Living with Soul 2003
December 2003
An honest assessment of our world at this time matches the growing darkness
of winter; an Iraqi war quagmire begun on exaggeration or outright falsehoods, a
flat economy with a feeble job market, Israel and Palestine killings - round ad
infinitum, the gap between haves and have nots widening, political power
centralized with might rather than human rights the bottom line, and this only
the most visible edge of the blizzard.
Yet,
the message of every sacred path during this season sees light smack dab in the
middle of the blinding blackness. Is it religious hocus pocus? Wishful thinking?
Naiveté? Or worse, a merry distraction while the powerful have their way? A
balanced reading of religious texts sees a both/and. The healthy spiritual
outlook has one eye wide open to the devastation and the other piercing through
to the dawn, with our hands swift to create a climate that breeds hope.
These proclamations in the gospels around the birth of "God with
us" embrace this tension. "God has brought down rulers from their
thrones, and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but
the rich he has sent away empty … through the tender mercy of our God, when
the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those living in
darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of
peace."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
November 2003
"Yes I am a pirate, two hundred years too late. The cannons don't
thunder, there's nothin' to plunder, I'm an over-forty victim of fate. Arriving
too late, arriving too late.
This
month marks my 12 year anniversary in Austin. I could be living these lyrics by
margarita man Jimmy Buffet had I not moved here with a conscious intent. My
focus was to be a free lance minister, and that is what I have carved out for
myself.
Coming to the Live Oak Church in 1996 is the best institutional move I have
ever made. Yet, we are now at a defining bend in the road. My choice is to stay
at half time with the congregation and focus on my strengths - preaching,
pastoral care, and spiritual formation.
I am asking the church to hire a quarter time minister who will concentrate
on preaching, church organization, administration, and leadership development.
In time, this person would move to half time, thus giving us full time ministry.
Conventional practice is to hire one Rev. and expect them to do it all,
knowing full well that very few have the interest or capacity to do so. This
"think outside the bun" approach is more realistic, maximizing the
potential for the ministers and the entire church.
We are aiming to present a formal proposal to this end at the November
steering committee, and will be massaging the job descriptions in the coming
months. Please give me or anyone on the Ministerial Liaison Committee (Grace
Dreyer, Chair) your thoughts as we move in this direction.
I anticipate this affirmative move strengthening our bond over the coming
years. As Jimmy's refrain continues: "I got to stop wishin', got to go
fishin' down to rock bottom again. Just a few friends, just a few friends."
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
October 2003
"Words and paper, however, did not seem real enough for me; something
more was needed. I had to achieve a kind of representation in stone of my
innermost thoughts. Or, to put it another way, I had to make a confession of
faith in stone."
These
immortal words by the mystical psychologist Carl Jung strike at the heart of the
spiritual process we have been immersed in the past few years, culminating in
the renovation of our sanctuary.
This "confession of faith" has involved the participation of
virtually every one of us on some level, with a handful putting concentrated
energy into the "representation in stone."
Anyone with the faintest clue knows that our "innermost thoughts"
would have never become concrete without George Huntington and Mike Enyart being
our lead masons. I doubt even they can calculate the hours of mental, physical,
emotional, and spiritual vigor expended on our behalf. Our debt of gratitude to
these men of faith will truly extend to the seventh generation! Please use every
means at your disposal to thank them.
In all my years of ministry, I have witnessed no finer fleshly revelations
than George and Mike to give this passage life.
"Now what use is it for a person to say they have faith if their actions
do not correspond with it? Could that sort of faith save anyone's soul? If a
fellow human being has no clothes to wear and nothing to eat, and you say, 'Good
luck to you, I hope you'll keep warm and find enough to eat,' and yet give them
nothing to meet their physical needs, what on earth is the good of that? Faith
without actions is dead."
September 2003
"An Elevator Deathbed Speech." Say huh? A few weeks ago I delivered
a sermon by this title, based on Rev. Bill Sinkford's critique of our Unitarian
Universalist Principles and Purposes. Rev. Sinkford is the President of our
association of congregations.
Sinkford
states that these statements articulate a broad ethic, not a theology. He
writes, "They contain no hint of the holy." President Sinkford is
encouraging us to develop an "elevator speech". You are on the 6th
floor headin' to the lobby. You have 45 seconds to answer a seeker's inquiry,
"What's a Unitarian Universalist?"
