News

Worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via live stream

From Patricia Graesser, President, UUC Board of Trustees and Rev. Jon Luopa, UUC Senior Minister Dear Members and Friends: We have finished the visible six-week appeal for our annual giving campaign and are now entering the quieter phase of following up with past supporters from whom we have not yet heard. Our dedicated Stewardship Team will be busy in the next few weeks contacting those members and friends. If you have not pledged yet, please be expecting their call... Nevertheless, we must announce that we are looking at a significant shortfall in revenue for the coming church year... If we are unable to close this gap by the Annual Meeting on June 9, this is what will happen:... 

Sunday, June 16: 10 a.m. worship service; All Ages celebration starting at noon Please register by June 1

May 12–24: donation tables in Nathan Johnson Hall and in the downstairs atrium

Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, online

Interested in supporting the health and vitality of the Social Justice Ministries at UUC? Consider joining our Social Justice Steering Committee. The Social Justice Steering Committee (SJSC) works with Rev. Beth to support and guide the Social Justice Ministries as a whole. It is a team that engages in big picture conversations as well as implements specific projects (such as Second Sunday Plates and the Social Justice Jams). The SJSC creates space for justice groups to learn together and may help to catalyze new efforts when an urgent call to action arises. This team meets monthly. (Currently, meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday evening.) Commitment is 2–3 years. It is a fun and dedicated group of people. New team members will start in August/September. If you are interested in learning more, please email Rev. Beth at beth.chronister@uuchurch.org .

Travel dates: September 12–17, 2024 (arriving on September 11 in Atlanta)

Our UUC congregation is committing to assisting transgender individuals and families who are fleeing oppressive laws in other states. We are connected to the Pink Haven Coalition through our relationships with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), and other area UU churches. There is currently a need for housing, as short as a few days for out-of-state health care appointments and such, to longer stays which would allow someone to get a new life organized while finding a more permanent place to live. The Pink Haven coalition very carefully vets and matches travelers to homes, and all hosts will have a support team, a "welcoming village." If you have an extra room, an apartment, a home, or even a good spot for an RV , and are interested in potentially hosting, please email Rev. Beth Chronister for more information. At least 26 US states have enacted and are pursuing legislation making it difficult and dangerous to be transgender or non-binary. In some states it is already a crime for doctors and others to provide gender-affirming care to minors and young adults. As a result, growing numbers of people need to move to safer places and restart their lives. Pink Haven Coalition is a transgender-led collective of organizations and individuals supporting the relocation of individuals and families to safer states along with connections to mutual aid and access to gender affirming care. The most recent issue of UU World discusses this coalition and its important work. “Pink Haven helped my family of five move from one state that is increasingly becoming more anti-trans to a site where we have legal measures set in place to protect us as a trans/LGBTQ family," says a family the Pink Haven Coalition assisted in relocating in 2023. “Had we not received the support necessary to do this move, my family would still be fighting to move somewhere safer. My family is truly grateful for the support we received…” If you would like to learn more about the Pink Haven Coalition and join UUC's efforts, please join our upcoming meeting on Sunday, May 19, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Knatvold. There is now a UUC Connect group Pink Haven Coalition at UUC . Take a look. Use the "Join" button there to let the group leaders know you are interested in being in the loop. UUC Connect is our password-protected resource for UUC members and friends. If you do not already have an account, please contact the church office for assistance.

