Activities and Groups
Last revised: 1/30/22. For up-to-date information about activities at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church, request a free subscription to our monthly newsletter, “Soundings,” and the SUUC Weekly Bulletin. Please contact the church office at 206-363-7994 or office@shorelineuu.org
Click Here to View List of Chairs (Committees, Groups, Ministries)
Aesthetics Committee
The Aesthetics Committee works to improve the aesthetics of our facility. They provide flower arrangements and décor for Sunday services and for special Sundays like gathering of the waters, day of the dead, flower communion, Christmas, etc. The goal is to provide décor that coordinates with the sermon. They make sure that the décor of the buildings, interior as well as exterior—paint color, rugs, furniture, wall art, etc.—is consistent throughout buildings. They also work with the Building and Grounds Committee to design the landscaping of the exterior spaces around the Dome and Davis buildings. Contact: Peggy Scott Williams, 206-331-2729, peggywilliams921@gmail.com for more information.
AHA (Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics) We are members, friends, and visitors of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church who like atheists, humanists, and agnostics and gather to share our lives, talk about important issues, and work to make SUUC more welcoming for non-theists. We meet the first Sunday each month at 1:30pm. For more information or to be added to the AHA mailing list, you may contact Richard Fenske rfenske@comcast.net, Mark Smith smit1803@yahoo.com, or Darrell Udd (206) 200-2168 darrell.udd@gmail.com.
Appreciating Elderhood
We meet the first and third Fridays at SUUC, 12-2 p.m. Join us for lunch and conversation. There is usually a specific topic of discussion to encourage each participant to share thoughts and feelings about what we especially appreciate in our daily lives. Contact Jerald Forster, 206-523-2931, j_forster@comcast.net for more information.
Audio Visual Team
SUUC AV team volunteers install, operate, and maintain multiple systems and technologies in support of a range of activities including all church services, musical and dramatic presentations, special events, and other church productions. Systems and technologies used routinely include sound reinforcement, projection of slides, display of streaming content, videographic recordings of services, computers, projectors, sounds system, video recording equipment. The SUUC AV team is currently has six members and is seeking two (or more) additional regular volunteers to join the rotation and the fun. Interested persons should contact Eric Scott: eric.david.scott@outlook.com for more information.
Book Group
Meets first Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Contact Bob Beekman, 206-527-7340 for more information. Selections are published in the Soundings monthly newsletter.
Bridge Group
We are a group of around 20 folks in the church who like to play bridge in a relaxed, social environment. We play twice a month, or more in Threadgill Hall. Come join us. Contact: Juel Erickson: 206- 849-5177, juelerickson@hotmail.com for more information.
Building Committee
We take care of the buildings at SUUC. Contact: Bruce Hunt: 503-816-5574, bh7726@comcast.net for more information.
Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles are a form of small group ministry. They promote close relationships via meetings usually once a month, usually in homes. These facilitated small groups of members and friends share thoughts on the big questions. Time together is structured. Participants have an opportunity to share and reflect on readings. Usually members commit to attend for a year or more. For more information contact Karen Thompson karenmariet61@gmail.com or Lily Eakin lilyeakin@gmail.com for more information.
Choir
Provides music for Sunday services twice a month and special music for holidays and other occasions. The rehearsals are often as rewarding as the performances! Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Contact Wil Sederholm, wilholm@msn.com, Choir Director.
Committee on Ministry (CoM)
Ministry is everything the congregation does to fulfill its mission, including each of the various committees of the church. The goal of the Committee On Ministry is to work with each ministry of the church (e.g. the Minister, Religious Education, Facilities, Committees, etc.) and help them review how they are meeting their goals and working with other ministries of the church to fulfill the church’s mission. The COM helps SUUC Ministers appraise their own efforts to fulfill the mission of SUUC. For more information, contact Sarah Dilling.
Endowment Committee
The Endowment Fund serves to advance the purposes of our faith community and establish a permanent financial base. The Endowment Committee manages the funds in line with our Unitarian Universalist values, investing in ethical and environmentally responsible associations. Bob B., 206-527-7340 or rlbeekman@gmail.com, chair
Families and Friends Support Group
Sponsored by the Shoreline Mental Health Ministry. This group is for those whose lives have been touched by mental health issues. Fourth Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Barbara C., 206-367-9485 or uubcornell@gmail.com.
