A Month of Sundays - 2000 Worship Services

December 2000

December 3, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. John Connor, "The Spiritual Danger of Perfectionism" Many of us today feel pressure to somehow be perfect in our professional and personal lives. This is a faulty core belief about ourselves which -- instead of leading us to superior performance -- actually sabotages our efforts and guarantees failure. We will learn how to identify perfectionist tendencies within ourselves, and demonstrate how these internal standards trip us up and smother our self-worth. Finally, John will demonstrate how to discover new and healthier standards to help us grow in our spiritual, personal, and work lives. [This service did not occur and was postponed to January 2001. Instead, Chuck answered questions from the audience, and it was most enlightening.]

December 10, 9:30 &11:15 a.m. Sue Ann Kendall, "Bless Us Everyone" It's that time of year again, when all the winter holidays seem to come together and demand our attention. For many UUs, this is a difficult time of year. We have various "problems" with the traditions we grew up in, the traditions of others, or the incessant messages conveyed by the mass media. Why is Sue Ann so darned happy then? It's because she has the Christmas Spirit, the Solstice Sillies, the Hannukkah Happies and the Kwaanzaa Kinship, all rolled into one--she has made this time of year her own. She will share how her family has made peace with this time of year, and invites the congregation to share their own UUnique adaptations of the winter holidays. This will be a day when our diversity shines through and we can all learn from each other.

December 17, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Slip Sliding Into The Pit of Doing Good" Who can argue with a life of doing good? Yet, without a high level of awareness, the life of service is fraught with numerous modes of landing in a slimy pit. During this season which emphasizes "goodwill" toward humanity, come and view a map of the pits most travelled. NEW MEMBER DEDICATIONS will take place during both services today. Let Chuck know which service you will be attending

December 24, 10:30 a.m. "Christmas Eve Brunch" Join the Live Oak family in a time of potluck brunch, and yuletide warmth. . 6:30 p.m.. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Herald's Angels" Prominent in the Jesus story are angels scurrying hither and yon laying messages on all sorts of folk. Will you have your senses opened to the angelic communiques sure to come your way this Christmas? An ensemble from the Recorder Society will furnish us with musical sustenance.

December 31, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. "Masai Greeting" - Mary K. Isaacs, Martin Bryant and family will explore how the traditional "hello" of the Masai tribe of Kenya has lessons for our own culture. We'll also recognize the American holiday of Kwanzaa, which celebrates basic values through African symbols and expression, and share some spirited and soulful African and African-inspired music.

November 2000

November 5, 9:30 a.m. The Italian Coalition To Abolish The Death Penalty, "Justice, Without Revenge" Members of ICADP will relate their quest for justice, balancing the rights of the victim, the families involved, the perpetrator, and the community at large. (See Bio. of the group inside the newsletter.)

November 5, 11:15 a.m. Glenn and Mary McIntosh, ''Most Important Matters" An overly intellectual minister's sermon is interrupted by "the voice of God". What follows is a thoughtful, sometimes humorous, often intense dialogue about the meaning of life, and in particular, the reason (if any) for suffering.

November 12, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Goddess Heals the Prostitute (and downsizes the pimp)" Since viewing the documentary "American Pimp" Chuck has reflected considerably on what happens to our sexuality when we consider it dirty. Perspectives from goddess spirituality may lead us to sexual union as sacred pleasure. CHILD DEDICATIONS will be offered during both services. Please let Chuck know by Nov. 5 which service you will attend.

November 19, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Mary K. Isaacs and Martin, Kathleen, Mignon, and Will Bryant, "America's Holy Day" People make pilgrimages home; the emphasis is on togetherness and thankfulness. This trek doesn't require any particular belief system and reminds us of our reliance on each other as well as the importance of gratitude. We will explore how, secular as it is, Thanksgiving is nevertheless an American holy day.

November 26, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Razors Edge of Tolerance" Ironically, those who holler and whoop about tolerance the loudest often epitomize the intolerance they condemn. "Tolerance" can be a mask of aggression to impose a specific world view on society. No one tolerates everything. Yet, how do we create a culture where pluralistic and clashing visions may coexist in relative harmony.

