News and Events

Congregation News and Events

July 2019

Rachel Bennett Steury,
Member of the Month, July 2019

“We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for.” Dolores Huerta

If you’ve ever received an email from Rachel, you’ll see this quotation from Dolores Huerta. Rachel attempts to live by this principle.

Rachel is a very active member of UUCSC. She’s the new Chair of Buildings and Grounds, works heavily with social justice groups, and will be part of the Welcoming Congregation Team.

Where might you see her around the church? Well she’s involved in a great number of activities. For example:

Painting
Assisting with minor construction projects involving hand tools, lumber, and plumbing
Attending social/ political events, rallies, conventions in person to represent what we stand for
Serving as a human organ donor and advocating for other organ donors
Volunteering at the Tree People Park, a local nonprofit
Cleaning up the church community garden
Visiting other church kitchens to determine possible needs and capabilities of the UUCSC kitchen
Researching and compiling data for enhancing future building rental revenue sources
Assisting or organizing kitchen setup and cleanup at most special events

Rachel herself says modestly, that “I have a particular set of skills that I’ve acquired over a long career—skills that make me useful to a congregation such as ours.”

For all these reasons—and more—Rachel Bennett Steury has been chosen July’s "Member of the Month." Congratulations, Rachel!

8/22/19
7:00 PM
Offsite

UUCSC Women's Book Discussion Group
The book discussion group has chosen Michelle Obama's memoir Becoming as our next read. We will meet at the home of Paula Golden for our discussion.Described by the author as a deeply personal experience, the book talks about her roots and how she found her voice, as well as her time in the White House, her public health campaign, and her role as a mother. For more information contact Margery Pope, radkova@sbcglobal.net.

All Summer to 9/08/19

Waters of Summer
Collect Samples for the Water Communion.
This summer, as you travel near and far, remember to collect small samples of water on your journeys. On September 8, we will have our annual “Water Communion,” when we come together to begin the church year. At that time, we’ll ritually blend all of the water and then use it to water a tree outside the church. Happy summer travels!

First and third Sundays
11:20 AM

All Ages Mindfulness
All Ages Mindfulness is a 15-minute session of guided, body-centered mindfulness practices, focusing on the youth of the community and their families. Mindfulness is a term many use to describe a range of practices that help us center our attention, calm our reactivity, and find spaciousness and ease in our lives. Here are some short videos about mindfulness: https://tinyurl.com/MindfulPlaylist.

If you are interested in a regular adult-centered mindfulness program, please contact Jason Taksony Hewitt at dre@uustudiocity.org. In the meantime, everyone is welcome to join us for the All Ages group. Please consider joining these relaxing, centering and beneficial programs, either as a family or individual.

First and third Thursdays
8:15 - 9:30 PM

The Heart of Recovery
Meditation Group
This mindfulness and awareness meditation group is for those in recovery. All 12-step and recovery meditation groups are welcome. Sessions meet at UUCSC in Room 9. For more information, contact Jason Taksony Hewitt at dre@uustudiocity.org.

Second Sunday of the month
11:30, AM, Sanctuary

Social Justice Support Meeting
Are you looking for clarity and honest conversations around tough social issues? The Social Justice Support Meetings provide a safe space to ask questions, vent frustrations, and gain understanding around justice issues both big and small. We are also in an ongoing discussion of the UUCSC’s Common Read -- Sissy by Jacob Tobia. No prior justice work is needed to attend. Just an open heart and the ability to give each attendee respect. Please reach out to the Committee Chair, Antoinette Scully, with any questions. antoinettemarie@gmail.com.

Sundays
8:45 AM
Mondays
7:00 PM

UUCSC Choir
The choir sings in the Sanctuary every Sunday through June. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 8:45 AM and Monday evenings at 7:00 PM. We welcome new members anytime. If you’re interested in singing with us, please contact Music Director Nancy Holland after services, or by email at nholland22@gmail.com.
The choir will be on hiatus from singing in Sunday services from June 17 until August 25. Beginning on June 17, rehearsals will be on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 PM, to prepare the 3 movement work Alzheimer Stories, composed by Robert S. Cohen. The concert will be presented with a 14 piece instrumental ensemble on September 22 at 4:00 PM. Additional information will be available soon.

Sundays
7:30 AM

Gentle Yoga with Bonnie Burroughs
Do something soothing for your mind and body. Join "Gentle Yoga with Bonnie" in the Fellowship Hall Sundays. Suggested donation $10. For more information, contact Bonnie at bonniebarks@gmail.com.

Ongoing

Caring Committee Cares About You
Are you going through a challenging time? Maybe experiencing a serious illness, coping with a death in the family, or a new baby? The UUCSC Caring Committee members are ready to lend a hand. They will provide meals, transportation for doctors appointments, and compassionate ears to listen. The committee also has room for more care volunteers. To receive or give help contact Terry Hassman, tmhassman@aol.com.

10/11/19
Friday - Sunday

Save the Date: DeBenneville Pines Cluster Camp Weekend
Join us for a fun-filled weekend at Camp De Benneville Pines. Registration will be starting soon! The weekend will include workshops and hikes, activities for children and teens, opportunities to relax by the fire or in the hot tub, a Saturday night talent show, home-style meals together in the lodge, and Sunday morning worship. For more information contact Greg Golden or email clustercamp@ymail.com.

Sundays during service

North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry
NHIFP needs dog and cat bags
Homeless folks often have pets for comfort and security. You can help by donating dry pet food, cans of moist food, flea collars, pet treats and anything else that homeless folks can use to better care for their pets. For more information, contact Terry Hassman, tmhassman@aol.com, Homelessness Ministry. Thank you.

9/22/19
4:00 PM

Save the Date: Fall Concert
The UUCSC choir and friends will perform Alzheimer’s Stories, by Robert Cohen and Missa Festiva, by John Leavitt, accompanied by a 14-piece professional instrumental ensemble. Alzheimer's Stories is based on actual stories of ordinary people whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer's disease. Audiences have been moved to tears, laughter, and hope via the communicative power of music. Missa Festiva is a beautiful five movement piece of strength and dignity based on Latin texts from the Mass Ordinary. You can hear a recording of Missa Festiva on YouTube and Alzheimer’s Stories on the composer’s website or on YouTube. Information regarding purchasing tickets will be available soon.

Sundays during service

North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry
Special Request for protein bars, ramen soup packages, tea, popcorn, nuts, chips, candy, baby diapers in all sizes, baby wipes, and baby food.
Homelessness and hunger never take a holiday. The need goes on. To help the homeless and food-insecure in our own area, please bring your donations on Sunday mornings. Thank you for your generosity. It does make a difference. Terry Hassman, Homelessness Ministry, tmhassman@aol.com.

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