Living with Soul 1999
December 1999
Here we are, having squandered another thousand years. Just last week I caught myself
writing B.C. on one of my checks! Since humans have been marking time, we have been drawn
to melodrama about the passing of a millennium. Our latest doomsday fears are secular in
nature, perhaps for the first time. If you don't know about the Y2K scenario by now, you
have probably been hiding in a shack in Montana, or dodging the FBI in the hills of North
Carolina.
Since I am computer literate by the skin of my teeth, I have been compelled to depend
on information from those in the inner sanctum of the information revolution. Fortunately,
many of these folks darken the doors of our community with regularity. They are not
building shelters, storing up canned goods, or yanking their coins from banks.
Consequently, I feel pretty secure that the world will still be spinning when I awake on
1-1-00.
Even if the worst scripts come true, what more are we to do than to live with as much
respect, mutual care, and dignity as we can muster? This is our calling whether we suffer
ATM glitches, nuclear meltdowns, alien invasions, or asteroids collisions. The quality of
our engagement within and without cannot be wiped out or eradicated.
As we close this year and the twentieth century let us allow the shadowy winter to
illumine us with perpetual truth. "Darkness, soothe my weary eyes, that I may see
more clearly. When my heart with sorrow cries, comfort and caress me. And then my soul may
hear a voice, a still, small voice of love eternal. Darkness, when my fears arise, let
your peace flow through me." (Shelley Jackson Denham)
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
November 1999
Alice Sessions was in church on Sunday.
I take note of this happening because Alice has been so engrossed in her work with our
Religious Education program, that she has not been able to join us big people in months.
When people I meet in public ask me the perfunctory question, "How big is your
church?" and I reply, "around 90 adults, and about 80 children," their eyes
become like a full moon. People in the church game inquire in awe, "How do you do
it?" The unchurchy declare, "Your church has a bright future!"
Alice will be the first to point out that she isn't the only one making this program
work, but she is laying a good measure of flesh and grey matter on the altar of our
children's well being. If my memory serves me correctly, in the neighborhood of 50 of you
have volunteered to teach, or contribute in some measure to our kid's program. Many
congregational covenants become stale and yellow, looking and smelling like the dog hiked
a leg over them. At Live Oak, we have remained steadfastly true to our covenant. " We
covenant to be a welcoming, loving Church community of thoughtful, caring individuals
committed to....lifespan education."
Our brief history has names which bring this language to life; Barb Kemper-Nolan, Patty
Bissar, Janet Van Sickler, Jenny Carloye, and now Alice Sessions, and Bobbie Hamilton.
They have laid the foundation and we build upon it. During this traditional season of
Thanksgiving, I will reflect on this commitment, on these people, on your participation;
and extend gracious gratitude.
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
October 1999
I am normally an accommodating and inviting person (that's my idealized self image
anyway; I hope it has some basis in reality). There is one area of relating however in
which I have become down right rude-telemarketing.
Nine times out of ten when I surmise that the robot on the other end of the line is out
to sell me long distance, carpet cleaning, magazines, or fill in the blank, the
conversation ends with a unceremonious click, emanating from my thumb to the appropriate
button on my receiver. I am not willing to wait until the person takes a breath. I regret
it has come to this, but I no longer have the patience for these invasions of my privacy
and time, all for stuff I don't want or need. You know the story. If we had met in a
different time, under other circumstances....
There is one person I will not treat in this curt manner- my pledge canvasser. I'll
allow this is a bit self-serving, since my salary is tied to the success of the pledge
drive. Having coughed up this confession, there is a major difference between a
telemarketer and a canvasser. The pledge interviewer is seeking to promote mutual
interest; create a win-win arrangement.
In all candor, the pledge drive is the time when we truly find out how we are serving
one another. A church can be a place where this measuring stick still matters. This is, of
course, up to us. How are you/we doing? Be honest in your appraisal of your contributions
to the community and our collective efforts. In the end we all vote with the legal tender.
When your pledge canvasser calls, save the "click" for a pesky telemarketer.
