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 | To express our deepest and most cherished convictions, as they are borne by each person to find a common vision for a better world; |
| To seek the life of the spirit, as it is known by each person, choosing with reverence its name; |
| And to walk together in the way of truth and love, as it is shown to us and to all people, in word and in deed. |
I will give a surprise at the Steering Committee to the first 100 people who can recite ours to me!
Good luck and thank you for all you do.
Janet Van Sickler
It’s summer, one can hardly blink,
and “poof” there are flowers red and pink,
and fun time to snack, and sit, and drink,
with friends, with family, just to think ...
During this season of relaxation, away from school and sports schedules, I hope you are taking the time to relax.
I am feeling amazingly excited about Live Oak this season! A strong turnout for our Steering Committee, where great snacks and conversations were shared, has me smiling.
To think that on a sunny Sunday afternoon, with pools open and the Kerrville Folk Festival in full swing, 20 of our members gathered to share what they have coming up and to hear what the ministers, RE program, and other committees are working on. We actually had one person who never had been to a Steering Committee not only stay and participate, but offer to help with a big task coming up! Our church rocks!
When I was a child, many of the UU churches took the summers off. Rumor had it that the ministers all drove ice cream trucks! I debate the logic of this with the savings on A/C costs and such, but when I am there on a Sunday, being moved by the music and service, sharing hugs, conversation, and just good plain family bonding, I know we are right where we should be! Although ... more ice cream could be good!
Thanks for everything you do,
and just for being you!
Janet Van Sickler
President’s Query: How old is Live Oak this year? Please let me know how you think we should celebrate!
Thanks from the bottom of my heart,
So many, not sure where to start,
To mention those and what they’ve done,
And all those whose fun has just begun!
As I start the first task of my presidency of Live Oak (writing the newsletter article), I truly am overwhelmed with the love and thanks I feel for those who have given so much before me and those who have jumped in to continue the adventure with me.
Jon Porter, Carrie Stewart, Greg Sedlock, Nick Swan, Helen Datta, Leah Korn, Fred Ditmars, and Gregory Mathis have done amazing things this year and I have enjoyed with each of them in my role as Secretary. I truly appreciate having you in the church community as a resource, and do plan on consulting you for your opinions even if you are moving away (and you know who you are!).
I am thrilled with the new slate of wonderful volunteers who have made Live Oak a priority in their lives for a year (or more). I have worked with each of them in some way or another in my 13 years at Live Oak. One of my favorite Dr. Seuss rhymes reminds us about volunteers and friends:
We see them come, we see them go,
Some are fast and some are slow,
Some are high and some are low,
Not one if them is like another.
Don’t ask us why. Go ask your mother!
Welcome friends Sherry Lyles, Sharon Fitzpatrick, Scott Osborne, Jason Pritchard, Kristen Hamlett, Johnfar Kerlee, Martha Nethers, Lisa Kuntz, and Tim O’Brien!
Janet Van Sickler
President’s Query: What is your favorite volunteer position at Live Oak? Please take a moment this month to thank those who are doing it!
March 2007
Community.
I know I’ve said it before, and I will continue to say it … we are a Community.
We are “unified body of individuals”, there is no doubt about that. We may have more individuals than the average community, but we definitely are unified.
Spring brings us new energy from the Earth. She sheds a brighter light on the future than any other time of year. As winter turns to spring this month, I’m reflecting on our Community, on our Family, and I feel a need, more than ever, to care for the individuals within it, to help the warm glow of the season to brighten the darkness. I feel as though we’ve been led to this place, and now we are reminded of how important it is to care for one another. It’s time to spread the warm glow. I’m calling on the members (yes, that’s you!) to reach out.
Think of a member you haven’t seen in a while and call them up. Check on
them; offer them your shoulder. Let them know that we are still here. 
When you see a member out and about, shake hands, make eye contact, smile, hug, offer your friendship freely. Have you heard that someone is going through a rough patch? Email them to let them know you’re thinking of them, organize home meals or visits, plan a playdate, send them positive energy, light a candle for them.
Wanting to do more with your time than just clean house and do laundry? Show up for church work days, offer your time to the many Community Service projects going on, ask the church administrator if she needs anything, take your ministers or DRE to lunch … just nurture.
Collectively we can build up enough Spring to last us all year. When we take care of each other, we take care of our souls.
And this is the part where I remind you of the many committees that can always use your extra time. See the list in this newsletter for contact information.
Jon Porter
January 2007
We are off to a New Year and an exciting part of it will be the Vision Café. The goal of this café is to collectively set the goals and vision for Live Oak for 2007 and into the future. The idea is to have three to five goals we as a community want to either accomplish or pursue. Personally, I would like to see as many people at the Café as possible so all voices and ideas can be heard.
I am excited to see where we are going. For too long we have been driving around with a general idea, but not a true destination. With the Vision Café we have a place to reach to. Once we are “there” we can pick a new spot.
Please join us on February 4 for this exciting process. Remember, every journey begins with a first step.
2006 was a positive year overall for Live Oak. I think we accomplished a lot and are ready to move forward. We are still a young and growing church. We have amazing energy and a positive message. I am hoping that we continue to grow both in terms of what Live Oak means to you, but physically as well. I encourage you to bring people to Sunday services, to Coffeehouses, plays, to FRED, service projects, and other things that we do as a community.
Live Oak is the not building, but the community within it. Each branch is important and I would like to see us flourish in 2007. Happy and Healthy New Year!
Jon Porter
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Current Letter from the President
Copyright
©2006, Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church.