About Our Guest Speakers The Italian Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty The names of the representatives are:  Arianna Ballotta (President)  Michela Mancini (vice-President)  Giancarlo Liguori (web master - administrator)  Biagio Santoro  Chiara Silva  Alessandra Ruberti The Italian Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (ICADP) was established in 1997 in order to form a network between both Italian and foreign groups, associations, movements and individuals that oppose capital punishment and coordinate their work and efforts. We gather and divulge news about the use of the death penalty in the world and promote information and protest campaigns. We are interested above all in the situation in the United States of America, as it is the only Western democracy that still uses the death penalty as a means of punishment. The ICADP is in direct and constant contact with other abolitionist groups and associations all over the world and most of its members correspond and have direct relations with death row prisoners, both men and women, in the USA. Our strong opposition to the death penalty is unconditional. We are convinced that the respect of human rights be an unquestionable top priority and that justice cannot be pursued by taking revenge, but by conducting the forces operating in society in a just and well-balanced way. Each community must be in a position to assure its members certainty of punishment and above all equitable and rightful legal proceedings, but it also has to enable offenders to rehabilitate themselves, whenever possible, thus balancing the legitimate need for justice of the families of the victims of violent crime and the respect of the very same values which demand an act of justice. The web site of the ICADP is a point of reference for the abolitionist movement, where people can find news from all over the world, information on our campaigns and urgent actions, and where the press review is updated daily.

October 2000

October 1, 9:30 & 11:15 am.: Rev. Chuck Freeman with Dave Hardy and Angela Keaton, "Why I Don't Vote" Most of us consider the right to vote a cornerstone of democracy. What is an appropriate response when the choice is between bought and boughter? Grounded in enlightenment icons such as Jefferson and Thoreau, Chuck will interview these libertarians about their political choices.

October 8, 9:30& 11:15 am.: "Expanding the Circle of Compassion" Members of the UFETA (UUs for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) chapter at First UU Church of Austin will explore many of the spiritual issues between humans and our animal planetary cohabitants: pets, species extinction and limitation, vegetarianism, and spiritual awareness of the souls of animals. Kathleen Bryant and Leslie will deliver the homilies.

October 15, 9:30 & 11:15 am.: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Roy's Gift" Years ago a patient of Chuck's in the Texas Medical Center literally received new life with a heart transplant. As we approach pledge season our question is the same as Roy's. How do we respond to the gifts of grace and renewed vitality?

October 22, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Eddie Collins, "The Musical and Spiritual Journey of a Texas Troubadour" Live Oak's own noted Texas tunesmith, shares the highlights and lowlights of a music career that has spanned more than a quarter century, and has seen him perform before the President of the United States and British Royalty as well as before the intoxicated underworld of country honky tonks. Interweaving story with song, Eddie parallels his spiritual growth as a fellow UU with the trials and tribulations of learning to play a musical instrument.

October 22, 5 pm. "Chuck's Fellowship Shindig" Come celebrate Chuck's preliminary fellowship in the UU Minister's Association with a rousing service and a potluck to follow.

October 29, 9:15 & 11:15 am.: "El Dia De Los Muertos" The traditional Mexican festival, "Day of the Dead" is a time for remembering and rejoicing in our loved ones who have passed from this life. Bring pictures and mementos to place on the altar which will honor our beloved deceased. BOTH SERVICES ARE INTERGENERATIONAL.

September 2000

September 3, 11 a.m., John Wallace, "Freemasonry and the UU's" Are Freemasons a secret society ruling the world using Satanic rituals? Are they a religion, or the world's oldest fraternity? Both UUs and Freemasons have been attacked by many of the same zealots. John Wallace is a new member of Live Oak, Past Master of Kemper-Macon #64, AF&AM and Past Master of A. Douglas Smith Lodge of Research #1949, AF&AM. He will present a brief discussion of the philosophy, ritual and history of Freemasonry in the United States.

September 10, 9:30 & 11:15 .m.: Mary K. Isaacs & Martin Bryant, "The Recovering Rationalist - A Twelve Step Program" Many UUs may need structured support to overcome their dependence on over-rationalization and the tyranny of reason. We've developed a twelve-step program to set your feet on the path to recovery and a more spiritual life. See Bio inside the newsletter.

September 17, 9:30 & 11:15 .m.: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Water Ceremony" During summer travels we have collected water from our various destinations. We will share stories of our sojourns and pour the water into a common vessel, symbolizing our ongoing connection, gathering anew, and interconnection with all creation. DURING THE 9:30 A.M. SERVICE, THE CHILDREN WILL STAY IN THE SANCTUARY THE ENTIRE TIME.

September 24, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" Christians who take the Bible literally believe with all sincerity that this statement by Jesus, establishes him as the exclusive path to God and salvation. Come hear why Chuck passionately concurs with the Son of Man's declaration.

