MEETING NOTES

Thanks to those who attended the monthly meeting on Sunday, Aug 4! Here are the August Minutes if you missed it.

In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access” as we continue to revise our website.

The next meeting is Sept 1, 2019 at Noon in Room 1. Guests welcome to observe and learn how we work.

INSPIRATION PHOTO

Thanks to those who came to Wep Ronpet on Aug 3, 2019!  It is the Kemetic New Year. You can learn more about it at Wep Ronpet: A Guide.

WORSHIP

Our next ritual on Sept 21 celebrates Mabon.   It will be guest ritual by Stephanie W. from Pagans in the Park in the Irish/Celtic tradition.

6:15 PM “Meet & Greet” is in the small living room space off the foyer with Cat. Learn about Unitarian Universalism, Paganism, the Mystic Grove, First Unitarian, Pagans in the Park, what to expect at a ritual, or any other questions you might have!

7 PM Ritual is in Gore Hall main.

8 PM Potluck is in Gore Hall Main, and everyone pitches in to tidy up at 9 PM.

Solar ritual is free.  $5 love offering welcome to help replenish worship supplies and more.

EDUCATION

July 11 & July 25:  Kitchen Witchery

We continue explore various demonstrations from “Kitchen Witchery” by Cerridwen Greenleaf.  Learn how to bring the sacred into the simple acts of making meals, teas, and crafts from the garden and kitchen.  On Aug 22 we explore “Kitchen Cupboard Cures” with Mary.  On Sept 12, we are “Cooking Up Lots of Love” with Mary and Lesley.  On Sept 26 we end the series by “Celebrating Wheel of the Year” and “Potluck Celebration Dinner with Sharing Final Projects.” Last session is led by Cat.

“Drop In” student welcome to attend demonstrations at $5 per class.  Please RSVP on Facebook so we can plan for supplies.

NEW CLASSES

New classes for fall have their syllabuses posted!

Getting Started in Adult RE begins on Sept 8.  This is a monthly class on 2nd Sundays. Whether you are an adult student, an aspiring new teacher, or an experienced Adult RE teacher, this “oldie but goodie” will help you understand the “nuts and bolts” behind the philosophy of Adult RE. Class is free with $5 per class donation welcome to replenish supplies.

Comparative Religion begins on Oct 10.  This is a twice a month class on Thursdays.  This DVD series offers you an opportunity to gain a solid grasp of the key ideas of religion.   Using five major religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism) as illustrations of how religions can address the same core issues in parallel and different ways, award-winning Professor Charles Kimball of the University of Oklahoma leads you on an exploration of religion’s complex and multidimensional nature that can help deepen your appreciation of your own beliefs and the traditions followed by others.Class is free with $5 per class donation welcome to replenish supplies.

You can also download the brochure for Fall 2019.

 

FELLOWSHIP

Aug 16 we have Craft Circle.  This month we do “Repair and Potluck Beading.” Once a year or so, we host a “repair” craft circle. Bring your jewelry or cloaks, tarot bags, and other items that need repair. We’ll try to help you.

Nothing to repair? Bring beads for a “potluck beading” activity and learn to make bracelets, necklaces, or earrings! $5 donation welcome to replenish supplies.

MEMBERSHIP MONTH

August 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 and help us keep providing our various pagan programs.

CUUPS CHAPTERS

CUUPS chapters in Florida also have rituals and other upcoming events. Here’s a sample — click on their main links for more.

Florida CUUPS Chapter	Event
Brevard – Spiral Journey CUUPS	Aug 18 The Principles of Wiccan Belief
Ft. Lauderdale – Moonpath CUUPS	Aug 10 – Lammas
Ft. Myers – Ft Myers CUUPS	Sept 14 – Drumming with Passion
Jacksonville – Jacksonville CUUPS	Sept 4 – Labyrinth Walk
Orlando – Mystic Grove CUUPS	Sept 21 Mabon Guest Ritual
Tallahassee – Dandelion Pagan Collective CUUPS	Sept 28 – Tallahassee Pagan Pride Day
Tampa – Circle in the Woods CUUPS	Aug 17, Full Moon Celebration

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mysticgroveyoutube
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar : https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING NOTES

Thanks to those who attended the monthly meeting on Sunday, July 7th! Here are the July Minutes if you missed it.