Fun(d)raising
This committee plans Fun(d)raising events that support the church’s operating fund. These are held throughout the year. Events include a Spring Services and Events Auction.
Game Night
Come play a variety of games with all ages, mostly adults. We meet on Thursdays from 6-8pm in the Emerson Room (or online when social distancing is being enforced). For more info, email SUUC.games@gmail.com or contact Jerome Lutge (see church directory).
GreenSong CUUPS
Pagans of various paths come together to share our Earth-based spirituality in a UU context. GreenSong is a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS). The group meets informally and gathers in circle at the solar holidays. Contact Dana Doerksen at greensongcuups@gmail.com for more information.
Grounds
We take care of the grounds around the buildings. Contact Laura Westbrook, 206-605-2005, wildweeder@gmail.com for more information.
The Mental Health and Recovery Team
The Mental Health and Recovery Team at Shoreline UU Church offers a ministry of presence, support and education to our congregation and the community. It is believed that mental health or addiction issues impact 1 out of every 4 or 5 families in the U.S. That means practically every family is struggling on some level with these issues. With our newsletter column Side by Side we try to lift the stigma that exists on these issues because stigma prevents people from seeking treatment and support. We are available to consult with people who are looking for a compassionate listener and/or local and national resources. We offer a support group on the fourth Monday evening of every month (at 6:30 PM in the Conference Room) for Friends and Family of people with a lived experience of mental illness. Join us today to learn more! Contact: Barbara Cornell 206-510-5690 uubcornell@gmail.com for more information.
Men's Group
This group meets for breakfast monthly on third and fourth Saturdays on Zoom, 9-11 am (link on calendar.) All SUUC men are welcome. The group usually has a topic of discussion related to the worship theme of the month. Contact Richard V., 206-281-7944 or richard.volkman@att.net
Music Committee
Music permeates the life of our congregation, from the smallest children singing Spirit of Life, to our Choir sharing a South African protest song, to all of us raising our voices together during the Sunday service. The music Committee encourages congregants to share their musical gifts and creates a culture of musical abundance for all ages and abilities. The Choir, led by Wil Sederholm [206-317-7488], provides music for Sunday services twice a month. During the pandemic video technology and a private recording studio has enabled creative blending of many voices. Chancel musicians in our congregation provide music on other Sundays. To learn more or get involved, please contact Joyce Allison at [(425) 444-3175]
Readers’ Theater
The Readers’ Theater Group is for anyone interested in drama of all kinds. We put on (and sometimes create) chancel plays in place of the sermon in an occasional service. We put on mystery dinners, and hold armchair theater evenings, where we read full length plays. We have sponsored an improv class. Pretty much anything you can think of in dramatic arts, we’re willing to undertake. Come join us, and we’ll have some fun. Contact Bob Beekman for more information.
Religious Exploration
The Director of Religious Exploration is Chris Pollina. While he plans the curriculum, this program is totally dependent on the members and friends of the church who serve as teachers. This program has grown tremendously in the last few years, now serving about 80 children and youth with 50 on Sunday morning. Contact Chris Pollina, Director of Religious Exploration, 206-240-5500, shorelinedre@gmail.com for more information.
The Rental Committee
Building rentals help support SUUC financially while promoting our mission and giving us visibility to the wider community. The Rental Committee helps the Administrator, when needed, in the implementation of space rentals. We have a clear rental policy and rate sheet to guide us, both of which we re-evaluate annually. We also discuss ways to promote our space availability. Members of the Rental Committee can carry out most decision-making by phone, but we also meet several times a year. Contact Rick Wilson at 206-799-3054, rickwilson7863@msn.com for more information.
Seabeck Retreat
Attend a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, programs and fun for all ages held at Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal, usually the held end of April or early May. View SUUC Seabeck video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeYk3eCLMzY. Contact: Renee at seabeckregistrar@gmail.com.
