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Weekly Newsletter for November 13, 2025
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Sunday Service
In Person Only
Sunday, November 16 at 11:45 am
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Congregational News and Events |
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Newsletter Content Submission Guidelines
The link to submit newsletter content has been updated.
Please submit content for weekly newsletter using this form.
Content should be submitted no more than (approximately) 2 weeks in advance of event.
Weekly Newsletter content deadline is Wednesday by 12 pm
Submissions received after the deadline will go in the following week’s edition.
NOTE: Please refrain from using ALL CAPS or “quotation marks” when submitting content.
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Announcement About Our Blended Services
Last Sunday, we announced our worship plan to PAUSE our blended Zoom services this fall (pause start date to be determined). This temporary pause is to work on improving our in-person and our at-home worship experiences. With some of our audio and visual tech “gremlins” that frequently make challenging (sometimes humorous, sometimes frustrating) glitches during our worship experiences, our small, stretched thin, team of volunteers and staff recognize that we need time and energy to focus on addressing our equipment, software, and training, and test our refreshed practices and equipment to improve our worship experience for everyone–including in-person and at-home attendees, worship team, tech, and hospitality.
Know that we are working to create a Worship-at-Home weekly email list, to provide recorded access to services, and a method of submitting joys and concerns during this pause.
We also want to encourage more congregants to attend our 2nd and 5th Sunday Zoom-only services, as it is both a meaningful worship experience AND it allows our members who only worship with us virtually to engage with a wider group of congregants. After worship there are breakout rooms on Zoom for informal conversations that offer the chance to connect, learn more about each other, and build community (and welcome newcomers).
In addition to testing and strengthening our technology, skills, and equipment, during the pause, the worship and volunteer teams will work to keep our virtual attendees connected to Wildflowers and encourage deeper connections between congregants. We will also reach out to gather input and feedback about service access and experiences from regular Zoom attendees that will inform our future virtual worship excperiences.
Please be patient, and encouraging, as we work to support our beloved communities, together. |
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WE MAKE OUR WILDFLOWER DREAMS COME TRUE
Thank you to all the Wildflowers who contributed to building towards our collective dreams! This Stewardship campaign has been a special one, giving our members the opportunity to share the many ways that Wildflower contributes to their personal and communal wellbeing. As we reach the end of the month, the Giving Team wanted to share where we are in terms of pledges for 2026: 25 Wildflowers have made their pledges for next year, totaling $67,900! This is so amazing and we are incredibly grateful.
At the same time, we are facing some big realities as we near the December 7th Congregation Meeting where we’ll all have the opportunity to vote on next year’s budget. As a reminder from our financial conversations this year, the Church’s operating budget was around $160,000 this year. Taking these numbers into consideration, we will have to begin having creative conversations about what our unique little church is going to look like next year.
But your opportunity to make those conversations a little bit easier hasn’t passed! There is still time to make your pledge before the Board releases the various budget options on November 16th. Let us all link arms as we face the changes ahead and lean into our Wildflower value of Transformation; we can come out on the other side of this stronger than ever - but only if we do it together! Make your pledge today by visiting www.wildflowerchurch.org/2026-pledge-drive
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Below is the schedule for the Giving Team meeting for the rest of 2025. All meetings take place at 7pm. The Zoom link will be included below:
Thursday, November 20
Wednesday, November 26
Thursday, December 4
Wednesday, December 10
Thursday, December 18
To join virtually: https://zoom.us/j/99902793101
Meeting ID: 999 0279 3101
For any other questions, contact the Giving Team at giving@wildflowerchurch.org
Giving Team meetings are open to the public! Whether you are interested in joining or just want to watch the magic happen, join one of our upcoming meetings. For more information, check the newsletter or email giving@wildflowerchurch.org |
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Wildflower Discord Covenant Group
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Sunset Nature Walk at Stephenson Nature Preserve
Sunday, November 16, 4:15-6:15pm
Stephenson Nature Preserve (off Westgate Blvd at the end of Harleyhill Dr)
The WildEarth Climate Action Team invites all to this late-afternoon nature walk, ending with a sunset view, on the loop trail in Austin's Stephenson Nature Preserve, located south of William Cannon between Westgate Blvd and Brodie Lane. Susie Epstein will be our nature guide on the loop trail (fairly smooth--a mixture of dirt and rocks, and some grades). Please dress for the weather, some tall grass, and mud if it has rained recently.
Please write to wildearth@wildflowerchurch.org for details. Your RSVP is helpful but not necessary.
Where: From William Cannon and Westgate, go south to Harleyhill Drive. Turn R on Harleyhill, which dead-ends at a park entrance. Park in the neighborhood. Or navigate to: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PMM1TCmRW8MNixKu5
Time: Please arrive by 4:15pm; we gather near the entrance and start walking at 4:30pm.