In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access” as we continue to revise our website.

The next meeting is Aug 4, 2019 at Noon in Room 1. Guests welcome to observe and learn how we work.

INSPIRATION PHOTO

June 28th was the last Moon Circle class covering the theme of Chakras.  Moon Circle is on break and will return in January 2020. We will be doing the UU Curriculum “Becoming Women of Wisdom” but opening to all people.  Final project will be any personal life stage ritual, not just rituals marking the passage into crone/sage years.  You can view the table of contents here. 

WORSHIP

Aug 3:  Kemetic New Year

Our next ritual on Aug 3rd celebrates Wep Ronpet — the Kemetic New Year.

6:15 PM “Meet & Greet” is in the small living room space off the foyer with Barbara and Dev Inderjeet. Learn about Unitarian Universalism, Paganism, the Mystic Grove, First Unitarian, what to expect at a ritual, or any other questions you might have!

7 PM Ritual is in Gore Hall main.

8 PM Potluck is in Gore Hall Main, and everyone pitches in to tidy up at 9 PM.

Solar ritual is free.  $5 love offering welcome to help replenish worship supplies and more.

EDUCATION

July 11 & July 25:  Kitchen Witchery

In this 8 session adult summer series on 2nd and 4th Thursdays, we explore various demonstrations from “Kitchen Witchery” by Cerridwen Greenleaf.  Learn how to bring the sacred into the simple acts of making meals, teas, and crafts from the garden and kitchen.  On July 11, Mary leads us on a tour of the 1U Garden and explore “The Kitchen Witch’s Garden” chapter.  On July 25, Cat invites you to bring your aprons as we gather in the kitchen to cook some of the recipes from the “Succulent Spells for Magical Meals.”

Though series registration is closed, “Drop In” student welcome to attend demonstrations at $5 per class.  Please RSVP on Facebook so we can plan for supplies.

July 14 Popcorn Theology 

 

“Zootopia” is a 2016 American 3D computer-animated comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 55th Disney animated feature film. It was directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, co-directed by Jared Bush, and stars the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J. K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Alan Tudyk, and Shakira. It details the unlikely partnership between a rabbit police officer and a red fox con artist, as they uncover a conspiracy involving the disappearance of savage predator inhabitants of a mammalian metropolis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zootopia

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/zootopia

July 21: Pagan Voices Book Group (Session 6) 

This 6 session book group meets on 3rd Sundays in Room 1 after coffee hour and read the selection of the month out loud and discuss. While you don’t need the “Pagan Voices” book to drop-in and check it out, your experience will be enriched if you do get your own text.   This month’s session is hosted by Michael.  We read and discuss

• “Affirming LGBTQ Identity in UU Paganism” by Michael Walker
• “Welcoming the Gods into Our Congregation” by Sue Nading

After this session we take a break and “book group” resumes in October with “Getting Ready for Adult Religious Education” by James DeBoy.  This classic texts recommended by LREDA provides the “nuts and bolts” understanding to help you lead your own UU, Pagan, or UU Pagan adult class.

July 25: R&D Ritual Book

3rd Thursdays we work on ritual book. The binders are in, and we start sorting them according to solar ritual.  We also fill out the cover templates.  Helpers welcome.

FELLOWSHIP

July 19 – Teaching Craft Circle: Paper, Stationary and Journal Buffet

Meet in assembly room for crafting and fellowship fun!

In collaboration with the 1U Young Adult group, this month’s “paper buffet” centers around paper craft, stationary and journals.

One table will make paper flowers from the template at

https://tinyurl.com/craftcirclepaperflowers

One table will explore Kawaii drawings from “Manga for the Beginner Kawaii” by Christopher Hart.

