To join the 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.
Worship
September & October’s Theme: Humility
Throughout the months of September and October we will be exploring the theme of humility. Humility is about acknowledging that we don’t have it all figured out: not as individuals or as a people of faith. We are all still learning. Humility is about valuing other people’s perspectives as we value our own and engaging the world with wonder and curiosity. When we approach life with humility, we are invited into reverence for this earth we are made of and the beings we move through life connected to. Not knowing is an opportunity to let go of our desire for perfection, and instead embrace vulnerability and the need for forgiveness when we miss the mark. Join us as we explore the theme of humility in worship, small groups, and religious education, and deepen our faith together!
September 12: “Peace, Salaam, Shalom,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
September 19: “Called to the Water’s Edge,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
September 26: Rev. Monica Jacobsen-Tennesen, TitleTBA
Themes for 2021-2022 Church Year
This church year we continue with theme-based ministry as a way to deepen our faith formation across the generations. Themes will provide inspiration and be a source for reflection in worship, religious education, and small groups. For this year, we are working with new material from the book Sparks of Wonder written by Becky Brooks and Erika Hewitt (https://www.uuabookstore.org/Sparks-of-Wonder-P18535.aspx). Also, each theme will be explored over two months, allowing more time to go deeply. We look forward to learning together over the coming year!
September & October: Humility
November & December: Spirit
January & February: Chaos
March & April: Journey
May & June: Power
Upcoming In-person Events
Current In-person Activity COVID-19 Guidelines
For outdoor programming, given the rise in infection rates, everyone will be required to mask and practice social distancing. This includes persons who have been fully vaccinated. We believe that this approach reflects our commitment to welcome and care for those who are more vulnerable, including children, those who are immune-compromised, and those who are unable to be vaccinated.
Ingathering Event at Saltwater Church
Saturday September 11, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
In-Person, Saltwater Church (25701 14th Place S, Des Moines)
Join us for an afternoon of celebration, ritual, connection, and justice-making for all ages! We will be hosting an outdoor ingathering event with different stations around the church campus. There will be rock painting, a healing ritual space, movement and music, a place to drop off donations to support refugee families, and a gathering of our water communion offerings. This event will be in-person, outdoor, socially distanced and masked. Please bring a mask, water from a local source or somewhere that is meaningful to you, and if possible, an in-kind donation to support refugee families. Your staff and lay leaders look forward to connecting with you!
Collecting In-Kind Donations & Gift Cards
For Refugee Families from Haiti
Saturday September 11, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
In-Person, Saltwater Church (25701 14th Place S, Des Moines)
Haitian Christians United, our partner at Saltwater, is providing support for refugee families coming from Haiti across the US-Mexico border. In the last three months they have welcomed 20 families, and they anticipate at least 12 more families coming to King County to settle. The Racial Justice Organizing Team at Saltwater is partnering with Haitian Christians United to provide support to families of essential needs.
Below is a list of in-kind donations which can be dropped off on Saturday, September 11 from 2 – 4pm at our outdoor ingathering event at the church.
In-kind donation needs (new only please):
cleaning wipes, hand soap, hand sanitizer, body lotion, soap/body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath towels, feminine pads/products, razors, deodorant, baby wipes, diapers (6 months through toddler), combs, hair brush, toilet paper, paper towels, and washcloths. You can sign up here: https://signup.com/go/uJYvVEn. If you would prefer, you can make a donation through paypal on our website—please include the note “refugee support” : https://saltwaterchurch.org/stewardshipstewardship-overview/stewardshipdonate/ or mail a check to the church office with “refugee support” in the memo line: Saltwater UU Church, 25701 14 Pl S., Des Moines, WA 98198. We will use these donations to purchase gift cards.
Celebration of Life for Tom Fisher
Saturday September 18th, 2:00pm
Church Zoom Room
https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/ (go to “join a meeting—click here”)
Join us to celebrate the life of Tom Fisher, spouse of Kathy Jorgenson, who died earlier this year. All are welcome to come together as we share memories and offer care to his family.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Tom, below are some suggested organizations from Tom’s family:
Federal Way Multi Service Center, Mschelps.org
Special Olympics Washington, www.specialolympicswashington.org
Earth Corps, www.earthcorps.org/donate
Evergreen Hospice, Evergreenhealthfoundation.com
Virginia Mason Foundation, Virginiamasonfoundation.org
Help Rebuild A “Sound” Community
Saturday September 18, 10:00am – 2:00pm
In-Person, Saltwater Church
Preparing for multi-platform services and in-person activities takes a village. We need your help getting our space ready for all our exciting upgrades. Saltwater invites the members of Bet Chaverim, Haitian Christians United, and any able bodied friends & family to join us in yet another work party. We need to relocate a lot of furniture and prepare the Welcoming Room for some construction. It’s a big task and we really need all the help we can get. It’s wonderful when our communities can all work together and this is the perfect opportunity.
