CURRENT NEWS
Like to Hike? See our Hiking page and/or contact Jim Wallis. If you are interested in easier-going strolls, see our Amblers page and contact LindaBeth.
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Book Reading Event: Public Reading of “Trumped Up: Trump’s First Term and the Beginning of America’s End” by Spike Dolomite. Saturday, August 30, 2 – 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. RSVP to spikedolomite@gmail.com. Books available for $20 (cash, check, PayPal or Zelle) www.spikedolomite.com
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Family Retreat/Cluster Camp Registration is Open! September 26 to September 28 at Camp de Benneville Pines
: Plan to join members of Emerson and other UU area congregations for a weekend of fun and fellowship at Camp de Benneville Pines near Big Bear Lake. Use these registration materials to make your reservation. Financial assistance is available. Please let Leslie Reuter know if you have any questions or need information. For more information, see this website’s News in More Detail page
Leslie also plans to lead a field trip to an Apple orchard Sunday afternoon following our camp weekend for those who join us. See Emerson Fall Auction events for more details.
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Make your pledge for 2025-6 now at http://pledge.emersonuuc.or
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Help spread the word about Emerson UUC! Find out more on this website’s Outreach page and/or contact Tess Lotta at outreach@emersonuuc.org
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Emerson UU Board Meetings (Open to All)
1st TUESDAY of each month, 6 – 7:30 pm. (Zoom 1)
Next Meeting: TUESDAY, September 2 at 6 pm (Zoom 1)
February 2025 Congregational Meeting Minutes
June 8, 2025 Congregational Meeting Minutes (Draft))
August 2025 Board Minutes (Draft)
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LINK to EMERSON FACEBOOK PAGE: HERE.
LINK to EMERSON INSTAGRAM: HERE.
Also, Emerson has a private FaceBook page for members and friends of the church. If you would like to join the Emersonians Facebook page, please ask a church member to invite you.
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Some upcoming AUCTION EVENTS are still OPEN: Sign up with the event host. Click HERE FOR MORE DETAILS about these and other events. Link for online auction payments: donate.emersonuuc.org Don’t forget to write 2024 Fall Auction on the memo line!.
BEING RESCHEDULED:
– Brunch and Book Auction. Emerson Pavilion. Bid $30. Contact Louise Rovner. Description: Bring a book or two that you have enjoyed and are willing to put into our auction. Be prepared to talk about it for a minute or two. After all the books are presented we make bids in writing on books we would like to purchase. Brunch includes vegan and vegetarian options. (Hosts: Louise Rovner, Heather Medvitz and Rebecca Fisher.)
For the following, date & time will be determined by bidder and host:
- Music Lessons: Four 30-minute piano or voice lessons. Bid $100. Contact Eloise Porter.
- Experience a Sky Valley Adventure: Come see how we do our work protecting and restoring the Santa Susana Mountains above the West Valley. Water some newly planted California Oak saplings trees. If you wish, plant your own baby tree and dedicate it to someone you love or put your own name on it. Sage Ranch above Chatsworth. Bid $15. Contact Wendi Gladstone.
Click HERE FOR MORE DETAILS and events. Updated link for online auction payments: donate.emersonuuc.org Don’t forget to write 2024 Fall Auction on the memo line!
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?? If you have difficulty with this website’s links or otherwise accessing online information about our church, please contact our Communications Team.
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Find out about upcoming Events at Camp de Benneville Pines! Visit the De Benneville Pines website.
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UPCOMING EVENTS – Open to All
Pacific Time.
Scroll down to find out about our upcoming and other group events. Scroll to the bottom for more information about how to join us online on Zoom 1 or 2.
THIS WEEK:
– Monday, August 15, 4 pm: Emerson Amblers. NOTE: Meet at 4 PM at Northridge Mall to avoid heat and crowds. (Enter via Shirley & Prairie, park underground & meet near Old Navy & Macy’s on ground floor,)
– Thursday, August 28 – 6:00 pm: Deep Breaths Meditation Group (Sanctuary/Zoom1)
– Friday, August 29, 7 – 8:30 pm: Improv for Your Soul (at Emerson).
– Saturday, August 30, 2 – 4 pm: Public Reading of “Trumped Up: Trump’s First Term and the Beginning of America’s End” by Spike Dolomite. (Sanctuary) RSVP
ANY WEEK: Hiking. See this website’s Hiking page. Contact Jim Wallis.
– A few FUNDRAISER EVENTS still have space available. Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
SAVE THESE DATES:
– Saturday, September 6, afternoon: Choir Retreat (Sanctuary). Contact Eloise Porter.
– September 21 (Sunday): SUN DAY: Shine a Light on Climate Justice, sponsored by Interfaith Solidarity Network.
– September 26-28, Fri-Sun: Channel Island Cluster/LA Valley Cluster (at De Benneville Pines). MORE INFORMATION. REGISTRATION FORM.
