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December 2003December
7, 10:30 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman:
Know Your Pace: This
time of year we are pressured to quicken our stride in a tech world which
already has the pedal to the metal. This morning we will allow the pace of the
timeless to be our teacher. Our NEW
MEMBER COVENANT
will be celebrated during this service. December
14, 10:30 am. Live Oak Choir:
Proud Protestations of Faith: The Life and Theology of Oscar Hammerstein II.
Originally
given by the Rev. Denise Tracy at the Lake Geneva Summer Assembly 2003, the Live
Oak Choir will present songs and readings about the life and works of this
inspiring lyricist. December
21, 10:30 am. Rev. Kathleen Ellis:
Gifts From the Heart.
Hanukah
begins at sundown on the 19th, Winter Solstice and Yule are upon us
(celebrated by several religions), and within a week we have Christmas, Kwanzaa,
Boxing Day, the death anniversary of Zarathustra, the birth anniversary of the
Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji, New Year’s Day, and the Rose Parade. Most of us
have purchased gifts we plan to give (and maybe one for ourselves). But what
lies behind the material gifts? Are there gifts we long for that money can’t
buy? And what if we’re just not as joyful as the world thinks we should feel?
The parable will be presented by our 1st and 2nd grade RE
class. December
24, 7:00 pm. Rev. Chuck Freeman:
The Voices of Christmas. In
the stories of Jesus’ birth everyone involved are hearing voices from the
celestial to inner dialogue. What voices will you hear this season and which
ones will captivate your attention? December
28, 10:30 am. Rabbi Monty Eliasov. I
am a Live Oak Planted in the Temple of God.
Both
the Live Oak and the Olive Tree are evergreen and are as such included in the
message of the Psalms, a book that was for the most part composed by the
Levites. This book contains a great deal of surprising teachings, many of them
apparent to us only from modern scholarship. Today, Rabbi Monty explores the
symbolism of the Evergreen Tree and the Primordial Light and how we can apply
these texts towards a better understanding of our winter solstice rituals.
About Our Guest SpeakersRabbi Monty Eliasov is the
founding director of the Twelve Tribe Torah Institute, which publishes tapes and
books that are dedicated to integrating the four paths of seeking God through
nature, faith, meditation, and scripture into the grand Levitical mandala. He
has taught various related topics at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, the
St. Theresa Catholic Church, Tarrytown United Methodist Church, and at the Dell
Jewish Community Center. He is also serving as rabbi at Congregation Shalom Rav,
a Jewish Reconstructionist fellowship in Austin. Meet our “Safari Hunters” Class: This month the spotlight shines on our wonderful 1st and 2nd grade Religious Education class. On December 21, you will see them in action as they provide the parable portion of the worship service. The class curriculum is called Safari Hunters. Each Sunday our children use an animal theme to explore the meaning of Unitarian Universalist principles and values, and emphasize participating in a caring community. Our teaching team includes Susan Meitz, Julie Carolan, Jenny Ziegler, and Maryann Todd-Thompson. The Safari Hunters include Ariana Billet, Clare Bullard, Liam Fredlund, Alyssa Hamilton, Ryan Huntington, Forrest Isaacs Bryant, Christopher Kaulfus, Julia Meitz, Sarah Moshier, Katherine Powell, Hans Steffes, Erin Vines, Bridget Carolan, and Sinéad Carolan. November 2003November 2, 10:30 am.
Rev. Chuck Freeman: The
Relationship Never Dies: Even
though we experience a physical loss when someone we care about dies, they live
on in our hearts, memories, and possibly in spirit. Ancient customs wisely
cultivated this ongoing relationship, as we will in this service. PLEASE
BRING PICTURES OR MEMENTOS OF LOVED ONES FOR THE ALTAR. November 9, 10:30 am.
Rev. Ron Robinson:
The Parable Of Your Life.
Jesus’ parables are about radical compassion. The “Passion Story”
about Jesus is itself a parable of radical compassion. Ron will explore how
these can shape the parable of our lives and our churches. November 16, 10:30 am.
Rev. Chuck Freeman: Rush
is Right! Rush’s voice
and contributions have had an abiding influence in America. Come discover who
and why this Rush is Right! November 23, 10:30 am.
