The Mission Of The Universalist Unitarian Church Of Santa Paula:
To Practice Inclusiveness, Seek Justice, And Foster Spirituality.



COVID-19 Response Updates
The church building Is now open to those fully masked and who are willing to socially distance. Services are also available on Zoom and Facebook Live.
For more information and the latest on COVID-19 and our community, click here.
Welcome to Our Church
We are a warm and friendly congregation. We welcome all who seek to find meaning in our busy lives, make connections with others and search for answers to life's big questions.
Upcoming Events
Meditation Online With Jim Cole

Day and Time
Wednesday Sep 20, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMDetails
The community is invited to a meditation practice group of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula led this evening by Jim Cole. Jim continues to lead on the church's Facebook page and on Zoom. In alternating weeks Rev. Maddie leads in person from the Parish Hall of UUCSP as well as exporting to Zoom and Facebook. This group celebrates the diversity of Buddhist and other meditative orientations and welcomes participants from all contemplative traditions to attend. The group is open to everyone regardless of funds; there is a free will offering ($5 suggested with checks made to UUCSP with Meditation in the memo line, mailed to UUCSP, 740 E Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060). The meeting will begin with a reading and short discussion, with a guided meditation leading us into a time of silence. There is power in meditating together. We would love to have you join us. For more information, leave a message on Reverend Maddie's private line at the church: 805-525-4620 or email minister@uucsp.org
Image by Lynn Holbein
Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
www.facebook.com/uucsp
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Service: Atlas of the Heart Book Discussion
Day and Time
Thursday Sep 21, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PMDetails
The Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula and its Caring Committee presents a book discussion group based on Brené Brown’s most recent book, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience. This group is now closed at ten participants. Meets in the Parish Hall.
Author Brené Brown not only shares interesting and useful ideas in her book, she also gives us an exhaustive spectrum of the key human emotions which we absolutely need to know. The tips and strategies shared by Dr Brown are key in helping us to understand more about ourselves as well as the people around us, culminating in emotional intelligence and mastery which helps us in both work and life. Facilitated by Rev. Maddie
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Service: How We Fight for Justice with Rev. Everett Howe and MaryBeth East

Day and Time
Sunday Sep 24, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AMDetails
Throughout our history, Unitarian Universalists and our spiritual ancestors have fought for justice, sometimes by building bridges across divisions and sometimes through direct conflict. In this service we’ll explore the tension between these two approaches to how a “gentle, angry people” can build beloved community in the face of oppression.
Everett Howe (he/him) is a UU minister based in San Diego. Rev. Howe continues to spend half his time with his first calling: research mathematics. He and his wife Isabella Furth have been members of the First UU Church of San Diego since 2005.
MaryBeth East, Worship Host
UUs of Our Past shared by Leslie Nichols
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Book Discussion: Mistakes and Miracles

Day and Time
Sunday Sep 24, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PMDetails
ALL CHURCH READ: MISTAKES AND MIRACLES
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT SESSION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH AFTER COFFEE HOUR
Every year we participate in the UUA’s Common Read which we call the All Church Read. The 2022–2023 UU Common Read is Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism by Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin, published by Skinner House Books. It is not too late to join us. Come be part of this important conversation in the minister's office. Facilitated this month by Rev. Betty.
The authors of this book, Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin—a white minister and a lay person of color—explored five UU congregations' journeys toward Beloved Community. In Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism (Skinner House Books, 2019), they shared the joy, disappointment, and growth these congregations found. The book is available from the UUA Bookstore at https://www.uuabookstore.org/Mistakes-and-Miracles-P18521.aspx or from Amazon where an Audible version is available.
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Meditation With Rev. Maddie
UU Church of Santa PaulaMeditation With Rev. Maddie

Day and Time
Wednesday Sep 27, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMDetails
NOTE: THIS IS IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM AND FACEBOOK. The community is invited to a meditation practice group of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula. Tonight the group is led by Rev. Maddie Sifantus in the Parish Hall. Enter the side door. The group continues to take place with Jim Cole on alternating weeks only online, on the church's Facebook page and on Zoom. This group celebrates the diversity of Buddhist and other meditative orientations and welcomes participants from all contemplative traditions to attend. The group is open to everyone regardless of funds; there is a free will offering ($5 suggested with checks made to UUCSP with Meditation in the memo line, mailed to UUCSP, 740 E Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060). The meeting will begin with a reading and short discussion, with a guided meditation leading us into a time of silence. There is power in meditating together. We would love to have you join us. For more information, leave a message on Reverend Maddie's private line at the church: 805-525-4620 or email minister@uucsp.org
Image by Lynn Holbein
Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
www.facebook.com/uucsp
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Mary A. Livermore Society

