March 21, 2026 – Celebrate Ostara (Spring Equinox)

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The Spring Equinox is a moment to pause and notice the changes happening around us—the longer days, the warmth returning to the soil, and the small signs of life pushing up through the earth. By gathering together to share food and reflection, we celebrate not only the season but also the community that grows alongside it.

Join Mystic Grove CUUPs as we celebrate on March 21, 2026. Meet and Greet at 5:30 PM, Ritual at 6 PM, and potluck to follow at 7 PM in Gore Hall at First Unitarian Church of Orlando. 

Our ritual theme this year is “Bunnies and Balance.” If you’ve never attended an Ostara celebration before, you’re warmly welcome. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a spirit of community! While we do not provide childcare, families are welcome.

Read more: March 21, 2026 – Celebrate Ostara (Spring Equinox)

What is Ostara?

On the spring equinox, day and night stand in perfect balance, reminding us of the harmony between light and dark, rest and growth, endings and beginnings. From this moment forward, the days grow longer and the energy of the earth shifts toward renewal, fertility, and life returning to the land.

In many earth-honoring traditions, Ostara celebrates the awakening of nature after the quiet months of winter. Buds appear on trees, animals become active again, and seeds begin their journey toward growth. Symbols often associated with this season include eggs, seeds, flowers, fresh greens, and honey—all reminders of the new life stirring all around us.

While Ostara has roots in pagan and nature-centered traditions, the themes of renewal, hope, and balance are universal. Our gathering welcomes both longtime practitioners and those who are simply curious about seasonal celebrations and connecting with nature’s rhythms.

Spring Potluck Feast

Food is a joyful way to celebrate the return of spring, and Ostara tables often feature seasonal ingredients that symbolize renewal and abundance. Typical Ostara foods include:

  • Egg dishes (deviled eggs, quiche, egg salad)
  • Fresh greens and spring vegetables
  • Breads and honey cakes
  • Light desserts
  • Seasonal fruit
  • Herbal teas or refreshing drinks

Need more inspiration?

15+ Spring Equinox Recipes
https://otherworldlyoracle.com/ostara-recipes/
Ideas include asparagus tart, egg salad, and spring vegetable dishes.

50 Ostara Recipes & Foods
https://www.pagangrimoire.com/ostara-recipes-foods/
A large collection of egg dishes, vegetarian meals, desserts, and seasonal foods.

Spring Equinox Recipes & Traditions
https://www.threeleaffarm.com/seed-and-spell/ostara-celebration-of-the-spring-equinox
Includes recipes such as hot cross buns, honey cakes, and spring greens salad.

We hope you’ll join us as we welcome the return of spring! Contact mysticgrove@orlandouu.org for more info. You can also Facebook RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1214950040833844 and let us know what you are bringing to the potluck in the comments.

Gathered Around the Board: Craft Circle’s Charcuterie Potluck

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Charcuterie (pronounced shar-KOO-tuh-ree) is a French culinary term that traditionally refers to prepared or preserved meats. Today, the word often describes a “grazing” board—an abundant spread that goes well beyond meat alone.

Thank you to the nine participants who joined our January 17, 2026 Craft Circle for a potluck charcuterie gathering! We divided into two groups and got creative, designing a snowman board and a log cabin board in the center of our cookie sheets. Around the edges, we added everyone’s potluck contributions, transforming them into two beautiful grazing boards.

Our spreads included regular and gluten-free crackers, jams, soft and hard cheeses, a variety of meats, grapes, figs, carrots, mints, chocolates, and hazelnuts. As we snacked, we enjoyed relaxed conversation about low-stress New Year’s resolutions and explored food-themed prompts—comfort foods, sweet vs. savory preferences, celebration foods, favorite snacks, and dishes that remind us of home.

In our final hour together, we brainstormed ideas for future Craft Circles and created one last snack board to donate to Sunday coffee hour.

Join us for the next Craft Circle on February 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM. Topic to be announced.

For more information, contact mysticgrove@orlandouu.org.

Donations of Sewing Notions and Fabrics Welcome!

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Our “Intro to Sewing” class is officially full, and registration is now closed—what a joyful start! We welcomed 14 enthusiastic students and were thrilled to offer one full scholarship and two half scholarships.

At orientation, students dove right in by exploring different sewing machine models through paper sewing (no thread), getting hands-on with the tools in a basic sewing kit, and creating sample pages of sewing papers and fabrics we’ll be studying together. We’re excited to learn new sewing skills and grow creatively as a community!

If you have extra sewing notions, fabric, bedding, or clothing, please consider donating them at the Alliance Thrift Store collection bin so students can explore a wide variety of fabric textures in their sewing exercises. For more information, contact Cat R. at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org.

Young adults at sewing class making fabric sample pages for their sewing binders.

Registration Now Open for Spring 2026 “Exploring Herbs” Classes!

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If you’ve been curious about the magical world of herbs, now’s your chance to join us! Our popular “Exploring Herbs” series continues this spring, and even if you missed the earlier sessions, you can still attend the final set of six classes.

