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 April: Resistance

Throughout the month of April we are exploring the theme of resistance. According to the oxford languages dictionary, resistance is “the refusal to accept or comply; the attempt to prevent something by action.” As Unitarian Universalists, what are we called to resist? What is the relationship between spirituality and resistance? Can resistance be joyful? Join us as we explore new possible directions and learn together!

Services

Live multi-platform worship in the sanctuary and online through zoom!

April 2: “Our Mission Lives!,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga, Janeane Weprin, Colette DeMonte and Anjali Lopez

April 9: “Resurrection: An Act of Resistance,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga

April 16: “Joyful Resistance,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga

April 23: “Earth, Religion, and the Human Future,” David Korten, Guest

April 30: Retreat weekend, no in-person services…more information coming soon.

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.

Article II Amendment Town Hall
Saturday April 1, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Multi Platform – Sanctuary & Church Zoom Room

Please join us this Saturday to talk about Article II to share your thoughts with everyone who is present, and to hear the perspectives of our Saltwater community.

Some important points:

• Each person will have up to 2 minutes to speak, to allow as many people as possible to share their perspectives.
• This meeting will be both in person and on the church Zoom room
• Child care will not be provided, due to unexpected circumstances. We apologize for the challenges this creates. 

There will be more opportunities to make your perspective heard. 

• We will be gathering your input in an online form, and 
• On April 22nd, we’ll have one more meeting to hear the summary of perspectives from that online form, and have an opportunity for discussion.

We look forward to hearing from our community on this important issue. For more information about Article II, please see https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission

Rise & Thrive Celebration Feast & Sing-a-long!
Saturday April 15 – RSVP TODAY!
Dinner: 6:00pm – 7:00pm in the Welcome Room
Multi Platform Sing-A-Long: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Sanctuary & Church Zoom Room

Join the Saltwater Church for a Feast and Sing-Along to celebrate a successful pledge drive. Dinner will be a delicious appetizer buffet from Project Feast, a past Share-the-Plate recipient that provides on-the-job training in the catering industry for refugee and immigrant cooks (https://www.projectfeast.org). The sing-along in the sanctuary will be led by Tom and Cami, and will be multiplatform. All are welcome, RSVP is requested for the dinner, no later than April 2: https://tinyurl.com/CelebrationFeast. For questions, please contact Sharon Crow via email at smcrow2@msn.com or text 206-940-2456o think about your favorite memories at Saltwater and your dreams for our future together.

Community Passover with Bet Chaverim
Friday April 7, 6:00pm
In Person – Welcome Room

Bet Chaverim invites you to join them for this year’s Community Passover Seder. Please register in advance to melissabrooks25@gmail.com and let her know how many are coming, how many are vegetarian or gluten free, and if you have any additional questions. Click here to download their registration form. _{***image credit: Bubba}

Budget Information Session
Saturday April 8, 10:00am – 11:00am
Church Zoom Room 
https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/

Join Gaye Greeves, Church Treasurer, and Rev. Kristen Kuriga, for an informational meeting about the approach to the 2023-2024 church budget and the related goals for the pledge drive. We will also share information about the new UUA guidelines for fair compensation. This is a great opportunity to learn about the church’s financial health and explore strategies for sustainability. Bring your questions! Full budget presentations will also be organized after the conclusion of the pledge drive in the first few weeks of May.

Sound Alliance CCC Levy Presentation
Saturday April 8, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Church Zoom Room  
https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/

Please join us on Zoom, following the Saltwater Budget Presentation, to learn more about the King County Crisis Care Center (CCC) Levy which will be voted on April 25th. Members of Saltwater’s Sound Alliance Team will outline why the levy is needed, what it will provide, how it will be financed, etc. You will have a chance to ask questions. For more information contact Debra Valpey (debravalpey@gmail.com) or Diane Dobrowolski (ddobrowolski@earhtlink.net). Feel free to invite your neighbors and friends.

Easter Egg Hunt – an event for all ages
Sunday April 9, starting around 11:45am
In Person – Saltwater Church Grounds

You are invited to our in-person Easter Egg Hunt. People of all ages are encouraged to attend to connect with one another and build multigenerational community. Children ages 12 and under may bring a basket and hunt for eggs on the lawn. Youth group members are invited to help hide the eggs and hand out prizes.

SAVE THE DATE

Saltwater’s 2023 Seabeck Church Retreat
April 28 through April 30

We have a handful of rooms left. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to relax near the water, enjoy morning walks to breakfast, and join us as we create together. Register today to attend our weekend long Church Retreat. “Loving Creation” is this year’s theme. Activities begin Friday evening lasting through Sunday afternoon. Don’t miss our Saturday morning workshop with guest speaker, Washington State Poet Laureate, Rena Priest, a Lummi poet inspired by nature.

What is available for retreat housing? We have roughly 20 beds left with housing options available in Annex, Huckleberry, and Madrona. Payment can be made online here or by sending a check to the church office. If you have questions, please contact Saphronia Young. Be sure to give her your room requests and dietary restrictions before April 15.

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.

From Our Leadership

Join us on Sunday April 2^nd to continue our discovery of how Saltwater UU Rises and Thrives. The service titled “Our Mission Lives!” will feature members of our community sharing how they help to Practice Love. Foster Connection. Nurture Spiritual Growth. Act for Justice. The service will be in person and on zoom.

