Weekly Newsletter for March 21, 2024

Zoom Links



Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acaQZ0PtyT


Ideas Worth Contemplating

1st and 3rd Sundays at 9:30 am

Zoom Link:

https://zoom.us/j/97826544113?pwd=SVVPM2NaNm5vaXJtZmN3ZjgrU3l3UT09

Phone connection: 346-248-7799; Meeting ID: 978 2654 4113; Passcode: 932628


Worship Service on Zoom

Sundays at 11:45 am (2nd Sundays are Zoom only)

Zoom Link:

https://zoom.us/j/95255929970?pwd=RjI2VCtOWExwT01ib1dDUHFXbjVsdz09

Phone Connections:346 248 7799; Meeting ID: 952 5592 9970; Passcode:  605730



Morning Coffee* with The Pastoral Care Team

Wednesdays at 10 am

https://zoom.us/j/93681478930

Meeting ID: 936 8147 8930

Hi, Wildflowers! Come check in about life, the universe and everything. 

Our Pastoral Care Team will continue to offer deep listening and support to members of our congregation. Jan Austin, formerly a Licensed Professional Counselor, will be available for 1:1 Zoom sessions with her if you wish at calendly.com/jhigaus


Board Meetings

1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Zoom Link:

https://zoom.us/j/99578028139


Sunday Service

In Person and on Zoom

Sunday, March 24 at 11:45 am

Service Leader:

Simone Monique Barnes

Still Relevant

This service of Lament is about creating space for our pain to breathe, and creating space for us to grieve together–about racism, oppression, and our communal and personal losses. We acknowledge it, we are honest about our feelings and frustrations, knowing that it is not the end of the story.


James H. Cone, founder of Black liberation theology, noted that the cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community. Both the cross and the lynching tree represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning. Is the history of Jesus’ life and execution still relevant today? And, is there still an interconnection between the stories and symbols of Jesus’ life and death, and history and souls of black folk? And what of the wider world?

If you’re interested in viewing a recent service, contact the Worship Team at [email protected].


Service Feedback for the worship team


Religious Education For Children and Youth

No meeting on 2nd Sundays- Zoom Only Service

Children (age 5 and older) and Youth will be meeting in person in their classes after being present in the sanctuary for the first part of the service. Children 6 weeks to 4 years of age are welcome in our Nursery.



Congregational Information

Register Now for April 13 Covenant Workshop

Registration is now open for our Covenant Workshop on April 13 from 10 a.m. (please arrive 9:30-9:45 a.m.) to 1 p.m., in the Community Room and on Zoom. Please use this form to register. Childcare is available. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Lenten Artists Salon Series

Monday evenings through March 25, 2024

beginning at 7pm (first 30 minutes are for checking in- Salon topic begins at 7:30)

Via  Zoom


This salon series of artist-led, artist-centered conversations uses a mix of art, music, poetry, dance, essays, film, current events, and/or spiritual texts as springboards for dialogue and community.



This year’s theme is The Painter and the Poet’s Fire, inspired by the poetic words of Phyllis Wheatley (b. 1753 – d. 1784) “…may the painter’s and the poet’s fire | To aid thy pencil, and thy verse conspire!” which are lines from the poem “To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Salon dates:

  • March 25, 2024 – Don’t Get Lost

Seeking Reflections on Love for April 14 service

Our worship theme for April is Love, and for our Zoom-only service on April 14, we're seeking Wildflowers who would like to share about different kinds of love that you experience -- friendship love, familial love, romantic love, love of humanity, or love of self. Do you have a love journey you'd like to share? If so, please contact [email protected]. Thank you!

Please click on link below to view details:



Wishlist

10 Week Meditation Circle, February 14 - April 21

Sundays, 10:15-11:15 am in Classroom 2

Sarah Riehl is offering a ten-week meditation class at 10:15 am on Sundays in person. Anyone is welcome to attend, even if they are not a Wildflower member. This meditation technique uses the breath to cultivate a mind that is calm and still, yet alert and awake. Over the course of the class, you’ll gradually learn the fundamentals of this powerful practice, and we’ll explore Buddhist dharma, or teachings. Cushions and tea will be provided. 


