Welcome to this new page, where Live Oak's leadership tries to anticipate your questions about how things work in our congregation.

As our community grows, we realize that a lot of knowledge has been transmitted through memory and habit, rather than through clear teaching. Please use this evolving list of Frequently Asked Questions to guide your way at Live Oak...and please let us know what other FAQs we could add here -- just send your suggestions through the "contact" link at the top of this page.

Announcements

• Where should I send announcements for the (green) Leaf of the Week?  All announcements should be sent to our Administrative Assistant by Wednesday at 5 p.m., either via email (use the contact page of this website) or by submitting a written announcement to the office. We ask that your announcement pertain to Live Oak's congregational life; personal announcements will be included only if there's room.

• Where should I send newsletter submissions? Our newsletter, the Leaflet, is published every month (one issue for July/August); the deadline is the third Sunday of every month. Please send your submission to our editor, Michele DeCrow: newsletter [at] liveoakgoleta [dot] OH ARE GEE. (Note: email address is encrypted to avoid scanning programs that create spam.)

Reimbursement

• How do I get reimbursed for a Live Oak expense that I paid out-of-pocket? In our office building, the Farmhouse, there is a long rack of mailboxes. At the bottom is a stack of green reimbursement forms. Please fill out your form, attach receipts (or copies), and have it signed by a Committee Chair or other leader. Place completed form in the mail folder that says "BOOKKEEPER." Reimbursement forms must be submitted within 30 days of the expense!
  

Scholarship Funds

• How do I request scholarship money to attend a Pacific Southwest District (PSWD) or Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) event? Our 2008-2009 budget contains $900 designaged for "leadership training" -- scholarships and travel funds for Live Oak members and friends to attend UU programs. Your Live Oak Board has established the following process for requesting those funds: Any member of our community may write a letter to the Board, describing why funds are needed, the amount needed, and how your participation in the event or program will enrich Live Oak upon your return. The funds may be requested in advance, or as reimbursement for recent programs. Please submit your letters to President Susan Clarke; her mail folder is in our Farmhouse hallway, or her email address is clarkesp [at] verizon [dot] net.

UU World Magazine

• I'm a member but am not receiving the UUWorld magazine. How do I correct this? Using the contact link at the top of this page, let our Administrative Assistant know that you're having subscription issues. Be sure to include your most current mailing address, and our office will attempt to correct the problem.

Two Worship Services (September)

•  I want t know more about Live Oak's plan to hold two worship services in the fall. Great! Our congregation's leadership is still working out the details, but you can read our current plans on this Two Worship Services FAQ document.

Leadership (THIS SECTION IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT)

• Who do I contact if I have a question or concern about Live Oak?  Good question! Below is a rough guide to the leadership and staff at Live Oak, and each of their areas of responsibility:

Rev. Erika Hewitt: pastoral care and counseling, staff oversight, worship planning.

Jan Ross, Director of Religious Education: Religious Exploration for children, YRUU (youth group)

Russell Cambron, Administrative Assistant: communications, rentals, mailing lists, "lo-announce" list serv

Susan Clarke, Board President (until July 2008): Long range planning, policies, etc.