– September 28, Sunday afternoon: Apple Orchard Adventure – Fundraiser Event. Meet at DeBenneville Pines after camp. Contact: Leslie Reuter.
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Check out what our UU neighbors are doing:
– Sepulveda UU Society information at https://sepulvedauu.org
ONGOING EVENTS – Open to All:
First Sunday of the month, after the service (Pavilion)
Friends, please join us after our Sunday Service to share food, drink, and companionship at our Potluck Lunch. You’re welcome to bring a dish to go around. Drinks will be provided. Be ready to fill out a card describing your dish. If you forgot to bring something, don’t worry – we will share. And be sure to stick around afterwards to help clean up; we could always use a few hands to make light work. It’s a great way to get to know people at church.
Second Sunday of the month, after the service (Sanctuary – Online by Request.)
Emerson’s Environmental Justice Ministry team meets once a month to take action for climate justice. Whether it’s local clean energy initiatives, national or global campaign projects with environmental movement partners, or writing letters to encourage voters to support environmental justice – there’s something we can each do to build a better future. Whether a new or longtime member – you are welcome and your action is needed! For more information, see the Environmental Justice Ministry page in this website and contact Rhonda (rhondaplankrichard@gmail.com) for more information.
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EMERSON AMBLERS: Join us on Monday evenings for an easy going stroll on mostly flat ground. During the summer heat check with LindaBeth to verify time and place. This week we meet at 4 pm at Northridge mall to avoid heat and crowds. Otherwise, we alternate weekly between Orcutt Ranch in the South Valley and Rockpointe in Chatsworth in the North Valley. Please contact LindaBeth if you have questions or want to get on the reminder list.
– When it is too hot (over 80) we will meet at a mall at 4 pm, to avoid crowds, currently at Northridge Mall. (Enter via Shirley & Prairie, park underground & meet near Old Navy & Macy’s on ground floor,)
– Chatsworth: Rockpointe tree-lined community, corner of Devonshire & Larwin (west of Topanga Blvd. just before Chatsworth Park South).
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EMERSON BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Next Meeting: Monday, August 18 – 6:00 PM
Potluck at a Member’s Home
Otherwise, our Book Group meets on the third Monday of each month from 7 to 9 on Zoom 2:
–>Join us via live2.emersonuuc.org. Zoom Meeting ID: 343 977 3791 or call (669 900-9128) and enter ID. Questions? contact louiserovner@gmail.com.
–>FMI, including upcoming book selections, see the Website’s Book Group Page in the Community Activities and Groups menu: Http://www.emersonuuc.org//community/Book-Group
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IMPROV FOR YOUR SOUL
Every Friday, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Sanctuary)
Join us for community, laughter and growth.
Classes are free but donations are appreciated. No need to sign up, just show up!
Led by Katie Kirkpatrick
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EXPLORATORY PAGAN GROUP
– 1st Tuesday of each month at 7 pm (Zoom 2: live2.emersonuuc.org).
– 3rd Sunday of each month after church: Meet in Emerson’s Garden for a brief elemental meditation.
This discussion group explores paganism from a UU perspective. With enough participation from our congregation there is the potential to become a local chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS). We occasionally pair with the Worship Committee to bring fun and meaningful content to the Sunday worship. We encourage all to come and check us out! For more information, see the Pagan Chat & Study Group page in our Community menu.
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MOSTLY VEGGIE LUNCH CLUB!
1st Wednesday of the month, 11:45 am – 2 pm
Next Gathering: Wednesday, September 3 at 11:45 am
Location:Othello’s Plant Based Kitchen, 21789 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, 818-436-2126
Join with friends, old and new, to explore the advantages of plant based dining with the Mostly Veggie Lunch Club. All are welcome. Contact Tracy Watson: tracyj.watson@yahoo.com or 818-620-9451 (text or call).
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EMERSON CHOIR
A place where you can connect, listen, and sing. All are invited to participate, even those who are not currently members of Emerson’s Choir. See the Music & Choir page in the Community menu for more information.
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DEEP BREATHS: Meditation during Stressful Times
Second and Fourth Thursdays of each month from 6–7 PM (new schedule)
In-person in the Sanctuary and Online on Zoom 1
During this anxious and exciting time, take an hour of relaxation and reflection for yourself. We start with a short reading, allow some space for silent meditation, and finish with check-in and reflection. This group is open to anyone, whether you are new to meditation or have been doing it for years.
During Rev Chloë’s family leave, the Meditation Group will have a new schedule. Melissa Marote will host it with the help of others. The group will meet on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. The dates are as follows: 8/14, 8/28, 9/11, 9/25.
