Service Recordings

20080210_sermon.mp3 - February 10, 10:30 am. Aaron White: Best Kept Secrets: The liberal tradition of Unitarian Universalism calls us to live this life in a manner affirming that truth is yet to be found, revelation is not sealed, and things are not always as they seem. Many times in our human interactions it becomes too easy to understand others, and even ourselves, with only a brief glance. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Let us treat men and women well: treat them as if they were real: perhaps they are." What might it look like to practice this reality? What would it mean for us also to treat our religious tradition of Unitarian Universalism and its possibilities for change in the world as if they were real? Perhaps they are.[18:07]

20080106_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Amanda tells about "The Squire Who Became a Green Man".[8:17]

20080106_sermon.mp3 - January 6, 10:30 am. Rev. Kathleen Ellis: The Pursuit of Happiness: Life, liberty, sure! But what is happiness all about? January’s a good time to review the year gone by. Are you happy? If not, what will it take? In any case: Happy New Year![17:24]

20071202_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells "How Nehemiah Got Free".[3:58]

20071202_sermon.mp3 - December 2, 10:30 am. Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Removing Our Blinders: Humans try hard to convince ourselves (and others) that we’re doing our very best to live up to our ideals. Could it be that we also look down on people who are less enlightened? Less willing to follow our example? Less worthy? Our nation is so great that we have to build stout fences to keep out the unauthorized; capitalism has both advantages and unintended consequences; we’re so disgusted with politicians that fewer and fewer citizens bother to vote. We Unitarian Universalists are not without our blind spots. Perhaps this is the shallow side of living the good life. Let’s explore.[26:04]

20071118_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Amanda tells the parable "If the World was a Village"[8:28]

20071118_sermon.mp3 - November 18, 10:30 am. Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Keeping Your Distance: Have you ever tried to look at your life objectively, as though you were an interested observer? Kathleen use various metaphors to illustrate ways we achieve a measure of distance from ourselves and the immediacy of our daily lives. As part of a system of relationships, we can also learn to be connected but not caught up in the emotional landmines that sometimes trip us up — basic systems theory.[17:25]

20071111_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Aaron tells about The Empty Pot.[4:50]

20071111_sermon.mp3 - November 11, 10:30 am. Aaron White: Heroes of Imperfection: Hundreds of years ago, our Unitarian ancestors distanced themselves from the Calvinism of their day and said, "Humanity is NOT depraved!" Today we say (loudly and proudly) that we affirm "the inherent worth and dignity of every person". While the concept of "sin" is not a very useful one for many in our movement, we and the world around us remain imperfect. How might we as Unitarian Universalists imagine embracing our whole, imperfect selves as we transform the world?[17:25]

20071007_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells about Magic Pennies.[5:39]

20071007_sermon.mp3 - October 7, 10:30 am. Rev. Kathleen Ellis: With Heart, Mind, and Spirit: Choral singing is one of Kathleen's favorite creative endeavors, so she was delighted that Loose Threads, a small ensemble from Tapestry Singers, joined the women of our Live Oak choir on the occasion of Tapestry’s 20 years of music. Ruth Huber, Tapestry’s founding mother, joined us on the anniversary weekend, as did Anne Schelling, the current Artistic Director. Back in 1987, Ruth wanted to provide women in the greater Austin area the opportunity to sing together and explore their vocal abilities, regardless of skill level or experience. Over time, they keep getting better. Here’s to 20 years and counting! [14:36]

20070930_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells an Ethiopian story called Fire, Water, Truth and Falsehood. [3:24]

20070930_sermon.mp3 - September 30, 10:30 am. Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Things We Learn ... And Learn Again: Learning comes pretty naturally from the time we are infants until we think we know more than our parents. Tougher lessons come about through mistakes and life challenges. Failure to learn sometimes means that we get another chance to learn the same thing. Best of all are the insights and new information that make so much sense they shift our thinking from that moment on. Ponder with me some of those life lessons that we wish everyone would learn. [17:59]