Friday, May 10, 6–8 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

Since 2022, UUs across the nation have been engaged in dialogue about proposed changes to Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) bylaws stating the UUA’s purpose, which could also be seen as describing Unitarian Universalist identity and practice. UUC’s 4th Principle Dialogue Group invites you to join the discussion here at home. The UUA reviews Article II for possible changes every 15 years. The last proposed revision was voted down in 2009, so Article II hasn’t changed in decades. In June at the UUA’s national gathering, the General Assembly (GA), delegates from UUC will join those representing other UUA member congregations to vote on the new Article II wording, including four new amendments. UUs have differing opinions on this issue, and having differing opinions is a hallmark of our faith. In the fall of 2022, the proposed new wording for Article II underwent substantial changes in response to feedback. In addition, several amendments were added at General Assembly in June of 2023. Now four more amendments have met the requirements to be considered by delegates this June. One amendment would add reason as a core value, joining love, equity, generosity, interdependence, justice, pluralism, and transformation. Currently, reason appears in one of our six sources, and the sources do not appear in the proposed new Article II. Some UUs support this amendment because they consider reason to be definitive to our distinctive UU identity. Other UUs are satisfied that reason is mentioned and implied elsewhere in the proposed text and don’t see a need to elevate reason to the status of a core value. You can see some of the dialogue around this amendment on its page on the UUA’s online forum . Another amendment would add peace as a core value. Currently, the goal of world peace appears among our seven principles, and the principles do not appear in the proposed new Article II. Some UUs consider the goal of world peace to be an important element of our tradition. Other UUs are concerned that a desire for peace could sometimes be contrary to the important work of promoting anti-oppression. At General Assembly last year, delegates voted down a different amendment to add in a reference to peace. Here is the official page devoted to discussing this amendment . Another amendment proposes to add wording about listening to, understanding, respecting, and responding to one another. This wording would be part of the description of the core value of equity. UUs in favor of this amendment say that it is necessary for justice work and for transformation. UUs opposed to it worry that it could be misused to give cover to hate speech, which should not be respected. Here is the UUA’s forum page for this amendment . The final amendment would change wording in the equity section from people having “worthiness” to people being “worthy.” The current Article II refers to “inherent worth and dignity,” and the Article II Commission changed “worth” to “worthiness” so as not to call up the history of monetary “worth” being assigned to human beings under slavery. Proponents of this amendment consider “worthiness” to be clunky and offer the alternative term “worthy” as a way to avoid the word “worth.” Other UUs consider the proposed wording to be fine just as it is. Here is the UUA’s forum page for this amendment . In addition to voting on the individual amendments, delegates will vote on Article II as a whole. Some UUs think that the proposed wording should be voted down like the proposed changes in 2009. They don’t want to see our principles and sources written out of the bylaws, and the don’t consider the new wording to be an improvement. Other UUs want to see the proposed changes passed. They see the new text as a necessary and overdue improvement to the existing Article II, one that will prepare our faith for the future and help us attract and retain a new generation of young people. Judging by the support that Article II received last year, the proposed new wording is likely to pass. Congregants here at UUC have differing opinions on this important issue, and that’s as it should be. In June, delegates from UUC are going to vote on these four amendments and on the new Article II overall, so now would be a great time for you to engage in some good-natured dialogue about these proposals. You can talk to the church’s delegates, who are to be announced after the Board’s meeting on May 16; and you can also talk to friends, members of the 4th Principle Dialogue Group, and church leaders. You can also join the national dialogue on the UUA forums dedicated to these topics . Happy dialoguing! Here is a link to the wording of the current Article II . And here is a link to the wording of the proposed new Article II . ~Alex Colledge, Michael Linenberger & Jonathan Tweet for the 4th Principle Dialogue Group The 4th Principle Dialogue Group promotes the “free & responsible search for truth & meaning,” pursuing the congregational goal of Connected Community. We get to know each other and connect to each other through meaningful, open-hearted dialogue. Drop-ins welcome. Homework not required. See more on UU Connect .

Thursday, May 9, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in the King Room

Saturday, May 4, 2:00 p.m. at UUC and via livestream Rev. Jon Luopa will officiate the memorial service for Jayne Cooper on Saturday, May 4. Reception to follow. Livestream available at https://www.uuchurch.org/memorial .

Apply by April 30

Wednesday, May 1, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

There will be NO Social Justice Jam on May 1. Come instead to an End-of-Year Social Justice Potluck on May 22! We've had six amazing Social Justice Jams this past year focused on racial justice, what's emerging in our homelessness ministries, voting rights, community organizing, and sharing our stories with one another. For our May gathering, we are going to have an End-of-Year Potluck for anyone who has been involved in the Social Justice ministry in any way. Come on Wednesday, May 22, 6:30–8:30 p.m., and bring something to share.

Worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via live stream

The formal pledge period for our Annual Giving Campaign ended on April 14. And, we’re not quite done. The campaign has reminded us of the deep impact UUC as on each of our lives. We thank all of you who renewed your yearly support—and special thanks to those who increased their pledge amount. We are grateful to all who submitted a new pledge. Our goal is 100% participation and we are still many pledges short of this benchmark. Each pledge is cherished and MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE! If you haven’t been able to submit your pledge, it is not too late to participate. Every gift brings us closer to our budget goals and aspirations. Please participate, if you are able, as soon as possible. For more information and a link to the pledge form, please visit Annual Giving Campaign Information and Pledge Form .

