Welcome to our vibrant, diverse, and dynamic community. We have a variety of events, groups, and volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please contact our Outreach & Membership Manager, Kiarra Watson. See our calendar for information on dates and times.

Groups at USSB

This is a list of our current groups. For information on starting your own member-led group, contact the office. USSB groups are open to all members, friends and visitors.

Hospitality:

Sunday Morning Hospitality Team

Creates a friendly, welcoming space before, during, and after the worship service. There are a few ways to get involved on Sundays!

• Ushers: Assists with welcoming all as people arrive, ensuring a safe space, and other tasks during the service.
• Coffee Hosts: Serves coffee or hot water during Coffee Hour while being a friendly presence. No barista experience necessary!
• Welcome Table: Provides information to visitors about USSB such as congregational life, events, and activities. 
• Tech Support: Assists with slides and other tech-related tasks during the service.

Justice & Action:

Chumash Outreach Group

Promotes learning, partnership, and meaningful action in support of the Chumash community.

Commission on Inclusion & Belonging

Congregational anti-racism and anti-oppression work in service of beloved community.

Earth Advocates

Educate, inspire, and take action towards promoting ecological sustainability.

Justice & Equity Team

Every Friday we gather online to discuss the justice issues of the day and organize for action! The Friday Zoom meeting is facilitated by a small group of lay leaders with Rev. Julia Hamilton attending as she is able. You can learn more here.

Warming Center Team

Makes and services food for our winter shelter program, the Freedom Warming Centers. Activated on an as-needed basis.

Music & Arts:

Arts and Craft Zoom Meeting

Meets every Monday. Bring your art projects and share them with the group! 

Chancel Choir 

Our non-audition choir shares the musical responsibilities for most services. Our membership has a wide range of ability yet still maintains a high-performance standard.

Drumming Group

The USSB Drumming Group is a relaxing place to come and learn music in community. We will learn note values, rhythms varying in complexity, and group performance dynamics. Our circle is for everyone, regardless of experience or prior knowledge, to explore creativity in music together. We’ve got instruments to use or bring your own. The group meets every Thursday in the USSB Sanctuary.

Spirituality & Exploration:

Children’s Religious Exploration

Our children are taught progressive Unitarian Universalist values to encourage a lifelong spiritual search for truth and meaning. We also familiarize them with the spiritual practices of the world’s great faiths to foster religious literacy.

Adult Religious Exploration

ARE supports personal spiritual journeys by providing opportunities to expand our knowledge, explore ideas and feelings, and grow emotionally and spiritually in a supportive community. From discussion groups, to lectures, to meditation, to community services and more, ARE has much to offer adults beyond our Sunday services. 

Worship Arts Team

Community & Connection:

The Alliance

A monthly social gathering that provides an oasis of good works and learning.

Connection Circles

Two times a year we offer members the opportunity to join a Connection Circle – a small group of six to twelve people who meet twice a month, for an hour-and-a-half, for five months. These small groups provide an opportunity for individuals to build trust and make deep and meaningful connections which sustain them and our community as a whole. Groups are organized for sharing and listening. Guided by a facilitator, group members engage in reflection on the monthly themes. Participants can choose between joining a group that meets in person or online.

Fashion Fling

Once a year, we have a clothing drive wherein we take clothing donations and have a fundraiser. It’s a great way to meet people and share your love for fashion. Volunteers are needed for donation collection as well as event help.

Solo Connections

A weekly online meet-up for those who live alone or whose situation is similar to living alone.

Congregational Life & Service:

Annual Auction Team

This team works all year to plan, coordinate and execute USSB’s annual online fundraising auction, with dozens of virtual events, art, and more donated by USSB members. The event takes place in the fall.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is elected to represent the congregation in ensuring appropriate governance and Society performance through:

• Long-term visioning while in conversation with the congregation
• Governance according to the Society’s Ends
• Monitoring the Lead Minister’s Means towards achieving the Society’s Ends

Care Team

Offering support for members going through a difficult time or transition.

Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM)

Supporting healthy communication and conflict resolution in our congregation.

Flower Committee

Organize and arrange all of our beautiful flower displays.

Membership Ministry Team

Our Membership Ministry Team is dedicated providing a connected environment for members and visitors alike. We encourage and help people navigate their way from their first visit to Membership and beyond. If you have found your spiritual home here and would like to share it with others, this is the volunteer committee for you. The Membership Ministry Team meets once a month online. 

Nominating Committee

Responsible for finding candidates for vacancies on the board of trustees.