Work That is Real
Detroit Industry Murals, Diego Rivera
Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
September 6, 2026
“Work That is Real” The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara September 6, 2026 Worship Team: Rev. Julia Hamilton, Lead Minister Alex Overbey, Worship Associate Charla Bregante, Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration Matthew Griset, Music Director Brent Wells, Drums Kalli Talafus, Vocals Heather Levin, Pianist Gathering Song #318 We Would Be One Words of Welcome Bell Ring Chalice Lighting One Good Thing Birthday Blessing Song #157 Step by Step the Longest March 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 “Pound a Week Rise” by Siobhan Miller 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 “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton Sermon “Work That is Real” Song #1028 Fire of Commitment 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! 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. Today is the last Sunday! 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. Vespers Returns September 15th Feeling overwhelmed by the world? Need a place to center, slow down, and refresh your spirit? Join us for a candlelit evening of easy singing, silence, and restorative meditation. All are welcome – no singing (or meditation experience necessary). Childcare is available upon request. The service will be from 6:15-7:00pm, the Sanctuary doors will open at 6:00pm. Vespers will take place on the third Tuesday of every month.
This Week at a Glance Sunday, September 6th 10:00AM – Sunday Service 11:00AM – Coffee Hour Thursday, September 10th 1:00PM – Drumming Circle Friday, September 11th 10:00AM – Justice & Equity Team Saturday, September 12th 3:00PM – Solo Connections Sunday, September 13th 8:30AM - Pancake Breakfast 10:00AM – Sunday Service Ingathering 11:00AM – Coffee Hour
Next Sunday’s Service: Flowing Towards the Future with Rev. Julia Hamilton This Sunday is our annual “Ingathering” service (which includes our beloved Water Ceremony) which takes place every September here at USSB and in Unitarian Universalist congregations around the country. Come and be refreshed by the spirit of this gathered community!
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 869 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): Ann Harbaugh, JoAnn Magistad Coffee: Florence Michel Usher(s): Tom Moore, 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.