Weekly Update, April 16, 2020
We are gathering online only during the stay-at-home order.
In-person events scheduled in later months may be canceled or postponed.
Please stay tuned.
1U This Sunday, April 19
Worship — 10:30 am, Online via Zoom and Facebook Live
Earthrise, Rev. Samuel Schaal, Sarah Gray, Aubrey Connelly-Candelario
The iconic 1968 picture of Earth from Apollo 8 introduced a planetary consciousness to help birth the environmental movement. On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, how might the needs of our earth continue to rise in our awareness of environmental realities?
Two ways to see the service live:
1. Facebook Live, on Facebook page of First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
2. Use Zoom link: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/634316443
Video will remain posted on https://www.orlandouu.org
Fellowship Following Worship — 11:30 am, Via Zoom
Join us for a virtual time of fellowship. Use Zoom link: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/92261786137 You need the password sent in the email e-blast.
Welcome New Members
On April 13, Rev. Sam, the Membership Team and Board President Mary Dipboye held a Membership Book-signing via Zoom. Four new members gathered online to virtually sign the Membership Book. During today’s virtual service, we will welcome Joy Dickinson, Krista and J.T Edgren (and their children Jase and Skyler), and Laurie Strehl, and we’ll look forward to an in-person celebration when possible. Adding 4 new members is especially good news, considering we currently are limited to virtual services and meetings.
Next Sunday (April 26) After Service:
Ministerial Search Update, 11:30 am, online via Zoom
Members and friends are invited to attend a Board of Trustees-hosted Town Hall meeting after worship to discuss:
1. The Ministerial Search Pathway — Rev Kenn Hurto, 1U’s Transition Coach, will describe steps toward calling our next settled minister in Spring 2021. Presentation followed by Q&A. Rev Kenn will work closely with our Ministerial Search Committee throughout the process. (Note: Rev Kenn will lead the April 26 online worship service at 10:30 am, streaming from Vero Beach.)
2. Ministerial Search Committee — The Ballot of Nominees for the Ministerial Search Committee will be announced. Each person on the ballot has agreed to serve on the seven-member Search Committee if called upon.
Next Steps — The Ballot of Nominees will be posted on 1U’s website and sent to members prior to the May 17 Annual Meeting. Members will vote on their choice for the committee in conjunction with the Annual Meeting and the elected committee members will be announced in worship on Sunday, May 24. — Mary Dipboye, BOT President
Children & Youth Religious Education
Connecting
As we navigate face-to-face isolation, we are trying new ways to stay connected. We have Virtual Religious Education this week plus events for parents, children and youth including a Wednesday evening Zoom, Sunday afternoon Youth Group and Sunday evening Harry Potter Trivia. Be sure to check your email and Facebook for the most recent news and group video calls.
After the Service today, your family is welcome to do all or part of this week’s at-home, virtual RE lesson at 1U Virtual RE 4.19.20. We are continuing our series on “Love Surrounds Us” with a lesson on forgiveness.
Youth Group Covenant Group & Check-In — 3:00 pm
Teens and parents are welcome to attend. This week our focus topic is “Worship.” How do you experience worship? What feeds your soul other than community worship? To connect, go to https://zoom.us/j/713485920 Can’t make it? You can still do the session as a family later in the week. Get it at https://tinyurl.com/1uyouthgroup04-05-2020
Harry Potter Trivia Night — 7:30 pm
Our First Ever Harry Potter Trivia Night! Who is the biggest Potterhead? Who knows the most wizardly facts? Potter Trivia is open to ANYONE…teens, adults, and even those who don’t attend UU. If you are or know a Potter fan, here is the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/482131276
Social Distancing UU Style
Despite the quarantine, our 1U children and youth celebrated Easter with festive egg photos. When they aren’t Zooming school and reading, our 1U youngsters are baking, gardening, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing with puppies, learning to walk, playing with dolls, drawing and painting.
