We offer worship in two ways: in-person multi-platform service held in our sanctuary and online in our Church Zoom Room at 10:30am. Doors and Zoom open at 10:15am. 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 both in-person programming and via our Church Zoom Room. If you wish to view the newsletter on the web, click here.

Live multi-platform worship in the sanctuary and online through Zoom!

Theme for March: Transformation

As the world transforms, we transform with it. We know that we are always learning more and as we learn we must reevaluate what we thought we knew. A transforming movement has the potential to always be vital, no matter what conditions we find ourselves in. As we move toward the Equinox, we witness transformation in the more than human world that makes the journey from Winter into Spring. Embracing transformation embraces the wisdom of the turning wheel of the year and acknowledges our place in it.

Worship in March at Saltwater Church

March 24  Joyful Community - Rev. Alison Duren-Sutherland (in-person)

Ours is a joyful community made up of members and friends who come together of our own free will to put our mission into action. With this service, we officially kick off pledge drive season, where we ask members and friends to make a commitment of financial support for the next church year. While we can’t put a price tag on the joy that bubbles up from serving and being served by this community, we can make a pledge to support the costs associated with bringing this joyful community into being.

March 31  Ramadan, Easter and Passover – Honoring Traditions as One Joyful Community - Lay Led

This Easter Sunday, we will honor the three Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will hear about Easter and about Passover from members of the Haitians Christian United Church and the Bet Chavarim Synagogue, with whom we share our sanctuary. We will also hear a story about Ramadan from the Islamic tradition. In these times of terrible war and violence, let us be a beacon to the world and show that we can peacefully coexist and honor each other’s faiths in love and hope.

To view our complete calendar of events, click here.

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

Speculative Fiction Book Group

Saturday March 23, 1:30pm

Saltwater Conference Room and Speculative Fiction Book Group Zoom Room

Join fellow Saltys in reading science fiction (and maybe a little bit of fantasy) in UU community! Our next meeting will be March 23 at 1:30pm in the conference room and via zoom. We will be discussing Legion by Brandon Sanderson. Even if you can’t make it to the meeting, please feel free to read along with us!



Our scheduled reads for the rest of the church year are:

April: All Systems Red and Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

May: The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin

June: The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler

Celebration of Purim

Saturday March 23, 7:00pm

In Person - Saltwater Sanctuary

Members and Friends of Saltwater Are Invited! Bet Chaverim will be presenting a play in celebration of Purim on March 23 in the Sanctuary at Saltwater Church.

Rabbi Mirel will conduct a brief service starting at 7:00pm, which will be followed by the play at 7:30pm. This is a humorous play about Queen Esther, King Ahasueris, and others. It will last about an hour. Participants will be in biblical costumes, and there will be a story line, songs, and light refreshments afterward.

Purim is a Jewish Holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of an official of the Persian Empire whose name was Haman. I hope some of you can attend! – Judy Schainen of Bet Chaverim

Social Club Hike

Sunday March 24, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

In Person - Meet at Saltwater Church

Join us for a walk down to Saltwater State Park Beach after the worship service on March 24. The trail is an easy walk 1.5 miles round trip. Please bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, snacks (optional), and a spirit of adventure! If you have questions, please contact Robert Snipes.

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States - Book Study

Starts Tuesday March 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Church Zoom Room

The Saltwater UU Racial Justice Team invites you to join a book study of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States (Youth Edition) by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortez. The 2-hour sessions will begin March 26 and meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of April, May, and June.

In seven sessions we will together:

• Trace the history of colonization from the Indigenous perspective

• Learn to think more critically and completely about our own history

• Support one another as we work through the stories presented in the book

• Share our responses and reactions to learning the history

• Explore how to support Indigenous-led campaigns to expand sovereignty and self determination

• Share ideas about building relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities

In addition to reading the book, you will be asked to do personal journaling and research. Worksheets and suggested resources will be provided for each session. The depth of your study will be up to you.

If you have taken or plan to take the Wrestling with the Truth of Colonization course, this will compliment and deepen your work.

