Rainbow Thinking

with Worship Arts Associates Ellen Broidy and Keir Zecher

We openly and honestly embrace the transgender and nonbinary members of our congregation and the larger community. They help us expand and add color to our conception of what it means to be human and encourage us to invest in and celebrate our diversity. This morning’s lay-led service reflects yet another manifestation of our commitment to creating a sanctuary for diversity, growth – and visibility. In these dangerous and challenging times, all are truly welcome here.

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/

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

Bridge to the Future Photo Tour of our Future Campus

Want to share in the excitement of the Bridge to the Future plans that are shaping up? Check out our Bridge to the Future Flipbook – a tour through our future campus! Click here to take the “virtual tour”.

This tour includes the “photo” renderings created by our architect. These renderings bring life to the vision and allow us to conceptualize all the hope and wishes for our campus as a place that builds community, offers accessibility to all, and is resilient in the face of a changing climate. And, in case you missed it, our Bridge to the Future presentation given in March dives more deeply into the plans. A recording of the presentation can be found on our Bridge to the Future Webpage: www.ussb.org/capital-campaign

Children & Family Religious Exploration News

April RE Family News

Children, Youth & Family

Soul Matters Sunday: Joy

Following the TFAA, children will join Janey Madlani to begin our April exploration of the practice of Joy AND finish up voting on their top three causes for the Easter Hunt for Justice. Childcare is available until 11:30am for children ages 2-5 in Starr King.

YoUUth Group Cookie Outreach

Sunday, April 6th, 4:00-6:00pm

Youth will gather in Blake Lounge to bake cookies together and catch up on each other's lives. Freshly baked cookies will then be packed up and distributed in Alameda Park and Alice Keck Memorial garden to people in need of a little joy. And, of course, the youth will enjoy a little cookie joy too! Contact christina@ussb.org for details.

Adult Religious Exploration News

Lunch & Learn Registration is Open for ALL Workshops!

All workshops are on Sundays from 12:00-2:00 PM with a light lunch provided. Click on the links to register. Childcare is available upon request with registration.

My Personal Theology, THIS Sunday, April 6th, facilitated by Charla Bregante, DRE. UUs do not have a creed. We engage in a lifelong search for truth and meaning, one that evolves with us as individuals, as a congregation, and as a denomination. Join us in Jefferson Hall for an afternoon of self-discovery and personal meaning making around your UU faith.

UU History 101, May 4, facilitated by Rev Julia Hamilton

Befriending Your Mortality, May 18, facilitated by USSB Member Eileen Bunning

The Art of Reflection, June 15, facilitated by USSB Member Peter Hale

The Wi$dom Path: Our Money, Our Values, June 29, facilitated by USSB Member Gary Welterlen

The Alliance

Friday, April 4th at 2:00pm in Parish Hall

Learn about estate planning from Rosaleen Wynne, a lawyer who specializes in estate planning, probate proceedings, and trust administration. Stay after the presentation for tea, treats, and conversation.

Join the Earth Advocates and 3C-REN after the worship service THIS Sunday in Parish Hall to learn about incentives for home energy upgrades. 3C-Ren speakers will discuss 3C-REN incentives, working with contractors, and additional local, state, and federal incentives that can be combined for thousands more in savings. 

Reminder--Textile recycling is back! The USSB textile collection bin is available on Sunday mornings next to the films bins.

Items that are acceptable: Clean used clothing, sheets and towels, blankets, curtains, matching pairs of usable shoes, socks, backpacks, purses, hats, scarves, functional suitcases.

Unacceptable items: No comforters, pillows or rugs. No wet, unclean items or heavily worn clothes. No stuffed animals or toys, no undergarments or bathing suits unless unworn & in original packaging.

USSB Community Choir

Mondays April 14th – May 19th 5:30-7:00pm in Parish Hall

All are welcome to join the Community Choir's 6-week series. This spring our theme is, “Tending the Spark” bringing songs that dare us to keep hope alive, inspire life-affirming action, and allow us to be nourished and connected along the way. Join your heart and voice with others in a community that values inclusion and fun over performance or perfection. Attendance is free and you can register by just showing up at the first session. Participation in two opportunities to share songs during the USSB Sunday service is encouraged but not required. If you are interested in childcare services, please inquire at least two weeks prior to the season start. For more information contact Gwendolyn Kilfoyle: communitychoir@ussb.org

Sunday Brunch Group

The next brunch event will be on Sunday, April 27th at 12:00pm at

Reunion Restaurant (home of the former East Beach Grill) and part of the renovated downstairs of Cabrillo Pavilion at 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd.

There is free parking next to restaurant. To RSVP call or email Sylvia Abualy smabualy@gmail.com 805-682-3371.

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. 

April Outreach Offering

Wilderness Youth Project

Time in nature makes kids happier, healthier, and smarter. You are invited to make a difference, helping Wilderness Youth Project’s inspired, skilled, and committed mentors and volunteers connect local kids in small groups to nature to help them grow into strong confident members of the community. Research has shown that the two tools WYP uses, professional mentoring and time in nature, can nurture and grow more successful children. To learn more about WYP or to donate online, go to https://wyp.org/

Each week we give away 25% of our Sunday plate offering to a special project or organization. To have 100% of your donation go directly to this month’s organization, please write your check to Wilderness Youth Project and USSB will forward the check to them.

To learn more about our Outreach Offerings, visit our Outreach Offering page on our website: https://Ussb.org/justice/outreach/ Please give as generously as you can.

Follow USSB on Social Media

Bluesky @unitariansocietysb.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram at @sbunitarians a

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!

Join Indivisible-Santa Barbara along with other groups such as USSB, Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, SBTAN, 805Undocufund, and others for the Hands Off Rally and March on Saturday, April 5th. Meet in De La Guerra Plaza at 12:00pm to make signs. The rally and speaking portion will begin at 1:00pm followed by a march down to the beach. Be sure to look for your fellow UUs and the USSB banner!