This form of meditation was adapted for Western laypeople by a Thai former monk in 1960s Britain; it has its roots in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Sarah has been practicing since 2008 and was invited to teach in 2018. She’s excited to share the practice.


This 10 week class ends April 21, though you can come to any Sunday circle and do not need to attend all classes.


Questions and to register, email [email protected].

** Many disability accommodations are available; you can use the same email to inquire.

March Nature Hike: Mary Moore Searight Park

Saturday, March 30 from 10-11:30am

Join fellow Wildflowers and Friends at this beloved south Austin native habitat and park. We'll meet at the dead-end of Bilbrook Road at our new spring time of 10am. Bring water, a hat and comfortable walking shoes. Expect to see fields of bluebonnets and other native plants. We'll hike the 1 mile partly shaded paved loop so strollers are welcome. Dog friendly. Questions? And to register: [email protected]

Worship Team Corner:

March 2024 Sunday Services 


During March, we will be focusing on the theme of collective accountability & covenant. All services begin at 11:45 am and last approximately 60-75 minutes. Please join us in person or on Zoom for our blended services. Our Zoom only service is the second Sunday of the month.


Our worship leaders/creators for the month will be:


March 31 (blended) - Simone Monique Barnes - Expect the Impossible - CYRE* classes


*CYRE: Children and Youth Religious Education


The Worship team would love to have your feedback on our services.

Here is a form for that very purpose!

Ongoing Events


Morning Coffee* with The Pastoral Care Team

Wednesdays at 10 am

https://zoom.us/j/93681478930

Meeting ID: 936 8147 8930

Hi, Wildflowers! Come check in about life, the universe and everything. 


Our Pastoral Care Team will continue to offer deep listening and support to members of our congregation. Jan Austin, formerly a Licensed Professional Counselor, will be available for 1:1 Zoom sessions with her if you wish at calendly.com/jhigaus

Ideas Worth Contemplating

1st and 3rd Sundays at 9:30 am

Zoom link at top in shaded box

Ideas Worth Contemplating is an ongoing group led by Wildflower Mike Ignatowski that uses inspiring and thought-provoking TED Talks to generate discussion about important topics.


Popcorn & Coffee (& Water, Tea, & Hot Chocolate)1st Sunday of every month, after the worship service in the Community Room

Potluck: 3rd Sunday of every month, after the worship service in the Community Room

Tarot Circle for Intuitive Transformation!

Third Wednesdays at 7pm via Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81959828225

Come and explore your spiritual life through the lens of the Tarot. Contact [email protected] with questions and to register.

Lenten Artists Salon Series

Monday evenings through March 25, 2024

beginning at 7pm (first 30 minutes are for checking in- Salon topic begins at 7:30)

Via  Zoom

More details under "Congregational News"



Regional Information

REGISTER NOW: "Bodily Autonomy, Safety, & State Control"

 TXUUJM Annual Gathering, March 23 in Dallas and on ZOOM!

It's almost time! On Saturday, March 23, join fellow UUs from around Texas for TXUUJM's annual gathering, in Dallas and on Zoom! Childcare provided! We will hold a timely panel discussion on the topic of "Bodily Autonomy, Safety, & State Control," with community discussion and updates on 2024 election work as well. In person or online, please register for an inspiring and educational day! 

(Find TXUUJM's weekly Action Hour, We Cry Justice, and other programs listed on our EveryAction event page.) 

For Your Information


Content Submission Guidelines

NOTE: Please do not use ALL CAPS nor "quotation marks" when submitting content.

Please submit content for weekly newsletter using this form: bit.ly/wildflowerannounce

Content should be submitted no more than (approximately) 2 weeks in advance of event.

Weekly Newsletter:

Wednesday by 12 PM

Weekly Announcement Insert:

Fridays by 12 pm

Don't be left out!

Join "The Info List", Wildflower's informal email networking system.

It's free and it's easy!!

Many of our members are unaware of our informal electronic mailing list. This list can be very useful to share information about a variety of subjects, including upcoming non-church-related events, recommendations requests for various services [i.e. plumbers], sale or service offers, etc. Being listed in our database does not automatically subscribe one to the Info List. Subscription is required in order to participate. Instructions to subscribe can be accessed here:

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There are a few guidelines regarding the content of the emails that we ask everyone to follow but other than that, it is free and it is easy! Happy Networking!!