Worship
Church zoom room go to saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/
Each Sunday we offer 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.
November: What does it mean to be a People of Healing
In the month of November we are exploring the
theme of healing. Healing: to make whole, to reconcile, to repair. Not as a
destination, but as a process that happens on an individual and collective
level. In a time of great uncertainty, we will look to our ancestors for wisdom
and strength. In a time of great suffering, we will embrace practices that help
heal our bodies, minds, souls, and relationship with the earth. In a time with
so much division, we will go deeper into what it means to “practice love” as
Unitarian Universalists. Join us to explore and experience healing!
November 22: “We Practice Love,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
November 29: “How Deep is the Wound,” Quinn Rose, Lay Leader
Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service
Wednesday, November 25, 2020 7pm-8pm
Bet Chaverim Zoom Room: 929 547 321 Password. 384461
Bet Chaverim has invited Saltwater to participate in a simple Thanksgiving Eve Service. We will gather to share our thoughts and feelings on the concept of Gratitude. We will be asked to share a poem or a reading about what we are grateful for or what Gratitude means to us. Also, Bet Chaverim must have heard that we have a lot of musical talent because they have asked for a couple of people from our congregation to sing. The song can be of your choosing as long as it fits with the theme of Gratitude. If you are interested in singing at the service, please contact Galen Guffy 253-315-2241 as soon as possible and tell us which song you would like to sing because Bet Chaverim wants to include it in their planning and service notes.
Blue Christmas Vespers Service
Wednesday, December 9th at 7pm, church zoom room
Led by Rev. Kristen Kuriga and Debra Valpey, Lay Minister
Join us for a reflective service that makes space for all of our experiences this holiday season. As we continue to practice social distancing, the holidays may bring sadness, grief, or feelings of isolation. Come together to hear readings and poems, sit in the darkness, and connect with community.
Holiday Service of Music
Sunday, December 13th, 10:30 am, church zoom room
Join us to sing carols, take in beautiful instrumental holiday music, as well as poetry and stories to celebrate the season.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Thursday, December 24, 7 pm, church zoom room
Join us to sing carols, engage with the story of Christmas, and sit in candlelight from our homes, connecting with the hope, love, and the joy of being together in spirit at this sacred time of the year.
Worship Field Trip to Tahoma UU Congregation
On Sunday, December 27th, 2020, we will be virtually visiting Tahoma UU Congregation and joining them for their Sunday morning service on zoom. Connection details coming soon! Be sure to make a note since we won’t be having service in the Saltwater Church zoom room.
Upcoming Events
Introduction to Pair-Share Work
Sunday, December 6, 2020, 11:45 to 12:45 pm, Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/7434659479
There is healing power in telling truth and bearing witness. Facilitator Janeane Weprin will be offering an Introduction to Pair-Share Work, the spiritual practice of deep listening. Join her after the Sunday Service on December 6. Questions, contact Janeane Weprin (jghonore@yahoo.com)
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 13th, 11:45-1 pm, church zoom room
Following worship, join us for a congregational meeting. We will hear highlights from the Board, Operation Leads, and Treasurer about our life as a community in the last six months. The Healthy Congregation Team will also present a new draft Covenant, with an opportunity to provide feedback. Join us as we celebrate our successes in adapting to this challenging time and make promises to one another to keep us healthy and strong as we move into the future.
Support Circle Announcement
Please note: There will be no Support Circle on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26)
Next Support Circle is on Thursday, December 3 from 12:30-1:30 pm
Ways to Live Our Values
Donate to This Year’s Giving Tree
Project Giving Tree is back again at Saltwater Church which benefits Mark Twain Elementary students & siblings. It’s just a little different this year. Here’s how you can participate:
Visit our virtual tree at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C48ACA82B0-giving
Through the SignUpGenius website, you will be able to choose which gift(s) you want to give. Then, sit in your recliner, order gifts online, and have them sent directly to Lisa Key! High Five…you’re done! Or you can choose to make a monetary donation and Lisa will do the shopping for you! Gifts and donations must arrive by December 10th ! Thank you for your generosity.
