Discover Saltwater UU Church and join us in community with one another. . | |
Saltwater Church is an intentionally inclusive, spiritually progressive,
justice seeking community of all ages, serving South King County since 1954.
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Saltwater Church Newsletter April 19, 2024 | |
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! | |
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Theme for April: The Gift of Interdependence
Rev. Alison writes, "Like fractals that maintain a similar form at any level of magnification, interdependent webs are part of every aspect of life -- our families and communities are interdependent webs, embedded in ecosystems that are interdependent webs. Noticing the webs of relationship, from the microscopic to the galactic, including the human and more than human, leads me to wonder at the incredible complexity of life on this airy, watery rock. It is in that space of wonder that I find the presence of the Sacred."
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Worship Services in April | |
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April 21 Earth Day: Honoring our Blue Boat Home - Rev. Alison Duren-Sutherland (in-person)
Rev. Alison and participants in Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) share a multigenerational service to inspire people of all ages to care for the lands, waters, and fellow creatures of our Earthly home.
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April 28 Living Your Purpose: A Potato-based Guide - Liz James (guest-speaker)
(Services at BOTH Saltwater Church and Seabeck Retreat) Liz James from the UU hysterical society returns! In a world that is vying to sidetrack us using everything from injustice to smartphone games, how do we carve out space for joy and purpose? This service will be a celebration of joyful dedication to what matters most. Join us for music, poetry, and several entertaining stories about potatoes.
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To view our complete calendar of events, click here.
If you wish to schedule an event, click here to fill out a request form.
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April Faith Formation Sunday - Lunch Provided
Sunday April 21, 10:30am - 2:00pm
In Person – Saltwater Church
Join us this weekend for Faith Formation Sunday, where we will explore our April theme of The Gift of Interdependence! Stay after the worship service for a provided lunch (Soup and Sandwiches - vegan and gluten-free options included) followed by a short ritual and all-ages programming.
For our faith formation programming after lunch, we’re excited for our Healthy Congregation Team to guide adults and youth through an exploration of boundaries and how they help us build our beloved community. Children will enjoy stories and activities related to the theme with Director Jessica Nash. We hope you will join us!
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An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States - Book Study
Continues Tuesday April 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Faith Formation 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 began March 26 and meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of April, May, and June. Worksheets and suggested resources will be provided for each session. The depth of your study will be up to you. To sign up or if you have questions, please contact: Miriam Woito - miriamwoito@gmail.com or (208) 890-6074
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Our Next Chapter - Live Auction
Saturday May 11, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
In Person - Saltwater Church
We're having a party and a live auction to celebrate Our Next Chapter! Church members will offer opportunities and experiences such as a week in a vacation home or extraordinary art pieces. We will also be conducting a fundathon to fund a special project for the church. Come celebrate and support our church home!
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Contribute to our Virtual Flower Communion
Deadline Monday, May 6
In Person - Saltwater Church
Saltwater Flower Communion will be on Sunday, May 12. Originally created by Unitarian minister Norbert Čapek of Prague, Czechoslovakia, the Flower Ceremony was introduced to the United States by Rev. Mája Čapek, Norbert's widow, and has been celebrated for 100 years. In the ceremony, everyone brings a flower to share, and has the opportunity to take home a different flower. This year, in keeping with our commitment to multiplatform worship, we're also including a virtual flower communion as part of the service. If you'd like to participate, please email (by May 6) photos of flowers that you've taken yourself to be included in a flower communion montage to Rev. Alison at minister.swuuc@gmail.com. ***image credit: Bubba
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Staff Transition Announcement | |
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Farewell to Nina
With deep gratitude and more than a little bit of sadness, we share with you that Nina will be leaving her role with Saltwater in June to return to California to be nearer to family, and to work on a documentary about the environmental degradation of the small town where she grew up. While we will miss Nina's incredible work to support the multiplatform presence of our congregation, we are also so excited for her next chapter, and we look forward to welcoming her back to screen her film at Saltwater in the years to come. In partnership with Nina, we are beginning the hiring process to find a new person to support our mutliplatform worship and other events at Saltwater. Thank you, Nina, for your service to this community. You will be missed!
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Saltwater Church RETREAT 2024
Friday April 26 - Sunday April 28
Off-Site – Seabeck Conference Center
The Saltwater Retreat is coming up quick. There are no rooms left, but day attendance and meals are an option! We hope you'll join us for rest, reflection, and fun at this treasured annual event, with guest speaker Liz James of the UU Hysterical Society. Don't miss this great escape from the day-to-day hubbub. Join your Saltwater family at Seabeck.
If it’s your first time attending church retreat, Saphronia is the queen of knowledge! Contact her at saphroniayoung2016@gmail.com. We're also happy to announce that between the quilt raffle, book sales, and generous donors, SIX scholarships were given.