Becky Harding: On
the Outside Looking In: The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Movement. In
an often humorous, yet poignant, style, this sermon will explore gay rights as
civil rights by looking at the past seeds of the movement, trying to understand
the present climate of change and pledge for hope and compassion for the future
of all people, gay and straight, and/or in between. November 30, 10:30 am. Roger Joslin. Running the Spiritual Path: A Runner’s Guide to Breathing, Meditating, and Exploring the Prayerful Dimension of the Sport. Roger will explore the idea that the attainment of spiritual well being is as likely to happen while you run along the trails of your favorite path as it is within the more traditional setting of your neighborhood church, synagogue, or mosque. He will demonstrate how, through intention and awareness, chants and visualization, or the most evident aspects of the present moment – weather, pain, or breathing – the simple run can be transformed into a profound spiritual practice.
ABOUT
OUR GUEST SPEAKERS The Rev. Ron Robinson is the
new Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship, an
independent affiliate of the UUA, founded in 1945. He is also a church planter
with Epiphany Church, an emerging UU church in the Tulsa area. He has previously
served as a hospice chaplain, intern minister at All Souls in Tulsa, student
minister with the UU Church of Bartlesville, OK, organized the Tahlequah, OK,
congregation, served on the Southwest UU Board of Directors, and received the
first Von Stilli Award for church growth in the Southwest UU Conference. Becky Harding, Austin ISD’s
Teacher of the Year for 1999-2000, has taught public school for nearly twenty
years. Active at The First Unitarian Church of Austin, she co-chaired Interweave
and was a host for the Sunday Night Live third service. She and her partner have
one child. Roger D. Joslin, the author of Running the Spiritual Path, brings the experience of a lifetime of running to the pages of his book. A veteran of three marathons and thousands of miles of solitary running on trails and back roads throughout the United States, Roger’s book emerged from a running journal he maintained over the course of the last decade. Many years of meditation practice, punctuated with the nurturing solitude of periodic visits to numerous retreat centers and monasteries, led the author, quite naturally, to combine his love for running with his spiritual search. The author is currently enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, with aspirations to enter the priesthood. October 2003October
5, 10:30 am. Sue Young:
Flowing With the River of Life:
Sue’s music draws on world spiritual traditions to chronicle the
journey to the mystic heart. “Her pieces give voice to the everyday sacred …
a powerfully clear invitation to grace.” – Moonbirds
Music “an angelic voice.” – Austin
Chronicle October
12, 10:30 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman:
The Spiritual Steve Austin.
In the mid-70s TV show The Six Million
Dollar Man an injured NASA test pilot is rebuilt into a bionic
wonder. If we were to construct the ideal spiritual person what aspects of being
would they possess? It was a crappy show; hope the sermon is better! October
19, 10:30 am. Live Oak Library Committee:
“We Are Made Whole By Books”
– Mary Davies; “I cannot live without books.” – Thomas Jefferson. We
agree! In anticipation of our new church library’s grand opening, members of
the Live Oak Library Committee (and resident bookworms), Diane Schultz, Subhash
Pal, Leslie Cunningham, and Carolyn Dower will be talking about books that had a
powerful impact on them. The Lorax
was given consideration, as were all of Jane Austen’s books. Intriguing? October 26, 10:30 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman: Another Form of Energy Exchange. We are constantly exchanging energy with each other, from thoughts and feelings to overt actions. Money is a multifaceted currency which is connected to the world at large through individuals. As we enter pledge season, let us examine how energy of the green variety fits into the spectrum of exchange.
About our Guest Speaker
Sue Young started
out singing and playing in folk masses in high school in New Mexico, then moved
on to work in clubs, restaurants, and coffeehouses. She’s come full circle
these days and is back singing in churches again, as well as at concerts and
festivals. She is also a storyteller and performs at schools, libraries,
museums, and theaters. She spent a year in Quito, Ecuador, and sings and tells
stories in Spanish as well as English. Sue teaches Spanish to children at an
Austin Montessori school. September 2003September
7, 10:30 am. Jim Checkley: Have Yourself a Very September Christmas:
Here, in the dog days of summer, just before the Christmas season starts
after Labor Day, and while we still can have some objectivity and perspective, I
want to talk about Christmas as both a secular and religious holiday, one that
inspired Isaac Newton, gave us Rudolph as a marketing ploy, and drives both the
economy and a lot of people crazy. I will also suggest a modest proposal for
both surviving Christmas and taking it back as a religious holiday. The guest
musician will be Marianna Stratta, who plays the flute. September
14, 10:30 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman:
The 3 Face Portrait. A minister buddy of mine has a portrait in his office with
the faces of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela. When I
asked why, he readily replied, “They keep me straight.” Chuck will unveil
his 3 faces with hopes of sparking the trinity for your painting. We will make
our RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION COVENANT during
the opening portion of the service. September
21, 10:30 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman:
You’re Only as Sick as …your
secrets.