One table will explore calligraphy lettering and send mail to loved ones if they like!

https://bydawnnicole.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/LetteringPracticeSheets-DawnNicoleDesigns.pdf

One table will explore journal prompts (written and drawn) from “642 Tiny Things to Draw” and “642 Tiny Things to Write About”

Rotate across the table “centers” and try it all!

Cost is a $5 donation to help replenish art supplies.  Nobody turned away for lack of funds while supplies last.

AUGUST PLAN AHEAD

MEMBERSHIP MONTH

August 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 and want to donate and help us keep providing our various pagan ministries.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2589262614440384/

Aug 2 : 1st Friday Projects –  Chant Books and Rehearsal

1st Fridays we work on various Mystic Grove projects.  This month we staple chant books and have a rehearsal for our Aug 10 chant class at Sublime Elm to benefit the Orlando Pagan Pride 2020 Fund.

Orlando Pagan Pride 2019 will be held on Oct 5, 2019 at Bill Frederick Park’s Carter Center.

 

CUUPS CHAPTERS

CUUPS chapters in Florida also have rituals and other upcoming events.

Florida CUUPS Chapter	Event
Brevard – Spiral Journey CUUPS	Aug 4 Spiral Journey CUUPS – Lammas Celebration
Ft. Lauderdale – Moonpath CUUPS	Aug 3 Lammas/ Green Corn Ritual Inter-Tribal Celebration
Ft. Myers – Ft Myers CUUPS	Aug 3 Lughnasadh/Freyfaxi
Jacksonville – Jacksonville CUUPS	Upcoming Events
Orlando – Mystic Grove CUUPS	Aug 3 Celebration of Wep Ronpet, the Kemetic New Year
Tallahassee – Dandelion Pagan Collective CUUPS	Upcoming Events
Tampa – Circle in the Woods CUUPS	Aug 17, Full Moon Celebration

MYSTIC GROVE CALENDAR

The Summer Brochure is out! See the programs we’re offering in the Summer 2019 semester.  Are you interested in becoming a Mystic Grove teacher? Hosting a craft circle? Email us mysticgrove@orlandouu.org. 

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mysticgroveyoutube
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar : https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING NOTES

Thanks to those who attended the monthly meeting on Sunday, June 2nd! Here are the June Minutes if you missed it.

In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access” as we continue to revise our website.

The next meeting is July 2, 2019 at Noon in Room 1. Guests welcome to observe and learn how we work.

INSPIRATION PHOTO

 

June 2nd was the annual Flower Communion service at 1U.  “It was originally created in 1923 by Unitarian minister Norbert Capek of Prague, Czechoslovakia, the Flower Ceremony was introduced to the United States by Rev. Maya Capek, Norbert’s widow.

In this ceremony, everyone in the congregation brings a flower. Each person places a flower on the altar or in a shared vase. The congregation and minister bless the flowers, and they’re redistributed. Each person brings home a different flower than the one they brought.” Learn more at https://www.uua.org/worship/holidays/flower-ceremony

LUNAR RITUAL

This month Moon Circle studied how angels appear in various world religions and the throat chakra and what is corresponds to.  Last class for this series is June before we go on break.  Moon Circle returns in January 2020.

SOLAR RITUAL

Our next ritual is Summer Solstice Morning Service at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary followed by coffee hour snacks.   The theme is “exploring personal power.”

You can learn the songs ahead of time and come be part of the “pop up pagan choir” — simply sit anywhere in the pews and add your voices to the mix as we help the congregation learn new music.  The prelude will be improv drumming.  If you want to drum, bring your instrument and sit in a front pew so you have space.  A brief rehearsal is at 10 AM.

EDUCATION

June 13:  Kitchen Witchery

In this 8 session adult summer series on 2nd and 4th Thursdays, we explore various demonstrations from “Kitchen Witchery” by Cerridwen Greenleaf.  Learn how to bring the sacred into the simple acts of making meals, teas, and crafts from the garden and kitchen.

Email registration is for “Kitchen Witchery” series closes on June 13 at the first class.   To save your space, please email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org with “Kitchen Witchery” is the title. Tuition is $40 if you need a book, $25 if you already have it or are sharing with a friend.  It is due on first class.

