Chalice News and Notes 1.9.26
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 10 - Citizen’s Climate Lobby - 9 am hybrid
Jan 11 - Bagel Buddies - after service
Jan 11 - Pride Squad Meeting - noon, upstairs in room 1
Jan 11 - Open Mic Nite - 6 pm in the Lounge
Jan 16 - PIJ Event “A Future in Gaza” - 7 pm on Zoom
Please register in advance here: https://tinyurl.com/AFutureinGaza
Jan 18 - Book Study: “Social Change Now” by Deepa Iyer - 12-2 pm Sanctuary
Jan 18 - Voices at Dusk - 5 pm in the Lounge
Jan 19 - MLK Freedom March & Chalice Tabling at Ventura County’s 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - 8:00 am offsite
Jan 25 - Mid-year Congregational Meeting - 11:30 -1:00 pm Sanctuary
Jan 25 - Grateful Gatherings Drop In - 1:00 pm in the Nest (Change of time due to Congregational Meeting)
Feb 1 - Discovery for Newcomers - 11:30 am in the Nest
Feb 7 - Super (IceCream) Bowl: Multi generational sundae bar & fun filled gathering - 1:00 -4:00 pm onsite at Chalice
SUNDAY SERVICE
Onsite & Online ~ 10 am
Kusula Bhikshu & Merlin Snider
Is It Better to Be or Do?
Buddhist monk, Kusula Bhikshu, shares his journey of wanting to be a Buddhist and how practicing Buddhism has changed life in so many ways. He will share stories and insights from his book "Urban Dharma" published last year.
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
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
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/
Citizen’s Climate Lobby
January 10th 9 am
Citizen’s Climate Lobby
Hybrid - upstairs room 1 and on Zoom
Meets Saturday, January 10th at 9am
Meetings are open to anyone interested in saving our planet!
Here is the sign-on info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82274752266?pwd=YUR1enR2RXFQLzN1a0xTK0NiYXRqZz09
Or:
Meeting ID: 822 7475 2266
Passcode: 271577
Join us for a lunchtime meet-up on
Sunday, January 11th , 12-1 pm, in Room 1.
Help us to organize and lead the many events and activities offered throughout the year that support and affirm our fabulous LGTBQIA+ community.
Are you a planner? An organizer? A historian? An excellent cheerleader? Share ideas, and find out what our LGTBQIA+ family and friends need from us now. We hope you can join the squad for a fruitful and fun filled meeting!
'Separation of Church and State'
Book Talk with John Fugelsang
Join John Fugelsang and 805 Speakeasy for an online event on Sunday, 1/11/26 at 4pm.
Sharp humor, moral clarity, zero patience for hypocrisy. He’ll dive into his new book ‘Separation of Church and Hate’. Smart, spicy, and deeply necessary.
Hosted by 805 Speakeasy from the Conejo Valley:
Free! Register now: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AtzLxrWfTxy-DHo1eHgN0w
The Racial & Cultural Justice Team hosts
A Palestine/ Israel Justice (PIJ) Event:
A Future in Gaza: Building on Shared History
with
Reverend Dr. Kathy McCallie
Friday, January 16 - 7pm PT (via zoom)
Rev. Dr. McCallie will present a review of contemporary history and politics of Palestine and Israel with a focus on ongoing grassroots peacemaking efforts. McCallie teaches seminary courses in the contested territory of Palestine and Israel and provides knowledge of the current geo-political and ethical issues. She explores military industrial economic drivers in the U.S. economy that contribute to the conflict. Her studies include wisdom of Jewish thinkers, leaders in the movements of Palestinian liberation theology, and interfaith peacemakers to connect prophetic teachings with ongoing struggles for justice. McCallie earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma with special focus on Latin America and the Middle East. She is a member and supporter of Jewish Voice for Peace and is committed to fighting antisemitism and islamophobia.
Reverend McCallie is Associate Professor of Ministerial Leadership and Ethics,
Phillips Theological Seminary.
Please register in advance here: https://tinyurl.com/AFutureinGaza
Chalice Book Study
Will read “Social Change Now” by Deepa Iyer
Meetings on Jan 18, Feb 1 & Feb 15th
12-2 in the Sanctuary
The book is available for purchase at the UUA bookstore linked here:
UUA In Spirit Bookstore Social Change Now
If you would like to participate but cannot purchase the book or need help getting it, please contact Sam Dickerson, our Director of Wisdom Exploration, at d...@chaliceuu.org
This quarterly community experience centers on music and poetry followed by a potluck. Bring a dish to share or just yourself to listen and enjoy the good company! Music and poetry starts at 5pm at Chalice with the potluck to follow.
Save the Date!
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.
Note Regarding Childcare! If you are planning to attend in person, we will offer a supervised play/hangout space in Room 4. Space is limited! For the safety of our young UUs, and out of respect for those attending the meeting, we ask that children and youth not be left unattended during the meeting. There is also the option of attending the meeting via Zoom if you prefer to take your family home after the service.
If you would like to reserve your spot(s), please email Sam Dickerson at d...@chaliceuu.org no later than Wednesday, January 21, at 3pm.
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!
Discovery for Newcomers
February 1 - 11:30 am in the Nest
This is an opportunity for visitors who are new to our community to have an opportunity 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).
Super (ICE CREAM) Bowl Party
February 7 from 1-4 pm at Chalice
RSVP Here:
https://chaliceuu.breezechms.com/form/a0723766879637
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.
Contact Justice...@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.