Attendees: please bring your favorite writing materials. Also, bring your instruments and favorite music for singing and playing for peace. This will occur Saturday at sunrise on the bridge.
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Congregational Meeting
Sunday June 9, 11:30am - 1:30pm
In Person - Saltwater Sanctuary
Come to the June Congregational Meeting to hear about the coming year's budget, and to elect two members to the Board and two members to the Nominating Committee. Celebrate a wonderful year together! If you will need childcare, please contact Jessica Nash at faithformation@saltwaterchurch.org by June 2.
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Minister's Messages
Today, I am so pleased to welcome my colleague, Rev. Jennifer Alviar, as an affiliated community minister with Saltwater Church. To learn more about community ministry and Rev. Jennifer, read Rev. Alison's full Minister's Message, which can be viewed through the home page of the church website or here.
Rev. Alison will be in-person at Saltwater Church through this Sunday, April 21.
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
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Social Justice Announcements | |
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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.).
Susan Aigner—for your Saltwater Racial Justice Organizing Team:
susanaigner@comcast.net, (253) 569-8156
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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.
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Facilities Team
3rd 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 May 15. ***Image credit: Bubba
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Saltwater Church Safety Taskforce
2nd 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 May 9. For more information or to attend, please contact Diane Schairer at juvinall3@aol.com.
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Share The Plate for April
Hospitality House of Burien, WA
Half of all undesignated donations received in the month of April will be shared with Hospitality House: https://hospitalityhousesouthking.org/#
In September 2000, Hospitality House was founded by twelve sponsoring churches. Saltwater UU was one of the founding churches. Several of our members continue to volunteer, make a meal and provide supplies.
Hospitality House is a transitional shelter and 90-day program for homeless women. It can accommodate a maximum of nine women at one time. Each client’s objective is to find permanent housing and financial stability but how this is achieved is based upon the needs of the individual client. Case managers support clients throughout the program.
Due to the generosity of a matching donor, the total amount of all undesignated funds in the offering basket will be donated to Hospitality House 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
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Racial Justice Organizing Team (RJOT)
1st Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Church Zoom Room
The next meeting will be on May 3. 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.
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Sound Alliance
2nd 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 May 11.
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Saltwater Climate Action Now! (SCAN!)
3rd Thursdays, 6:30pm
Church Zoom Room
Mark your calendar–The May SCAN! meeting will be Thursday, May 16 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
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Climate Message of the Week | |
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Here are some fun facts about the history of Earth Day. The idea for a day of environmental activism came from Senator Gaylord Nelson in response to the damage caused by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. The original plan was for a day of “teach-ins” on college campuses modeled after the Vietnam War protests. April 22 was chosen as the date because of its timing between college spring break and finals. In 1970, ten percent of the American population took part in Earth Day. In 2020, over one billion people throughout the world participated in Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.
Join other Salties this Sunday as we celebrate Earth Day in our morning worship service!
Are there topics or questions you’d like to see covered in future Climate Messages? Email suggestions to Sheri Jacobson at sheridjacobson@yahoo.com.
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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. | |
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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 20.
- 1st Saturdays are all-ages. Bring a game your whole family will enjoy!
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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.
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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 April 28.
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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 May 4. Contact Rev. Alison at minister.swuuc@gmail.com with any questions.
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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 May 5.
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Paint n’ Sip
In Person – Welcoming Room
2nd 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 May 13. 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.
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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 May 8. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact susanaigner@comcast.net.
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Speculative Fiction Book Group
Typically 3rd Saturdays, 3:30pm (May date TBD)
Saltwater Conference Room and Speculative Fiction Book Group Zoom Room
Our next meeting is TBD. Our scheduled reads for the rest of the church year are:
May: The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K LeGuin
June: The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
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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 May 21. If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Joanne Loeliger (206) 870-1939.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Multigenerational Faith Formation | |
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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 May 4. 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.
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Adults of Youth Support Group
Date TBD
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
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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 Sunday, April 21 where we will explore the theme of Interdependence. We will be exploring boundaries through stories and even spend some time with our adult friends as we practice boundaries in community. Soup and Sandwich lunch will be provided. ****Image credit: Jessica Nash
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Saltwater Church RETREAT 2024
Friday April 26 - Sunday April 28
Offsite - Seabeck Conference Center
The Saltwater Retreat is coming up! On Saturday April 26 at Seabeck, Rev. Alison and Jessica Nash will be leading special programming for our younger friends. I know there will be POTATOES!!!!!! Adults will be with the amazing Liz James from the UU Hysterical Society.
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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.
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Support for Children, Youth, and Families | |
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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.
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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.
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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 | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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) | |
25701 14th Place South
Des Moines, WA 98198
(206) 651-7358
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