In this hands-on series, you’ll learn about the energetics and uses of culinary herbs, enjoy cooking and tasting activities, and connect with fellow herb enthusiasts. Each class runs from 11 AM to 1 PM, offering a delightful mid-morning escape into the world of herbal wisdom.

BOOK

Our course is based on The Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Forêt.

You can also catch up on past lessons at our online notes: https://sites.google.com/view/mg-exploring-herbs/
New lessons open as the series progresses, so it’s easy to join in at any point!

DATES AND TOPICS

  • Feb. 28, 2026: Elder
  • Mar. 28, 2026: Turmeric
  • Apr. 25, 2026: Astragalus
  • May 23, 2026: Tea
  • June 27, 2026: Nutmeg
  • July 25, 2026: Cinnamon

LOCATION

Gore Hall at First Unitarian Church of Orlando
1901 E. Robinson St., Orlando, FL 32803

REGISTRATION

To secure your spot, email Mary at mysticgrove@orlanduu.org.

COST

  • $30 for the full six-class series
  • $5 per class for “drop-in” students
  • Optional $5 contribution to our scholarship fund

We also have 1 full scholarship and two half scholarships available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered students are prioritized for materials and activities. “Drop In” students welcome with the understanding that supplies may run out if we did not know you were coming.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You can pay online, by check, or in person. 

Visit http://www.orlandouu.org, click DONATE, and note “Mystic Grove Herb Class” in the memo line.

Mail checks to:
First Unitarian Church of Orlando
1901 E. Robinson St
Orlando, FL 32803
Include “Mystic Grove Herb Class” in the memo line.

Front Office: Checks can also be dropped off at the church office (Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM) or brought to the first class. Call 407-898-3621 for details.

Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just beginning your journey, this series is a chance to explore, taste, and celebrate the magic of herbs. Don’t wait—register today and join the adventure!

Jan 17, 2025 – Charcuterie Potluck & Craft Circle Planning Party

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11 AM – 1 PM in Assembly Room at First Unitarian Church of Orlando

A new year is a great time to begin again. Whether you’re new, returning, curious, or simply tired after the holidays, you’re warmly invited to gather with us. This event is for pagans and pagan-curious folks who are looking for simple, hands-on practices—especially crafts—as an easy, meaningful way to reconnect spiritually in real life.

Read more: Jan 17, 2025 – Charcuterie Potluck & Craft Circle Planning Party

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Potluck Charcuterie Board Build

We’ll begin by creating a shared charcuterie experience. Cookie sheets and centerpieces will be provided—please bring one item to share, such as soft or hard cheeses, meats, nuts, candies or chocolates, spreads, jams, fresh/pickled vegetables, or fresh/dried fruits. We’ll be assembling one regular board and one gluten-free board, and you’re welcome to contribute to either or both.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Craft Circle Planning for the Year
During the second hour, we’ll snack and plan our craft circle topics for the coming year using “Witchcraft on a Shoestring” by Deborah Blake as a guiding resource, with an emphasis on accessible, low-cost practices that fit into busy lives. You’re also welcome to bring other craft books or craft ideas you’d like to explore.Read more: Jan 17, 2025 – Charcuterie Potluck & Craft Circle Planning Party

Our 2026 craft circle will be a team-teach model. Participants will have the option to sign up to host and/or teach a craft for a month, and partnering is encouraged.

Donations & Giving Back
A suggested donation of $2 with a potluck item or $5 without is appreciated. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. All donations and any leftover food will be donated to Sunday Coffee Hour the following day. 

Start the year with good food, shared creativity, and a supportive circle! Come as you are, and help shape a year of simple, meaningful practice together.

For more information or to let us know what you’re bringing, email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org.

Registration for Intro to Sewing Class is Open!

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Learn the basics of sewing in this hands-on class series designed for true beginners and returning sewists. Using How to Use Your Sewing Machine by Alison McNicol as our guide, students aged MS to adult will gain confidence operating a sewing machine and complete several fun projects along the way.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Identify sewing machine parts
  • Thread and operate a machine
  • Sew basic stitches
  • Read simple patterns
  • Create useful sewing projects

No prior experience required!

CLASS DETAILS

  • 11 AM – 1 PM on 2nd Saturdays in Gore Hall
  • $10 per class or $70 for the series.
  • Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org to register. Class is limited to 12 students.
  • Minors must attend with parent or guardian
  • Bring your own sewing machine and basic sewing kit

Read more: Registration for Intro to Sewing Class is Open!

SCHEDULE

  • Jan 10 (Optional): Sewing Kit and Sewing Machine Buying Help & Setup
  • Feb 14 Lesson 1: Machine Parts & Sewing on Paper (No Thread)
  • Mar 14 Lesson 2: Sewing With Thread – Felt Waves & Stitch Sampler
  • Apr 11 Lesson 3: Cotton Drawstring Bag
  • May 9 Lesson 4: Skirt or Pants for a Doll
  • June 13 Lesson 5: Skirt or Pajama Pants for You (Patterns & Cutting Fabric)
  • July 11 Lesson 6: Skirt or Pajama Pants for You (Sewing)
  • Aug 8 Lesson 7: Class Party, Zippers, Velcro, and Technique Cards

WHERE

Gore Hall at

First Unitarian Church of Orland
1901 E. Robinson St.
Orlando, FL 32803

COST

Tuition is $70 for the series or $10 per class. Optional $5 extra toward the scholarship fund. There is 1 full scholarship and two half scholarships available on a first come, first serve basis. Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org for more info about scholarships.