Applications for Chalice Camp Counselor positions close on April 28 Click here to apply now

Thursday, May 30, 5–8:15 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Saturday, April 27, 1:30–3:30 p.m. in Knatvold

Tuesdays, April 23 & May 14, 7 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

The 4th Principle Dialogue Group is skipping its regularly scheduled fourth Thursday session in April. We will meet next on May 9 to continue our lively discussion of The Lost Histories of Liberalism by Helena Rosenblatt, and our last session of the church year will be May 23 , when we will discuss Rev Jon’s latest sermons.

Information session: Sunday, April 21, 12:30–1:30 p.m. in the Knatvold room We’re now in our precious last few months of Rev. Jon Luopa’s leadership here at UUC before his announced retirement at the end June. On Sunday, June 16 , we will have a congregational celebration to send Jon and Annie out with deep gratitude and well wishes for a joyful retirement. The worship service, with Jon in the pulpit, will begin at 10 a.m. An all-ages celebration will begin at noon. Stay tuned for details and registration. The interim minister search process continues to move forward, aided by our representative at the Unitarian Universalist Association. You can read about the process in the Transitional Ministry Handbook online at: https://www.uua.org/sites/live-new.uua.org/files/transitional_ministry_handbook.pdf You are invited to attend an information session the Board has scheduled for April 21 after the second service to learn more and ask questions. There is also a dedicated Ministerial Transition page on the UUC website that we are keeping updated. Our Interim Minister Search Committee (Sooraj Kuttykrishnan, John Crusius, Patricia Graesser, Kathleen Cromp, Gayle Childers and Leila Zelnick) has completed the application for interim ministry and will be publishing our profile and questionnaire responses prior to the April 18 UUA deadline. At the end of April, interim ministerial candidates will look through the profile and information packet UUC provides and, if interested in us, express their interest to the UUA Transitions office. The UUA will then provide our Committee with a set of interim minister candidates on April 28. The Committee will look at sermons, review minister information, interview applicants, and then recommend an interim minister to the Board. Our selection must be made by May 13. Before the end of May 2024, the Board is expected to enter into a contract with an interim minister for a two-year period. When Jon retires at the end of June we begin a new and unfamiliar phase for many. Those of us who haven’t been through a change in ministers like this may not be aware that it is an expectation that the departing minister steers clear of their old church for a couple of years. The intent is to allow the congregation space and time to discern who they are without their prior leader. This break in contact with an out-going minister isn’t unique to Unitarian Universalism, but it may be new to many in our congregation. It’s nothing personal or fraught. Please do keep this in mind though and consider what you may want to do for your best parting with Jon at the end of June. This summer’s services will be similar to what we’ve become accustomed to, with various voices in the pulpit. In the summer the Board will also name a transition team that will serve as the support team for our interim minister. Then, in August 2024, our interim ministry period begins . The search process for a called minister is a separate process that isn’t initiated until after an interim minister is hired. You can read about the search process for a called minister in the Settlement Handbook online at: https://www.uua.org/files/pdf/s/settlement_handbook.pdf As a Board we are committed to keeping you informed of the details as they continue to unfold. In return, we ask for your continued patience and participation as we travel this transitional road together. ~Patricia Graesser, President, for the UUC Board of Trustees

All Ages worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via live stream

Sunday, June 16

Sunday, April 21, 1:15–2:30 p.m. in the Dix room and via Zoom

Sunday, April 28, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services

Wednesday, April 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Register now for two Saturdays, April 20 and 27, 9:30 a.m.–noon

Travel dates: September 12–17, 2024 Apply by April 15

Monday, April 15, 7–8:30 p.m. via Zoom

Worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via live stream

Thank you for all the pledges that have already been submitted to support our next church year. Your generosity and desire to build meaningful connections supports our community in our dedication to Awaken Spirit, Nurture Hope and Inspire Action . If you haven’t been able to submit your pledge, it’s not too late to participate. Every gift is important and cherished and helps us edge closer to our goals and aspirations. Please participate as soon as possible. For more information and a link to the pledge form, please visit Annual Giving Campaign Information and Pledge Form . What is a pledge? A pledge is your stated financial commitment to support UUC’s operating budget for July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025. The ministries and programming of UUC are funded almost entirely by the donations of its supporters (roughly 75%). How much should I pledge? There is no minimum amount to participate, and all gifts are important and cherished. We invite you to review the Aspirational Giving Guide as you consider your pledge. How do I make a pledge? Please watch this video for How to Make a Pledge to UUC and review Ways to Give on UUC’s website. Other questions? FAQs for Annual Operating Pledges (pdf).