Give them instead, a generous "come on over."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
September 1999
"Listen, my friend there is one thing in the world that satisfies, and that is a
meeting with the Guest."
A few weeks ago I came to realize the trustworthiness of this line from 15th century
Sufi master, Kabir. This year has been dedicated to accomplishments; UU fellowship, trying
to get my radio show on the web, sermons, groups, classes, committee meetings. I'm sure
you can match my list and then some. I was hungering for something, but what? As I
searched the refrigerator of my inner heart, it hit me that I was craving reading. Not
speed reading in preparation to do or give anything, but words crafted just for me;
reading I could savor, and allow to soak into the bones. Rushing, as a lifestyle, is
deadly to the native self.
I selected a volume of poetry by Rumi from the bookcase, committing myself to bathe in
it 15-30 minutes daily. The sensations in my body served notice that I had pulled the
right munchie out of the fridge.
What "Guest" is your soul yearning for? Sit still long enough to hear it out.
Then, move with intention to the table of satisfaction. This can be the beginning of your
school year. You can choose your own homeroom teacher.
Give us a good word Rumi. "Every object, every being is a jar full of delight. Be
a connoisseur, and taste with caution. Any wine will get you high. Judge like a king, and
choose the purest, the ones unadulterated with fear, or some urgency about 'what's
needed.' Drink the wine that moves you as a camel moves when it's been untied, and is just
ambling about."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
August 1999
I feel as if I am entering a new era in my life with you at the Live Oak church. In the
wake of several months of decompressing after my experience with the Ministerial
Fellowship Committee, I realize how much this event had hung over my head for the first
three years of my tenure in the congregation.
It wasn't only the milestone of the fellowship process that sapped psychic vigor, but
getting to know the UU culture and the landscape of our community as well. My intuition
was in overdrive as I lead rituals like Flower Communion or Child Dedications without ever
having seen one.
My learning curve has hit a straight stretch, and now I can kick 'er into another gear.
The needs of the congregation seem to have progressed to another level as well. Perhaps we
have traveled as far as we are able with the loose structure that has characterized our
operations up to this time. The informality of our community is a wonderful strength. I
believe we can maintain this and tighten up our structure, becoming an even more vibrant
church.
To these ends, I will be taking a more visible role in worship, membership, growth, and
the building committees. See my new "Job Description" [below]. I will co-lead
worship with Luci Kelly. The buck will stop with me in scheduling all services and making
sure they are in the newsletter. Luci will concentrate on lining up and developing the lay
leaders.
In membership, I hope to focus on integration of new members into the church and
ratcheting up overall involvement of all Live Oakers into the life of the community. With
the growth and building groups I want to contribute my two cents worth hoping to keep my
vision on the larger picture.
We are all in the learning curve of the universe. As we commit ourselves to learning
and cooperation, this proverb can find concrete authenticity in us; "The crooked
paths shall become straight, and the rough ways smooth."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
Chuck's New Job Description 7/10/99
Monthly, in Units*
6>Sermons
1>Steering Comm.
1>Newsletter/Order of Service
1>Area Minister's Meeting
2>PastoralCare
2>Worship, Membership
2>UUA Studies
4>Men's Group, Coming of Age, Office Appointments, Home Office
3>Social Action/Outreach
2>UU Forum/Adult Education
2>Minister's Choice (Growth, Building, Church Organization/ Structure)
26 units *Unit = one morning, afternoon, or evening. |
July 1999
[The minister's message for July consisted of a coupon from Chuck, to be redeemed by
any church member who consistently showed up BEFORE 11 a.m.]
June 1999
By now my news of meeting the Ministerial Fellowship Committee on May 1st in Chicago is
as stale as the Starr Report (and much less interesting). For those of you who have been
holed up in your Y2K shelters, I received a "Category 2." The decisions are on a
scale from 1-5. A one means you are a UU saint with no chinks in the armor, and five means
to try again next lifetime.
I was found to be "qualified for UU ministry provided further contingencies are
removed satisfactorily." My "contingencies" are to take a World Religions
course, and to do community service in an agency serving sexual minorities.
