. Poetry ..................................................2 News From the Board ...............3 Children & Youth ...........................4 Welcoming Congregation.......5 Evergreen's Offerings.........6 & 7 UUA, Holidays and Days of Observance ..................................... 8
Summer 2026 | Covers June 29th through September 20th, 2026
Newsletter
the path to membership at Evergreen
Upcoming Worship Services
Save the date for our annual ingathering Sunday, September 13th! And don't forget to bring some waters from a meaningful place to you for our Water Ceremony.
Submit something for the Weekly Update, Newsletter or Sunday Announcements using this form or go to www.bit.ly/EUUFblurb
Evergreen
Table of contents
This Summer, we have a lineup of familiar faces in the pulpit, with topics ranging from health, humanity, courage, compassion and the environment. There will be something interesting for everyone! Stay tuned for more details and upcoming topics as the rest of our Summer calendar takes shape! Skyler M - July 5th & Aug 2nd Tom G - July 12th David S - July 19th Suzanna M - July 26th Don M - August 9th Kirsten O - August 16th Sage B - August 23rd and Ray M - August 30th
Ingathering Sunday
If you've been coming to EUUF as a friend and would like to learn how to become a member, the path begins by attending one of our Membership classes! Our next class will be sometime this Fall. You will learn about Evergreen membership, history, our UU Principles and have your questions answered. Please contact Alonna Chatburn, our Membership Chair, if you're interested in attending. Later in Spring, we'll welcome this year's new members for a new member breakfast and a brief ceremony during our Sunday service.
Ken Rines, President Desmond Smith, Vice President Karen Winchell, Secretary Kate Mallahan, Treasurer Sage Billings, Past President Wes Cain, Member-at-large Bernard Wacher, Member-at-large Rev. Joe Rettenmaier, Ex-Officio Member
Members of the Board 26-27
NEWS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Summer Office Hours
Contact the Board via email at board@evergreenuu.org
Summer 2026
"The Expression and the Step, the Tales they Tell" by Nancy B. Miller
As we transition into a new church year, I would like to thank the Board members who have completed their terms. Ryan Weber served on an interim basis as Secretary for most of the year, Dave Speights served as a Member At Large, and Sandie Biggerstaff finished her third year of Board service, this time as Past President. We welcome onto the Board Wes Cain as Member At Large, Karen Winchell as Secretary, Kate Mallahan as Treasurer, and Desmond Smith as Vice President (and President in 2027-28). Ryan Weber has agreed to lead the Home Sweet Home Task Force. They will investigate longer term options for our Evergreen home, ranging from a long-term lease arrangement to purchasing a new building. The Board will be exploring revisions to the EUUF Bylaws. The UUA replaced the Principles and Purposes in their governing document with a revised Purposes and Covenant. Our current Bylaws refer to the old UUA Bylaws, so we need to update this language. We also plan to decrease the size of the Board from seven members to five by eliminating the position of Past President and one of the At Large positions. The smaller size will hopefully allow members of the Fellowship to participate more in our congregational life and make it easier to recruit future Board members. Both changes in the Bylaws will be discussed at Board meetings this year, and we will solicit input from the entire congregation to build a shared understanding of the changes needed. I look forward to engaging with all of you in an exciting year to come! -Ken Rines
Evergreen's Board of Trustees will not be meeting in July and August. They will resume their 2nd Sunday monthly meetings in September. All are welcome to join at Noon in the Mt Olympus room or online via Zoom. Meeting ID: 974 1896 3137 Passcode: 297484 View past meeting minutes here.
Starting the week of July 5th, Alli Curtis, the Office Administrator will have reduced Summer office hours. She will be working in the office at the Carl Gipson Center on Sundays from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, and Mondays from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. She will check in on emails remotely on Thursday evenings and/or Friday mornings. Any weekly update submissions will still need to be submitted by Thursday morning to get included. She will be back to her regular schedule after Ingathering Sunday in September.
We are taught to read descriptive words upon the written page, but more importantly we learn to read a person's body language-from happiness to rage. Then, without words, the face, the posture says, "yes, approach---or better back away." This knowledge is your treasure and you use it every day. Even infants respond to the expression of the countenance nearby, And they give immediate feedback, and their reaction is not shy. Watch a person's step, their gait and very closely you can gauge, If they are pressed with time and even close to their approximate age. Great performers know that body language and expressions of the face, can tell an entire story or even wrap up a case. In a mirror, check your own unabridged reflection from time to time, Do you look confident, confused, content or unusually fine? This is your open book that others see and will respond to so readily, They will watch you move and check your gait and within an instant they will have read your expression and your step, So you can try foretelling just what reaction you will get, as you read THEIR posture and their facial features, Both will be accurate as I will surely bet.