Our Facilities Team will have tools available but you may want gloves. Due to the surge of the delta variant, masks are required for this indoor event. Disposable masks will be available to those who need one. If you’ve been sick or have any concerns about COVID-19, we appreciate your desire to help but ask respectfully that you stay home. If you have any questions or concerns, please email our Facilities Team Lead: Glenn Andrews. glenn.andrews.42@gmail.com
From The Board & HCT
Saltwater Church Re-Opening Update
On Wednesday, August 18th the Board considered the potential timeline for reopening the church for in-person worship and indoor programming. Although we had tentatively hoped to launch multiplatform worship and programming in September, the Board no longer feels like this is safe given the current spike of COVID cases in King County due to the delta variant.
To care for the well-being of our church and local community, and to live into our mission and values, the Board has paused the reopening timeline and determined that there will be no indoor in-person activities at this time. The Board will continue to monitor the local conditions and will coordinate with the Pandemic and Reopening Taskforces as conditions change. You can stay up to date on local transmission rates here: https://covidactnow.org/us/washington-wa/county/king_county/?s=21891115
We know this news is hard and disappointing. There are still many ways to foster connection, nurture spiritual growth, and act for justice. Outdoor, in-person, small group activities will continue as weather and air quality allows. For outdoor programming, given the rise in infection rate, everyone will be required to mask and practice social distancing. We will also continue to offer worship, small groups, and ways to act for justice over Zoom. You can find more details about upcoming worship and programming in the church newsletter.
If you have any questions about the Church Reopening timeline, please contact Mayda Taney, Board President. Save the date for a special, in-person, outdoor afternoon of Celebration and Ritual on Saturday, September 11! More details coming in next week’s newsletter.
Upgrades to the Church Campus
There are a number of upgrades happening at the Saltwater Church campus! As you may know, we are installing new audio-visual equipment in the sanctuary which will allow us to offer multi-platform worship and programming. While we hoped to have the new equipment installed by the end of August, the timeline has shifted due to manufacturer backorders. The new tentative timeline is the end of September. We will be sure to keep you updated!
In the meantime, Katherine “Bubba” Miller, our office administrator, has been hard at work streamlining our systems and vendor relationships. We now have a new copier in the office which will meet our needs but also provide significant cost-savings. We will also have improved internet after the installation of underground wiring connecting our three buildings. We have started the process of working with a new membership software database, Realm, which has a lot of potential to foster connection. Thank you Katherine for all of your hard work to get us well equipped and organized with an eye towards financial sustainability.
Finally, the office has a new furnace and heat pump! Thank you to Mary Paynter who managed the bid and installation process, and to Tom McDavid and Katherine Miller who provided support. The new heat pump will not only save us money but also be more energy efficient.
Growth & Learning
Saltwater Pen Pal Project
Do you suffer from Zoom fatigue? Consider joining the Saltwater Pen Pal Project to exchange snail mail (or email) correspondence! Each month you would be paired up with someone from the group to exchange your thoughts about the monthly Soul Matters theme. Contact Joanne at JoanneStonebraker@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.
Ways to Live Our Values
Share the Plate for September: Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LIRS) to aid Afghan Resettlement in our Community
Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of September will be shared with the Lutheran Community Services Northwest, a local affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services: https://lcsnw.org/
For 80 years, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has offered welcome and hope to more than half a million refugees. Our offering will go to support the resettlement of Afghan families in our local community, in a time when so many families are fleeing violence and seeking safety.
If you are looking for other ways to get involved, LIRS has a variety of local volunteer opportunities for individuals to help with airport pickups, setting up apartments, mentoring, tutoring, or bringing a meal to new arrivals. You can find out more ways to get involved here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4922177
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.
Engage In Racial Justice
The Racial Justice Organizing Team at Saltwater is partnering with Haitian Christians United to provide support to families of essential needs. Consider making a donation in-kind for refugee families from Haiti. Additional details shown in the Upcoming In-person Events Section of the newsletter.
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Stance For Racial Justice
Monthly on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
In person
Rain or shine, we stand for racial justice every other Sunday. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. We will gather on 9/12 in Des Moines at the intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack in the Box and Arco gas). On 9/26 in Puyallup from 2pm until 3pm at the 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 Organizing Team (RJOT)
Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Rev. Kristen’s Zoom Room
Our Racial Justice Organizing Team meets monthly to discuss more ways to support our community in our anti-racism efforts. During the meetings they 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.
Sound Alliance
Monthly on the 4th Saturday, 10:00am – 11:30am
Church Zoom Room
The Sound Alliance team works on multiple issues in alignment with our commitment to Social Justice. The issues we focus on change from year to year, depending upon the concerns voiced by members of the congregation. Currently we are working to address and prevent homelessness, protect immigrant rights, and ease social isolation during the pandemic through the Social Connection Project. 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.
Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
first Sundays, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Church Zoom Room
On Sunday, Sep. 5, we discussed stopping the TransMountain Pipeline and Enbridge Line 3 pipeline projects from transporting tar sands oil, the dirtiest of all fossil fuels, into the US. We’ll also discussed how to get the youth of our congregation more involved with SCAN! in helping to combat global warming.In the meantime, and for all of you especially our very talented Writer’s Group, when you see, read or hear about a climate matter that concerns you, please don’t let it stop with just you. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and/or share it on social media. These publications do get read. By thousands and with just a little bit of effort, you will make an impact. Thanks!
Climate Message of the Week
Climate change doesn’t spare our national parks. Pollution, drought, changing temperatures are all taking a toll. Our national parks preserve biodiversity, serve as a net carbon sink, protect water sources and connect us to nature. Watch videos about how climate change is affecting national parks at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/climatechange/sciencevideos.htm or read a series at https://www.npca.org/articles/1612-what-happens-when-the-saguaros-disappear. Google NPS and climate change for more information. “Adopt” a park by learning about it, visiting it when possible, and finding ways to keep it healthy and whole. (Don’t forget to support and protect our state parks too.) ***image credit: Mushtaque Silat
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
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
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. Our meetings have returned to Zoom meetings only until further notice. Would you like to join our group? Contact Jean Spohn jeanspohn@centurylink.net or (206) 200-7524.
Writers Group
(Church Zoom Room)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 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! Please join us. Our mission is to support one another in our writing. For more information, contact Janeane Weprin 630-824-8343 or jghonore@yahoo.com.
Support Circle
(Church Zoom Room)
Thursdays, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Over Eaters Anonymous
(Church Zoom Room)
Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Creative Hands
(Church Zoom Room)
1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Please join us to learn or practice hand work (knitting and crocheting, sewing, drawing, jewelry making or?) along with fun conversation and a supportive atmosphere. Pour yourself a favorite beverage, grab a snack, and join in the fun. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 15. Questions? Contact Lynn Crow at (206) 429-2005.
Grief Support Group
(Church Zoom Room)
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, of a relationship, of your health or vitality? Perhaps you are grieving the loss of a job, or maybe you are grieving over how the pandemic has been affecting you. Debra Valpey and Toska Rodriguez, two Saltwater lay ministers, will be facilitating a grief support group this fall. Our hope is that, together, we can support one another through difficult times. It is not a therapy group, bit it might prove therapeutic for you, and we will be emphasizing support and resources around loss. If you think a group like this might be a good fit for you, please contact Debra (206-953-5704 or debravalpey@gmail.com) or Toska (253-839-1921 or toska_r@hotmail.com. We hope to be able to start this group in September and (tentatively) plan to meet on the first and third Thursdays from 7:30 to 9 PM (or on some other mutually agreeable time) on Zoom until we can begin meeting again in person. You don’t need to grieve alone. We can be here for each other.
Saltwater Genealogy Club
(Church Zoom Room)
2nd 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 October 13. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.
Weekend Writers Group
(Church Zoom Room)
2nd and 4th 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. It would be so great to hear from you and to welcome you to the Saltwater Weekend Writers’ Group.
Pair Sharing
(Rev. Kristen’s Zoom Roomhttps://zoom.us/j/7434659479)
Sundays, twice a month 11:45am – 1:00pm
Pair Sharing meeting will be temporarily suspended during the month of September.
There is healing power in telling truth and bearing witness. Pair Sharing is the spiritual practice of deep sharing and listening. If you have any questions, please feel free to 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 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
Mike Yanega: bowfinboy@gmail.com
Toska Rodriguez: toska_r@hotmail.com
Support for Children, Youth, & 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 9:30am https://tinyurl.com/NUUC-SUUC-RE
Family Support Circles
First & Third Mondays, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Family ministries zoom room
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/
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
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 is closed to most in-person programming, groups, and meetings. Saltwater staff are primarily working from home while our Office Administrator is on-site at least twice a week to collect the mail and address any additional needs. Planting Flowers has resumed providing essential childcare support to families. Haitian Christians have resumed in-person gatherings with a limited capacity on Sunday evenings. As of August 1st Bet Chaverim has also resumed hosting some events in the Welcome Room & Sanctuary.
Volunteer Opportunities Serving the Saltwater Community
As we return to more in-person activities, the need for volunteers has increased. Saltwater relies on small volunteer teams to coordinate activities and projects. These team members are invaluable to our community and they need our support. Historically volunteers are able to discover opportunities by attending services and reading the bulletin boards in the Welcome Room. The pandemic has made it difficult to discover new opportunities to contribute to our community.
If you are interested in learning how you can volunteer with or without officially joining a team, please contact Katherine Bubba Miller at administrator@saltwaterchurch.org. They would love to help you discover where your time and talents may contribute to Saltwater’s success. Sometimes, it takes a village to thrive. Can you help our village prosper?
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 would like a statement of your donations for calendar year 2020 for tax purposes to 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).