In therapeutic and recovery circles this is a well-known maxim. The dark,
unknown, or shamed parts of our being keep us from being vibrant, fully alive,
and living our values. Your minister will reveal some secrets that have kept him
in captivity. September
28, 10:30 am. Rev. Kathleen Ellis:
Amazing Universal Grace.
One of the great hymns of modern times is Amazing
Grace, with lyrics written by a former slave trader. The song is
beloved by people of many religious persuasions. Our own doctrine of universal
salvation suggests that grace falls on everyone, from the marginalized to the
mainstream. Let us consider our own need for saving grace. Jim Checkley has lived in Austin for 26 years and has been a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin during that time. Educated in both science and law, Jim is an administrative lawyer with the firm of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP, where he practices in those areas of law where science and technology have a strong influence, like environmental law and public utility regulation. Jim has been speaking at UU churches since 1987, mostly at First Church, but has spoken at Wildflower Church and the Austin UU Fellowship, as well as at the UU church in Kerrville. Jim has two children, a son, TJ, who is entering his second year at Austin College, and a daughter, Kat, who is a senior at Bowie High School. August 2003August
3, 10:30 am. Rev. Scott Carpenter:
Spiritual
Reconstruction: From Life-Long Fundamental Christianity to Eclectic Wicca:
Scott was raised in a fundamental Christian church here in Austin, wanted
to study comparative religion, has considered many times going to a Christian
seminary, became a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church, was
elected to the Administrative Board of the largest Methodist church in the
Austin area, and turned to Neo-Paganism (specifically Eclectic Wicca) during a
personal mid-life crisis in order to heal. The struggle and healing continues,
BUT life exists where once there was no life. August
10, 10:30 am. Jim Scott:
Gaia, Mother Earth, and the Oneness of Everything.
UU troubadour Jim Scott will intersperse original songs and readings with
his personal reflections on a spiritual ecological awareness. The idea of Mother
Earth or “Gaia” being a living organism with the same physical attributes
(heart, lungs, circulatory system) as humans, leads us to a deeper connection
with our life support system. Churches can offer the “spiritual response” so
timely now, as the “the spirit of life on earth is in crisis”. Jim’s
uplifting songs provide the balance to the “wake up call”, leaving
participants with a vision and inspiration to take the healing into our own
hands. August
17, 10:30 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman:
An Elevator
Death Bed Speech. Bill Sinkford, President of our Unitarian
Universalist Association, is calling for us to develop “a language of
reverence”. He wonders aloud if we would want the principles and purposes read
at our deathbed. Sinkford also encourages us to construct an “elevator
speech” relating what UUism means to us. All of this has caused quite a stir
nationally and within Live Oak. Rev. Freeman will deliver not one, but two,
takes on these matters. NEW MEMBER
DEDICATIONS will be conducted this day. August
24, 10:30 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman:
Still Waters
Run Deep. We will inaugurate our church year with a water communion,
recognizing the connection we share even while separated during vacation
travels, and our interrelation with nature. BRING THE WATER YOU COLLECTED ON YOUR SUMMER SOJOURNS. August
31, 10:30 am. John H. Brand:
The New World Symphony. Since his retirement, John’s studies have taken
him to the edge of present knowledge in fields as varied as Quantum Mechanics,
the evolutionary development of the human brain, and Chaos Theory. Arranged like
the movements of a symphony, John develops a process that might yet transform
the merely human into the humane.
ABOUT
OUR GUEST SPEAKERS Rev. Scott
Carpenter is the Director of
Development of The Art of Living Spiritual Center; owns Magickal Life Coaching,
specializing in non-denominational spiritual direction, Western astrology, and
personal life coaching; and owns Software Shaman LLC, a computer software
consultancy. His current vocational passion, though, is his spiritual service to
Pagan/Heathen offenders incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
(TDJC). His goal is to become the first Neo-Pagan chaplain employed full-time by
TDJC. Over the past fifteen years Jim Scott has visited more than 300 UU churches across the US, Canada, and the UK, leading services, providing special music for services, presenting benefit concerts, and offering workshops. Three of Jim’s songs are included in the UU hymnbook, Singing the Living Tradition, and his music is sung from church choirs to campfires. Him hymn Gather the Spirit has become well known across the denomination. Formerly the Co-Chair of the UU Seventh
Principle Project, Jim was actively involved in the creation of the “Green
Sanctuary” program. His newest creation The
Earth and Spirit Songbook (book one of two) is just out and Jim is
planning concert presentations of this collection of over 80 songs of earth and
peace by many contemporary composers. Years of activism are reflected in
Jim’s work. His songs, poetry, and short stories address issues of ecology,
justice, and peace, with insight and gentle wit. As a member of the Paul Winter
Consort, he was co-creator of the monumental choral work Missa Gaia/Earth Mass.
