Better Together

with Rev. Julia Hamilton



Many in our society are struggling to connect with other people in meaningful ways. It can be hard to drop down into deeper friendships, to find places to talk about what really matters, to figure out how to make a difference in the world. The Unitarian Society can be an antidote to this isolation – but only if we find new ways to reach out to one another! Join us as we explore the meaning of “welcome”. 

This service will be held in person and online this Sunday at 10:00am.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unitariansocietysantabarbara/videos

Livestream link: https://ussb.livecontrol.tv/

Virtual coffee hour will return on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Visit USSB's website to watch past services or USSB's YouTube.

Livestreaming Worship Services

A friendly reminder that if you are joining us online, to watch the worship service you will use this link:

https://ussb.livecontrol.tv/

USSB has been working with LiveControl since mid-December to enhance the quality of the livestream experience for those who are joining us online. Here is an example of what it will look like when joining the service online.

During this transition we will need to pause the virtual coffee hour. The virtual coffee hour will return the third Sunday of the month beginning February 16th. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to USSB staff.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for Donnie Nair will be held in Carpinteria on February 22nd, from 1:00-4:00pm, including time at 2:30pm for shared memories from family and friends. For more information about the Celebration, and to share your memories of Donnie with her family, please visit her memorial website: https://www.online-tribute.com/DonnieNair 

Children & Family Religious Exploration News

JANUARY RE Family News

Playful Souls in CRE

Following the Time for All Ages, our elementary school kids will join Janey in building community and friendships through play! Childcare is available until 11:30am for children ages 2-5 in Starr King.



PFLAG January Support Meeting

January 27th from 7:00-8:30pm

Rev. Julia will be part of a panel of local clergy exploring how faith communities can lead with love in support of LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones. Use the QR code to register and receive the zoom link.



Safe Space Advocacy Town Hall

Register at with this link.

NEW DATE Join the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a Safe Space Advocacy Town Hall hosted by Pacific Pride Foundation, Unitarian Society Santa Barbara, and SBTAN. This event will take place on Thursday, February 6th, from 6:00-7:30pm at the Unitarian Society Santa Barbara. The gathering aims to provide a supportive space for the community to come together, share experiences, and motivate one another to continue advocating for equality and justice. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and get activated!

UU 101

Saturday, February 1st from 10:00am-12:00pm

Rev. Julia will host a UU 101 class on Saturday, February 1^st from 10:00am-12:00pm in Jefferson Hall. If you are new to Unitarian Universalism and/or USSB, this is a great class to take to learn more and meet other members of the community! All are welcome to attend no matter how long you have been involved with USSB! Space is limited so be sure to register by clicking here. Questions? Email Outreach & Membership Coordinator Angie Swanson-Kyriaco angie@ussb.org.

Connection Circles Start in February

Deadline to sign up is January 26th

Connection Circles are designed to enrich our community with the kind of space and attentiveness that can be difficult to achieve in our busy lives. They provide the opportunity to practice the skills of deep sharing and listening, and in so doing to share meaningfully with a small group over five months and to build appreciation and trust for one another. Choose a virtual group or an in-person one. Circles meet for 1 ½ hours twice a month.

Please use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/5fKoFMzQw3HaRSLV6 The deadline to sign up is January 26th. Prefer to sign up in person? Look for the Connection Circles table during Coffee Hour on January 26th.

Learn more about Connection Circles and other Adult Religious Exploration activities.

You are invited to the Alliance on Friday, February 7th at 2:00pm in Parish Hall. The Alliance Directors are hosting a reception honoring the memory of Claire Chytilo who was our most devoted board member for the past decade. Claire believed in the value of our Alliance community for its comradery and its educational and charitable activities. We will provide the snacks, so no need to bring your own offering of goodies. We will share memories and ideas for carrying on the spirit of Claire. All are invited whether you are a member or just curious about what Alliance could mean in your life.

Sunday Brunch Group

January 26th at 12:00 PM

There is still time to RSVP! Are you looking to connect with old friends or make new ones this year? Consider joining the Sunday Brunch Group on January 26th at Chili's in Goleta (in between Jane and Finney's). RSVP to Janet Brinckmann jkb47@outlook.com.

Care Team Warm Line

(805) 666-2879

Going through a tough time? Need support and/or assistance? Call (805) 666-2879, or email USSBcareteam@gmail.com. Your message will be responded to within 24 hours. Or stop by the Care Team table in the garden courtyard on Sunday mornings. Cards are available at the Care Team table on Sundays for sending to those who would appreciate a caring message from USSB friends. 

January Outreach Offering

Sumi Nungwa

Our January outreach offering will be shared with SUMI NUNGWA, an organization whose mission is to provide food, clothing, medical supplies, and firewood to Navajo & Hopi elders seeking to maintain their traditional lifestyle on their reservations. This is a way to build bridges between cultures and to support Hopi & Navajo artists as they continue to practice and pass on their skills and lifeways. It is one of the ways we engage the work of healing and repair from the brutal legacy of colonialism.

Service projects have involved roofing hogans and homes, cleaning up and recycling trash, building traditional stone bread ovens, and taking on other helpful projects as requested by the elders and their families. Projects provide the opportunity to learn about the cultures and spend time with the people.

To learn more about Sumi Nungwa, please visit www.suminungwa.org. Sumi Nungwa is a non-profit 501c3. To have 100% of your donation go to the organization, please write your check out to Sumi Nungwa and we will forward it to them.

To learn more about our Outreach Offerings, visit our Outreach Offering page.

Bluesky

USSB is now on Bluesky! You can follow us at @unitariansocietysb.bsky.social. If you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram at @sbunitarians and on Facebook @unitariansocietysantabarbara.

Sharing social media posts from USSB on your own social media feeds is a great way to help spread the word about our worship services, events, and activities!

Upcoming Community Events

For more information about these community events, click on the image to access their website or contact the facilitators or organizations directly.

Be sure to check out 2025 offerings at Camp de Benneville Pines!

For this third session of the Mythic Stories Seminar Series, Rev. Jonathan will explore the symbolism in "Little Red Riding Hood" as a psychological guide to finding the wise old woman in the inner woods. Anne Bach will facilitate a writing activity. You can find more details and reserve your spot on Eventbrite.