Volume 21, issue 8

The Connection

ONGOING SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

INQUIRING MINDS 9:15

ELEM RE 9:30—10:30

MIDDLERS 9:30-10:30

SUPERVISED PLAY 10:45

SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30

YOUTH GROUP 1-3PM

FIND US/WRITE US:

UNIVERSITY UUS

11648 MC CULLOCH RD

ORLANDO, FL 32817

407 737-4018

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.universityuus.org

AUGUST 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Programs for August 1

RE for August 2

LWVOC article 3

Groups,Clubs,Meetings 4,5

UU Justice 6

Rep. John Lewis 6,7

Mystic Grove , 8

Congregational Read 9

How to be an Antiracist Video Info 9

Directory/Back Cover 10

PROGRAMS FOR AUGUST

August 2 “Is Superman a Closet UU?” - and other compelling ques-

tions” Mark Bernstein

Does the Man of Steel light a chalice in his Fortress of Solitude? Do the Caped Cru-

sader and Robin the Boy Wonder secretly share joys and concerns deep in the bowels of

the Bat Cave? And what about Spidey’s interdependent web? Come explore the con-

nection between our comic book heroes and our Unitarian Universalist principles.

Mark Bernstein has been a member of the UU Church of Delaware County in Media,

PA for 27 years. He is a former staff member with the Central East Region of the UUA

and currently serves as Adjunct Staff with the Region

August 9 “Rooted, Inspired, and Ready!” UUUF Members

General Assembly is the annual business meeting of the UUA, our Unitarian Univer-

salist Association. Plenary sessions involving by-law updates, committee reports, and

other items of governance are held along with a variety of workshops, worship ser-

vices, and learning opportunities about congregational life and management, theology

and faith development, social justice and so much more. Judith, Chris, and Martha,

all committed members of UUUF, will share from the time in this first ever virtual

GA.

August 16 "Summer Camp for All of US" Rev. Kathy Schmitz

I thought I was going to summer camp, but instead I’m going to summer school. You

too? How can we blend our spiritual need for rejuvenation with all we have to learn?

A favorite in our pulpit, virtual or in-person, Rev. Kathy served as minister of 1U in

downtown Orlando for 8 years and is now a “free-range” UU minister offering her

thoughts on life from a liberal religious perspective.

August 23 “Spiritual Typology – Where do you fall?” Martha Kir-

by

One of my favorite services was presented a few years ago by a long-time member,

John Amein, and was an introduction and exploration of this topic. As we move into

a new “church year” it seems a good time to re-introduce the ideas John shared and

find out where our congregation is today and talk about why it matters. Martha cur-

rently serves this congregation as Board Chair/Pres. and Program Planning Team

Chair

August 30 Pending – Your Name Could Be Here!

PAGE 2 THE CONNECTION VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8

RE NEWS FOR AUGUST

PARTICIPATE

There is a story many many of you have heard, possibly from me. It is about a family walking along the beach one

morning after a tropical storm has blown through. Kids and parents are giggling and pushing one another in the sunshine,

avoiding the sharp shells as they wander along the shoreline. Suddenly one of the kids notices someone ahead repeatedly

leaning over, picking something up and then tossing something into the water. “What is that person doing over there?” the

child answers. The person is a ways off, and they are a silhouette against the clear sky. The parents are not sure. But the

silhouette and they are slowly moving their way towards one another and eventually it becomes clear that the beach is filled

with starfish that were washed ashore in the night’s storm. “Hey you,” the well meaning parent says, “what are you doing?”

“These poor starfish got all turned up on the beach last night. I am putting as many as I can back where they have a

fighting chance,” the stranger says, no longer a silhouette.

The child spun around in the sand looking at all the creatures that washed up the night before. “But excuse me, there

are sooooo many starfish on this beach,” the child says, “You can’t possibly get them all back in the water. It will hardly mat-

ter.”

With that the stranger leans down again, scoops up a starfish and tosses its’ barely flexing shape into the ocean. “It

mattered to that one,” the stranger says.

*******

I am writing this having just finished watching the funeral for John Lewis. The honoring of a man who participated in the

world that was imperfect with the hope of making it better is so inspiring. While I was already feeling “it” before I watched

the funeral, I am even more revved up now. Who knew a funeral could be motivational. Just before I left on break I was in-

volved in the General Assembly, our UU national conference, which was also incredibly inspirational. Both of these events

inspire me to inspire you to be active.

There are lots of ways you can participate to help make the world better, even without protesting. You can read to a child,

write a letter to a representative or to the editor. Pick up the garbage, don’t use straws, wear a mask or speak up when some-

one is not wearing a mask… gently but speak up. You don’t have to accuse. You can make it personal not about everybody’s

rights. “Hey, sir, would you please put your mask on? I am sure you are healthy, but I am really really scared of getting sick.

It would make me feel better.” It is ok to do something for you. You are the greater good just as the rest of the world is.

