News

Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m.–noon at UUC or via Zoom

Thursday, May 8, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in the Knatvold room

Wednesday, May 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Sunday, May 11, both services (9:30 and 11:15 a.m.)

Sunday, May 4, 12:45–2:15 p.m. in the Knatvold room or via Zoom; please register in advance

Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m. via Zoom Sunday, May 4, 10:30 a.m. in the Knatvold room Join members of UUC’s Faith Land Initiative team for upcoming listening sessions. Come to learn more and share your thoughts. We have also created this online form if you would like to share your thoughts without attending a meeting. In the meetings, the team will provide an overview of the Faith Land Initiative and status of UUC’s cohort, and gather input on Values to prioritize Hopes for sharing our space Concerns about sharing our space The Faith Land Initiative process at UUC is intended to be synergistic with and supportive of our interim ministry work. Work through June includes conducting learning sessions with our church and external communities, refining criteria to screen future action options and drafting short- mid- and long-term plans. Find the Zoom link for the online session in UUC Connect . If you have any questions or would like to share any input relating to this process, please contact Patricia Graesser , Gayle Childers or Dave Mentz .

Sunday, May 4, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the UUC chapel and via livestream

Dear Members and Friends of University Unitarian Church, As I wrap up my almost nine years at UUC, I have been holding both sadness about leaving and excitement for what is unfolding as I prepare to start at Common Power later this summer. This tension has been possible to bear because the truth is that it is drenched in so much gratitude. Over the past two months, we’ve had the chance to make meaning of our years together, what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, where we’ve gotten stuck, and where our lives are taking us now. You have been so generous in this transition, sharing your reflections and support, as well as your gratitude and grief. I am proud of the ministry we have shared and excited for whoever arrives next to minister to UUC and the fresh ideas and perspectives they will bring to partnering with the congregation. I want to speak directly to what leaving as a minister means for our relationships going forward. When a minister leaves a congregation, they enter into a period of time of no contact. This boundary can feel harsh, but the intention is so that both congregations and ministers can do the sacred work of grieving and creating space for what is to come. For me, this means time and space to rest, reflect, and reorient to my life. For UUC, this means continuing to engage in the Interim process with Rev. Doug as you prepare to partner with your next ministers. Because of the success of the Spring Pledge Drive, the process has begun to hire an Acting Associate Minister with the hope that they can be in place before the next church year begins. That minister will be focused on Community Engagement both within and beyond the congregation, including leading the justice and care ministries, as well as supporting other adult programming. It’s a big role and they will need your patience and support as they come into the community. The next church year will also be the search year for UUC’s next lead minister. It is a pivotal time for the congregation and an important time for everyone to find their role in supporting the health of the community! After the end of April, I will be fully away from the congregation for at least two years, giving plenty of space for the incoming ministers to arrive and get settled. Being fully away means you won’t see me visiting on a Sunday or continuing in any ministerial role such as leading UUC weddings or memorials. Since I am staying in Seattle, continuing to serve on the board of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, and working at Common Power, it is likely that we will be crossing paths within those two years. However, in order to respect the boundaries of ministerial transition, when we do encounter each other, I ask that we steer clear of talking about UUC. Also, even though I am going into fundraising at Common Power, I am not going to directly solicit donations from members of UUC to respect this period of intentional parting of ways. Of course, UUC and Common Power will remain connected as partner organizations and I hope the relationship will only deepen in order to build collective strength to meet the current political crises. We need to band together right now. There will be at least a couple months between when I leave and the next second minister begins. Please keep in mind that staffing will be more stretched in these months. During that time, Rev. Doug will be supporting the Care Team. The summer preaching schedule will look very much as it has before with a rotation of guest preachers from the area, as well as a Chalice Camp service in early August. Janine Larsen will continue to be the main contact for special events until the new Congregational Engagement Specialist is hired. In terms of social justice, the Social Justice Steering Committee will be available for support as questions and needs arise. I encourage you also to lean into the organizing happening in the wider community. There are so many deeply necessary ways to show up, build community, and resist those forces that rip at the fabric of our shared humanity. Keep opening towards who you are called to be, as persons and as a people, in these perilous times. Thank you all for a wonderful nine years of ministry together. Though it feels like the right time to make this life transition, I will dearly miss the community of University Unitarian Church. It has been a joy and an honor to be among you as one of your ministers. I hope many of you can join on April 27 at either the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services for a shared celebration of our time together! With love, Rev. Beth Chronister

(Part of the UW's 2025 Stroum Lecture Series) “Jewish and Christian women desiring women in the early Roman empire” Thursday, May 8, 4-5:30 p.m. via Zoom

Wednesday, May 21, 6:30–8 p.m. in the Knatvold room by registration Mark your calendar and find a copy of the book!

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

Sunday, May 4, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the UUC chapel and via livestream

Thursday, April 24, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in the King room

May 23–26 at the Seabeck Conference Center There are still spots available 

Tuesday, May 6, 7–9 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

Donate by April 27; Event on Sunday, May 18, 6–8 p.m.

