The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara has two services on Sunday at 9:30 and 11:30 AM. Sunday, November 16, 2008, Rev. Aaron McEmrys will speak and the topic will be Where We’re Coming From. Sunday, November 23, 2008, Rev. Aaron McEmrys will speak and the topic will be Thanksgiving.

Monthly All Congregation Potluck. Saturday, November 12, 6 PM, Parish Hall. Come meet new friends and chat with existing ones! Many people commented how much fun they had last month. Plates, cups, utensils, coffee and water provided. BYO drinks if you want. We’ll have a bit of simple folk dancing. Come at 5 to help set-up &/or stay after to help clean up if you can. Bruce Hanna.

Sunday’s Music: Sonia Tripathi, our guest pianist, will playRag by Scott Joplin, and To a Wild Rose by Edward MacDowell.

Sunday we honor the journey that USSB has taken over the years by bringing our ancestral voices to life with music that they would have sung on a typical Sunday in the 1920’s or 30’s. The hymn tune of Be thou My Vision is the same tune as Wake Thou My Senses. Sunday, we are singing the words to the old hymn which still had references to the deity, before the words were transformed by Humanism and Universalism for contemporary services. For the Beauty of the Earth rings with a timeless zeal of spirituality through the ages. The Introit, Help One Another, is from an 1884 hymnal donated by Carol Quest. Scatter Kind Words is copyright 1895 and is actually from our archives here at UUSB. As we raise our voices on this day, the voices of countless others that have come before sing with us.

Super Heroes Unite! You Haven’t Missed Out! If you were unable to attend our Super Hero Services Auction, fear not! Look over the insert in the upcoming Kaleidoscope for events and items that remain available for your generous donation. If you “got skunked” at the auction, this is a great time to round out your social calendar for the year. See all details on the insert, and Sunday in the garden.

The New USSB Photo Directories are available in the Parish Garden. Members and friends who had their pictures taken can pick up a free copy during our community social hour at 10:30 AM.

Natasha Kislenko Concert. Today, November 16, 3 PM, Sanctuary. Come hear our wonderful pianist, UCSB and Music Academy of the West faculty member, in a benefit concert of works by Bach, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev & Scriabin. $10 donation. Reception to follow.

Parking Ministry Begins! Beginning Sunday, November 16. Volunteer to be a valet or shuttle driver to ensure that all of our members, especially our elders, feel welcome and included. If you are able, please leave the closest parking spaces at the Society free & enjoy a short walk to Sunday service. See next Kaleidoscope for details. For info & to volunteer, Tammy Shorb.

USSB Social Justice Committee. Thursday, November 20, 5:30 PM, LaPaz Lounge. Joanie Jones.

Articulating Your UU Faith. Thursday, November 20, 7-9 PM. Ever feel ill equipped to succinctly respond to the question, “What do Unitarian Universalists believe?” Through personal reflection, role-play and discussion, participants prepare to communicate their liberal ideals. Facilitated by Rev. Melitta Haslund. Sign up in the garden.

Thanksgiving Food Drive for Foodbank of SB County. Sunday, November 23. There will be barrels in the courtyard to collect your non-perishable donations. The Foodbank needs all kinds of food but is especially in need of:Tuna, Beans, Peanut Butter, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Coffee/Tea, Flour, Sugar, Cereal, Rice, Pasta, and Diapers. Your donations will mean so much to our neighbors in need.

Secret Pals. Have you guessed the identity of your secret pal yet? All will be revealed at the secret pals brunch next Sunday, November 23, at 10:45 in Parish Hall. Until then, keep checking the mailbox for clues!

Multigenerational Thanksgiving Services, November 23, 9:30 & 11:30 AM. Please join members and friends of all ages as we celebrate the many blessings in our lives and renew our commitment to the holy practice of gratitude. Childcare available for the youngest among us.

Seasoned Seekers. Tuesday, November 25, Valle Verde Retirement Community, 900 Calle de los Amigos. Group Discussion on Thanksgiving led by Shirley Sayre. Details or a ride, Ginny Crane.

Thanksgiving Extravaganza! Thursday, November 27, 3-6 PM, Parish Hall. Spots are still available at our Thanksgiving feast followed by games. Bring a side dish if you choose. $15. Sign up: Carol Doose, 965-4583 x224.

Young Adult Group. Sunday, December 7, at 1 PM, Ledbetter Beach. The USSB Young Adult Group is being started up again! If you are between the ages of 19 and 40, you’re invited to our 2008 kick-off event. Please bring your friends. Joya Thomas.

Dogs on Campus. For the comfort and safety of all our congregants, only service dogs are allowed on campus Sunday mornings.

Youth Choir. Sundays, 10:45-11:30 AM, Jefferson Hall. Youth Choir is open to all children ages 5-12. No previous musical experience necessary. Contact Viava Janusoniene for further information.

Chancel Choir. Thursdays, 7 PM, Parish Hall. This choir has an open policy to all members & friends of USSB. If you’ve got the music in you, come let it out Thursday evenings. Watch for special Christmas rehearsals and come join us! Ken Ryals.

Kaleidoscope submission deadline is: November 19 for December 6-19