We offer worship in two ways: in-person multi-platform service held in our sanctuary and online in our Church Zoom Room at 10:30am. 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 both in-person programming and via our Church Zoom Room.

Worship

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

Theme for November: Generosity

In the month of November, we are engaging with the theme of generosity. What does it mean to give generously of ourselves? In what ways does life give generously to us, and how can we share that generosity with others and the world? Join us as we contemplate generosity from different perspectives.

Worship In November at Saltwater Church 

November 19 Giving Away the Moon – Koshin Cain

The Zen monk and poet Ryokan shows us the way to a natural and broad generosity. How might we cultivate a heart that gives away the best of us?

Koshin Christopher Cain is Abbot of the Puget Sound Zen Center (https://pszc.org/). Koshin lived at Mt. Baldy Zen Center in California from 1990 to 2003, where he was ordained, trained as a monk, make an Osho or teacher, and for the last few years, served as Vice Abbot of Mt. Baldy Zen Center. In 2003 he founded the Puget Sound Zen Center on Vashon Island. Since 2009, Koshin has also been the formal teacher of the Rinzai Zen Center in Oslo, Norway.

November 26 Thanxgrieving – Rev. Alison Duren-Sutherland (online)

In late November of 1991, HIV/AIDS activists Ibrahim Farajaje and John Paul Hammond lost a dear friend to AIDS and struggled to imagine facing Thanksgiving without him. Out of their pain and love, Thanxgrieving was born. Rev. Alison will share the history of the Thanxgrieving observance and explore its continued relevance in the 21st century.

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.

Faith Formation Sunday (and Potluck!)
Sunday November 19, 10:30am – 1:30pm (ends at 2:30pm for youth families)
In Person – Saltwater Church

Join us for fun, growth, and belonging on the 3rd Sunday of every month as we delve deeper into the monthly Soul Matters themes our worship is built on. Faith Formation Sunday includes worship, lunch, then age-specific programming (adults, youth, and children). Our first Faith Formation Sunday is this Sunday, November 19, where we will explore generosity through Buddhist teachings and practices.  Bring a generous dish to share for our potluck! 

Questions?  Contact Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash, at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org, or a member of the Faith Formation Team (Susan Aigner, Christina Frueh, Lisa Key, and Amanda Radak). _{****Image credit: Jessica Nash}

Participate in This Year’s Giving Tree
Saturday November 18 – Thursday December 7
In Person and Online

Every year, Saltwater Church provides holiday gifts for Mark Twain Elementary students & siblings who are most in need. Here’s how you can participate:

Visit our virtual tree at: Saltwater Church Giving Tree: SignUpGenius.com

Through the SignUpGenius website, you will see the children’s wishes and be able to choose which gift(s) you’d like to give. Or you can make a monetary donation, and someone will do the shopping for you! Please send donations to Saltwater Church with Giving Tree in the memo. Donations may be placed in the offering basket, mailed to the church, or you can use our donation link on the church website (click here). Unwrapped gifts and donations must arrive by December 7^th!  Thank you for your generosity. Questions? Contact Lisa Key at lunderhi@gmail.com.

Greeting Card/Book Sale – benefiting Saltwater Church
Sunday November 19, 11:30am – 12:00pm
In Person – Welcoming Room

Please join us after church on November 19 for the last day of our card and book sale. Cards will be exquisite creations by church member Joanne Stonebraker (in time for holiday sending) and the books will be Saltwater Writers Group Anthologies and other books by Saltwater member writers (just in time for holiday mailing in addition to gifting today.) Rev. Alison will also make available for purchase her new poetry chap books. Cash or check sales please. All proceeds benefit Saltwater Church. Questions: Contact Debra Valpey (debravalpey@gmail.com) or Joanne Stonebraker (joannestonebraker@gmail.com) or find us at church.
_{****Image credit: Joanne Stonebraker}

A Fond Farewell to Cami

With full hearts we share that our beloved Cami Celestia is no longer able to serve as Saltwater Church’s pianist. Though she had hoped to continue through the end of the year, circumstances necessitated that last Sunday, November 12th, be her last day with us. Sadly, this means that we were unable to give her the send-off that we would have hoped to provide, publicly acknowledging her good work and offering us all a chance to say goodbye. Cami’s artistry has enriched our Sunday mornings for the past year, and it is with both grief and gratitude that we bid her a fond farewell, wishing her all the best in future endeavors.

