Before We Turn the Page...
Book of Life by David Kracov
Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
September 20, 2026
“Before We Turn the Page...” The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara September 20, 2026 Worship Team: Rev. Julia Hamilton, Lead Minister Ellen Broidy, Worship Associate Matthew Griset, Music Director Golden Hour Choir Heather Levin, Pianist Gathering Song #299 Make Channels for the Streams of Love Words of Welcome Bell Ring Chalice Lighting One Good Thing Community Greeting Song #146 Soon the Day Will Arrive 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 Prayer & Meditation Reflective Music #1037 We Begin Again in Love Reflection
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 “Emett” Sermon “Before We Turn the Page...” Song “We Rise” by Batya Levine We rise, humbly hearted Rise, won’t be divided Rise, with spirit to guide us Rise! (Chorus x2) In hope, in prayer, we find ourselves here In hope, in prayer, we’re right here We rise, all of the children Rise, elders with wisdom Rise, ancestors surround us Rise! (Chorus x2) We rise, up from the wreckage Rise, with tears and with courage Rise, fighting for life We rise! 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! USSB Community Choir The USSB Community Choir will be meeting this Fall on the 1st and 3rd Mondays, September 21st - November 16th from 5:307:00pm in Parish Hall. Singers of all levels of experience are warmly welcome to join us! Songs are taught in the oral tradition by call-and-response by facilitator, Gwendolyn Kilfoyle. Regular participation is encouraged, but drop-ins are also welcome. Optional opportunities to sing for USSB Sunday services are provided for those who wish to participate. This is a USSB program that is open to the general public by donation. Please reach out for more information or to be added to the email list: communitychoir@ussb.org Save the Date - Our Fall Auction is October 17! Get ready for an evening of fun, connection, and a little friendly bidding competition! Our annual fundraising auction is coming up on Saturday, October 17, and we hope you’ll join us. How You Can Get Involved: Volunteer. There are plenty of ways to get involved and none of them cumbersome. Donate an auction item. Share something you enjoy doing or something you have to offer. Come bid! Bring your enthusiasm and your competitive spirit. Invite a friend. The auction is a wonderful way to introduce someone to the warmth and creativity of our UU community. Mark your calendar for October 17, and watch your inbox for more details about how to participate!
This Week at a Glance Sunday, September 20th 10:00 AM – Sunday Service 11:00 AM – Coffee Hour Free CRE Farmer’s Market Auction Volunteer Sign-ups Monday, September 21st 5:30 PM - USSB Commuity Choir Tuesday, September 22nd 6:00 PM - Board of Trustees Meeting Wednesday, September 23rd 5:30 PM - Membership Team Meeting Thursday, September 24th 1:00 PM – Drumming Circle Friday, September 25th 10:00 AM – Justice & Equity Team Saturday, September 26th 3:00 PM – Solo Connections Sunday, September 27th 10:00 AM – Sunday Service 11:00 AM – Coffee Hour
Next Sunday’s Service: Ritualized Bodies (Part 1 of a 3-part series) with Rev. Julia Hamilton As UUs, our relationship with religious ritual might best be described as “It’s Complicated” - or perhaps more of a “situationship.” Let’s take some time to unbox “ritual” and what it means for a progressive, pluralistic faith. This is the first of a three-part Sunday series on ritual and religious practice inspired by one of the questions from Question Box Sunday!
September Outreach Offering: Voting Justice League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara The local League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara is our outreach offering recipient for September. At all levels, the League is committed to “Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy.” The Santa Barbara League is a 501(c)(3), allvolunteer organization with membership open to everyone 16 and older. The League is a nonpartisan; grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. The League empowers voters and defends democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. The Santa Barbara League was founded in 1938, just 18 years after women received the right to vote. Acknowledging that the suffrage movement did not include all — women and men of color were excluded — League volunteers work furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in issues of local importance, such as housing, the environment, and criminal justice reform. More information is available at the website: https://lwvsantabarbara.org/. To have 100% of your donation go directly to this month’s project, make out your check to USSB and write “League of Women Voters SB” in the memo line. 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 1060 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): Florence Michel, Jeanette Iwatsuski Coffee: Janis Connally, Terri Stelzer Usher(s): Charlie Stelzer, 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 of Pluralism, Generosity, Interdependence, Equity, Justice, and Transformation. 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.