To sign up or if you have questions, please contact: Miriam Woito – miriamwoito@gmail.com or (208) 890-6074

Pledge Drive Season -

Calendar of Events

Sunday March 24 - Sunday April 14

In Person – Saltwater Church

Mark your calendar for this series of events, celebrating the gifts of our community:

Sunday, March 24: Pledge Drive Kick-off

Saturday, March 30 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm: Community Dinner and Sing-Along (for those who RSVP'd)

Sunday, March 31 at 11:30am: Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 7 at 11:30am: Interplay-inspired Community Activity

Sunday, April 14 at 11:30am: Community Potluck

"Saltwater Family" Art Gallery

In Person – Welcoming Room

We have our very own Saltwater Family Art Gallery, "Nature in its Glory and its Challenges." Members, children, and friends of Saltwater, along with any of your extended family and close friends are invited to display their art here. Contact Debra Valpey (debravalpey@gmail.com) for more information. _{****Image Credit: Snow White}

Annual Spring Leadership Convening

Saturday April 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Multi-Platform – Church Main Building & Church Zoom Room

If you are a leader in our church community, or want to be involved as one, come to the Spring Leadership Convening on Saturday, April 13, 1-3 pm. This is a hybrid event; you can come in person or Zoom in. If you need childcare, please contact Jessica Nash at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org by April 4.



As a community, our mission is to practice love, foster connection, nurture spiritual growth and act for justice. The Leadership Convening is our chance to check our course. Are we on the same page? On track? What's next? Let's be creative together!

Minister's Messages

As spring flowers bloom that will become summer fruits, pledge drive season offers us an opportunity to set an intention (the flower) of what we want to become (the fruit). We do this through the community activities and learning opportunities that I highlight in my message this week, as well as by making a financial commitment for our next church year. Let us blossom together, my friends, so that we may bless each other and the wider world with a rich harvest as the wheel turns into the future. You can find Rev. Alison’s full message via the home page of the church website or here: Minister’s Messages. 

Rev. Alison will be in-person again at Saltwater Church through this Sunday, March 24. Rev. Alison will be on vacation with her family and not responding to email or calls between March 25 and April 1.



Ways to connect with Rev. Alison

Phone (voice only): (206) 627-5119

Email: minister.swuuc@gmail.com

Online Meeting Scheduling: https://calendly.com/minister-swuuc

Saltwater Church RETREAT 2024 - Registration

Friday April 26 - Sunday April 28

Off-Site – Seabeck Conference Center

The Saltwater Retreat is coming up April 26 – 28 and it’s time to register! Our annual retreat is a time for rest, reflection, and fun…and they feed you! We hope you’ll join us for this treasured annual event, with guest speaker Liz James of the UU Hysterical Society. The deadline for registration is April 1.

For this year’s retreat, please view:  https://seabeck.org and look at the campus map, the housing charts, and the floor plans for each house, and you can also look at the pricing plans. We have the following houses this year (PLUS $50.00 IF YOU WANT A SINGLE ROOM, and please add 15% to the prices below to cover our program costs):

• Annex and Reeser: Full time is $252 per adult, $189 per youth (12-16), $126 per child (3-11)
• Madrona and Tamarack: Full time is $189 per adult, $142 per youth (12-16), $124 per child (3-11)
• Huckleberry: Full time is $252 per adult, $189 per youth (12-16), $126 per child (3-11) 
• DAY USE ONLY: $10, plus meal costs of $10 (A), $8 (Y), $8 (C) for breakfast; $12 (A), $9 (Y), $9 (C) for lunch; and $14 (A), $10 (Y), $10 (C) for dinner.  

-Go to the website to check out the housing placement on campus, whether you need a room for accessible needs, etc.

PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Unless your animal is a service animal, you should leave Fluffy home. Please make your arrangements now.

REMOTE REGISTRATION:  You must email saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com to advise whether you are staying the whole weekend, just Friday, just Saturday, or day-use only (Saturday is the logical day to do that). You must advise your 1st, 2nd and possibly 3rd choice for housing. Usually, you’ll get your first choice if you register in the first two weeks. You must identify how you’ll pay (and then do it!).  

WAYS TO PAY:  

1. Pay online HERE. In “special instructions,” please put that this is your retreat payment, and any extra amount for scholarship should be identified.  

2. Pay by check: You can bring it to church, drop it in the donation basket with “RETREAT” marked in the memo line, or hand it to Saphronia Young.  

3. Pay by Credit Card at church at the retreat table: We will have a Square Card Reader available on retreat sign-up Sundays.

UU the Vote Postcard Writing

Now through Thursday May 9

It is not too late to support Saltwater’s UU the Vote postcard writing efforts. Postcards won’t be mailed until April 22. We are writing postcards to registered underrepresented voters in Georgia providing them nonpartisan information about voting in their Congressional primary election. Postcards need to be mailed between April 22 and May 9. Let me know how many postcards you want (in multiples of 20, please) and I will give you the postcards and all the info you need (scripts, directions, etc. You provide stamps.) I will be at the service this Sunday, March 10, but you and I can discuss other delivery/pickup options.