Sunday, April 14, after each service On Sunday, April 14, after both the first and second services, you are invited to bring your coffee or tea to the Emerson Room downstairs and join a small group for conversation and connection. Readings and reflections will be focused on this year’s Annual Giving Campaign’s theme, Building Meaningful Connections. No one will be asked to make a pledge at the gathering. For more details and to sign up, please use this link: Small Group Gatherings Registration .

Born in a lowland salt marsh, educated and formed by a mighty river, and called by love to an island cared for by the people of the clear saltwater since time immemorial, the Rev. Deanna Vandiver (she/they) is a minister of love and liberation affiliated with the Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist , founder of Ever Unfolding LLC , director of justice education for the UUSC ., and director of our UU College of Social Justice . A called auntie in the world, Deanna finds sustaining joy by the water and magical possibilities in every glue stick, garden, and collaboration. Some of Rev. Deanna's Sunday morning remarks will be about the work of the Pink Haven Coalition . The Pink Haven Coalition is a coalition of trans organizers, mutual-aid groups, progressive faith organizations including the UUA and UUSC, queer associations, and individual justice-lovers. In response to the increasingly hostile legislative environment in the United States, with more than 550 legislative acts in the last year seeking to eradicate transgender people from public life, the Pink Haven Coalition is working together to create networks of safety and direct support for trans beloveds and their families who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are. Many people are hoping to relocate to the Seattle area and in response, UUC has started its own Pink Haven Coalition group this year. Learn more about how to get involved at a Learning Station in Nathan Johnson Hall on Sunday, April 14 , or on Sunday, April 21, in a 1 p.m. gathering in the Fahs-Mann room. Read more about the work of the Pink Haven Coalition in this recent UU World article: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/relocation-help-trans-people-pink-haven-support-resources-how-it-works

Four Thursday evenings, April 11, 18, 25, and May 2

Wednesday, April 10, 6:15–7 p.m. drop-in dinner; 7–8:45 p.m. program in Nathan Johnson Hall

Friday, April 12, 6–8 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

Thursday, April 11, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in the King Room

Tuesdays, March 26 and April 9, 7 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

April 7 through May 17 in the UUC chapel

Worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via live stream

Pledges for this year’s Annual Giving Campaign are slowly coming in. We appreciate everyone who has already submitted their pledge. We encourage everyone to participate no later than Sunday, April 14. For more information and a link to the pledge form, please visit Annual Giving Campaign Information and Pledge Form . What is a pledge? A pledge is your stated financial commitment to support UUC’s operating budget for July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025. The ministries and programming of UUC are funded almost entirely by the donations of its supporters (roughly 75%). We make our pledges in the early spring to give our Board of Trustees enough time to determine a realistic budget that aligns with our mission to Awaken Spirit, Nurture Hope and Inspire Action . How much should I pledge? There is no minimum amount to participate, and all gifts are important and cherished. We invite you to review the Aspirational Giving Guide as you consider your pledge. It is also important to note that our budget for all operating revenue and support is expected to increase by 15% to cover increases to operating expenses and the addition of new ones, as well as the removal of CARES Act support that we've relied on in previous years. Please read A Bridge to the Future: Pledges for Next Year’s Operating Budget from Byron Krystad, Director of Operations, in which he shares more details. How do I make a pledge? Please watch this video, How to Make a Pledge to UUC , and review Ways to Give on UUC’s website. Other questions? See FAQs for Annual Operating Pledges (PDF)

June 20-23 online by registration

Friday, April 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at St. John United Church, 5515 Phinney Ave N, Seattle

April 3, April 11 or April 14 by registration You are invited to our hosted events for social connection as part of this year's Giving Campaign's theme of Building Meaningful Connections . Gatherings will be hosted in member's homes from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Laurelhurst (April 3) and Wallingford (April 11) neighborhoods. If you would prefer meeting at UUC rather than in someone's home, please sign up for the April 14 dates, either after first or second service. For more details and to sign up, please use this link: Small Group Gatherings Registration .

Friday, April 5, 6–8 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Wednesday, April 3, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via live stream