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.
September Worship
Live multi-platform worship in the sanctuary and online through zoom!
September 25: “Transforming Conflict,” Rev Kristen Kuriga
Theme for September : Belonging
Throughout the month of September we are exploring the spiritual theme of belonging. According to poet John O’Donohue, “The word ‘belonging’ holds together two fundamental aspects of life: Being and Longing.” When have you experienced belonging? What does your soul most long for? How are we transformed by belonging to one another? And how can we expand the circles of belonging here at Saltwater Church? Join us to reflect, learn, and grow together!
Ways for All Ages to Participate in Sunday Morning Worship Time
Children and youth are welcome to worship with their families in the sanctuary. People of all ages who prefer hands-on activities or space to move or make some noise are welcome to participate in the Welcome Room, where we will have activities related to the morning’s worship theme. For our younger guests, we provide childcare in the Welcome Room and outside. Youth are encouraged to volunteer as ushers, greeters, worship leaders, or tech support if they are interested. Volunteers are needed to assist with childcare as well. Please contact Katherine (Bubba) Miller, Office Administrator administrator@saltwaterchurch.org, with questions or to discuss your family’s particular needs for in-person participation.
Notable & Upcoming Events
To view our complete calendar of events, click here.
If you wish to schedule an event, click here to fill out a request form.
Celebration of Life for Julie Ann Traub
Saturday October 1, 2:00pm
Multi-Platform (in person & by zoom)
Join us to celebrate the life of Julie Ann Traub, long-time member of Saltwater Church. She died peacefully at home at age 97 on September 2, 2022. You can read Julie’s obituary here: obituaries.seattletimes.com/obituary/julie-traub-1086210997. All are welcome to come together as we share memories and offer care to her family, friends, and community.
Saltwater Church Sanctuary, 25701 14th Pl S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Saltwater Church Zoom Room: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/
Chalice Circle Sign-Up: Register NOW
4 different group options
In Person or Zoom
Want to connect with others and enrich your spirituality? Join a chalice circle! They meet once per month either on zoom or in person. They will dive deeper into the Soul Matters theme of the month through thought provoking questions and discussions. You don’t want to miss out. The following group times are available October-May: 1st Sundays at 12:30pm (drop-in at church) 2nd Tuesdays at 10am (zoom) 3rd Wednesdays at 7pm (in person at facilitator’s home) 4th Thursdays at 10 am (zoom) To sign up, contact Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com
Current In-person Activity COVID-19 Guidelines
Please see our website at https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/covid19-info/ for the most up to date information. We continue to review current guidelines for King County and the state of Washington to ensure we adhere to their standards.
From the Board
Welcome back to Saltwater for the start of a new church year!
In late August, the Board defined the following priorities for the coming year.
– Support a full and vibrant reopening of the church. On September 11th, we had our welcome home party, with our first in-person water communion in 3 years, and new name tags. That’s just the beginning. Up next: how do we as a congregation sustain that?
– Cultivate conflict transformation skills. Coming up this fall, the Healthy Congregations Team will be leading a discussion series using the book “Transforming Conflict: the Blessings of Congregational Turmoil”. We hope you will join us as we learn how to better live our mission.
– Widen our welcome as a community. This could include outreach, membership development, leadership development.
So far, we have our general direction- our True North for the year. We’ll develop more details with your help and input, and regularly check our compass to ensure we’re still following that North Star. Let us know what you think. Look for ways to bring it to life. What calls to you?
Your Board,
Karin Leisy, Lauren Crowder, Katie Baker, Aida Sanchez-Vela, Nancy Corr, and Diane Schairer
UUA Article II Study Commission
an update
The UUA is working on revisions to Article II of the UUA bylaws: the section where our sources, principles and purposes are written. A study commission has been working through feedback from General Assembly, and is also taking feedback through Zoom sessions.
Be informed and make your voice heard! There are a series of sessions scheduled this week (September 24 – 29), and more sessions will be scheduled in October-November. Check this website for details, and to register for a session. Article II Study Commission : https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission
Changes to Our COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
On August 30, the Board met and reviewed our COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for worship and small groups. They approved changes that will allow more people to gather in-person while still caring for the health and well-being of our community. Below are highlights of the changes. You can access the full revised guidelines here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G2M72xh9ONzKYNNa1Ed5P8y5FnBreK_w/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106735193381653722326&rtpof=true&sd=true
- There is no longer a capacity limit on indoor worship and programming
- Social distancing is optional indoors. Please respect those who continue to practice social distancing.
- We continue to require masking for indoor programming. Small groups of adults, twelve people or less, can remove their masks during an indoor program if all members of the group consent.
- If you are sick, please stay home. If you have come into contact with someone positive for Covid, follow the precautions recommended by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html
If you have any questions about the COVID-19 Safety Guidelines, feel free to reach out to members of the Board or a staff member. Thank you for continuing to care for one another and our larger community. We look forward to seeing you at worship in-person or on zoom!
