Sunday, December 15, 1:30 pm to 4 pm – Solstice Lantern Making, in the Wildflower Community Room
Drop-in anytime between 1:30 pm to 4 pm to make a solstice lantern from paper art supplies, or bring an item to upcycle, such as a plastic soda bottle or a found object like a small tree branch, and shape your own solstice lantern to take home.
You bring the creativity, we’ll supply the lights and some basic art supplies.
Optional: bring your lantern to the Solstice Parade the following weekend, held on Saturday, December 21, 6 pm – 7 pm, in Pease Park. Gather just after sunset and solstice lanterns of various shapes and styles are encouraged (no flames!) as we walk (or roll or stroll) together in the parade. Bonus: we’ll see Malin, Pease Park’s troll sculpture, along the parade route. Note: Wildflowers are attending this free, family-friendly, public event hosted by Minor Mishap Marching Band. It is an outdoor, mobile procession, on ADA-compliant paths. We encourage attendees to process along the participatory parade route with the group, but of course, there is always to option to sit or stand and watch.
Here are a few idea to spark your lantern making inspiration:
December is a special time in our congregation. Whether you’re looking for spiritual enrichment, a sense of community, a place to hold your joys and concerns, or simply some festive fun, there’s something for everyone. We invite everyone to participate in our diverse offerings, fostering connections and creating cherished memories. Whether you are a long-time member, a friend, or a first-time visitor, you are welcome to join us this season.
December Worship Services Theme: Many Lights
Wildflower’s blended services offer the opportunity to attend either in-person or on Zoom (Zoom link is posted on our website’s home page). 2nd Sundays and 5th Sundays, worship is Zoom only.
Sunday, December 1, 11:45 am, blended service – “This Little Light of Mine” — Simone Monique Barnes, Director of Membership and Spiritual Life (Pluralism and Interdependence)
Sunday, December 8, 11:45 am, Zoom only service – “The Peace of Defiance” – Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt, guest worship leader
Sunday, December 15, 11:45 am, blended service – Bis Thornton, Chaplain. Special musical guest cellist. (Advent)
Sunday, December 22, 11:45 am, blended service – Simone Monique Barnes, Director of Membership and Spiritual Life. Special musical guest cellist. (Solstice)
Sunday, December 29, 11:45 am, Zoom only service – Susie Epstein, lay worship leader (Hannukah)
Sunday, January 5, 11:45 am, blended service – Fire Communion – lay led service
Community Gatherings for All Ages
Saturday, December 7, 1 pm – 3 pm – Crafternoon, in the Wildflower Community Room- bring your favorite arts and craft supplies, or use ours.
Sunday, December 15, 1:30 pm to 4 pm – Solstice Lantern Making, in the Wildflower Community Room – Drop-in to make a solstice lantern from paper art supplies, or bring an item to upcycle, such as a plastic soda bottle or a found object like a small tree branch, and shape your own solstice lantern to take home. Or bring it to the Solstice Parade the following weekend.
Saturday, December 21, 6 pm – 7 pm (meet at the Treehouse in Pease Park at 5:30 pm) – Annual Solstice Parade — Gather just after sunset and bring your solstice lanterns (no flames!) and lights as we walk, roll, or stroll in the parade. Bonus: we’ll see Malin, Pease Park’s troll sculpture, along the parade route. Note: Wildflowers are attending this free, family-friendly, public event hosted by Minor Mishap Marching Band. It is an outdoor, mobile procession, on ADA-compliant paths. We encourage attendees to process along the participatory parade route with the group, but of course, there is always to option to sit or stand and watch.
Sunday, December 22, 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm Drum Circle, in the Wildflower Community Room. Join in a Beloved drum circle to welcome the Winter Solstice. All levels are welcome. Bring a drum or other percussion instrument (we’ll also have some available for use).
Reverend Jami Yandle, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Transgender Support Specialist, offers a heartfelt message of love, resilience, and affirmation. As we honor our trans kin who have lost their lives to anti-trans violence, this video creates a space for reflection, care, and celebrating the sacredness of trans lives.
May this message bring comfort, strength, and hope. You are sacred. You are loved.
Transgender and nonbinary people seeking support and resources can visit UPLIFT at www.uua.org/lgbtq/transnb to find guidance, affirmation, and tools for connection.
You can also get in touch with Wildflower’s Care Team, including our Chaplain Bis Thornton, in two ways:
Click on this page or email careteam@wildflowerchurch.org
Image Description: UUA rainbow chalice next to the word UPLIFT in rainbow colors. Underneath, text reads, “Uplifting the LGBTQ+ Experience within Unitarian Universalism & Beyond.”
Looking for a resource to help recharge your social, emotional, or spiritual batteries? Listen to our curated music playlist from our Community Recharge Day gathering event held in our Wildflower Community Room on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
November is Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month. Wildflowers have the opportunity for honoring Indigenous people in our community and across the country by supporting the Austin Powwow, through attendance, food donations, and volunteer activities. This is joyful way for all to celebrate the heritage and culture of our Indigenous community and to honor those whose land we are on.
You can use the links below to purchase tickets and sign up to volunteer and donate.
At the Annual Austin Powwow, many different Native American communities come together for the largest one-day powwow in the country. For over 30 years, this unique Austin event has featured literally hundreds of Native American dancers, singers, musicians, artists and craftspeople. The songs and dances are not only based on ancient traditions but are also living cultural expressions of creativity and innovation.
Attend the Austin Powwow on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Travis County Expo Center.
Volunteer! Volunteers help make the Austin Annual Powwow a success! Sign up here.
Partner with them, through financial contributions (which can be made here), to help with the expense of hosting this meaningful event for Central Texas.
Donate items and gift cards for the raffle. Please email Skye at grants@austinpowwow.net for more information.
First time attending a powwow? The Austin Powwow Committee offers these guidelines to attendees:
Native American Powwows are social events. They should be fun – to enjoy beautiful regalia, and breathtaking performances, to support Native artisans. Please keep in mind that Powwows are cultural events infused with tradition. There is a protocol, so just be aware of a few details to avoid accidentally offending anyone or appearing disrespectful.
Powwow Etiquette
Dress modestly, avoid wearing crop tops, shirts with vulgarity, or short shorts, especially in the dance arena.
Enjoy yourself as you watch the dancers but Do Not Touch the dancers and their outfits. Every object on the dancer’s regalia is special and considered sacred.
Please, do not smoke inside the Show Barn pavilion. Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited, as they are at all powwows and traditional Native American events.
Please be respectful of Native American traditions and stand when asked to do so by the MC.
Come dance in the arena only if you are invited by the MC. During the powwow, the MC will call for special “blanket dances”. This is a powwow tradition in which the audience shows its appreciation for the singers so please participate if you are able. You may dance if you like but please help our singers by placing a donation on the blanket.
Feel free to take photographs and videotape, but do not take close-ups unless you first ask permission from that person. No flash photography permitted. Do not take photos of smudges or sacred medicines.
Don’t take pictures if the Arena Director asks for all cameras to be shut down. Occasionally, there may be a special or sacred moment in which photography is not allowed.
Give space to dancers, drum groups and respect their seating areas. Do not lean over the rails around the arena.
Do not pass out any type of brochures or literature on Expo Center grounds unless you have been preapproved by our powwow committee.
Please pick up your own litter and throw it in the trash. Make it your goal to pick up at least one more piece of trash as a favor to others.