He has gone on to create a wide repertoire of choral works, a stage musical, and
many recordings of songs. Jim’s musical-activist journeys have
included concert collaborations with renowned jazz, classical, and folk artists,
as well as numerous concerts with choirs. He also performs his engaging songs
for children regularly in schools, libraries, and intergenerational concerts. John
H. Brand, D.Min., J.D., was
a United Methodist Minister, Industrial Psychologist, and Executive with the
Warren-King Interests, an independent oil and gas company. John is the author of
two books, Shaking the Foundations and Rebuilding
the Foundations. Both are available at www.dandelionbooks.net. July 2003July
6, 10:30 am: The
Isaacs Bryant Family Singers, Celebrating UU
Musicians: If you've
ever wondered – what was the "golden age" of UU music? – the
answer is now! The Isaacs Bryant Family Singers will bring a service of music
from currently active UU composers and songwriters, who live and work from coast
to coast and Canada to Texas. This Intergenerational
Service will feature a great deal of mostly a capella music
and congregational singing. The music will feature great new gospel tunes from
Sweet Honey in the Rock and Peter Mayer as well as original songs by the Isaacs
Bryant family. Come sing with us! July
13, 10:30 am: Rev.
Chuck Freeman, Reunion of the Hatfield's and
McCoys: In the past 5
years America's infamous feuding families have begun holding yearly reunion
festivals. Last month, they signed a truce. The feud between youth and adults is
much older and enduring than this brief conflict. Understanding and cooperation
always begin with coming together in relationship. Musical guests will be the
Wildflower Rock Band. July
20, 10:30 am: Pedro
Gatos, Deeds and Principles of Cuba in
Striking Congruency with the UU Principles:
Our perceptions about politics as with everything is shaped by the
information made available to us as well as information kept from us. The
perception of Cuba perpetuated by our government and our media is vastly
different than the perception that a majority of the third world has. Based on
repeated visits to and extensive historical studies of Cuba and U.S. influences
on its development, a sermon focusing on Cuban deeds of actions and the
principles and values that underlie them will be discussed. The congruency with
the principles and purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association will be
considered. Note: After lunch, from 1:30-3:00 pm, Pedro will present slides of
Cuba and invite further discussion. Guest guitarist will be Juan Antonio
DeLosangelos. July
27, 10:30 am: Ken
McKenzie-Grant, CHOICES:
Spiritual Identity in the Face of Eclecticism:
Ken will employ his 40 year spiritual path integrating Methodist,
Catholic, Astrological, Wiccan, and Cherokee beliefs to illustrate the human
search for sacredness. These days, the accumulated knowledge of human
spirituality is available at a mouse-click. How do we define ourSelves amidst
this unprecedented holy overload? Note: Chuck generally
preaches twice a month. In July he traditionally speaks only once, since he
attends UU camp for a week in July. This year, Chuck is the Minister in
Residence at Laforet, July 27-August 3 in Carbondale, Colorado. About our Guest SpeakersPete Gatos is founder of the Pedro Gatos Institute on Addiction, Health & Social Theory, gatos@ccms.net, founded on April 2, 1998. Its mission: to work towards relieving world misery by identifying and analyzing the most powerful influences on world political economic reality and its effects on addiction, health, and social theory ideology. Pete has been employed in the Travis County Justice System in Austin, Texas, for the last 20 years, the last 14 years in a managerial and supervisory capacity. Pedro Gatos hosts a weekly radio alternative news show each Friday from 4-4:30pm on KOOP 91.7 FM which focuses primarily on issues surrounding Cuban/American relation issues which he will be addressing today. Ken McKenzie-Grant is a long-time Austin-area arborist and radio producer who has contributed to various American media voices. He produces and hosts the annual contemporary Concert at Austin ISD's “Native American Heritage Festival and Powwow" every November. June 2003June
1, 9:30 & 11:15 am:
Rev. Chuck Freeman. Salute the Space, Carry the Flame: Come honor and say your farewells to the store front building
that has served us so faithfully. As we close the service, we will keep the
flame alive, and carry it to consecrate our new location. June
8, 10:30 am:
Rev. Chuck Freeman, The Tie Dye Church:
Tie dying is an expression of celebration, pluralism, and the free
spirit. During our first service in the new church we will allow this spirit to
instruct and invigorate us! Everyone is invited to wear a tie dyed shirt!! This
is an INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE. June
15, 10:30 am:
Rich Thompson, The Mystery of the Father:
There has always been a mystery surrounding Joseph, the father of Jesus,
because so little is said of him in The Gospels. Likewise have our paternal
relationships often been shrouded in mystery, sometimes because of abandonment,
as was the case with today’s speaker, who only last year made major
discoveries about his natural father. Even for those whose fathers have always
been there for them, the meaning of their influence only unfolds over time.