From Our Leadership

December Congregational Meeting
Sunday December 31, 11:45am – 12:45pm
In Person – Saltwater Sanctuary

Join us for our December Congregational Meeting after the worship service on December 31. The Board is going to present a brief recap and reflections of the year so far. We are also going to kick off an exciting second part of the church year. Snacks will be provided. Childcare has been arranged so parents may attend the meeting.

Final Proposed Article II Revision Text Released

The Article II Study Commission has released a revised draft of the proposed changes to Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association bylaws, incorporating the amendments passed at this year’s General Assembly. Find their final proposal here: Article II Revision

As UUs, we actively participate in the decision making of our denomination by informing ourselves on key issues, engaging with opportunities to provide feedback to the denomination (surveys, listening sessions, etc), and voting at General Assembly. As part of this active participation, Saltwater Church will focus our December Faith Formation Sunday (12/17, always on the 3rd Sunday of each month) on the Article II proposal. Rev. Alison is looking forward to leading our community in this conversation when she’s here in person for her December visit from the 17th through the 24th.

Minister’s Messages

Rev. Alison posts weekly messages to our community through our church website. This week, read about how Rev. Alison and the Saltwater Church community are giving back to the more-than-human world that gives so generously to us. You can find Rev. Alison’s message via the home page of the church website or here: Minister’s Messages.

Save the Date

Our Next Chapter Holiday Bazaar – It’s a GO!
Sunday December 10 and 17, 11:30am – 1:00pm
In Person – Welcoming Room

Attention: If you missed our drop off deadline, you can bring your contribution this Sunday, Nov 19. Mark your calendars and join us December 10 and 17 in the Welcoming Room for your holiday shopping. All proceeds from your purchases will directly benefit Saltwater Church. We have loads of items, surprises, theme baskets and more for your shopping pleasure!

A sneak peek and sample include:
• Wine Baskets
• Chocolate Basket
• Mugs and Beverages
• Fine Art
• Books
• Food and food prep items including cookie making items and a children’s apron
• Great gifts for children – toys, dolls, games and more
• A Banjo and Banjolele
• Jewelry
• Winter warmth items
• Soaps, lotions and bath stuffs
• Taste of Congo gift certificate
• Special baskets from our Teams

Looking forward to seeing you there!
Questions? Contact Anjali Lopez, Debra Valpey, Karin Leisy or Kathy Linnell

Christmas Eve (Eve) Candlelight Service
Saturday December 23, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
In Person – Saltwater Sanctuary

To be good neighbors to the Haitian Christians United community who rent space to worship in our sanctuary on Sunday evenings, we will hold our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve Eve, Saturday, December 23rd, from 7-8pm. We will sing favorite carols, tell the story of the nativity, and light candles on this dark night. On Sunday morning, December 24th, we will have a Sunday morning service as usual.

Winter Eliot Camp
Thursday December 28 – Monday January 1
In Person – Seabeck Conference Center

Join Liz James and Rev. Anne Barker for “Changing Our Stories,” a humor-centered approach to the power of story and the possibilities of change. Camp takes place in the beautiful PNW Seabeck Conference Center, where our Annual Spring Church Retreat takes place. It features many different activities for all-ages. For more information, visit bit.ly/winterEliot or email seabeck@seabeck.org. _{****Image credit: Rachael Saylors}

New York New Years Eve (Eve)
Saturday December 30, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
In Person – Welcoming Room

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, December 30th is a New Year’s Eve (eve) party at the church. We will offer spots for sign up during the December holiday fundraising bazaar, and we NEED you and your kids and grandkids to come party with us!! Family friendly, and our “toast” will be at 9:00pm. Time to party together again, folks!