This process has taken the better part of two and a half years, and has been a real
energy drainer for me; primarily because I am not an institutional kind of guy. When I
first came to Live Oak seeking the MFC recognition was important to the Steering
Committee. I doubt seriously I would have ever done it on my own.
When you care about someone you do things that you may not desire independently.
Initially, this was the only reason I traveled the path toward the MFC, and during times
of heavy resistance my devotion to you is what saw me through.
After I mailed in my packet to Boston that contained your evaluations and letters of
recommendation, I knew I was going to make it; for I was not going there alone. I came to
you as a man on a solitary path. Now I am part of a community. The lone wolf has found
healing relationship in the town.
And this has made all the difference.
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
P.S. The sermon I delivered to the MFC, " The Wounded Wolf Goes To Town" is
posted on our web site.
May 1999
We have been two steppin', side saddling, and tap dancing around the topic of growth
for some time now. This month looks to be a pivotal one for Live Oak.
The May 8th Steering Committee will be dedicated fully to the consideration of how we
can make way for growing. The one theme you have articulated in the vision meetings and in
other forums has been to keep germinating. The building committee will make a formal
proposal on a new building at the Hatch Rd. property, with approximately an 18-24 month
time frame for completion. The vision committee is leaning toward a recommendation to
experiment with two services in the fall. One or both of these options could be tendered
for a vote at our congregational meeting on May 16.
These prospects engender anxiety and fear. How can we keep the spirit of community if
we get larger; especially if we meet at two separate times? Are we going to dive into
waters too deep to swim in financially? Are there enough of us willing to volunteer our
time and sweat to pull this transition off?
Carl Jung promised; "anyone who takes the sure road is as good as dead." Yet,
a thin line separates foolishness and faith, dreams and fantasy. Your participation and
prudence will determine if our legacy will be that of the dodo head, or the daring
pioneer.
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
P.S. Deepest thanks to Jenny Carloye for several years of unwavering devotion as
"hub" of our R.E. program. She literally passed the baton to Alice Sessions
recently. I am confident Alice will continue this dedication in her patented conscientious
style.
April 1999
In the past three years or so a shift has occurred in my ministry. Up until this time
my focus was on the individual; their hurts, development, and care. I now find my
attention turning to a larger systemic picture. I haven't abandoned personal concerns. I
have merely broadened the scope of my vision.
My pastoral vocation is expressed in many venues; producing the radio show "Soul
Talk" and involvement with KOOP, my work with the Live Oak church including numerous
District events and one General Assembly,
participating in the Texas Faith Network, and most recently with Mayor Watson's
Community Reconciliation effort.
I have witnessed well intentioned activist endeavors in each of these spheres. To my
dismay, the primary style seems to involve, simplistic notions, a warring mentality, and
derogatory labeling of the "other side." I took a dip in this pool myself for a
splash or two. Afterwards, I was not refreshed.
In this method of social change; issues become more important than people. So often I
felt like I was back in the Church of Christ. Dynamically, that is precisely where I was
transported. The only difference was that a "liberal/progressive" message had
replaced the "conservative" one. The words of humanistic psychologist Carl
Rogers have never sounded a truer note; "significant positive change does not occur
except in a relationship." This even includes people we consider to be our enemies.
Here is my unfolding credo; issues flow out of relationships, not the other way around.
It is becoming clear that my way of activism is what Buddhist's call the middle way.
This way respects the strengths and failings of each perspective, and foremost, of all
beings. At times I feel like this is a wishy washy, fear of conflict, never take a stand
viewpoint. Yet, when I get still and let its character bubble up I sense a solemn,
passionate, fortitude.
Thich Nhat Hanh states it this way; "We need the vision of interbeing- we belong
to each other; we cannot cut reality into pieces. The well being of 'this' is the
well-being of 'that,' so we have to do things together. Every side is 'our side'; there is
no evil side."
Where two or more are gathered, this awareness can be put to good use.