Annual Report
Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am Online via Zoom & In-Person at the Carl Gipson Center, Cascade View Room Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship P.O. Box #3262, Everett, WA 98213 www.evergreenuu.org 360-659-6621 In-Person Office Hours Sundays 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Mondays 11:00 am - 5:00 pm MINISTER Rev. Joe Rettenmaier BOARD PRESIDENT Ken Rines boardpresident@evergreenuu.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES board@evergreenuu.org OFFICE ADMIN Alli Curtis administrator@evergreenuu.org RELIGIOUS EDUCATOR JW Wenzel redirector@evergreenuu.org
Evergreen's 2025-2026 Annual Report from Leadership and Committees came out along with the annual meeting materials. If you didn't get a chance to peruse what we've accomplished this year, take a peek here.
evergreen's Welcoming congregation status
RE Vision: We are a compassionate, interconnected community of spiritually-rooted carbon-based life forms living our values.
All children and youth need to registered to participate! Thank you!
Evergreen has successfully completed the Five Practices of Welcome Renewal for 2025, marking our ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ welcome and inclusion in and beyond Everett, WA. The Welcoming Congregation Program is a volunteer program with the UUA for congregations that want to take intentional steps to be more welcoming and inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Learn more about it here.
why RE? Why ME?
Childcare at Evergreen
Pacific Western Region Annual Business Meeting
Registration
You’re Invited: The "Whole Church" Patio BBQ & RE Vision Gathering! When: August 30th 12pm-3pm Where: The Carl Gipson Patio Who: Everyone! (All ages, families, singles, elders, long-time members, and newcomers) Before the rush of the fall schedule begins, let’s gather for an afternoon of good food, great company, and a shared vision for our community. What’s This All About? We often say,"It takes a village to raise a child." In the UU tradition, we take that a step further: The Whole Church is Religious Exploration. Our children and youth learn who we are not just from a classroom curriculum, but by watching us—how we live, how we love, and how we share our talents. Over hot dogs and veggie options, we’ll be sharing a brief, inspiring look at where our RE program is headed this coming year. Come hear about our exciting new goals, including: Monthly Family & Youth Fellowships to build deeper social roots. Quarterly Dinner Church to take shared Fellowship beyond Sundays. Building Our Whole Lives (OWL) opportunities. Coming of Age Mentorships. Building solid volunteer calendars, to support staff. How you can help: We aren't looking for classroom commitment from everyone. We are looking to build a vibrant circle where everyone shares a little piece of their unique self—whether that’s helping cook for Dinner Church, leading an art workshop, or simply being a friendly face who knows our youth by name. What to Bring: We will provide the hot dogs and drinks. If you’re able, please bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share! (A–M: Sides/Salads, N–Z: Desserts). Please RSVP by August 23rd to help us get an accurate food count! Contact JW at redirector@evergreenuu.org
RE Families with Children and Youth
The Pacific Western Region Annual Business Meeting, originally scheduled for June 6th, has been moved to Friday, August 29, 2026. In the weeks ahead, we will hold three town halls to give every member of our region the chance to ask questions, engage with board candidates, and review the proposed budget together. These are not formalities — they are the heart of how we practice shared governance. We want to hear from you. Town Hall 1: Wednesday, August 12th - 3:00 pm Town Hall 2: Thursday, August 20th - 7:00 pm Town Hall 3: Saturday, August 22 - 1:00 pm Annual Business Meeting: Saturday, August 29th - 1:00 pm
To help all adults get involved, we are happy to provide childcare for children whose guardians are attending any Evergreen UU adult programs, covenant circles, or committee meetings held at the Carl Gipson Center. Simply reach out to JW Wenzel in advance to coordinate your childcare needs. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Common Ground Choir will be taking a break over the Summer months and will resume meeting for rehearsals in September on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Mt. Rainier Room.
Coming Up Over the Summer: A Taste for Wine and Murder Sat, Jul 25 At the home of Karen Dix-Colony Dinner Party Murder Mystery Event with paired wine tasting. Hosted by JW Wenzel and Karen Dix-Colony Get tickets here. Brunch Outside Sat, Aug 08 At the home of Kirstine Oh & Ken Rines Enjoy brunch outside hosted by Kirstine Oh. Get tickets here. Storytelling Basics Workshop Date and time is TBD (sometime in Summer) Location TBD We will learn and practice together the basic skills of learning and telling a story. All skill levels are welcome. Get tickets here. And we still have opportunities for Tech Help, offered by Skyler Malan, and Handyman Services, offered by Larry Balogh, which can be scheduled anytime between you and the host.
Book Discussion Group Last Wednesday of the month 7:15 - 8:45 pm, online via Zoom July 28th "Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make - and Keep - Friends", Marisa Franco, delves into the intricate web of human relationships that are not defined by romantic or sexual attraction but are instead rooted in deep emotional connections. 336 pg, Jennie leads SPECIAL NOTE Sno-Isle will offer a ZOOM presentation of Dr. Franco talking about her book on July 28th at 11:00 AM. All are invited to reserve a spot and attend the discussion. Meet at Michelle V's home to watch the ZOOM together! August 26th - "The Water Museum" Luis Alberto Urrea, offers 13 stories that reflect both sides of his Mexican-American heritage while stretching the reader’s understanding of human boundaries Urrea’s command of language is matched only by his empathy for his characters. 336 pg. Chris leads Contact Michelle Valentine for more information.