Come see the finished mural we created together. It shows how Saltwater UU Rise and Thrive now and into the future. With Apples of gratitude telling how we thrive as a community and Blossoms sharing our dreams for our future together.

Thank you for those who have already returned your pledge cards. There are many ways you can turn in your pledge; leave it in the basket during service, drop it in the treasure chest after service, use our online form here, or mail the self addressed envelope that is in your pledge packet. If you need a copy of our pledge packet, click here to see our online documentation.

Don’t forget to RSVP for the Celebration Feast and Sing Along! https://tinyurl.com/CelebrationFeast. The deadline is April 2 – that’s this Sunday! Celebrate our success and our community.

General Assembly Delegate Applications Due April 1, 2023

There will be some momentous items on the business agenda for the annual General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), including a vote on the proposed changes to Article II and the election of the next UUA President. While anybody can attend GA (including the business meetings), only the certified delegates of member congregations can vote or speak at the business meetings. The event is June 21 – 25, and the business meetings will be conducted virtually so travel is not necessary; in addition, this year there is a registration option for business-only virtual attendance that is by suggested donation only, so certified delegates do not need to pay to attend.

If you are interested in being a certified delegate, please submit an application by April 1, 2023 using this form (https://saltwaterchurch.org/about-us/our-governance/gadelegate-application/). To find the form online, from our home page click on the drop-down for “Members”, and click on the online application on the list. The Board hopes to choose a slate of delegates who represent the diverse viewpoints of the members of Saltwater Church. Preference will be given to those who have attended, or commit to attending, at least one of the planned Article II listening sessions to be scheduled in early 2023, so that they can vote according to their understanding of the preferences of the congregation.

Ways to Volunteer

Growing Sunday Morning Worship

Facilities Team
Monthly on the 1^st 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 April 6. _{^{***Image credit:  Karolina Grabowska}} 

Saltwater Church Safety Taskforce
Monthly on the 2^nd 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 April 13.

Growth & Learning

Engage In Racial Justice

Learning Opportunities with other UU congregations

University Unitarian Church invites us to participate in April events with social justice educator Chris Crass. For more information go to Gathering for Collective Liberation and Anti-Racism with Chris Crass.

Ways To Live Our Values

Share the Plate for April
The Black Future Fund

Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of April will be shared with Black Future Fund
https://www.seattlefoundation.org/nonprofits/community-campaigns/black-future-co-op-fund/

Our Racial Justice Organizing Team supports the Black Future Fund. The Fund is Washington state’s first all-Black-led philanthropic organization, and is uniquely positioned to lead transformational change with Black Washingtonians. They fund the pursuits of Black communities and Black-led organizations that strengthen health, education, and economic opportunity for Black people.

The Fund’s work is structured around four key areas:

• Connecting Black communities for collective power.
• Promoting a truthful Black narrative.
• Investing in Black-led solutions for generational prosperity.
• Shifting the paradigm of philanthropy.

The Fund works under the umbrella of the Seattle Foundation and supports south King County efforts. One of their many efforts include We-See-You Grants. They are listed here: https://www.blackfuturewa.org/news/announcing-we-see-you-grants

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.

Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
Monthly on the 1^st Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Church Zoom Room

Please join us on Sunday, April 2  to see how you can help make an impact on our current climate crisis. 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 3^rd 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 April 15 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.

Racial Justice Organizing Team (RJOT)
3rd Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room

The next meeting will be on Wednesday April 19. 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

Earth Day 2023 is coming on April 22! (Click image to view upcoming local Earth Day activities throughout the month of April.)

Twenty million Americans took part in the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. By the end of 1970 the Environmental Protection Agency had been created. In the next few years important environmental legislation was passed including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Today over 1 billion people in 190 countries celebrate Earth Day. Start choosing your Earth Day activities now. Click the above image to view upcoming local Earth Day activities throughout the month of April, including some exciting events hosted by https://earthdaysouthsound.org/.

Celebrate with us and plan on attending the SCAN! Climate Service here at Saltwater on April 23.

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 
Church Zoom Room
Tuesdays, 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Our meditation group is currently available via Zoom only. 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. This event will follow our current COVID-19 Guidelines. Our next meet up will be on April 1.

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

Saltwater Genealogy Club
Church Zoom Room
Special Date for April – 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 April 5. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.

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

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 April 16. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janeane Weprin at jghonore@yahoo.com.

Support Circle
Church Zoom Room : https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/
3^rd 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 April 20. All are welcome.

Paint n’ Sip
In Person – Welcome Room
4^th Mondays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
All ages welcome! Bring any size canvas. No experience required. All paints and supplies provided. Childcare is being provided. RSVP to Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com. Our next evening of artistic expression will be April 24.

Quarterly Meetings

After Service Potluck
In Person : Welcome Room
Sunday May 21 following service
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 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 Family Game Night!
Saturday April 1, 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.

Register for Camp Blue Boat
July 16 through July 21
Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center, Ellensburg, WA

It’s time to register for this year’s Camp Blue Boat. This is a Unitarian Universalist summer camp immersion experience for youth from rising 6th-grade to 12th-grade graduates, with age-specific housing and programming. Campers, counselors and staff will spend time exploring being in relationship with one’s self, others, and the wider world. At camp, youth learn about community, spirituality, justice, equality, and also have a ton of fun! For additional information and the link to register go to: https://www.uua.org/pacific-western/youth-ministries/events/pnwd-camp

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

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 Office Administrator via email at administrator@saltwaterchurch.org. 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, 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).