The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara

Learn more about our congregation! We welcome the many first time visitors, newcomers, and returning members who are among us. We hope to get to know you more personally and invite you to participate in the upcoming opportunities. UU Inquiry will be held the third Sunday of every month, beginning September 21, from 10:40 to 11 am (between services). Our Path to Membership Classes (a 2 class series) are scheduled for Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30 on September 24 & October 1, and December 3 & 10. Childcare is provided for all gatherings. Stop by our “Welcome Table” for more information.

Children’s Religious Education Open House. Today, 11:30 AM, Jefferson Hall. All parents are invited to come to learn about the curricula, meet our teachers and register their children. We will have a light lunch for parents in Jefferson Hall and children in Starr King. Our Children’s Religious Education Program begins Sunday, September 14 at 9:30 AM. Children come to the sanctuary with their families and will be sung out to a Children’s Worship Service in Jefferson Hall following the Story for All Ages.

Women’s Group. The women’s meeting will be at Casa Esperanza 2525 State St. in the Cabana room at 7 PM Sunday September 7. This is open to all women. Please contact Theda Drake or Joanne Nay for directions or information.

New Sunday Morning Schedule Begins September 14. Our Sunday morning worships will be held at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. Community hour will be held 10:30-11:30 AM, and we encourage you to “stay late” and “come early” for something special next week! Children’s RE and Coming of Age classes will be held at 9:30 AM, Youth Choir will be held at 11 AM, YRUU (our High School group) will meet at 11:30 AM. There will also be a coffee hour following the 11:30 AM service.

NO on Prop 8 Training. Monday, September 8, 5:30 PM, Fellowship Hall of the Congregational Church at State and Padre. With other local faith groups, learn about the many volunteer opportunities to work on the No on Prop 8 campaign, from tabling to establishing phone banks. Pass the word on to friends and allies. Light food will be provided. Contact Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 x 229, lifespan@ussb.org.

Coming of Age Lunch. Sunday, September 14, 12 noon, Jefferson Hall. All interested 8th graders and their families are invited to join us for a luncheon and chance to learn about our exciting year to come. For more information, please contact the Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

YRUU Begins. Sunday, September 14, 11:30 AM, Blake Meeting Room. Our teen group will begin the year with a pizza lunch and discussion of our vision for the coming year. For more information, please contact the Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

Youth Choir. Beginning Sunday, September 14, Youth Choir will rehearse from 11:00 AM-11:45 AM in Jefferson Hall with Director Vaiva Janusoniene. For more information, please contact the Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

Annual Service Auction Donations. It’s time to make your donation of events, items, and services to our annual service auction (our largest fundraiser and community building event of the year!) We welcome your donation now through October 19, for the November 8 event! See the insert in today’s order of service, speak with Donnis Galvan and Percy Sales after the service, AND!! if you want help with donation ideas, plan to gather with Donnis at 10:30 AM September 21 for a brainstorming session.

Camp de Benneville Pines Family Retreat with Rev. Aaron McEmrys and our cluster UU congregations. Register now for the Cluster Retreat, September 26-28. Hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, relaxing, reading, mediation, labyrinth walk, talking, yummy food, good company, UU service, intergenerational connecting, and more at our UU Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. To register contact Chris Shorb.

Rev. Aaron McEmrys Office Hours. Aaron will be available in the office on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 AM-2 PM. Please call or e-mail in advance, 965-4583, minister@ussb.org.

Chancel Choir. Thursdays, 7 PM, Parish Hall. Love to sing? Come to choir practice every Thursday evening. Ken Ryals.

Power of Three. We are closing the gap on our $2 million campaign, & we need all gifts large & small! For more information contact Nancy Edmundson at ussb@ussb.org.

Kaleidoscope, our newsletter, submission deadlines are as follows: September 10 for September 27-October 10; September 29 for October 11-24.

High Points from Fort Lauderdale General Assembly. DVDs and CDs of GA lectures are available to borrow from the Social Justice table after church.

Our Building Project. Our demolition is complete & new construction is in full swing! Be sure to take some time to follow our Building Project Blog at http://ussbbuildingproject.blogspot.com.