Susan Aigner—for your Saltwater Racial Justice Organizing Team:

susanaigner@comcast.net, (253) 569-8156

UUA Condemns Violence Against Gaza, Urges Immediate and Total Cease Fire

On February 14th, the UUA released a new statement regarding the events in Israel and Palestine. In keeping with the desire to keep the congregation informed of what our Unitarian Universalist Association has to say about these events, here is a link to that statement: 

– https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/uua-condemns-violence-urges-ceasefire

Additional resources and statements from the UUA on this issue can be found here:

– https://www.uua.org/international-justice/uua-statements-palestine/israel/resources-engaging-palestine-israel

– https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/catastrophe-gaza-and-israel

Be a Part of Welcoming New Members

Join our Welcoming Team

The Welcoming Team is seeking long-time Saltys to revive our tradition of pairing new members with folks who know the community well and can help answer their questions about getting involved. If you are interested in being a mentor or buddy to our newer Saltys, please contact Rev. Alison at minister@saltwaterchurch.org.

Facilities Team

3^rd Wednesdays, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

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 April 17. _{***Image credit: Bubba} 

Saltwater Church Safety Taskforce

2^nd Thursdays, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Private 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. The next meeting is April 11. For more information or to attend, please contact Diane Schairer at juvinall3@aol.com.

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.

• Usher
• Digital Greeter
• Greeter
• Welcome Kiosk
• Worship Assistant
• A/V Desk Assistant
• Multigenerational Activities Assistant

Other Opportunities

• Social Activities (planning potlucks, or whatever the team decides) – contact Judy Featherstone (judyfeatherstone@yahoo.com)
• Following up with new members – contact Saphronia Young (saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com)
• Connecting volunteers to needed positions – Diane Schairer (juvinall3@aol.com)
• Fundraising – contact Anjali Lopez (anjalijl@gmail.com
• Healthy Congregations Team – email Diane Schairer (juvinall3@aol.com)

Share The Plate for March

Northwest Abortion Access Fund

All undesignated donations received for the first 4 Sundays in the month of March will be shared with NW Abortion Access Fund. https://nwaafund.org/. On the 5th Sunday, March 31, the collected funds will supplement the Minister’s Discretionary fund.

Funding abortion and breaking down barriers to abortion access for people in the Northwest is the mission of the Northwest Abortion Access Fund.

The organization serves the people of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Trained, compassionate volunteer advocates run the toll-free hotline. The Access Fund helps people pay for their abortion care by sending funding directly to the clinic. They also provide transportation to and from the clinic and make sure people traveling for care have a safe place to stay.



Due to the generosity of a matching donor, the total amount of all undesignated funds in today’s offering basket will be donated to the NW Abortion Access Fund AND half of what we collect will go toward Saltwater UU’s general operating fund.

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. _{****image credit: Kindel Media}

Share The Plate - New Opportunities

Nominations wanted for 2024-2025

Have you ever wondered how Share the Plate beneficiaries are selected? Members submit a nomination form, the form is reviewed by the Share the Plate Committee, and the Committee selects the recipients and the month of the donation for the next calendar year. The Committee consists of Kathy Jorgensen, Collette DeMonte and Peggy Lovellford.

Currently, we have eleven beneficiaries selected for 2024. Nominations may be made at any time, and when it’s time to select beneficiaries, the Committee will review all of the applications submitted. A generous anonymous donor has agreed to match the plate donations through December of 2024, do you have an organization you’d like to nominate?

Hospitality House, Federal Way Day Center, and Duwamish Tribal Services will continue to have ‘grandfathered’ approval and do not need to be nominated. For all other organizations, a church member will need to nominate or re-nominate a beneficiary. The nomination form can be entered by clicking here.

Expanding our recipient criteria to include “primarily” King County organizations has allowed us to fund those emergency groups outside of King County. The criteria are simple:

• Organization must be a 501 (c} 3 nonprofit
• The organization must primarily serve South King County.
• The organization’s mission must align with UU values and principles.

What organizations do you feel we should be supporting?

Have you volunteered in the past with an organization you would like to support?

What is a favorite organization you are affiliated with and would like to nominate for Share the Plate?

Please complete the form which can be accessed from the link above. When the committee meets, we will review all the applications and make our selections.

