Have you heard the term “Scottie” at Live Oak? We use that term to talk about a special Sunday greeter, who is knowledgeable about Live Oak and Unitarian Universalism and can talk in-depth about both, answering questions a first-time visitor might have.

The term comes from the name of a Unitarian Universalist, Rev. “Scottie” McIntyre Johnson (1946-2017) who lived in Texas and was a beloved leader in Texas.

She was a layleader at a North Texas church when a young college student, Aaron White, came to their UU congregation for the first time. Scottie was a greeter that day, and showed him around the church, explained the service to him, and talked about the history of Unitarian Universalism. As he became a member, she became to him a mentor of sorts, teaching him about how to get the most out of his church experience. When he decided to go to seminary, he came to her, and she encouraged him to apply to Harvard. He did, and got in. Scottie became someone dear to him – when he got engaged, he called her. When he got called to his first church, he called her.

Meanwhile, even though she was at retirement age, Scottie decided SHE was going to go to seminary. When she was ordained, it was the Rev. Aaron White who gave the sermon.

And when she died, it was Rev. White who gave her eulogy.

When we train our “Scotties,” we tell them this story. “So when you greet someone, you might just be greeting the person who will minister to you someday.” Every member of Live Oak was a visitor, once. Every visitor might become a beloved member whom we cannot remember a time without. And hopefully they will gain a church that fills their life with relationships and deeper meaning.

You don’t have to be a “Scottie” or an expert on this church or Unitarian Universalism, in order to offer warm hospitality to all who enter our doors. Would you be willing to help us expand our warm welcome by joining the membership team? If so, please email minister@liveoakuu.org.