Summer Sundays: Building Our Future; Building Our Community. All children should be taken by parents directly to Starr King at 10:30 AM. This Sunday children are invited to build forts, paint rocks, and join in other creative play opportunities. Childcare will be available in Starr King for those attending the service at USSB. Please pick children up by 12:00 Noon.

Youth Choir: Children ages 5 and up are invited to join our new Youth Choir Director, Vaiva Janusoniene, this Sunday and Sunday, September 7 at 9:30 AM to prepare a song for our Ingathering Service on September 7th. On Sunday, August 31, we will hold a Youth Choir rehearsal at Skofield Park at 9:30 AM (at the camp out).

Fire Care Pastoral Care Gathering. Sunday, 12:00 Noon, Jefferson Hall. Members of our Pastoral Care Committee invite you to join them to process any feelings or experiences you had about the most recent fire in Santa Barbara and Goleta.

Women’s Group Sundays continue. Sunday, August 24, 7:00 PM, Jefferson Hall. Come share spiritual experiences and feel the support of the group. Contact Carlene Van Pelt or Joanne Nay.

Rev. Aaron McEmrys Office Hours. Aaron will be available in the office on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 AM-2 PM. Please call or e-mail in advance, 965-4583, minister@ussb.org.

Lifespan Religious Education: A Shared Ministry. Lifespan RE Programs flourish when members commit to support them by volunteering to teach or help with special events. Teaching teams make it easy yet meaningful to become involved. All volunteers receive training, staff support, supplies, and get to know other members who are dedicated to exploring values and theology with young people. Contact Rev. Melitta Haslund or our RE Assistant, Charla Bregante, 965-4583, lifespan@ussb.org.

Chancel Choir. Thursdays, 7 PM, Parish Hall. Love to sing? Come to choir practice every Thursday evening. Choir sings during the 10:30 service twice a month.

Power of Three. We are quickly closing the gap on our $2 million campaign, & we need all gifts large & small! For more information contact Nancy Edmundson at ussb@ussb.org.

Kaleidoscope, our newsletter, submission deadlines are as follows: August 27 for September 13-26; September 10 for September 27-October 10; September 29 for October 11-24.

USSB Campout at Skofield Park. Saturday & Sunday, August 30-31. Join your UU friends at one of the most beautiful local campgrounds on Labor Day weekend. This intergenerational campout begins Saturday, August 30, 1 PM, and ends Sunday at 2 PM. Bring your tent, food for the weekend (& some to share), musical instruments, & sport equipment. Contact Alan Edmundson if you expect to participate.

Morning Meditation. Begins Tuesday, September 2, 8:15-9 AM.

Children’s Religious Education Open House. Sunday, September 7, 11:30 AM, Jefferson Hall. All parents are invited to come to learn about the curricula, meet our teachers and register their children. We will have a light lunch for parents in Jefferson Hall and children in Starr King. For more information or to register, please contact our RE Assistant, Charla Bregante at 965-4583 or re@ussb.org.

Coming of Age Luncheon. Sunday, September 14, Jefferson Hall. All interested 8th graders and their families are invited to join us for a luncheon and chance to learn about our exciting year to come. For more information, please contact the Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

Camp de Benneville Pines Family Retreat with Rev. Aaron McEmrys and our cluster UU congregations. Register now for the Cluster Retreat, September 26-28. Hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, relaxing, reading, mediation, labyrinth walk, talking, yummy food, good company, UU service, intergenerational connecting, and more at our UU Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. To register contact Chris Shorb.

High Points from Fort Lauderdale General Assembly. DVDs and CDs of GA lectures are available to borrow from the Social Justice table after church.

Our Building Project. Our demolition is complete & new construction is in full swing! Be sure to take some time to follow our Building Project Blog at http://ussbbuildingproject.blogspot.com.

Summer Sundays: Building Our Future; Building Our Community. All children should be taken by parents directly to Starr King at 10:30 AM. This Sunday children will water color UU principles posters or participate in other creative play opportunities. Next week children are invited to join in brown bag skits. Childcare is available in Starr King. Please pick children up by 12:00 Noon.