Pajama Party - Crafting for the Community

1st Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm

In Person - Welcoming Room

The monthly Saltwater UU Pajama Party is a chance to put your crafting skills to work for those in need in our community. Bring your sewing machines if you have them, flannel and patterns will be provided by Pajama Party convener, Sally. The pajama bottoms we sew will be donated to those in need in our community, including local women’s shelters, and we can also make other items with the donated material as well. Remember, crafting knows no gender, so ALL are welcome to come and create for the wider community. Stop by for the crafting or for the community. Contact Sally Caldwell for more information. Our next meet up will be April 2. Join us in Sewing for Social Justice. ****Image credit: Evg Kowalievska

Racial Justice Organizing Team (RJOT)

1^st Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Church Zoom Room



The next meeting will be on April 5. 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

2^nd Saturdays, 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. 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. Our next meeting will be on April 13.

Stance for Racial Justice

2^nd & 4^th Sundays

In Person - Des Moines 12:30pm - 1:30pm

& Puyallup 2:00pm – 3:00pm



Rain or shine, we Stand for Racial Justice two Sundays a month. Join us as we stand together in solidarity with our signs for justice. Our next gathering will be on March 24 in Puyallup from 2:00pm – 3:00pm at the intersection of 136th and S. Meridian (near post office and Sonic restaurant).



We will meet again on  April 14 in Des Moines from 12:30pm – 1:30pm 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.

Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)

3^rd Thursdays, 6:30pm

Church Zoom Room

Mark your calendar–The March SCAN! meeting will be Thursday, April 18 at 6:30pm. Join us then! Contact Sheri Jacobson at sheridjacobson@yahoo.com for additional information. It’s never too late to Act for Climate Justice.  *** image credit: Mark Spiske

Climate change may change your gardening too. Before you choose your plants, check out the revised USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/). The map, which is divided into 13 zones--each with an A and B half-zone--helps gardeners determine planting dates and which plants will survive the winter. In the decade since the map was last revised, almost half of the country has become a half-zone warmer. And before you plant, check out the native plant sales that pop up this time of year for some of the best plant choices for your garden. _{**** Image Credit: Sofia Shultz}

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

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.

Al-Anon Support Group

Private Zoom

Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm

Contact Saphronia Young at saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com for the link.

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! 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.

Lunch Bunch 

In Person - Location Varies

Wednesdays, 1:00pm

We meet weekly for an informal lunch together. The restaurant location varies week to week. Email Diane Dobrowolski at ddobrowolski@earthlink.net to find out where to meet us. All are welcome!

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 April 6.

• 1st Saturdays are all-ages. Bring a game your whole family will enjoy! 
• 3rd Saturdays childcare will be available upon request. Please rsvp for childcare at least 1-week in advance to Jessica Nash at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org.

Coffee & Care with a Lay Minister

In Person - Saltwater Sanctuary

2nd and 4th Sundays, 11:30am

After the service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, one of our lay ministers will be available in-person in the Sanctuary to talk one-on-one with anyone who needs some support. Get your coffee or tea in the Welcoming Room, and then peek into the Sanctuary. If the lay minister has an open chair, please come in, sit down, and receive the benefit of compassionate listening from a trained lay minister. Join us next on March 24.

Online Caregiver Support Circle

Caregiver Support Circle Zoom Room

1st Saturdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Are you caregiving for a significant other in your life? Having a parent, partner, or adult child experiencing physical, neurological or mental health challenges requires so much from the caregiver — YOU need care and support too! Join Rev. Alison and other caregivers in our Saltwater UU Community to share the joys and sorrows of caregiving and to give and receive support with others who are also in this essential and tender role of caregiver. Our next meet up will be April 6. Contact Rev. Alison at minister.swuuc@gmail.com with any questions.

Quiet Connections

In Person – Saltwater Sanctuary

1st Sundays, 11:30am – 12:00pm

If the Welcoming Room is too busy for you, or you are enjoying the conversations that start there, but would like to deepen them, the Newcomer and Visitor Team is offering “Quiet Connections” in the Sanctuary to welcome both new folks and longer-term members. We want to get to know you, invite you to get to know us, on a bit quieter, deeper, and more intimate level. A few snacks and drinks are provided. Join us next on April 7.

Paint n’ Sip

In Person – Welcoming Room

2^nd Mondays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

All ages welcome! Bring any size canvas. No experience required. All paints and supplies provided. Our next meet up is April 8. RSVP to Jessica Alexander at jazz.itup@live.com. If you would like childcare, send a request at least 1-week in advance to Jessica Nash at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org.

