January 2022
message from charla
“One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.” Henry David Thoreau
At the December Why Were We (U)Us? young adult zoom group, we considered the idea of a living a life of purpose. As in so many things, these twentysomething adults were wise beyond their years on this topic. A couple of them had a clear vision of their purpose, but most felt overwhelmed by the idea of finding a single PURPOSE. They responded by turning that capital “P” in Purpose into a lower-case “p” ─ a more prosaic and achievable purpose, one that could be lived every day.
One 26 year old said his purpose was to figure out what kind of person he wanted to be and treat other people accordingly. Another said he didn’t know what his Purpose was, but he strived to do whatever he was doing WITH purpose. Like I said, these folks are wise beyond their years. Perhaps their UU upbringing has something to do with that.
In January we will be exploring what it means to live with intention. What would your days look like if you truly lived into our values? What would you prioritize if your calendar and To-Do list were blank? What stands in the way of prioritizing what’s most important to you? And how can we model for our children what a life lived with intention looks like?
Yours in faith,
Charla
mark your calendars
here's what's coming up in re this month
sundays
- January 2: Family Worship & Fire Communion
- January 9: CRE classes with Christina & Janey
- January 16: Children's Worship Service
- January 23:
- CRE classes with Christina for 1st - 4th graders;
- 5th-6th grade OWL begins 10:00 AM;
- COA begins 11:30 AM
- January 30: CRE classes
and more ...
- January 5: Parent Circle Zoom Group
- January 9:
- 5th-6th grade OWL parent meeting
- COA registration deadline
- Why Were We (U)Us? Young Adult Zoom
- January 16: 5th-6th grade OWL registration deadline
Fire Communion
Family Worship Service
Sunday, January 2
Children and parents are invited to join CRE teacher, Christina Boardman for an hour to reflect on the old year – literally burning away that which you no longer need – and welcome the new year.
Childcare with stories and play time in Starr King for children 5 and under.
In order to keep everyone safe, we ask that all who attend be vaccinated against COVID-19, and that everyone wear a mask. Thank you for caring for each other in this way.
"THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT PARENT. SO JUST BE A REAL ONE." - SUE ATKINS
RE PARENT CIRCLE
wednesday, january 7, 7:00 PM on zoom
Meeting ID: 974 9442 4620; Passcode: 051875
Our monthly zoom parent circle begins with a chalice lighting, brief RE announcements, and a few good, deep breaths! The space will then be open to participants to check-in and share the joys and challenges of raising children. This is an opportunity to give and receive support, encouragement, and resources from peers in parenting. These are challenging times for families. Laughter and tears are welcome!
what is owl?
parent information meeting for 5th-6th grade OWL
SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 11:15 AM
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is fact based, age appropriate sexuality education designed to give children accurate information for healthy sexual development and decision making skills. Mark your calendars for the January 9 parent information meeting. This program is open to the public so invite your friends to the parent meeting.
Registration deadline: January 16, 2022
Program dates: January 23 – March 13, Sunday mornings. 10:00 – 11:00 AM
coming of age 2022
for 8th & 9th grade students
Coming of Age is a Unitarian Universalist program designed to help 13 & 14 year olds discern their values and beliefs as they begin to leave childhood behind. In short, they will be guided to discover what it is they love and value most and, how they will begin to live into those values and beliefs.
COA includes immersive nature experiences, social justice action, and working with a one-on-one mentor to create a personal Credo. The program culminates in May with a Sunday morning service planned and conducted by the COA participants. Contact Charla for more information about the program and registration information.
Registration deadline: January 9, 2022
Program dates: January 23 – May 22, Sundays mornings (times vary)
contact charla@ussb.org for complete calendar and registration information
Why were we (U)Us?
a UU monthly zoom group for 18-28 year olds
january 9, 6:00 PM
Meeting ID: 876 5509 4149; Passcode: 372586
USSB young adults may or may not still live in Santa Barbara, but this monthly Zoom group is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected with each other.
We begin with a half and hour of short readings and discussion, and then the group is open for socializing and games!
USSB JOURNALING HOUR
tuesdays at 7:00 PM on zoom
Meeting ID: 848 5179 9858; Passcode: 423891
Spend an hour a week dedicated to personal journaling with a wonderful group of people in the comfort of your own home. An optional writing prompt will be offered and then we’ll turn off our cameras and just write together. Facilitated by Chuck Flacks.
sunday snapshots
december holiday craft fair
ussb little free library ribbon cutting
8th-9th grade owl graduates!
winter solstice sunset at the beach
Credits:
Created with images by PIRO4D - "new year's eve new year's greetings new" • hkama - "new year new beginnings 2022" • Scred - "fire flame fiery" • Anemone123 - "team spirit cohesion teamwork" • anankkml - "common barn owl ( Tyto albahead ) isolated"