RE Family News A monthly guide to Religious Exploration for children, youth, and families at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara

February 2025

Dear RE Families,

We need each other now more than ever. Together we create a community of care that can hold sorrow and joy in the arms of love. This month you will hear stories from our youth about their trip to the La Cobina migrant shelter in Mexicali, explore all kinds of love for Valentine's Day, enjoy a parents' day out while we watch the kids, and learn more ways to take action locally to live into our call to build a more just and loving world.

The work and the joy are better together.

Yours in community,

Charla

Mark your calendars for these February dates

• February 1: UU 101 class, 10:00 am -12:00 pm
• February 8: Parents' Day Out, 3:00-6:00 pm
• February 2 & 9: Soul Matters lessons in CRE
• February 9: YoUUth Group Mexicali trip worship service
• February 16: All Kinds of Love service and CRE class

Children's Religious Exploration

Soul Matters Lessons on the theme of Inclusion, Feb 2 & 9

Through Soul Matters stories and activities, K-6th grade RE kids will begin to explore how the practice of inclusion shows up in their lives. This month, at its core, is about noticing and feeling the pain that comes from being left out and unseen. We also hope to reconnect with memories and stories of the people in our lives who included us and helped us feel fully seen.

All Kinds of Love Sunday, Feb 16

Love is at the center of our UU values. We will explore some of the many ways we can share love with our family, friends, and community this Sunday. Valentine crafts and treats will round out the morning!

Soulful Play Sunday, Feb 23

We'll light our chalice and talk about the Time for All Ages. We'll reflect on some good things in our lives. And then we'll play!! I can't think of a better way to nurture friendships and strengthen community than playing together. In Children's RE, we make time and space for this important spiritual practice.

Loving Childcare Every Sunday

Loving childcare is available on Sunday mornings in Starr King for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-5 from 9:45-11:30. Most Sundays, children play outside in the Starr King play yard in the sandbox, on the swings, the zipline, or other fun activities. Starr King even has a creek! You are welcome to bring a snack for your child, but please note that Starr King is a nut free zone. Our childcare staff include Sydney Tomlinson, Childcare Coordinator, and Emma & Dillon Sunday morning staff.

Children under two are invited to remain in the sanctuary with their adults. We have a baby corner with toys in the back of the sanctuary and we do NOT believe that children should be seen and not heard!

YoUUth Group

Reflecting on our Service Trip to Mexicali

Sunday, February 9

Youth from USSB and Trinity Episcopal will share reflections of their trip to the La Cobina Posada migrant shelter over MLK weekend. Bearing witness and sharing stories of the families we meet at the shelter are important components of our service trip. Now more than ever, stories that humanize migrants are called for to inspire us to take action to defend the many vulnerable people in our community.

For more information about the La Cobina shelter and our guide, Sr. Suzanne Jabro of Border Compassion, visit https://border-compassion.org/

Freedom Warming Center

USSB YoUUth group is not on-call in February. The next on-call date is Friday, March 7 if the Freedom Warming Center if the Unitarian Society is activated on that night. Our YG meal team coordinator, Kelly Bedard, will contact you with details if we are activated.

Stay tuned for information about study nights, a sleepover with Trinity, and other upcoming YoUUth Group activities!

Contact YoUUth Group Coordinator Christina Boardman at christina@ussb.org for up-to-date information about YG and to get on our YG WhatsApp

UU 101 Class

Saturday, February 1st from 10:00am-12:00pm

Rev. Julia will host a UU 101 class on Saturday, February 1st from 10:00am-12:00pm in Jefferson Hall. If you are new to Unitarian Universalism and/or USSB, this is a great class to take to learn more and meet other members of the community! All are welcome to attend no matter how long you have been involved with USSB! Space is limited. Questions? Email Outreach & Membership Coordinator Angie Swanson-Kyriaco angie@ussb.org.

parents day out!

Saturday, February 8

An early valentine for CRE parents! Janey and Sydney will provide childcare and pizza for families with children between the ages of 2-11 on Saturday, February 8, 3:00-6:00 PM in Starr King. Parents are invited to use the time as they see fit: a date with your partner, an afternoon with friends, or a long nap! Whatever you need most, this is our Valentine to you. Please RSVP by February 6 at the link below!