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 October: Heritage

In the month of October, we are engaging with the theme of heritage. Each of us is part of a sacred chain, receiving our heritage from our forebears and contributing to the heritage of those who come after us. In addition, there are the lineages of church, spiritual, community, and other groups that we are each a part of. Join us in considering and honoring the various heritages we are part of.

Worship In October at Saltwater Church 

October 15 Inherent Mirth and Dignity – Liz James

What do you do when the life you’d imagined for yourself is stuck in committee? Join us for the story of the UU Hysterical Society—a 200,000-person group on Facebook. It’s a story of feeling lost, finding yourself, and a practical joke gone right with UUHS founder Liz James.

Liz James is the founder of a 200,000-person online UU community called the Unitarian Universalist Hysterical Society (UUHS); half of The Cracked Cup podcast; and working on a book with Skinner House Press. The UU Hysterical Society is supported by Mirth and Dignity which believes in the viral power of joy. Click here to learn more about Mirth and Dignity. Liz is based out of Saskatchewan, where she is building a tiny house with her own two hands. She believes in a Unitarian Universalism that is filled with meaning and joy, and that sees change as an adventure.

October 22 The Loneliness Epidemic – Rev. James Kubal-Komoto

People are lonelier than they ever have been before, and this is having devastating effects on their physical and mental health as well as on our communities. What is the role of a Unitarian Universalist congregation in addressing this?

The Rev. Dr. James Kubal-Komoto currently serves as the lead minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, but from 2000 until 2016, he served as the minister of Saltwater Church. He is the author of the recently published A Liberal Religious Path: A Short, Personal Introduction to Unitarian Universalism. He currently lives in Cary, NC, with his wife, Hiromi, and his 17-year-old son, Kai.

October 29 Grandmother, I See You – Saltwater CUUPs

In honor of Samhain, we will have a service remembering, honoring, and grieving our familial and spiritual ancestors. We will celebrate their legacies in us and connect with them for inspiration and healing. Feel free to bring your own items of remembrance such as photos, mementos, or favorite treats for the altar we will create on the choir risers before the service. The treats can be a small serving of something once enjoyed by now-departed loved ones, such as a favorite candy, a baked good, or a few sips of a favorite beverage.

Saltwater CUUPS is the Saltwater Church chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. More information about CUUPS can be found at https://cuups.org.

From Our Leadership

A Message from Our Minister

It’s been such a joy getting to know the Saltwater Church community over these past two weeks, at one-on-one Zoom sessions, during team meetings, and by joining you in your Zoom sanctuary for Sunday worship. I’m excited to share that I have a working phone number that will ring through to me wherever I am (see below). If you need to reach me for pastoral support, please feel free to call. I’ve also updated my scheduling calendar (https://calendly.com/minister-swuuc) with in-person meeting slots during my upcoming visit to Des Moines, Oct 14-22, and with Zoom meetings for the weeks I’ll be working from home in November. I’m still encouraging folks to schedule meetings so we can get to know each other better, so if we haven’t had a chance for a one-on-one chat yet, please feel encouraged to sign up.

I’m excited to get to know our young people a bit while I’m there, and plan to lead the children’s programming, alongside Lisa Key, this coming Sunday from 12:00pm – 2:30pm while our Faith Formation Director, Jessica Nash, is attending the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) conference.

Finally, I want to let you know that I’m feeling fully recovered from my bout of COVID last week, but I am still waiting to test negative. If I do not test negative by Friday, my visit to Des Moines will need to be postponed. Keep an eye on your email for details. And, even if I’m testing negative, expect to see me wearing an N95 respirator indoors while I’m in town to make extra sure I don’t pass along this virus — I care about this community too much to want to take any chances! Thank you for your grace and patience with me during this time of transition. I look forward to being with you in person this coming week.

In Faith,
Rev. Alison

(Please note that the emails below are the only emails I will use to contact you, and I will never email asking you to make online purchases – a common email scam targeting churches.)

Phone: (206) 627-5119
Email: minister@saltwaterchurch.org or swuuc.minister@gmail.com
Website: www.durensutherland.com

What is Transitional Ministry?

Long time members of our congregation might remember that, in the past, we followed a lengthy and expensive process to find a minister: one year with an interim minister who is intended to be short-term, and then after (hopefully) the second year (or maybe the 3rd year), finding a minister to call. At the end of that process, the average tenure of a minister is 5 to 7 years.

Some smaller congregations in the UUA are now instead following the process we took this time. The Board contracted with Rev. Alison Duren-Sutherland. She is our minister for at least 9 months– but if we mutually decide this is working out well, the Board can extend the contract. It’s kind of like dating; you give it a try and decide whether to deepen the relationship as you go.