Our Sympathy to the the family of Joan Lewis who passed away Saturday, August 2. Her grown daughters and son were with her at the time of her passing. Joan was a long time Unitarian. We will miss her.

Join the Summer Singers! Sundays, 9:45 AM. Parents are encouraged to join the Summer Singers during the summer months. Child care is available in Starr King. This is a wonderful way to begin a Sunday morning. Breathe deeply, enjoy singing with others, and get to know our new Adult Choir Director, Ken Ryals. No experience necessary.

Women’s Group Sundays, Sunday, August 10 and August 24, 7:00 PM, Jefferson Hall. Come share spiritual experiences and feel the support of the group. Contact Carlene Van Pelt or Joanne Nay.

Van Jones DVD, Tuesday, August 12, 7 PM, Jefferson Hall. The inspirational and challenging Ware lecturer & Oakland-based civil rights & environmental activist, Jones hailed the UUA’s & other liberal groups’ roles in ending the power of fear & opening a new era in American politics.

YRUU Cluster-wide Start Up Workshop, Saturday, August 16, 9 AM-4 PM, Blake Lounge. High School age youth, their friends, and interested adults are invited to join facilitator Sara Lawall for a dynamic workshop. Bring your ideas and dreams to build an inspiring Youth program at USSB. RSVP to Melitta by August 12 at 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

An Interfaith Exploration of Restorative Justice. Saturday August 16, 9 AM-12:30 PM, Trinity Episcopal Church. A Constructive Approach to Juvenile Justice Issues. Learn about restorative justice programs in Santa Barbara and share with others about how we can support our youth and community in developing new approaches. Rev. Aaron McEmrys will be participating & we encourage USSB members to join him. Registration 8:30 AM. $5 donation for lunch. Information, Karolyn Renard or www.RJusticeSBC.pbwiki.com.

Camp de Benneville Pines—PSWIRL Adult Camp, August 17-22. Join Rev. Jim Grant (a past USSB Interim Minister) and Betty Grant (Jim’s beloved wife) for a lecture series on The Struggle to Become Human. Topics include expectations, paying attention to the ordinary, and vulnerability. Enjoy art, yoga, hiking, qi gong, massage, music, dream work, swimming, drumming, astronomy or just relaxing. www.pswirl.org.

Youth Choir Begins. Sunday, August 24, 9:30 AM, Jefferson Hall. With our wonderful new Youth Choir Director, Vaiva Janusoniene. Children and youth, ages 5-12 will prepare a song for our Ingathering Water Ceremony on Sept 7. Info, Rev. Melitta L. Haslund, 965-4583 x 229.

Young Adult Labor Day Weekend Retreat and Gathering, August 29-September 1, Camp de Benneville Pines. For young adults ages 18-35 and their children ages up to 12. See old friends and make new ones. Worship, hiking, games, learning, arts, crafts and fun! $195 Adult, $165 Child. Register at www.connectuu.com.

USSB Campout at Skofield Park. Saturday, August 30. Join UU friends for an intergenerational campout followed by a Sunday AM service and potluck, August 31 at the park. All camp fees are covered by USSB Program Council. Bring your tent, food, plus some to share, musical instruments, & sport equipment. Hang out & relax together. Contact Alan Edmundson for further details.

Camp de Benneville Pines Family Retreat with Rev. Aaron McEmrys and our cluster UU congregations. Register now for the Cluster Retreat, September 26-28. Hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, relaxing, reading, mediation, labyrinth walk, talking, yummy food, good company, UU service, intergenerational connecting, and more at our UU Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. Questions, Chris Shorb.

Road Trip for Justice: Climate Change and California Water. UULMCA and PSWD are sponsoring a road trip for young adults. 14 of us are making our way all the way up to McCloud, CA and we’re going to follow the water down to the central valley. We’ll learn how water issues are affecting farming, people, animals, industry, and housing, and how what we’re learning impacts our faith (and vice versa). Follow us on our trip at http://uuroadtrip.blogspot.com . In peace, Tera Little.