Day and Time
Thursday Sep 28, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PMDetails
The September Meeting of the Mary A. Livermore Society will be held in the Parish Hall on Thursday, September 28 at 11:30 AM. Bring a sack lunch. The program will feature the Reverends Phoebe and Seiki from the Pine Mountain Buddhist Temple which relocated from Pine Mountain to Santa Paula over a year ago. You can see more about the temple at https://pinemtnbuddhisttemple.org/
In person only
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Service: Blessing of the Animals with Rev. Maddie and Ken Stock
Day and Time
Sunday Oct 1, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AMDetails
In honor of Saint Frances of Assisi—patron saint of the animal, birds and ecology—Rev. Maddie will be performing a blessings of pets. To participate, pets must be socialized, contained or restrained by leash or animal carrier. Guests are encouraged to bring a picture instead for larger animals or those not suitable/comfortable for the indoor space in the Sanctuary. To honor pets who have passed away, we invite animal lovers to bring pictures for a memorial altar and send pictures for inclusion on the screen. With Ken Stock, Worship Host.
First Sunday Plate to Interface Youth and Family Services
In person and on Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Meditation with Jim Cole

Day and Time
Wednesday Oct 4, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMDetails
The community is invited to a meditation practice group of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula led this evening by Jim Cole. Jim continues to lead on the church's Facebook page and on Zoom. In alternating weeks Rev. Maddie leads in person from the Parish Hall of UUCSP as well as exporting to Zoom and Facebook. This group celebrates the diversity of Buddhist and other meditative orientations and welcomes participants from all contemplative traditions to attend. The group is open to everyone regardless of funds; there is a free will offering ($5 suggested with checks made to UUCSP with Meditation in the memo line, mailed to UUCSP, 740 E Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060). The meeting will begin with a reading and short discussion, with a guided meditation leading us into a time of silence. There is power in meditating together. We would love to have you join us. For more information, leave a message on Reverend Maddie's private line at the church: 805-525-4620 or email minister@uucsp.org
Image by Lynn Holbein
Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
www.facebook.com/uucsp
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Service: Keep On Movin’ Forward with Rev. Maddie and Ellen Deeb
Day and Time
Sunday Oct 8, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AMDetails
As we kick off our Canvas for 2023-2024, Rev. Maddie thinks about our vision for the coming year and how we can keep on moving forward with our vision, our missions and our dreams for the future of our beloved community, keeping in mind the heritage we have inherited from our past. Ellen Deeb, Worship Host
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Santa Paula Concert Series presents
SP Concert Series presents a Benefit for Decolores Multicultural Arts- Familia Moraza

Day and Time
Sunday Oct 8, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PMDetails
The Santa Paula Concert Series presents a benefit for Decolores Multicultural Folk Arts on Sunday, October 8 at 3 PM in the Sanctuary of the Church at 740 E Main Street, Santa Paula.
Conjunto Alma Grande de La Familia Moraza is a family musical group that has been performing “Traditional Regional Mexican Music” for the past 40 years and counting. The traditional acoustic sounds of the group’s instruments and voices have delighted audiences throughout the Tri-Counties. The sound of “ Conjunto Alma Grande” is centered in the melodic sound produced by the Mexican harp from the region of Veracruz executed by nephews Roman and Xocoyotzin Moraza, and complemented by strumming of the Jaranas, requinto Jarocho and guitar and strong melodic voices of brothers Carlos, Martin, Tony and Lencho with lead singer baby sister Carmelita. For many years Xavier Montes was too, a member of the family group, and the Moraza’s will forever be grateful of having enjoyed Big X’s beautiful voice and harp playing complimenting theirs.
A Tardeada with Conjunto Alma Grande
Join us for an afternoon concert with the
Familia Moraza a Celebration of Mexican Music
Rancheras, Boleros y Sones
A benefit for De Colores Multicultural Folk Arts
to continue offering free art classes to underserved youth, seniors and homeless in Ventura County.
RSVP (805) 616-8272 or (805) 525-8961
Admission is $25 donation at the door.
Ticket reservations bought online will be on a list at the door.
The Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula has been home to a number of musical events throughout its 129 year history. Tickets can be purchased on our website and credit cards, checks and cash are accepted at the door. Children under age 5 are free. Proceeds benefit the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula Building and Historical Fund. For more information, contact us.
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Meditation with Rev. Maddie
UU Church of Santa PaulaMeditation with Rev. Maddie

