The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara

Sunday’s Music is centered around the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These High Holy Days are the most important of all Jewish holidays. They are purely religious as they are not related to any historical event. Music is an integral, liturgical expression of the ancient tradition of Tishri starting with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and 10 days later, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).

Congregation Forum on Resolution to Oppose CA Prop. 8. Sunday, 10:45 AM, Parish Hall, On October 12 we will vote on whether to publicly oppose CA Prop. 8 as a congregation. Join us in Parish Hall for the 2nd of the USSB constitution required forums on this topic. Be part of the dialogue and vote! Absentee ballots are available at the forum.

Power of Three - Less than $5,000 to Go! 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.

Religious Education Classes. Preschool through 7th grade classes continue their study of UU Principles during the 9:30 AM service Sunday. Coming of Age meets during the 9:30 AM service as well. YRUU, our teen group, meets during the 11:30 AM service. All children and teens begin in the sanctuary with their families. Childcare is available for babies and young children during both services in Starr King. Parents, due to construction we ask that you pick up your children in Starr King at 10:45 AM this Sunday.

DeBenneville Retreat. If you’re missing some friends this Sunday, especially in RE, they may be enjoying a service at this weekend’s UU retreat at deBenneville Pines. Not to worry, they’ll return next Sunday to tell you all about it.

Youth Choir. Sundays, 11:00-11:45 AM, Jefferson Hall. Children ages 5-12 are invited to join our youth choir director, Vaiva Janusoniene, for rehearsal. No previous musical experience required. Contact Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

UU Seasoned Seekers. Tuesday, September 30, 3 PM, Valle Verde Retirement Community, 900 Calle de los Amigos. Retired? Bring your friends to a discussion with Lex Crane of “Turning Points in Our Lives.” By sharing personal experiences, we will get to know each other better. Wear your favorite nametag.

Alliance Meeting, Friday, October 3, 2 PM, Jefferson Hall. At the first meeting of the year our speaker will be John Chere, a retired Foreign Service Officer who served in Iran. He will speak on current tensions in US/Iran relationships from an historical perspective. Refreshments will be provided (A to L). For information call 965-4583.

Congregation Ministerial Start Up Retreat. Friday, October 3, 6-8:30 PM, Jefferson Hall. Bring your favorite dessert to share and join members of the congregation, our board, ministerial team and Pacific Southwest District Executive, Ken Brown, at this important conversation. This conversation is a significant starting point to guide our exciting future together. Add you voice and vision to this future.

Community Hour Brunch Breaks! Sunday, October 5, 10:30 AM. Join us in the Garden, $5 per person, $10 per family (just like our former Souper Sundays!) Brunch Breaks will be held on the first Sunday of the month at 10:30 AM. First time visitors, please be our guests!

Design Your Own Sabbath, Mondays, October 6, 13, 20, 7-9 PM, Ken Saxon, Facilitator. In this class you will have the chance to reflecton what is of value in your life and what gets in the way, & design a Sabbath process that meets your own particular need. Couples are encouraged to attend. Sign up in the garden Sunday at the RE table.

Domestic Violence Solutions. Thank you for the generous donation at the August 24 service. Our congregation donated $1,273 which will help us continue our mission of ending the intergenerational cycle of violence. All are invited to our High Esteem Tea at the Biltmore, October 5, 2-4 PM, to hear Exec. Dir. Beverly Engel talk about her new book, The Nice Girl Syndrome. Contact Sally Hamilton or www.dvsolutions.org.

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.

Administrative Offices “Homecoming”! Look for us in the following locations: Facility Manager in the “office under the tower”, Assistant Administrator, Director of Administration & Parish Minister “along the back hallway”.

Our Building Project continues in full swing! Take time to visit our blog at: http://ussbbuildingproject.blogspot.com to follow the progress.

Chancel Choir. Thursdays, 7 PM, Parish Hall. This choir has an open policy to all members and friends of this congregation. If you’ve got the music in you, come let it out with us Thursday evening.

Kaleidoscope submission deadline is: October 8 for October 25-November 7.

Health Care for All. Artists are invited to create/decorate a “box” (any medium, no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″) to donate to “Outside the Box”, Health Care for All - California Education Fund’s silent auction. Deliver boxes Saturday, Sept. 20, Noon to 5 at the Unitarian Society. For more information, contact Shannon at outsidethebox@ymail.com or 636-5011.

Religious Education Classes beginning Sunday AM. Preschool through 7th grade classes begin their study of UU Principles during the 9:30 AM service. Coming of Age meets during the 9:30 AM service as well. YRUU, our teen group, meets during the 11:30 AM service. All children and teens begin in the sanctuary with their families and will be sung out to their classes following the Story for All Ages. Childcare is available for babies and young children during both services in Starr King.

Community Hour Brunch Breaks! Our first “Brunch Break” will be this Sunday at 10:30 AM, offered by our former Ministerial Search Committee. Join us in the Parish Garden for tasty muffins and sweet breads, cut fruit, and scrambled eggs, $5 per person, $10 per family (just like our former Souper Sundays!) Future “Brunch Breaks” will be held regularly on the first Sunday of the month at 10:30 AM. First time visitors, please be our guests!