Saltwater Chalice Circles in the New Year
January 2024
In Person and Zoom

Chalice Circles are small group discussions that deepen and broaden personal spiritual growth. Their goals are to listen and be listened to in a safe place, learn about the mysteries of our world and our spiritual paths, and build new and deeper personal connections. Your Faith Formation Team is offering three Chalice Circles starting in January 2024:
Two on Zoom–4th Mondays, 10-11:30 am, and 2nd Thursdays, 10-11:30 am
One in-person–3rd Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm.
Which one will work for you? Check your calendars now! More information and how to sign up will be available by December 1. Questions? Contact susanaigner@comcast.net.

Important Community Reminder

Being Good Neighbors to Tenants

Monday through Friday, as most of us know, the Lighthouse becomes Planting Flowers Learning Center until 5pm daily. During that time, the Lighthouse building is their space, and to maintain their licensure, everyone in the preschool while children are there must have a background check on file at the school. This means that the Saltwater Church community needs to plan our work in the Lighthouse to take place on the weekends or after 5pm on weekdays. Additionally, any items used in the Lighthouse need to be thoroughly cleaned and returned to where they were found after use, as many items are shared by Saltwater Church and Planting Flowers. Finally, if you or your committee, group or task force needs to be in the Lighthouse during preschool hours for any reason, this needs to be communicated to and approved by Planting Flowers leadership ahead of time. Thank you for taking care to tend to our relationship with Planting Flowers.

Ways to Offer your Gifts

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
3^rd Wednesdays, 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 December 20. _{^{***Image credit: Bubba}} 

Ways To Live Our Values

Share The Plate for November
Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services

Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of November will be shared with Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services. https://www.hummingbird-ifs.org/

Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services (HIFS) helps address the astounding inequity in maternal mortality for indigenous women. This program grew out of United Indians of All Tribes doula and lactation counseling program funded by Best Starts for Kids (of which SUUC was an active participant).

The Hummingbird program believes that healthy mothers and babies are the foundation of a healthy community. By centering Indigenous people in all their work, they demonstrate the importance of providing culturally relevant care with Indigenous doulas and Indigenous lactation counseling as well as addressing other family needs.

American Indian and Alaska Native women who give birth have a higher maternal mortality ratio than any other ethnic group—eight times greater than white people and twice as large as Black people, with 80% of these pregnancy-related deaths being preventable. They have developed a guaranteed income pilot program called “The Nest”. Hummingbird works in Seattle and King County.

You can make a donation to share the plate 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.
_{****Image credit: Kindel Media}

Pajama Making Party
1^st Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
In Person – Welcoming Room

Please join Sally Caldwell and others to Sew for Social Justice. We make pajama bottoms and receiving blankets for local charities including Hospitality House and the Pediatric Interim Care Center. If you have a sewing machine, please bring it. Everything else will be provided. Don’t have a sewing machine or know how to sew? Please feel free to join us to cut out patterns and help with other tasks. Our next meet up will be December 5. _{****Image credit: Evg Kowalievska}

Stance for Racial Justice
2^nd & 4^th 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. Our next gathering will be on November 26 in Puyallup from 2pm until 3pm at the intersection of 136th and S. Meridian (near post office and Sonic restaurant).

We will meet again on December 10 in Des Moines at the intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack in the Box and Arco gas). Contact Colette DeMonte at colette.demonte@gmail.com for more information.

Racial Justice Organizing Team (RJOT)
Now Meeting on 3rd Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Church Zoom Room

There will be no meeting in December. The next meeting will be on January 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

Do you feel guilty because you’re not doing “enough” to push back against the climate crisis? Would you believe that’s what the oil companies want? For decades they’ve worked hard to shift the focus from their actions to the idea that the climate crisis was created by each of us.

Sustainability professional Helena Kilburn reminds us that “Individual action did not get us here, and individual action alone cannot get us out, but there are actions that we can take that can help … tremendously. We can call out the decades of hypocrisy and deceit from the responsible oil companies. We can elect leaders that do not place climate change solely on the shoulders of the individual. And we can take small sustainable actions when we can, understand the history of the guilt we feel when we can’t, and remind others that they, just like us, are not the problem.”
_{****Image credit: Loïc Manegarium}

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
For the fall and winter months we will be meeting over Zoom. 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 (SWUUSC)
In Person – Welcoming 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 November 18.