Relationships to our fathers under any circumstances are the occasion for
spiritual growth. Musical guests: Trey Bone. June
22, 10:30 am:
Ken O’Neill, Outlaw Buddhism in the Wild
West: Roots of Spiritual Awakening:
Beginning with the Buddha, the vitality of Buddhism has been both
maintained and evolved by its outlaws – that creative minority whose spiritual
role is to wake up in a manner catalyzing “seeing through and rising above”
the mass hypnosis and socially endorsed mediocrity of “religious Buddhism”.
Today’s Dharma-talk (howa) reveals the little known “roots heritage” of
Outlaw Buddhism, the underground archetypal stream of Buddhism’s creative
minority that kept the tradition alive for more than 2,000 years. Emphasis on
how the Outlaw image and tools benefit contemporary living – not religious
conversion! Musical guest to be announced later. June 29, 10:30 am: Well Done, Medium, and Rare: We have been cookin’ on the UU grill for varying amounts of time. Three Live Oak members, Esther Ford, Subhash Pal, and Susan Steffes, will share their path to, and experience of, Unitarian Universalism. Richard Austin Thompson has been an ordained
minister since graduating from Yale Divinity School in 1959. He spent twenty-two
of those years serving as Pastor of Southminister Presbyterian Church in Glen
Ellyn, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. In 1986 he came to downtown Austin as
Pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church, where he retired in 1995. In 1999 he
served as Interim Minister at the First Congregational Church of Houston. Since
1988 he has hosted the Austin Faith Dialogue, the ecumenical public affairs
series, airing at 8:00 am on KNVA-TV, Channel 54/Cable 12. Currently he is also
volunteering as a facilitator of bereavement support groups with Hospice Austin,
where he has had opportunity to work with Chuck Freeman. Ken Daigan O’Neill holds a MA in Buddhist Studies, and is the third foreigner to become a kyoshi of the Honganji tradition of Japanese Buddhism. Honganji Buddhism is unique as the only stream of Buddhism co-founded by a couple; it is also a post-monastic version of Buddhism that remains the major influence in Japan. At the direction of one of his mentors, O’Neill also gained lineage transmission in several forms of Western esoteric spirituality, including Gnostic Christianity. May 2003May 4,
9:30 & 11:15 am:
Gems from the Hymnal:
This musical service will combine choral performance with a
“hymn-sing”. The choir will perform selections from Hymns
of the Spirit (an old Unitarian hymnal published in 1937) and Singing the Living Tradition (our current hymnal). In
between, congregants may call out the numbers of hymns they want to sing
(anything goes, as long as it’s in the hymnal!). The choir will sing along
with the congregation. We would like to encourage people to come to the first
service if they are able, as half of the service will be created by the
listeners! May
11, 9:30 & 11:15 am:
Rev. Chuck Freeman, Ward, Meet Barbara: Mothers
and womanhood have come a long way since the days of June Cleaver. There is no
better model for the grounded woman of integrity than Barbara Jordan. Come be
inspired by this dignified soul on Mothers Day. May
18, 9:30 & 11:15 am:
Danny Swan, My Perspective on the Seven UU
Principles: Subtle Strength: The
seven principles on the surface can seem like a collection of very simple
statements. In reality, they are a very profound, very deep set of ideas, and
can have very complex moral implications. May
25, 9:30 & 11:15 am:
Rev. Chuck Freeman, The Backup Singers: Observing
singers/musicians in backup roles from several popular songs, Chuck will draw
lessons about the vital place of background roles in life. First Service at the new building
June 8, 10:30 am.
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Copyright
©2006, Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church.