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Saltwater Church is an intentionally inclusive, spiritually progressive,
justice seeking community of all ages, serving South King County since 1954.
| | Saltwater Church Newsletter October 31, 2026 | |
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To view our complete calendar of events on our website, click here.
If you wish to schedule an event, click here to fill out a request form.
| | Click on SEE OUR SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS for a comprehensive list of the activities during the next 2 weeks. | | |
Samhain Silent Supper
Saturday, October 31, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Welcome Room
Saltwater CUUPS invites you to celebrate Samhain with a traditional Silent Supper. We’ll share a meal in silence to honor our ancestors and make space for them to join us, then tell their stories together afterward. This is a potluck, so feel free to bring a dish to share, along with a photo or memento of a loved one who has passed to place on the ancestor table. A Healing Circle using OM will follow the Silent Supper. Costumes are welcome if you’re heading out later in the evening.
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Don't Forget to Change Your Clocks
Sunday November 1, 2am
Although the Washington State Legislature passed a law in 2019 to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, desiring a year round standard time, the law cannot take effect without federal congressional approval. Until that happens, Washington continues to traverse the wheel of time while enduring a clock shift in both the autumn and spring. That is to say it is time to fall back an hour. Enjoy the moment when we all get to, in the words of Cher, "turn back time."
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First Sunday Potluck
Sunday, November 1, 11:30am - 12:15pm
In Person - Welcoming Room
Following the 10:30 a.m. service, we host a potluck on the first Sunday of the month.
Homemade dishes are welcome! Please mark yours with the ingredients to help those with dietary restrictions and allergies. If you can’t bring a dish, or you forget, join us anyway. Visitors and newcomers, you’re our guests. If you have time, stay afterward and help us clean up.
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Grounds Work Party
Sunday, November 1, following service
Saltwater Grounds
After the potluck, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, help protect our Green Sanctuary with the Grounds Team! We work rain or shine, removing invasive plants (especially English ivy) and helping native plants thrive. Fourth Sundays focus on ivy pulling with Jean. All are welcome, no experience needed, and youth ages 8 and up are welcome to help. Can’t make Sunday? Meri and Leslie also work on the grounds on Mondays. Questions? Contact Meri Murphy here.
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Samhain & Day of the Dead Fire Circle
Sunday November 1, following service
Saltwater Courtyard
Warm up with Bubba by the fire after you've filled your belly and stretched your muscles with our grounds team. They will light our Chalice Fire at the end of service and will host our fire circle into the afternoon, weather permitting.
We are in a moment of transition, reflection, and intentional connection. The Celtic Tree Calendar calls this time "The Month of Reed." A reed bends but endures, symbolising adaptability and resilience. It is this flexibility that gives us strength and the ability to move through all the changes in life. Take a moment to sit by the fire and feel all that you have endured and observe how those experiences have rooted you in today's moment in time. Let go of that which holds you back and reach for that which nourishes your spiritual growth; mind, body, and soul.
There are many cultural traditions this time of year emphasising the value of our ancestors and celebrating death as an important step in the cycle of life. This is a time when many believe the veil between the physical and spiritual world is at it's thinnest, a moment honored and celebrated as Halloween, Samhain, Day of the Dead, All Soul's Day, and many other cultural traditions.
This is also when we acknowledge the transition from our "lighter days" into our "darker days." There are many festival of light celebrations across the globe during November. Diwali, a festival rooted in Hindu tradition that is honored across multiple Indian religions and cultures, is a celebration of the triumph of Good vs Evil, of Knowledge over Ignorance.
Whatever you celebrate, whatever traditions you practice, our Fire Circle welcomes all, providing a moment of connection and community in honor of our diversity.
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Book Study: Transforming Conflict
Sunday, November 1, 12:15pm - 1:45pm
In-Person, Lighthouse 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 Jules and Jim for a congregational study of Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil by Terasa Cooley.
The group will meet on the 2nd Mondays on Zoom and 1st Sundays in person. Click the image on the right to view the flyer and learn more!
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| VOTE! Use a Ballot Drop Box Before Election Day“ | |
“We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.” These words are written into the statement of purpose and covenant of our Unitarian Universalist Association. Now it’s time to live our purpose, our covenant, and our values and VOTE!
We encourage you NOT to put your ballot in the mail, but make sure it gets placed in a ballot drop box by you or a trusted friend. It is totally legal to take someone else’s ballot to the drop box for them, or to ask someone to do so for you.
Des Moines drop boxes are located on S 240th on the Highline College campus and at the Municipal Court Building on 11th Ave S.
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Worship Associate Training
Saturday, November 14, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Sanctuary
Join the Worship Team and Rev. Alison to practice our new chalice lighting words, work with the mics, and get feedback on delivery. We ask that folks who'd like to help present services as a Worship Associate take this training. Lunch will be provided.
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Sound Alliance Table Talks
Sunday, November 15, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Welcome Room
Curious about Sound Alliance? Join us after service for small-group conversations about today’s issues affecting you, your family, and your community. Saltwater members of Sound Alliance will also share its history and past accomplishments.
RSVP to Kathy Jorgensen. Need childcare? Let Kathy know, and she’ll coordinate with Jessica Nash.
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saltwater Sanctuary & Zoom
This year, Saltwater hosts our annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service in our own sanctuary on the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving. Join us in person or on Zoom, alongside Jewish, Christian, and Buddhist community partners, to honor the earth, our beloved dead, and the spirit of gratitude we hope to cultivate in our lives.
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Ready to Become a Member? Sign the Book on November 8!