Rev. Sinkford asserts that the P&P's are not adequate for an individual
credo. He goes on to raise the question, "Would you want them read on your
deathbed for solace and comfort?" Being all male and all minister, I
decided to take the double whammy challenge! Here is what I came up with. Get
your stopwatch set.
Chuck's Elevator Speech:
"Unitarian Universalists believe that revelation is in the very fabric
of reality. We view religions, philosophies, science, and art as a record of
humanity's search for purpose and meaning. A universal faith seeks in these
sources the common themes of wisdom, spirit, ethics, and beauty as guides for
holy living."
Chuck's Deathbed Credo in 7 Principles:
"I believe that the pure water of genius is found deep inside; that
the full breath and a sunset makes all things new. I have faith in friends,
good food, earthy wine, and full-bodied conversation. I believe that passion
is the heartbeat of the universe; that musicians and poets are true prophets;
that the cackling laughter of The Fool outlasts all tyranny. And, I have faith
in a love beyond space and time that never fails."
August 2003
The first Anglican church in America was also the first Unitarian church -
King's Chapel. Paul Revere (a Unitarian) had eight children by his first wife.
Three months after her death he married again, siring eight more kids. He died
at 84, outliving all but four of his children. Revere was a "smith" in
silver, copper, bronze, and gold; working also as a dentist and coroner. In his
spare time he took a famous midnight ride.
Boston
claims over 70 universities. It is a culturally rich city, the birthplace of our
religion, and host of this year's General Assembly. 7,500 plus UUs gathered from
more than 800 congregations. This is about double a run of the mill GA. The
atmosphere was vibrant and positive.
I went to a fun and provocative seminar on storytelling and spirituality. UUA
President Sinkford hosted a session on modern slavery. 27 million in the world
today, they said. Mind-boggling. Disheartening. A young escaped slave from Sudan
shared his story, as did a man from India who helps to free "bonded"
laborers. Found some help in the midst of this dark report.
We took a wonderful pilgrimage to Walden, getting lost on the trails that
Thoreau wandered, touring the Mother Church of the Seventh Day Adventist
religion (across the street from the convention center), and eating in their
healthy, tasty restaurant. Then we walked in amazement through Boston's original
library. Beautiful art work; a space with much soul.
Spent an hour with Presidente Sinkford and 800 other ministers. I got good
vibes from him. He told us that he and the Beacon Street staff will promote
three things in the nation this year: family matters - taking back the term
family from the religious right (wild applause), separation of church and state,
and racial justice. GA is in Fort Worth in 2005. Let's take a busload!
The most electric moment flashed when President Sinkford announced the
Supreme Court decision on the Texas sodomy case. A thunderous ovation followed,
as Sinkford declared, "Today my faith in our democracy has been
restored." He then went on to say…
"Our work is not finished: Unitarian Universalists across our country
will continue these efforts, grounded in faith, which call us to support
everyone's full humanity, everyone's ability to love, and everyone's value in
the world."
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
July 2003
I felt a holy lump in my throat, enveloped by this happening. In a heartbeat,
after the Blessing was spoken and the postlude played, box lunches began to fly.
Hands moved to the mouth with rapidity and purpose. Final instructions were
barely heard over the smacking lips, and buzzing excitement. When the call went
forth to begin, over 100 women, men and children descended with the force of a
Texas gully washer to their assigned tasks.
Before
I could change out of my preaching gear, the Lakeline rooms were all but cleared
out. Traveling to our new church home, I witnessed the same scene in reverse.
Everyone had a job; everything being put into its place. This event was so well
organized it made DELL look like the Keystone Cops! George Huntington, Mike
Enyart, Doug Mar, and their first chairs directed our little Hooterville band as
it purred like the New York Philharmonic.
The "holy lump" that occupied my windpipe notified me that we were
in the flow of true community. Not the glib one you read of in church mission
statements and lofty sermons, but the community of a barn raising, sanctified by
cooperation, organizing, muscles, dedication, sweat, and love.
