News

Plan Ahead: First and third Tuesdays, 7–8:30 p.m. in the King room, beginning October 20. Please register .

Sunday, October 11, 10:30–11:15 a.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

Sunday, September 27, 1:15 p.m. in the Dix room and via Zoom

Saturday, September 27, after each service

On September 19, UUC's Eckstein Community Cupboard held its first distribution day! A handful of Eckstein parents came by to pick up household goods from our initial stocking, and we look forward to that number increasing as the school year goes on. Patricia Graesser, Alisan Tucker-Giesy, Cynthia Salzman, and Emily Joseph had a great time meeting the Eckstein families. The next day, on Sunday, September 20, congregants donated school supplies and household goods, and the items were blessed during the service. The team is so grateful for the continued support of our Beloved Community. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Eckstein Community Cupboard team, reach out to Emily Joseph or Patricia Graessar .

December 3-6, 2026, at Rainbow Lodge in North Bend by advance registration

Please comment online by Monday, October 5

Sunday, October 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the Fahs-Mann room

Friday, October 2, 6–8 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in Knatvold

Saturday, October 10, 1:00 p.m. in the Knatvold room

Wednesday, October 30

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

Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Bailey Farm in Snohomish (carpool from UUC)

Thursday, September 24, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in the Knatvold room

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

Sunday, September 27, after each service, in Nathan Johnson Hall

Sunday, September 27, 3-5 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall, by sign-up

Parents/Caregivers of children and teens are asked to fill out this Family Ministry Registration Form each year [Note: the full Family Ministry Fall Calendar image is shown at the bottom of this article]

Sunday, September 20, 1:00 p.m. in the Channing room Please note that we are meeting later in September than usual (on the third Sunday). In October we will return to our usual day (second Sunday) and room and meet on Sunday, October 11, in the Knatvold room. Contact a group leader for more information: Allison Jansen , Leah Evison or River McCallum . The Pink Haven Coalition is a national coalition responding to the baseless and severe discrimination against trans and non-binary individuals in red states who need assistance in moving to blue states. Our UUC group is part of this effort, in partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, to create a welcome network for trans/non-binary individuals and their families who are fleeing their homes in order to live freer lives and, if needed, to obtain gender affirming care.

Sundays, September 13 and 20, after the second services Join UUC's UU the Vote team members to write postcards together after the UUC second services on Sunday, September 13, downstairs in the King room, 1–2 p.m. and/or Sunday, September 20 in Knatvold, 12:45-1:45 p.m. Postcard packets are also available in the church office to take home and complete. The Virginia postcards should be mailed ASAP as they start early voting as of September 17. All cards need to be mailed by October 13. We recommend sending at the earliest date listed on the scripts, since they have to go across the country. The packets available in the church office include Reclaim Our Vote postcards (with 20 addresses and scripts/needed materials included except for stamps) to be written and mailed to select voters in Texas, North Carolina and Virginia as part of a “Get Out the Vote” campaign for the 2026 midterm U.S. legislative elections; all the Georgia ones have been handed out. Many thanks to everyone participating! We are down to about 20 remaining packets (out of 100). Reclaim Our Vote is the partner organization with the UUA Side with Love UU the Vote Project: “Reclaim Our Vote is a grassroots, primarily volunteer-run campaign that focuses on increasing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) voter turnout through post-carding, texting, and phone banking. Working with local, on-the-ground partners and our Democracy Centers, we build effective, respectful, and relevant campaigns that engage BIPOC voters around upcoming elections.” Check out the Reclaim Our Vote website for more information and/or to sign up for their textbanking and phonebanking efforts . Please let us know if you have any questions. UUC's UU the Vote Co-Chairs Betty and Meta Betty Williams - Betty.Susan.Williams@gmail.com Meta Thayer - metathayer@gmail.com

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

Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Pier 58 and Pier 62, Seattle

Third Sundays, beginning September 20, 10:40–11:00 a.m. in front of the church

Saturday, October 3, in the UUC chapel 5:30 p.m. set-up and sound checks; 6:30–8 p.m. acts; 8–9 p.m. ice cream social

Apply by Sunday, September 20

Sunday, September 20, 12:15 p.m. and/or 1–3 p.m. reception

Wednesday, September 30, 6–7 p.m. in Lake Forest Park

Tuesday, September 29, 6:30–8:00 p.m. via Zoom by RSVP

Sunday, October 4

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

First and Third Tuesdays of each month, 7–8:30 p.m. in the Channing room and via Zoom