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 April 10. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.

Faith Formation Sunday

In Person - Saltwater Church

3rd Sundays, 10:30am - 2:00pm

Join us for fun, growth, and belonging as we delve deeper into the monthly Soul Matters themes our worship is built on. Faith Formation Sunday includes worship, lunch (sometimes potluck), then age-specific programming (adults, youth, and children). Our next gathering is April 21 and lunch will be provided. Questions? Contact Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash, at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org.

Creative Hands

In Person - Welcoming Room

3rd Tuesdays, 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Join us for an afternoon of visiting and working on our creative projects. Bring your knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, or whatever with you. We gather to foster connection through sharing our creative processes. We also support the Saltwater community with small craft projects throughout the year. Our next meet up will be April 16. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.

Pair Sharing

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

Jean Spohn: jeanspohn@centurylink.net

Questions about Children's and Youth Programming? Contact our Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash: faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org. To join the Faith Formation Zoom Room go to: https://zoom.us/my/saltwaterfaithformation.

Middle and High School Youth Group Game Night

1st Saturdays, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

In Person - Welcoming Room



Join us for Youth Group Game Night on April 6. Youth are encouraged to come hang out and play some games! Bring a favorite game to share. If you wish to try out a new game, we have a wide selection that will leave your brain and belly tired. Laughter and popcorn provided.

Adults of Youth Support Group

Saturday April 6, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

In Person - Saltwater Church



Those parenting Youth (grades 6-12) are invited to join Director, Jessica Nash, during the first hour of Youth Group Game Night. We will connect with each other through the Soulful Home curriculum, supporting one another on our shared journey of parenting. After the meet-up, join the game night for more fun and connection. ****Image credit: Andrea Piacquadio

Faith Formation Sundays - Elementary and Youth

3rd Sundays, 10:30am - 2:00pm

In Person - Saltwater Church

Join us the 3rd Sunday of every month for an extended day of fun, growth, and belonging tied to our monthly Soul Matters themes. Faith Formation Sundays include elementary and youth programming during and after worship with lunch in-between. Our next meet up is April 21 where we will explore the theme of Interdependence. Lunch will be provided. ****Image credit: Jessica Nash

Easter Egg Hunt - Children and Youth Event

Sunday March 31, 11:30am - 12:30pm

In Person - Saltwater Church Grounds

On Easter Sunday, we invite you to come for this delightful springtime tradition! Children, bring your baskets (or borrow one of ours) and hunt for eggs for a prize. The hunt will begin after the church service. Youth grades 6-12 will meet during the church service to set-up the egg hunt and prize selection with their advisors.

The Con UU will Never Forget – Youth grades 8-12

Friday April 19 - Sunday April 21

In Person - Quimper UU Fellowship

Youth grades 8-12 are invited to gather at Quimper UU Fellowship in Port Townsend, WA for a weekend of new connections, radical inclusivity, welcoming rising freshmen and bridging senior youth, and tons of fun! More info and registration available by clicking The Con UU Will Never Forget Registration Form (google.com). Registration deadline is March 30.

Camp Blue Boat - Youth grades 6-12

Sunday June 30 - Friday July 5

In Person - Camp N-Sid-Sen in Harrison, Idaho

Get ready for an unforgettable summer experience at Camp Blue Boat at Camp N-Sid-Sen in Harrison, Idaho! This year, registration includes a bus from Denver, so no need for a second registration. Don’t forget to look for the discount if you’re not taking the bus. And the sibling discounts return. Registration deadline is June 1.

This summer camp is perfect for youth from rising 6th-grade to 12th-grade graduates. It offers age-specific housing and programming, where campers, counselors, and staff will explore being in relationship with oneself, others, and the wider world. The camp is based on four basic pillars, including community, spirituality, justice, and equality. After attending, youth will be able to articulate beliefs grounded in UU theology and values, develop spiritual discipline, engage in social change, and build personal and religious resilience. There are plenty of fun activities such as field games, crafts, hikes, swimming, bonfires, and more. Come join us! Register here: Camp Blue Boat in the PNW | Pacific Western Region | UUA.org

Why are we moving? Because our old site wants to use their camp for their campers, so we get to go back to N-Sid-Sen, where Camp Blue Boat started.

Parents Facebook Group 

You can also 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 Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash, at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org. We will do our best to make accommodations whenever possible.

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." You may also visit 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 any questions please 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)