Our Guests  Mary K. Isaacs, Martin Bryant, and their four children, Kathleen, Mignon, Will, and Forrest, are members of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, where Mary K. serves on the Board of Trustees. Singing together is just one of the ways the Isaacs-Bryants have chosen to share a discipline of faith in their lives. The family is also home-schooled and vegetarian. Singing mostly a capella, though sometimes accompanied by guitar and recorders, the family sings in full five-part harmonies in music styles ranging from Gospel to Broadway, Rock-n-roll to classical, and new-pagan to Barbershop. The family also features many original pieces written by family members. The family's UU lay ministry has led them to assist or perform at least one service per month for over a year in UU fellowships and churches all over Texas. They are familiar not only to First UU Church of Austin, but also Live Oak UU of Austin, Brazos Valley UU Fellowship of College Station, Tyler UU Fellowship, and the Waco UU Fellowship. The family recently attended the denomination's general assembly in Nashville, where Kathleen and Mignon participated in the first-ever UU Children's Honor Choir.

 

August 2000

August 6: Pat Rather, "The Joy of Simplicity" We buy. We receive. We inherit. We collect. We store. We have clutter. Does clutter cost you? You bet! Not just financially, but emotionally, personally, and spiritually. Pat will explore why we accumulate, offer some tips on how to get rid of clutter, and finally share the benefits and joys of returning to a simple, clutter-free life.

August 13: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Our Confession of Fait in Stone" Imagine in your mind's eye the homes, schools, dorm rooms, churches and other meaningful places from your past. They occupy a holy place in your memory. We are preparing to embark on constructing a sacred space which can reflect our deepest values, and stand as a tangible confession of faith in the now, and for generations yet unborn.

August 20: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Ask Your UU Guru" In the moment Chuck ceremoniously received Preliminary Fellowship in the UU Ministers Association, he was also endowed with a flash of wisdom and understanding previously unattained! Come to church with any of your spiritual or religious questions legibly written or typed. We will toss them in a hat, and see what sort of "sermonic rabbits" your local guru will pluck forth.

August 27: "Aesop Goes To Market" - The Live Oak children will be performing a play written by Rebecca Maze. It combines history with fables, and the "morals" with our UU principles. There will be two fables sung by The children, with Nell Trimble as accompanist.

SPECIAL THANKS to our guest musicians for August: Jan Nesheim & Eddie Collins, August 6, and Nell Trimble, August 13, 20, and 27!

July 2000

July 2: Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley, "Not By Ourselves Alone" In our culture, individualism is highly valued. And yet, from all that we know, individualism is not a natural state. What are the limits of individualism in our personal lives? In our free faith tradition? And how can we move toward right relationships in church and in society? Marjorie is the interim Co- Minister of First UU Church in Austin.

July 9: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Pokemon Goes Dowsing" Discussions on our e-mail list last month have engendered this homily. Technologies like call waiting, caller ID, pagers, cell phones, chat rooms, open e-mail groups, etc. have changed the ways we communicate; often blurring etiquette, privacy, and respect toward one another. Are we "communicating" more and relating less? Are time-honored values/manners now obsolete?

July 16: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Hello Dalai" Your humble Minister will enter into a dialogue with the thoughts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama around basic spiritual values. Afterwards, you can decide if Chuck is a Buddhist, or if the Dalai Lama is a Unitarian Universalist!!

July 23: John Brand, "Your Horns, Your Halo and Your Brain." Given the evolutionary history of our brains, certain propensities are hard wired therein. What are the tools, and processes to bring the halo to prominence more often than the horns? John is a retired Methodist Minister with advanced degrees in Law, Theology, and Ministry. His full bio is included inside the newsletter.

July 30: Aklilu Gebrewold, "Playing the Spiritual Accordion" Aklilu will share from his life how he moves from private spiritual practices such as meditation and yoga to social and religious activism; opening a broader sense of selfhood. He is a native of Ethiopia, where he organized a millennium peace run last year. Aklilu has taught African literature and Philosophy on the University level.

Our Guest Speaker: Born in Vienna Austria. Educated at New York University, no degree, Northwestern U., School of Law, Juris Doctor, S.M.U. Master of Theology and Doctor of Ministry. W.W. II veteran, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart Methodist Minister, 1950-1969; Vice President, Birkman & Assoc., Industrial Psychologists, 1970 - 1975; Director of Org. and Human Resources, Warren-King Interests, oil and gas, 1975 - 1980. Retired 1980.

June 2000

June 4: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Dreams, Voices, and Tarot on the Trail" Guidance for our daily lives, and the deepening of our souls often come in unexpected ways. Chuck will recount psychic events in his life that have challenged and bolstered his sacred purpose. During this service we will also do UU version of Kaddish, a time to honor those who have passed from this life.

