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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 24, 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. | | |
Ivy Pull After Service
Sunday, October 25, 11:45am - 12:45pm
Church Grounds
Help protect our Green Sanctuary! Join the Grounds Team after service to pull English ivy away from the native plants around our church. Ivy smothers other plants and can even bring down trees, so every pull makes a difference. Youth ages 8 and up are welcome to help.
Can’t make Sunday? On Monday, October 26, from 10am - 12pm, Jean and Leslie will be working in the small garden behind the Welcoming Room. This fall they’re removing nonnative and invasive plants, planting natives, and covering the area with cardboard and wood chips for the winter.
Thank you to last week’s volunteers: Nancy Corr, Valerie Gray, and Jim Carey!
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Mindful of Race Discussion
October 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Faith Formation Zoom
Have you read Ruth King's Mindful of Race? Or been meaning to? Join a conversation about what it feels like to be confronted by racial tension, how to manage that for yourself, and how to support others. Readers and non-readers both welcome!
Questions? Reach out to Amanda Radak on Realm.
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Skill Share Night - Miniatures with Jesse
October 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
What will your miniature bookcase hold? Plants, books, pies, unlimited potential. Jesse will bring samples and supplies and we'll each go home with an upcycled bookcase. RSVP to Amanda R via Realm.
Come learn a new skill! Each 4th Monday at 6pm features something different, a sample of someone's passions.
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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. Costumes welcome if you’re heading out later in the evening.
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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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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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Board Meetings Move to 2nd Wednesdays — and No November Meeting
Beginning in December, the Saltwater Board will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month instead of the 4th. Same time, same place: 6:30–8:30pm in the church Zoom room. Our first meeting on the new schedule is Wednesday, December 9.
There is no Board meeting in November — the 25th is our Interfaith Thanksgiving service, more info on that soon!
The shift makes it possible for Meri to serve as our 2026–27 Scribe, taking notes at our meetings. Thank you, Meri! Board meetings are open to all, with a short time for public comment near the beginning of each one.
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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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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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A Note from Bubba
I wish to share with everyone that on the second day of my vacation I developed a shingles rash. Since then I have been unable to work the hours that everyone is accustomed to experiencing. As you all know, I am an immunocompromised member of our community, and that complication made the rash more extreme than typical.
Consequently, it has required two rounds of anti-viral medication to eradicate the infection. Recovering has been challenging and, though I am returning to work, it will probably be November before I am back to full capacity. I apologize for any delay in responses.
If you need to schedule an event or request a newsletter publication, please continue to use our Online Form. If you have follow-up questions, you can reach our Administrative Assistant, Alina, at Scheduling@SaltwaterChurch.org. Otherwise, please reach out to Rev. Alison with urgent requests. Thank you for your understanding.
Warmly,
Bubba
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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
What We Make Together
In this week's message, Rev. Alison shares (with permission) some art made by community members at our October Faith Formation Sunday service, and reminds us that what we make together -- including our beloved Saltwater community -- is more important than the words of any sermon. Read more HERE.
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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 | | |
RJOT Field Trip: Seattle’s Black Panther TODAY! Saturday, October 24, 12:30pm
Interpretive Center
Join Racial Justice Outreach Team (RJOT) members for an afternoon trip on the Link light rail to Seattle’s Black Panther Party Interpretive Center, where we’ll explore the rich history of the Seattle Panthers. Afterward, we’ll gather for coffee and conversation at nearby Lune Cafe.
Getting there: Meet in the church’s large parking lot at 12:30 PM to carpool to the Kent-Des Moines Link station. We’ll ride to the Pioneer Square stop. If you need to leave early, feel free to park at the Link station instead. Just let an RJOT member know you’ll meet the group there.
Good to know: The trip includes some walking: about 5 minutes from the station to the center, another 5 minutes to Lune Cafe, and roughly 10 minutes back to the station. The end time depends on when the group is ready to head home.
Learn more about the center here and check out Lune Cafe. Questions? Reach out to any RJOT member.
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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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Get Connected for Justice!
Tuesday, October 27, 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. The next gathering will be in November.
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 October: Living the Questions
November Theme: Covenant
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October 25 - What’s in the Question Box?
Rev. Alison answers questions submitted by members and friends of Saltwater — including a Question Box for kids.
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.
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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
Meet Mae Herron, Our New Nursery Lead!
We’re pleased to introduce Mae Herron, our new Nursery Lead! Mae and her husband moved to Washington with their two boys, ages 10 and 12, after he retired from active duty military service. Mae has been a UU since 2004 and was a lead childcare provider in the nursery at her UU congregation in Omaha, NE. She has almost 30 years of childcare experience and a Master’s in Special Education. She loves anything chocolate and 1980s hair metal!
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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Coming Up..
October 31: Halloween Party, 2:00 - 4:00 pm (Welcome Room)
Celebrate Halloween with the Welcome Team! There will be games, crafts, tarot readings, snacks, and candy, for all ages. Costumes welcome. Questions? Contact Jessica Nash.
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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) | | | | |
