To join the church zoom room go to: saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/

Each Sunday we offer online worship through zoom at 10:30am. 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. If you wish to view the newsletter on the web, click here.

December 5: “The Spiritual Practice of Gratitude” featuring a meditation and sermon by UUA President, Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray

December 12: “The Spirit of Christmas: Music Service,” Led by Thomas Burt, Music Director

December19: “Celebrating the Return of the Sun,” CUUPS leaders and Rev. Kristen Kuriga

December 26: "TBA", Saphronia Young, lay leader

December's Theme: Spirit

Led by Rev. Kristen Kuriga and Debra Valpey, Lay Minister

Join us for a reflective service that allows space for all of our experiences this holiday season. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, 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. _{*** image credit: amelie}

Come celebrate Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. As winter is settling in, we also rejoice that the days are getting longer and the sun is returning. If you are able, bring a piece of firewood and a comfortable camping chair. This is an all-ages event coordinated by CUUPS and

will be held rain or star shine, so dress warm!

Led by Rev. Kristen Kuriga and Tom Burt, Music Director

Gather around the labyrinth by candlelight to sing Christmas carols. Then, journey through the labyrinth, which will be illuminated by LED tea lights. This is an all-ages event and will be held rain or star shine, so dress warm!

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.

To view our complete calendar of events, click here.

If you wish to schedule an event, click here to fill out a request form.

Every year, Saltwater Church provides holiday gifts for Mark Twain Elementary students & siblings who are most in need. This Sunday, Dec. 5th, is the last day to sign up for gifts. Come choose your gift(s) today!

Visit our virtual tree at Saltwater Church: Giving Tree (signupgenius.com)

Through the SignUpGenius website, you will see the children’s wishes and be able to choose which gift(s) you’d like to give. Monetary donations are being accepted now through December 9th. Please send them to Saltwater Church with Giving Tree in the memo. Donations may be mailed to the church or you can use our donation link on the church website (click here) Gifts and donations must arrive by December 9th! Thank you for your generosity. 

Saltwater’s Writers Group presents a special holiday event. To celebrate the publication of their new book, “The COVID-19 Diaries,” you are invited to join us for an evening of reading, singing, and sharing of holiday cheer. 

***image credit: Bubba  

Church Zoom Room

Join us for a Town Hall meeting with Saltwater's Board Members following Sunday's service. After brief reports from the Board, Reopening Team, and Operation Leads, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions as to what has been happening at Saltwater and the plan for re-opening for in person worship.

In Person - Saltwater Church Welcome Room

Join Mayda Taney to engage in the spiritual practice of SoulCollage. SoulCollage is an easy, enjoyable, intuitive collage process for self-discovery and community. People make their own decks of collaged cards for their personal use from found images. The SoulCollage method helps people discover their unique inner/outer guides and challengers, and access their own wisdom to answer their life questions.

Since this event is indoors, please RSVP to merrydancer@comcast.net. There is a total of 14 spots and you must be 18 years or older in order to attend. This event is masked, socially distanced, and will adhere to the current COVID-19 guidelines. _{***image credit: Karolina Grabowska}

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. Indoor programming is limited to groups of fewer than 15 people over the age of 18. Please see our website at http://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/covid19-info/ for the most up to date information.

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.

Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church is governed by a Board of Directors. To learn about our Board and their activities, please visit our website at: http://saltwaterchurch.org/about-us/our-board-of-directors/.

The Board has commissioned 3 tasksforces; The Pandemic Taskforce, The Safety Taskforce, and The Re-Opening Taskforce. These groups meet on a regular basis. Watch our Church Calendar and Upcoming Events (listed in our weekly newsletter) to learn when the next meeting is planned to take place. _{***image credit: Thirdman}

With so much uncertainty in the wider world, sometimes it can be hard to find one’s bearings. Join us to find our collective “compass” as we explore interdependence as a path to wholeness. Our very own Article II Commission will ask for your input on our ever-evolving Purposes and Principles.

This event is for: lay leaders, religious professionals, adults, youth, members of congregations, and anyone else who is interested in diving into an exploration of interdependence in UU theology and practice. The cost to register is based on a sliding scale of $25-60. To find out more and to register, go to: https://www.uua.org/leadership/events/compass. For questions, contact KCharles@uua.org

You can learn more here: Reflect, Rejoice, Renew: PWR Regional Assembly 2022 | Pacific Western Region | UUA.org

The UU Fellowship in Fairbanks Alaska would like to invite you to participate in Alaska’s UU Fundraising Tour. This program involves dozens of volunteers from 4 Unitarian Universalist congregations in Alaska who come together to offer a unique and wonderful opportunity to visit Alaska.

Have you ever wanted to visit Alaska? If so, WhaleCoast Alaska 2022 is for you! We invite you to experience our unique environmental and spiritual tour program next summer.  See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs, with friendly homestays and awe-inspiring tour activities. See wildlife, including moose, bears, caribou, whales, bald eagles, sea lions, etc. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture. WhaleCoast Alaska is an inspirational way to visit our beautiful state. Complete info at: www.WhaleCoastAK.org. Proof of Covid-19 vaccinations required. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss!