Day and Time
Wednesday Oct 11, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMDetails
NOTE: THIS IS IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM AND FACEBOOK. The community is invited to a meditation practice group of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula. Tonight the group is led by Rev. Maddie Sifantus in the Parish Hall. Enter the side door. The group continues to take place with Jim Cole on alternating weeks only online, on the church's Facebook page and on Zoom. This group celebrates the diversity of Buddhist and other meditative orientations and welcomes participants from all contemplative traditions to attend. The group is open to everyone regardless of funds; there is a free will offering ($5 suggested with checks made to UUCSP with Meditation in the memo line, mailed to UUCSP, 740 E Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060). The meeting will begin with a reading and short discussion, with a guided meditation leading us into a time of silence. There is power in meditating together. We would love to have you join us. For more information, leave a message on Reverend Maddie's private line at the church: 805-525-4620 or email minister@uucsp.org
Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
www.facebook.com/uucspImage by Lynn Holbein
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Service: UU Evangelism with Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford
Day and Time
Sunday Oct 15, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AMDetails
Why are many of us so reluctant to share our UU beliefs with other people? Maybe we are afraid they will think we are trying to proselytize like some of those “other” people. But if we have found the “good news” of our religious tradition meaningful, others might too. What have we got to lose? See you in church!
Taboo for All Ages The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter shared by Ruth Ricards
Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford and Worship Host, MaryBeth East
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Meditation with Jim Cole

Day and Time
Wednesday Oct 18, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMDetails
The community is invited to a meditation practice group of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula led this evening by Jim Cole. Jim continues to lead on the church's Facebook page and on Zoom. In alternating weeks Rev. Maddie leads in person from the Parish Hall of UUCSP as well as exporting to Zoom and Facebook. This group celebrates the diversity of Buddhist and other meditative orientations and welcomes participants from all contemplative traditions to attend. The group is open to everyone regardless of funds; there is a free will offering ($5 suggested with checks made to UUCSP with Meditation in the memo line, mailed to UUCSP, 740 E Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060). The meeting will begin with a reading and short discussion, with a guided meditation leading us into a time of silence. There is power in meditating together. We would love to have you join us. For more information, leave a message on Reverend Maddie's private line at the church: 805-525-4620 or email minister@uucsp.org
Image by Lynn Holbein
Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
www.facebook.com/uucsp
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Final Session of Atlas of the Heart
Day and Time
Thursday Oct 19, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PMDetails
The Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula and its Caring Committee presents a book discussion group based on Brené Brown’s most recent book, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience. This group is now closed at ten participants. Author Brené Brown not only shares interesting and useful ideas in her book, she also gives us an exhaustive spectrum of the key human emotions which we absolutely need to know. The tips and strategies shared by Dr Brown are key in helping us to understand more about ourselves as well as the people around us, culminating in emotional intelligence and mastery which helps us in both work and life.
This is the final session of this workshop series.
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Rise Up Singing

Day and Time
Friday Oct 20, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PMDetails
The community is invited to come to “Rise Up Singing” on Friday night, October 20 at 7 PM. In Person. Rise Up Singing is community circle singing for all ages convened by Maddie Sifantus. We sing a wide variety of songs including folk, pop, oldies, show tunes, scouting and campfire songs, hymns, etc. Everyone gets a chance to pick a song and we will try just about anything as long as someone is willing to lead it! Singers and instrumentalists of all ages are welcome to this informal and spirited evening of shared music making. We meet in the Parish Hall of the church which is located at 740 E Main Street in Santa Paula. Bring a copy of Rise Up Singing or Rise Again, if you have one or a song you want to share. Some copies of Rise Up Singing will be available. Join the fun we continue with our fun filled evenings of communal song. Join us and invite your friends who love to sing or play! For more information, call 805-525-4647 or email office@uucsp.org.
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Service: Addiction and Grace with Rev. Maddie Sifantus and Atul Ranchod
Day and Time
Sunday Oct 22, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AMDetails
What is the relationship between addiction and spiritual awareness? How can we support ourselves and family members in the many addictions not only to alcohol and drugs but to work, sex and more? Rev. Maddie Sifantus and Atul Ranchod
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7312177775
Meeting ID: 731 217 7775
Password uucsp93060
1+ 669 900 9128 to call in by phone
Phone password: 529593
Parking is available on the street in front of the church. In addition, there are a limited number of parking spaces behind the church in the alley-way. A handicap accessible entrance with an electric lift is available on the east side of the building next to the side entrance.
Our Congregation
Are you looking for a friendly home where you can explore the larger questions of life with those who bring many perspectives? Are you looking for a faith community that looks outward to the larger community to make a difference in the world? Are you looking for a place that you can share your gifts as well as your concerns and your interests? Would you like to find a place that has a Spiritual Growth Center so we can grow together in spirit and health? Would you like to be able to laugh and cry together, sing together and share our lives? Rev. Maddie would love to welcome you to our small but mighty faith home.

About Unitarian Universalism
We are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds, and people of many beliefs. We are brave, curious and compassionate thinkers and doers. We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and in the world.