1999 Services

A Month of Sundays - 1999 Worship Services

December 1999

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.

December 5: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "a.k a. Santa Claus" The magical character we know as Santa has many other aliases like Herne, Pan, St. Nicholas, Sinte Klass. Come discover the mythological and spiritual significance of this figure. NEW MEMBER DEDICATIONS will take place during this service.

December 12: Islam Mossaad, "Ramadan: A Month of Purification and Beautification of the Soul---Nexus of God and Community" The importance of fasting in the life of a Muslim, if Allah so wills, will be addressed. The impact of fasting on strengthening the spiritual link to the Creator, and its influence causing solidarity and goodwill to man will also be touched upon. A little light will be shed on the Islamic concept of worship as joining service of humanity with submission and Love for God. (See Bio. for Islam below)

Biography: Islam Mossaad
- Born and raised here in the States.
-Interested in religious dialogue and humanistic philosophies.
-Graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Chemical Engineering
-Information and Cultural Officer of the Islamic Center of Greater Austin

December 19th, the children will be performing in a Christmas play titled "The Ghost of Grumps." This play includes a spirit, bratty kids, a grumpy ghost, numerous stars, angels, and lots of singing. (Intergenerational)

December 24, Christmas Eve: Rev. Chuck Freeman, 7pm. "Simeon, Anna, and the Child" Those who have lived a life of integrity reap the reward of wisdom in old age. Simeon and Anna were such people. They saw glorious potential in the baby Jesus and the dawning of a new age. Still a timely message. (Intergenerational)

December 26: "A Musical Christmas Celebration," Eddie Collins and other musically gifted members of Live Oak will salute the season in song. (Intergenerational)

Congregational Meeting December 12th

There will be a brief congregational meeting after the service on Sunday December 12th from 12:30-1:00 PM to approve the church operating budget for 2000. If you are an active member and cannot attend, please give your proxy (written or email) to another member who can represent you at the meeting.

November 1999

November 7: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "My Religion Is Better Than Your Religion" Does this sentiment violate tolerance of another's faith? On an individual level, perhaps. But, when religious belief underpins political/social institutions and policies, I suspect honesty compels us to acknowledge that "our" religion is better. Is this OK? (This sermon is being reprised by request since many of you were at the annual Padre Island bash during its first airing.)

November 14: Sam Smoot, "Politics and Faith-Based Social Services." Government funding of church-based services has become a popular political proposal this fall on both sides of the aisle. But after the political points are scored, what are the implications of this policy-- for churches, for people in need, and for our constitution? Samantha is the Executive Director of theTexas Freedom/Faith Network.

November 21: Carole Eagleheart, "The Mystery of the Wheel" With drumbeats, ceremony and music, we will join in an experience of the Medicine Wheel, and learn how concepts from Native American spirituality can help bring more harmony into our lives. Carole is a well known UU touring troubadour on her 15th annual cross-country tour. See the Biography of Carole below.

Carole lives in Vermont, but spends eight months of the year traveling to UU congregations in the United States and Canada. She is an active UU, has performed at major denominational events, and has twice written theme songs for the UU General Assembly. She is also a member of the Seneca Indian Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge, helping people live in harmony on the earth.

November 28: Stacy Weidman, "Tis the Season to be Frenzied?" Does the term "happy holidays" evoke a sense of dread? Our culture pressures us to turn the season to be jolly into a crazy-making frenzy. The natural cycles of earth are telling us to slow down, become more introspective, and contemplative, during winter, the darkest time of the year. Stacy is a Wiccan High Priestess with the Phoenix Moon Grove in Austin.

October 1999

October 3: Armor & Sturdevant, Come experience East African music from this UU touring group. This will be a nice way to unwind and reload from our pledge dinner the night before.

October 10: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Living the Hut's Life in an Olive Garden World" Hut's is a funky original; a place for soulful encounters. The Olive Garden is one of many cookie cutter chains, offering uninspired monotony. Our church is in the Hut's genre. What amount of gratuity will you offer to keep the Live Oak life going?

October 17: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Way of the Wrestler" The Old Testament story of Jacob is a rich archetypal myth about coming into our own spiritually; tailor made for a UU brand of faith. The ISAACS-BRYANT FAMILY will be our musical guests.

October 24: David Collins, "Teachings of Wisdom and Compassion in Jesus and Buddha" The untrained eye sees these pivotal religious pioneers as the founders of two different religions. However, at the core, they are after the same sweet fruit. David is the chief cook and bowl washer with "A Community for Contemplative Practice" in Austin.

October 31: EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
The Mexican tradition fiesta of el Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead is a time for remembering and rejoicing our loved ones who have died. There will a guest speaker and we'll have special decorations, including an altar honoring those special friends and family. This is for everyone in the congregation, so please bring mementos and pictures and add them to the altar when you come in. INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE

September 1999

September 5: Rev. Valerie Bridgeman-Davis, "In The Spirit: A Celebration of Life" Valerie will reveal her spiritual experiences and perspectives through her poetry. She is a Chaplain with Hospice Austin, and Executive Pastor for Banah Full Community Church. Her poetry collection, "In Search of Warriors Dark And Strong" won the 1995 Austin Book Award. Valerie has been invited to appear on a Bill Moyers special, filming this fall!