If we continue with the relationship, after a couple of years the congregation could decide to call her for a longer-term commitment. But we don’t have to make that decision now. We can instead dedicate our energy and resources to our mission: to practice love, foster connection, nurture spiritual growth and act for justice — with the leadership of a talented, passionate and energetic minister.

During our 9-month contract with Rev. Alison, she will lead the service 3 Sundays/month, but for one of those, she’ll be remote. She asked not to disrupt the lives of her children; they will not be uprooted to move here with her, in the middle of the school year. Instead, she’ll be here 8 days/month– two Sundays and the week in between. The rest of the time, she’ll be available by email or phone; she’ll be doing her work from Ashland, just as Rev. Kristen did hers from her office or home.

So here we are, trying new ways of doing things in support of our community. We are full of optimism, having talked to people who worked with Rev. Alison remotely, during the pandemic. Thank you all for joining us on the journey and helping us welcome Rev. Alison! ****Image credit: Pixabay

Diane Schairer
From the Board

Save the Date

To view our complete calendar of events, click here.
If you wish to schedule an event, click here to fill out a request form.

Holiday Bazaar – Our Next Chapter
Sunday December 10 and 17, 11:30am – 1:00pm
In Person – Welcoming Room

We envision baskets and holiday gift quality items for members, friends, and visitors to purchase and enjoy. Please contribute an item, basket or something that would be part of a basket. The item could be something lovely to own, eat, drink, read, wear, or share. ****Image credit: Pavel Danilyuk

We are accepting donations NOW, and the final collection due date is November 12.
Anjali or Debra will be collecting donations. Feel free to contact either of them.

Anjali Lopez: anjalijl@gmail.com, 206-650-6359
Debra Valpey: debravalpey@gmail.com, 206-953-5704

Events This Weekend

Chalice Circle Orientation
Saturday October 14, 10:00am
Church Zoom Room

We are about to welcome back our Chalice Circles! We are hosting a zoom meeting for all of those interested in Chalice Circles this year. If you have wondered about what a chalice circle is, would like to try out facilitating, and/or want to learn about a new idea of Sharing Circles, this is the meeting for you! 

We will be doing an overview of our current circles and introducing a new format available. Facilitators are needed as we go into our new season of circles, and we will be discussing what is involved in this role. Connect with others and your own spiritual needs through our Circles. 

Join us in the Church Zoom Room as we explore this amazing opportunity for growth in community. Our circles will begin again in November. Contact Jessica Nash at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org Or Susan Aigner at susanaigner@comcast.net with any questions. ****Image credit: UU Medville

“Who We Are,” the Film
Sunday October 15, 12:00pm
In Person – Saltwater Sanctuary

Your Racial Justice Team will show the award-winning film “Who We Are, a Chronicle of Racism in America” (PG13), Sunday, October 15, Noon to 2:30pm. In person. Pizza will be provided.

Jeffery Robinson, Former ACLU Deputy Legal Director, opened his film with these words from his New York City town hall event. “If you’ve ever owned a slave, please raise your hand, and there is not one hand going up anywhere in this theater. Slavery is not our fault. We didn’t do it. We didn’t cause it. It is not our responsibility, but it is our shared history.” Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGsGRSgZbXY

Then join us Wednesday, October 25, 7pm, on Saltwater’s Zoom Room for a longer discussion of “Who We Are.” Those who saw the film at Saltwater Church, and those who choose to view it at home on Netflix, are welcome.

Elementary Pizza and UU Children’s Program
Sunday October 15, 12:00pm – 2:30pm
In Person – Lighthouse

While the adults and youth watch the movie, children engage in a full program that includes: active friendship-building games, chalice lighting and sharing of joys and sorrows, a story and songs, craft activity, and free choice play. We also plan to welcome Rev. Alison to the Lighthouse! Rev. Alison is excited to play, create, and connect with our children. ****Image credit: Yan Krukau

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
NOW ON 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 October 18. _{^{***Image credit: Bubba}} 

Ways To Live Our Values

Share The Plate for October
Hospitality House

Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of October will be shared with Hospitality House. https://hospitalityhousesouthking.org/#

In September 2000, Hospitality House was founded by twelve sponsoring churches as an ecumenical outreach to the homeless community in South King County. Saltwater UU was one of the founding churches. Several of our members continue to volunteer, make a meal and provide supplies.

Hospitality House is a transitional shelter and 90-day program in Burien for homeless women. It can accommodate a maximum of nine women at one time. Each client’s objective is to find permanent housing and financial stability but how this is achieved is based upon the needs of the individual client. Case managers support clients throughout the program. You can also provide support by volunteering, making a meal, shopping via Amazon, Fred Meyer and Bartell’s and donating.

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.

