Strategic Joy
with Carolyn Bjerke, Ministerial Intern
In times of chaos and overwhelm, joy might seem like a luxury—or even a distraction. But what if joy is a strategy? What if it’s a path to clarity? This Sunday, we’ll explore how grounding ourselves in clarity—within and through community—can help us respond rather than react, connect rather than collapse. Together, we’ll reflect on how choosing joy with intention can be a powerful, spiritual response to the disorientation of our world.
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Soul Matters Sunday: Joy
Following the TFAA, children will join Janey Madlani to begin our April exploration of the practice of Joy. Childcare is available until 11:30am for children ages 2-5 in Starr King.
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Pizza Church
Friday, April 18, 5:30-7:00pm
With longer days and spring weather here, we are moving Pizza Church outside! This month we’ll meet at the beautiful Mission Rose Garden. Come play and get to know other CRE families in a fun and relaxed setting. USSB provides the pizza. Families provide their own beverages, plates, and utensils. Everyone is invited to bring a side or dessert to share with the group. Feel free to bring frisbees, croquet, or other fun games and activities to share too. RSVP to charla@ussb.org by Thursday, April 17th .
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Lunch & Learn Registration is Open for All Workshops!
All workshops are on Sundays from 12:00-2:00pm with a light lunch provided. Click on the links below to register. Childcare is available upon request with registration. Next up UU History 101 with Rev. Julia Hamilton on May 4th.
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The Textile Recycling Program is Back!
Marborg was hired by Santa Barbara & Goleta to collect textiles for reuse. Local textiles are then shipped to Los Angeles to be sorted and distributed. About a year ago, the collection program was put on hold. The Earth Advocates stopped setting out our USSB textile collection bin at that time. Marborg recently announced that they are now collaborating with Homeboy Threads in Los Angeles to serve as their distribution partner. So, the USSB textile collection bin will once again be available on Sunday mornings, right next to the thin film plastic collection bin.
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.
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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. For more information contact Gwendolyn Kilfoyle: communitychoir@ussb.org
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Sunday Brunch Group
The next brunch event will be on Sunday, April 27th at 12:00pm at Reunion Kitchen + Drink Santa Barbara (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.
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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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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.
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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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