UU the Vote Georgia Phonebank Training
Join us on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 11am PT to learn how you can support our national partner Reclaim Our Vote in calling voters in Georgia before their Runoff Senate elections. All training will be included in the event. Sign up at: https://secure.everyaction.com/OWoYynLfc0eLQx3OTHzW4g2
Share the Plate
The Share the Plate program is looking for more organizations that we might
potentially support! What is Share the Plate? Share the Plate is the practice
of sharing a portion of the undesignated funds in the Sunday collection with a
worthy organization that shares UU values and principles. Any church member may
nominate a nonprofit organization to receive offerings from this program by
submitting a nomination form to Rob Maurus at rmaurus@gmail.com. The criteria for selection are: 1)
The organization must be approved by the IRS as a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization, 2) Preference will be given to South King County organizations,
3) The organization’s mission must be in alignment with UU values and
principles. You can find the nomination form on the church’s website under the
“Justice” tab and then scroll down to “Share the Plate”.
Share the Plate for November: Hospitality House
Half of all undesignated basket donations received in the month of November will go to Hospitality House. You can learn more here: https://hospitalityhousesouthking.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.
Stance for Racial Justice
Rain or shine, show up for racial justice in November! Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. 11/1 in Des Moines from 2pm-4pm. Intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack- in- the Box and Arco gas). 11/22 in Puyallup from 2pm-4pm. Intersection of 136th and S. Meridian (near post office and Sonic restaurant).
Contact Colette DeMonte at colette.demonte@gmail.com for more info.
Racial Justice Core Team meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/7434659479
SCAN! (Saltwater Climate Action Now!) (Church zoom room) meets monthly on the 1st Sunday noon – 1:30 pm.
Climate Message of the Week: With the state mandates that are in effect, this Thanksgiving will be very different for many of us. That gives us an opportunity to rethink how we celebrate the holiday. In a recent New York Times article, Indigenous scholar and filmmaker, Nikke Sanchez, says that when we take from the land, “we should also give back—through growing, recycling, composting and replanting.” She also points out that sticking to the traditional Thanksgiving menu “puts undue stress on food systems” by requiring massive production of items like turkeys and cranberries. This Thanksgiving, try a menu based on local, seasonal food. Reduce food waste by cooking only the amount of food that you think will be eaten. Avoid using single-use plastics. Compost anything that’s compostable. Be mindful of the connection between your food, the land, and the people who produce it.
Sound Alliance (Church zoom room) meets monthly on the 2nd Saturday 10:00 – 11:30 am
Federal Way Day Center Donations Needed
The Federal Way Day Center for homeless adults is providing important support to our local community while practicing social distancing. Currently the most items most needed are: cup noodles, hand warmers, rain ponchos, and trash bags. You can park in front of the Day Center and call (253-893-7895) and someone will come out to pick up the donations. 33505 13 Pl S behind the Multi-Service Center. Or you may contact Lucia lfaithfull@comcast.net or Diane ddobrowolski@earthlink.net to arrange for your donations to be picked up.
Growth and Learning
Harvest the Power Weeklong Teach-In November 19-26
As the tremendous energy and momentum of the election cycle begins to shift towards preparations for winter and the holiday season, please consider centering justice, learning, and reverence for the Earth this Thanksgiving, by attending the Harvest the Power Justice Convergence & Teach-in. Presented by the Unitarian Universalist Association, UU Ministry for Earth, UUSC, & many partners.