As your religious educator, I would also like to see the entire UUUF Community challenge themselves to participate in the

reading of White Fragility. If by chance you have already read it, let Chris R know and attend the upcoming discussions she

is planning. This is how we have a common experience as a congregation. Doing one thing, even if it does not seem to make

sense, may make a difference. (btw I am only seeing names of folks I know to identify as female participating, why is that?)

Coming up in RE this month

Specific Class Schedule and links will be posted in the RE Newsletter and in Notable News.

August 9th – LIVE AND IN PERSON and OUTSIDE, Blessing of the Back Packs. Watch for emails with all the details.

August 30th – Box Fort Sunday. Also, weather permitting, live and in person on UUUF Property.

Morning Meditation Begins Again 8:30 AM as follows

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday online. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/368467012

Thursday mornings in-person as weather permits at the fire pit behind the UUUF building.

See you all Soon!

Judith

PAGE 3 THE CONNECTION VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8

Greetings, UUUF Friends, 2020 Elections have great potential for making a difference in our communities. The League of Women Voters of Orange County (LWVOC) is a grassroots, non-partisan organization that for 100 years has encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote. As a group of volunteers, we rely on organizations like yours to help promote this goal. We hope the University Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will join us to encourage citizens to ensure their voices are heard by registering and vot-ing in the upcoming elections in August and November.

Due to concerns about the continuing spread of Covid-19, the LWVOC is recommending online voter registration and requesting a Vote-By-Mail Ballot (VBM) now. Early voting and voting on election day are still options, but the LWVOC believes VBM ensures a convenient, safe, and secure path to ensure everyone’s voice will be heard.

To help spread the word, please click here for a link to our non-partisan voters education page. To make this request as easy as possible to act on, we have also attached files for your use and includ-ed links to each item below.

1. FAQ VBM – A list of Frequently Asked Questions on Voting by Mail.

2. FAQ Voting - A list of Frequently Asked Questions on Voter Registration and other voting op-tions.

If you would like this information in a different format OR in Spanish, please call me at 407-443-2780. We are happy to oblige. We look forward to working with you for a better Florida.

Sincerely,

Joan Erwin

PAGE 4 THE CONNECTION VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8

GROUPS, CLUBS, MEETINGS:

Due to the new social distancing guidelines, there are no in person groups currently meeting. Most have arranged Zoom meetings, or something similar. Please reach out to the contact person listed on the back page for more information. Here are a few online meetings that are ongoing:

Guided Meditation: Our DRE, Judith Stein-Farrall, returns to the congregation on August 4th. See RE news for her meditation schedule on page 2. Parent Support Group: Parents of children of all ages and kinds are welcome as we meet weekly online to discuss the challenges and accomplishments that accom-pany our parental roles. Our traditional meeting has shifted to a more ‘personal bubble’ friendly platform for the health and safety of all. The Parenting Support Group strives to uphold a safe and supportive space where parent, regardless of the age or biological connection of their child, can share, learn, and discuss the joys and challenges of raising tiny hu-mans. Our friendly discussions allow for a confidential and supportive exchange of information, perspectives, and ideas on relevant parenting topics so each parent may consider options that might work best for their own family. At this time, we en-courage participants to bring their own beverages. Please note that we are meeting on Sunday evenings at 9PM, after most tiny hu-man’s bedtimes. The meeting ID will remain the same each week. Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/194457674

New Meeting ID: 982 32534801 Youth Group: Open to youth from 12 –18 years of age, we are currently meeting via Zoom on Sunday afternoons at 4pm. Please reach out to Amy or Chris for more information!

Millennials: Open to those 18+ who self identify as Millennials...join us on Zoom: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/ Meeting ID 98458665375 on Wednesday, Aug. 5th, 6:30pm. Contact Chloe McElroy for more information chloemcelroy@gmail.com

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8 PAGE 5

Our next meeting with take place Friday, August 7th at 7:00pm. The theme: How have you grown/changed in the last 4.5 months? Join Zoom Meeting Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82850040327 Meeting ID: 828 5004 0327 +13017158592,,82850040327# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,82850040327# US (Chicago) In the meantime, stay well and reach out if you need support. Anne and Roberta

Men’s Support Zoom meetings will be Monday, August 3rd, 17th and 31st at 6:30 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83985663487?pwd=eDdLR2lqM3RwV05saHE3VGJNOU1BZz09

Spirit Seekers is a book study group that meets every Wednesday at 10 AM. We Read our selection from our chosen book within the meeting time and then have discussion on what we have read. Our current read is “Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao“ by Wayne Dyer. Join us on Zoom 602 908 127

PAGE 6 THE CONNECTION VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8

If you don’t already get this monthly newsletter, consider subscribing...distributed free and filled

with current social justice information. The current issue contains current updates land many other

valuable articles and links.

Join our mailing list! Sign up here.

Have you moved or changed congregations? Update your current contact information

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Visit the UUJF website and UUJF Facebook group View archived UUJF newsletters. UUJF works with partners. Who are your congregation’s partners? Does your congregation have an online sermon that addresses a Justice issue? Send us the link or a way to find it on your website.

