What Emerson Means to Us

Our Stewardship Campaign for 2026, Growing in Love, is well underway! As of October 21st, we’ve received $399,781 in pledges and Miracle Fund, which is 78% of our goal of $515,000. If you have not yet pledged, we encourage you to do so by Sunday, October 26th, so that the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees have as much information as possible to finalize a 2026 budget for presentation to the Congregation prior to our Annual Meeting on December 7th. Lost your pledge form? Or have questions? Please email stewardship@emersonhouston.org or reach out to Laurie or Alejandra P. at any time.

Starting with the Fellowship Supper and throughout this pledge drive, we are celebrating what Emerson means to us, individually and collectively. On the bulletin board at the stewardship table in the Gathering Place, many Emersonians have shared their thoughts on what Emerson means to them. We hope you’ll stop by and read the words written by your fellow Emersonians – and add your own if you haven’t done so! In the meantime, enjoy this sampling of the beautiful reflections!

“Emerson is my spiritual community. We study together, encourage one another, laugh & cry together, and worship together.”

  • “Having a tribe and chosen family.”
  • “A place where I can expand my mind & heart & be with like-minded people.”
  • “My chosen family. HOPE!”
  • “A tapestry of love, values, support and encouragement that comforts me.”
  • “My extended family.”
  • “A place to belong. A place to pour into.”
  • “Community of love and mutual support.”
  • “Helping to provide focus, community, hope and enjoyment!!”
  • “I enjoy the community, faith journey, education, and opportunity to serve the church and for social action.”
  • “A place where I can experience love and acceptance.”
  • “A place to be loved.”

What themes resonate with you as you read these quotes. Community? Family? Mutual support? A spiritual home? Hope? Belonging? Growth? Love? Growing in Love?

 Emerson means all this and more to each of us, to our congregation as a whole, and to the broader community. As we were reminded during the Fellowship Supper, we create this safe, loving community through our actions day in and day out. We worship together at Sunday services, enriched by our Music Program, directed by the talented Julia!

Our shared life also extends far beyond Sunday services! Our Lay Pastoral Ministry Team (LPMT) supports our Minister, Rev. Ed Proulx, in providing pastoral care to anyone in our congregation who may need it. It is one of the ways that we care for each other. We gather for fellowship and mutual support at events such as Circle Dinners. We gather for study and spiritual growth (and fellowship and support) through our Covenant Groups. Our Adult Religious Education program feeds our minds and hearts. Our recently reinvigorated Children’s & Youth Religious Education program allows us to pass on our shared values, centered in love, to the next generation. We serve the broader community through our English as a Second Language program, our Social Action Council, Share-the-Plate, and our Charitable Outreach Committee.

The list could go on and on. We take care of each other, our church (including our beautiful campus), and the community in so many ways. Directly and indirectly (by keeping the lights on, the staff paid, the coffee served, our UUA membership active, and so on), your pledges make this shared life possible. And, in today’s world, this shared life is more critical than ever. Thank you for continuing to help us Grow in Love.

The Stewardship Campaign will run through most of the month of October. If you weren’t able to join us at the Fellowship Supper or collect your pledge packet on Sunday, it should arrive in the mail in the next few days. You may also visit https://emersonhouston.org/2026pledge/ or use the QR code below. Please contact stewardship@emersonhouston.org with any questions.

With gratitude,

Alejandra P., Stewardship Committee Chair

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