Religious Exploration for Adults

We look forward to offering many opportunities for adults to deepen their spirituality through a variety of classes. We are just starting on this aspect of our religious community.

Soul Talk 

Soul Talk, Live Oak’s monthly adult religious exploration program runs seasonally and offers participants an opportunity to collectively explore a range of topics through both shared readings and thought-provoking discussion.

Come join us as we seek to grow both individually and as a community of faith!  We'll let you know here and in our regular newsletter when Soul Talk resumes.

Small-Group Ministry Program

Live Oak UU now offers Small Group Ministry (SGM) for all who are interested in deepening and expanding their faith and their connections to others.

What is SGM? Small-Group Ministry consists of intentional lay-led small groups (8-10 members) of people who agree to meet over the next year on a regular schedule of either once or twice a month. Each gathering is 90-minutes long and is facilitated by one (or revolving) leaders. Sessions have a simple format that includes an opening reading, a check-in (how is each person doing), a time for exploration and discussion of a particular topic, and a closing. Themes are chosen to help the group members get to know themselves and each other more deeply. Each group is autonomous and chooses themes and subjects that are relevant to its members. Live Oak currently has two different groups. One meets on Wednesday evenings, and one meets on Friday evenings. If you want more information -- or are ready to join a group -- email jaybroller2002!@yahoo.com and we will put you in touch with the coordinator for these groups.

Past Third Friday DVD Discussions

For several years, an informal and diverse group of Live Oak'ers (members and friends) have gathered to watch and learn from a variety of DVD series. These gatherings are held on the 3rd Friday night of the month in private homes. For location and/or more information, email jaybroller2002@yahoo.com. Below is a list of some of the DVD series we have watched through the years:

• The PBS series, Civilizations, which examines the formative role of art and the creative imagination in forging humanity.
• From Jesus to Christ, a Frontline (PBS) series featuring new and controversial historical evidence which challenges familiar assumptions about the life of Jesus and the epic rise of Christianity.
• Sister Wendy Beckett, a British nun, and habit-wearing consecrated virgin as well as a renowned art critic. With humour and a gift for storytelling, she brings life and drama to each work.
• Bill Moyers' On Faith & Reason. Moyers asked some of the world's most provocative writers questions such as, "In a world where religion is poison to some and salvation to others, how do we live together?"
• Huston Smith in conversation with Bill Moyers in the Wisdom of Our Faith series in which bestselling author/professor Huston Smith offers a tour of the world's major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
• Power of Myth: Six-part, six-hour encounter covers topics related to Campbell's central themes: Mythology is humanity's universal method of seeking the transcendental, and "follow your bliss" is the timeless formula for spiritual satisfaction.
• The Ascent of Man: This series attempts a massive survey of science, from flint tools to relativity theory. A co-production of the BBC and Time-Life Films, it was made as a science counterpart to Civilization.
• Episodes of Carl Sagan's Cosmos: A Personal Journey.

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