Note: The website committee has decided not to publish phone numbers. Please call the office or consult your UUCSC Newsletter or Directory for phone numbers.
Upcoming Sermons
SEPTEMBER 5
Rev. Jay Atkinson
"The Values of Labor"
Labor Day weekend has come to mark the end of summer—a last
blast of leisure and escape before returning to the serious business
of "labor." So, let's reflect together on the meaning of labor in our
lives, our existence as "economic beings" working to earn our bread
and perhaps expressing important values at the same time.
upComing eVents
SEPTEMBER 12
Rev. Jay Atkinson
"Gathering of Waters"
We will
celebrate our traditional ingathering Sunday, marking
our return from summer travels and activities to the
rhythms and activities of a new church year. The
morning service will include our traditional "Gathering
of Waters" ritual, bringing together waters that you
have gathered from places near and far during your summer travels.
If you are new to our church since last September, here's how it works. On that Sunday, we ask you to bring a small amount of water that you have collected from a lake, creek, river, ocean, etc. at a summer travel stopover or destination. (If you forgot to bring any water back with you, feel free to use local water as a symbolic substitute.) When you arrive at the church on Sunday morning, Sep 12, you will find four pitchers on a table in the Narthex, labeled with the four cardinal directions: East, West, North, and South. Pour your water into whichever pitcher best represents the direction from which your water comes. If it's "northeast," you'll have to choose whether it seems mostly north or mostly east.
To have your travel destination included in the morning ritual, here's the second important thing to remember. Before that Sunday, no later than Friday, Sep 10, send me a note (jyatkinson@juno.com) describing where your water (actually or symbolically) comes from, that is where you traveled this summer. I'll then include this information as we bless and combine the waters into a common vessel during our ingathering ritual later that morning.
Past Sermons
AUGUST 29
Ricky Hoyt:
"The Limits of Reason"
Unitarian Universalists tend to be thoughtful people who believe that good
thinking can lead rational people to make good decisions about public policy
and personal actions that lead to better lives. But the philosophical assumptions
that human beings can think logically, and that logical thought alone can lead
to solutions to real world problems, are not as obvious as we would like. Rev.
Ricky Hoyt was our intern minister from 1996-1998. Since then he has served
the Verdugo Hills and Santa Clarita congregations, and is presently serving the
First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles.
AUGUST 22
The Rev. Jay Atkinson:
"How To Pray"
Prayer is mysterious, and many notions of prayer may seem to
imply supernatural beliefs that many of us do not share. Yet prayer
is essential to our spirits and it "happens" to us whether we invite
it or not, often in unconventional ways. How do we pray?
AUGUST 15
The Rev. Jay Atkinson:
"The Universalist Gospel"
Part of my summer reading has focused on John Murray,
sometimes called the "father" of American Universalism. I'll talk
a little about his life but mostly about the remarkable idea of
inclusion and acceptance that lies at the heart of the universalist
message of God as Love.
August 8th
Jeannie Mills:
"Teens: Bringing Hope to our Future"
What values do our teens bring to us? How can we channel our hopes
through their future leadership? What can we learn from their vantage point as
we move ahead in our world, and how can we help them as they develop their
skills for leadership?
Sunday, August 1 at 10AM
Cantor Steve Puzarne:
"Simple Pleasures Changing Lives:
The Therapeutic Benefits of Joy, Spirituality and Deep
Relationship For Children With Developmental Challenges"
After ten years training children with Autism Spectrum and related disorders for Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Cantor Steve Puzarne has distilled the key elements that make this ancient life cycle ceremony so transformative and has incorporated that into a successful
therapeutic modality called Vision of Wholeness.
July 25 - Beth Meurer And The UUCSC Children’s Choir - “Change Ourselves, Change the World”
Beth Meurer and the UUCSC Children’s Choir will be running this service and they will be focusing on the idea: “The message is in the music, the music is in the children.”
July 18 - Varun Soni - “Understanding Hinduism”
Varun Soni will explore several foundational tenets of Hinduism and will offer a framework that connects Indian philosophy for UU’s. He will also discuss challenges and opportunities for Hindus in the US. As dean of religious life at USC, he is the first Hindu in American history to be the chief religious leader of a research university. Listen to the podcast.