• 1st Saturdays are all-ages. Bring a game your whole family will enjoy! 
• 3rd Saturdays, childcare will be available. Please rsvp for childcare at least 1-week in advance to Jessica Nash at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org.

Monthly Meetings

*NEW MONTHLY EVENT* – Movie Night
In Person – Saltwater Sanctuary
2nd Wednesdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Join us on December 13 for our next movie night. RSVP to Robert at snipes@affectreality.com. If you would like childcare, send a request at least 1-week in advance to Jessica Nash at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org. _{****Image Credit: Pixabay}

Saltwater Genealogy Club
Church Zoom Room
2^nd Wednesdays, 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 December 13. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.

Faith Formation Sunday
In Person – Saltwater Church
3rd Sundays, 10:30am-1:30pm (2:30pm for youth families)
Join us for fun, growth, and belonging as we delve deeper into the monthly Soul Matters themes our worship is built on. Faith Formation Sunday includes worship, lunch (sometimes potluck), then age-specific programming (adults, youth, and children). Our next gathering is November 19, and there will be a potluck. Questions? Contact Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash, at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org.

Creative Hands
In Person – Welcoming Room
3rd Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Join us for an afternoon of visiting and working on our creative projects. Bring your knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, or whatever with you. We gather to foster connection through sharing our creative processes. We also support the Saltwater community with small craft projects throughout the year. Our next meet up will be November 21. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.

Paint n’ Sip
In Person – Welcoming Room
4th Mondays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
All ages welcome! Bring any size canvas. No experience required. All paints and supplies provided. Our next meet up will be November 27. Childcare is being provided. RSVP to Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com.

Pair Sharing by Zoom
Janeane’s Zoom Room
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.

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

Questions about Children’s and Youth Programming? Contact our Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash: faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org. To join the Faith Formation Zoom Room go to: https://zoom.us/my/saltwaterfaithformation

Elementary Faith Formation
3rd Sundays, 10:30am – 1:30pm
In Person – Lighthouse Large Room

Join us on Faith Formation Sunday during and after the worship service for fun, growth, and belonging with our Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash. Our next meet up is this Sunday, November 19, where children will explore this month’s Soul Matters theme of generosity, with a potluck lunch in-between. On our first official Faith Formation Sunday we will be having a focus on Meditation practices. We will be finding fun ways to look at our feelings and move through them in healthy ways. Exploring meditation through movement and play will be our day! Let us find our generosity of spirit together.
_{****Image credit: Jessica Nash}

Middle and High School Youth Faith Formation
3rd Sundays, 10:30am – 2:30pm
In Person – Lighthouse Youth Room

Our Youth Group meets on Faith Formation Sunday during and after the worship service. Youth Group discussions and activities are tied to the monthly Soul Matters themes. Come find some community and conversation, with a potluck in-between! Our next Youth Group is this Sunday, November 19, starting with baking cookies together. _{****Image credit: Josh Sorenson}

Parenting Youth Support Group
3rd Sundays, 1:30pm – 2:30pm
In Person – Saltwater Meeting Room

Those parenting Youth (grades 6-12) are invited to join Director, Jessica Nash, on Faith Formation Sunday during the afternoon Youth Group meeting. We will connect with each other through the Soulful Home curriculum, supporting one another on our shared journey of parenting. Our next meet up is this Sunday, November 19. _{****Image credit: Andrea Piacquadio}

Middle and High School Youth Group Game Night
1st Saturdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
In Person – Welcoming Room

Join us at the Tabletop Family Game Night on December 2. Youth are encouraged to come hang out and play some games! Bring a favorite game to share. If you wish to try out a new game, we have a wide selection that will leave your brain and belly tired. Laughter and popcorn provided.

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 

Childcare may be requested for any church activity at least one week in advance by contacting our Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash, at faithformation@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 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 the website form (click here).