Sunday, April 27, during both services (9:30 and 11:15 a.m.)

Saturday, April 26, 1–3 p.m. in the Knatvold room

Sunday, June 15, Annual Congregational Meeting Thursdays, April 24 and May 15, Board Meetings

Tuesday, April 22 and 29, 7 p.m. via Zoom Sunday, May 4, 10:30 a.m. in the Knatvold room Join members of UUC’s Faith Land Initiative team for upcoming listening sessions. Come to learn more and share your thoughts. We have also created this online form if you would like to share your thoughts without attending a meeting. In the meetings, the team will provide an overview of the Faith Land Initiative and status of UUC’s cohort, and gather input on Values to prioritize Hopes for sharing our space Concerns about sharing our space Areas of interest Helpful associations Many congregants have expressed a desire for UUC to use our extra capacity for the benefit of the community, most recently in the Interim Conversations held last month. Faith Land Initiative, an established program offered by the Church Council of Greater Seattle, offers cohort teams a process and tools to use to lead a discernment process that aligns with congregational values, interests, and processes. For UUC, the Faith Land Initiative process is intended to be synergistic with and supportive of our interim ministry work. Our efforts through June include conducting learning sessions with our church and external communities, refining criteria to screen future action options and drafting short- mid- and long-term plans. Find the Zoom link for the online sessions in UUC Connect . If you have any questions or would like to share any input relating to this process, please contact Patricia Graesser , Gayle Childers or Dave Mentz .

Sunday, April 20, both services

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

Sunday, April 20, during the 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. services, in the Knatvold room

Wednesday, April 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom 

Sunday, May 4, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the UUC chapel and via livestream

Wednesday, April 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Knatvold

Wednesday, April 16, 7-8 p.m. in the UUC chapel

Apply by April 18

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

Opening Sunday, April 13, in the UUC chapel

Sunday, April 13, 12:30–2:00 p.m. in the King Room and via Zoom

Saturday, April 12, 2:00 p.m. at UUC and via livestream We are saddened to announce the death of the Rev. Dr. Patrick O'Neill. Patrick was UUC's first ministerial intern in 1977, and then ordained at UUC in 1979. He went on to serve well and faithfully as a parish minister in several UU churches. In recent years, Patrick, along with wife, Patricia Williams, became UUC members after retiring and returning to Seattle. Read his obituary here . Notes of condolence can be sent to Patricia at her home address or via email.

Sunday, April 27, during both services (9:30 and 11:15 a.m.)

Thursday, April 10, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in Knatvold

Tuesday, April 8, 6:30–9 p.m. in the UUC chapel

Part camp, part conference…all magic! Eliot is an inclusive, all ages vacation for families, couples, and individuals. Gatherings are held four times a year—three times each summer and once over New Year’s Eve—at beautiful Seabeck Conference Center in Western Washington. Tall cedar and fir trees shelter the conference grounds on the edge of Seabeck Bay, with awe inspiring views of the Olympic Mountains. One fee covers everything: the program and activities, comfortable lodgings (at your choice of price points, basic to deluxe), and three meals each day. Generous scholarships and volunteer credits are available. The seven-night July and August Eliots, and the four-night Winter Eliot, feature interesting speakers and discussion groups for the adults and fun supervised programs for children and teens each morning. The four-night Creative Arts Eliot in August offers a choice of hands-on, expert-led workshops that change annually and have included collage, acrylic painting, memoir writing, drumming, embroidery, and even pickleball During the afternoons and evenings, campers lead organized activities of all kinds: swimming, dances, games, concerts, crafts, and more. Take part in as many as you like, or savor time simply visiting with friends or enjoying a good book. Eliot Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to operate camps and conferences promoting personal and spiritual growth for Unitarian Universalists, their families, and friends. Every camp creates and supports an inclusive community of celebration, friendship, exploration, relaxation, and joy. Learn more and register for upcoming camps at eliotinstitute.org .

Follow-Up to 2024 Congregational Meeting Resolution

We know the list of things to do is long in our busy lives. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to submit your pledge for our next church year. Members and friends of UUC fund our church! Every pledge helps us get closer to our goal and is much appreciated. As of March 31, 257 pledges of $1,030,078 have been submitted to support our mission to Awaken Spirit, Nurture Hope and Inspire Action . We are now 74% of the way to our goal and of those who have pledged, 50% have increased their pledge from the FY25 church year. We appreciate the generosity and commitment of all who have participated so far and it’s not too late to make your pledge today! March is pledge month. Submit your pledge now for the 2025-2026 church year!