A Reminder About Phishing Emails and Text Message Scams

University Unitarian Church is endorsing the No Hate in Washington State campaign against two anti-trans and anti-privacy initiatives that will appear on this November's ballot. In publicly taking this position, we join the Church Council of Greater Seattle, other unitarian churches in Washington, Congregation Beth Shalom (our next-door neighbor), and several organizations with whom we partner, including Common Power, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, and 350 Seattle. The push to endorse this human rights campaign came from our Social Justice Steering Committee, Pink Haven Coalition and Interweave. The UUC ministers and board of trustees unanimously approved the proposal. Endorsing the No Hate in Washington State Campaign Through its endorsement, UUC adds its name and logo to the No Hate In Washington State campaign webpage. We thereby take a stand against two initiatives on the upcoming November ballot that threaten student privacy and safety by repealing protections for undocumented, homeless, disabled and transgender students. The following is from Pro Choice Washington : Initiative 001 Removes common sense protections for victims of child abuse by allowing parents under criminal investigation or parents who have been charged with harming their own child access to sensitive f information that could put kids at greater risk. Worsens the teen mental health crisis. It discourages students facing domestic violence, sexual abuse, or bullying from seeking help from trusted school counselors. And, forces teachers and school counselors to knowingly put LGBTQ+ kids in danger of violence or homeless by outing them to unsupportive families. Initiative 638 Would force tens of thousands of Washington girls each year to undergo invasive, embarrassing, and potentially harmful genital exams or costly hormone or genetic testing just to play school sports at any age or level. Boys would not be subject to the same examinations. This is the most extreme MAGA measure of its kind in the country. Initiative 638 discourages girls from playing sports. It also institutes a statewide blanket ban on all transgender girls in all sports, outlawing case by case decisions. To care about girls’ sports, let’s remove barriers for all girls, rather than put up more barriers. Invasive genital exam requirements are not the answer. As a faith community: We believe that all people have dignity and worth. By adding our endorsement for this campaign, we declare to all people in Washington state that every person is worthy to be who they are and that we support their right to be safe and flourish with dignity, love, and compassion on their side. We believe in justice , and work to be a diverse multicultural Beloved Community where all thrive. So when the safety of children and those who identify as LGBTQ+ is threatened, we rise up to say “Not on our watch!” and hold to our vision statement that says, “We will vocally and actively oppose injustice and stand in prophetic judgment of all that would diminish the equality and dignity of human beings or harm the web of life.” We believe in supporting our community members and celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in identity, culture, experience, and theology. Organizations and faith communities that we work with have committed themselves to this campaign as noted above. And we believe in centering love . And love looks like putting our church behind supporting the safety and care of all children and young people in Washington state. We are also holding up the 2024 UUA General Assembly Business Resolution “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Diverse People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values.” The resolution invoked an earlier document that said: “We believe that the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the right of individual conscience, and respect for human life are inalienable rights due every person." But it went further: "We proclaim that our principles and values unequivocally commit our faith to honor and celebrate the full spectrum of gender identity and expression" and “The ability to live ever-more authentically as one’s true self is central to a lifelong journey towards spiritual fulfillment.” UUC has a proud history of supporting queer rights and gender diversity. For example, we have an active Pink Haven team that provides housing and other support for trans and non-binary individuals fleeing inhospitable environments. And we have a decades-long commitment to the Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education program, which is rooted in our values of justice and equity for people in all bodies, genders, and sexual orientations. In 2012, UUC also endorsed Referendum 74, which legalized same sex marriage in Washington.

We’re excited to share some good news about the sound system in our chapel! Many of us have experienced the challenges with sound in the chapel, particularly when it comes to hearing speakers and worship leaders clearly. We know how frustrating it can be when technology gets in the way of being fully present and connected during worship. Thanks to a generous gift from a member of our congregation, we are now able to make some much-needed improvements to our audio/visual system. Work will begin September 15–16, with the goal of improving the clarity, consistency, and overall listening experience in the chapel. The improvements are designed to address some of the underlying issues we’ve been experiencing and, importantly, to make the system easier and more reliable for the people who use it each week. For this project, we have engaged Dave May of Impulse Audio, a local, family-owned Seattle company that has been providing audio, video, and communications services since 1999. Dave and his wife, Heather, have worked on projects of all sizes, from hotels and universities to performing arts centers and, especially, houses of worship. Their portfolio includes the University of Washington IMA, Highline Performing Arts Center, Center for Spiritual Living, Holy Family, Southside Church of Christ, and numerous churches and other worship facilities throughout the region. One of the things we value about working with a smaller local company is the opportunity to build a relationship with someone who can get to know our building, our equipment, and our particular needs. After working with several larger AV companies over the years, we’re hopeful that this approach will give us greater continuity and more responsive support for our system going forward. We are deeply grateful to the congregant whose generosity is making this work possible. Their gift is an investment not only in technology, but in accessibility, connection, and our ability to hear and participate fully together. There may be some temporary disruption as the new equipment is installed and tested. We appreciate your patience as we work toward a Chapel sound system that better serves everyone in our community. We’re looking forward to hearing the difference! Tamar Lively UUC Executive for Finance and Operations

Sundays, September 13, 20 and 27 at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

Sunday, September 13, worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Watch the service recording . Each year, the Sunday after Labor Day is our Homecoming Sunday. It is the beginning of our new church year, and we return to our two-service schedule, with worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae and Rev. Victoria Poling will lead the services, and our Loft Choir, under the direction of Karen P. Thomas, will be back after their summer hiatus. Order of Service We will inaugurate our new church year with a special Water Communion ceremony . In many Unitarian Universalist congregations, the year begins with this gathering of the waters and then concludes with the Flower Communion in June. You are invited to bring a small amount of fresh water from a favorite location or sacred space to offer in the ceremony. We will also provide water. Libations will be poured with a word or sentence that names a hope, prayer, or dream for this new congregational year. We look forward to being with you on Sunday! Children and youth will have their own Homecoming celebrations at the same times hosted by Aria Curtis, or Director of Family Ministry. Our worship theme for September is Beginnings.