Not THAT kind of Troll
The newly released movie Trolls World Tour could win UU movie of the year, if such a prize existed. Queen Poppy (magenta-haired Troll) says: “You have to be able to listen to other voices, even when they don’t agree with you. They make us stronger, more creative, more inspired. So whether your song is sad and heartfelt, loud and defiant, or warm and funky, or even if you’re a little bit of each, it’s all these sounds and all our differences that make our world a richer place. Because you can’t harmonize alone.” If you and your family want to discuss the movie through the lens of our 7 UU Principles, you will have that opportunity on May 10. Stay tuned for Zooming Troll information.
Your Care Team
Your Care Team stands ready to help you and stay connected during these times. We are composed of two teams:
Lay Pastoral Associates provide “buddy” relationships of deep listening and care, to be a companion with you through difficult times. Contact PastoralAssociates@OrlandoUU.org for information if you need help or to participate in this ministry.
The Caring Circle offers kind, practical, tangible efforts to church members who may be experiencing significant joys, concerns, sorrows, or changes in their lives by providing rides to medical appointments, and/or help with meals, pet care, etc. In April, contact Jenny Lockington at CaringCircle@OrlandoUU.org if you need help or to participate in this ministry.
Joys and Concerns
To share your joys or concerns please contact Gaby Cabrera at programsassistant1U@gmail.com. Rev. Sam will mention in worship (using only first names for privacy since the video is accessible to the public), with a listing in each week’s e-blast.
Our thanks to the high school youth in our church: Jackie, Julia, Cammie, Kate, Cyrus, Rory, Jo, Lian, Alexandria, and Jane for sending cards to the 12 special members of our church chosen by the Caring Circle as deserving some extra attention and love. They’ve been sending cards all year. We appreciate our generous and kind teens! Caring Circle thinks of them as “Official Junior Caring Circle Members.”
Libby Jackson’s cousin Pat was discharged from the hospital after liver cancer treatment and is recovering at home alone in Belfast due to Covid-19 distancing rules. Chemotherapy symptoms are similar to those of Covid-19 and she is having a rough time.
We remember the helpers in our community, and all who are suffering, as these days aggravate inequities and disparities in our community and all around the globe.
Online Tutorial Available Now: How to Find 1U Worship Online (As a Livestream or in the Video Collections)
Thank you so much for your patience as we adapt to new conditions! Have you been missing the 1U Sunday worship? Leadership Council Members have created an online tutorial you can access at your convenience any hour of the day or night. It provides step-by-step basics of how to find 1U worship online, whether as a live stream or in our online video collections. This tutorial covers:
Zoom (Live Stream)
Facebook (Live Stream)
Facebook (Video Collection)
YouTube (Video Collection)
The TinyURL for this tutorial is https://tinyurl.com/find1uworship
Coming Now Through Next Week
Friday – April 17
BYO Craft or Coloring Craft Circle — 7:00 pm, Online
Hang out with some of the Mystic Grove teachers and BYO craft, or draw. Want a printable? Some of us are working on selections from https://www.favecrafts.com/Papercrafts/Printable-Free-Coloring-Pages-for-Adults-free-eBook You can share your highlights and lowlights of the week amid simple fellowship. Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org no later than 24 hours in advance for Zoom connection details.
Monday – April 20
Monthly 1U Board of Trustees Meeting — 7:00-9:00 pm, Online via Zoom
1U members and friends are welcome to observe Board Meetings. To bring an item to the Board’s agenda, contact an Executive Committee member at least a week before the meeting. Executive Committee Members include the President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, Minister and immediate Past President.
Wednesday – April 22
WUURL gathering — 11:30 am, Online Via Zoom
WUURL (Women UUs Relishing Life) will be meeting via Zoom at our regularly scheduled time. This is an opportunity to enjoy fellowship, and check in with others. WUURL members will receive Zoom link information the day before the gathering. Interested in participating? Contact Kathy Homblette at WUURL@orlandouu.org for more information.
Family Connection & Support Group — 5:00 pm, Online via Zoom
Parents, kids and youth welcome. Join us on your work or school evening break. Bring a craft or something you have been working on for a show-and-tell!
