January 30, 2020
This Week
This Week   
Sunday, February 2 at 9:00am & 11:00am 
"Go to Hell ... to Help Others Out." 
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford
 
Share the Plate:       
Your Donation Makes Their Lunch (Count)
We Share the Plate this month with LunchCounts!, a local organization started by a student at St. Andrews, dedicated to paying off school lunch debt in Austin, Pflugerville and Del Valle ISS schools. All month long, half of all cash donations and all StP-designated checks will be donated to LunchCounts!
 
December Share the Plate total: $746.99
Literacy Council of Williamson County
 
 
Love Notes  
Each month, there will be a different group at Live Oak featured in our "Love Notes" appreciation program. You're encouraged to grab one of those pink sheets and let the group know how much you appreciate what they contribute to Live Oak life.  January love notes will be for our Nominating Committee.  Please be sure to stop by the Love Notes box and show your love!   
A Few Words from the Minister...
Spiritual Nourishment
Last Sunday, I called myself out for an attitude I've had.  Read more  
 
Special Notices
What does Social Action Mean to You? 
Democracy is not a spectator sport! 
What does social action mean to you? What does it look like in your life/or what do you want it to look like? 

UUs believe in deeds over creeds. 2020 promises to be an interesting and challenging year of deeds. Out of the many causes that call to me: racial equity, LGBTQ rights, mental health, refugees/Dreamers/immigrant rights, getting out the vote; I often feel overwhelmed. I dream of working with others on justice issues, funneling our anger into advocacy, our resentment into resistance!

There is a Live Oak UU Social Action Facebook page that might be a good place for you to start. You can share and see what others have shared.

Reverend Joanna recently said in a sermon that Democracy is not a spectator sport. So what calls to you? Can Live Oak be part of it? Can you be part of Live Oak's efforts to make a difference? Can we work together? I would love to hear from you.   
Carolyn Dower, Social Action Chair
socialaction@liveoakuu.org
 
Accepting Nominations for LOUU Elected Positions 
LOUU elections coming up in May - let us know if you have a great nominee! 
If you are interested in any of the elected positions, or if you know someone who would serve Live Oak well, please email nominating@liveoakuu.org. If you have questions, the Nominating Committee encourages you to read the Bylaws or contact any member of the Nominating Committee for more information. You may use the nominating@liveoakuu.org email address or you may contact any individual member of the Nominating Committee: Barbara Coldiron, Sanjiv Sarwate, Carolyn Dower, Julia Mitschke, or Becca Russell.
 
Got a Taste for Worship?  
Are you interested in meeting guest preachers, ensuring the smooth flow of worship, and working with Rev. Joanna to craft fulfilling worship services? If so, email her at minister@liveoakuu.org and let her know you're interested in learning more about the new "Vergers Team" that is being created. (This is separate from being a worship leader, though you can also do both.)
 
Exploring Membership Workshop
You are invited to this Exploring Membership workshop, Sunday, February 2nd from noon to 2pm. We will meet in room 109 after the Sunday service. Light 
lunch provided. Child care provided.  RSVP not necessary.  Please join us.
 
Capital Fund Meeting Report
The Capital Fund Committee has the responsibility of planning projects and managing the congregation's contribution to the Capital Fund. We desperately need more members to help us. Please contact CT at capitalfund@liveoakuu.org ASAP! The notes from the recent meeting are available for review. 
 
One - on - One Tutors Needed
Do you want the chance to get to know someone and help them at the same time?
The Adult Basic Education program needs two or more tutors in our Leander Library location. Tutors meet weekly with their student, helping them with reading comprehension, writing, and sometimes math. Please contact Kim Ono biwabiwa@austin.rr.com or Mary Hengstebeck 512-983-7009 for more information.
 
Company's Coming to Live Oak - Hosts Needed!
Company's coming! On Thursday, Feb. 20, Live Oak will be hosting the iAct interfaith "Red Bench" event at 6:30 pm. Time to show all those folks how UUs do hospitality! Can you contribute a soup, casserole, or salad? Can you help with set up or cleanup? Please let Rev. Joanna know! minister@liveoakuu.org
 
Are YOU prepared for a Zombie Apocalypse?
Safety Team recruiting new members
Are you ready for the no-win scenario? If someone calls you a "prepper", do you feel a sense of pride? If you answered yes to any of these, and even if you didn't, Live Oak needs you. The Live Oak Safety Team needs more members to prepare the church for problems big and small. Not everything the Safety Team worries about is a big as active shooters. We are more likely to have to deal with a fire. The Safety Team researches the scenarios, develops a plan to deal with them, and then helps the church be ready if and when the time comes. Largely, we're trying to prevent the loss of life, limb, and property. If you are willing to help us with this big task, please email Mike Schultz. We are planning a meeting at the end of January. Even if you are not sure, you can attend and find out more.
 