WISE (Women Investigating, Supporting and Exploring) We welcome women of all ages to share fellowship, interests, ideas, life challenges and opportunities. We meet once a month, typically on 1st Tuesday afternoons in person at locations to be decided each month - out to lunch or field trips.
Good times with Evergreen friends and families continue throughout the summer. The more the merrier so sign up, pay up and show up for delicious food and activities now through August. If you have questions, contact the host. Some events have minimum hoped for attendees so don't leave folks disappointed who have paid and hoped for their social time by not getting in on the activities yourself. Some are kid/family friendly and if you have family or visitors, include them and share your Evergreen friends! And, if you have been hearing about these events, or already attended an activity, think about what you want or may be able to offer for the fall quarter. Hike in the fall woods? Something to do with apples or fall decorating? Halloween or holiday party? Suggestions always welcome - contact Judy. And remember, all proceeds support the fundraising budget line item that was just approved for the coming year -- Friends - Fun - Fellowship - Fundraising. Thanks to all for your support of Evergreen! View all the events and offering here.
evergreen's offerings
Covenant Circles
Happy Summer Solstice! As we move into the summer months some of our Covenant Circles are taking a break from our monthly meetings. In September we look forward to welcoming new members as we come together once again in our small groups for spiritual growth, meaningful conversations, and deepening friendships. I will be posting information in September on Covenant Circles and group availability. Enjoy the warmth of the summer months ahead. Please contact me if you would like more information. Warmly, Sue Gaskin EUUF Covenant Circle Coordinator 425-220-4678 scsg103@comcast.net
Men's Circle 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 pm We are a group of men who gather to share with each other our authentic joys, challenges and insights, with the goals of personal growth and mutual support. We pledge to create affirmative, compassionate gatherings through heart-felt sharing, deep listening, honest communication, and confidentiality. We meet in various homes. Contact Dan Hall for more information.
Big Questions Hello EUUF Big Questioners! The meeting schedule for the summer months has been set. June's meetings were on the 5th and 19th. July will meet on the 10th at the Smith's, and the 24th at the Cain's. August will be the 7th and the 21st, both at the Smith's. September will also be at the Smiths on the 4th and the 18th, back to the first and third Friday of the month. The meetings all start at 6:00 pm with a potluck dinner and conversation, then a discussion at 7:30. Zoom access is not available when the meeting is held at the Cain's home. Look for a reminder in the weekly announcements for all the pertinent details for each of the meetings. I am always looking for suggestions for topics, so if something strikes you as a possible topic, please let me know. Desmond Smith http://bigquestionscafe.blogspot.com/
Music
From UU World: "At General Assembly 2026, UUs Find and Celebrate Community, Everywhere" - Elaine McArdle As Unitarian Universalists continue to reimagine where and how they come together to worship and create community, more than 2,000 embraced an experimental approach to this year’s General Assembly, the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association, where they gathered to recommit to resisting oppression and working for collective liberation. Featured speakers, ministers, and lay delegates alike described the “unprecedented times” that have left many dispirited and exhausted by the relentless governmental assaults on the trans community, the immigrant community, and other marginalized groups; the accelerating climate disaster; and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, as UUs rise to “Meet the Moment,” GA also emphasized joy as resistance, the importance of community and relationships, and the need for self-care in order to continue to promote the faith’s values in the face of rising fascism and authoritarianism. UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt told GA that “while our leaders are overwhelmed, while our institutions are facing real and existential threats,” many congregations “are experiencing vitality in new and exciting ways,” from reinvigorated pride about the faith to “showing up for our neighbors in new ways.” In presenting this year’s Ware Lecture, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the first woman elected as the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, D.C., said, “In the work of social justice and inclusion UUs are almost always among the first.” Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, the UUA’s Vice President for Communications & Development, told the assembly that some UU congregations are “packing the house” over the past nine months, and that media mentions of the faith are up 62 percent over the past year “because we are under assault but also because we are not letting our light be buried.” ...Continue reading here.
June Pride Month 28th: Stonewall Riots Anniversary (1969) July Disability Pride Month 1st: Canada Day (Canada) 4th: Independence Day (US) August 1st: Lughnasadh / Lammas September National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) 7th: Labor Day 11th: 9/11 Anniversary Interdependence 11th: (sunset) Rosh Hashanah begins 13th: (nightfall) Rosh Hashanah ends 20th: (sunset) Yom Kippur 22nd: Autumn Equinox / Mabon
UUA General Assembly recap
submission deadline for the Fall newsletter: September 14th date range: September 21st through December 20th Send your submissions to newsletter@evergreenuu.org Or submit using this form
Please check the calendar on the Evergreen website for the most current offerings, activities, events and worship services.
UUA holidays & days of observance