Due to the nature of the class, “drop in” students are welcome to observe, but we may not have enough supplies or sewing machines for guests to participate. Registration is strongly encouraged. 

PAYING ONLINE

You can use your card and pay or donate online at the main church website. Go to www.orlandouu.org and click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. When you fill the donation line in, please put “Mystic Grove Sewing Class” in the memo line.

PAYING BY CHECK

You can mail checks made out to “First Unitarian Church of Orlando” with “Mystic Grove Herb Class” in the memo line. You can mail them to

First Unitarian Church of Orlando
1901 E. Robinson St
Orlando, FL 32803

FRONT OFFICE

You can also bring your check to first class or to the front office during office hours and leave it with the church administrator. The church office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 1:00pm. You can reach front office at 407-898-3621.

Welcome to a New Church Year!

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At 1U, July 1 marks the start of the new church year. While Water Communion in September marks the start of the church program year, the “behind the scenes” folks take the summer to get things ready.

We welcome back Barbara as chair and Lesley as Treasurer. Cat is our new secretary. We welcome Andrea to the WordPress team. Watch for changes as Cat and Andrea update our mini WordPress website over the summer.

www.mysticgrovecfl.org

Thanks to Sarah, who continues as our Facebook Manager. You can catch current events there as we spruce things up here.

https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/events

You can also find our activities on the First Unitarian Church of Orlando website calendar.
https://orlandouu.org/calendars/

MEMBERSHIP MONTH

The time from the July Meeting to the August Meeting is membership month! Annual member dues are sliding scale.

  • $10 – Students and Seniors
  • $20 – Adults
  • $25 – Those willing and able to give a bit more to help the MG Scholarship Fund.

While we aim to keep our classes low cost, every class also has 1 full scholarship and two half scholarships available to those who need it.

You can learn about the path to membership here.  We also welcome “perpetual guests” and those who simply like our work but don’t want to do meetings and serve on the program committee.

If you want to, you can donate online at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando website and help us keep providing our various pagan programs. Please put “Mystic Grove CUUPs” in the memo line.

3rd SATURDAY TEA AND TAROT

Join us in the assembly room on July 19, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM for tea, tarot, BYO crafts, and conversation! https://www.facebook.com/events/612497784796747

4th SATURDAY HERB CLASS: VANILLA

Join us in Gore Hall kitchen on July 26, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM in Gore Hall and Gore Hall Kitchen! Since this is our last herb class in the series, we’re going out on a celebratory note with “Vanilla!” 

*This is a special add on class and so has added extra costs*

For $10 you get: 1oz of vanilla pods, 16 oz jar, and 8oz alcohol. If you want alcohol free, you will need to supply your own food grade glycerin.

You can still join us and receive the knowledge but not make your own vanilla if you choose. 

Even if you missed the first series, you can attend this class as they are stand alone classes.

BOOK

Our source text is The Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Forêt.
Catch notes from past lessons at https://sites.google.com/view/mg-exploring-herbs/

As lessons are complete, new ones will open.

REGISTRATION

Email Mary at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org to get your name on the student list. Or message us here on Facebook.

COST

Tuition is $5 per class for “drop in” students fplus $10 for the vanilla kit. Optional $5 extra toward the scholarship fund. There is 1 full scholarship and two half scholarships available on a first come, first serve basis. 

Email Mary at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org for more info. You can Facebook RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1162286928890392.

WORSHIP

Our next worship is Wep Ronpet on August 2, 2025 to celebrate the Kemetic New Year in Gore Hall. You can just drop in or Facebook RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/700838055895859

Meet & Greet/Set up: 5:30 pm
Ritual start: 6 pm
Feasting: 7pm 

This is a GRAND FEAST fit for the Gods <we pray>! We will post an item list of specific foods that will grant us the most favour and blessings before the event. Everyone who is able should choose something from the list, letting us know your choice, and bring it. If you are unable to pick an item, then please bring whatever you are able. And if you can only bring yourself and a hopeful wish to join in community, then that’s also accepted! We usually have loads of food at this celebration and there’s always enough to share, so don’t worry!

For more info or if you have questions, please message us on Facebook or email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org. 

1ST SUNDAY MEETINGS

Join us in the Gathering Space of the Enrichment Center on August 3, 2025 at 12 PM. This is a great way to get to know us and how we work. Everyone is welcome to attend in person in the Gathering Space or online via Zoom. 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/92159643381

Meeting ID: 921 5964 3381

Discussions include: how the past ritual went, plans for upcoming rituals, classes, craft circles, and more. 

We suggest guests get to know us in three ways –attend a meeting, attend a ritual, attend a craft circle or class. All are welcome!

For more info, email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org or message us on Facebook.