Polytheistic Family Gathering Nights
Deities of the world are calling! 
We welcome those who practice spiritual arts, animistic traditions, and/or polytheistic beliefs to join us in sharing community among diverse traditions. Come on by for simple family friendly rituals and discussion of your unfolding mystical experiences. We will have crafts available for children, but we encourage you to bring games and activities for kids to share. We are seeking to celebrate relationships with nature, to connect with the spiritual presence in our everyday lives, and to build supportive community and connection. We will be meeting 5-7 pm on the last Friday of month in the Common Ground Building our community means building our hearth space together. Bring food to share for a potluck dinner to nourish our bodies and spirits. We will supply plates, utensils, napkins and cups. We will not wash dishes on site, so plan accordingly. See you soon!  - Shama Blaney & Mariette Henke 
 
Have You Heard?
Have you heard about Live Oak campouts? 
Live Oak has campouts twice a year (spring, fall) and all members and friends are welcome! This spring we're camping at Cedar Breaks Park on Lake Georgetown the weekend of April 17-19. You can make your reservations here
If you're thinking you'd like to try camping but have never done it before or haven't in a long time, talk to some of the folks who go on the campouts regularly. Read more  
 
ENRICH CONNECTIONS
Have a great potential member? Concerned that someone is struggling to find their place? Contact the Membership Team and we can reach out. Email: membership@liveoakuu.org 
 
Faith Development     
Here's what you need to know this week!
 
Elementary age continue a two-month unit, "Who's Who in UU?" focusing on Rev. Sofia Betancourt. It's the first Sunday of the month, so Middle and High School have a game/hangout day.
 
Adults will conclude the five-week series called "The Corruption of Our Democracy." If you missed previous sessions, but want to join us for session five, you can catch up by watching the video,  "Legalize Democracy,"  and reading the preparatory handouts for sessions  two three four , and five.
 
February 23rd, adults can participate in an Advocacy 101 session led by Carolyn Dower. You might also consider reading more about the upcoming UU 101 class or signing up for the Articulating Your UU Faith Workshop.
Our Whole Lives (OWL) for 4th and 5th grades class is full. All families who are participating have received an informational email. You can see dates for the program below. Don't forget to let Carrie know if you need childcare for the Parent/Child Orientation.
 
Feb 9 (Parent/Child Orientation), Feb 23, Mar 1, Mar 8, Mar 22, Mar 29, Apr 5, Apr 19, Apr 26, May 3, May 24  
 
     
??? - Contact Carrie Krause, dlfd@liveoakuu.org
 
In the Community
2020 Camp UU Hogwarts Summer Camp
Registration opens Friday, February 28
From July 27th-31st, 2020, we continue the annual tradition of transforming First UU of Austin into a magical castle of fun and adventure. Students will have the opportunity to play Quidditch and Wizard Chess, as well as pursue studies of Herbology, Potions, Magical Creatures, and more! Most importantly we relate our UU values and traditions to the rich story of bravery and loyalty and love in the Harry Potter series our classes in Defense Against the Dark Arts and by learning about social justice and service in Muggle Studies. Registration will open Friday, February 28 for members of all Austin area UU churches and returning campers. Registration will open to the public on Friday, March 6, 2020. We welcome campers (rising 1st-6th grade), junior prefects (rising 7th-9th grade), and senior prefects (rising 10th-12th grades) for the full-day camp. Info here.  

First UU San Antonio Presents: LBGTQ Coffeehouse 
Coffeehouse featuring Canadian folk singer-songwriter 
Lucie Blue Tremblay
Saturday, February 8, 7:00pm-9:00pm, Fellowship Hall
 
This bilingual singer-songwriter has a warm voice, great charm and a trademark whistle. Her uplifting global message is honor, strength, tolerance and peace. As a member of the LGBTQI community, she approaches songwriting with love and truth while she honors women's music from her core. Seating is limited. Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets - $20 advance general, $25 at the door. Coffeehouse refreshments included. 
 
UBarU Upcoming Retreats & Camps
Fiber Arts Retreat Feb 14-17
Men-Aligned Retreat March 27-29
Spiritual Practices Retreat April 3-5
Women-Aligned Retreat April 17-19
Writer's Weekend May 1-3
Family Camp May 22-25
Summer Youth camps June & July (based on age)
Visit UBarU.org for more information
 
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: editor@liveoakuu.org