September 12: Mark Perlmutter, "Courage In Conflict: A Discussion of Everyday Decision Making" Situational factors as much as individual character influence our moral decision making. Each day we face choices that can drive us apart from one another or draw us closer together. How can we make those choices with courage? Mark is a lawyer in Austin and author of the book, "Why Lawyers (and the rest of us) Lie & Engage in Other Repugnant Behavior."

September 19: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "My Religion Is Better Than Your Religion" Does this sentiment violate tolerance of another's faith? On an individual level, perhaps. But, when religious belief underpins political/ social institutions and policies, I suspect most of us believe "our" religion is better. Is this OK?

September 26: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "A City Upon A Hill" In 1649 the Congregational Puritans, from which Unitarians descend, wrote the Cambridge Platform. "Covenant" was at the heart of this document. How does this notion define our identity in today's UU congregations?

August, 1999

August 1: MoonEagle Arndt, "Dancing for our Faith" MoonEagle will explore UU themes through sacred circle dances from many cultures. MoonEagle is the dancer in residence for the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute this year at Lake Texoma. She is a registered dance therapist who works full time as a supervisor in a mental health agency and is a member of the UU Church of Lehigh Valley.

August 8: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Shoe Shine Koan" When I was a little boy our family often visited my Grandma in Mississippi. One morning in the barbershop I asked the shoeshine man how much his services would cost me. He tersely replied; "If you have to ask you can't afford it." All these years I have taken offense at his response. Recently however, I am choosing to interpret this as a Zen koan. Come hear about Koan's and their gift of twisted logic.

August 15: Leslie Grove, M.Ed. LPC, "In Search of a Peaceful Planet" As we begin the Fall semester for our Children's Religious Education Program, let us engage in thoughtful reflection on the challenges that exist to living on a peaceful planet. Is it possible for us at Live Oak to be a vibrant model of a community that lives together peacefully? What role does character development have in a tolerant society? All children and youth will join us in the sanctuary for the beginning of the service, and then go to their classes. Please join us for a lively service.

August 22: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Sol's Warm Welcome" August is the hottest month on the calendar. It is also the time when school begins anew, and the church gathers afresh from the summer break. We will acknowledge the sacred energy of Sol, and bask in the warmth of reuniting for another church year.

August 29: "Stirrings" Guest speaker, John B. Sanders Though it is small, the Unitarian Universalist movement has a strategic place in the array of America's religions, which gives us momentous opportunity. This is the theme of a 1993 sermon by the Rev. Richard S. Allen. John's adaptation has been well received at five other UU churches in the last year and a half.

Brief biography of John Sanders: John B. Sanders is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Tulsa University and received a degree in piano and a reserve commission in the Air Force. He had active duty in Korea and at Bergstrom Air Force base. Staying in Austin for graduate studies at UT, he earned degrees in library science and linguistics but never worked in those fields, having returned to his first field of music as pianist at First UU. He has held that post for thirty-six years and has been a member there for forty-three.

July 1999

July 4: Soapbox Sunday

July 11: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Hiddenness" Our religious tradition has made a big splash by being visible in the political and social arenas of our nation. Teachings of numerous spiritual guides assert that there is a hidden component of faith that can be highly effectual in personal and communal transformation. Is this concept relevant in our modern information age? ( We will also observe our UU form of the Kaddish during this service.)

July 18: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Global Media's Threat To Democracy" Major media sources are now controlled by a handful of people. Profit is becoming the leading factor in what news, issues and entertainment we are offered. Can the working stiff and democracy survive this onslaught?

July 25: Bassil Al-Oboudi, a Shea(Shiite)Muslim from Houston will talk about the primacy of prayer in his faith. There will be a time of dialogue after his presentation.

June 1999

June 6: Sabrina & Jeanne Talerico, David Rider & more Amigos volunteers will give a presentation on AMIGOS de las Americas, an inspiring program that sends high school & college students to live and work in eight Latin American countries each summer. Volunteers will share their experiences, pictures, music & handwork from past trips & anticipation for this summer.

June 13: A member of the Society of Friends (Quaker meeting) will come and discuss Quaker philosophy and history and lead us in an example of a Quaker service.

June 20: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Jakeo's Goulash" Somewhere along the line I nicknamed my Dad "Jakeo." I don't know how or why. Dad was great at making leftovers into a zesty meal. He showed many positive and memorable traits in fathering me. On this Father's day come hear the Ingredients of Dad's goulash which have universal appeal.

June 27: The LOOP CUUPs (Live Oak's Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) group will lead a service on the history and art surrounding the "charge of the Goddess"

May 199

May 2: Jeanne Springer "Touching the depths within"

May 9: Mother's Day! Martha Iacoletti will be presenting a service based on the original Mother's Day celebration by Julia Ward-Howe.

May 16: Sue Barnett from the City of Austin Green Builders Program "Ways to help our New UU Church be Greener"

May 23: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Flaming Chalice" Each week at our services we light a chalice, which has become the most common symbol of our faith. Do you know why? Are you aware of its history? Come have the fire of your curiosity and passion piqued.

