Living with Soul 2002
December 2002
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among humanity."
This refrain by the heavenly host shared with earthly shepherds 2000 some odd
years ago, is just as timely now as the night it debuted. That's the nature of
eternal values. They don't fade away as soon as the next marketing blitz comes
along. Everlasting principles ring true in whatever age or planet you
inhabit.
Our
current American administration seems Devil bent to incite a war in Iraq, and
they are proud to call themselves Christian. I'm not a total pacifist, but I
certainly don't see invading a sovereign country to get a leg up on oil
supplies, as justified in the name of Christ, or any sane religious
teacher.
Many of us feel helpless to impede the march toward war, and we may not be
able to thwart this one. It is painful to accept that we cannot halt all
injustice. Recall however, that the angels appeared to the most common of
people, and the "Savior" was born in a feeding trough.
If the only tools you have to stop combat are to raise decent children, be
fair in your business dealings, rally at the capital steps, or pray, they are
not in vain. The path of violence is temporal at best. It will not prevail in
the breadth of the cosmos.
Whether you are a President or a peon, a Humanist or a Pagan, a
Universalist or a Fundamentalist, these words of Jesus are sound moral
verities. "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles
herself will be exalted.... Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be
called children of God."
Soulfully, Chuck
November 2002
I'm
scared. My fear has to do with
moving into our new church home next year.
In 1996 when I preached my "try out" sermon for the
congregation, I was naive, uneducated to the Live Oak culture.
I wore a suit and tie. Made
sense to me - tryin' to get a minister job, wear your Sunday best.
After the service the response to my message was overwhelmingly
positive, save one consistent comment about my apparel.
"I hope that's the last time I see you wear a suit
here." I knew I had found a
home! When we dedicated our
current renovated office building church space there was considerable
pressure from a few folks for me to break out my robe.
I resisted. I wanted
to represent us as ourselves, not somebody else.
I didn't wear the robe. And
yes, I know the argument about dressing for special occasions.
Church
consultants, a "Growth Fund Campaign," a REAL church building.
Let's not kid ourselves. We
will feel compelled if even on a subtle unconscious level to confuse formality
with genuineness, rigid structure with leadership, church with community.
I cannot abide sloppy work, but I don't want to lose the funk either!
As
George Huntington was designing the computer presentation for the growth fund
he complained that my picture on the website was boring.
He stated; "I wouldn't want to go to a church with a minister
looking like that." He was
right. I sent in some new pics.
In
a year or two will I have your blessing to kiss a bayou alligator on
our church website? Will it be OK
for me to dance barefoot in my shorts? Can
I revel in Austin Kessler "dressing up" for a service by tucking in
his tye dyed shirt?
Will
I be welcomed to embody the Itinerant Fool Ken Feit?
"When I am a musician, God is a no-string bass.
When I am a child, God is the thumb that nurtures me.
And when I am a fool, God is the one that blows the biggest bubble."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
October 2002
"Put the quarter in the collection plate son." This was the
instruction Mom gave me as a little boy each Sunday, when the church offering
plate passed by.
Early on she gave me money to put in the congregational treasury. Later, I
was expected to place God's commanded 10% in the kitty from my weekly
allowance. I recall the scripture oft quoted, "The Lord loveth a cheerful
giver." More times than not however, it pained me to see that coin slip
from my sweaty little mitt and plunk into the felt center of a silver plate.
Sometimes Mom would have to "guide" my hand with a prying action,
gritting her teeth; "Let go of it Chuck, that's the Lord's money." I
had just seen the filthy lucre emerge from her purse, and I knew enough about
the Bible to assert that God couldn't fit into a lady's handbag!
My constant dilemma has been, how do you force yourself into being a
cheerful giver? I was in my late 20's before it dawned me that I could mature
beyond a command-oriented religion to a heart-led spirituality.
This month we inaugurate our 2003 Budget Pledge Drive, and the futuristic
Growth Fund Campaign. Like you, I am turned away by the usual religious
manipulative money gymnastics. I ask myself one simple question. "What
space does Live Oak occupy in my heart?" I am just beginning to awaken to
the freeing breeze of Jesus' saying, "Where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
September 2002
"Those who know don't talk. Those who talk don't know." These two
bare bone sentences from the Tao Te Ching speak more livable truth than most
of the speeches/sermons that I have heard or preached.
