Chalice News and Notes 1.23.26
Chalice Admin
We Nurture Spiritually Courageous People
Who Transform the World through
Justice and Compassion
Explore our website to learn more about everything we are doing.
Upcoming Events
Jan 25 - Mid-year Congregational Meeting - 11:30 -1:00 pm Sanctuary
Zoom link if you can’t be there in person: Mid-YearMtgZoomLInk
Jan 25 - Grateful Gatherings Drop In - 1:00 pm in the Nest (Change of time due to Congregational Meeting)
Jan 25 - Girl Scout Cookies for Sale - after mid-year meeting in the Breezeway
Jan 25 - Chalice Climate Action Team (CCAT) - 1:30 on Zoom
Feb 1 - Discovery for Newcomers - 11:30 am in the Nest
Please RSVP Here: Discovery4NewcomersRSVP
Feb 1 - Chalice Book Study - 12-2 pm in the Sanctuary
Feb 7 - Super (IceCream) Bowl: Multi generational sundae bar & fun filled gathering - 1:00 -4:00 pm onsite at Chalice
Feb 7 - Community Forum: “Burned by Billionaires” - 7:00 pm on Zoom
Please register for the forum in advance here:
https://tinyurl.com/BurnedByBillionaires
Feb 13 - China Through My Eyes with Susan Seats - 6 pm Potluck, 7 pm presentation at Chalice
SUNDAY SERVICE
Onsite & Online ~ 10 am
Reverend Tom Owen-Towle
Hopers Unite!
There is no virtue more crucial at this juncture in human history than the steadfast practice of hopefulness! It is the energizing power and presence we desperately need as we launch 2026, the 250th anniversary year of the founding of the United States of America.
The registration link below will allow you to register for the service with your preferred email address. A service link will then be sent to that email. This service link will be active 5 minutes prior to the service. As an added benefit, you’ll be sent a recording of the service after it is done streaming!
Registration Link for the StreamYard Meeting:
You can also view our Livestream on FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChaliceUUF
Guest Minister: The Rev. Dr. Tom Owen-Towle was ordained in 1967 and is currently dwelling with his wife, Loretta Solsbery, in Santa Barbara. Tom is still mentoring, singing in nursing homes, and preaching, hither and yon. Owen-Towle is the author of two dozen books on progressive spirituality and social justice, and his latest book, Living with Purpose and Integrity: A Fresh Perspective on the Ten Commandments (2025), is currently available at the uuabookstore.org.
It has been several seasons since Owen-Towle last preached in Thousand Oaks, and he’s excited to be returning to our pulpit during his homestretch.
Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
January 25 after service in the Sanctuary
Please mark your calendars for the Chalice 2026 Mid-Year Meeting on Sunday, January 25th, at 11:30 AM, following the morning worship service. The meeting will be available in-person and via ZOOM, and we encourage in-person attendance to fully engage with the community.
You will find the meeting Agenda below:
Minister Report via Recorded Video
President and Treasurer Reports
Nomination & Vote for the Leadership Cultivation Committee (LCC):
Claudia Barton
Marcy Wingard
Matt Petras
Barbara Gardner (1 yr term)
Your participation is a treasure; together, we shape the future of our community. We look forward to seeing you.
In service and community,
Annie Barker, President
Rev. Nica & the Chalice Board of Trustees
Chalice Lighting
To start your day, a meeting, or before a meal
More than relic—
Living symbol:
Beacon to the bewildered
illuminating refuge;
Light of love
calling to community;
Signal of sacred mission.
Shine now in the world,
Set being ablaze,
Kindle our courage,
Ignite intuition.
Spark our hearts to service.
Glow hope.
~ Mary Shelden
Grateful Gathering Drop in Circle - All Are Welcome!
January 25 - 1:00 to 2:30pm
(special time change due to congregational meeting)
in the Nest
Join this month’s Grateful Living Circle. This drop in group will offer the warm bond of small groups we are all familiar with, while bringing fresh new material from Grateful Living. Together, we will be in awe of the beauty around us, hold one another gently in the tender moments, and be open to all the wondrous things waiting just around the corner as we explore what it means to live a life of gratitude.
This gathering is open to anyone who would like to participate.
We hope to see you there!
Chalice Climate Action Team Meeting
Meets 4th Sunday of the Month
next meeting Sunday, January 25
@ 1:30 pm
(time change due to congregational meeting)
Join us for a discussion on action items to help tackle the climate crisis.
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/873183426?pwd=K3FiL1VrYVJDM25zdjdTdHZXb0E4QT09
Or by smart phone - One tap mobile+16699009128,,873183426#
Or dial in: +1 669 900 9128
Meeting ID: 873 183 426
Password: 715302
CCAT: Respecting the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part, the Chalice Climate Action Team educates ourselves and connects with others to advocate for a just and sustainable future for life on Earth.
Discovery for Newcomers
February 1 - 11:30 am in the Nest
This is an opportunity for visitors who are new to our community to find out more about Unitarian Universalism, about Chalice and about all of the ways you can create connection and meaning through our programs. Get to know us better and get your questions answered at this meeting after service upstairs in the Nest (to the right at the top of the stairs).