July 11 - “Our Experience At UU General Assembly In Minneapolis”
The teens will provide us with an understanding of what they experienced at the UU General Asssembly and what Unitarian Universalists are doing across our country. Read about their experience by clicking here.
NOTE: Audio versions of past sermons are available. Click here to visit our podcast page.
Upcoming Events
Sat. August 28, 7:30 pm • East Meets West Concert
Sun. August 29, 7:00 pm • PARC
Wed. Sept. 1, 7:00 pm • Meditation Group
Thur. Sept. 2, 7:30 pm • Women's Book Group
Fri. Sept. 3 through Sept. 6 • UU Young Adult Camp
Sat. Sept 11, SF
Sun. Sept. 12, 11:30am • Intro to UUism
Second Sunday Collection
The floods in Pakistan and the resulting misery for so many people is almost overwhelming, but thanks to Laurel and Ken Ross whose daughter Elizabeth is organizing the relief efforts of Relief International in Pakistan (www.ri.org), we have a personal conduit for our financial donations. Relief International's teams are providing clean water, food, shelter, hygiene kits, emergency medical supplies and health services to 100,000 families in three provinces where they have been working for the last five years on development projects, making them ideally positioned to be the most effective. And as we understand it, our contributions may well go toward buying the above kits in-country, thus conserving valuable transportation funds and helping the local economy. So perhaps with our donations we can plug one tiny hole for just one village through Relief International, whose main office is right here in LA.
Thank you for your generous contributions. Please make all checks out to UUCSC with 2nd Sunday or RI on the memo line.
~Social Action Committee
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, Sept 12th - 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
In The Sanctuary
Are you new to our church? Want to know more about us?
Following our morning service and social hour on Sunday, Sept. 12th, our parish minister, the Rev. Jay Atkinson, will lead this single- session introduction to our church and our religious tradition—who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for. We'll talk about our own religious journeys, UU history and the guiding principles of our liberal religious tradition, and our congregational life.
This informal meeting is intended especially for newcomers and also for anyone thinking about membership in the church. However, anyone is welcome and even long-time members and friends can gain a better understanding of our history and identity. We invite your questions and encourage you to bring along anyone else you think might be interested.
Pacific Southwest District, UU Young Adult Camp for ages 18-35
Building community, deepening Faith, committing to JusticeFriday, Sept. 3rd through Monday, Sept. 6th
Location: Camp de Benneville Pines Cost: Sliding Scale: $150.00 - $195.00
Event Description: Meet new friends, connect with others, hike, walk, talk, breathe, swim, play, explore, learn, grow, nurture... be. A typical day at camp includes: breakfast, spirit circle, social justice workshops
(i.e. anti-oppression, transgender issues, etc.), lunch, covenant groups, free time (like hanging out at the pool), snack, fun-shops (frisbee golf, psychesome, etc.), worship, and evening activities like a talent show, stargazing hike, and hot tub time. See you under the pine trees! Register at connectuu.com and talk to Emily Carroll if you have
questions: dre@uustudiocity.org.
San Fernando Valley Cluster
Welcome Back Potluck
Picnic Shindig!
Saturday, September 11th from 12:00-4:00
at the Sepulveda UU Society, 9550 Haskell Street, North Hills, CA
There will be a "special guest"...can you guess who? Invite your friends and family! Pack blanket, picnilunchandre:illablewatebottle mugmugmusicalinstrumentsoyour favorite games, for thisfun=:illeday ofreconnecting with UU'ofalagges (and their friendAfter aIngathering Ceremony led by our area ministers, we'll have music, games, information tables, and plenty of opportunitunities to share our summer stories! If you bring a donation of school supplies, you'll have chance to brighten the lives of children served by North Valley Caring Services!
Reconnecting - Renewing
Brought to you by the SFV Cluster Committee
For more information, please contact your Cluster Reps: Shannon
Corder at shannon.corder@gmail.com or Leslie Schipa at
la.schipa@gmail.com.
Jacaranda Playgroup
Looking for a playgroup for your little one over the summer? Welcome to the Jacaranda Play Group, which meets on Thursday mornings from 10:45am to 12pm on the playground. Leader Diana and her little one Ava hope to see you on the slide! For more information contact the office or email dre@uustudiocity.org.