June 11: Tom Capo, "Reflections on Democracy" As we approach the UUA's General Assembly, let us explore how democracy works in our denomination. Using the founders of our American democracy as a model, our denomination would make our predecessors proud. Tom is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a candidate for the UU ministry, living in Houston, Tx

June 18: Rabbi Monty Eliasov, "The Four Directions in Family Values" Non-Christians living in the United States in the early 2000's are now challenged to redefine our faith in new ways. Rising to the challenge, Rabbi Monty Eliasov shows us one way to think "outside of the box" about God and religion by providing us with an ancient and truly unitarian pathway to sacred scripture that we can explore and integrate into our daily lives.

June 25: James Hamilton, "The Theologian of the Century" Paul Tillich has been considered by many to be the greatest 20th century theologian. His liberal and existential theology has found its way onto the pages of many a Unitarian Universalist sermon. James will let Reverend Tillich speak for himself by giving voice to excerpts from his sermons and writings.

Our Guest Speaker: Using scripture as prototype, Rabbi Monty will provide vivid examples of the approach which he traces back to the Five Books of the Torah. Monty is the Rabbi for the Heart of Texas Havarah in Austin

May 2000

May 7: Ruth Huber, "Living in the Spirit of Nurture" Award winning singer/songwriter Ruth Huber will sing her original songs, including selections from her latest CD, "Spirit of Nurture" and use guided imagery to illustrate the interaction between self-nurture, spiritual practice, and generosity toward others. She will also explore aspects of women's spirituality, which she defines as "a reclaiming of the feminine aspect of the divine and the divine aspect of women," contributing to the wholeness of both women and men. (See Ruth's bio inside the newsletter.)

May 14: Peggy Horowitz, "Don't you just hate Mother's Day?" My mom did... Peggy will read an original story about herself and her grandmother Pearlie in heaven. She will also discuss the "100 Blessings Project," rededicated to the memory of her mom and Grandma Pearlie. (See Peggy's bio inside the newsletter.)

May 21: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Gift of Fear" Virtually all religions warn that fear is antithetical to spiritual growth. This is true of lives dominated by fear. Yet, fear has a positive purpose in our repertoire of feelings/instincts. How does fear work in our favor?

May 28: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "How You Got Your Principles" Did the "seven principles" of our Association derive from a bearded man returning from a smoldering mountain, like the Ten Commandments? How did they emerge? Do we have to agree with all of them to be a UU? Do they truly define our religious outlook?

Ruth Huber's lyrical, heartfelt songwriting has been recognized by both the Music Umbrella Songwriters Competition and the Kerrville Folk Festival. Raised Unitarian in rural Maryland, she moved to Texas to pursue a Master of Music degree, and became "founding mother" of Austin's Tapestry Singers. She now resides in the San Jose, California, where she directs and composes for the Rainbow Women's Chorus, teaches, and performs in coffeehouses, concerts, and spiritual spaces. Peggy Horowitz is a self-described "Creative Expressionist." She is an award-winning pastel painter whose artwork is in private collections around the country and in Germany. Certified in NIA (a body awareness modality) Peggy also studies Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Yoga. She is dedicated to journaling and has taught art for 20 years.

April 2000

April 2: "That's Why I'm Here," New members, Kathy, Perry Statham, and Jj will trace their spiritual paths to the UU tribe and Live Oak in particular.

April 9: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Poor Richard's Frontlets" Ben Franklin meets the Torah. When we combine Franklin's iconoclastic notions of education, with the Old Law's admonition to teach the commandments diligently to your children "as frontlets between your eyes," we get a superb formula for UU religious education.

April 16: laurieanne childes "unfolding your own myth" laurieanne will be relating the archetypal desire of humankind to define ourselves through individuality and ancient discovery of personal myth. laurieanne's myth was formulated by following the prophet "song lines" of wandering in the wilderness--separating herself for forty days--to discover her personal relationship with the g-d of the universe. She will share specific "tells" of her 1500 mile odyssey cycling about the state of Texas and encountering mystics, madmen, and misfits. (Read laurieanne's bio inside the newsletter.)

Our Guest Speaker laurieanne childes is a writer, cyclist, and minister of the spirit. she is passionate about encouraging others to follow the leanings of the eternal voice of the heart. she has written two books--"road through ecclesiastes" and "mystics, madmen, and misfits--journey of the universal waif". laurieanne's heart desire is to "make the world's dream and her heart's desire one". personal peace is the hardest won victory.

April 23: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Consider the Lilies" In this INTERGENERATIONAL service we will draw a parallel between the blooming of a flower and spiritual growth. The Lily doesn't come to life by trying harder, but by being in the right conditions. So it is with our sacred development. The Isaacs family will offer their gift of song. PLEASE BRING A FLOWER, to exchange for the UU tradition of Flower Communion.