The Social Action Ministry
SAM assists the congregation to express our UU values by identifying, developing and communicating opportunities to assist those in need by direct action, or to influence public policy in order to create a more just world. For more information on getting involved, please contact Jo Moore: (206) 364-9636, jottingjo@gmail.com ; or Marguerite Chin: (360) 250-2971, divaroy@comcast.net
Stewardship Drive
Every fall the Stewardship Drive conducts a pledge drive for the upcoming SUUC fiscal year. Members on the committee reach out to the SUUC community to educate them about the importance of each and every pledge. Sounds serious? It is, but this group makes it fun! Come by and get to know them! Contact Paul Borrmann kdonn55@comcast.net 206-257-4124.
Welcome Team
Would you like to be a part of the group that helps make SUUC a welcoming place? Join us! We set the “BUGs” in motion (baristas, ushers, and greeters—see details below), offer orientation classes, and welcome new members with ingathering ceremonies. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month from 7 until about 8 p.m. and would love to have you share your ideas. Contact Markus V.
Women’s Circle
The monthly SUUC Women's Circle meets on the first Saturday morning of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Our Women’s Circle is open to both members and non-members, and to everyone who self-identifies as female. Our discussions are confidential, and notes are not taken. Our goal is getting to know each other, and with that in mind, we’ve discussed a wide range of topics. Our format this year has been to open the circle with a check-in, start discussion of our monthly topic, take a break around 11:00 a.m., then reconvene for more discussion, for closing and announcements. The meeting format is really up to the presenter(s), with the conveners assisting on timekeeping, check-in and announcements. Each month, there is a different topic/activity, led or presented by members of the group, who sign up to lead the group for that meeting. Contact: shorelineuu.womenscircle@gmail.com
Worship Planning
The Worship Planning Committee plans many activities, including worship services, retreats, workshops, and creating new forms. Seasonal celebrations: solstice/equinox, Christmas, Easter, Good Friday. There are numerous opportunities to help with worship planning and to help lead Sunday Services such as serving as the worship companion or worship coordinator.
Aesthetics Committee
The Aesthetics Committee works to improve the aesthetics of our facility. They provide flower arrangements and décor for Sunday services and for special Sundays like gathering of the waters, day of the dead, flower communion, Christmas, etc. The goal is to provide décor that coordinates with the sermon. They make sure that the décor of the buildings, interior as well as exterior—paint color, rugs, furniture, wall art, etc.—is consistent throughout buildings. They also work with the Building and Grounds Committee to design the landscaping of the exterior spaces around the Dome and Davis buildings. Contact: Peggy Scott Williams, 206-331-2729, peggywilliams921@gmail.com for more information.
AHA (Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics) We are members, friends, and visitors of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church who like atheists, humanists, and agnostics and gather to share our lives, talk about important issues, and work to make SUUC more welcoming for non-theists. We meet the first Sunday each month at 1:30pm. For more information or to be added to the AHA mailing list, you may contact Richard Fenske rfenske@comcast.net, Mark Smith smit1803@yahoo.com, or Darrell Udd (206) 200-2168 darrell.udd@gmail.com.
Appreciating Elderhood
We meet the first and third Fridays at SUUC, 12-2 p.m. Join us for lunch and conversation. There is usually a specific topic of discussion to encourage each participant to share thoughts and feelings about what we especially appreciate in our daily lives. Contact Jerald Forster, 206-523-2931, j_forster@comcast.net for more information.
Audio Visual Team
SUUC AV team volunteers install, operate, and maintain multiple systems and technologies in support of a range of activities including all church services, musical and dramatic presentations, special events, and other church productions. Systems and technologies used routinely include sound reinforcement, projection of slides, display of streaming content, videographic recordings of services, computers, projectors, sounds system, video recording equipment. The SUUC AV team is currently has six members and is seeking two (or more) additional regular volunteers to join the rotation and the fun. Interested persons should contact Eric Scott: eric.david.scott@outlook.com for more information.
Book Group
Meets first Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Contact Bob Beekman, 206-527-7340 for more information. Selections are published in the Soundings monthly newsletter.
