Rev. Joanna and members of Live Oak participated in the Interfaith “Move the Monument” rally in front of the Williamson County courthouse this past Sunday. The purpose of the rally was to call for the statue of a Confederate soldier to be moved from its present position in front of...
- Nov2023
Live Oak Showing Up for Justice
November 15, 2023
What Does “Community” Mean in 2023?
November 8, 2023
Last Sunday, I told the story about the “Dedham Decision” – a pivotal story in Unitarianism. In a very concrete way, the Dedham decision was about defining what it means to be a community. This is a question that we think about at Live Oak – how do we reach...
Two Months of Holiday Events at Live Oak
November 1, 2023
November is here, as are the preparations for all the fun things happening at Live Oak. If you haven’t been here before at this time, let me tell you that this is a congregation that really gets the most out of the holidays. (It’s a great time to invite that...
- Oct2023
“A Great Ministry for the Neighborhood”
October 19, 2023
We have been having some great conversations this week, thanks to our pumpkin patch. People in the area are stopping by to check out the pumpkins, and are staying to chat about the church, Unitarian Universalism, and more. One person on Monday remarked that this was a great ministry for...
Dealing with Heartbreak Over the World
October 11, 2023
In last week’s newsletter, I wrote about being amazed at the beauty and wonder of the world. This week, the news about Israel and Palestine is bringing heartbreak to us, with more violence threatened. Parents are being instructed to remove access to social media for their children, as there may...
A message from your Director of Lifespan Faith Development and Minister: Several reliable news outlets are reporting that parents are being highly encouraged to remove any social media that their children have access to before this weekend. Hamas is threatening to put on social media graphic videos of the atrocities...
Invocation, Leander City Council Meeting October 10, 2023
October 11, 2023
Rev. Joanna was invited to give the invocation at the Leander City Council meeting on October 10. On their agenda was a recognition of Hindu Heritage Month. Below are Rev. Joanna’s invocation words: I invite you to join me in the spirit of prayer and reflection: Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda...
Be Amazed
October 4, 2023
Last Sunday, I shared that my personal definition of spiritual involves me paying attention to what is around me, and not taking anything for granted. Often, the outcome of that is being amazed at something I’m looking at, or experiencing. In a poem titled “Sometimes,” the poet Mary Oliver writes:...
- Sep2023
Becoming More Accessible
September 27, 2023
Part of our goal at Live Oak is to become more accessible to all people. This can take physical forms, such as our elevator, and it can also take the form of being more mindful about communicating, especially about the “norms” in our community. As a society, we are becoming...
Process Theology
September 20, 2023
Last Sunday, I explained a little bit about process theology, and invited those interested in learning more to ask me for some book recommendations. Several of you have responded, so here you go! Books Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed by Bruce G. Epperly Piglet’s Process: Process Theology for...