After June 13, you can attend as a “drop in” student for $5 a class to watch the demonstrations and participate in the activities with the understanding that supplies may be limited for drop-ins since we didn’t know you were coming.

June 16: Pagan Voices Book Group 

his 6 session book group meets on 3rd Sundays in Room 1 after coffee hour and read the selection of the month out loud and discuss. While you don’t need the “Pagan Voices” book to drop-in and check it out, your experience will be enriched if you do get your own text.   This month’s session is hosted by Lesley H.  We read and discuss

• Designing Ritual for All” by Maggie Beaumont”
• “Cultural Sharing and Misappopriation” by Carol Bodeau

June 20: R&D Ritual Book

3rd Thursdays we work on ritual book. The binders are in, and we start sorting them according to solar ritual.  We also fill out the cover templates.  Helpers welcome.

July 5 Pagan Pride Prep

1st Fridays we work on material for Orlando Pagan Pride in the fall!  July we’ll be working on give away necklaces and prayers beads.  Guests welcome.

Popcorn Theology

Thanks to those attending multigenerational Popcorn Theology: “Inside Out” on June 9th! We learned about UU principle 1 — “Each person is important” and explored the themes of joy and sadness.

For the at home players, watch the “Inside Out” movie and consider these questions:

 

FELLOWSHIP

Teaching Craft Circle: Fantasy Dragon Eggs

Meet in assembly room for crafting and fellowship fun! This month our teen teacher, Lady Jai, is back and teaches us how to make our own fantasy dragon eggs!

(Image by Ruby Reminiscence)

Project is based on the tutorials at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S-MxT2W7hw

and

http://www.shurtugal.com/2014/09/19/create-your-own-dragon-egg-with-this-easy-and-inexpensive-dragon-egg-art-project/

If you are an at home player, post your pix of what you made!

Cost is a $5 donation to help replenish art supplies.  While we will have an assortment of egg sizes, tacks, and metallic paints. Feel free to bring other embellisments — glitter, sequins, etc for your egg. You can also do the painting with nail polish — so bring your old bottles if you like!

CUUPS CHAPTERS

CUUPS chapters in Florida have rituals and other events this month.

Florida CUUPS Chapter	Event
Brevard – Spiral Journey CUUPS	June 16 Midsummer Celebration
Ft. Lauderdale – Moonpath CUUPS	June 23 Summer Solstice
Ft. Myers – Ft Myers CUUPS	June 21 Midsummer Ritual
Jacksonville – Jacksonville CUUPS	June 19 Midsummer Ritual
Orlando – Mystic Grove CUUPS	June 23 Midsummer Service
Tallahassee – Dandelion Pagan Collective CUUPS	June 16 How to Do Ritual for Sacred Observances
Tampa – Circle in the Woods CUUPS	June 15 Full Moon Celebration

VOLUNTEERING

Mystic Grove welcomes helpers!

• University UU Newsletter Reporter.  Email skills required.  Using a template, you craft the blurb for our sister church’s newsletter about our upcoming activities.  (20 min once a month from now until June 1 to cover the Spring Term.)
• Brochure Delivery.  Your own transportation required.  Pick up brochures/fliers and deliver to various locations in town.  1-3 times a semester, can be done one Saturday afternoon or spread out.

MYSTIC GROVE CALENDAR

The Summer Brochure is out! See the programs we’re offering in the Summer 2019 semester.  Are you interested in becoming a Mystic Grove teacher? Hosting a craft circle? Email us mysticgrove@orlandouu.org. 

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mysticgroveyoutube
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar : https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING NOTES

Thanks to those who attended the monthly meeting on Sunday, May 5th! Here are the May Minutes if you missed it.

In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access” as we continue to revise our website.

The next meeting is June2, 2019 at Noon in Room 1. Guests welcome to observe and learn how we work.

INSPIRATION PHOTO AND LUNAR RITUAL

This month Moon Circle studied Kwan Yin, the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion. It also studied the Heart Chakra.  Moon Circle class continues on May 24  with “Throat Chakra” in class.