Make a Difference in the Life of our Children and Youth! Volunteer opportunities abound in our Religious Education Program. Teaching teams make it easy yet meaningful to become involved. All volunteers receive support, supplies and get to know other members who are dedicated to exploring values and theology with young people. Member Participation forms will soon be available with many wonderful ways to get involved. For more information, please speak with Rev. Melitta Haslund or our RE Assistant, Charla Bregante at 965-4583.

Thank you and Farewell to Bryan Stern, Sunday Facilities Assistant. We have marveled at Bryan’s youth and energy. Quick & steady, Bryan has been compared to the “energizer bunny” & “the road runner.” The time has come for Bryan to focus on larger horizons. Bryan will be with us on Sundays through August 17, but after that only on an occasional “fill-in” basis. Thank you, Bryan, for serving USSB on our staff team.

Sunday Facility Assistant Job Opening. The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara seeks an individual for regular employment, 6-8 hours on Sundays between the hours of 7 AM & 3 PM. Individual will assist the Director of Administration & volunteers, & work as part of a team. An ideal position for a college student or anyone seeking weekend work in addition to weekday commitments. The position is open immediately for qualified applicants. Send your message of introduction to the attention of Nancy Edmundson, Director of Administration, ussb@ussb.org.

Power of Three. We are quickly closing the gap on our $2 million campaign, & we need all gifts large & small! For more information contact Nancy Edmundson at ussb@ussb.org.

Our Building Project. Our demolition is complete & new construction is in full swing! Be sure to take some time to follow our Building Project Blog at http://ussbbuildingproject.blogspot.com.

Women’s Group. Sunday, July 27, 6:30 PM, Jefferson Hall. Come share your visions and hopes for various groups to create and experience spirituality, discuss books, or for intellectual stimulation. Contact Carlene Van Pelt or Joanne Nay.

California Water Road Trip for Justice, August 2-10. Co-sponsored with UU Legislative Ministry California. With young adults ages 18-30 (notice new age range!) we will traverse northern California down into the central Valley, exploring water issues, seeing some innovative green, water-conserving projects, lobby our elected officials in Sacramento, hear great speakers, go river rafting, and culminate with leading the Sunday morning service at the UU Church in Fresno. For those who want to ride up to Sacramento, the van leaves LA on August 1. For information and registration forms, go to www.uulmca.org.

Camp de Benneville Pines—PSWIRL Adult Camp, August 17-22. Join Rev. Jim Grant (a past USSB Interim Minister) and Betty Grant (Jim’s beloved wife) for a lecture series on The Struggle to Become Human. Topics include expectations, paying attention to the ordinary, and vulnerability. Enjoy art, yoga, hiking, qi gong, massage, music, dream work, swimming, drumming, astronomy or just relaxing. Information at www.pswirl.org.

Young Adult Labor Day Weekend Retreat and Gathering, August 29-September 1, Camp de Benneville Pines. For young adults ages 18-35 and their children ages up to 12. See old friends and make new ones. Worship, hiking, games, learning, arts, crafts and fun! $195 Adult, $165 Child. Register at www.connectuu.com.

USSB Campout at Skofield Park. Save the date. Saturday, August 30. Join UU friends for an intergenerational campout followed by a Sunday morning service and potluck lunch, August 31 at the park. All camp fees are covered by USSB Program Council, so bring your tent, food for the weekend (bring some to share), musical instruments, & sport equipment. We hang out in this beautiful local park and relax together–avoiding the Labor Day crowds elsewhere! (We pack up noon Sunday, so there is plenty of time for Labor Day crowds on Monday) Contact Alan Edmundson for further details.

Camp de Benneville Family Retreat with Rev. Aaron McEmrys and our cluster UU congregations. Registrations now being accepted to the Cluster Retreat at Camp deBenneville Pines, September 26-28, 2008. Hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, relaxing, reading, mediation, labyrinth walk, talking, yummy food, good company, UU service, intergenerational connecting, and more! All at our very own UU Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. Fees are $135 for adults, $105 for youth ages 13-19, $77 for kids 4-12, and 3 and under are free.

