From August 30 through September 20 WUUC’s lobby gallery will feature the work of Jacob Johns, a Hopi and Akimel O’odham environmental defender and artist who advocates for social justice, minority rights and environmental protection.
Jacob will be our special invited speaker at the worship service on August 30. After the service, he will lead a discussion of his art.
Jacob Johns is a multidisciplinary artist whose work serves as both a personal lifeline and a collective offering. Rooted in ancestral memory and forged through lived experience, Jacob channels the internalized stress of navigating a fractured world into the painful but necessary process of humanity’s reunification. Through painting, immersive installations, and experimental video, Jacob transforms the complexities of modern Indigenous identity into vibrant works that act as conduits for healing—both individual and communal.
Jacob’s creative force is inseparable from a life dedicated to advancing international climate policy and cultivating a world rooted in justice, health, and possibility. This global advocacy continues to shape a visual language infused with urgency, ceremony, and resilience. In 2023, while defending a peaceful gathering in New Mexico, Jacob was shot—an act of violence that became a defining moment. Rather than retreat, Jacob transformed the wound into deeper purpose, using art to heal, to expose, and to invite the world into sacred narrative space—where story, spirit, and form converge to help us all relax into the healthy, livable future we deserve.
We’ve been welcoming new members to our church community. The June, July and August newsletters will feature bios from our new members so our community can read and welcome these wonderful people to WUUC.
This newsletter will feature bios from Ryn and Drew Romanyk (and Alina), Rae Shepherd, and Annette and Dale Lowey. The June Newsletter featured bios from Alexis Green, Carol Zumbrunnen and Dave Tauscheck, Andy Rosen and Elizabeth Gray. The July Newsletter featured bios from Mark Rainey, Karen and John Somerville, and Becka Cormier. If you don’t want to have to look back for past editions you can see every bio in this linked document.
Ryn and Drew Romanyk (And Alina) Ryn and Drew met while attending the University of Texas at Austin. Drew grew up in Texas and has known since middle school that he wanted to become a software engineer. Ryn grew up as an Air Force brat and eventually moved to Texas after her father retired. They moved to Washington for Drew’s job at Microsoft, were married in 2022, and welcomed their daughter, Alina, last year. These days, Ryn is a stay-at-home mom who enjoys baking sourdough and sewing, especially baby clothes. Drew works at Databricks and enjoys gaming with friends and taking nature walks.
Rae Shepherd Rae is originally from Iowa and came to Washington via central California and the Bay Area. She and her husband, Dave, live in Monroe. 3 of their 5 children live in the area and have frequent get togethers. She grew up in a small town and in the Catholic church where she loved the sense of community. Rae was drawn to WUUC because she enjoys the sense of community and the many programs to get involved with such as the social justice group, book club and the women’s retreat. Since she is freshly retired, she is looking forward to becoming more engaged in the hiking group and art outings and discovering more about the world around her with the people she meets.
Annette and Dale Lowey Dale and Annette Lowey met in 2001, married and recently returned to Everett to be closer with friends and family (full time grandpa needed) after 11 years in British Columbia Canada. Dale was born in Ontario, Catholic and has 3 grown kids in Canada. Got Bachelors degree in accounting and currently works Full time as an accountant over 20 years. Loves hockey, race cars, and all sports, lego puzzles, dogs, baseball coaching, golf and spending time with Canadian brothers. Enjoys cooking and grilling, and mostly playing with grandkids. Likes to have meals with friends, trying new recipes and cribbage. Builds furniture. Looks for inclusion and same thinking connections with others. Annette is from Louisiana (moved 1988) where she grew up in a variety of religious experiences. Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, evangelical Christian, pentecostal. None fit the space. Finally found like minded people at Unitarian church in Shreveport where peaceful wanderings, discoveries and family dynamics became clear. Ended up in Seattle. Associates and Bachelor’s degree in nursing, MBA in Healthcare management. Two marriages and single parenting learned, met and married Dale and spent 11 years in Everett area. Moved to British columbia 2014 for Dale job change. With a need for connection she retired to focus on life. Now off 3 years from maternity nurse, RN UR and case manager (30 yrs). Many interests currently most important 2 grandkids and 2 grown boys with family nearby and friends. Have lots of family time now with oodles of play time, talks, sports and kissing hugs. Walking, Meditation, Reiki certification, reading, mental health work and moving forward in life.