This month, on account of the 9-11 anniversary, we will hear enough
nationalistic, pseudo patriotic, talking head expert-wanna-be, blowhard,
bandwagon squawking to last us till the next millennium doomsday scare. There
is only one can't-miss antidote for that human malady delicately referred to
as "diarrhea of the mouth," and that is good old- fashioned, sleeves
rolled up, work. I am so glad I brought that up, since this is precisely what
our Social Action Folks have been up to.
I have been very impressed and fortified by the Hands on Housing Project
they organized a few months ago, and by the current persistent efforts to poll
the congregation for future directions in our service to the Austin community.
Fresh air has been breathed into this branch of the Live Oak by Daniel Kaulfus,
Amber Jens, and Bill & Maggie Schweitzer.
Our country has been provoked by the attacks and threat of more assaults.
Many of us will be provoked by the omnipresent rhetoric of the next few weeks.
So, I ask of you Brothers and Sisters, may we be provoked? (Can I get a
witness?!) Provoked only in a way that will comfort and heal. As the Hebrew
epistle exhorts, "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and
good works!"
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
August 2002
"There was an old man named Michael Finnegan. He grew whiskers on his
chinnigin. He pulled them out, but they grew in again. Poor old Michael, Poor
old Michael, Poor old Michael Finnegan. Begin again."
I sang this song in grade school, and can still remember the lyrics and
tune. I will happily sing it to you upon request! This ditty is meaningful for
us because the school year has rolled back around and we....
Begin again.
There is something about us embodied types that needs beginnings and
endings, closings and openings, in our existence. Even a chosen cycle like the
school year, which no longer meshes with the seasons, seems to give us a fresh
start.
The Gap Band has a song where the lead singer hollers, "change my
groove." Doing so affects us physically, mentally, spiritually.
Sometimes, even the tiniest shift can help us see and hear more clearly. We
have traveled, experienced different weather, been separated from loved ones,
and have worshipped in various sanctuaries.
Having changed our groove we return with some distance and possibly a
renewed perspective. Like our fictional friend Finnegan, the church year is
before us to begin again. Let us, however, avoid the "poor Michael"
syndrome and delve richly once more into our mission.
"We covenant together in friendship to listen to, support and
encourage each other in personal growth; to respect our differences; to create
and sustain bonds of love, compassion and belonging; to share our lives' joys
and sorrows; and to have fun together."
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
July 2002
Response: Ten
- The Lay leadership, Ten - The Minister.
Question: "What are the strengths of the congregation, the things
that are going well?"
This is one of the queries Dave Rickard, our fundraising consultant, asked of
25 people several weeks ago in planning for a possible Growth Campaign,
as we move to our new building next year.
I smiled broadly, pumped my spiritual fist and metaphorically jumped in
crazed joy much like the U.T. Baseball team, who just won the national
championship! And I hope you will also.
This is a sound confirmation of our shared leadership approach at Live Oak.
It says we are both expressing our gifts in a balanced way. So many
churches and ministers are locked in a worn out Hatfield/McCoy
feud - a competition for power and control.
Not so in this neck of the woods! Our relationship is more like a
gliding Texas two-step. I offer my appreciation in this poem from
UU Minister Paul L'Herrou, which I often employ during wedding ceremonies.
"If your love is to grow and deepen, you must find a way to move with
each other; perhaps in a slow and graceful dance (bare feet firmly feeling the
ground), a dance, that circles and tests and learns, as it gradually moves
closer to that place, where you each pass through the other, and turn, and
embrace without breaking, or losing any part of yourselves...
To find that you are each whole and individual and separate, yet, in the same
instant, one, joined as a whole that does not blur the two individuals as you
dance...You are here, marking time to the music."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
June 2002
In
the Chinese restaurant, room #108, the sanctuary, the church parking lot, or
on the e-mail list... I mingle
with their presence every time I turn around, especially on Sunday afternoons.