20070923_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Aaron tells a story about hats and monkeys. [4:58]

20070923_sermon.mp3 - Aaron White: No Wrong Notes: As UUs, we’ve maintained the conviction from our Universalist ancestors that all human beings have access to what is sacred in the world. However, our living tradition also affirms that our life’s religious journey is never finished. What are the challenges and joys we meet in this tradition of continual growth and spiritual improvisation? [15:07]

20070916_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Paul Sullivan talks about Freedom and Responsibility. [6:02]

Rev. Chuck Freeman & Paul Sullivan: The Great Charter of Our Being: Unitarian trailblazing Minister Theodore preached that freedom is the natural state of humanity. Organizing a democracy is the extension of individual rights reflecting “the principles of eternal justice”. We will honor the spiritual foundations of our U.S. Constitution and mark the 230th anniversary of the highest law within our nation — the document preserving and protecting our freedom. Our service will discuss the four religious freedoms in our Constitution and what will happen if we continue to lose our freedoms. You will also receive your own copy of the Constitution! Paul: 20070916_sermon1.mp3 [12:31], Chuck: 20070916_sermon2.mp3 [14:52]

20070909_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, DRE Amanda Robinson tells a West African story about a pot full of wisdom. [2:27]

Rev. Kathleen Ellis and Rev. Chuck Freeman: Gather the Spirit, Harvest the Power: Summer vacation is over, school is in, and all the chickens are in the coop! Live Oak inaugurates another church and Religious Education year. DRE Amanda Robinson will present our parable and lead the RE Covenant. Fresh off the Harvard grill, Ministerial Intern Aaron White will participate in our service as well. Good ole Ralph Waldo may even make an appearance! Come join the parade of old-timers, part-timers, and new folk as we kick off another circle around the sun together.

Kathleen's homily: 20070909_sermon1.mp3 [9:18], Chuck's homily: 20070909_sermon2.mp3 [11:48], Aaron's closing words: 20070909_sermon3.mp3 [00:50]

20070902_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Mark Anderson reads the story of the The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister ([5:19]

Doris Adams and Donna Durbin: Water Ceremony: The water ceremony, created almost 30 years ago by Unitarian Universalist women, is a ritual observed this time of year by Live Oak and many UU churches to celebrate sharing and community. We invite you and your family to bring a small container of water, taken from a place that is significant to you, to this service to mix with other water offerings. The service will focus on how water is symbolic of connections we have with each other and the larger world community. This is an intergenerational service with some special activities for the children. 20070902_sermon1.mp3 [4:34] - 20070902_sermon2.mp3 [5:07] - (This audio is in two parts, the first was read with interpretive dance and the second was read during a beautiful multi-media sequence about water created by Tim O'Brien. Be sure to click on the links to see the pictures of our service!)

20070826_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells what happens when the parts of a house argue. [3:51]

20070826_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Within These Walls: What a beautiful building we have! Generosity, foresight, and lots of hard work made it possible to move in on June 1, 2003, then to remodel the sanctuary to suit our congregation. Now we have a chance for an all-out effort to do some fix-up, paint-up, and spruce-up. Come dressed for work! During the service we’ll share some thoughts about these walls and what they represent. Right after the service, join the lunch line then, divide and conquer! We need workers of all ages (sign up your children, too). We also need cheerleaders, picture-takers, and errand runners. Let’s get our Hands on Live Oak! [17:44]

20070819_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck, Mary Scheffler and Glenn McIntosh tell a reader's theater version of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. [12:35]

20070819_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: A Triple Whammy For Good!: Recently several events merged. Chuck heard that San Francisco is banning paper and plastic bags for ecology reasons. He met with the program director at the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), and our Access For All Committee is looking for a fundraiser. The AFSC has an ongoing relationship with The Dignity and Justice Maquiladora Company in Piedras Negras. One way they make money is to sell their handmade tote bags. This sermon will engage global economic justice in our backyard. Access For All plans to sell the tote bags after the service. It will have a triple whammy benefit on a sewing cooperative owned by women workers, the environment, and Live Oak’s Access For All Committee! [20:57]

