Activities and Groups
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Last revised: 01/19/23. 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)
~~ We encourage you to get involved in the life of Shoreline UU outside of Sunday services. You can connect through the many activities listed here. This page organizes activities into four major categories: Ministries; Groups; Standing Committees; and Elected Committees. All provide opportunities to just have fun, to meet others and to do something to help others! ~~
Ministries:
Addictions and Recovery Ministries
It is believed that issues of mental health or addiction 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. Contact: Barbara Cornell 206-367-9485 uubcornell@gmail.com for more information.
Adult Religious Exploration
Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church offers to the congregation and the community classes and programs for religious exploration, spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, and other opportunities for connection, deepening, and delight. These offerings are coordinated by the Adult Religious Exploration Committee, currently led by Rev Amanda Aikman, Susan Storer Clark, and Catherine Crain. Current and possible upcoming offerings are listed here. Members and friends of the congregation are enthusiastically encouraged to submit ideas and requests for new programming by completing this form.
Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles are a form of small group ministry. They provide a structured, safe, non-coercive way to think deeply about important themes and to deepen relationships. They usually meet once a month, either in person or on Zoom. Most groups are structured around thematic readings; participants have an opportunity to share and reflect or just listen. For more information, contact Catherine Crain. Her contact info is available from the church administrator or in the church directory.
Caring Ministry
The Caring ministry of this church is done by everyone. The Care Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who work with the lead minister to coordinate the compassionate work of the church and who provide a face to the caring ministry. You can sign up to be on the Caring List, which includes anyone in the church who can help with basic needs of other church members; such as making and bringing meals if someone is sick or recovering, giving rides to appointments, sending cards or emails, and calling. Please sign up to volunteer for the care team or the caring list by contacting the Care team coordinators: Barbara Stilson, Nancy Curtis, Myrtle Bishop, and Jackie Lamont.
Ministry of Children’s Religious Exploration
Each Sunday, there are a variety of activities offered to children and youth which help them learn about our faith and explore ethical and philosophical questions. These activities are not just life affirming and fun for kids, though; the adults who spend time in class frequently report that it is a deeply rewarding and spiritually clarifying experience to accompany kids on this journey! If you'd be interested in learning more about what it looks like to spend time with kids in our Religious Exploration classes, please talk to our Director of Religious Exploration, Chris Pollina, by emailing him at shorelinedre@gmail.com or calling him at 206-240-5500.
Groups:
AHA (Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics)
We are members, friends, and visitors of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church who like atheists, humanists, and agnostics as well as theists, and gather to share our lives, talk about important issues, and make SUUC more welcoming for all. We usually meet the first Sunday each month at noon. 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 darrell.udd@gmail.com.
Appreciating Elderhood
This gathering of elders takes place every-other Friday, starting at noon and ending at 1:30 pm. It currently takes place on Zoom, but it could return to in-person meetings at SUUC, if participants vote to do so. The meeting usually begins with everyone checking-in, which follows with sharing, guided by pre-announced topics. Jerald Forster has facilitated the gatherings for the last few years. Contact him at 206-523-2931 for more information and to get on the mailing list for Zoom invitations.
Weekly Game Night
All ages are welcome to come play a variety of games such as Carcassonne and Dominion; feel free to bring your own games! We meet on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Emerson Room. For more information, please contact Jerome Lutge or email SUUC.games@gmail.com
Bridge Group
We are a group of around 20 folks in the church who like to play party bridge in a relaxed, social environment. We play twice a month at church in Threadgill Hall. Come join us! Contact: Rick Wilson 206-799-3054 for more information.
GreenSong CUUPS Pagan Group
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 GreenSong at greensongcuups@gmail.com for more information.
Men’s Group
This group meets on third Saturdays on Zoom, and fourth Saturdays at a local restaurant from 9-10:30am (link on calendar.) All SUUC men are welcome. The group has a topic of discussion for the Zoom meetings, and open discussions on the fourth Saturdays. Contact Richard Volkman at 206-281-7944 or richard.volkman@att.net.
Owls of Minerva (Book Group)
The “Owls of Minerva” meet the first Wednesdays of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. Contact Bob Beekman as listed in the directory for more information. Selections are published in the Soundings monthly newsletter.
Women’s Group
The Women's Group of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church offers our women some very interesting programming. We meet in the beautiful Threadgill Hall on the first Saturday of the month, from 10:00 to 12:00 AM. We enjoy fruits, breads, meats & eggs together. We share our lives and usually have a presentation by one of our many talented women members. All those who see themselves as female persuasion, welcome. Any questions or comments, call Cheryl Udd, (206) 841-6537, or email.
Young Adults
A Young Adults group is now forming. For more information, contact the SUUC Office – office@shorelineuu.org.
Committees:
Aesthetics
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.
Building and Grounds
We take care of routine maintenance and plan for the longer-term enhancement of SUUC’s Buildings and Grounds. Members clean gutters, replace furnace air-filters, cut the grass, pull weeds, and plant gardens. If you like exercise or have a “green thumb,” contact Bruce Hunt: 503-816-5574, bh7726@comcast.net for more information.
Fundraising
This committee plans Fun Fundraising events that support the church’s operating fund. The biggest fundraiser of the year is the church Auction which has been held in the late fall for the last several years. If you would like to help with fundraising, or donate items, events, or services to the auction, please let the office administrator know.
Music
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]
Rentals
Building rentals help support SUUC financially while promoting our mission and giving us visibility to the wider community. The rental Committee works with the church administrator in managing rentals of our spaces. 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.
Social Action Ministry Committee
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 to create a more just world. Some of our current projects are listed on this page of our website. For more information on getting involved, please contact Krista Tenney (tenney at earthlink.net) or Karen Thompson (karenmariet61 at gmail.com ).
Seabeck Retreat Committee
Help organize a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, programs and fun for all ages held at Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal, to be held this Fall. On the Seabeck Committee you can help plan for the event, recruit participants and run the retreat. Contact: Renee at seabeckregistrar@gmail.com.
Stewardship
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 Bruce Hunt at bh7726@comcast.net.
Tech Team
The Tech Team provides equipment, technology and experienced technicians for the activities of sound reinforcement, video projection, video capture, recording, streaming, digital editing, and meeting hosting for about 55-60 events each year. These events include weekly Sunday morning services, church business meetings, committee meetings, selected all church events, and assisting rental groups with the same activities. Technicians rotate in small 3 and 4 person teams, so there is definitely the desire to add more persons with an interest in serving the community this way. This team works closely with Worship Planning, Chancel Musicians, and Aesthetics to help ensure the technology being deployed is sufficient for presenting the content that they bring to the services. For more information contact Eric Scott at his cell phone or email, 206-310-5703 or eric.david.scott@outlook.com,
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 on Zoom from 7 until about 8 p.m. and would love to have you share your ideas! Contact Markus Volke at 206-293-4220 or volke99@gmail.com.
Baristas provide the "social lubricants" of coffee and tea. Before church baristas focus on brewing & setup, and after church they focus on serving & cleanup. Contact Rick Wilson at rickwilson7863@msn.com.
Ushers help prepare for the worship service, hand out orders of worship, and collect the morning offering. A great way to meet and connect with our community. Contact Markus Volke.
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 Volke.
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. Contact Peggy Williams Scott or Jennifer Etzwiler.
Plate Share
One Sunday a month for 9 months of the year, SUUC donates all of the money in our collection basket to a charitable organization voted on by the congregation. Members of the Plate Share Team works to coordinate with the recipient organization and share information with the congregation. Each Fall, the committee gathers nominations and organizes the congregation’s voting for nine charities to be recipients of a Plate Share during the next calendar year. For further information, contact Jennifer Etzwiler or Betsy Anne Jameson.
Board Appointed or Elected Committees:
Endowment
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.
Committee on Ministry
The goal of the Committee on Ministry is to work with the lead minister, each ministry and each standing committee of the church (e.g. 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. CoM's Ministerial assessments incorporate input from the minister and leaders of the church in seven different areas of Ministerial performance. For more information, contact Lew Witham.
~~ We encourage you to get involved in the life of Shoreline UU outside of Sunday services. You can connect through the many activities listed here. This page organizes activities into four major categories: Ministries; Groups; Standing Committees; and Elected Committees. All provide opportunities to just have fun, to meet others and to do something to help others! ~~
Ministries:
Addictions and Recovery Ministries
It is believed that issues of mental health or addiction 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. Contact: Barbara Cornell 206-367-9485 uubcornell@gmail.com for more information.
Adult Religious Exploration
Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church offers to the congregation and the community classes and programs for religious exploration, spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, and other opportunities for connection, deepening, and delight. These offerings are coordinated by the Adult Religious Exploration Committee, currently led by Rev Amanda Aikman, Susan Storer Clark, and Catherine Crain. Current and possible upcoming offerings are listed here. Members and friends of the congregation are enthusiastically encouraged to submit ideas and requests for new programming by completing this form.
Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles are a form of small group ministry. They provide a structured, safe, non-coercive way to think deeply about important themes and to deepen relationships. They usually meet once a month, either in person or on Zoom. Most groups are structured around thematic readings; participants have an opportunity to share and reflect or just listen. For more information, contact Catherine Crain. Her contact info is available from the church administrator or in the church directory.
Caring Ministry
The Caring ministry of this church is done by everyone. The Care Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who work with the lead minister to coordinate the compassionate work of the church and who provide a face to the caring ministry. You can sign up to be on the Caring List, which includes anyone in the church who can help with basic needs of other church members; such as making and bringing meals if someone is sick or recovering, giving rides to appointments, sending cards or emails, and calling. Please sign up to volunteer for the care team or the caring list by contacting the Care team coordinators: Barbara Stilson, Nancy Curtis, Myrtle Bishop, and Jackie Lamont.
Ministry of Children’s Religious Exploration
Each Sunday, there are a variety of activities offered to children and youth which help them learn about our faith and explore ethical and philosophical questions. These activities are not just life affirming and fun for kids, though; the adults who spend time in class frequently report that it is a deeply rewarding and spiritually clarifying experience to accompany kids on this journey! If you'd be interested in learning more about what it looks like to spend time with kids in our Religious Exploration classes, please talk to our Director of Religious Exploration, Chris Pollina, by emailing him at shorelinedre@gmail.com or calling him at 206-240-5500.
Groups:
AHA (Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics)
We are members, friends, and visitors of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church who like atheists, humanists, and agnostics as well as theists, and gather to share our lives, talk about important issues, and make SUUC more welcoming for all. We usually meet the first Sunday each month at noon. 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 darrell.udd@gmail.com.
Appreciating Elderhood
This gathering of elders takes place every-other Friday, starting at noon and ending at 1:30 pm. It currently takes place on Zoom, but it could return to in-person meetings at SUUC, if participants vote to do so. The meeting usually begins with everyone checking-in, which follows with sharing, guided by pre-announced topics. Jerald Forster has facilitated the gatherings for the last few years. Contact him at 206-523-2931 for more information and to get on the mailing list for Zoom invitations.
Weekly Game Night
All ages are welcome to come play a variety of games such as Carcassonne and Dominion; feel free to bring your own games! We meet on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Emerson Room. For more information, please contact Jerome Lutge or email SUUC.games@gmail.com
Bridge Group
We are a group of around 20 folks in the church who like to play party bridge in a relaxed, social environment. We play twice a month at church in Threadgill Hall. Come join us! Contact: Rick Wilson 206-799-3054 for more information.
GreenSong CUUPS Pagan Group
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 GreenSong at greensongcuups@gmail.com for more information.
Men’s Group
This group meets on third Saturdays on Zoom, and fourth Saturdays at a local restaurant from 9-10:30am (link on calendar.) All SUUC men are welcome. The group has a topic of discussion for the Zoom meetings, and open discussions on the fourth Saturdays. Contact Richard Volkman at 206-281-7944 or richard.volkman@att.net.
Owls of Minerva (Book Group)
The “Owls of Minerva” meet the first Wednesdays of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. Contact Bob Beekman as listed in the directory for more information. Selections are published in the Soundings monthly newsletter.
Women’s Group
The Women's Group of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church offers our women some very interesting programming. We meet in the beautiful Threadgill Hall on the first Saturday of the month, from 10:00 to 12:00 AM. We enjoy fruits, breads, meats & eggs together. We share our lives and usually have a presentation by one of our many talented women members. All those who see themselves as female persuasion, welcome. Any questions or comments, call Cheryl Udd, (206) 841-6537, or email.
Young Adults
A Young Adults group is now forming. For more information, contact the SUUC Office – office@shorelineuu.org.
Committees:
Aesthetics
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.
Building and Grounds
We take care of routine maintenance and plan for the longer-term enhancement of SUUC’s Buildings and Grounds. Members clean gutters, replace furnace air-filters, cut the grass, pull weeds, and plant gardens. If you like exercise or have a “green thumb,” contact Bruce Hunt: 503-816-5574, bh7726@comcast.net for more information.
Fundraising
This committee plans Fun Fundraising events that support the church’s operating fund. The biggest fundraiser of the year is the church Auction which has been held in the late fall for the last several years. If you would like to help with fundraising, or donate items, events, or services to the auction, please let the office administrator know.
Music
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]
Rentals
Building rentals help support SUUC financially while promoting our mission and giving us visibility to the wider community. The rental Committee works with the church administrator in managing rentals of our spaces. 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.
Social Action Ministry Committee
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 to create a more just world. Some of our current projects are listed on this page of our website. For more information on getting involved, please contact Krista Tenney (tenney at earthlink.net) or Karen Thompson (karenmariet61 at gmail.com ).
Seabeck Retreat Committee
Help organize a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, programs and fun for all ages held at Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal, to be held this Fall. On the Seabeck Committee you can help plan for the event, recruit participants and run the retreat. Contact: Renee at seabeckregistrar@gmail.com.
Stewardship
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 Bruce Hunt at bh7726@comcast.net.
Tech Team
The Tech Team provides equipment, technology and experienced technicians for the activities of sound reinforcement, video projection, video capture, recording, streaming, digital editing, and meeting hosting for about 55-60 events each year. These events include weekly Sunday morning services, church business meetings, committee meetings, selected all church events, and assisting rental groups with the same activities. Technicians rotate in small 3 and 4 person teams, so there is definitely the desire to add more persons with an interest in serving the community this way. This team works closely with Worship Planning, Chancel Musicians, and Aesthetics to help ensure the technology being deployed is sufficient for presenting the content that they bring to the services. For more information contact Eric Scott at his cell phone or email, 206-310-5703 or eric.david.scott@outlook.com,
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 on Zoom from 7 until about 8 p.m. and would love to have you share your ideas! Contact Markus Volke at 206-293-4220 or volke99@gmail.com.
Baristas provide the "social lubricants" of coffee and tea. Before church baristas focus on brewing & setup, and after church they focus on serving & cleanup. Contact Rick Wilson at rickwilson7863@msn.com.
Ushers help prepare for the worship service, hand out orders of worship, and collect the morning offering. A great way to meet and connect with our community. Contact Markus Volke.
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 Volke.
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. Contact Peggy Williams Scott or Jennifer Etzwiler.
Plate Share
One Sunday a month for 9 months of the year, SUUC donates all of the money in our collection basket to a charitable organization voted on by the congregation. Members of the Plate Share Team works to coordinate with the recipient organization and share information with the congregation. Each Fall, the committee gathers nominations and organizes the congregation’s voting for nine charities to be recipients of a Plate Share during the next calendar year. For further information, contact Jennifer Etzwiler or Betsy Anne Jameson.
Board Appointed or Elected Committees:
Endowment
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.
Committee on Ministry
The goal of the Committee on Ministry is to work with the lead minister, each ministry and each standing committee of the church (e.g. 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. CoM's Ministerial assessments incorporate input from the minister and leaders of the church in seven different areas of Ministerial performance. For more information, contact Lew Witham.