What a grand memory, etched into our collective soul as we sprout another
branch on our blessed Live Oak. I cherish rare gems like this which actualize
the teachings of my youth; "let us not love only in word or speech, but in
deed and truth."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
June 2003
"We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop
playing." This insight from the legendary baseball pitcher Satchel Paige
will serve us well as we make the big move to a "real" church
building.
One
of the refreshing qualities of Live Oak is that we enjoy each other, our
community, and don't take ourselves so damned seriously. In my second or third
year at Live Oak, a charter member who had been gone for some time attended the
service where we welcome new members.
This person called me afterwards saying that I had been too cavalier in the
ceremony; "Membership is a serious matter." Especially upsetting was
the Great Live Oak Affirmation where we accept one another in music-like unison,
"Suuure!" I responded, "This is an expression of our exuberant
joy of having found one another." I never heard from or laid eyes on this
founding member again.
Spirituality and church are too profound to take so solemnly. Commitment and
laughter are partners; work and frivolity go hand in hand; hospitality and humor
wear well together; activism and fun produce humility. What kind of sacred
playground do we want to provide, and what jungle gyms do we desire to swing on
in service to the larger community?
Some churches get so staid that soul gets tagged out in a squeeze play. Let
us be invigorated by Satchel's spirit; "I never had a job. I just played
baseball."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
May 2003
"The acorn, if given the appropriate nurturing conditions, will
automatically grow in positive ways, pushing naturally towards its life
potential of being an oak tree."
This
view of human nature, championed by Carl Rogers and other humanistic
psychologists, is marvelously demonstrated over and over by our little Live Oak.
As your "paid" minister, I am continually strengthened and frankly
amazed by the fertile soil we cultivate and the blue ribbon fruit it bears.
On June 1, we will move into a new building with several acres of land, debt
free. We have chosen to ante up for a few renovations, but this is icing on the
cake. A transition committee, which has met with saint-like dedication for a
couple of years, is now meeting weekly to spearhead the multitude of logistical
tasks.
The consensus group has welled up to tweak our governance model as we grow.
In the midst of conflict, several have chosen to put community ahead of personal
gain. Someone has donated cold cash for us to build a labyrinth. A teenager,
working on his Eagle Scout project, built the beginnings of a memorial garden. A
UU Christian group has sprouted up.
A committed handful worked countless hours polishing the approved one service
proposal for the El Salido sanctuary. Musicians among our number have provided
fun and enriching folk songs for the early service. Our church administrator and
religious education director recently resigned. Several members volunteered to
fill the positions until we can hire more staff.
Rich soil grows Live Oaks spontaneously! In many churches the minister frets,
and cajoles, often resorting to manipulation to get the church moving. Not so on
this spiritual homestead. I'm thrilled to say I'm not the only minister, or the
sole gardener.
Let us continue to till and hoe in keeping with this entreaty by May Sarton.
"Help us to be the always hopeful gardeners of the spirit who know that
without darkness nothing comes to birth, as without light nothing flowers.
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
April
2003
As
I write, fireballs and mushroom clouds dominate the horizon of Baghdad from
American bombs. Our troops have entered Iraq in a steady march toward the
capitol city. War is here. Frankly, I'm having trouble mustering enough
concentration to compose this article. One strength of our approach to faith
is viewing ourselves as world citizens, dedicated to civility, justice, and
peace. The underbelly of this positive is that we may be overwhelmed by such
catastrophic global events.
With the breadth of the modern media, we can literally watch the battle
like a movie, and become a 24/7 "up to the minute" junkie. Or, we
can spend every energetic moment in peace discussions, e-mail groups, vigils,
marches, and petitions. It's confounding to balance the ladder these days and
avoid a terrible tumble.
Another pit people of our stripe fall into is to discount our personal
struggles as inconsequential, when humanity's ills are writ large. Yet, we are
called to pay attention to our family, go to work, and tend our own physical,
emotional, and spiritual gardens. Just when we are on the verge of saving the
world, the credit card is past due, our partner desires a hug, or the ole
inner tank registers beyond the red on the gauge.
As the saying on my "Yogi Tea" bag says; "When the little me
has recognized the big me, and the little I has recognized the big I, oneness
is achieved."