Online Drop-In Covenant Group — 7:00-8:30 pm, Via Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/5812270111
Are you needing extra support or connection, or an opportunity to explore spiritual thoughts? Join this special Zoom Drop-In Covenant group. You do not need to be currently in a covenant group. Anyone is welcome to join us.
The Condor & The Eagle Documentary Screening, 9:00-11:00 pm
Four Indigenous environmental leaders embark on an extraordinary transcontinental adventure from the Canadian plains to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of Climate Justice. Directed by Sophie & Clement Guerra and produced by Janet MacGillicray & Alexandra Johnes, The Condor & The Eagle documentary offers a glimpse into a developing spiritual renaissance as the film’s four protagonists learn from each other’s long legacy of resistance to an extractive economy. Their path through the jungle takes them on an unexpectedly challenging and liberating journey, which will forever change their attachment to the Earth and one another. This screening is hosted by UU Ministry for the Earth (UUMFE), Side With Love, the Internātional Initiative for Transformative Collaboration (INITC) & the Film Impact Campaign. RSVP here for the film screening. Your donation of any amount for “tickets” to this film showing will be used to support the hosting community groups in outreach for their Earth message.
Note: Immediately prior to the film screening, Casey Camp-Horinek will offer an interfaith prayer and blessing from the Earth Day Live 2020 main stage — you’ll definitely want to tune in for that as well.
Thursday – April 23
Virtual Bonfire Fellowship — Online via Zoom
Gather around the “virtual bonfire” with your device to share your stories, readings, songs, and check in. This is a pop-up event. Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org no later than 24 hours in advance for Zoom connection details.
Other News
Spirit Rising-Generosity Team Update
A big Thank You to all who have pledged! If you are ready to pledge now the directions can be found on Facebook or the web page Spirit Rising-Generosity Campaign. We realize in these difficult times that some of us may not be able to give as much and some may be able to give more. We are grateful for all you do and please keep in mind, every pledge makes a difference!
To Make Offerings
Here are convenient ways for you to continue your generosity during this time:
1U Website – Use the Donate button on the upper right-hand section of the home page and follow the directions.
Text – Simply send a text to 407-456-7082 with the amount you’d like to contribute. Make sure to include the dollar sign before the amount (for example: $50). NOTE: Do not place a space between the dollar sign and the dollar amount. Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link. Enter your cardholder name, and credit or debit card information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt via email. For future giving, simply send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically! For donating to Share the Plate, use the texting code: sharedplate
Missed a Sunday?
Audio recordings for most Sunday sermons are online here. Just click and listen.
Multigenerational Space in Enrichment Center Courtyard: Lead Volunteer Wanted
Would you like to see the courtyard in the Enrichment Center transformed into a welcoming space for multigenerations? Are you the kind of person who likes hands-projects? And enjoys supervising volunteers to accomplish projects? We have a plan for the courtyard of the Enrichment Center which includes several features designed to encourage play and movement. This phase of the plan has been funded by a generous contribution from one of our families and we are eager to get started! When additional funding becomes available, the plan will expand to include a wide walkway and benches to encourage interaction. Now we need an individual to transform the plan into reality! Contact Mary Dipboye for more information (phone and email in Member Directory).
What Can 1U’s Gardeners Do to Help You?
The garden is currently a vibrant and happy place: lots of things growing. The Religious Education Easter egg hunt was scheduled for Sunday in the garden, but because we can’t congregate, that’s been scrubbed. But if your family, individually, wants to come for a visit, you’d be most welcome. (Gotta provide your own eggs, though.)
Food available in the garden: Currently there’s not much to pick in the raised beds, but that’ll start changing in the next 30 days. We’ve planted tomatoes, peppers, green beans, cucumbers, salad greens, watermelon, zucchini and eggplant. Watch for updates.
In the perma-garden some papayas will be ready soon. Every day there’s Brazilian spinach, nasturtiums and other leafy greens for you to pick and take home for salads or additions to other dishes. Stop by on your way to the store, or as you go to or leave work. Bring a bag and knife.
Looking to start a garden? Let us know how we can help. Contact Rene Stutzman (contact info in 1U Online Member Directory).