UUC Board of Directors Sooraj Kuttykrishnan and Lora Poepping, Board Members Very few things that a congregation does affect it as greatly, or are as important, as the choice of a minister. Wonderful ministerial-congregational matches provide new life and purpose to a community and help lead well into the future. The UUC Board of Directors is pleased to take the lead on the nomination and selection process of our Ministerial Search Committee . While the Board takes the lead, YOU are an integral part of this important process. This article lays out the process and will be shared multiple times with the entire congregation so that we are able to reach as many members as possible. You will hear messaging repeatedly from the pulpit, via The Gateway , on the UUC website, in handouts available at church, and by request. This work is so important, that we believe it warrants repeating in the coming month. What is the Ministerial Search Committee? To call a Senior Minister, UUC convenes an ad hoc committee of the congregation, approved by a congregational vote. Its role is to identify, evaluate, and recommend a final candidate for Senior Minister. It's important that the search committee be chosen with mindfulness to the congregation's future, including a diversity of identities. The committee works closely with the Interim Minister, staff, multiple groups within UUC, and the UUA. Of great importance: the members of the committee work collaboratively with one another. Key Attributes of a Search Committee Member Before making your nominations, we encourage you to carefully read through this description of the attributes needed in a Committee member. Integrity & Confidentiality – Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information with trustworthiness. Commitment & Dedication – Willing to invest significant time and effort in the search process. This role requires many meetings, both in-person and virtual. It also may require travel to hear candidate sermons, time spent watching candidates’ videos and follow up with candidates and key stakeholders. Discernment & Wisdom – Able to evaluate candidates thoughtfully and align choices with the congregation’s needs. Strong Communication Skills – Listens actively, speaks effectively, and conveys information clearly. Team Player – Works collaboratively, respects differing opinions, and prioritizes the church’s best interests. Objectivity & Open-Mindedness – Approaches the search process without bias and considers diverse perspectives. Knowledge of Church & Congregation – Understands the congregation’s history, values, and vision for the future. Leadership & Decision-Making Ability – Capable of making informed recommendations with confidence. Patience & Perseverance – Navigates the lengthy selection process with diligence and a steady commitment. Important Dates and Deadlines: March 9 - Nominations open April 6 – Last day to submit nominations – all nominations must be made online or in the UUC office by this date April 10 – UUC Board will tally nominations and select up to 16 finalists April 11–12 – The finalists will be contacted by the Board April 20 – Finalist statements and bio due to Board May 1 – Board will finalize slate June – Slate will be voted on in the Congregational Meeting How Do I Nominate? We encourage you to use this link to make your nominations online. ( https://bit.ly/4iepJjM ) Each church member is allowed one ballot. Paper Ballots Locations for paper ballots: church office, both entrances on Sundays. If you need a ballot mailed to you, please contact lbpoepping@yahoo.com . The deadline for nominations is April 6. No exceptions. Who Should I Nominate? Consider those in our community who exemplify the attributes detailed in the description. Who would you trust to select our called Lead Minister? You can nominate up to three (3) people. (Please note that each church member is allowed one ballot, so put all three of your nominations on a single ballot.) Can I nominate myself? Yes, you can nominate yourself. If I have questions about this process, who should I contact? Two Board member, Sooraj Kuttykrishnan and Lora Poepping are leading this work on behalf of the Board. Please contact them via email. Your patience is appreciated, and we will reply within 48 hours. sooraj1.k@gmail.com lbpoepping@yahoo.com

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

First and Third Sundays (including this Sunday, April 6) 12:30–2 p.m. in the King room and via Zoom

Sunday, April 6, 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 a.m. in the Emerson room Join members of UUC's Faith Land Initiative team this Sunday in Emerson after either service to learn more and share your thoughts. The team will provide an overview of the Faith Land Initiative and status of UUC’s cohort. They plan to gather input on: - Values to prioritize - Hopes for sharing our space - Concerns about sharing our space - Areas of interest - Helpful associations Additional meetings at church and via Zoom are planned for later this month. Question? Please contact Patricia Graesser , Gayle Childers or Dave Mentz .

Saturday, April 5, 1:30–4:30 p.m. in the Knatvold room

Friday, April 4, 6–8 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Wednesday, April 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom India: Between China, the West, and the Global South

Tuesday, April 1, 7–9 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

Tuesdays, April 1 and 15, 7–8:30 p.m. in the Channing room and via Zoom

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

We fund our church. A pledge is your stated financial commitment to support UUC’s operating budget for our next church year (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). The ministries and programming of UUC are funded almost entirely by the donations of its supporters. Our endowment, program fees, and other donations provide additional revenue to support this budget. We make our pledges in the early spring to give our Board of Trustees, Finance Committee and staff Leadership Team enough time to determine a realistic budget that aligns with our mission to Awaken Spirit, Nurture Hope and Inspire Action. Our draft budget for the 2025-2026 church year is $1.7 million. To support this, our giving campaign this year needs to raise $1.4 million in pledges from UUC members and friends. We now have a total of 161 pledges for a total of $801,776 . Thank you so much! If you are able to, we ask you to join the majority of UUC members and friends by also increasing your annual operating pledge to UUC. We acknowledge we are in tumultuous times and that many are facing financial uncertainty. Fortunately, the UUC community can be a safe haven and place to hold purposeful action in the months and years ahead. NOW is the time to pledge! March is pledge month. Submit your pledge now for the 2025-2026 church year!