SOLAR RITUAL

Thank to those who attended Beltane 2019! It was guest ritual presented by The Wild Blackthorn.

Our next ritual is Summer Solstice Morning Service at 11 AM in the sanctuary followed by coffee hour snacks and games.   The theme is “exploring personal power.”

EDUCATION

May 16: R&D Ritual Book

We continue to format past rituals and also work on captioning photos for the anniversary photo book. You are welcome to bring old memories, photos, and helping hands.

May 26 Coffee Hour

We celebrate 3 years as a CUUPs chapter by hosting Coffee Hour after the Children’s Annual service.  The theme is ““Generational Reflections:  Honoring Our 1U Teens and Younger UUs.”  We will be bidding Rev. Christine Dance goodybe by making her the May Queen and teaching the congregation how to dance around the maypole. Rev. Dance has accepted a position with UU Phoenix.  We will also work on the classroom tree painting.

You can help make decisions about 2019-2020 education programs by taking our survey online or in person.

Kitchen Witchery.

Email registration is open for “Kitchen Witchery!”  To save your space, please email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org with “Kitchen Witchery” is the title.  In this 8 session adult summer series on 2nd and 4th Thursdays, we explore various demonstrations from “Kitchen Witchery” by Cerridwen Greenleaf.  Learn how to bring the sacred into the simple acts of making meals, teas, and crafts from the garden and kitchen.  Text is required.

FELLOWSHIP

May 17 : Teaching Craft Circle. We create bright bold new elemental banners from Kona cotton with felt applique for the Midsummer 2019 service in half size (approx 10 in x 36 in) and full size (approx. 20 x 72 in). Come help out and learn to make your own in similar style!

VOLUNTEERING

Mystic Grove welcomes helpers!

• University UU Newsletter Reporter.  Email skills required.  Using a template, you craft the blurb for our sister church’s newsletter about our upcoming activities.  (20 min once a month from now until June 1 to cover the Spring Term.)
• Brochure Delivery.  Your own transportation required.  Pick up brochures/fliers and deliver to various locations in town.  1-3 times a semester, can be done one Saturday afternoon or spread out.
• Craft Supplies — seeking collage bits for Dragon eggs in June. (sequins, small pebbles, shells, etc) Also hot sealing wax and seals, paper for July.

MYSTIC GROVE CALENDAR

The Spring Brochure is out! See the programs we’re offering in the Spring semester.  Are you interested in becoming a Mystic Grove teacher? Hosting a craft circle? Email us mysticgrove@orlandouu.org. 

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mysticgroveyoutube
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar : https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING NOTES

Thanks to those who attended the monthly meeting on Sunday, Mar 3rd! Here are the March Minutes if you missed it.

In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access” as we continue to revise our website.

The next meeting is April 7, 2019 at Noon in Room 1. Guests welcome to observe and learn how we work.

INSPIRATION PHOTO

“Spring Equinox” by Amanda Clark.   Ms. Clark is an artist in the United Kingdom.  Here’s her Spring post. 

SOLAR RITUAL

Our next ritual is Ostara on March 9th.  Cost is FREE.  $5 love offering welcome to help replenish worship supplies.

• 6:15 PM — “Meet and Greet” in Classroom B with Chip and Toni.  Come learn about Unitarian Universalist Pagans, First Unitarian Church, and the Mystic Grove at this friendly Q&A.
• 7 PM — Ritual in the Main Hall by Barbara.
• 8 PM — Potluck.
• 9 PM — Clean up.  Out by 9:30 PM.

The book store table will be available in the Foyer from 6-7 and again 7-9.  Proceeds benefit the Mystic Grove scholarship line to benefit students who wish to take our classes but need a little help.  If you have books, decks, movies and other “book size” small items to donate, bring them to any ritual.

LUNAR RITUAL

Moon Circle class continues on Mar 29 with “Solar Plexus” Chakra in class. Lunar ritual will explore the Germanic tradition.  Matching Facebook study group:  Free. 