20070812_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells a Chinese story about a woodcutter and a magical brass pot. [4:08]

20070812_sermon.mp3 - Mark Skrabacz: Covenant: The UU Glue: Since we are a non-creedal church, what unites us? Mark will trace the early and contemporary history of how UUs have engaged that question. He will offer descriptions, prescriptions, ideas, and practices that hold UUs together. Our guest speaker Mark Skrabacz is a member of First UU Austin and an Aspirant on the path of ordination as a UU minister. This recording is published here with his permission. [22:24]

20070805_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck talks about "Sacred Jewelry". [7:00]

20070805_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: That’s Why We Call It a Proverb: A saying becomes a proverb for good reason. Proverbs have been time tested in the real world, dispensing useful wisdom. When personal or big picture reality looks grim, trust in the proverb over short term experience for a dose of hope. [17:48]

20070729_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Lay Leader Katharine Marvin reads the poem Abou Ben Adhem by James Henry Leigh Hunt. [2:26]

20070722_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells the story of The Greatest Gift. [5:04]

20070722_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Joy, the Creative Human Response: Lord Byron wrote, “All who joy would win must share it — happiness was born a twin.” With this title and quotation, the Rev. Oren A. “Pete” Peterson spun four theme talks for our district’s Summer Insti- tute in 1989. This will be my own take on, well, the joy of joy! Then, I’ll be taking off for this summer’s Summer Institute at Lake Murray near Ardmore, OK. [23:54]

20070715_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Marion Magarick tells the story of The Moon's Journey by Starhawk. [3:41]

20070715_sermon.mp3 - Linda Webster: Rhythms of Change: Cycles of the Earth and Sun: Every day we move from dark to light to dark again. Every month we watch the moon take the same journey. Every year we cycle with the Earth through the seasons, from birth at the Winter Solstice, to fullness at the Summer Solstice, through darkness and death at Samhain/Halloween, and back again to birth and renewal. This journey through the seasons is called by Pagans the Wheel of the Year, and many holidays in the Judeo-Christian tradition are also based on these cycles. We celebrate many of the Goddess holidays on the labyrinth during the month walks. We also have labyrinth walks on the full moon and the new moon. How do these cycles of change reflect our own patterns of growth and change? [21:22]

20070708_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells about The Test, a story about Nathan Staples and his support of gay and lesbian rights at his school. [5:30]

20070708_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Integrity: In religion, politics, and personal life, integrity is my word for the consistency and honesty each requires. Yet I was surprised to learn that some people shy away from the term. Let’s explore! [23:04]

20070701_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck tells a story about Ben Rush. [5:00]

20070701_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: True Patriots: Heroes of Conscience: We live in a time when Americans are being lauded as patriots for all the wrong reasons. Come prepared to name your current hero of conscience and hear Chuck lift up the name of Lt. Ehren Watada, who embodies the best of the distinguished moniker, patriot. [24:42]

20070624_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck talks about whether to be afraid of God. [4:16]

20070624_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: Say It Loud: I’m a Liberal and Proud!: The integrity of the term “liberal” has been sullied to the point that it is now a dirty word. Former liberals hide as “progressives”. How did this proud tradition fall into such ill repute? What is the difference between a religious liberal and a political liberal? Can the word liberal be redeemed? [14:28]

20070617_Parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Michael Boswell and his son Deontae read the story Papa, Do You Love Me? [3:17]

20070617_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: I Thought My Father Was God: He wasn’t the old man in the sky with a long, white beard, but my father did rule the family roost with iron-clad discipline. He knew all, controlled all. Was he not the earthly equivalent of God in my world? Honor your fathers today with blessings upon them for all they have done. How much fatherhood has changed for today’s men! [22:49]

