Welcome to our vibrant, diverse, and dynamic community. We have a variety of events, groups, and volunteer opportunities. See below for descriptions of our member-led groups and volunteer opportunities. 

Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara Groups 

This is a list of our ongoing groups and events. Please see our calendar for the most up-to-date information on times and links. For information on joining the groups below, or in starting your own member-led group, contact the office. These groups are open to all USSB members, friends and visitors. Sign up here to receive our weekly email.

Sunday Morning Hospitality Team 
The Sunday Morning Hospitality Team creates a friendly, welcoming space before, during, and after the worship service. There are a few ways to get involved! 

-Ushers: Assists with setting the space inside the sanctuary before the service and welcomes members, visitors, friends before the service and other tasks during the service.

-Coffee Hosts: Assists with dispensing coffee (or hot water for our tea drinkers!) during Coffee Hour and being a friendly presence. No barista experience necessary!

-Welcome Table: Provides information to visitors about USSB such as congregational life, events, and activities. 

For more information on becoming a part of the Sunday Morning Hospitality Team, please contact Outreach & Membership Coordinator Angie Swanson-Kyriaco. 

Arts and Craft Zoom Meeting

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

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.

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. For more information, contact co-coordinators Carol Schwyzer or Becky Blake.

Drumming Group

The USSB drum circle 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 and masks are optional. On the first and third Thursdays of each month instructor Tim MacDonald joins us.

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.

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. 

Solo Connection Meet-Up

Connect with other solo folks. This group meets online. For more information, contact Keith Strohmaier.

More Unitarian Society Groups & Volunteer Opportunities 

USSB offers a variety of opportunities to support the mission, connect with others, and have fun!

• The Alliance
• Children’s Religious Exploration Volunteers
• Chancel Choir
• Contemporary Issues Forum
• Earth Advocates
• Fashion Fling (annual clothing exchange)
• Flower Committee
• Justice Choir
• Kitchen Volunteers
• Office Volunteers
• Warming Center Hospitality Team
• Worship Arts Committee