$5 love donation welcome from “drop in” students to support scholarships and our educational programs.

EDUCATION

Mar 1: R&D Holidays and Holy Days

A productive session! We brainstormed a new 4 panel brochure to make a “minister cheat sheet” of some common pagan paths and symbols for our own use and to assist CUUPS in their work. Want to help? Join us next session on April 5. 

 

Mar 17: Book Group: Pagan Voices

This 6 session book group meets on 3rd Sundays in Room 1 after coffee hour and read the selection of the month out loud and discuss.

This month’s session is hosted by Dev Inderjeet. We look at “Paths and Patterns” by Misty Sheehan and “Touched by a Goddess” by Om Prakash.

While you don’t need a book to drop-in and check it out, your experience will be enriched if you do get your own text.  You can order it online from the UUA Bookstore or from Amazon.    You can also learn how the book came to be here. 

Mar 21: R&D Ritual Book

We continue to format past rituals and also work on captioning photos for the anniversary photo book. You are welcome to bring old memories, photos, and helping hands. 

FELLOWSHIP

Mar 15: Teaching craft Circle this month takes a “spring kitchen” theme! Come learn different ways to fold grocery store bags and how to make a grocery bag holder.  We will also be decorating dish towels. 1 for you and 1 to give to the church kitchen.

Plan ahead April 14:  Mystic Grove Hosts Spring Coffee Hour.  After the service, we’re teaching the congregation how to dance around the may pole, working on an intergenerational collaborative tree painting, and having an open meeting for programming suggestions.  What do you want Mystic Grove to have more of? Less of? For classes?  Do you want info on how to help teach, lead ritual, and participate more deeply? Come enjoy nibbles and help shape our programs for Fall 2019!

VOLUNTEERING

Mystic Grove welcomes helpers!

• University UU Newsletter Reporter.  Email skills required.  Using a template, you craft the blurb for our sister church’s newsletter about our upcoming activities.  (20 min once a month from now until June 1 to cover the Spring Term.)
• Brochure Delivery.  Your own transportation required.  Pick up brochures/fliers and deliver to various locations in town.  1-3 times a semester, can be done one Saturday afternoon or spread out.
• Ostara Ritual — People to call corners and serve cake and ale.  As always, “on the day” helpers who wish to help put out the chair and clean up dishes always welcome!
• Gore Hall Kitchen Pantry.  We’re doing a kitchen clean up to help our friends on the Coffee Hour committee.  Email if interested.
• Craft Supplies — seeking paper for April and May craft circles.  And collage bits for Dragon eggs in June. (sequins, small pebbles, shells, etc)

MYSTIC GROVE CALENDAR

The Spring Brochure is out! See the programs we’re offering in the Spring semester.  Are you interested in becoming a Mystic Grove teacher? Hosting a craft circle? Email us mysticgrove@orlandouu.org. 

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mysticgroveyoutube
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar : https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING NOTES

Thanks to those who attended the Feb 3, 2019 monthly meeting! Here are the Feb Minutes if you missed it.

In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access” as we continue to revise our website.

The next meeting is Mar 3, 2019 at Noon in Room 1. Guests welcome to observe and learn how we work.

INSPIRATION PHOTO

This months’ photo is the January 21 Super Blood Wold Moon lunar eclipse by T. Cook.  Orlando was treated to a gorgeous moon overhead!

RITUAL

Many thanks to all those who came to the Feb 2 Imbolc celebration! You can view the photo album online at Facebook.  If you have pix you want to share, please do!

CUUPS online member Erika Rivertree. has curated an hour long playlist of songs created for Imbolg by various artists to help you enjoy the season.

Our next ritual is Ostara.  We will be celebrating on Mar 9.  Cost is FREE.  $5 love offering welcome to help replenish worship supplies.

• 6:15 PM — “Meet and Greet” in Classroom B with Chip and Toni.  Come learn about Unitarian Universalist Pagans, First Unitarian Church, and the Mystic Grove at this friendly Q&A.
• 7 PM — Ritual in the Main Hall by Barbara.
• 8 PM — Potluck.
• 9 PM — Clean up.  Out by 9:30 PM.

