CURRENT NEWS
Upcoming Auction Events still OPEN: Sign up with the event host.
- 1/18/25, Saturday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm: Excursion to Colonel Allensworth State Park. Now a ghost town, this is the only town in the history of California to be fully financed, governed, built, designed, and populated by African Americans. Come learn more about its history. Lunch will be provided. Bid $40. Contact Aimee Noel.
- 1/26/25, Sunday, 5:00–7:30 pm: Roll & Write Party. Easy Fun Games. Snacks & Drinks Provided. Bid $25. Contact Rev. Chloë.
- 2/1/25, Saturday, 1:30 pm: Bowling for Pizza. $30 bid. Contact Tracy Watson
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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Join Emerson’s Environmental Justice Ministry in volunteering to plant trees with Tree People on January 25th from 9 am to 12 pm! Sign up on their website, treepeople.org/volunteer . Also please let Andrea and Rhonda know you have registered. If you would like to carpool, tell Rhonda where you live so we can organize carpooling. Also let us know if you want to go out to lunch afterwards and if you have any restaurant recommendations.
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A New Adult Religious Education Offering! Come explore with us!
This spring, we will host a UU Wellspring Group at Emerson UU Church called “Love at the Center”. Rev. Chloë will lead it. A Wellspring group is an opportunity to dive deeply into spiritual reflection as a group and individually. You might think of this as a combined small group ministry and adult religious education experience. This is a virtual group, and we will meet on Zoom 1.
There will be eleven 2-hour sessions that are an in-depth exploration of our shared faith within the context of our personal identities and experiences, diverse communities, and the world. These will be on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6–8 PM. These are the dates: 1/14, 1/28, 2/11, 2/25, 3/11, 3/25, 4/8, 4/22, 5/13, 5/27 & 6/10. Please note that some reading and personal reflection outside of our sessions are recommended but not required. You can read more about the program here.
Please register by January 12th. You can register HERE.
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Emerson UU Board Meetings (Open to All)
2nd THURSDAY of each month at 7:30 pm. (Zoom 1)
Next Meeting: Thursday, February 13th at 7:30 pm (Zoom 1)
February 2024 Congregational Meeting Minutes
June 2024 Congregational Meeting Minutes (draft)
December 2024 Board Agenda
November 2024 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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If you like to hike, check out Santa Susana Mountain Pass State Historic Park Association’s Hikes and Events page or email them at santasusanafriends@gmail.com to get on their mailing list. You may run into fellow Emersonians on a hike!
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If you have difficulty with our links or otherwise accessing online information about this 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.
For more information about how to join us on Zoom 1 or 2 scroll down to the bottom of this column.
THIS WEEK:
– Monday, January 20th: Book Club (Zoom 2)
– Thursday, January 23 – 6 pm: Deep Breaths Meditation Group (Sanctuary and Zoom 1)
– Friday, January 24 – 7:00 PM: Improv For Your Soul (Sanctuary)
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Check out what our neighbors at Sepulveda UU Society are doing! Visit https://sepulvedauu.org
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Save the Dates:
– Several interesting auction events coming up still have space available. Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION. (“Auction Events” under News in More Detail in News menu).
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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CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP
Discussion group is currently on hiatus. Contact LindaBeth if you have questions.
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EMERSON BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Next Meeting: Monday, January 20 – 7:00 PM – Schedule change!
Zoom 2: live2.emersonuuc.org
For our first 2025 meeting on January 20, we will begin by discussing Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. I hope you all received the link to the Spotify podcast that Rebecca forwarded. There is also a film and lots of reviews. We will also review suggestions for the next few months, so please bring or forward to me the good reads you would like to share.
–>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 -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 – Moved to Fridays!
Every Friday, 7:00 pm to 8:00 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, February 5 at 11:45 am
Location: Follow Your Heart, 21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park
Join with friends, old and new, to explore the advantages of a vegetarian lifestyle 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 a Stressful Season
Thursdays from 6–7 PM
In-person in the Sanctuary and Online on Zoom 1
Rev. Chloë will host this drop-in meditation group in the weeks leading up to the election. During this anxious and exciting time, take an hour of relaxation and reflection for yourself. She will 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.
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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 selecting THIS LINK: https://www.emersonuuc.org/community/small-group-ministry/
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OUTREACH TEAM
Meets 2nd Saturday of each month at 12 pm on Zoom 2.
We connect Emerson with the larger community via Instagram and participation in community events. Contact Tess Lotta for more information.
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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
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).
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!
Your individual donations of time, talent and treasure make it possible for Emerson to continue to thrive.
– 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. January 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, they 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. For more information, visit https://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.
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). Home page of West Valley Food Pantry’s website: https://www.westvalleyfoodpantry.org/
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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, 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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