May 20, 2021
This Week
Worship
May 23, 2021
10:00am
The Freedom Boundaries Give Us, Part 2
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford
 
If a boundary falls in the forest with no one around, does anyone hear it? Join us for Part 2 of this sermon series, as Rev. Joanna explores the freedom we give to other people by articulating our boundaries. 


Join us for Worship at 10:00am: the link will be on the Live Oak homepage: www.liveoakuu.org

Join us for Fellowship Time immediately following the service (approx. 10:45/11:00): https://link.liveoakuu.org/FellowshipHour

New to Live Oak? Stop by https://link.liveoakuu.org/JustForVisitors after the service where we can answer any questions you might have.

Share the Plate
May's Share the Plate recipient is NAMI of Central Texas. Their mission is to improve the lives of all individuals affected by mental illness through education, support and advocacy programs. They envision a community that addresses mental illness as a health issue and provides the systems, resources and education for all people to achieve recovery.
 
Founded in 1984, NAMI Central Texas, formerly NAMI Austin, is a member of the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Through innovative education, support and advocacy programs, they are changing the way our community addresses mental health. NAMI Central Texas serves Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, and Caldwell counties.
 
For more information, resources, support or to volunteer, visit their website at https://namicentraltx.org


Go to the Donate link on the Live Oak website’s home page. Use the drop down menu to designate your donation for “Share the Plate”.

April recipient: The Safe Alliance - $1380.00
A Few Words from the Minister
Ridiculously Proud
At last week's May congregational meeting, Vice-President Amy Dark invited me to do the chalice lighting and extinguishing. Read more
A Few Words from the DLFD
Faith Development 5.17 to 5.23.21
What to expect as we approach summer...read more
Special Notices
New Membership Team Leader Announced!
It is with enthusiasm that the Executive Committee has appointed Becky McPherson as the new team leader for the Membership Team. Becky has served as an active member of the team, most recently facilitating the "Acorn Group" for new members. As we move toward being physically together in the fall, we look forward to her leadership as we welcome in visitors and new members.

Flower Communion Helpers Needed
On Sunday, June 6, after the online worship service, we will hold a "wandering flower communion" along the chalice pathway. We need a few helpers for this - please let Rev. Joanna know if you can help. [email protected]

LED Conversion Project Completed
The project to convert 180 fluorescent ceiling fixtures to LED technology has been completed! After at least 5 years of working on this project, I can report that there is now only one incandescent light bulb burning in the building! See if you can find it.

THANK YOU to church members who generously contribute to the annual budget, the Building & Grounds Team for allocating the funds, Diane Stepakof-Fay for ordering supplies, Matthias Granberry for helping and teaching me how to make the conversion, Ray McPherson & Bill Dower for assisting, and especially my grandson John Chuo for helping with converting the 27 fixtures in the Fellowship Hall. We may not have achieved “energy independence” but I am personally proud that Live Oak’s “carbon foot print” has been made smaller! - Tim Buckley

TXUUJM
Surviving while keeping track of the TX legislature
The TXUUJM (Texas UU Justice Ministry) is focused on the Texas legislature. The members from UU churches around Texas help each other find out which bills to support or oppose, then share give information on how to give feedback. There have been so many bad bills this year that I find myself just chanting my new mantra: "Next election, next election, next election..." But I have duly called and emailed the committees and my representatives. My specific area of focus was the climate since I have contacts with local advocates. I try to post much of what I get to the LOUU Social Action Facebook page and hope that y'all get inspired to do some calling, too. Redistricting will take place in a special legislative session so mostly we have focused on voting rights, policing, abortion, trans rights, and climate. - Carman Rumbaut

Social Justice Ministry Update
At the Sunday Congregational Meeting, Wayne Gregory presented an update of the Social Justice Ministry and the steps the new team can take to address injustices in our community. The report is available for review. If you are interested in joining the group or providing input, please contact Wayne Gregory.

Learn About Climate Change and Poverty
You are invited to attend the Environmental Awareness Group meeting
Thursday Zoom Meeting May 27th @ 6:30pm. Find the link to the meeting on the
What’s Happening webpage.

Topic: Climate Change and Poverty – Climate change has disproportionate impacts on the global poor, including consequences and adaptation abilities

Readings: “The Climate Divide” by Andrew Revkin

Join us to discuss this timely topic. - Chris Mihealsick

What's Your Favorite Hymn?
Our Question Box service is coming up in June. Let us know your favorite hymn by taking this quick (seriously, like 3 seconds) survey

New Social Justice Group Forming
A group of members are determined to develop a stronger Social Justice commitment at Live Oak church. At our May meeting, we started reviewing the church’s involvement with community partners and developing goals. Review the meeting notes, and if you would like to learn how you can be part of the church’s active social justice future, contact Wayne Gregory.
HELP DISTRIBUTE FOOD TO OUR NEIGHBORS
Live Oak Church will be distributing food to our neighbors at Fresh Food Friday and need volunteers to help. Last month we distributed 3,300 pounds to 124 families (396 individuals). Of these families, 24 were new!

* Friday, May 21 @ 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Live Oak parking lot. This is when we distribute the food to our neighbors. Volunteers are needed to set up, direct people to the drive through area, collect client information, and place food in the client’s trunk. You do not need to remain the entire 2 & 1/2 hours.

HCCM has asked for 7 people for each activity. We are asking you to please let us know if you will be able to participate in either activity, so we know if we have enough or too many people.

To RSVP or for any questions please contact Donna Durbin at: [email protected]

Literacy Program - Adult Basic Education Tutors Needed
ABE offers one-on-one lessons to adult students in reading comprehension and writing. Training for new tutors is provided. If you can spend 1 1/2 hours each week giving an online lesson and about thirty minutes for preparation, this may be a good volunteer opportunity for you. Contact Kim Ono or Mary Hengstebeck for more information.
Live Oak Seniors' Coffee Hour
Join us for Coffee hour on Thursdays at 10:30am. On the 1st & 3rd week of the month, Rev. Joanna will lead a lively discussion. The other weeks will be an informal gathering. The Zoom link will be on the What's Happening page.
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LiveOakUU.org Pages to Visit:
Worship Service & Fellowship Hour: http://www.liveoakuu.org/
Community Outreach & Social Justice: http://www.liveoakuu.org/justice/
In the Community
UBarU Camp & Retreat Center is offering e-events to help you connect with camp and with each other. All the details are at http://ubaru.org/home/e-events. The cottages are available for personal and family get-aways. Just send me an email and we can confirm plans. Details about rates and accommodations

Each Friday at 6:30 p.m.   Join us for Friday Fellowship with Rev. Betty. Friday Fellowship includes meditation, readings, homily and discussion. All are welcome! Co-sponsored by UU Free Range Ministry and UBarU Camp & Retreat Center registration

Each Friday at 10 a.m. Friday  Dance as a spiritual practice, for all ages (adults and kids), genders, abilities, and fitness levels. Set an intention for joy, energy, movement, and community. Open to UUs and wider community, led by Community Minister Rev. Erin Walter. Questions or song requests, contact [email protected]  link


May 28-31 Family Camp  - Details at www.ubaru.org

Youth Summer camps- dates are based on age of camper
Details at www.ubaru.org

Star Party 9/3 - 9/6 Details at www.ubaru.org

The deadline for the weekly e-newsletter and the Sunday announcements is midnight on Tuesday. The submission form can be found here
If you have any questions or comments about this Newsletter please email: [email protected]