We’ve been welcoming new members to our church community. The June, July and August newsletters will feature bios from our new members so our community can read and welcome these wonderful people to WUUC.
This newsletter will feature bios from Mark Rainey, Karen and John Somerville, and Becka Cormier. The June Newsletter featured bios from Alexis Green, Carol Zumbrunnen and Dave Tauscheck, Andy Rosen and Elizabeth Gray. The August Newseltter will feature bios from Ryn and Drew Romanyk (and Alina), Rae Shepherd, and Annette and Dale Lowey. If you don’t want to wait for future editions you can see everyones bio at this linked document.
Mark Rainey
Mark is a retiree and drum fanatic. He has been going through some big life changes, and when friendship and circumstances led him to WUUC, he decided having a spiritual community was a good idea. Mark especially appreciates the values of UU, which are very close to his personal values. Thank you for welcoming Mark into the community.
Karen and John Somerville
John and Karen moved to Woodinville in 2019 after 41 years in Connecticut. Growing up in a military family, John moved often until his family settled in the Hartford area when he was twelve. Karen was born and raised in Seattle. They met “over the phone” while both worked for a major insurance company. After raising their two daughters in Connecticut, one daughter moved to the Pacific Northwest and the other to North Carolina, so they decided it was time to return to Karen’s home region. In addition to their daughters and sons-in-laws they have two grandchildren nearby and three in North Carolina.
John likes sports and reading American history books influenced by where he has lived. Karen likes needlework and spending time with her grandkids. They had intended to find a church community when they moved to the area, but it was put on the back burner when COVID arrived. They are very happy to have found that community at WUUC.
Becka Cormier
Originally from Montana, Becka moved to Washington in 1999. She and her husband, Jake, moved to Woodinville in 2001. After raising and homeschooling her daughter, she is now working from her home studio as a figurative artist and sculptor.
Becka was a member of WUUC from 2000 until 2011. She helped build the church when she was pregnant with her daughter, Amelie.
Casually brought up in the Methodist church, after college Becka became a Wiccan. She was initially drawn to the UU church in search of other pagans. Once at WUUC, her beliefs slowly changed and she left Wicca behind. In 2011, she realized she was an atheist and left the church.
Even though she had just left the church, the community of WUUC helped her get through a brain surgery to remove a benign bone tumor between her left eye and her brain. She is forever grateful for their support.
Becka came back to check out WUUC at the request of her now-adult daughter in August of 2024. She participated in some small groups and the women’s retreat and realized she loves the community here. Still an atheist, she feels like she is at home once again at WUUC. She’s happy to be here.
We’ve been welcoming new members to our church community. The June, July and August newsletters will feature bios from our new members so our community can read and welcome these wonderful people to WUUC.
This newsletter will feature bios from Alexis Green, Carol Zumbrunnen and Dave Tauscheck, Andy Rosen and Elizabeth Gray. The July Newsletter will feature bios from Mark Rainey, Karen and John Somerville, and Becka Cormier. The August Newseltter will feature bios from Ryn and Drew Romanyk (and Alina), Rae Shepherd, and Annette and Dale Lowey. If you don’t want to wait for future editions you can see everyone bio at this linked document.
Alexis Green
Before moving to Washington in 2018, she lived in several different parts of the country, including upstate New York, Baltimore, Texas, and Portland. Music is what first drew me to this church, and you’ll often find her playing flute or singing in the choir. She works in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), enjoys the outdoors, and has two cats. She is so grateful to have found this wonderful community!