Morning Meditation is still meeting this summer. We get together in the Sanctuary at 8:15 AM, Tuesday mornings and sit in silence until 9 AM. We may be silent, but there is some construction noise around. Come join Laurie and George Potter, Tony Johansen and others, and enjoy internal silence.

Rev. Aaron McEmrys in print. Rev. McEmrys, whose official ministry starts with USSB August 15, and whose first service is August17, offered a workshop at the recent UUA General Assembly in Florida. He was subsequently interviewed by their local media. Here is a link to a column in the St. Petersburg Press. Check it out at- http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article695177.ece. See a copy of the article on our Garden kiosk.

Power of Three. We are quickly closing the gap on our $2 million campaign, and we need all gifts large and small! Please respond to your recent mailing or calls from campaign volunteers. For more information contact Nancy Edmundson at ussb@ussb.org.

Our Building Project. Our demolition is complete and new construction is in full swing! Be sure to take some time to explore the safe walkable areas on campus and follow our Building Project Blog at http://ussbbuildingproject.blogspot.com. Nancy Edmundson will take a critical mass for a walking tour next Sunday, July 27.

Summer Pastoral Care. This is a reminder that, as ministers and staff take our staggered vacations and study leave time, we remain available for pastoral care emergencies and needs. Should you find yourself in need of pastoral care assistance, please call the office, 965-4583. Appropriate referrals will be made to our Pastoral Care Network or on-call Minister.

Summer Offices. Our staff offices are located as follows: Ken Ralph, Facility Manager, is now located in the front office (under the Parish Garden Tower). You will also find Lowell Dabbs here on Sundays from 10 AM until Noon. Nancy Edmundson, Director of Administration, and Charla Bregante, RE Assistant are located in Classroom 2 (enter through La Paz); Carol Doose, Administrative Assistant, Cat Robson, Clerical Assistant, our reception office and work room are all in La Paz Lounge. Summer administrative office hours are 9 AM to 12 Noon, Monday through Friday for regular business. The staff will be working in the afternoon on projects requiring uninterrupted time. Please plan your calls and visits accordingly.

Sunday Services: During the Summer, the Unitarian Society has one Sunday morning service in the Sanctuary at 10:30 AM. On Sunday, July 13, 2008, the topic will be Peace Out and our worship hosts will be Detty Peikert and Jody Thomas. Sunday, July 20 the topic is Hearing Voices, with Patrick Block and Ken Ryals as service hosts.

Summer Sundays: Building Our Future; Building Our Community. All children should be taken by parents directly to Starr King at 10:30 AM. This Sunday children will be invited to Sing Along with Charla or participate in other creative play opportunities. Next week children will build with marshmallows and toothpicks. Childcare will be available in Starr King as well. Please pick children up by 12:00 Noon. A Story for All Ages will resume in September.

Women’s Group. Sunday, July 13 & Sunday, July 27, 6:30 PM, Jefferson Hall. Come share your visions and hopes for various groups to create and experience spirituality, discuss books, or for intellectual stimulation. Contact Carlene Van Pelt or Joanne Nay.

Social Justice Committee. Sunday, June 20, 12:00 PM, Jefferson Hall. The committee welcomes everyone’s participation at our meeting!

Summer Pastoral Care. This is a reminder that, as ministers and staff begin our staggered vacations and study leave time, we remain available for pastoral care emergencies and needs. Should you find yourself in need of pastoral care assistance, please call the office, 965-4583. Appropriate referrals will be made to our Pastoral Care Network or on-call Minister.

Re-using/Re-cycling Magazines. During our construction period we will have a “simplified” Garden set up. We have discontinued our Magazine Table for the summer. Please do not bring your old magazines on Sunday mornings until further notice.

Morning Meditation is still meeting this summer. We get together in the Sanctuary at 8:15 AM, Tuesday mornings and sit in silence until 9 AM. We may be silent, but there is some construction noise around. Come join Laurie and George Potter, Tony Johansen and others, and enjoy internal silence.

