Weekly Newsletter for March 21, 2024 | |
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Sunday Service
In Person and on Zoom
Sunday, March 24 at 11:45 am
Service Leader:
Simone Monique Barnes
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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?
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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.
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Congregational Information | |
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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 board@wildflowerchurch.org.
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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
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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 worship@wildflowerchurch.org. Thank you!
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Please click on link below to view details:
Wishlist
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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 ARE@wildflowerchurch.org.
** Many disability accommodations are available; you can use the same email to inquire.
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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: fellowship@wildflowerchurch.org
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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!
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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
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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.
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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
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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"
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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.)
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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
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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:
https://wildflowerchurch.org/email-lists/
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!!
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