Carol Zumbrunnen and Dave Tauscheck
Carol and Dave both grew up in the Midwest, Dave in southern Minnesota, Carol in South Dakota and Minnesota. They have been Unitarians for over 35 years, and were married at Eastshore UU almost 35 years ago. They had left their Lutheran and Catholic upbringings years before.
Dave is a retired English and Social Studies teacher, Carol is a retired school counselor from the Renton School District. They enjoyed skiing or bicycling regularly when they were younger. Now they attend the Seattle Symphony regularly, walk, and participate in activities at their senior co-op in Bellevue. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren, all living in the area.
Andy Rosen
Andy’s witchy story keeps changing. When he moved to this neighborhood in 1996 with his Pagan high-priestess wife Marjorie, five‑year old son William, and his son’s aunt Shelley, Andy was pursuing a plan to inject Hollywood sensibilities into the Redmond software industry. Andy says if you want to hear the goddess laughing, you make a plan. Just eight years later, Marjorie had passed away, and all the household covens broke up.
Today Andy and Teri are a happy couple celebrating a multi-creed homestead that includes our friend Sonia Hoglander. Even though Sonia keeps her separate spaces and beliefs, the whole house appreciates the open‑minded and big‑hearted energy of the WUUC congregation that she introduced us to.
Elizabeth Gray
Elizabeth is a Seattle native who moved to Woodinville to live with her husband and wonderful stepsons. She is a lifelong bodyworker, has been a therapist, and has worked in hospice. Elizabeth loves to hike, sing well in the shower, and is refinding herself as a poet. She has been a Buddhist for 20 years; was raised Catholic, and practiced as a solo Wiccan growing up. Elizabeth was drawn to WUUC for the social justice opportunities, such as the Faith Action Network, and she has stayed for the warmth, community, wisdom, and friendship.
Your Grab & Go Kit can be a starter kit for home; add to it to be 2 weeks ready at home.
When a large disaster happens, it may take two weeks for resources to help us. You may be on your own! The following items are for your consideration and situation.
Food: If you have food allergies, plan ahead. The food distributed in emergencies is all prepacked.
Cooking: Camp stoves, barbeques, meals ready to eat ( MREs), dry and canned goods
Medications: Have an extra one month supply on hand
Water; I gallon per person per day (14 gallons) recommended. Water may be available early on.
Lighting: Flashlights and batteries, Camp lanterns, Light sticks, Solar lights
Pets: Pet food, medications
Sanitation: Plastic Bags, small buckets or trash cans, extra toilet paper
Shelter: Tent or waterproof tarp, sleeping bags/ blankets/pillows, Rain gear, Alternate shelter- van camper, RV
Food Safety; See this months church handout for details or choose the link at the bottom
Everyone should have their own kit (some supplies are for the group). Encourage kids to make their own kits, too, because what’s important to them, may not be as important to you. In the event of fire or rapid evacuation, you’ll appreciate having more than just the clothes on your back.
How to Store an Evacuation Kit
1. You should take proactive steps to create a kit that you can take with you in times of an emergency that will last you for two to three days as long as it’s light weight and easy to carry or tow along.
2. Store these items in something that is portable and easily carried, like a backpack or tub/suitcase with wheels. Place items in plastic bags to protect against water. Plastic bags used for produce (like apples and oranges in a grocery store) could be a good choice. These can later be used for disposing of waste.
Water For this grab and go kit, keep a supply of water that will last you 2-3 days for each person in your household. Only pack drinking water, ~ 1 quart per person per day.
Food Store a supply of food that will last you two to three days. Select foods that require no refrigeration or cooking, and little or no water. Purchase foods you like so it will be easy to rotate items near expiration and consider specific dietary needs as well as chemical/food sensitivity:
• High energy foods — peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix;
• Comfort foods — cookies, hard candy, etc.;
• Dry meats like beef sticks and jerky.
Pet Grab and Go Pets need a grab and go kit, too! Have two to three days of food, water, any of their medications, leashes and cages if reasonable. The full document is is here page 8 of https://mil.wa.gov/asset/5f171cc0a935f