1U Fundraiser for Second Harvest
Needs for Joy MCC Food Pantry
Joy MCC has asked for donations to help restock their food pantry. Please consider adding something from the list below to your grocery cart. Items can be dropped off in the church office throughout the month.
Fruit cups (individual child sized)
Baby food (NOT formula, no glass please)
Grape or strawberry jelly (no glass please)
Questions? Contact Kathy Homblette at Welcometeam@orlandouu.org
Special Website Member Section
We’ve moved some information on the website into a password-protected member section. There you’ll find the member directory, detailed information on church governance (board, bylaws and approved annual budgets), building and grounds information including the campus safety plan, and volunteer information for religious education. Watch the section’s evolution as it grows to become a rich resource of information for members and leaders of the church. Your directory password works for the new member section. If you don’t have a password and need one, contact webmaster@orlandouu.org.
Plan Ahead
May 10 — Blood Drive, 8:30 am-1:00 pm, Big Red Bus, 1U Parking Lot.
Please plan to give. For questions, contact blooddrive@orlandouu.org. Line up a specific appointment through OneBlood.org. Other dates: July 12, September 6 and November 1.
May 10 — Movie Talk: Trolls World Tour, 9:30 am, Online via Zoom
Movie Talk is a monthly discussion group that allows us to examine our principles through shared cultural events–in this case, movies. On Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day), join the Zoom movie discussion on Trolls World Tour. Our 7th UU Principle reminds us to respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Poppy, a magenta-haired troll, says it succinctly : “You can’t harmonize alone.” Trolls World Tour is streaming “everywhere.” Watch it at home and join the discussion from your home. The Zoom Room information will be shared closer to the May 10 Movie Talk date.
Regional UU and Other Community Events and Activities
Unitarian Universalist Service Commttee (UUSC) Responds to Current Pandemic
As the UUSC responds promptly to worldwide times of crisis, they have again stepped forward to lead in responding to needs created by the Coronavirus pandemic. Although UUSC’s Cambridge staff is working remotely, they are continuing to work with grassroots partners to serve communities who are most at risk, especially given that the pandemic is exacerbating existing inequalities around the world. With that in mind, they are repurposing funding and programming to respond to the health crisis as needed and advised by partners on the ground. For example, partners in the South Pacific are now using a portion of UUSC funding to provide translation services so that all communities, including First and Indigenous ones, have access to the latest information on the pandemic and recommended hygiene protocols. In the U.S. and Mexico, where asylum-seekers, deportees, and migrants living in refugee camps and shelters are without adequate shelter for social distancing and medical care to survive COVID-19, UUSC is working with partners to cover the costs of food, medicine, cleaning supplies, and other basic survival necessities to combat the precarious situation. For the UUSC to carry out these vital functions requires funds. If you wish to support their good work, please go to https://www.uusc.org/ways-to-give/
UUMFE Species Artwork Grant
UUMFE is excited to announce that a limited number of mini-grants up to $250 are available to help your congregation create its species artwork for this year’s Procession of the Species at the UUA General Assembly (GA) in Rhode Island! To apply for a mini-grant — and to sign up for GA in general — check out this link.
Let’s ‘UU the Vote’
The new UUA electoral organizing campaign website: “UU the Vote” (uua.org/UUtheVote, https://www.uua.org/liberty/electionreform) provides an Association-wide strategy to help UUs grow and sharpen their skills for faith-based electoral organizing from now until the 2020 election. The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President, says “Core UU values of interdependence, democracy, human worth and dignity, the richness of pluralism and diversity, and the inborn right of all people to self-determination and agency are on the line…We are offering a visible alternative to narratives and policies of domination, supremacy, scarcity, and exploitation that threaten and diminish our lives and future.” The introductory video may be viewed on the website.
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First Unitarian Church of Orlando
Phone: 407-898-3621
Email: webmaster@OrlandoUU.org
Website: https://www.orlandouu.org
Transition Minister: Rev. Samuel Schaal
Email: RevSam@OrlandoUU.org
Affiliate Minister: Rev. Kierstin Homblette Allen
Email: RevKierstin@OrlandoUU.org