Staff Updates
Join Us In Welcoming Our New Pianist
We are excited to announce that our new church pianist is Cami Celestia. Cami will be with us for her first Sunday on September 25. Join us in welcoming Cami to our congregation.
Cami Celestia (she_her) is a Seattle-based musician, artist, and technologist excited to join the SUUC worship team! Originally from southeast Michigan, she has over 20 years music experience including 15 years of classical piano study, two degrees in music and technology from the University of Michigan, and extensive performing experience spanning jazz, pop, country, and electronic music. She is also an active artist and inventor, and enjoys life alongside her wife Andy and cat Sonny.
Growth & Learning
Transforming Conflict: A Congregational Opportunity for Learning and Skill Building
What’s your relationship with conflict? Is it difficult for you? As a congregation, we want to learn how to engage with conflict in loving and covenantal ways. Join the Healthy Congregation Team and the Board for a congregational study of the book Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil by Terasa Cooley.
Over five months we will read, reflect, and learn new skills. Sessions will be offered on zoom and in-person, and we encourage learning to continue between sessions through learning pairs. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://www.uuabookstore.org/Transforming-Conflict-P19335.aspx. There will also be copies available to borrow from the church office starting on Wednesday, September 14. See below for the schedule and join us!
The same session will be offered each month in two different modalities:
1st Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Church Zoom Room &
3rd Sundays, 12:00pm – 1:30 pm, In Person – Church Welcome Room
October 5 & 16: Introduction, A New Way of Looking at Conflict: Why Transformation?
& The Physiology of Conflict
November 2 & 20: Revelations of the Self
& From Me to We: Covenantal Dialogue
December 7 & 18: Congregational Systems
& The Repercussions of Misconduct
January 4 & 15: Conflicts about Race
& Creating a New Culture of Learning
February 1 & 19: Tools for Change
& The Courage of Creative Imagination
Questions? Contact a member of the Healthy Congregation Team: Bev Ross, Quinn Rose, Debra Valpey, or the Board Liaison to the Healthy Congregation Team, Aida Sanchez-Vela.
Wrestling with the Truth of Colonization
A community organizing program brought to you by Sound Alliance
Introductory Briefings: October 4, 2:00pm-3:00pm OR
October 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Sound Alliance, in collaboration with United Indians of All Tribes, are offering 5 (2hr) virtual training sessions in October with United Indians of All Tribes member organizations. Sound Alliance member organization members are invited take part in this opportunity to join with indigenous members in reflection and learning around the truth of colonization and its ongoing impact in our region. The goal is to take the learning from these sessions and turn them into long term community organizing efforts toward upholding native sovereignty and to build real solid relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Introductory briefings are offered October 4 from 2-3pm OR October 6 from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Join us in Fostering Connection and Acting for Justice. For additional information contact Diane Dobrowolski at ddobrowolski@earthlink.net to register.
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Ways To Live Our Values
Share the Plate for September:
Federal Way Day Center
Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of September will be shared with Federal Way Day Center. https://ccsww.org/get-help/shelter-homeless-services/federal-way-day-center/.
With the active involvement of SUUC, the Federal Way Day Center opened in December 2016. It provides a welcoming space to adults who are homeless and vulnerably housed. The Day Center offers showers, laundry, computers, phones, mail reception services, space for meal preparation, and access to health care and social services. Case Management services and Family-Only hours are also offered. Remember, our funds are matched so your contribution is doubled!
You can make a donation to share the plate through the donate button on our website
https://saltwaterchurch.org/stewardship/donate/ or mail a check to the church office with “basket” in the memo line: Saltwater UU Church, 25701 14 Pl S., Des Moines, WA 98198.
Walk for the Women: Hospitality House Fundraiser
Thank you to the Saltwater community for participating in last weekend’s fundraiser. It was wonderful getting to spend time together while living our UU values. Congratulations to all the participants who helped meet this year’s fundraising goal of $24,000. We hope to see you again next year. *** image credit: Kathy Linnell
Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
Monthly on the 1st Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Church Zoom Room
Please join us for our 1st Sunday of the month Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) meeting this Sunday, October 2. We’re coming off our summer break so there will be lots to talk about including how we might make the church campus a greener one and how the entire church community can help to plug a gap in the recently enacted Inflation Recovery Act. Bring a friend too! Contact Bill Adams at badams6456@aol.com for additional information. We encourage you to in our monthly Zoom meetings and Act for Climate Justice.
*** image credit: Margo Rolf
Sound Alliance
Monthly on the 2nd Saturday, 10:00am – 11:30am
Church Zoom Room
The Sound Alliance team works on multiple issues in alignment with our commitment to Social Justice. Our next meeting will be on Saturday October 8. The issues we focus on change from year to year, depending upon the concerns voiced by members of the congregation. All members and friends of Saltwater UU Church and Bet Chaverim are most welcome to join us in our conversations and Act for Social Justice.