May 30: Rev. Chuck Freeman & James Hamilton, "A UU Eucharist" The Greek word eucharistia means gratitude. We will trace the history of this gratefulness through the Pagan, Jewish, and Christian faiths, culminating in UU version of sharing this ritual meal. With the able assistance of acolyte Hamilton this will be indeed a watershed experience for our Community!

April 1999

April 4: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Fading Flowers, Blossoming Hope" Why did Norbert Capek choose a cut flower as our symbol for this season of the year, when it only withers and dies within a matter of days? The paradox of hope and connection to the Source is mixed together in there somehow. We will celebrate the Flower Communion today. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO BRING A FRESH FLOWER TO EXCHANGE AT THE COMMUNION. This is an intergenerational service. Classical guitarist Klondike Steadman will enhance our gathering.

April 11: Mass: A Unitarian Universalist Perspective - The choir will give a presentation written by Scott Ward for the First Unitarian Society of Wilmington Delaware. The piece consists of readings examining the Mass, and Choral pieces drawn from sacred works.

April 18: Dr. Jacquelyn Donald- Mims will preach for us today. She is the Pastor and Founder of Imani Community Church in Northwest Austin. Chuck will be speaking at Imani in May.

April 25: Rev. Chuck Freeman & Mary Thurston, "God's Other People" Many of us have pets that are cherished members of our families. Still, many believe, "it's just an animal." Chuck and Mary will elucidate the sacred relationship betwixt us and them. Mary is the author of "The Lost History of the Canine Race." LET'S DECORATE THE SANCTUARY WITH PICTURES OF OUR COMPANION ANIMALS. We will plan a live blessing of the animals in the fall.

March 1999

March 7: Mosch Virshup, "The Final Heresy: Disclaiming the Bible" Mosch is a long-time Unitarian Universalist and a member of First UU Church of Austin. He has devoted his life to producing "a body of writing intended to displace the Bible in its cultural/market niche." In this service he tells us what has motivated him to go against the grain all these years. Mosch's accompanying booklet of his sermon will be available for sale after the service alongside his new book "Morals for the Eleventh Millennium."

Monday March 8: 7:30 Talkback Discussion with Mosch.

March 14: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Where The Mind Leaves Off" We are proud, and rightfully so, to offer a religion where you don't have to leave your mind at the door. Yet there are dimensions of being and consciousness that transcend thinking. Emerson called this the OverSoul, a territory Ken Wilber has sought to map. Come explore the map and help refold it.

March 21: Social Action Committee "Now and Then: Unitarian Universalists in the Struggle" Second in our Journey Toward Wholeness series preparing for our Creating a Jubilee World workshop.

March 28: Rev. Chuck Freeman & Renee Morris Larson, "Beauty: Eternity's Gaze In The Mirror" So much of our existence these days centers around function. Beauty isn't in the business of just getting the job done. Beauty arrests, captivates, and restores us. Renee Morris Larson will help us cultivate beauty through dance and movement.

February 1999

February 7: Tanya Jones "Forgiveness" with music by Susan Arbuckle.

February 14 : Rev. Chuck Freeman & Hymie Samuelson, "The Third, Third of the Third, Third" Hymie Samuelson will turn eighty soon. He sees his life as being divided into three movements; and he is living in the third phase of the third movement. Chuck and Hymie will have a conversation exploring the themes of aging, accomplishment, relationship, and liberation.

February 21: Barbara Cayman "Music and Words to Share"

February 28: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Color of Discernment" As part of the Ministers group Mayor Watson convened to consider racial reconciliation, Chuck was told a black person cannot be a racist, and that all whites are racist because they have benefited from our racist history. Most white people feel all is well with racial justice in our land, and a growing number say we have "gone too far the other way" crying reverse discrimination. The spiritual gift of discernment has no color. It will be called forth and honed to discover truths in this morass. NEW MEMBER DEDICATIONS will be celebrated during this service.

January 1999

January 3: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Maxwell Maltz and the Butterfly" As a young man I wanted to accomplish great things. I immersed myself in a system by Maxwell Maltz called "Psycho-Cybernetics." It was one of those super- duper positive-thinking programs. We naturally do introspection and even make resolutions as each new year commences. What is the difference between change and transformation?

Jan. 10: Barbara Taft "The Lacresha Murray Story, Children in Prison.
Jan. 17: Preparing for a Jubilee World - Journey Toward Wholeness Sunday. Carrie Stewart and members of the Racial Justice Group of the Social Action Committee will introduce the Unitarian Universalist Association's
recommendation for congregations, Journey Toward Wholeness program for creating anti-oppressive and multicultural institutions, a fitting tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday commemoration. The JTW Sunday replaces Whitney Young Sundays to raise money for local anti-racism efforts, as well as support the UUA's Whitney Young Urban Ministry Fund.

January 24: Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Rainbows in the Heart " Our children's spiritual development entails more than dropping them off at their R. E. class each week. Unitarian religious education pioneer Sophia Fahs advocated beginning with kids’ natural curiosities. Come learn of her "philosophy of creative religious development."