We have been having some great conversations this week, thanks to our pumpkin patch. People in the area are stopping by to check out the pumpkins, and are staying to chat about the church, Unitarian Universalism, and more. One person on Monday remarked that this was a great ministry for...
- Oct2023
“A Great Ministry for the Neighborhood”
October 19, 2023
Dealing with Heartbreak Over the World
October 11, 2023
In last week’s newsletter, I wrote about being amazed at the beauty and wonder of the world. This week, the news about Israel and Palestine is bringing heartbreak to us, with more violence threatened. Parents are being instructed to remove access to social media for their children, as there may...
A message from your Director of Lifespan Faith Development and Minister: Several reliable news outlets are reporting that parents are being highly encouraged to remove any social media that their children have access to before this weekend. Hamas is threatening to put on social media graphic videos of the atrocities...
Invocation, Leander City Council Meeting October 10, 2023
October 11, 2023
Rev. Joanna was invited to give the invocation at the Leander City Council meeting on October 10. On their agenda was a recognition of Hindu Heritage Month. Below are Rev. Joanna’s invocation words: I invite you to join me in the spirit of prayer and reflection: Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda...
Be Amazed
October 4, 2023
Last Sunday, I shared that my personal definition of spiritual involves me paying attention to what is around me, and not taking anything for granted. Often, the outcome of that is being amazed at something I’m looking at, or experiencing. In a poem titled “Sometimes,” the poet Mary Oliver writes:...
- Sep2023
Becoming More Accessible
September 27, 2023
Part of our goal at Live Oak is to become more accessible to all people. This can take physical forms, such as our elevator, and it can also take the form of being more mindful about communicating, especially about the “norms” in our community. As a society, we are becoming...
Process Theology
September 20, 2023
Last Sunday, I explained a little bit about process theology, and invited those interested in learning more to ask me for some book recommendations. Several of you have responded, so here you go! Books Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed by Bruce G. Epperly Piglet’s Process: Process Theology for...
Sometimes We Make Mistakes. What Comes Next?
September 13, 2023
As we approach the Jewish Day of Atonement (September 24), our religious association modeled apologizing for a misstep this week. On Monday, the Unitarian Universalist Association posted this meme on the UUA Facebook page that said, “You’ll feel at home in a UU congregation if you’re looking for a space...
Liturgy and Worship
September 6, 2023
It is September and as those who have been around Live Oak for a few years know, it is time for changes in our liturgy. “Liturgy” is the ritual of our worship services. With each new church year (Sept-Aug), I create a new order for our services. This keeps things...
- Aug2023
Pumpkin Patch & Family Fun Day
August 31, 2023
Join Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church at the Pumpkin Patch. Our pumpkins will arrive on Sunday, October 15 and we will have daily pumpkin patch hours until October 30. Stop by to pick your perfect pumpkins and take a few family photos as well. We can’t wait to see you there....