University UU Society

  "We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.  We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy."  This is the mission statement of the League of Women Voters of Orange County, FL and aligns perfectly with our 5th UU Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.  Today's presentation, sponsored by our Social Action Committee, with Q/A after service, is designed to inform and empower us with knowledge about the proposed Constitutional Amendments on the November ballot.

October 14

“The Letter of the Law and the Spirit of Interpretation”
Scott Rost
Using excerpts from The Bill of Rights, including the Second Amendment, Attorney Scott Rost returns to compare and contrast legal analysis of the foundational text as interpreted by the US Supreme Court with religious interpretations of sacred scripture and review the approach judges and legal scholars take in their interpretations by comparison to how clergy review their texts – a search for truth and meaning in our democracy.

Annual “Oktoberfest” Potluck after Service

October 21

“Confrontational Christianity – Church Against State”

Miguel Rodriguez

This second of three installments related to Liberation Theology deals with one of its core tenants: Praxis or Practice. Miguel will discuss Liberation (Contextual) Theology in practice during the latter years of the apartheid era in South Africa. Although many Americans compare what is happening to U.S. politics to the period prior to Nazi control of Germany, there are perhaps more striking similarities (particularly regarding church and state affairs) with South Africa after the Nationalist Party gained rule in the 1948 general election. This will be an account not of parties or politicians but of the Church’s battle within itself and against entrenched government forces during the anti-apartheid struggle and the sacrifices made to guarantee the right to vote for every one of its citizens. This is a cautionary and instructional true story that should be heeded by people of faith and non-faith alike for our times.

October 28

“The Pagan Wheel of the Year”

1U’s Mystic Grove Group

The Mystic Grove is the Pagan/Heathen Group at First Unitarian Church of Orlando. They serve the Greater Orlando pagan community while promoting Unitarian Universalism. The Mystic Grove is made up of Pagans from different paths as well as those people best defined as “free spirits.” Today’s service focuses on the Pagan Wheel of the Year with a special emphasis on Samhain. Please consider bringing items for a community altar honoring your ancestors that can be shared during the social hour after service.