Weather: If rain or weather is iffy, please write
wildearth@wildflowerchurch.org , or if close to hike time,
call 512-810-0236. Rain date, Nov. 23. |
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Putting Our Faith Into Action:
A (virtual) Conversation on MUTUAL AID with Dean Spade
Sunday, November 23 at 2pm in the Wildflower Community Room
In these challenging times in Texas, as systems of support are strained, our Unitarian Universalist and community values call us to respond with courage and connection. We are called not just to resist, but to actively build the world we dream of - a world rooted in compassion, justice, and collective care.
Join the Texas UU Justice Ministry for this special online event with acclaimed author and organizer Dean Spade. We will learn about the principles and practices of mutual aid: a powerful form of solidarity where we work cooperatively to meet each other's needs.
The virtual event will be streamed in the Community Room after service and is a fundraiser for TXUUJM. Daniela Silva and Susie Epstein have made a financial contribution to TXUUJM in exchange for a "ticket" to the event. If you would like to make your own contribution to support their important work, visit: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VWT9VA7KXTYZL |
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The Disability Team wants to hear from YOU!
Did you know that Wildflower has a Disability Team?? The Disability Advisory Team coordinates with our Facilities and Worship Teams along with the Board (and with Faith for all architectural/building modifications) to improve accessibility. Past projects include: installation of wall-hung diaper-changing stations in bathrooms, leveling of the sidewalk and courtyard pathways, Community Room ramp and doorbell, insulation of HVAC closet to decrease noise in Community Room, and a donated wheelchair left by a former team member.
What ideas and recommendations do you have to increase Wildflower's overall accessibility???
We'd love to hear from you! Contact Alyxis and Susie at: disability@wildflowerchurch.org |
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Coffee and Conversations
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 with other Wildflowers, Chaplain Bis, and the Pastoral Care Team. Chaplain Bis is also available 1:1 Zoom sessions, which you can sign up for at calendly.com/wildflowerpastoralcare
Ideas Worth Contemplating
1st and 3rd Sundays at 9:30 am
https://zoom.us/j/97826544113?pwd=SVVPM2NaNm5vaXJtZmN3ZjgrU3l3UT09
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.
Climate Education Zoom class
2nd Sunday, May 11, 9:30 am to 10:15 am
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2635700913?pwd=bjNxMEczWHU2bUp3dXpEcVRXWjhRUT09
Meeting ID: 263 570 0913 Passcode: 002030
Our Climate Education classes usually feature a 20-30 minute video, and ample time left over for lively discussion. Join us! Next class is a week from Sunday, topic To Be Determined, but probably related to this Spring's 15-year anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf. Our WildEarth Climate Action Team offers this class on most 2nd Sundays of the month.
Tarot Circle: 3rd Wednesdays @ 7:00pm
Come and explore your spiritual life with support from the tarot!
On May 14th, the KNIGHTS of the tarot will guide us in the practice of aligned self-expression.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81959828225
Contact MelissaOMeeks@gmail.com to register. |
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Regional and National Information |
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Calling Volunteers for the Austin Powwow November 21 and 22, 2025
The sign-up sheet for the 2025 Austin Powwow is LIVE and ready!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ABA82CABFBC61-57888875-austin
There are volunteer sign-up slots for Friday set-up and Saturday all day. On Friday volunteers will be prepping for admissions, prepping dance arena benches, setting up hospitality tables, setting out the merchandise, distributing extension cords, and placing signage around the Expo center. On Saturday, volunteers staff various key places that support the Powwow experience.
It is an amazing experience to be a part of the Powwow as volunteer or attendee. Kudos for the hard work of the Native American Cultural Center in presenting the Austin Powwow and Native American Heritage Festival.
This is a truly unique Austin experience. It brings you a fascinating look into the culture and heritage of Native American people. Wildflower member, Skye Howell, is Executive Director of the Native American Cultural Center.
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Hospitality is an opportunity to make sure that the dancers, drummers, staff, and volunteer are fed and cared for during that full day celebration.
To donate snacks or drinks for hospitality for the 11/22 Powwow, register here.
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TXUUJM News: Mutual Aid with Dean Spade & Upcoming Action Hours!
Mutual aid is crucial in the work of community care and justice–but what does it mean, and where do we start? Join TXUUJM for a virtual conversation on mutual aid with special guest Dean Spade! We have also created a local event guide planning toolkit for those who wish to host a group watch-party. Register now to receive the Zoom link & toolkit
We also have two great Thursday Night Action Hours coming up:
Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll keep you up to date with all the latest developments and calls to action. Thank you for Bending Texas Towards Justice with us!
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