CURRENT NEWS
Make your pledge for 2025-6 now at http://pledge.emersonuuc.org
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Emerson UU Board Meetings (Open to All)
DATE CHANGED to 1st TUESDAYS!
Start TIME CHANGED to 6 PM.
1st TUESDAY of each month, 6 – 7:30 pm. (Zoom 1)
Next Meeting: TUESDAY, June 6th at 6 pm (Zoom 1)
February 2024 Congregational Meeting Minutes
June 2024 Congregational Meeting Minutes (draft)
February 2025 Board Minutes (Draft)
May 2025 Agenda (Draft)
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Help spread the word about Emerson UUC!
Be Part of EUUC Outreach! The Mission of EUUC Outreach is to enrich Emerson’s membership and promote Emerson as a UU congregation through meaningful engagement and collaboration with our West Valley community. Volunteer for an EUUC Outreach (short-term) Project – we welcome your time and talent! Projects can include such activities as participating in Valley Pride and other community events, tabling at local festivals, etc. For more information see this website’s Outreach page and/or contact Tess Lotta at outreach@emersonuuc.org.
EUUC Outreach Pride Month Activities! On Sunday June 1st, enjoy the Show Your Pride Art Activity in the sanctuary during the potluck. This will be a fun, casual art time for all-ages! On Saturday June 28th, join us as we represent EUUC at the SFV Pride March in Van Nuys! Email Tess Lotta at outreach@emersonuuc.org to sign up to march. Follow EUUC Outreach on Instagram @emerson.uu.canogapark
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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!
– Sunday, 5/18/25 6 – 8 pm: Game Night. Bring your favorite board game or play one of Leslie’s games. At Leslie’s house in Chatsworth. Bid $15. Contact Leslie Reuter.
– Saturday, 6/7/25, 11 am – 2 pm. 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.)
These events are being rescheduled:
- All Aboard the Mexican Train. Join the party of domino enthusiasts who compete for the grand prize! Food, fun and prizes. Emerson Pavilion. Bid $25. Contact Linda Fitzgerald. (Hosts: Linda Fitzgerald, Joe Cornett & Lynne Masuhara).
- The Last Bookstore & Grand Central Market. Who is up for taking mass transit to The Last Bookstore and then having lunch at Grand Central Market? We will carpool to the Universal Metro parking lot, and then take the subway to Pershing Square (bring your TAP card if you have one). From there it is a 7-minute walk to the bookstore, housed in a grand old former bank building. There are even books in the vault, and they have a great selection of used books at great prices. Bid $10. Contact Leslie Reuter.
- 6–9 pm: Adam & Julie’s Awesome Game Night. Games and snack-y food. At Adam & Julie’s house. Bid $20. Contact Adam Nisenholz.
- Around June 7, from 8:15 – 11:15 am: Summertime and Berries are Ripe! (Date is approximate as it depends upon the berries.) Let’s pick blueberries, raspberries & strawberries at Underwood Family Farms in Somis. Meet at Leslie’s house in Chatsworth to carpool. Bid: $10. Contact Leslie Reuter.
For the following, date & time will be determined by bidder and host:
- Introduction to Guitar and Songwriting / 3-sessions 1 hour each. Bid $75. Contact David Gloshinski.
- 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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Emerson Amblers: Every Monday at 4:30 pm. We alternate between Northern SF Valley (currently tree-lined Rockpointe community, corner of Larwin and Devonshire) and Orcutt Ranch. If it is raining, we meet at Topanga Social. Contact LindaBeth and tell her whether you want to hike, stroll or both; days of the month and times you are available; and recommendations for places to go. Or you can just join us.
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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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UUA, Other Religious Groups Sue Trump Administration to Halt Immigration Arrests at Houses of Worship (UU World Link).
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UPCOMING EVENTS – Open to All
Pacific Time.
Scroll down to find out about all of our ongoing group events. Scroll to the bottom for more information about how to join us on Zoom 1 or 2.
THIS WEEK
Sunday, May 18 – After service: Elemental Centering Meditation Meeting (Emerson Garden)
– Monday, May 19, 4:30 pm: Emerson Amblers: Chatsworth – Rockpointe community, corner of Devonshire & Larwin (west of Topanga, just before entering Chatsworth Park South). Contact LindaBeth if you have questions – otherwise, just join us!
– Monday, May 19, 7 – 9 pm: Emerson Book Group (Zoom 2)
– Thursday, May 22, 6 – 7 pm: Deep Breaths Meditation Group (Sanctuary/Zoom 1)
– Friday, May 23, 7 – 8:30 pm: Improv for Your Soul (at Emerson)
– CANCELLED due to insufficient response in this busy season for everyone: May 18th: Spring Arts Share. Contact Emerson member Alexa Green if you’re interested in participating in future events!
– A few FUNDRAISER EVENTS still have space available. Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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Check out what our UU neighbors at Sepulveda UU Society are doing! Visit https://sepulvedauu.org
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Save these Dates:
– UU WellSpring: Love at the Center Classes 6—8 pm, with Rev. Chloë: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays: 5/27 & 6/10. (Zoom 1)
– Sunday, June 1st after church: Show Your Pride Art Activity with Emerson Outreach (Sanctuary during 1st Sunday potluck – for more information, see News Column to the left or below).
– Saturday, June 28th: Join Emerson Outreach at the SFV Pride March in Van Nuys!
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 – Walk and Talk: Join us for a stroll on Mondays, about 1-1/2 – 2 hours before sunset; 4:30 pm as of April 5. We alternate each week between North and South Valley. We welcome recommendations for different places to stroll (slow, easy pace on mostly flat ground). Some of us also would like to hike at least once a month. Please contact LindaBeth if you have questions, want to get on the list for either strolling or hiking or suggest other locales good for strolling.
– May 12, 4:30 pm: Orcutt Ranch, 23600 Roscoe Boulevard, Canoga Park (almost to the west end of Roscoe).
– May 19, 4:30 pm: Chatsworth – Rockpointe community, corner of Devonshire & Larwin (west of Topanga, just before Chatsworth Park South).
–> IF it rains: we will meet at Topanga Social, the southern end of Westfield Topanga Mall, 6000 Sepulveda Boulevard.
Our non-fiction selection for June 23rd is Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone
Age to AI, written by Yuval Noah Harari.
–>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, June 4 at 11:45 am
Location: Garden Wok, 6117 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana
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 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 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. May Share the Plate Recipient: Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California (UUJMCA) The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California is to advance justice in our state by cultivating and connecting leaders and communities, and by empowering the public voice of those who share Unitarian Universalist values and principles. https://uujmca.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, 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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