And So I Walked: The Journey of a Lifetime
"If the path ahead looks clear... you're probably on someone else's." - Carl Jung
Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
August 30, 2026
“And So I Walked: The Journey of a Lifetime” The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara August 30, 2026 Worship Team: Rev. Anne Gardner, Guest Speaker Peter Hale, Worship Associate Charla Bregante, Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration Matthew Griset, Music Director Heather Levin, Pianist Gathering Song #38 Morning Has Broken Words of Welcome Bell Ring Chalice Lighting One Good Thing Time For All Ages Children’s Recessional: “As You Go” by Kathleen Tracy We hold you in our love as you go, as you go May your heart be at peace as you go. To nurture the spark of your precious life We hold you in our love as you go.
The Monarch Branch Song #112 Did You Hear? Reading “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver Affirmation of Gratitude & Giving Let us be grateful when we are able to give for many do not have that privilege; Let us be grateful for those who share their gifts with us, for we are enriched by their giving; And let us be grateful, even for our needs, so that we may learn from the generosity of others. Offertory Music “Pilgrim Walk On” by Tom Booth Sermon “And So I Walked: The Journey of a Lifetime” Song #116 I’m On My Way! Benediction As we extinguish our chalice, may the light of Love shine upon you, out from within you, be gracious unto you, and bring you peace. For this is the day we are given; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Call Out A Blessing Postlude You are invited to turn to your neighbors in greeting as the postlude plays and join us for social hour in the Courtyard and Parish Hall.
Coming Up in the Community Sign up for our weekly Friday Newsletter or visit our online Events Calendar to stay connected! Choir Rehearsals Are Back The choir is back in action! Rehearsals will be taking place every Thursday at 7:15pm, starting on August 20th, 2026 and continuing through June 17th, 2027. See our Music Committee table on Choir Sundays during coffee hour to learn more. To join the Choir email list, please email Matthew Griset, Music Director at matthew@ussb.org. CRE Farmer’s Market: Sunday Mornings Thank you to everyone who has donated and purchased produce from our Kids’ Farmer’s Market! Your generosity is much appreciated. We’ve got two more Sundays to go, with the last market on September 6th. All proceeds support a CRE social justice project later in the year. Ingathering & Pancake Breakfast Mark your calendars for a pancake breakfast and our annual Ingathering service on September 13th! Ingathering (which includes our beloved Water Ceremony) takes place every September here at USSB and in Unitarian Universalist congregations around the country. Please bring some water with you to the service. Tap water, water from a special place, water from a creek or an ocean, or from your garden hose - you choose! The pancake breakfast will begin at 8:30AM with our 10:00AM service to follow.
This Week at a Glance Sunday, August 30th 10:00AM – Sunday Service 11:00AM – Coffee Hour CRE Farmer’s Market 2:00PM - Joe Fior Memorial Thursday, September 3rd 1:00PM – Drumming Circle Friday, September 4th 10:00AM – Justice & Equity Team Saturday, September 5th 3:00PM – Solo Connections Sunday, September 6th 10:00AM – Sunday Service CRE Farmer’s Market
Next Sunday’s Service: Work That is Real with Rev. Julia Hamilton One of the most famous Mary Oliver poems (“To Be of Use”) talks about the longing for “work that is real”. Join us this Labor Day Sunday as we reflect on the changing meaning of “real work” in an age of AI.
August Outreach Offering: Pacific Pride Foundation, PFLAG, & SB Transgender Network As we look to the Pacific Pride Festival on August 22, the August Outreach Offering supports our local LGBTQ+ partners, including Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF), PFLAG, and Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network (SBTAN). The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara has had a longstanding relationship with the Pacific Pride Foundation. We turn to PPF for resources and education as we seek to develop our understanding of the current needs of the LGBTQ community. The mission of PFLAG is to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. For more than 50 years nationwide, PFLAG has been providing peer-topeer support and other resources to make sure that the family members of people who are LGBTQ get the support they need in the way that best serves their needs. SBTAN educates individuals and organizations on best practices for transgender & gender expansive clients, patients, students, congregants and families. SBTAN creates and develops spaces, actions, and policies that advance the welfare of transgender and diverse gender non-conforming individuals, their families, and allies in California’s Central Coast communities. To learn more about our Outreach Offerings, visit our Outreach Offering page: ussb.org/outreachoffering.
The Monarch Witness Project The Monarch Witness Project is an ongoing recognition of the people who are abducted by ICE from our community. We began this practice on November 23rd, 2025, and there are currently 858 butterflies on our branch, representing people taken since January 2025. We partner with the 805Undocufund to keep track of these reported and verified abductions, knowing that the real number is probably higher. Everyone, regardless of immigration status, has the right to be treated with dignity and care, and we reject the violent presence of ICE in our community.
Gratitude for Our Sunday Volunteers Greeter(s): Janelle Goldhammer, Judy Eisenhauer Coffee: Roberta Weighill Usher(s): Charles Hamilton, Rolf Brinkmann Flowers: Kathleen Boehm, Donnis Galvan, Whitney Rubison
Care Team Going through a tough time? Need support and/or assistance? Call (805) 666-2879, or email USSBcareteam@gmail.com. Your message will be returned within 24 hours.
USSB Office Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (805) 965-4583 Email: ussb@ussb.org www.ussb.org
Welcome! The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara was founded in 1876 as a beacon of progressive religion in Santa Barbara. Today, we are a thriving community of all ages who strive to live with integrity, nurture wonder, and inspire action. As Unitarian Universalists, Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. If you are seeking a religion that speaks to your mind as well as your heart, you are welcome here. If you would like to join or chat about membership, visit the Membership Table during coffee hour or email our Outreach & Membership Manager, Kiarra Watson: kiarra@ussb.org
Opportunities for Families on Sundays If you would like to learn more about these opportunities, please contact our Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration Charla Bregante: charla@ussb.org Childcare: Loving childcare is available for 2-5 year olds from 9:45-11:30AM in Starr King. Children’s Religious Exploration: Children’s programming follows the Time for All Ages during services. YoUUth Group: Open to 7th-12th graders, our youth groups meets two Sundays a month from 10:00-11:30AM in La Paz Lounge.