GAFF Sunday in Garden. Join us Sunday in the garden for the Green Auction Form Fill-out between 10:30-11:30 AM! Be a SUPER HERO and get your donation forms in for our upcoming goods & services auction. Are you new or stuck for an idea? Wonder what we mean by green? We will inspire/inform or get you plugged in to how you can participate in our Nov 8 event.

RE Capital Campaign Cupcake Sale. Thank you to everyone who purchased and enjoyed a cupcake or two last Sunday. Our RE Cupcake sale raised $322 for the Capital Campaign (that’s $966 with the Power of Three!). We’re almost there.

We’ve Got (some) New Restrooms! Our newest restroom is available for use this Sunday. This all-gender, handicap-accessible, with infant-changing-table restroom is located adjacent to our newly refurbished workroom. In addition, our new ground floor Blake Building Restroom, with the same amenities, is also available.

Power of Three - Less than $5,000 to Go! 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.

Humorous Speech Contest. All are invited to Toastmasters’ Humorous Speech & Evaluation contest, September 23, 6:30 PM, Parish Hall. Members Colin Gordon and Bart Woolery will be among the competitors. Free.

UU Seasoned Seekers. Tuesday, September 30, 3 PM, Valle Verde Retirement Community, 900 Calle de los Amigos. Lex Crane will lead a discussion of Turning Points in Our Lives. Ginny Crane.

Alliance Meeting, Friday, October 3, 2 PM, Parish Hall. At the first meeting of the year our speaker will be John Chere, a retired Foreign Service Officer who served in Iran. He will speak on current tensions in US/Iran relationships from an historical perspective. Refreshments will be provided (A to L). For information call 965-4583.

Design Your Own Sabbath, Mondays, October 6, 13, 20, 7-9 PM with Ken Saxon, Facilitator. In this class you will have the chance to reflect on what is of value in your life and what gets in the way. You will design a custom Sabbath process that meets your own particular need. Couples are encouraged to attend together. Sign up in the garden this Sunday at the RE table.

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.

Administrative Offices “Homecoming”! Look for us in the following locations: Facility Manager in the “office under the tower”, Assistant Administrator, Director of Administration & Parish Minister “along the back hallway”.

Our Building Project continues in full swing! Take time to visit our blog at: http://ussbbuildingproject.blogspot.com to follow the progress.

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

Youth Choir. Sundays, 11:00-11:45 AM, Jefferson Hall. Children ages 5-12 are invited to join our youth choir director, Vaiva Janusoniene, for rehearsal. No previous musical experience required. Contact Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

Kaleidoscope submission deadline is: September 29 for October 11-24.

RE Capital Campaign Cupcake Sale during 10:30 Social Hour Sunday morning. Look for a table of eager children and colorful cupcakes in the garden and help close the gap on our Capital Campaign with a tasty treat. Your contribution will be matched to the Power of Three, so indulge in this guilt free pleasure. You truly can have your cake and eat it too.

We’ve Got (some) New Restrooms! Our newest restroom is available for use Sunday morning. This all-gender, handicap-accessible, with infant-changing-table restroom is located adjacent to our newly refurbished workroom. In addition, our new ground floor Blake Building Restroom, with the same amenities, is also available. Our temporary port-a-potty will remain available in Parish Garden until all of our Parish Hall restrooms are completed later this month.

Coming of Age Lunch is Sunday, 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. Contact Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

YRUU Begins Sunday. Teens will begin in the sanctuary and be sung out to Blake Meeting Room where they will begin the year with a pizza lunch, games and planning for the coming year. Contact Rev. Melitta Haslund, 965-4583 or lifespan@ussb.org.

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

Administrative Offices “Homecoming”! The administrative and Parish Minister offices have returned to our Parish Hall. Look for our temporary signs in the following locations: Facility Manager in the “office under the tower”, Assistant Administrator, Director of Administration & Parish Minister “along the back hallway”.

Congregation Forum on CA Prop. 8, Thursday, September 18, 7 PM, Jefferson Hall On Sunday, October 12, our congregation will vote whether or not to oppose CA Prop. 8, as a congregation. This facilitated forum is to discuss and understand what this means to our congregation and the community. A second forum will be held on Sunday, September 28 at 10:45 AM.

Hospitality Workshop Welcoming As a Spiritual Practice with Rev. Aaron McEmrys and Nancy Edmundson, Director of Administration, Saturday, September 20, 9-11:30 AM, Jefferson Hall (childcare and morning refreshments provided). This workshop is different every time and will be of value to you every Sunday. Join us!

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.

Community Hour Brunch Breaks! Our first “Brunch Break” will be Sunday, September 21 at 10:30 AM, offered by our former Ministerial Search Committee. Join us in Parish Garden to Build Your Own Burrito, $5 per person, $10 per family (just like our former Souper Sundays!) Future “Brunch Breaks” will be held regularly on the first Sunday of the month at 10:30 AM!

Health Care for All. Artists are invited to create/decorate a “box” (any medium, no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″) to donate to “Outside the Box”, Health Care for All - California Education Fund’s silent auction. Deliver boxes Saturday, Sept. 20, Noon to 5 at the Unitarian Society. For more information, contact Shannon at outsidethebox@ymail.com or 636-5011.

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. 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 September 26-28. Camp registration is now full! For information on being placed on a wait list 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 submission deadline is: September 29 for October 11-24.

Our Building Project continues in full swing! Take time to visit our blog at: http://ussbbuildingproject.blogspot.com. to follow the progress.

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.