EDUCATION

The Moon Circle for the Spring semester is now open! Moon circle is a “hybrid” experience. Unlike our “drop in friendly” solar rituals, lunar ritual is part of a study series. The first hour is class and the second hour is lunar ritual based on themes from the class.  We meet once a month on 4th fridays for a total of 6 sessions.    

This semester we are studying chakras:

• Jan 25  – Root Chakra
• Feb 22 – Sacral Chakra
• Mar TBD – Solar Plexus Chakra
• Apr 26 – Heart Chakra
• May 24 – Throat Chakra
• June 28 – Third Eye Chakra and Crown Chakra

In person class: $30 tuition for the series to cover art and worship supplies. One full scholarship and two half scholarships available.  Class meets  in Room 1 in the Education Building at  First Unitarian Church of Orlando. It is located at  1901 E. Robinson Street.

Matching Facebook study group:  Free.  $5 love donation welcome to support scholarships and our educational programs.

“Book Group: Pagan Voices”

This 6 session book group meets at Noon on 3rd Sundays in Room 1. We will be reading and discussing selections from “Pagan and Earth-Centered Voices in Unitarian Universalism.” It is drop-in friendly and free of cost.We gather after coffee hour and read the selection(s) of the month out loud and discuss.

This month’s selections for the Feb 17 session are TBA. RSVP and watch the Facebook page for the announcement!

Last month one of our selections was Margot Adler’s “Vibrant, Juicy, Contemporary: or, Why I Am a UU Pagan.” which first appeared in UU World magazine. 

While you don’t need a book to drop-in and check it out, your experience will be enriched if you do get your own text.  You can order it online from the UUA Bookstore or from Amazon.    You can also learn how the book came to be here. 

FELLOWSHIP

At this month’s craft circle on Feb 15, Guest teacher Carter S. shares about her work with Magic Yarn Project — a group that creates washable yarn fantasy wigs for kid cancer patients.  Bring a yarn skein donation or cash donation and watch or help create a new wig!  There can only be 10 “hair stylists”, but others can observe the process and learn about the charity.

VOLUNTEERING

Mystic Grove welcomes helpers!

• University UU Newsletter Reporter.  Email skills required.  Using a template, you craft the blurb for our sister church’s newsletter about our upcoming activities.  (20 min once a month from now until June 1 to cover the Spring Term.)
• Brochure Delivery.  Your own transportation required.  Pick up brochures/fliers and deliver to various locations in town.  1-3 times a semester, can be done one Saturday afternoon or spread out.
• Ostara Ritual — People to call corners and serve cake and ale.  As always, “on the day” helpers who wish to help put out the chair and clean up dishes always welcome!

MYSTIC GROVE CALENDAR

The Spring Brochure is out! See the programs we’re offering in the Spring semester.  Are you interested in becoming a Mystic Grove teacher? Hosting a craft circle? Email us mysticgrove@orlandouu.org. 

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mysticgroveyoutube
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar with PDF: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING NOTES

Thanks to those who attended the Jan 6, 2019 monthly meeting! Here are the Mystic Grove Meeting Minutes if you missed it.

In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access” as we continue to revise our website.

The next meeting is Feb 3, 2019 at Noon in Room 1. Guests welcome!

INSPIRATION PHOTO

Many thanks to all those who came to the Dec 21, 2018 Annual Winter Solstice Service and Yule Vigil! A very special thanks to those who helped make it a success. 

We literally could not do it without the help of many MG friends — Welkin, Folk Ensemble, the 1U Choir, the A/V team, the Words for All Ages skit people, “on the day helpers”, and especially First Unitarian Church of Orlando, our sponsoring congregation. 

You can view the complete album online at Facebook.

YOUTUBE

Guess what? Mystic Grove started a YouTube channel.  This year was the 24th annual spiral dance and thanks to Janice Leger we caught some video!

• Spiral Dance 2018
• Winter Solstice Service 2018

What else would you like to see there? Let us know over email.