Bridge Group
We are a group of around 20 folks in the church who like to play bridge in a relaxed, social environment. We play twice a month, or more in Threadgill Hall. Come join us. Contact: Juel Erickson: 206- 849-5177, juelerickson@hotmail.com for more information.
Building Committee
We take care of the buildings at SUUC. Contact: Bruce Hunt: 503-816-5574, bh7726@comcast.net for more information.
Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles are a form of small group ministry. They promote close relationships via meetings usually once a month, usually in homes. These facilitated small groups of members and friends share thoughts on the big questions. Time together is structured. Participants have an opportunity to share and reflect on readings. Usually members commit to attend for a year or more. For more information contact Karen Thompson karenmariet61@gmail.com or Lily Eakin lilyeakin@gmail.com for more information.
Choir
Provides music for Sunday services twice a month and special music for holidays and other occasions. The rehearsals are often as rewarding as the performances! Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Contact Wil Sederholm, wilholm@msn.com, Choir Director.
Committee on Ministry (CoM)
Ministry is everything the congregation does to fulfill its mission, including each of the various committees of the church. The goal of the Committee On Ministry is to work with each ministry of the church (e.g. the Minister, Religious Education, Facilities, Committees, etc.) and help them review how they are meeting their goals and working with other ministries of the church to fulfill the church’s mission. The COM helps SUUC Ministers appraise their own efforts to fulfill the mission of SUUC. For more information, contact Sarah Dilling.
Endowment Committee
The Endowment Fund serves to advance the purposes of our faith community and establish a permanent financial base. The Endowment Committee manages the funds in line with our Unitarian Universalist values, investing in ethical and environmentally responsible associations. Bob B., 206-527-7340 or rlbeekman@gmail.com, chair
Families and Friends Support Group
Sponsored by the Shoreline Mental Health Ministry. This group is for those whose lives have been touched by mental health issues. Fourth Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Barbara C., 206-367-9485 or uubcornell@gmail.com.
Fun(d)raising
This committee plans Fun(d)raising events that support the church’s operating fund. These are held throughout the year. Events include a Spring Services and Events Auction.
Game Night
Come play a variety of games with all ages, mostly adults. We meet on Thursdays from 6-8pm in the Emerson Room (or online when social distancing is being enforced). For more info, email SUUC.games@gmail.com or contact Jerome Lutge (see church directory).
GreenSong CUUPS
Pagans of various paths come together to share our Earth-based spirituality in a UU context. GreenSong is a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS). The group meets informally and gathers in circle at the solar holidays. Contact Dana Doerksen at greensongcuups@gmail.com for more information.
Grounds
We take care of the grounds around the buildings. Contact Laura Westbrook, 206-605-2005, wildweeder@gmail.com for more information.
The Mental Health and Recovery Team
The Mental Health and Recovery Team at Shoreline UU Church offers a ministry of presence, support and education to our congregation and the community. It is believed that mental health or addiction issues impact 1 out of every 4 or 5 families in the U.S. That means practically every family is struggling on some level with these issues. With our newsletter column Side by Side we try to lift the stigma that exists on these issues because stigma prevents people from seeking treatment and support. We are available to consult with people who are looking for a compassionate listener and/or local and national resources. We offer a support group on the fourth Monday evening of every month (at 6:30 PM in the Conference Room) for Friends and Family of people with a lived experience of mental illness. Join us today to learn more! Contact: Barbara Cornell 206-510-5690 uubcornell@gmail.com for more information.
Men's Group
This group meets for breakfast monthly on third and fourth Saturdays on Zoom, 9-11 am (link on calendar.) All SUUC men are welcome. The group usually has a topic of discussion related to the worship theme of the month. Contact Richard V., 206-281-7944 or richard.volkman@att.net
Music Committee
Music permeates the life of our congregation, from the smallest children singing Spirit of Life, to our Choir sharing a South African protest song, to all of us raising our voices together during the Sunday service. The music Committee encourages congregants to share their musical gifts and creates a culture of musical abundance for all ages and abilities. The Choir, led by Wil Sederholm [206-317-7488], provides music for Sunday services twice a month. During the pandemic video technology and a private recording studio has enabled creative blending of many voices. Chancel musicians in our congregation provide music on other Sundays. To learn more or get involved, please contact Joyce Allison at [(425) 444-3175]
Readers’ Theater
The Readers’ Theater Group is for anyone interested in drama of all kinds. We put on (and sometimes create) chancel plays in place of the sermon in an occasional service. We put on mystery dinners, and hold armchair theater evenings, where we read full length plays. We have sponsored an improv class. Pretty much anything you can think of in dramatic arts, we’re willing to undertake. Come join us, and we’ll have some fun. Contact Bob Beekman for more information.