Now Accepting Share the Plate Nominations

As we approach 2024, it is time for a call for new nominations! We are asking that all past recipients resubmit a request for funding if you want your group included in 2024. All requests will be reviewed by our Leadership team. Deadline for submission is Nov 15th. The form is located on the toolbar under JUSTICE on the SUUC website.
Our congregation has been so generous in past years. In times of crisis, YOU have stepped up and we so appreciate it. Thank YOU! To see a list of organizations we have supported in the past, go to: Share the Plate – Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church (saltwaterchurch.org)
Any member may nominate an organization to be considered by the Leadership Team. Our criteria for selection will continue to prioritize local organizations that serve South King County but we will also accept nominations that allow us to respond with support for emergencies, natural disasters, or pressing social issues, that serve a larger area: such as offerings for the UU Service Committee or UUA disaster relief fund. Minimal requirements are:

• Organization must be a 501 (c) 3 non-profit
• The organization’s mission must align with UU values and principles
• We prioritize organizations that serve South King County

Click here to complete an online form
Click here to download a printable form

Due to our ongoing relationship to a few local organizations, we will continue to have an annual share the plate for Hospitality House and Federal Way Day Center. We will also have an annual share the plate for Duwamish Tribal Services, an expression of our commitment to live into right relationship with local indigenous communities. You do not need to submit a request for these organizations. ****Image credit: Kindel Media

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 October 22 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 October 8 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)
4^th Tuesday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Faith Formation Zoom Room

The next meeting will be on Tuesday October 24. 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

Did you miss NPR’s Climate Week, October 2-8? You can still listen to their features on everything from how marching bands cope with extreme heat to what initially motivated climate activists to get involved. Find good climate news in “Wonderful and Wild Stories about Tackling Climate Change.” Don’t miss their no-cost tips for individual actions you can take. Find all the articles at www.npr.org/series/1199537689/climate-week. ****Image credit: Klub Boks

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

Pajama (making) Party! sponsored by Creative Hands
In Person – Welcoming Room
1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Join our Creative Hands group in sewing pajamas for Hospitality House. Please bring a sewing machine if you have one. Materials, designs, and guidance will be provided. Our next meet up will be on October 17.

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 on October 21.

• 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
  Lisa Key. lunderhi@gmail.com

Monthly Meetings

*NEW MONTHLY EVENT* – Movie Night
In Person – Saltwater Sanctuary
2nd Wednesdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Join us at the movies! Wednesday, November 8 from 6:00 – 9:00pm, in the Saltwater Sanctuary. RSVP to Robert at snipes@affectreality.com. If you would like childcare, send a request to Lisa Key at least one week in advance at lunderhi@gmail.com. ****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 November 8. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.

Creative Hands
In Person – Welcoming Room
3^rd Tuesdays, 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 October 17. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.

After Service Potluck
In Person – Welcoming Room
Sunday November 19
(No October 15 potluck. Pizza will be provided for the movie-viewing.) 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.

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. 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

Youth Group Meeting
Sunday October 22, 10:30am
In Person – Lighthouse and Saltwater Sanctuary

We are gathering at 10:30 with our Youth group to discuss the movie “Who We Are, a Chronicle of Racism in America”(available on Netflix). The discussion will be on the topic so if you are able to watch the movie, we would still love to hear your thoughts! With popcorn in hands and mouths, we’ll delve into this deep topic, then head out to the corn maze. See details below!

Youth Group Corn Maze and Youth Adult’s Support Meeting
Sunday October 22, 11:30am
In Person – Lighthouse and Corn Maze

Our Youth are going on their first outing! Sunday the 22nd, after the discussion, they will promptly head out to a corn maze!  We invite Youth to bring a sack lunch to eat on the way to the corn maze. They will spend some time there and then head back to the church. While the Youth are getting lost in the maze, their adults will enjoy coffee hour and are welcome to bring their own lunch to enjoy afterwards as we sit down and have our first Youth Adult’s Support Meeting. The adults will be led by Jessica Nash and will include time to talk and get to know each other a little better. ****Image credit: Vlada Karpovich

Samhain Celebration for the Children
Sunday October 29, 10:30am
In Person – Lighthouse

While our adults are celebrating Samhain in the Sanctuary, our children will head back to the Lighthouse where they will have their own celebration! Wear your costume and bring a treat for our Samhain altar in the Sanctuary. We will have some games, treats, and a whole lot of fun! We have a surprise activity inspired by one of our children, we can’t wait to test your imagination…and bravery! ****Image credit: Mikhail Nilov

Middle and High School Youth Group (grades 6-12)
Saturday November 4, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
In Person – Welcoming Room

Join us at the Tabletop Family Game Night. Youth are encouraged to come hang out and play some games! Bring a favorite game to share. Join us as we connect with each other through board games and fun times. Check back next week for more ways to engage with our group. Join Bert and Fernando as we roll the dice and enjoy a good old game night!

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 Volunteer Childcare Coordinator, Lisa Key via email at lunderhi@gmail.com. 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, 10am 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).