The Land Currently Called...
Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
August 16th, 2026
“The Land Currently Called...” The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara August 16th, 2026 Worship Team: Rev. Julia Hamilton, Lead Minister Members of the Chumash Outreach Group Charla Bregante, Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration Matthew Griset, Music Director Heather Levin, Pianist Brent Wells, Drums Gathering Song #112 Do You Hear? Words of Welcome Bell Ring Chalice Lighting One Good Thing Community Greeting Song #34 Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire 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 Reflection Reading 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 “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” by Jackie DeShannon Sermon “The Land Currently Called...” Song #95 There Is More Love Somewhere 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! Connection Circles: Sign up by Wednesday, August 26 Join us for our next session, meeting twice a month September through February 2027. Each meeting is 90 minutes long. These small groups create meaningful connections with other folks in our congregation. Together we will reflect on a different theme each month, using a practice of deep and respectful sharing and listening, which creates a safe, confidential, and welcoming space. Each group is guided by a facilitator and meets twice monthly. To sign up, visit the Connection Circles table during coffee hour or the link in the Friday Newsletter. CRE Farmer’s Market: Sunday Mornings Everyone is invited to bring fruits & vegetables, flowers, succulent clippings, or fresh eggs to church on Sunday mornings (there will be a table set-up in the garden to drop them off before services). During coffee hour, kids get to sell those garden donations to raise money for a CRE social justice project later in the year. Volunteers Needed: Tuesdays & Wednesdays Volunteers are needed at Casa de la Raza to help with packing food boxes and dividing up family size portions of frozen food donations. Deliveries are made to immigrant families unable to leave their homes due to ICE activities. If interested, please contact Kate Mead at klmead64@gmail.com.
This Week at a Glance Sunday, August 16th 10:00am – Sunday Service 11:00am – Coffee Hour CRE Farmer’s Market Connection Circle Sign-ups Thursday, August 20th 1:00pm – Drumming Circle Friday, August 21st 10:00am – Justice & Equity Team Saturday, August 22nd 3:00pm – Solo Connections Sunday, August 23rd 10:00am – Sunday Service CRE Farmer’s Market Connection Circle Sign-ups
Next Sunday’s Service: Pride Sunday with Rev. Julia Hamilton Pride (celebrated at the end of August here in Santa Barbara) is an opportunity to reaffirm that our congregation is more than just “welcoming” - we are loud and proud participants in the struggle for LGBTQ+ justice and joy! Join us to celebrate with a Glitter Blessing as we lift up the inherent worth and beauty of everyone.
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 842 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): Jeanette Iwatsuki, Janelle Goldhammer Coffee: Janis Connally, Terri Stelzer Usher(s): Charlie Stelzer, Rolf Brinckmann 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.