Unitarian Universalist Justice Florida P.O. Box 1310 | Orange Park, Florida 32067 904-514-4304 | info@uujusticefl.org

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8 PAGE 7

As John Lewis’ funeral begins here is his final essay, sent to the NYT two days before his death, which he asked to be published on the day he was laid to rest. July 30, 2020 While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity. That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hos-pital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on. Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Tay-lor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time. I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me. In those days, fear con-strained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars. Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare. If we are to survive as one unified nation, we must discover what so readily takes root in our hearts that could rob Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina of her brightest and best, shoot unwitting concertgoers in Las Vegas and choke to death the hopes and dreams of a gifted violinist like Elijah McClain. Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philos-ophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say some-thing. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself. Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it. You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, through decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Contin-ue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others. Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring. When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.

PAGE 8 THE CONNECTION VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8

MYSTIC GROVE

The Mystic Grove (mysticgrove@orlandouu.org) is 1U’s pagan affinity group and Cov-enant of UU Pagans Chapter. Friends from UUUF are welcome to join us any time! Digital events are all over Zoom. Please email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org for the Zoom connection info to the event you are interested in.

Sat. Aug 1 Lammas Ritual 6:45pm orientation; 7pm ritual; 8pm virtual potluck

Join us in celebration of Lammas—the point between the Summer Solstice and the Fall Equinox!

Sun. Aug 2 12-2pm

1st Sunday Monthly meeting where we discuss upcoming ritual, classes and more. Short online fellowship for those desiring it after the meeting.

Fri. Aug 21 7-9pm Virtual Bonfire Party

Bring your music, stories, marshmallows, whatever you’d like to share around the bonfire!

Fri. Aug 28 7-9pm Moon Circle

Part covenant group and part lunar ritual, Moon Circle gathers once a month. Inspired by "Becoming Women of Wisdom," we examine the decades of our lives. As you make your way forward, you remember the past, integrate its lessons and shed its ex-cess baggage, until you come to the present moment of possibility and transfor-mation.

For more information, email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/mysticgrovecfl/events/

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.

George Washington Carver, 1864–1943

PAGE 9 THE CONNECTION VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8

Congregational Read Update…

We are beginning our read, White Fragility by Robin DiAnge-lo. We will meet on Sundays at 1pm, via Zoom...it worked for most folks, beginning Aug. 9th. We will cover 3 chapters each week, for 4 weeks, then wrap up and reflect on the 5th week. If you would like to join in, please let me know and I’ll add you to the email list. We will continue

with other books, How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Olono among many others possible. I hope you will travel this journey with us!

Chris Reid lcreid99@aol.com

Watch Ibram X. Kendi on "How to Be an Antiracist"

On Demand Until August 20, 2020

Greetings, Thank you for joining the Prince George's County Memorial Library System and partners throughout the state of Maryland for Ibram X. Kendi on "How to Be an Antiracist" on Monday evening. We are grateful for all of your sup-port and commitment to combating systemic racism in the United States and around the world. The archival video of Dr. Kendi's interview with Dr. Charlene M. Dukes is available for on demand viewing at pgcmls.info/anti-racism until August 20, 2020.

This was worthwhile, if you have a chance to watch by Aug. 20th.

PAGE 10 THE CONNECTION VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8

University Unitarian Universalist Society

11648 McCulloch Road

Orlando, Florida 32817

Phone: 407 737-4018

Email: info@universityuus.org

Website: www.universityuus.org

Directory of University UUS

BOARD:

president@universityuus.org vicepresident@universityuus.org treasurer@universityuus.org boardmembers@universityuus.org

STAFF:

re@universityuus.org (Judith A. Stein-Farrall, Director of Religious Education) info@universityuus.org (Triesta Hall, Con-gregational Administrator)

OTHER: announcements@universityuus.org council@universityuus.org endowment@universityuus.org facilities@universityuus.org hospitality@universityuus.org membership@universityuus.org pastoralcare@universityuus.org personnel@universityuus.org programplanningteam@universityuus.org uuusaudio@universityuus.org webmaster@universityuus.org

Youth

Owl… Happy Amein, Chris Reid, Chad Busby, Chloe

McElroy

Beacon...Chris Reid...lcreid99@aol.com

Amy Mowbray…mowbrayamy@gmail.com

Activities

Alliance….Marilyn Kelch...MStew33939@aol.com

Choir...Janet Leavens...janet_leavens1@gmail.com

Inquiring Minds...Steve Hall...hallsorl@earthlink.net

Investment Group...

Incluusion (UUUF House Band)...Gina Busby…

gthunder@cfl.rr.com

Men’s Group...David McElroy…

davidamcelroy1@gmail.com

Newsletter...Chris Reid...lcreid99@aol.com

Social Action...Joie Kohl...joiekohl1944@gmail.com

Spirit Seekers...Gina Busby...ginabusby4@gmail.com

Volunteer Coordinator…

Women’s Circle...Roberta Lerman…

robynoriginals@brighthouse.com

Anne Packham...annepackham@yahoo.com