20070610_sermon.mp3 - James D. Hamilton: Keeping the Faith: Many Unitarian Universalists’ spiritual lives continue in the historic faith that lies at the roots of Unitarian and Universalist tradition. Many others come to our churches unaware that this 400-year tradition of progressive Christian thought preceded the denominations’ merger in 1961. Where have we traveled along this historic path? What does it look like now? And what does it mean for the foundations of UU faith and practice today and our role in the larger interreligious community? [22:23]

20070603_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck talks about grown-up responsibility. [5:28]

20070603_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: From That Day the Manna Ceased: The Israelites finally reached the Promised Land and they ate the produce of Canaan. From that day the manna ceased. Live Oak is moving into a new phase of our congregational maturation. Let’s explore what developmental analogies exist between us and the ancient children of Israel. [30:00]

20070527_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck challenges the Old Testament notion that we are all "filthy rags". [3:13]

20070527_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: Take Me to the Bridge! : In this INTERGENERATIONAL service, we will mark, honor, and ritualize our middle school and high school youth’s passage to new heights in their earthly sojourn. Ricky's Urgent Appeal is the subject of this sermon. [5:54]

20070520_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, the 5th and 6th grade class presented their own, unique religion that they invented as a group. [5:22]

20070520_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: It’s a Mystery: This line is a stock response of religion when something can’t be explained. Is this “answer” a complete cop-out or does it have any validity at all? Can Mystery inhabit a positive place in our spiritual lives? [25:39]

20070513_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Bobbi and her daughter Alyssa read Mama, Do You Love Me? [3:34]

20070513_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Mama, Do You Love Me?: The title of the children’s book Mama, Do You Love Me? (written by Barbara Joosse and illustrated by Barbara Lavallee) reminds me that kids need the reassurance that Mom loves them no matter what. My mother did, and the Live Oak mothers I know maintain that kind of love, in spite of the challenges of children who step on their very last nerve. Let’s think about motherhood and what it means. [21:45]

20070415_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen shares a Portuguese folk tale about Tia Miseria and her pear tree. [4:21]

20070415_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Paradox in Spring: Though bluebonnets and paintbrush and coreopsis delight the eye, some hearts are heavy in the spring. The death of loved ones, an ongoing war, or personal malaise can feel more like dying inside than blooming. Sometimes you have to nurture the darkness even in the light. [12:23]

20070408_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck tells a story about a broken umbrella. [5:05]

20070408_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Extravagant Bounty: Nature seems to thrive on excess. The numbers of seeds and eggs, baby calves and lambs, wildflowers and cardinals, depend on abundance for survival. Celebrate spring by bringing a flower for each person to combine in a colorful display of community. Take home a different flower as a symbol of our multiple interconnections. This Flower Communion began in Prague and has spread throughout the Unitarian Universalist world. [8:38]

20070401 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck showed a clip from Captain Kangaroo so there is no recording.

20070401_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: Saint Kangaroo: Many of us grew up with Captain Kangaroo’s gentle and warm presence daily in our living rooms. Through his TV work and off-air life, Bob Keeshan approached children with intelligence and respect. After the Captain’s 30-year run was over, Keeshan spent his life in strong advocacy for children, including working to ban corporal punishment. Come be graced and enchanted by the Captain once more! [24:48]

20070325_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck talks about empathy. [5:35]

20070325_sermon - Rev. Chuck Freeman: Ask a UU Guru: On the eve of Chuck’s 11th year at Live Oak, a gusher of cosmic wisdom has been visited upon him. Is there a religious/spiritual question that you always wanted a minister to give a straight answer to? Submit them in writing to editor@liveoakuu.org. Guru Chuckananda (self-proclaimed) will answer them sight unseen for the sermon portion of this service. Make up your mind about his Guru status! Sorry, recording not available.