LA/Valley Cluster Camp at De Benneville Pines, October 8 - 10th
Don't miss out on a weekend of fun, good food, fellowship,
spirituality, workshops, hiking, games, hot tub or just relaxing
in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains. Join fellow UUs
at the LA/Valley Cluster camp October 8 - 10, 2010.
- Heated cabins with hot showers
- Hearty meals in the lodge shared with fellow UUs
- Hiking, crafts, quiet time, workshops, games or just sitting on the deck reading a book
- UUs from Emerson, the Onion, Santa Clarita will be there for fellowship and sprituality
- Contact Margery Pope at radkova@sbcglobal.net
Special Report from our UU teens on the General Assembly
Women's Book Discussion Group
We will be reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta
Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.
September 2 at 7:30pm.
For more information contact
info@uustudiocity.org
Meditation Group, Wednesdays 7PM
All are welcome to join this open meditation
group. We open with a five-minute centering
meditation, check in and discuss our practice,
read from Thich Nhat Hanh's Peace is Every
Step, share about the reading, then close by sitting in meditation for 15
minutes. The next meeting is Wednesday, July 28th at 7:00pm in the
Sanctuary. We are planning to meet throughout the summer. Contact
Emily Carroll at dre@uustudiocity.org with any questions.
Special Report from our UU teens on the General Assembly
PARC (PAuse... Reflect...Connect)
A Spiritual Gathering For UU Young Adults (18-35)
We are on summer break and will go back to meeting regularly in August. To get in touch with the community, please email Emily Carroll at dre@uustudiocity.org.
Our Own Bookstore
Have you been wondering how to learn more about our weekly sermon topics, delve deeper into what our Meditation Group is exploring, or read the books being discussed in the Theology Book Group? I have the answer--our own bookstore (ok it's a table--a book table) set up in the Fellowship Hall after the Sunday service. I am looking for help with book sales on Sundays. If three other people are willing to get involved we would each only have one Sunday a month to sell books. I will be in charge of maintaining inventory and scheduling sellers! We really only need help with the actual selling.
Are you interested? Wouldn't you love to see a flourishing bookstore at our church? We could possibly add some gift items as well, i.e., UU jewelry and fair trade gifts. Please come see me at the book table or email me at delunaco@aol.com. Thanks for your help and interest!
Community Garden
Calling all gardeners and veggie-lovers! We would like to start a community garden here at church and we need to know how many people want to be involved. You will grow your own, fresh foods, make friends and deepen relationships within the church, and build community with the neighborhood.
In order for a garden to be successful the Los Angeles Community Garden Council recommends there be a core group of people willing to take ownership of this garden and the garden effort. Please contact Jeanne McConnell at jmconnell@nickstoutllc.com if you are interested or call the office 818-769-5911 to join the efforts.
Women In Jazz
Save the date Sunday, October 3rd, for this fabulous concert featuring Dawn Bishop. Dawn is an outstanding singer with a beautiful yet powerful voice, with a love of many styles of music and the ability to sing anything she thinks of. Those of you who attended the "Audacity of Jazz" concert will vouch for her powerful voice and presence. The concert also features LA Jazz greats pianist Otmaro Ruiz, percussionist Walter Rodriquez, and bassist David Levay. Reception at 6pm, show time is at 6:30. The price is $25, which includes gourmet appetizers. Watch for more information on this outstanding concert.
Help support our men & women in uniform
Send a Care Package
Operation Gratitude seeks to lift morale and put smiles on faces by sending care packages addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed overseas. Operation Gratitude care packages contain food, hygiene products, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.
Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns and Donations of funds for shipping expenses, Operation Gratitude provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Military in an active, hands-on manner. Assembling of all packages occurs at the Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys offering you a great volunteer opportunity. For further information go to: www.opgratitude.com/
Donate Your Frequent Flyer Miles
The Fisher House Foundation administers the "Hero Miles" program for the Department of Defense. The program is comprised of individual airlines whose passengers donate their frequent flyer miles to assist service members and their families by providing free airline tickets to military men and women who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center incident to their service in Iraq or Afghanistan, and their families. To donate your miles go to: www.fisherhouse.org.
Help Send Military Kids to “Purple” Camp
The National Military Family Association's Operation Purple Camps are a time for having fun, making friends, and reminding military kids that they are the Nation's youngest heroes.