April 30: David Collins, "Zen and the Art of Defining Religion" The world's contemplative traditions challenge the conventional way in which many think about religion. Instead of an acceptance on faith of unprovable claims and beliefs, the contemplatives encourage a hands-on, direct, empirical investigation of what is most real. Their approach to human spirituality is to "go and look". To ask, deeply and lovingly, what IS religion, can comprise the essence of what it means to be religious. David Collins is the founder of "A Community for Contemplative Practice" in Austin.

March 2000

March 5: Mass: A Unitarian Universalist Perspective- due to popular demand, the choir will use the same format and readings as our musical service of last spring, but with different musical selections drawn from masses by different composers. We will have a special guest, Carl Logue, accompanying. Carl spent 10 years as accompanist for the Capitol City Men's Chorus, and we are pleased to have him!

March 12: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "I BELIEVE IN JUSTICE!!!!!" Personal experience, recent UUA and District publications show the shadow side of our tradition's desire for human dignity. When a deep understanding of the human psyche is ignored, grace and humor are abandoned, and a thin moralizing takes center stage.

March 19: Bill Dower, "Ishmael" In his remarkable book, author Daniel Quinn constructs and communicates a compelling new way to look at the facts and beliefs of our culture. The perspective from this new point of view is both disorienting and familiar. Bill will read selected passages from the book and lead a short discussion on the implications of these ideas.

March 26: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Day Jesus Got Saved" One morning a Gentile woman fell at Jesus feet and begged him to cast a demon out of her daughter. He replied; "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." Her response brought him up short, leading to a spiritual awakening.

February 2000

February 6: Sharon Sarles, "Peace versus Nonviolence: Gandhi in dialog with the Mediation in Schools Movement." Peace is often seen as an only ministerial or grandmotherly palliative in our culture. By contrast, Gandhi's movement, while urging peace, was virile enough to foment a cultural, economic, and political revolution. The Mediation in Schools movement is one of the most active and useful peace movements in our nation today. Let's put Gandhi's philosophy in dialog with one of today's most active peace movement and see what we can learn. (Bio for Sharon is inside the newsletter.)

February 13: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Leaves in the Wiper Well" A senior citizen I know obsesses about the leaves that collect in the windshield wiper well of her car. Our spiritual frame of reference determines what becomes a priority or crisis in our lives. Recent events in the life of our community have caused us all to reassess our view of reality. Does the universe change in step with our experiences?

February 20: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Five Smooth Stones of Liberalism" In the middle of the last century, Unitarian theologian James Luther Adams proposed guiding principles for a free faith. How smooth and shiny are these stones as time passes?

February 27: Dr. Barbara Coeyman, "Boundaries as Spiritual Practice" For the past two decades feminist theologians among others have been aware of the significance of boundaries in women's experiences with religion and spirituality. Important not only for women, boundaries affect all of us, to help define who we are and what we can or will do, particularly in relationships with other people, at work, in school, at home. Well-used boundaries can be personally empowering and productive, misused boundaries can sap energies and violate personal space. Awareness of how each of us may exercise our boundaries better can contribute to that ephemeral experience we call spirituality. (Barbara's bio is inside the newsletter.)

January 2000

January 2: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "How Great Thou Art" This traditional Christian hymn magnifies how great God is. What about your greatness? Begin this new year with a devotion to accept and pursue your own might.

January 9: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Five Smooth Stones Of Liberalism" In the middle of the last century, Unitarian theologian James Luther Adams proposed these guiding principles for a free faith. How well are they holding up?

January 16: Ashton Cumberbatch Jr. "Christo-centricity" A Biblical perspective on racism, contrasting christo-centricity with ethno-centricity. Ashton and Chuck worked together last year with the Mayor's Council for Community Reconciliation. Ashton is Co-chair of this group, a lawyer, and doing ministry work with North Austin Christian Church.

January 23: Matthew Daude, "The Taming of Job" Who hasn't heard the cliché, "the patience of Job?" However, Job's particular brand of "patience" involves his attempt to haul God into court to answer for what Job perceived as injustice. Our cliché is therefore an indication of the progressive "taming" of the central idea of Job, which is the transcendence--and therefore inscrutability--of the Divine Nature. In these reflections, we will explore this core notion and show how this process of theological "domestication" has obscured the drama between God and one of his faithful. Matthew is a Professor of Philosophy at ACC. Music by our new "High- Strung Quartet."

January 30: James Hamilton, "The Goddess, the Saint, and the Candle" Enter into a celebration of Celtic spirituality that anticipates the coming of spring and hope for the new millennium in the waning days of winter.