20070318_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells the Tibetan story of The Goat and the Rock. [4:35]

20070318_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: Soul Journeys: Some religious sects specialize in journeys of the soul, but don’t we all have that experience from time to time? Let’s talk about some of the common and extraordinary journeys our own souls have traveled both at home and around the world. [26:08]

20070311_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck talks about Betty Sue, her cow Elsie and Jack Mule the rancher. [7:21]

20070311_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: Fear Factor: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” The reality of this exhortation in the Gospel of Matthew goes beyond some absurd made-for-TV spectacle. What is the timeless truth and one contemporary meaning of this saying? [22:26]

20070304_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, a High School RE Class member explains about Audism. The voice on the recording is the adult interpreter, interpreting the student's ASL (American Sign Language). [5:07]

20070304_sermon.mp3 - High School RE Class: ArticUUlating YUUr UU Faith: LUUrning, ComUUnication, and TrUUthiness: The High School RE class will be presenting this youth-led service. Have you ever actually thought about what being a UU means? Have you ever had trouble expressing why you are a UU or what you believe? Come find out what the next generation believes and how they express it. [18:02]

For the Parable for All Ages, the 3rd and 4th grade RE classes presented a play which was mostly visual, so there is no audio recording.

20070225_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: An Applauding Congregation: Kathleen and Chuck recently spoke at a UU conference. Someone asked Kathleen about the appropriateness of clapping during the church service. Her spontaneous response was delightful: “Live Oak is an applauding congregation”. What does this say about our theology/philosophy of worship? What is the character and quality of the worship experience we are seeking to create together? [18:52]

For the Parable for All Ages, the Kindergarten and 1st grade RE class presented a play which was mostly visual, so there is no audio recording.

20070218_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: You Louse!: “O wad some Power the giftie gie us / To see ourselves as ithers see us!” Those two lines come from a longer poem by Robert Burns. He was inspired to writhe To a Louse when he saw one crawling around on a lady’s bonnet in church. He mused on how we see ourselves and how we think other people see us. To turn this around, how do we see others? Do we lose our sense of compassion when we think someone else is “misbehaving” in some way? A certain amount of conflict could be avoided if we saw others as they see themselves. What are relationships for, anyway? [18:09]

20070204_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells the story of The Fall of Freddy the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia. [7:19]

20070121_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: What Is Your Ministry?: When I was in the Church of Christ I constantly heard people asking one another this question. Members took this pursuit very righteously, in the best sense of the word, searching for their ministry inside and outside of the church. We, however, serve on Committees. Do we lose something in the translation? Come hear MINISTER (a tiny clue) Freeman’s take on the matter. [24:42]

20070121_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck asks "what do you want to be when you grow up?" or "what good do you want to do in the world?" [5:42]

20070114_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Kathleen Ellis: A Prophetic Voice: On this weekend in which we acknowledge advances in overcoming oppression of many kinds, it is appropriate to remember one of our own heroes who died December 10. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley, one of Unitarian Universalism’s few ministers of color, was instrumental in helping the rest of us do the soul work required in overcoming personal prejudice and systemic injustice. She served several congregations, including First UU Church of Austin as an interim minister with her husband, Clyde Grubbs. With sorrow we acknowledge her death, yet with hope we celebrate her life and works. The UUA has already announced the new Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley Fund. Contributions to the Fund will be used “to support Unitarian Universalist congregations and their lay and ordained leaders who are committed to the transformative work of creating inclusive multicultural communities of the spirit.” [20:23]

20070114_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Kathleen tells about the Children's Crusade to fight segregation in Birmingham, Alabama. [6:28]

20070107_sermon.mp3 - Rev. Chuck Freeman: Chuck’s Psychic Guide to 2007: I relish standing in the grocery store checkout each new year and seeing all the tabloid psychic predictions. What feeds humanity’s desire to know the future? Would you want to see your life events if you could? Come hear Chuck’s forecasts and get his 800 number! [25:05]

20070107_parable.mp3 - For the Parable for All Ages, Chuck talks about prophesy. [5:18]