Summer Offices. Our staff offices are located as follows: Ken Ralph, Facility Manager, is now located in the front office (under the Parish Garden Tower). You will also find Lowell Dabbs here on Sundays from 10 AM until Noon. Nancy Edmundson, Director of Administration, and Charla Bregante, RE Assistant are located in Classroom 2 (the usual “RE” Office); Carol Doose, Administrative Assistant, Cat Robson, Clerical Assistant, our reception office and work room are all in La Paz Lounge. Summer administrative office hours are 9 AM to 12 Noon, Monday through Friday for regular business. The staff will be working in the afternoon on projects requiring uninterrupted time. Please plan your calls and visits accordingly.

USSB Campout at Skofield Park. Save the date. Saturday, August 30. Join UU friends for an intergenerational campout followed by a Sunday morning service at the park. Watch for further details.

Power of Three. We are quickly closing the gap on our $2 million campaign, and we need all gifts large and medium! Please respond to your recent mailing or calls from campaign volunteers. For more information contact Nancy Edmundson at ussb@ussb.org.

Our Building Project. Our demolition is in full swing! Be sure to take some time to explore the safe walkable areas on campus and follow our Building Project Blog at http://ussbbuildingproject.blogspot.com .

What do you know about the Chalice Circle? The Chalice Circle is dedicated to perpetuating the loving, liberal, religious presence and tradition of our Unitarian Society for generations to come through bequests, planned gifts and legacy arrangements. The Endowment Fund of the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara provides valuable funds to the operation of this congregation. Contact Nancy Edmundson, Director of Administration, for information, 965-4583 x 225, or ussb@ussb.org.

Summer Sundays: Building Our Future; Building Our Community. Beginning Sunday, all children should go directly to Starr King at 10:30 AM. For the third year in a row, we will kick off our summer program with a building project inspired by the story of Roxaboxen. Childcare will be available in Starr King as well. A Story for All Ages will resume in September.

Power of Three. We are quickly closing the gap on our $2 million campaign, and we need all gifts large and small! Please respond to your recent mailing or calls from campaign volunteers.

Photo Directory Reminder: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 16, 17 and 18 are the last days of our photo shoot for the 2008 USSB Photo Directory. It will be meaningful to everyone, and especially helpful to our new minister, to have all our members and friends included. The schedule is available online and you may make your appointment by going to www.signup.olanmills.com or feel free to call Carol at 965-4583 and she’ll be happy to help you get scheduled. If you need to verify your appointment time, Carol can help with that as well. Of our 335 member and friend households, we have 205 who have made photo appointments. If you are one of the remaining 130 families, please let Carol hear from you soon!

Building Construction Notes! Our staff offices have been moved! Ken Ralph, Facility Manager, is now located in the front office (under the Parish Garden Tower); you will find Rev. Joy Atkinson in Classroom 1 of the Jefferson Hall Building; Rev. Melitta Haslund, Nancy Edmundson, Director of Administration, and Charla Bregante, RE Assistant are located in Classroom 2 (the usual “RE” Office); and Carol Doose, Administrative Assistant, Cat Robson, Clerical Assistant, our reception office and work room are all in La Paz Lounge.

Our Building Locks Have Been Changed! Room users with scheduled meetings in Jefferson Hall and Blake Lounge will continue to access these rooms with their same church keys. All other locks have been replaced for construction and office security. If you have a need to access Parish Hall, the Blake Classrooms, or Administrative Offices, please contact Ken Ralph, Facility Manager.

Re-using/Re-cycling Magazines. During our construction period we will have a “simplified” Garden set up. So we are discontinuing our Magazine Table for the summer. Please do not bring your old magazines on Sunday mornings until further notice.

Breaking the Silence, Torture Survivors Speak Out, Wednesday, June 18, 7-8:30 PM, Blake Lounge. The Chautauqua Speaker’s Forum presents the West Coast premiere of this important documentary. Producer/Director Valliere Auzenne will lead a discussion following the film.</