high protein grains. Buy locally whenever possible. Be flexible about convenience and selection to support community businesses. Be understanding about what local businesses can do as they reopen. Take action to support Green Jobs. Research how to advocate for them. Contact your representatives about making Green Jobs part of local and national recovery efforts and legislation.
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/
Message from the Healthy Congregation Team
The Healthy Congregations Team is Debra Valpey, Bev Ross and Quinn Rose. We would like to share some thoughts about the topic of the month as it relates to healthy habits that benefit our community.
THRESHOLDS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Thoughts to ponder: A threshold is a division of what has been and what can be. A threshold is a point of departure or transition. A threshold can be a point that encourages us to take the next step.
Thresholds and relationships both
Take courage
Requires one to be open to change
Requires one to gather factual information
Requires one to make a commitment
Requires acceptance of self and others
Requires one to take risks
Thresholds and relationships provide us with new opportunities for growth. Moving forward in crossing our thresholds and maintaining healthy relationships, can offer us new opportunities to positively experience the world around us.
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.