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Live Oak
Unitarian Universalist Church
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A Season of Hope
Bis Thornton
The goddess of springtime and a chalice made out of necessity get together to celebrate God’s birthday–what time of year is it again? Well, let me show you around the calendar of my heart and tell you a few stories, and together we can meditate upon this season of hope.
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Share the Plate
Shelter for victims of family, sexual violence
The Social Justice Ministry team chose Hope Alliance as the recipient of Share the Plate donations in November. The organization is the only resource center and emergency shelter for people affected by family and sexual violence in Williamson County.
Hope Alliance provides free emergency shelter in Round Rock. Food, clothing, safety planning, case management, counseling and legal help are available without charge to clients. Demand for safe shelter is great; there is frequently a waiting list. There also is a 24-hour hotline providing support and advice on staying safe until entering the shelter.
You can learn more about the organization at www.hopealliancetx.org. Contribute to Share the Plate during Sunday services or donate on our website. All checks and envelopes marked “Share the Plate” and half of all undesignated cash during the services will be donated to recipients. Or go to https://www.liveoakuu.org/community/donate/
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A Few Words from the Minister
Happy Thanksgiving!
We hear often about the “War on Christmas,” but the Washington Post describes Thanksgiving as “the most politicized American holiday of the 19th century.” We can thank our Unitarian and Universalist forebears for some of that (sincerely). Read more
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Click on the picture below - it's linked to the Roots & Wings newsletter!
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Read about the Voice of a Movement Class here
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Pagan Discussion Group Meeting on November 29!
Let's Talk Sacred Space.
This meeting we'll be talking about another fundamental aspect of most Pagan practices - the altar. It's such a simple thing...or is it? We'll discuss types of sacred spaces, why you might want one, what you can do with one, and the sort of tools and toys you could keep there. If you have an image of your altar or shrine, or a magical/ritual tool you'd like to Show and Tell, please bring it! All experience levels and all traditions are welcome.
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Here's a summary of the meeting and a link to the draft of our minutes (not yet finalized).
During the last Board meeting, we discussed 2023 goals for the church and the proposed 2023 budget. We also did some prep work for the upcoming Congregational Meeting.
In more exciting news, LOUU was awarded an eGrant from Homeland Security to improve safety and security on our property! More information about the specifics will come next year I presume.
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Informal 2023 Board Budget & Goals Q&A
2023 is rapidly approaching us. The Live Oak UU Board has been working diligently to prepare for the next year. Part of this is to develop a 2023 budget and goals. Please attend this informal Q&A to ask questions and get answers from the Board. We will be meeting Sunday, November 27th, 11 am following service. These items will be discuss at our Congregational Meeting on December 11th however this is a good way to ask more in depth detailed questions.
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Adopting the 8th Principle
WE is a spiritual practice
The 8th principle states: "We covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions."
We hear about Beloved Community pretty much every Sunday. What does it mean? Read More
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Upcoming Events in December |
Almost time to hang the Greens!
It's beginning to feel a lot like the Holidays
Happy Solstice everyone! It's almost time to decorate the church for the Holidays. This year, we'll be hanging the Greens on Sunday, December 4th at noon, after the Religious Education classes. Live Oak will supply lunch in the form of pizza, salad, and soft drinks. (And, if we're lucky, we'll have an elevator to help with getting the decorations downstairs!)
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Congregational Meeting
Save the Date
Our semiannual Congregational Meeting will be Sunday, Dec. 11, following the morning service. Members will vote on a proposed budget for 2023 and on whether to adopt the 8th Principle for Live Oak.
In adopting the 8th Principle, the church would commit to take action to "accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions." Watch the newsletter for more information about this new principle.
Please plan to attend. A quorum is required to conduct business at the meeting.
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Preparation for our vote on the adoption of the 8th Principle!
Here are some resources for the upcoming vote on the 8th Principle:
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like (the) Christmas (Mitten Tree)
Here is your annual chance to play Santa’s helper
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Join the LOUU Holiday Chorus TODAY!
The holidays are approaching and we would love your help bringing our favorite tunes to life!
Do you like to sing Christmas carols? Are you a fan of winter wonderlands? Do you have holiday cheer to spread this year? Well...
The LOUU Chorus is calling for singers of all experience levels. We would love to have you join us as we begin our preparations for the upcoming holiday season. No prior experience is required to join us, and we seek all voice parts. Children ages 12 and up are also welcome to participate.
We rehearse every Wednesday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 pm in the Sanctuary. You can email the LOUU Music Director for more information or get started singing by joining us at any rehearsal.
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Bizarre or Bazaar? You choose!
Calling All Crafters (Elves or Not!)
Santa's elves are busy at the North Pole, and you could be busy helping Live Oak's very own Santa raise funds for Live Oak with your own handmade items. Do you do woodwork? Fiber Arts? Candles? Soap Making? Sculpting? Something even more fun that I haven't thought of? In conjunction with Selfies with Santa, Live Oak is hosting its own craft bazaar. It is a great way for us to use our creative talents and donate to LOUU. Please let Alison McPherson know if you would like to make a donation or help on the day of the event.
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Texas UU Justice Ministry Matching Grant Opportunity
Support justice work in Texas!
We have until the end of the month until the deadline. IF (AND ONLY IF) we raise $5,000, it will be matched dollar for dollar. Every little bit helps. If you've been waiting to make an end-of-year gift, now is the time! Please give if you can.
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Fall events at UBarU
Winter Family Camp Dec 16-19
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LiveOakUU.org Pages to Visit:
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The deadline for the weekly e-newsletter and the Sunday announcements is midnight on Tuesday. The submission form can be found here
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Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church
(737) 240-3455 | 3315 El Salido Pkwy, Cedar Park, TX 78613
www.liveoakuu.org
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