Dear Saltwater Community,

We hope that you and your family are well. As we continue to help slow the spread of the coronavirus through practicing social distancing, we want to let you know about ways that you can stay connected through Saltwater Church.

Online Worship (church zoom room, https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/)
Each Sunday we are offering online worship through zoom at 10:30 am. This Sunday, March 22, we continue to explore the theme of wisdom with our service “Wisdom in Hard Times.” More information below about how to connect through the zoom room.

Last week we launched our annual pledge drive with the service “Imagine Abundance.” You can turn in your pledge for the upcoming church year by sending an email to Gaye Greeves, Treasurer, gnatfw@aol.com, or by mailing your pledge card to the church office. You can also access the pledge materials online: https://saltwaterchurch.org/stay-in-the-loop/pledge-drive-information/. We ask that all pledges be returned by April 5.

Support Circles (church zoom room, https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/)
We are offering a series of drop-in support circles on zoom. The format is simple: a chalice lighting, check-in, and a reflection question on our theme for this month. The circles are offered on Tuesday and Thursdays at lunch time, and on Tuesday evenings. Join us for an upcoming circle!

Tuesday, March 24, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday March 24, 7-8 pm
Thursday, March 26, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 7-8 pm

Religious Education & Support for Families (family ministries zoom room: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2349227683)

Sunday morning, March 22 at 9:30 am will be our first online Religious Education class for kids and their grown-ups. We’ll talk about ways to care for ourselves and each other in stressful times. This meeting will be in the family ministries zoom room (not the church zoom room). To join, enter meeting ID: 234 922 7683 or go to https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2349227683 and follow the prompts.

Youth Group: Youth group will meet this week at 12 pm after service in the family ministries zoom room.

Family support circle: There will be a support circle for families with children and youth on Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 pm in the family ministries zoom room.

Parents Facebook Group: You can also connect with other church families with children and youth for support through the Parents facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SUUCFamilyMatters/

Writer’s Group (church zoom room, https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/)
The Writer’s group is now meeting on zoom. Wednesday mornings, 9:30 am-12 pm. All are welcome!

How to Access the Church Zoom Room for Worship & Support Groups
To access Zoom, go to https://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. It will be helpful if you have a high-speed internet connection.  For some connections, a pair of headphones will be helpful (a simple pair of earbuds will do.) 

If you would prefer to join by phone, dial 1-669-900-6833 and enter Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 when prompted.  Long distance charges may apply, so it is best to call from a cell phone.  

If you have a smartphone, you can download the Zoom app and join with Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 for video and audio connection.

Support Available
Do you need support? Please let us know, we want to help.

Are you feeling lonely or isolated? Let us know and 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, please let us know. 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: melinda@saltwaterchurch.org.

Can you help?
During this time we want to make sure that everyone is connected and supported. It will take all of us to care for one another. Are you able to help other church members in your neighborhood who may be in need?
Ways to be of support to other church membersConnection:  make calls to someone who needs a connection, send cards to those who are in nursing homes or care facilities

Physical Needs:  Deliver groceries or other items to a member who can’t go out due to being higher risk

Donate to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund:  help people with essentials

Please contact Rev. Kristen if you can help: minister@saltwaterchurch.org

Saltwater Church Building & Renters
The church building is closed to all in-person programming, groups, and meetings. All staff are working from home. We will be going by the property to collect the mail and to check on the campus. Bet Chaverim Synagogue and Haitian Christians United are no longer holding in person worship services. Forest Kinderland and Himawari have canceled their programming until further notice. Planting Flowers Learning Center is on campus at this time providing an essential service by offering childcare to parents who are working out of the home. They are following strict CDC and state licensing guidelines.

How to Schedule a Meeting on Zoom

1.  Anyone with a church-oriented group can schedule the zoom room.

2.  You will need some training on how to host a zoom meeting using the church zoom
room.  Melinda has a video and hand-out: melinda@saltwaterchurchlorg

3.  Once trained, please check the church calendar to see if the room is available: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/ 

4.  Once you have a date and time, you can schedule through the room request form on the website: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/calendar-request/, or contact CJ by email: administrator@saltwaterchurch.org

5.  You must schedule it at least a few days in advance.  CJ will be scheduling meetings during her regular hours, Tuesday-Friday, 9 am-2 pm. 6.  You can even schedule the zoom room for a social gathering. Folks wanting to share music, poetry, art, etc. are welcome to do that.

Staying in Touch
We will continue to provide updates as we have more information. Please watch your email, the church website, and our facebook page. We also encourage you to stay informed about the recommendations being issued by King County Public Health: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx