News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apply by April 30

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

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

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

Sunday, June 16

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

A pledge is your stated financial commitment to support UUC’s operating budget for the July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025 fiscal year. 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 . (We will then vote on that budget at our Annual Congregational Meeting in June.) There is no minimum amount to participate, and all gifts are important and cherished. 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. We invite you to review the Aspirational Giving Guide as you consider your pledge. We hope you will submit your pledge by Sunday, April 14 . Click below for more information and the pledge form.

Our much anticipated All-Ages Spring Potluck on Friday, March 22, saw 122+ UUC members, friends, and visitors happily gathered in Nathan Johnson Hall. A full house! Food tables were laden with bountiful, tasty fare. But it was the warm welcome, good energy, far-ranging conversations, and care for one another that connected us all in the community! (Not to mention the action at the 'creation station' with a couple of hands-on activities.) The idea of Building Meaningful Connections was indeed alive for all to see and feel at this potluck. For me—and I hope for others as well—the glow from this experience has lingered on. An event such as this is no small undertaking, but was made easy by the willing help of so many. My sincere gratitude to the 20+ folks who pitched in to make all run smoothly (with a shout out to Larry Soriano who kindly served as assistant to me) . And a special note of thanks to staff who played a vital role behind the scenes and at the event in support of this gathering, especially: Floyd Williams for advance set-up Susan St. John for communications and publicity Jorge Del Valle for event day support Stacy Carlson for event day support Aria Curtis for hands-on activity advice and supplies May we do this again! Joyfully! Kathleen Cromp on behalf of the UUC Stewardship Committee

Sunday, April 7, 1–3 p.m. in the UUC chapel

You may have noticed a new piece of art on display near the young children’s suite at UUC when you came through the building last Sunday. “Mother and Child,” by Bonnie Hopper , is the newest addition to UUC’s permanent art collection. This multi-media piece serves as a bright and welcoming presence as folks come up the stairs and is easily visible from Nathan Johnson Hall. The art work was donated by a group of 36 church members, friends, and families, coordinated by Judith Wood . They are very excited about giving this very vibrant, yet tender, piece to UUC so that we all can enjoy it long-term. The artist, Bonnie Hopper, was born and raised in Seattle and is one of thirteen children. Art had always played an important role in Hopper’s life and in 1987 she began two years of study in the advertising art program at Seattle Community College. However, life derailed her dream of becoming a professional artist until 30 years later. In 2008, an unsolicited, unexpected portrait commission challenged her to take up her brushes again, full time. She often paints oil portraits or creates multi-media works, primarily of Black women, which reveal their beauty, pride, strength of character, and above all, their dignity. Hopper began her association with the Onyx Fine Arts Collective in Seattle in 2016. She was chosen as one of the winners of the Emerging Artist Scholarship Competition of Gallery 110 in 2022. Since then, she has had several solo exhibitions, including one at the Wa Na Wari Gallery in early 2023. An exhibit of Bonnie Hopper’s proud, regal, colorful work was featured in the UUC chapel in January and February 2024. That was when Judith Wood and friends fell in love with this piece and decided that it should become part of our permanent art collection. Thank you for this very fine gift!

Thursday, March 28, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in the King Room

From UUC's Acting for Racial Justice Team March is Women’s History Month and the 2024 theme celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals' lives and institutions.” (1) One of the incredible women who has done just this, was American playwright and writer, Lorraine Vivian Hansberry. Hansberry was a Black, queer woman who used her art to express her radical vision for America and the world. In May 1963, a group of prominent Black people met with U.S. Attorney General, Bobby Kennedy. Hansberry, who was thirty-three at the time, wholly surprised the attorney general. James Baldwin, who was also in the meeting, wrote : “We wanted him to tell his brother the President to personally escort to school . . . a small black girl already scheduled to enter a Deep South school. ‘That way,’ we said, ‘it will be clear that whoever spits on that child will be spitting on the nation.’ Kennedy did not understand and responded that this would be a meaningless moral gesture. Lorraine responded, ‘We would like from you, a moral commitment.’ He looked insulted—seemed to feel that he had been wasting his time . . . She looked at Bobby Kennedy . . . ‘But I am very worried’ she said, ‘about the state of the civilization which produced that photograph of the white cop standing on that Negro woman’s neck in Birmingham.’ She smiled a cutting smile at the attorney general, turned, and walked out.” Lorraine Hansberry “was not raised to be a radical. She was born in Chicago in 1930, the child of an illustrious family that was well regarded in business and academic circles. Lorraine’s father, Carl Augustus Hansberry, was a real-estate speculator and a proud race man.” (2) Her parents started the first Black bank and hospital in Chicago. And “Many prominent African American social and political leaders visited the Hansberry household during Lorraine’s childhood including sociology professor W.E.B. DuBois, poet Langston Hughes, actor and political activist Paul Robeson, musician Duke Ellington and Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens.” (3) Hansberry became interested in theater while in high school. She broke with family tradition of attending a Southern Black college and instead enrolled in the University of Wisconsin and majored in writing. As she grew up, she drifted away from the politics of her parents, who remained committed Republicans. . . . While at the University of Wisconsin, she began campaigning for Henry Wallace’s Progressive Party. After the police turned up at a local protest that Hansberry attended, her parents forbade her to continue supporting the insurgent candidate. “I am quite sick about it,” she wrote to a close friend. “They are afraid Little Lorraine will call up one night from the police station and ask for her pajamas.” She kept volunteering for Wallace.” (4) After two years in Wisconsin, she left to study painting in Chicago and Mexico. In 1950, Hansberry moved to New York City to write for Paul Robeson’s progressive newspaper, Freedom . On a picket line, Hansberry met Robert Nemiroff, a Jewish songwriter who shared Hansberry’s political views, and the two were married in 1953. Even though married to a man, “Hansberry identified as a lesbian but she was not “out” in the traditional sense, as homosexuality was illegal in New York City at the time. Hansberry and Nemiroff ended their romantic relationship after nine years, but he remained her best friend and closest confidant for the rest of her life.” (5) Lorraine Hansberry is well known for her play, A Raisin in the Sun . It was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway, nominated for four Tony awards, and to win a New York Drama Critic’s Circle award. “ In A Raisin in the Sun ,” she drew upon the lives of the working-class black people who rented from her father and who went to school with her on Chicago’s South Side. She also used members of her family as inspiration for her characters.” (6) The play drew large numbers of African Americans to the theater — recognizing them and giving them representation on the stage. One Hansberry biographer said in an interview , “In Hansberry’s case, her artistic work provided a “radical” vision because it called for the transformation of how we understand our material conditions and Black people’s place in history and society.” Shortly before Lorraine Hansberry died from pancreatic cancer, on May 1, 1964, she addressed a group of teenage national essay winners, and extolled the power of Blackness: “ I speak with you on this occasion because you are young, gifted and black. I for one can think of no more dynamic combination a person might be…Look at the work that awaits you! Write if you will. But write about the world as it is, and as you think it ought to be…Write about our people. Tell their story. ” (7) Biographer Imani Perry said, "There's been this constant theme for the past several decades," 'Oh she died so young; what would she have produced had she lived longer?' But the reality is she produced so much." Perry sees Hansberry as an inspiration for artists and activists in today’s “fraught period of history.” As she explains, “Having a role model who was always willing to speak truth to power is really important for us.” It’s impossible to know exactly what Hansberry would make of today’s America. But if she were still alive, suggests Perry, “She’d have a lot to say. That’s for sure.” (8) Resources: Soyica Diggs Colbert’ book on Lorraine Hansberry, Radical Vision Imani Perry, Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry The Lorraine Hansberry Literary Trust: https://www.lhlt.org/works

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

March 25, April 3, April 11 or April 14 by registration If you can’t attend the potluck or you prefer smaller gatherings, please attend one of our hosted events for social connection as part of this year's Giving Campaign's theme of Building Meaningful Connections . Gatherings will be capped at 12 participants. Newcomers are encouraged to attend, and no one will be asked to make a pledge at the gathering. Our focus is on socializing and getting to know each other. Three of the gatherings will be hosted in member's homes. 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. Monday, March 25, 7-8:30 pm Host zip code: 98119 (Queen Anne) Wednesday, April 3, 7-8:30 pm Host zip code: 98105 (Laurelhurst) Thursday, April 11, 7-8:30 pm Host zip code: 98105 (Wallingford) Sunday, April 14 at UUC, immediately following the first service - Bring your coffee or tea to the Emerson Room downstairs Sunday, April 14 at UUC, immediately following the second service - Bring your coffee or tea to the Emerson Room downstairs For more details and to sign up, please use this link: Small Group Gatherings Registration .

Friday, March 22, 6–8 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

Dear Members and Friends, We invite you to make an annual operating pledge to support the life and work of UUC. Your pledge is a promise for how much financial support you will commit to UUC’s next fiscal year, which runs from July 2024 through June 2025. UUC's operating costs include minister and staff salaries and benefits, programming costs, administration, and general care and operation of our church campus. Our budget for all operating revenue and support is expected to increase by 15% to cover increases to operating expenses (e.g. compensation and benefits, contracts, vendor fees, and supplies) and the addition of new ones (e.g. a half-time Family Ministries coordinator and relocation costs for the interim minister), as well as the removal of CARES Act support that we've relied on in previous years. New and increased operating pledges will play the most significant part in providing the needed increase in funds. If you are able to, please consider increasing your annual operating pledge to continue the work of our mission to Awaken Spirit, Nurture Hope, and Inspire Action . We encourage you to 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. Your pledge should fit your heart and your resources. As part of your personal decision on how much to pledge, we encourage you to review the Aspirational Giving Guide . We have also created FAQs for the Annual Operating Pledge , which may be particularly helpful for individuals who are relatively new to UUC. Every gift, no matter the amount, is important and is cherished. In adding all of our gifts together, we all support the life and work of this community. Thank you for your generosity!

Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Wednesday, March 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Knatvold

We fund our church! 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. 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.  We invite you to review the Aspirational Giving Guide as you consider your pledge and we hope you will submit your pledge 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 .

Sunday, March 17, 1:15–2:30 p.m. in the Dix room and via Zoom

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

Sunday, March 17, 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom Along with supporting Jon Luopa’s transition to retirement at the end of June, and looking for ways to support the staff, the Board of Trustees has begun the interim minister search process, aided by our representative at the Unitarian Universalist Association. You can read about the process in the UUA's Transitional Ministry Handbook . You are invited to attend one of the information sessions the Board will hold March 17 in Knatvold after each service to learn more and ask questions. There is also a Ministerial Transition page on the UUC website that will be updated as we move forward. Thus far the Board has initiated the interim search process officially with the UUA, opened the profile in the MinistrySearch system and appointed an interim minister search committee. Members of the committee include Sooraj Kuttykrishnan, John Crusius, Patricia Graesser, Kathleen Cromp, Gayle Childers and Leila Zelnick. The committee’s work from now through April 2024 is to complete the application for interim ministry, completing the required on-line profile and putting together a packet of supplemental information for potential candidates. As a board we are committed to keeping you informed of the details as they unfold and ask for your continued patience and participation as we travel this transitional road together. ~Patricia Graesser, President, for the UUC Board of Trustees

Apply (see below) by Sunday, March 17 We are seeking out a third Childcare Provider to join Jasmin and Shameka in providing quality and loving care for the youngest in our community. Those who work with our youngest community members are instrumental in providing a strong foundation in what it means to be a part of a loving and supporting church community. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with children and is reliable and enthusiastic about cultivating a safe, fun, and caring environment for children on Sunday mornings and at church events. Childcare Providers positions are part-time, about 4 hours per week, and are compensated at $23.53 per hour. Please read the full job description here . Those interested can apply by sending a resume to Director of Family Ministry, Aria Curtis, or via Indeed . For more information about Childcare Providers at UUC and how to apply, please contact Director of Family Ministry, Aria Curtis .

Saturday, March 16, 1-3 p.m. in the Knatvold room