They are James Hamilton, Patty Bissar, and Pat Connor.
This threesome teaches the Middle School Class and/or Our Whole Lives
(OWL) curriculum.
Patty,
James, and Pat have squired our youth all over Austin with the Neighboring
Church program. The kids have
witnessed everything from a "Holy Ghost Thank You Jesus" revival, to
a quiet introspective Buddhist meditation.
Often they depart early in the a.m. and close out with a p.m. meal
together.
Pat
and Patty then gird their loins (St. Paul term - no pun intended) and
facilitate the OWL class. I know
I am worn out, preaching twice on Sunday and then attending my OWL session. They are organizing, driving, corralling, and teaching the
entire time!
This
UU Trinity isn't alone. Pat,
James, and Patty are typical of the throngs of you who patiently and joyfully
give yourselves to the service of our church.
I marvel at your dedication, my heart moved with humble appreciation.
I
feel like the Psalmist around you folks, with a slight holy wink; "Where
can I go from your Spirit? Where
can I flee from your presence? If
I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are
there. If I rise on the wings of
the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will
guide me, and your right hand will hold me fast."
Soulfully,
Chuck
Freeman
May 2002
"Last weekend I washed my car, went dancing with
friends, and helped bomb a crowded restaurant."
Drug money supports terror. If you buy drugs you might
too.
This asinine, pathetic piece of Propaganda is brought to us
via a TV commercial in the voice of a teenage girl, with commentary from the
Office of the National Drug Control Policy. On their website our President
assures us; "If you quit drugs, you join the fight against terror in
America."
I would feel so much better if I used stronger language in
response to this campaign, but my swearing is better suited for the golf
course than a church newsletter!
Simplistic answers are for simpletons. Everything is about
terrorism now. I have a new carrier for the Statesman. My paper was
thrown to the wrong apartment. Probably a terrorist.
I am not in favor of wasting lives with drug use. Neither am a
proponent of terrorism. I do have substantive problems with the
"wars" on both. Fear has not caused me to deposit my brain at the
mall.
Getting high is an essential and positive aspect of being
human. The abuse of this gift has to do with body chemistry, and family/social
systems; maybe even spirituality. Terror is an extreme action by people who
feel abjectly desperate in the face of pervasive power brokers. Birthing a
Gandhi would be a much better choice, but even teenage girls are now willing
to pack on the "martyr's" vest. Can we allow our intellect to seep
beneath our wallet or the lusting to be numero uno?
"We hold these truths to be self evident..."
"The truth will set you free." Or, as the Drug Control website
declares; "Truth. The Anti- Drug."
Has our nation become so hard of heart to recall the ancient
proverb, "Physician heal thyself?"
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
April 2002
This month begins our 7th trip around the sun together. The past two weeks
have demonstrated in miniature why this has been such a rewarding marriage
between minister and "flock."
When Steve Clouse died, Austin Kessler immediately contacted me to make
sure I knew (I didn't), offering to provide music if needed. Glenn McIntosh
called me as well to lend a hand. Wendy Clark and Ingrid Ellerbee, a Live Oak
friend, drove Polly Orr, Steve's partner, to the funeral in Temple. Wendy then
helped arrange the service, provided flowers, a sign in book, food, and helped
set up and clean the sanctuary. Ingrid booked a musician to sing at the
memorial, and Glenn brought a tripod and assisted in video taping the service.
Trey Bone - Austin, Bill Dower, and Sue Ann Kendall performed a song. Many of
you attended the memorial and, I'm confident, placed calls and wrote notes of
condolence.
The next week Jack Swan's father Tom passed away suddenly. Mary McIntosh
called to make sure I knew. Joe and Jan Nesheim provided fitting classical and
jazz music. Roger and Alice Sessions with Janet Van Sickler provided luscious
food and drink at the Swan home afterwards. Several of you attended the
funeral, the reception, and offered the appropriate calls and notes.
In both situations I was set free to offer my gifts of pastoral care,
through listening, planning the service, readings, and delivering the homily.