Stance for Racial Justice
2nd & 4th 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. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Our next gathering will be on September 25 in Puyallup from 2pm until 3pm at the intersection of 136th and S. Meridian (near post office and Sonic restaurant) On October 9 we will meet 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)
Monthly on the 3rd Wednesday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room
The next meeting will be on Wednesday October 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
What do you do if a climate disaster occurs near you?
Side With Love is presenting a Climate Disaster Response Training Series on September 27, October 25, and November 15. The series is designed to help us prepare for climate crisis–“From grounding ourselves in the climate risks most prevalent in our communities, to developing plans of action, to staying in conversation with our faith peers, this series is designed to turn the overwhelming nature of climate disaster into a known and collectively addressable entity.” Register for the sessions at https://secure.everyaction.com/P00biXP7REi_bHOZxvM5CA2. Side With Love has a companion video, “Fostering Local Climate Resilience through Disaster Response and Community Care,” that you can watch at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zelvJr7o6KhG0tduzmFhFoHja_SYMcDR/view.
“We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can arm ourselves with knowledge.” Petra Nemcova
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 Volunteer
Multi-Platform Worship Services
Various opportunities to help support our multi-platform services
As we move forward with reopening for more in person events our multi-platform services need your support. We have many opportunities for people of all ages and skillsets. Volunteer positions are available for both in person support and virtual support from the comforts of your home. If you are interested in joining a volunteer team, please contact our office administrator via email at administrator@saltwaterchurch.org.
Facilities Team
Monthly on the 1st Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room
We wish to thank all the volunteers that joined us for our Groundskeep Work Party in the beginning of August and hope to see you again soon. Our Facilities Team helps organize the maintenance of our buildings and the upkeep of our grounds. We are looking for volunteers to help contact contractors, manage coordinating repairs, and assist with volunteer events. Our meetings are monthly and your time commitment is quite flexible. Discover how you can help support our community by attending our next meeting on Thursday October 6. ***Image credit: Karolina Grabowska
Saltwater Church Safety Taskforce
Monthly on the 3rd Thursday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Church Zoom Room
Our Safety Taskforce encourages members of our community to join in discussions about our facilities and community. Common topics include building safety, necessary upgrades to our facilities, and emergency planning. We are beginning multiple new projects and welcome your knowledge and skills. Join our monthly meeting to learn how you can lend a hand. Our next meeting is Thursday October 20.
Ways to Connect
Weekly Meetings
Al-anon Support Group
Private zoom, contact saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com for link
Mondays, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Support Circle – New Fall Schedule
Church Zoom Room : https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/
First & Third Thursdays, 12:30pm – 1:30pm, led by Rev Kristen
Fourth Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, led by lay ministers Debra Valpey and Toska Rodriguez
Support circle is open to all members and friends and is a space for deep check-in and reflection on a question related to our monthly theme. In support circle we come to be nourished by authentic relationship, to mutually support one another through the joys and sorrows of our lives, and to create space for spiritual insight. All are welcome.
Meditation Group
Church Zoom Room
Tuesdays, 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Our meditation group has returned to zoom only for the fall & winter seasons. 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, 9:30 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! For more information, contact Janeane Weprin 630-824-8343 or jghonore@yahoo.com.
Choir Singing Circle
In Person – Welcome Room
Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Saltwater Choir is Back! This group will rehearse each Thursday evening and will sing in worship twice a month. Anyone who wants to share their vocal gifts and help create music for worship is welcome to join. We have found that singing together is a spiritual practice that helps us feel whole and well, as we minister to our congregation through our music. Come join us! We will follow our current COVID-19 Guidelines and have special “singing” masks available. For questions or more information, please contact Tom Burt, Music Director. email: music@saltwaterchurch.org phone: 206-304-3830.
Twice a Month Meetings
Game Night — Sponsored by Saltwater UU Social Club (SUUSC)
In Person – Welcome Room
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Join our Saltwater community for an evening of fun. Friends and visitors are welcome. We play all types of board games (ranging from lighter games like Clue to more complex games like Pandemic.) Our group also plays thematic games, card games, and party & social games. Almost anything is possible, bring your favorite game and let us know about it. This event will follow our current COVID-19 Guidelines. Our next meet up will be on October 1.
Weekend Writers Group
Church Zoom Room
Alternating Sundays, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
There’s no time like the present to start writing that novel you have been dreaming about for years! Or maybe it’s time to share the poetry you have stashed away in your file drawer or to start immortalizing by writing down those unique memories that have been your precious life! And it’s a lot more fun if you have an audience of other writers to share them with. We welcome new members, WE WELCOME YOU! Any questions? Please phone me at 206-898-5452 or email me at mona_lee@centurylink.net.
