with Rev. Julia Hamilton
In January, five youth and five adults from USSB traveled to Mexicali to spend the weekend volunteering at a migrant shelter and learning firsthand about the situation at the border. How can we respond with love and compassion to the assault on immigrant rights?
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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.
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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/ Zoom is no longer being used to stream the worship services.
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.
Here is an example of what it will look like when joining the service online.
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Virtual Coffee Hour
Starting Sunday, February 16th we will have a virtual coffee hour after the worship service on the third Sunday of the month from 11:00am-12:00pm.
We are also looking for hosts for the virtual coffee hour. Being a virtual coffee hour host involves being a welcoming presence in the Zoom, facilitating conversation (for example, asking what folks thought of the worship service), and monitoring the Zoom chat.
If you are interested in being a virtual coffee hour host, please email Outreach & Membership Coordinator Angie Swanson-Kyriaco at angie@ussb.org.
| Children & Family Religious Exploration News | |
Soul Matters in CRE on Sunday
Following the Time for All Ages, our elementary school kids will join Janey Madlani, Children’s Religious Exploration Coordinator to explore our February theme of Inclusion. Childcare is available until 11:30am for children ages 2-5 in Starr King.
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Young Adults Group
Thursday, February 13th from 6:00-7:00pm in Blake Lounge
Everyone between the ages of 21-39 are welcome to drop in for conversation and community.
If you would like to be added to the YA email list, please email angie@ussb.org.
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TODAY-The Alliance
You are invited to the Alliance this afternoon 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.
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Take Action! Join Earth Advocates for Climate Fridays SB
CEC's Environmental Hub from 3:30-5:00pm on February 7th
You are invited to participate in a new environmental group, composed of members of our Santa Barbara community concerned about local climate action and environmental justice. The next monthly event, on February 7th, will focus on taking a stand against restarting the pipeline that failed in 2015 causing the Refugio oil spill. We will provide critical information, discuss collective actions, and outline the next steps to make our voices heard.
Why This Matters
Plans to restart this pipeline under a new company, Sable, are happening without public input or environmental review. The Environmental Defense Center is leading local efforts to keep the pipeline from being approved. At a time when we understand the correlation between fossil fuel production and the impacts of climate change, we do not need projects that will drastically increase our region’s greenhouse gas emissions. Sable is on the agenda at the February 25th Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting. We will discuss plans for a strong community response at the Board of Supervisors and to other state agencies and elected officials.
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Community Choir
Monday, February 10th 5:30-7:00pm in Parish Hall
Please join the USSB Community Choir for an evening of learning and singing songs dedicated to the human heart. We will sing of love, loss, and longing in a fun and accessible format. No prior singing experience necessary.
Save the Date: 6-week Spring Series on Mondays April 14th - May 19th 5:30-7:00pm in Parish Hall - more details coming soon!
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Carrying Our Hearts, Finding Our Hope
Join us for the second in our series of Taizé services on Tuesday, February 11th, at 6:00 pm, as we hold space for the burdens and blessings we bring and seek light in turbulent times. Through meditative singing, silence, and reflection, we create a tender sanctuary for the soul - a place to set down our worries, find solace in community, and listen for the whispers of hope.
Led by Intern Minister Carolyn Bjerke and Rev. Julia, these monthly gatherings invite us into a rhythm of contemplation and renewal. Step into the quiet, breathe deeply, and let the music and stillness guide you toward peace.
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Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is the second oldest community college in California that has served the educational needs of the local community for over 115 years. State funding challenges, regulatory constraints, local demographic changes, economic conditions, and housing shortages, have raised the question: does the long-term value of higher education justify the rising costs. While solutions to these complex issues may seem obvious and simple, the reality is quite different. Dr. Erika Endrijonas, President and Superintendent of SBCC, will explore this conundrum in the context of South Santa Barbara County and what the educational landscape might look like for SBCC going forward. | |
February Sunday Brunch Group
The next Sunday Brunch will be held at Cody's in the Turnpike Shopping Center at 4898 Hollister Ave. at 12:00pm on February 23rd. Please contact Florence Michel to make your reservation at 805.252.5535 or email her at flo975@gmail.com. RSVPs are needed by Wednesday, February 19th in order to secure a reservation at Cody's.
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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.
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February Outreach Offering
PFLAG Santa Barbara
Its mission is to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. For more than 50 years nationwide, PFLAG has been providing peer-to-peer support, publications, toolkits, and other resources to make sure that the family members of people who are LGBTQ+ get the support they need in the way that best serves their needs. This allows families to then further support, affirm, and advocate on behalf of their LGBTQ+ loved ones. Please give as generously as you can.
To learn more about PFLAG Santa Barbara, please visit www.pflagsantabarbara.org. PFLAG Santa Barbar is a non-profit 501(c)3. To have 100% of your donation go to the organization, please write your check out to PFLAG Santa Barbara and we will forward it to them.
To learn more about our Outreach Offerings, visit our Outreach Offering page.
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- Realm Assistance-March 2nd
- The Alliance-March 7th
- Claire Chytilo Memorial-March 9th
- Taizé Service-March 11th
- Contemporary Issues Forum-March 12th
- Fashion Fling-March 14th-16th
- Capital Campaign Presentation-March 16th
- Congregational Potluck-March 30th
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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.
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Planned Parenthood California Central Coast is looking for folks aged 14 - 24 to volunteer with their Education Department as Youth Peer Educators and deliver LGBTQ-centered sex education. | | | | |