November is here, as are the preparations for all the fun things happening at Live Oak. If you haven’t been here before at this time, let me tell you that this is a congregation that really gets the most out of the holidays. (It’s a great time to invite that friend who has been expressing a little interest in this progressive church you’ve been telling them about.)
Now, go grab your calendar so you can mark these dates:
Sunday Nov. 5, 8:30 am – Pancake Breakfast: you get an extra hour of sleep, so come early to Live Oak for a free pancake breakfast!
Friday Nov. 17 Bonfire, Music, and S’mores: the kids are out of school for Thanksgiving break, let’s celebrate. Bring a chair and an instrument if you play one. Parking lot by the playground. We’ll have s’mores and hot chocolate!
Sunday, Nov. 19 Feast of Breads: for this annual worship service, we ask you to bring a bread from your heritage or that is special to your family in some way for sharing during the service.
Thursday, Nov. 23, 11:00 am Thanksgiving Potluck: bring your favorite side dish and join with other Live Oakers in a Thanksgiving potluck (turkey provided by the church).
Thursday, Nov. 30 6:00 pm Movie Night, “Spirited“: Come join us for popcorn and the holiday musical, “Spirited,” which will be the topic of the following Sunday’s worship service.
Sunday, Dec. 3 Hanging of the Greens: Right after the service, let’s transform our space into a holiday wonderland! All ages are asked to help us decorate our trees, hang garland, and deck the halls of Live Oak.
Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30 pm Blue Christmas Vespers: the holiday season is heavy some years, when we’ve lost a loved one, are mourning changes in our lives or in the world, or when we’re just feeling overwhelmed. This is a small, special service that honors those feelings and makes space for the sadness we may be carrying.
Saturday, Dec. 9 10-2:00 Selfies with Santa Festival: bring your extended family, neighbors, co-workers, and friends for this annual event at Live Oak. Santa Claus will be here for families to take free pictures with. No need to wait in line: an elf will take your name when you get here and call you when Santa is ready for your “appointment.” (Santa is especially good with neurodivergent or disabled children who need a little more time.) While you’re waiting, children can decorate mini gingerbread houses and you can get some holiday shopping done at our bookfair, bake sale, and silent auction.
Sunday, Dec. 10, 10:00 am Christmas Pageant: every year, our intergenerational holiday pageant is a lot of fun, as director Chris Jarman brings a distinctly UU approach to a holiday play. It’s just the thing to get you in the holiday spirit!
Thursday, Dec. 21, 5:00 pm: Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk: the winter solstice is here! Join us outside for a special labyrinth walk honoring the rebirth of the sun.
Sunday, Dec. 24, 6:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service: no morning service, because our Christmas Eve service is that evening. Join us (and bring your family and friends) for this service full of familiar carols and readings, choir, and candlelight.
Want to help with any of this? Send me an email and let me know what you’re interested in. And this very Friday, Nov. 3, we’re going to start sprucing up the church by doing some trimming up of our shrubbery. If you’re available, we’d love a hand!