Sunday, September 13, 1:00-3:30 p.m. | Register via UUC Connect

Sunday, September 13, during both services, and at a Learning Station after each service

Sunday, September 13, in Nathan Johnson Hall after each service

Sunday, September 13, 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Emerson and via Zoom The Climate Action Team will meet this Sunday . Everyone is welcome. This week we're highlighting two more climate groups based in Seattle , brought to our attention by Mollie Grow. Climate Solutions https://www.climatesolutions.org/about-us Its vision is a “thriving, equitable Northwest, powered by clean energy, inspiring the transition to sustainable prosperity across the nation and beyond.” Its mission is to accelerate clean energy solutions. Climate Solutions works primarily “to pass and implement policies at the state level.” It works with “legislatures, utility commissions, and regulatory agencies, and at times directly with voters on initiatives, and also with major counties and cities.” They work in partnership with a broad group of allies to achieve solutions that invest in the communities most impacted by climate change. Climate Solutions does the research: in 2024, they explored how gas utilities can plan for the energy transition and protect low-income ratepayers. Climate Action Families https://climateactionfamilies.org/about/ Climate Action Families operates as an intergenerational community supporting youth plaintiffs in legal, legislative, and public outreach campaigns. It partners with Our Children’s Trust which “empowers young people to enforce their constitutional rights in court when governments endanger their lives, health, and futures by fueling the climate crisis.” In 2024, youth worked to pass WA HB1368 which requires replacement of all polluting school buses by 2035.

Sunday, September 13, before and after the services, and 2–5 p.m. in the UUC parking lot

Last fall, our new Member Engagement Team met for the first time to create a list of priorities for the coming year. One of the projects that emerged was a rethinking of our Path to Membership and the steps that we ask prospective members to engage with before signing the book. This work was inspired by other local UU congregations who have similarly reimagined their Path to Membership with a focus on helping prospective members deepen their involvement in the community prior to joining. The UU churches doing this work have experienced a significant increase in new members joining, and, perhaps most significantly, a membership base that is more involved in the congregation. These churches have found that over several years, the congregants who engaged in this new Path to Membership were more likely to stay in the community, and more likely to eventually take on leadership roles. Our flexible new pathway helps prospective members explore UUC through three core UU themes: Love Justice Exploring Unitarian Universalism Each category offers a variety of ways to get involved. After completing an activity in each category, the last two steps are to make a pledge and sign the membership book. Check out our "Membership/activity menu" (image below) for more details. Our new Path to Membership and new brochure will be rolling out on Homecoming Sunday. We are so excited to share our hard work with you and to try out this new way of engaging together. Please don’t hesitate to ask someone on our Member Engagement Team if you have any questions. In faith, Morgan Sherwood and the Member Engagement Team: Emily Joseph, Leslie Robinson, Stacy Carlson, Larry Soriano, Katie Renschler, Sue Oerkvitz, and Mirae Baichoo

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

Worship service at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel and via live stream 

If you are interested in receiving notifications when there is a task in the office, please email office@uuchurch.org . UUC is recruiting office volunteers for the coming church year! These volunteers will assist staff with administrative tasks and occasionally other special projects. We will train volunteers, but a basic familiarity with computers and the office printer would be helpful. This will be an as-needed role , meaning that there will not be regularly scheduled shifts. We will add all interested volunteers to a roster in UUC Connect. When a staff member has a task, we will send an email to the list of volunteers. It will be first-come-first-serve to sign up for the task. This role would be a great opportunity for someone who has limited availability and may not be able to participate in other volunteer programs at UUC that require extended commitment.

All Ages Talent Show: Saturday, October 3, 6:30–9 p.m.

Every Wednesday, 7–9 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

Sunday, September 13, 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Emerson and via Zoom The Climate Action Team is looking forward to being back from summer vacation and will be meeting September 13, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Our vision is to "inspire and empower the UUC community to actively create a just, healthy, and sustainable environment that nurtures our interdependent web of existence." We would love to hear from you regarding anything you’d like to do/explore/learn about. Suggestions we've received so far: planting trees in South Park and/or Duwamish. a presentation on solar panel home installation a presentation on green housing/passive housing, with children building a shoebox house at home, then coming together to build a town/15 min city field trips to: Issaquah Hatchery Salmon Days Bullitt Center tour in association with workshop on climate resilient homes NW Green Home Tour April 2027 if it’s being held this coming year tour of South Thornton Natural Drainage System (NDS) Project Please let us know which of these interest you and any additional topics. Email Jane Howard , team chair.