Soulfully, Chuck Freeman
March 1999
This month marks the third anniversary of us watering the Live Oak together;
being cooled and protected by its shade. It is rare enough to witness two of anything
matching like they were joined by a master matchmaker; be it a man and his dog, a wife and
her hairdresser, a young man and his car, or a teenage girl and her separate phone line.
It is truly a scarce commodity to see a minister and congregation suited to one another as
we are. I have observed shifts in my inner landscape on account of us rubbing shoulders
with one another. Foremost, I am more secure and less defensive in relation to the
organized church, and thus to you. I have spent a decade recovering from the pains of a
deeply wrenching and disappointing weddedness to the church of my upbringing. You have
accepted me, appreciated me, and buttressed my coarse steps toward entering back into
community. I now feel more grounded; that I have a place in the world.
In like manner I have sensed that you have been able to relax your walls as well. As
each year elapses it feels as if I am your minister and you are my congregation. You have
come to trust me, confide in me, and look to me as a spiritual leader. For many of you I
had to earn this. It did not come with a title or a paycheck. But, you were willing to
give the Church of Christ boy a chance. It seems your willingness to be vulnerable has
paid dividends as well.
As I was writing this a love song by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville flashed in my
mind. It is a fitting, offbeat tribute to you from me. "Don't need a roller or a
limousine, don't need my picture in a magazine, don't need approval from a chosen few,
don't need reminding when the rent is due, I need you need you need you, I need you. I
need you like a fly needs a plane, I need you like a ball needs a game, I need you like a
pool needs a cue. I need you like a shot needs to shoot. I need you need you need you, I
need you."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
February 1999
WE HAVE BIG PROBLEMS IN OUR CHURCH. But, they are good problems. It seems we have just
about maxed out our sanctuary, and we have recently doubled our religious education space.
Momentous decisions, destiny choices, concentrated labor, delirious possibilities, loom
around the bend. Will we go to two services? How big a community do we desire to become?
How soon can we construct a new building? What will be the look of our home to be?
The questions of two services and a new building are closely linked. Every time we put
the discussion of two meeting times on the Steering Committee agenda it seems to get
pushed around until we don't have enough time to do it justice. I read this as a pretty
clear indicator that our church doesn't want to do split shifts. Put me on this list as
well. But this may be our best option if we want to continue increasing our membership.
Creative possibilities are being germinated in the building committee such as
constructing a bare bones structure that could serve our needs in the short term to avoid
two services. Later, this could become a fellowship or activity center, and we could build
the sanctuary of our dreams. If you wish to contribute to the imaginative mix in these
matters check out the building committee, or attend the Steering Committee.
Jon Durbin is convening a Growth/Communications group to make sure the left hand knows
what the right hand is doing as our numbers and activities continue to blossom. If these
considerations are your forte, cast your lot with this effort.
Hannah Whitall Smith observed; "all the stretching and pulling in the world could
not make a dead oak grow, but a live oak grows without stretching ....the essential thing
is to get within you the growing life."
WE HAVE BIG OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR CHURCH.
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
January 1999
"We are human beings, not human doings." Whoever said this was on to
something. What to DO in this new year? The information age opens vast worlds to us. It
can clang the jail door on us as well. Before you know it you are leading the "anti
Zen" existence; driving, talking on the phone, while reading a book, putting on
makeup, tailgating slow drivers, listening to the radio, checking e - mail on your laptop,
and chomping on a burrito.
Setting goals and striving for accomplishment are not by definition at odds with the
being piece of our humanity. The simple genius of Zen is to be fully present in each
moment. Even the "master" cannot succeed in this practice while doing eighteen
things at once. The master can't because she won't. He relies on focus, rather than
quantity. The secret
is hidden in realities such as savoring, soaking in, sitting with, delving into, being
captivated by.
Whatever we undertake in 1999, let us be enriched by the resolve of an unofficial Zen
Master, Captain Kangaroo. In his Treasure House he insisted the camera angles communicated
to each child this assurance: "I think you are important, you are my sole concern
right now."
Soulfully,
Chuck Freeman
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