The mission of the Operation Purple program is to empower military children and their families to develop and maintain healthy and connected relationships, in spite of the current military environment. The Operation Purple Camps are geared to address the needs of children and families of our nations wounded service members. To donate go to: http://www.militaryfamily.org.
Religious Exploration Theology Book Group
Our Theology Book Group has finished reading our first book!!! Please join us for the next one. We are reading Beyond Fundamentalism; Confronting Religious Extremism in the age of Globalization by Reza Aslan. Some of you may remember him from speaking on Sunday morning a few months ago. We will discuss the first half of the book on August 18th at 7:30 pm. Please join us! These discussions give us another chance to get to know each other and recognize our bond as Unitarian Universalists.
Please feel free to e-mail me at delunaco@aol.com with any questions or suggestions.
UU Motorcyclist Club
Dear UU Motorcycle Enthusiasts: We are forming a network of “UU Riders.” Plan to join us for a ride the last Saturday of every month and contact us for information about the network and future rides. Email Sharon at glamur123@yahoo.com.
Recycling News
INK CARTRIDGES
In reassessing our priorities for this year, the Social Action Committee has decided to discontinue collecting ink cartridges for recycling. We haven’t gotten that many in the past year or so and you can now recycle them in so many places—including office supply stores. We’ve decided to focus our attention on other environmental issues. Please continue to recycle your cartridges. If you have trouble finding a place to do so, check out http://earth911.org/recycling/ to locate places near you to recycle almost anything.
The Earth and the Social Action Committee thank you!
In other Recycling News: If you have bulky items such as an old couch, washing machine, dog house, etc., you can arrange for pick-up, by the Sanitation Dept. by calling the Service Request Call Center at 800-773-2489. They will ask you to have the items on the curb at 6 a.m. on your usual pick-up day, and voila, it will all disappear.
There is also a permanent recycling center that takes everything from paper to computers at the Burbank Recycle Center, 500 S. Flower Street in Burbank. There is more information at www.burbankrecycle.org.
Ongoing Events at Our church
UU
World Available Free on Tape
The
UU World is free on tape for people whose eyesight is not good enough
for them to read regular print materials. If you know anybody like this,
please let him or her know they qualify for a free UU World subscription
on audiotape. Write, phone, or email: Devorah Greenstein, 25 Beacon St.,
Boston, MA 02108. Phone 617-984-6451. Email dgreenstein@uua.org
Regular UUCSC Events
Board of Trustees: meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Big Room.
Boutique Workshop: meets every Friday at 10:00 AM in the Conference Room.
Choir: Rehearses Monday evenings at the church at 7:00 PM, and Sunday mornings at 9 AM.
Program Council Meeting (all committee chairs): 1st Tuesday of the month, 7:00 PM in the Big Room.
Committee Meetings: are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM (see your committee chair for location).
Conversation
Circle: is scheduled on occasional Sunday mornings from 11:30 am
to 12:15 pm. These are discussion sessions open to anyone
interested and are moderated by one of our members. Usually no particular
topic of conversation is set or presumed in advance. If people
are interested in responding to the morning service or in
discussing the themes of the sermon, then that choice may guide the discussion.
If visitors or newcomers wish to ask questions about our
church, then conversation about the nature of our liberal religious
tradition is always appropriate. Or there may be some public
issue or event on everyone's mind that will determine the
topic of conversation.
In every case, we especially welcome newcomers to these conversation
circles. Join in for lively debate, mutual exploration of ideas and
issues, or just to get to know each other!
Early Bird Coffee: Sundays at 9:25 AM in the Fellowship Hall (before service).
Social & Fellowship Hour: Sundays at 11:00 AM (after service) Fellowship Hall or outside, depending on the weather (see photo above).
Women's
Literature Group: The Women's Literary
Group meets once a month. The book being discussed
and meeting place are announced in the newsletter,
here on the Events page or may be obtained
by calling the church office.
Worship and Children's Service: Sundays at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary.
Twelve
Step Group Meetings at UUCSC
A variety of 12-step groups use UUCSC
facilities for their meetings: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (regular "open" groups
and special groups for women, agnostics and gay people only); Overeaters
Anonymous (OA) and Codependents Anonymous (CODA). Schedule subject
to change. Contact the church office
for more information.