RSVP Here: Discovery4NewcomersRSVP
Chalice Book Study Continues
studying “Social Change Now” by Deepa Iyer
Meetings on Feb 1 & Feb 15th
12-2 in the Sanctuary
Super (ICE CREAM) Bowl Party
February 7 from 1-4 pm at Chalice
RSVP Here:
https://chaliceuu.breezechms.com/form/a0723766879637
Burned By Billionaires
How Concentrated Wealth and Power are Ruining Our Lives and Planet
with
Chuck Collins
Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good, Institute for Policy Studies
Saturday, February 7th – 7:00 p.m. PT (via Zoom)
Billionaire power touches you – where you live, what you eat, what news you consume, what you pay for housing and even pet care! In his latest book, Burned by Billionaires, Chuck Collins exposes the hidden impact of America’s ultra wealthy on our social, economic, political, and ecological landscape. Hear Collins make the case – as well as share prescriptions for creating a society of universal abundance instead of abundant inequality!
Please register for the forum in advance here:
https://tinyurl.com/BurnedByBillionaires
The Ventura County Interfaith Community
will be hosting an
Introduction to Judaism on February 10th
On February 10th at 7:00 PM at Temple Ner Ami (515 Temple Ave, Camarillo, CA), the Ventura County Interfaith Community will present an introduction to Judaism led by Rabbi Michael Lotker, the Community Rabbi for the Jewish Federation for Ventura County.
More information is available at https://vcic.info/Judaism.
The Racial & Cultural Justice Team hosts
China Through My Eyes
with
Susan Seats
Friday, February 13 at Chalice
6 pm Potluck Dinner
7 pm Program
Susan Seats has recently visited China. She has an affection for the country as she had lived and taught there for 3 years. Her passion has been connecting with people globally heart to heart, embracing the quote by Einstein that, “Peace is never achieved by force. It can only be achieved through understanding.” Susan would like to give us a glimpse of China to be able to see it through her eyes and to hopefully come to a better understanding by seeing the beauty of its culture and people. She will be bringing her Chinese friend Hailing, to share the meaning and rituals of the Chinese New Year.
Chalice member Susan Seats taught Conversational English at Hubei University of Technology in Wuhan, China for three years.
Please bring a dish to share with others for the potluck at 6:00!
Winter Retreat at Camp de Benneville Pines
February 27th-March 1st, 2026.
Registration is now open! Click HERE to register
Sabbatical FAQ’s
Reverend Nica’s sabbatical started on December 26, 2025. We have provided some answers to most frequently asked questions about her time away on our website (follow the link at the bottom of this post). Please note that in her absence, you can contact pastoral care at pastor...@chaliceuu.org; Ana Johnson our administrator at ad...@chaliceuu.org; Annie Barker, our president at Pres...@chaliceuu.org and the board at bo...@chaliceuu.org
Committee on Shared Ministry at CO...@chaliceuu.org Other contact information and answers to questions are available at the link below:
https://www.chaliceuu.org/blog/minister-sabbatical/
Democracy In Action
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the political climate and unsure of how to take action, you're not alone. To help sift through all of the information, the Democracy in Action Team is sending out details each week on what actionable items you can take to fight political division and its threats to equal rights, our values, and democracy. It lists upcoming in-person, local events, as well as important calls you can make to your representatives. If you'd like to receive these emails, please email Kelly Niebergall at kellyni...@gmail.com. Let's resist together.
Love In Action Link
Looking for ways to put your love into action? Check out these opportunities!
https://bit.ly/LoveInActionOpportunities
Chalice has many Social Action groups
to engage with on a monthly basis!
Racial & Cultural Justice Team: 1st Wednesday Zoom meetings at 5:30pm each month.
The Citizens Climate Lobby Meeting: 2nd Saturday of the month - 9 am
Chalice Climate Action Team Meeting: 4th Sunday of the Month @ 12:30 Community Forum Team Meeting: 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Pride Squad Meeting (LGBTQ+ and allies): 2nd Sunday of the month - noon
Contact Justicecom...@chaliceuu.org for more information
Consider joining the Chalice Social Justice Facebook group. To learn about latest events supporting Black Lives Matter, Climate Justice, and other concerns, click on:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1260868657268458/
Put this on your Calendar!
Joys & Sorrows
Please email any joys and sorrows prior to service by 8 am on Sunday mornings to this address: j...@chaliceuu.org.
You may still fill out cards if you are attending in person.
Visiting or New to Chalice?
If you would like to connect and share more about yourself, take this survey: Let's Get Connected
Stay informed as a Chalice Member
Leadership Documents can be accessed from our website, click on the Members pull-down, then Members Resources to reach our Google Members Shared Drive. Members Shared Drive
Get more involved, connected and learn more about Chalice structure & Governance as a member: view links here: Making Connections 2026
We hope this is helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you need assistance or have questions: Pres...@chaliceuu.org, and Trea...@chaliceuu.org for Financial questions.
If you have special news to share with the congregation in Sunday services please write to j...@chaliceuu.org.
Or reach out to us here:
Chalice Office # (805) 498-9548 - Messages will be checked regularly.
Rev. Nica Eaton, our Minister, is currently on sabbatical, in her absence you can reach our congregation president, Annie Barker, at pres...@chaliceuu.org
Anthony Concepcion, Music Director: musicd...@chaliceuu.org
Samantha Dickerson, Director of Wisdom Exploration: d...@chaliceuu.org
Ana Krista Johnson, Office Administrator: ad...@chaliceuu.org or Bookkeeper, bookk...@chaliceuu.org
Explore our website to learn more about everything we are doing.