The Burning Bowl
with Carolyn Bjerke, Ministerial Intern
How do we deepen our connection to the natural world and recognize it as a sacred partner in our spiritual journey? Drawing from biblical wisdom, non-traditional views of stewardship, and Unitarian Universalist values, we will explore how nature teaches us about interconnection, resilience, and reverence. Together, we’ll reflect on how to honor and care for the earth as a sacred trust, finding inspiration to live in harmony with the world around us. Join us as we celebrate the sacredness of creation and discover practices to nurture both our spirits and the planet.
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This service will be held in person and online this Sunday at 10:00AM.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/unitariansocietysantabarbara/videos
Zoom link: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/96003638223
Coffee hour will follow the service, both in person and on Zoom.
Visit USSB's website to watch past services or USSB's YouTube.
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Upcoming Change to Joining Worship Services Online
Starting on Sunday, January 19th, joining worship services online will happen through the web-based platform LiveControl. We began using LiveControl for the worship services on December 15th. With this switch means that we will no longer use Zoom for worship services and the virtual coffee hour. A link to access LiveControl and additional information will be included in email announcement on January 17th and the reminder email on January 19th.
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Bystander Intervention Training
Concerned about rising hate and violence? Join us to learn how to intervene in situations of harassment, bullying, hate speech, and more at an interactive Bystander Intervention Training hosted by USSB on Saturday, January 18th from 10:00AM-12:00PM. The training will provide a grounding in the principles of nonviolent intervention, and we will practice specific de-escalation techniques as a bystander in a variety of scenarios when our fellow community members are being harassed.
Free and open to the community - invite a friend, and RSVP through the Eventbrite link!
Please use the Eventbrite link to register for the Bystander Training: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bystander-intervention-training-tickets-1119454351099?aff=oddtdtcreator
This is also an opportunity to connect with others who want to organize for a more compassionate, inclusive, and equitable community!
| Children & Family Religious Exploration News | |
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Soul Matters Sunday in CRE Following the Time for All Ages, our elementary school kids will begin exploring the Soul Matters theme of Story with Janey. Childcare is available until 11:30am for children ages 2-5 in Starr King.
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Interfaith Service Trip to Mexicali
Next weekend, January 17th-19th, ten youth and ten adults from three congregations will cross the border with our hosts from Border Compassion to visit the La Cobina Migrant Shelter in Mexicali. This will be the fourth time members of USSB have made this trip, and the third trip for youth. Our fellow travelers are from Trinity Episcopal Church and the Catholic Church of the Beatitudes. We will be making a financial contribution to the shelter, as well as bringing activities for children and families on our visit. If you would like to make a contribution to support the La Cobina Shelter, please contact charla@ussb.org.
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Young Adults Group
Thursday, January 23rd at 6:00PM in Blake Lounge
All between the ages of 21-39 are welcome to drop in to the Young Adults group held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Childcare available with advance notice.
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The Alliance
Today at 2:00PM in Parish Hall
To get the new year starting right we are having our own Angie Swanson-Kyriaco as our speaker to discuss looking at adoption through the lens of Reproductive Justice (RJ).
Learn more about the history of RJ by visiting SisterSong’s website: https://www.sistersong.net/reproductive-justice
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Taizé Service
Tuesday, January 14th at 6:00PM
Amid the busyness of our lives, how often do we pause to nurture our spirit? Beginning Tuesday, January 14th, at 6:00 PM, join us for a midweek Taizé service—a time for reflection, stillness, meditative singing, and connection.
Led by Carolyn Bjerke, our Intern Minister, along with Rev. Julia, this special service will be held monthly through June 2025. Rooted in the contemplative tradition of the Taizé Community, these gatherings invite participants into a meditative space through music, silence, and readings. The repetitive chants, moments of quiet, and simple yet profound reflections create an atmosphere of peace and renewal.
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UU 101
Saturday, February 1st from 9:30am-12:30pm
Rev. Julia will host a UU 101 class on Saturday, February 1st from 9:30am-12:30pm 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.
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Connection Circles
It is that time again to sign up for a Connection Circles! This round of Connections Circles will run February-June 2025. These small groups create meaningful connections with other folks in our congregation. Together we will reflect on a different theme each month, using a practice of deep and respectful sharing and listening, which creates a safe, confidential, and welcoming space. Each group is guided by a facilitator and meets twice monthly. Please use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/5fKoFMzQw3HaRSLV6 The deadline to sign up is January 26th.
Learn more about Connection Circles and other Adult Religious Exploration activities by visitn
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Doctors Without Walls
THANK YOU to all who donated bras (and a few gift cards) to the Doctors Without Walls bra drive for the Women's Free Homeless Clinic. Staff from DWW said that our congregation's generosity has supplied enough bras for a year's worth of clients.
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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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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.
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Sunday Brunch Group
January 26th at 12:00 PM
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.
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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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