Do you suffer from Zoom fatigue? Consider joining the Saltwater Pen Pal Project to exchange snail mail (or email) correspondence! Every 2 months you would be paired up with someone from the group to exchange your thoughts about the current Sparks of Wonder theme. Contact Joanne at JoanneStonebraker@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of December 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.

You can make a donation to share the plate through the donate button on our website: http://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.

We need your help! What organization do you feel we should be supporting? For additional information about Share the Plate and how to nominate a non-profit organization, please visit the church website at: http://saltwaterchurch.org/share-the-plate/. You will also find a list of organizations the we have supported in previous years, a link to our online submission form, and a form you may download to complete and submit to Kathy Linnell, kelizlinnell@comcast.net. You can also contact Kathy by phone and her number is in the church directory. The deadline is December 6^th.  Let’s make 2022 another stellar year of giving!

Fundraising Event : Handmade with Dove

All of Handmade With Dove's revenue during November and December, less shipping and fees, will be donated to Saltwater Church!

Shop for unique handmade UU cards at HandmadeWithDove.Etsy.com

Monthly on the 1^st Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Join us on Sunday December 5 for our next SCAN! meeting. Our primary focus will be on the Tacoma City Council’s recent decision affecting expansion (or not) of fossil fuel infrastructure on their Tideflat’s industrial area. It’s both good news and not-so-good news so please come and learn all about it. If you’re a PSE customer it will be of special interest to you. Bring a friend too!

If you are interested in participating in future SCAN! efforts, please join in our monthly Zoom meetings and Act for Climate Justice.

Monthly on the 2^nd Saturday, 10am – 11:30am

The Sound Alliance team works on multiple issues in alignment with our commitment to Social Justice. Our next meeting will be on Saturday December 4. 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.

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. We will gather on December 12 in Des Moines at the intersection of 272nd St. and Pacific Hwy S (near Jack in the Box and Arco gas). On December 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 information.

Monthly on the 4^th Monday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Rev. Kristen’s Zoom Room

The next meeting will be on Monday January 24. Happy New Year! 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.

This month we started the Haitian Christians United Food Pantry Support Group. Thank you to all who supported the Haitian immigrants and refugees with your generous donations of money and supplies earlier this year.

Haitian Christians United now holds an occasional food pantry to help with ongoing needs. Food is delivered on Friday afternoons. The food is then sorted and packaged for distribution on Sunday. Your Racial Justice Organizing Team would like to recruit volunteers to help with the Friday afternoon work. It will require people willing to be part of a pool of volunteers, on call. You would not have to be available every time volunteers are needed. If you are interested, I will send you more details when I receive them. Please email susanaigner@comcast.net.

Are there topics or questions you’d like to see covered in future Climate Messages? Email suggestions to Sheri Jacobson at sheridjacobson@yahoo.com.

(private zoom, contact saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com for link)

Meditation Group 

(Church Zoom Room)

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)

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)

The next support circle will be on Thursday, December 2. 

(Church Zoom Room)

(In Person – Church Welcome Room)

Paint Night returns! (Minus the “sip” for now) Come join us for a night of painting and socializing! No experience required. Bring a canvas of your choosing, all other supplies provided. Our next gathering will be December 14 and is limited to 15 people. Masks are required to participate. Please RSVP to Jessica at jazz.itup@live.com by the 10th of the month.

(Church Zoom Room) OR In Person

2^nd and 4^th 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. Creative Hands will being having their first in-person gathering in the church Welcome Room on December 15. Questions? Contact Lynn Crow at (206) 429-2005.

(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 December 8. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.

(Church Zoom Room)

2^nd and 4^th 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 Room https://zoom.us/j/7434659479)

4^th Sundays, 11:45am - 1:00pm

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. 

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. 

Debra Valpey:  debravalpey@gmail.com

Mike Yanega: bowfinboy@gmail.com

Toska Rodriguez: toska_r@hotmail.com

Family Ministries Zoom Room  https://zoom.us/j/2349227683?pwd=aG4yL3RRb240UjJyWUR1Y2p2V0lQUT09

email our Director of Family Ministries at melinda@saltwaterchurch.org to get the class zoom link

email our Director of Family Ministries at melinda@saltwaterchurch.org to get the class zoom link

email our Director of Family Ministries at melinda@saltwaterchurch.org to get the class zoom link

This is "church in a box" for families. Families who sign up will receive story books, manipulatives, craft supplies, and discussion questions to help you and your children explore what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist family. New supplies will be distributed every 1-2 months, and will include seasonal and holiday activities as well. (Kits may be picked up at the church or delivered to your home). Email our Director of Family Ministries at melinda@saltwaterchurch.org if you would like to participate.

Family ministries zoom room

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SUUCFamilyMatters/   

To access Zoom, go to  saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/

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.

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 Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00am until 1:00pm. If you need on-site assistance outside of regularly scheduled hours, email administrator@saltwaterchurch.org to schedule an appointment.

Planting Flowers has resumed providing essential childcare support to families. Haitian Christians have resumed in-person gatherings with a limited capacity on Sunday evenings. Bet Chaverim has also resumed hosting some events in the Welcome Room & Sanctuary. Currently our facilities are closed for all rentals involving indoor activities.

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.

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).