We’re inviting everyone who would like to join Saltwater Church to take part in a New Member & Book Signing Ceremony during worship on Sunday, November 8.
At Saltwater, you can become a member if you:
- Are 14 or older
- Have attended a Saltwater UU 101 class
- Make an annual pledge of financial support (or request a hardship waiver)
- Are in sympathy with our congregation’s purpose
- Sign the membership book
Haven’t taken UU 101 yet? No problem. Rev. Alison will schedule a Zoom session before the ceremony for anyone who still needs it.Ready to join, or have questions? Please contact Rev. Alison as soon as possible.
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Weaving Hearts & Hands: November Fundraising Marketplace
Thank you to everyone who made our Spring Stronger Together Marketplace a success, with 27 items offered and over 160 experiences shared! Our winter marketplace runs online and in person November 8–29. What experience will you offer? It could be a meal, a class, or an adventure. For example, Anjali & Joanne are hosting a "New York New Year's Eve" party at the church with music, karaoke, and snacks. We sell spaces at your event to raise funds for the church.
Submit your offering by November 1 to Fundraising Team Lead Anjali by email, phone, or in person. Share your ideas early so we can coordinate dates.
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From Our Minister
Covenant: Woven Faith Monthly Theme November 2026
A “covenant” is a special kind of promise, and what is special about it is that it is mutual. This means that I can’t covenant alone; in covenant, I am bound to another or to a wider community, and they are bound to me. Covenant is at the heart of our Unitarian Universalist faith. Click HERE to read more reflections from Rev. Alison on the meaning of covenant.
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To view our complete calendar of events on our website, click here.
If you wish to schedule an event, click here to fill out a request form.
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We offer many opportunities to Foster Connection with others in our community. Every month we have groups that meet regularly for a variety of activities. You are invited to drop by and join in our fun. Some groups meet in person, some via Zoom, and some offer both.
Read our Community Activities for detailed information.
| | Act For Justice & Live Our Values | | |
Get Connected for Justice!
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Zoom Gathering
JUUstice WA, our state action network, is piloting an effort to strengthen relationships between UU congregations across Washington — helping us know one another better and build connections before we urgently need them.
Zoom link HERE. Planning to attend? Send a quick note to Travis at travis@juustwa.org so they can plan.
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Upcoming Services
Worship Theme for November: Covenant
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November 1 - The Ancestor’s Breath: The Indigenous Prehistory of Turtle Island
Worship Leader: Rev Alison
Rev. Alison draws on the work of Dr. Paulette Steeves to honor the ancestors of this land, with the Coast Salish Anthem from the choir.
November 8 - Covenant in Action: Faith Formation Sunday
Worship Leaders: Rev. Alison & Jessica Nash
In this all-ages service, we welcome new members into the mutual promises of our faith, explore the work of covenant building together, and return to Saltwater’s Covenant of Right Relations.
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| Children, Youth & Families | | Questions about Children's and Youth Programming? Contact our Director of Faith Formation, Jessica Nash: dffsaltwater@gmail.com. To join the Faith Formation Zoom Room go to: https://zoom.us/my/saltwaterfaithformation. | |
Announcements
This Sunday: Spooky Snacks for Potluck
This week in the Lighthouse, we’ll be preparing a snack to share with our community at the potluck. We’ll be creating spooky-themed foods! The kids’ creations will be a feast for the eyes and a treat for the tummy!
Register Your Child for Religious Education!
Registering lets you get notified about events, check in easily, and join our parent group for safe communications. Ignore the “this event has started” message. :) Register here.
Our Nursery Is Open Every Week!
Come say hi to Mae as she gets to know our little ones. Children who are comfortable staying are welcome to join her during the service.
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Saltwater Community Facebook Group
You can also connect with other Saltwater Church members and friends by joining our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/168911169811664
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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 dffsaltwater@gmail.com. We will do our best to make accommodations whenever possible.
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Sign Up To Use Realm Connect NOW!
click here
Search your email for your invitation to Realm Connect
Thank you to all who have completed their Realm sign up. If you have not received your invitation, please search your email for "Join Our Online Community" as the subject line of an email sent from: notifications@onrealmmail.org.
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Saltwater Church Hours of Operation
With the exception of our minister, all of our staff are part-time employees. For this reason, it is best to set up an appointment if you will need assistance onsite with one of our staff. Contact information for our staff is as follows:
Minister - Rev. Alison Duren-Sutherland, minister.swuuc@gmail.com
Congregational Administrator - Bubba, Administrator@SaltwaterChurch.org
Director of Faith Formation - Jessica Nash, dffsaltwater@gmail.com
Music Director - Tom Burt, Music@SaltwaterChurch.org
Sexton - Marc Cabanag, sexton.swuuc@gmail.com
Administrative appointments with Bubba can be arranged Tuesday through Friday via email. Bubba aims to have flexibility to accommodate any member's schedule. Whenever possible, Bubba does not work on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. Phone messages are checked regularly but may take longer than desired to receive a response.
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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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Saltwater Church Building
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 are planning an activity outside of normal business hours you will need Security Access which can be requested by completing this form. If you have questions about the guidelines or need assistance email Bubba, our Congregational Administrator at Administrator@SaltwaterChurch.org. Contact Bubba or Rev. Alison Duren-Sutherland if you are interested in renting our facilities.
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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 plus sign and has the message "add special instructions to the seller." Please click on those words to specify “pledge” or your desired purpose. It will help our Congregational Administrator get money into the right places if that line is filled in. If you have any questions please email Bubba at Administrator@SaltwaterChurch.org
| | 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) | | | | |