Monthly Meetings
Saltwater Genealogy Club
Church Zoom Room
2nd Wednesday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Do you love to talk about your family history and research? Saltwater Church has a Genealogy Club! We are not experts; we just share stories and research ideas. Our next meeting will be October 12. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.
Creative Hands
In Person : Welcome Room
3rd Tuesday, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
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 18. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.
Pair Sharing
Rev. Kristen’s Zoom Room (https://zoom.us/j/7434659479)
one Sunday a month, 11:45am – 1:00pm
Discover the healing power in telling truth and bearing witness. Pair Sharing is the spiritual practice of deep sharing and listening. October 23 will be our next meeting. We will also meet on November 27. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janeane Weprin at jghonore@yahoo.com.
Grief Support Group
Church Zoom Room
4th Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Grief Support Group Changes: Our Grief Support Group has changed. We will now be joining Support Circles monthly on the 4th Thursday. Our next meeting will be on October 27. Grief is an ongoing part of life and sometimes even released us from its grip for awhile. So, if you would like support for whatever challenges life is sending your way, or would like to share some joys in your life that balance those challenges, please join us on fourth Thursday beginning in September. Debra Valpey and Toska Rodriguez will be hosting. All are welcome.
Paint Night
In Person – Welcome Room
4th Mondays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Bring any size canvas. No experience required. All paints and supplies provided. RSVP to Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com. Our next evening of artistic expression is September 26.
Support Is Available
Do you need support? Please let us know, we want to help. Are you feeling lonely or isolated? We can connect you with a lay minister or another member of the congregation. If you have been affected by the pandemic financially, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund is available for one-time emergency support for members and friends of the church. Contact Rev. Kristen: minister@saltwaterchurch.org.
If you are in need of emotional or spiritual support, you can reach out directly to a Lay Minister:
Debra Valpey: debravalpey@gmail.com
Toska Rodriguez: toska_r@hotmail.com
Support for Children, Youth, & Families
Family Ministries Zoom Room
https://zoom.us/j/2349227683?pwd=aG4yL3RRb240UjJyWUR1Y2p2V0lQUT09
Children and Youth Registration for Family Ministries Program
Families are encouraged to fill out a registration form for any children and youth participating in classes and activities at Saltwater Church. This helps our staff and volunteers with planning programs, and helps us know your family better. Register online at: https://forms.gle/nNG2M6Pth3AZMgH16
Middle and High School Youth Group (grades 6-12)
Youth will meet for social events several times a month. The Youth Group works with adult advisors to plan programs which include personal sharing, discussion of religious and ethical issues, guest speakers from other religions and from the community, service projects, participation in district youth conferences, and worship. This year youth will explore the monthly church-wide themes. Contact Amanda Radak or see the church newsletter for more information.
Family Support Circles
First & Third Mondays, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Family ministries zoom room
Are you are looking for like-minded parents to support you through the challenges of family life? Look no further than the Parent Support Group! Join us 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:30pm in the Children’s Ministry zoom room For questions, contact Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com
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 is available upon request for any church activity if requested at least one week in advance. To request childcare, contact our office administrator via email at administrator@saltwaterchurch.org. Childcare is currently being offered for the paint group 4th Mondays from 6-9 p.m. (This event is also open to youth participants.)
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Comprehensive sexuality education classes will be held jointly with Westside UU Church for youth in grades 7-9. The class schedule will be available soon. Contact Steve Radak for more information.
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 has opened for in person gatherings. If you wish to plan an event please use our online request form: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/calendar-request/. All gatherings are asked to follow the current COVID-19 guidelines. If you have questions about the guidelines or need assistance our Office Assistant is on-site Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am to 1pm. If you need on-site assistance outside of their regularly scheduled hours, email administrator@saltwaterchurch.org to schedule an appointment.
Planting Flowers has resumed providing essential childcare support to families. Haitian Christians has resumed in-person gatherings with a limited capacity on Sunday evenings. Bet Chaverim has resumed events in the Welcome Room & Sanctuary while also continuing to have virtual options. Currently our facilities are closed for all rentals involving indoor activities.
Donations to Saltwater Church
When making a donation on the church website (click here), please indicate where you want your donation to go. After entering the amount of your donation, if you select “Donate with a Debit or Credit Card” you will see a line which starts with a pencil and has “add special instructions to the seller.” Please click on those words to specify “pledge” or your desired purpose. It will help our treasurer get money into the right places if that line is filled in. If you have questions, email or call our Treasurer, Gaye Greeves at gnatfw@aol.com or 253-508-3961.
Please Note: Announcements, updates, and additions to the newsletter must be received by noon Wednesday to be included in that week’s newsletter. Send your submissions to administrator@saltwaterchurch.org or use the website form (click here).