A Welcoming Congregation
The Welcoming Congregation Committee and program at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula were formed in the early spring of 2001. The program is dedicated to creating, fostering, and maintaining awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues as they relate to our Church’s members and potential members. On June 10, 2001, the congregation voted unanimously to become a Welcoming Congregation and we received our Welcoming Congregation Renewal from the UUA in 2023. We at UUCSP have for years performed union ceremonies and incorporated LGBTQ people in all aspects of church life.
Sunday Plate
The first Sunday of each month, the entire offering is donated to a local non-profit organization. The recipients are chosen by the Social Concerns Action Committee and change quarterly. In the past, we have supported Spirit of Santa Paula, Interface, Poder Popular, De Colores Multicultural Arts, the House Farm Workers, Santa Paula Education Foundation, and many more.
One Billion Rising
For many years, the Social Concerns Action Committee and members of the congregation have collaborated with the Santa Paula Ministerial Association and community partners in the International effort against gender-based violence, One Billion Rising (originally called V-Day) on or near Valentine’s Day. This event is on hiatus.
MLK Jr. Jazz Requiem and Tribute
Every year on MLK weekend, the Social Concerns Action committee supports the Santa Paula MLK Jr. Jazz Requiem and Tribute, along with the Santa Paula Ministerial Association, Latino Town Hall, LULAC, CAUSE and other community partners.
Guest at Your Table
Every winter the Social Concerns Action Committee coordinates the Guest At Your Table fundraiser for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). The UUSC funds justice projects around the world.
Immigration and Farmworkers Rights
The SCAC has long been concerned with issues around immigration, detainees, DACA, Dreamers, Farmworkers Housing and other issues experienced by the Farmworkers living among us and providing food for the tables of America. We are especially blessed to have our Affiliate Community Minister for Social Justice, the Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford, with us who brings her wisdom, experience and leadership as well as her work with CLUE and others.