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
March
2003
"Chicago city council makes anti-war resolution." I
heard this prominently featured story over NPR in January. The thought popped
into my mind and lingered for many weeks; "If the Chicago city council
can make this proclamation, why can't a Unitarian Universalist church named
Live Oak?" By, the way, as of this writing 93 cities have passed such
resolutions, including our beloved Austin.
As
I traveled to our yearly District Minister's Retreat this question was on my
hot "blue plate" for discussion. The point was nicely articulated by
several Ministers that we are a religious body, and not a political
organization. Our call is to foster a climate where members go forth to live
out their spiritually motivated ethical imperatives.
Rev. Burton Carley offered the most grounded and passionate
apology for this viewpoint one morning at breakfast. He appealed to us over
our soft scrambles, danishes and coffee, that people of good conscience can
disagree on moral decisions. When churches press for one size fits all ethical
proclamations, it actually violates our religious faith.
A ministerial friend of mine in Oklahoma told me that she was
part of a congregational discussion about the Iraq crisis, in which half of
the church participated. The clear consensus was that they are drawn to this
spiritual community because they could air their beliefs in a place of
respectful listening. No religious authority or the church is dictating the
acceptable moral position.
Sometimes, Ministers and members feel so strongly about an ethical stand
that we cannot see how any well meaning UU could possibly see it another way.
Yet, our religious heritage is about how we agree to walk together in mutual
fellowship.
Rev. Carley shared with us that he has a diverse membership across the
political continuum, because he honors the covenant they have made together,
which states, "the right of private judgment and the sacredness of
individual conviction shall be recognized in all things."
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
February
2003
"People are born soft and supple; dead, they are stiff and hard.
Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry."
These profoundly simple thoughts from the Tao Te Ching bring
to mind our growing church. Like any relationship, we shift and
respond or the bond fades away.
We have found it necessary to make what appear to be
"temporary" accommodations because of our space crunch the past
few years; and temporary can feel like wasted motion. Yet, when
we move organically, in the flow, something more emerges.
In the early days, our children and youth started out with us in
the sanctuary during the first part of the service. When
conditions became too crowded in this format, a special Children's
Worship was developed in the Religious Education wing.
Then, our one worship service became a bit tight around the
collar. We developed an early service, integrating the Children's
Worship. Now, it seems the church can better serve our young
ones by consolidating the RE program into the late service.
So, we are changing our early service into an adult focused
interactive worship, where the preacher gets and ear-full back
after the sermon! Some have an interest in working with Rebecca
to employ folk tunes and spirituals for hymns.
When we go to one adult service in our new building later this
year, we will employ a form of the Children's Worship. The "talk
back" could morph into an Adult Forum, and the interest in
spirituals and folk might evolve into a Live Oak Hymnal that
expresses our unique personality. I cannot predict what will
blossom. Perhaps it will be energy squandered.
What I do know is that I trust the sage closing lines from the
Tao that opened this brief reflection. "Whoever is soft and
yielding is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken. The
soft and supple will prevail."
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
January
2003
"You have a lot of courage
doing that here." I
entertained this comment after one of the first sermons I preached at Live Oak
in 1996. "That"
happened to be quoting Jesus and the Bible.
I plunged my index finger vigorously into my ears several times
before the sentiment registered. Having grown
up in a Bible and Jesus believin' church, I had entered the religious "twilight
zone."
Of course, I knew that we honored all sorts of spiritual paths to
meaning/purpose/God, but I was stunned that an entire religious perspective was
on the black list. Over time, I
discovered that this is an ongoing struggle, several decades old, in our UU
faith pilgrimage.
In the past few years we have had several people disappointed
with, or leave Live Oak, because they felt put down as a devotee of
Christ. Mostly, this grows out of
our past wounds, and the ever present cultural jostling with a
particular brand of Christianity.
Really, the issue is not Christ. It
is how we sometimes get bullied by bad storytellers among our country's
dominant religion. If we lived in
Asia, or the Middle East, we might wrestle in the same fashion with
Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, or Judaism.
At the end of this month I will do a service with Janelle Curlin-Taylor,
a former Unitarian Universalist Minister who left our denomination
essentially for the reasons stated above.
In February, James Hamilton and I will host a four-week discussion
which engages the question of the Bible belt evangelist.
"What will UU do with Jesus?"
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
Copyright
©2006, Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church.