In 2016, Unitarian Universalists voted to pay special attention to learning our history and rethinking Thanksgiving in the year 2020, in observance of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims landing in Plymouth. Historically, UU ministers were instrumental in creating the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and the “Pilgrims and the Indians” pageant tradition that roots the holiday in a historically inaccurate and harmful colonial narrative. Now is the perfect time to gather and think together virtually, and to celebrate differently. Online registration and more information here: https://www.uumfe.org/2020/11/10/program-schedule-harvest-the-power-justice-convergence-and-teach-in-nov-19-26/
Ongoing Opportunities for Racial Justice Education https://saltwaterchurch.org/stay-in-the-loop/ongoing-opportunities-for-racial-justice-education/
From the Membership Team
Membership Book Signing
Are you interested in becoming a member of our church? If yes, arrangements can be made for a mutually agreed upon date, following the worship service, in a breakout room on Zoom. This is an opportunity to officially join our church community. Members should be in alignment with the mission, vision, values and covenant of our church and Unitarian Universalism. Members are asked to make a pledge to support the church financially within their means (waivers are available) and to seek ways to share their gifts by volunteering and/or serving our community. If you would like more information about the membership process or are ready to move forward, request an application for membership from Bev Ross; email: mrs_ross1@yahoo.com or from Rev. Kristen; email: minister@saltwaterchurch.org. Completed applications need to be returned before the Book Signing date. Once received, a book signing page will be forwarded to you to be used on the date scheduled. PLEASE NOTE: Anyone wishing to vote in Congregational Meetings, MUST be a member.
Supporting Our Saltwater Community
Winter Bazaar
This year our Winter Bazaar Fundraiser is online at: www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeWithDove For the month of November, we are having a special event where 100% of the sale price on all items goes to Saltwater! This special event features beautiful mask gift sets, handmade by Tawney CF. Handmade cards and original music recordings by Joanne Stonebraker are also available as part of the fundraiser. Thank you for your support of our beloved community!
Ways to Connect
Al-Anon Support Group (private zoom, contact saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com for link)
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, 7-8:15 pm
We follow a UU modified Zen practice that includes lighting a candle, chiming a singing bowl, sitting and walking in silence, listening to words of wisdom, sharing tea and conversation, now all virtual via Zoom. Contact Jean Spohn if you have questions.
jeanspohn@centurylink.net or 206-200-7524
Writers Group (church zoom room)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am- 12pm
Support Circle (church zoom room)
Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 pm
There will be no Support Circle on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26) Next Support Circle is on Thursday, December 3 from 12:30-1:30 pm
Over Eaters Anonymous (church zoom room)
Fridays, 5-6 pm
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. 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 at 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
(Note the class address.)
Sunday mornings at 9:30 a https://tinyurl.com/NUUC-SUUC-RE
Junior and Senior High Youth Group
(Note the class address.)
Sundays at 12 pm, https://tinyurl.com/NUUC-SUUC-RE
Jr./Sr. High Youth Group Game Night (Joint with Northlake UU)
3rd Friday of each month, 7-9 pm.
We will be using an online game platform as one of the options for games (boardgamearena.com – free account is plenty), so if possible, please let Margaret know if you plan to attend so we can get set up ahead of time. We hope to see you there! https://tinyurl.com/CRE-NUUC, Meeting ID: 309 145 529, Password: NUUC
If you are interested in having your youth (and/or yourself) receive reminder texts directly for game night and Sunday youth group, you can sign up for them by clicking this link and entering the information: https://www.remind.com/join/nuuc-6-12
Contact Margaret Rogers for more information: dre@northlakeuu.org
Family Support Circles
First & Third Mondays, 7:30-8:30 pm
Family ministries zoom room
Parents Facebook Group
You can also connect with other Saltwater Church families with children and youth for support through the Parents Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SUUCFamilyMatters/
The Saltwater Church Family Ministries Library Wants to Visit Your Home!
Have your children run out of books to read, with school and public libraries closed? The Saltwater Family Ministries library has books to share! Contact melinda@saltwaterchurch.org to borrow books.
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. Staff are working from home. Staff members 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.
Please Note: 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 at https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/calendar-request/