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SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
One of the best ways to get connected in this congregation is by joining one of our Small Group Ministries, which meet once or twice a month. Learn more on our Small Group Ministry page under our Community menu, or by contacting Rene Lancon at reneelancon@aol.com
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Be Part of EUUC Outreach! Volunteer for an EUUC Outreach Project – we welcome your time and talent! Outreach projects are short-term volunteer-run activities. You can volunteer to work on an outreach project through from development to completion. Or, you can offer any time you have to a project. For each outreach project, the EUUC Outreach Coordinator will send out an email sign-up. If you are interested in volunteering for that particular project, you just sign up! The Outreach Coordinator will follow up with details! For more information, see this website’s Outreach page. To add your name and email address to the EUUC Outreach Volunteer List, email Tess Lotta at outreach@emersonuuc.org
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Password: chalice
Enter ID # 941 8596 3035
Passcode: 1410162
(if link doesn’t work, enter live2.emersonuuc.org into your search engine (Google, Safari, etc.) or open Zoom and scroll down to or enter the Zoom ID.)
Zoom ID: 343 977 3791
Password: chalice
OR call (669) 900-9128 and
enter ID # 343 977 3791 and
Password: chalice
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SUPPORT EMERSON UU COMMUNITY
Your individual donations of time, talent and treasure make it possible for Emerson to continue to thrive.
Make your pledge for 2025-6 now at http://pledge.emersonuuc.org
There is still room for you at some of the interesting auction events! Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION. (“Auction Events” under News in More Detail in News menu). Have fun while supporting Emerson!
Updated link for online auction payments: donate.emersonuuc.org Of course, you can always mail a check to 7304 Jordan Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303. Just don’t forget to write 2024 Fall Auction on the memo line!
– To learn about Pledging, go to our “PLEDGE” page. To find out different ways you may donate, go to our DONATE page. If you haven’t updated your Breeze autopay account (Breeze app or via this website’s Donate Page) to show that your donations are for the 2024-25 fiscal year, please take a few minutes to do so. For more information, go to: Update Breeze Donation.
– Share the Plate Sunday Collection: As part of our commitment to serve our community, we share half our offering with local organizations whose work furthers our mission. August Share the Plate Recipient: Haven Hills. Since 1977 Haven Hills has lifted up survivors of domestic violence to transform their lives. We offer shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, and activities supporting increased economic opportunity for over 2,500 women and men each year. In doing so, we help survivors of domestic violence find the strength within themselves to break the cycle of abuse and build a new, productive, and joyful life for themselves and their children. Website: www.havenhills.org
Emerson also partners with the West Valley Food Pantry, which works to end hunger in the San Fernando Valley by providing food and supportive services for individuals and families in need. They serve people who are food insecure, including those who are homeless and families and elderly people living on a fixed income; providing them not with just food, but basic necessities as well as infant supplies, school supplies, hygiene items and toys. They also host vaccination clinics, mobile pet clinics and family holiday parties and have a mobile shower for those who don’t have access to water.
The Food Pantry has moved into their new building, and are again accepting most food donations. Most needed: cash donations and single serve, ready to eat, UNEXPIRED food items. You may bring your donations to Emerson or to the Food Pantry (it is a few miles southwest of Emerson and typically open weekday mornings – check their website for updated times). Website for West Valley Food Pantry: https://www.westvalleyfoodpantry.org/
2025 Share the Plate Recipients:
July: West Valley Food Pantry
August: Haven Hills *** 5th Sunday contributions go to UUA Fair Share
September: Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy
October: SFV Refugee Children Center
November: Sky Valley Volunteers ***5th Sunday contributions go to UUA Fair Share
December: Pink Haven Coalition
***This year we decided that all months with a fifth Sunday, we will use the fifth Sunday as a way to contribute to our UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) Annual Fair Share Contribution
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TECH ASSOCIATES NEEDED!
If you’ve attended Emerson Sunday Worship on Zoom, you have no doubt noticed the many different elements – both live and recorded – that come together to make up the service. The Tech Associate is key to presenting a professional and worshipful online service. Emerson’s Tech Associates are volunteers who step up when guest speakers take to the virtual pulpit to produce the service, coordinating the sequence of elements, including live video and PowerPoint slideshow. If you are familiar with PowerPoint, or live online meeting platforms, and would like to help with presenting Sunday services, talk with Adam or contact our office at office@emersonuuc.org
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Bear Hugs From Camp de Benneville Pines
to Donate Please Click Here
We believe in the power of love, community, and the transformative impact of nature. Camp de Benneville Pines has been a sanctuary for campers of all ages, providing a space where friendships are forged, spirits are renewed, and lasting memories are created. Even before the fires, pandemic and inflation, the Camp was not able to balance its budget on camper fee revenues alone, since we charge less than the cost so that everyone can participate. We ask you to join us in this heartfelt appeal to ensure that Bear Hugs From Camp continue to be shared for generations to come. For More Information on How You Can Help or to Donate Please Click HERE.
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