Religious Exploration
The Director of Religious Exploration is Chris Pollina. While he plans the curriculum, this program is totally dependent on the members and friends of the church who serve as teachers. This program has grown tremendously in the last few years, now serving about 80 children and youth with 50 on Sunday morning. Contact Chris Pollina, Director of Religious Exploration, 206-240-5500, shorelinedre@gmail.com for more information.
The Rental Committee
Building rentals help support SUUC financially while promoting our mission and giving us visibility to the wider community. The Rental Committee helps the Administrator, when needed, in the implementation of space rentals. We have a clear rental policy and rate sheet to guide us, both of which we re-evaluate annually. We also discuss ways to promote our space availability. Members of the Rental Committee can carry out most decision-making by phone, but we also meet several times a year. Contact Rick Wilson at 206-799-3054, rickwilson7863@msn.com for more information.
Seabeck Retreat
Attend a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, programs and fun for all ages held at Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal, usually the held end of April or early May. View SUUC Seabeck video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeYk3eCLMzY. Contact: Renee at seabeckregistrar@gmail.com.
The Social Action Ministry
SAM assists the congregation to express our UU values by identifying, developing and communicating opportunities to assist those in need by direct action, or to influence public policy in order to create a more just world. For more information on getting involved, please contact Jo Moore: (206) 364-9636, jottingjo@gmail.com ; or Marguerite Chin: (360) 250-2971, divaroy@comcast.net
Stewardship Drive
Every fall the Stewardship Drive conducts a pledge drive for the upcoming SUUC fiscal year. Members on the committee reach out to the SUUC community to educate them about the importance of each and every pledge. Sounds serious? It is, but this group makes it fun! Come by and get to know them! Contact Paul Borrmann kdonn55@comcast.net 206-257-4124.
Welcome Team
Would you like to be a part of the group that helps make SUUC a welcoming place? Join us! We set the “BUGs” in motion (baristas, ushers, and greeters—see details below), offer orientation classes, and welcome new members with ingathering ceremonies. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month from 7 until about 8 p.m. and would love to have you share your ideas. Contact Markus V.
- Baristas provide the "social lubricants" of coffee and tea. Before church baristas focus on brewing & setup, after church they focus on serving & cleanup. Grab some one-hour shifts at www.tinyurl.com/suuc-coffee or contact Rick W or Markus V.
- Ushers help prepare for the worship service, hand out orders of worship, and collect the morning offering. Contact Markus V.
- Greeters - Each Sunday two volunteers greet everyone and encourage visitors to fill out a form which allows us to make follow-up calls. This is a wonderful way to serve the church and to get to know people who attend. Contact Markus V.
Women’s Circle
The monthly SUUC Women's Circle meets on the first Saturday morning of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Our Women’s Circle is open to both members and non-members, and to everyone who self-identifies as female. Our discussions are confidential, and notes are not taken. Our goal is getting to know each other, and with that in mind, we’ve discussed a wide range of topics. Our format this year has been to open the circle with a check-in, start discussion of our monthly topic, take a break around 11:00 a.m., then reconvene for more discussion, for closing and announcements. The meeting format is really up to the presenter(s), with the conveners assisting on timekeeping, check-in and announcements. Each month, there is a different topic/activity, led or presented by members of the group, who sign up to lead the group for that meeting. Contact: shorelineuu.womenscircle@gmail.com
Worship Planning
The Worship Planning Committee plans many activities, including worship services, retreats, workshops, and creating new forms. Seasonal celebrations: solstice/equinox, Christmas, Easter, Good Friday. There are numerous opportunities to help with worship planning and to help lead Sunday Services such as serving as the worship companion or worship coordinator.