I did not have to carry the load alone. Caring and helping wasn't relegated
solely to "the minister's job."
St. Paul celebrated this phenomenon in a letter to the Corinthian church.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are
varieties of service, but it is the same God who inspires them all, for the
common good...if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is
honored, all rejoice together."
Was good brother Paul talking about Live Oak? Sure!!
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
March 2002
"Everyone, place yourself on this imaginary line in response to this
statement; 'I think premarital sex is ok.' This end is 10 and means yes. Down
there is 1 and means no."
I collided with several folks racing for the 10 marker! We had a couple of
5's & one woman managed to be a 12!! In most churches the Preacher would
be expected to be standing on absolute zero; arms folded, with a permanent
scowl that such a query would even be uttered in the sanctuary. As a UU
Minister, I am granted the freedom to be honest.
Honesty and Sexuality: two words that seldom pair up in a religious
setting. Yet, in the adult OWL (Our Whole Lives) Sexuality class, being candid
is encouraged and valued. At last count, 18 grownups from Live Oak and First
Church are gathering to explore, rejoice in, and break through barriers in
relation to sex and intimacy.
Mary McIntosh, John Iacoletti, and George Huntington are our "Dr.
Ruth's" (at times they even employ the accent). This trinity has set the
tone for a safe and relaxed atmosphere for the sexy pilgrimage. The captive is
being set free in us through laughter and sincere discussion. Share our
liberation with the levity of this limerick.
"A wanton young lady of Wimley, was reproached for not acting primly.
Answer: Heavens above! I know sex isn't love, but it's such an attractive
facsimile."
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
Februray 2002
Star
Date: January 16, 2002,
9:39 pm.
Subject:
IT'S OFFICIAL!!!
The first line of the communiqué read like this; "I am thrilled to
announce that we are now the owner and landlord (lady?) of the Cypress Creek
Baptist Church building located on El Salido Pkwy in Cedar Park!!"
Another page in the Live Oak scrapbook has been completed. Who would
have thunk it on February 4, 1992, when the Northwest Unitarian Universalist
Committee met at the Jewish Community Center, that they would be the free and
clear owners of a 25,000 square foot church and three acres of land? "A
sower went out to sow ... some seeds fell into good soil and brought forth
grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty-fold, and sixty-fold, and
a hundredfold."
Humble appreciation is extended to George Huntington and Jenny Carloye
for their gift of the Hatch land, which has blossomed into the Cypress
Creek property. Approbation aplenty goes to Gary Schumann, his law firm, and
George for their yeoman's dedication in getting the deal done. Let us
not fail to recognize Jenny, Gregory, Emily and Ryan in George's family,
and Julie, Evan, and Chloe in Gary's clan, for their motivational and
supportive energy.
The collective vibes of the entire Live Oak community have brought this dream
into being. We now continue on the path of living our truth and mission
... "This spirited body was born from the smallest of seeds.
Together, we will bring refreshing shade to any in need of solace,
compassion, or home, for many seasons to come."
Soulfully,
Chuck
Freeman
January 2002
Ever noticed the ring I wear on my right hand? Have you heard the story it
tells? It speaks of initiation. The word initiation means beginning, yet
ironically, the most powerful rites of initiation involve a brush with death.
My ring has a black onyx stone, garnished by a bright silver band. It
represents a painful, life saving chapter in my soul's tenure. Dark morbidity
is enveloped in glistening hues.
Thomas Moore writes, "Just as all initiations require an ending, all
endings are an initiation...an ending can be the opportunity to encounter life
in its most elemental and awesome forms." A year is dead and gone. For
some of you this passing was little more than the turning of a page on a
calendar. Others of you have churned your way through multi-layered losses.
Only one question stands the test of infinity. Are you opening your heart
and intellect to the onward flowing initiation? To do so, you are called to
don the funeral garments … another of those wacky paradoxes.
How will you wear the ring of initiation in 2002? A variation on this
ancient Jewish Proverb spells a warning and a possibility. "Like a gold
ring in a swine's snout is a beautiful person without discretion."
Soulfully,
Chuck
Freeman
Copyright
©2006, Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church.