SOLAR WORSHIP

Imbolc – Feb 2, 2019. 

Come celebrate Imbolc… with a twist! This “Percy Jackson / Lightening Thief / Camp Halfblood” inspired ritual written by a teen as her coming of age project will take a “camp” theme. Come as you are in casual dress. If you want to get into the spirit of it, come in blue or red shirts/outfits to represent your team.

(No knowledge of this fandom is required. If you want to learn about the book, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lightning_Thief)

We’ll play a camp game for energy raising, charge beads to get our “annual camp beads” and have “camp snack” for cakes and ale. (Apple juice and graham crackers.)

If you are celebrating a life passage, you are especially invited to come celebrate with us!  Ritual is at 7 PM with 8 PM potluck.  Come earlier at 6 PM or stay later from 9 PM – 9:30 PM if you want to volunteer with set up or clean up.

COST: Free.  ($5 donation welcome to help replenish worship supplies.)

LUNAR WORSHIP

Thanks to those who attended Moon Circle in 2018! The “Gathering for Goddess” series has been archived here if you would like to explore the extension activities or use them as journal prompts. 

Moon Circle registration is now open! Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org to get your name on the Moon Circle class list.

Part class and part lunar ritual, this 6 session series meets once a month for six months on 4th Fridays at 7 PM in Room 1. This time we will be studying chakras.

Tuition for in person students is $30 for the series and due the first class on Jan 25th. There is 1 full scholarship and two half scholarships available on “first come, first serve” basis.

Can’t make it to class? You can join the matching facebook group online for free and follow along from home. Online students can make an optional donation to help the scholarship fund.

Registration will end for in person students once all 10 spots are filled. Facebook group slots are unlimited and you can join any time in the series.

For more details about how Moon Circle works, see lunar rituals.

OTHER EDUCATION

“Book Group: Pagan Voices” starts on January 20 at Noon in Room 1.

This 6 session book group meets on 3rd Sundays. We will be reading and discussing selections from “Pagan and Earth-Centered Voices in Unitarian Universalism.” It is drop-in friendly and free of cost.

We gather in Room 1 after coffee hour and read the selection(s) of the month out loud and discuss. While you don’t need a book to drop-in and check it out, your experience will be enriched if you do get your own text. We have 3 copies left for $15 each. You can also order it online from the UUA Bookstore or from Amazon.  

Learn how the book came to be here. 

FELLOWSHIP

Come socialize while being creative at Craft Circle on Jan 18 at 7 PM in the Assembly room. Inspired by Divination with Stones, Heather teaches us how to make a personal 13 coin divination set .

Each $5 kit provides

• thirteen wooden coins that are 1.5″ in diameter
• 4×6″ muslin bags
• the laminated key card

We will provide

• permanent markers in black, gold, and silver
• black, white, and blue acrylic paints

for decorating. You can bring extra colors or embellishments if you like for your coins.

There are 24 kits available. Make one for you and for a friend! Please email or click “going” on the Facebook event to reserve your kit and spot in class.

MYSTIC GROVE CALENDAR

The Spring Brochure is coming soon! In the meanwhile, you can check the Google Calendar or our Facebook Events page to see what’s already been posted.

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mysticgroveyoutube
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar with PDF: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar/

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING

Thanks to those who attended the Dec 2, 2018 monthly meeting!

Here are the Mystic Grove Dec 2018 Meeting Minutes if you missed it.  In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access” as we continue to revise our website.

The next meeting is Jan 6, 2019 at NOON in Room 1. Guests welcome!

INSPIRATION PHOTO

This month’s photo is from Mary M. in the 1U labyrinth. “I am walking the labyrinth before church ein December again this year. Copper ball walked with me this morning.” 

Many of us like labyrinth walking as moving meditation. It is open to the public during daylight hours.  Feel free grab the directions to the church and come try it out over your holidays!

NEXT RITUAL: WINTER SOLSTICE

Our Yule ritual is a two part event. Come for it all or just the bits you like best.

Dec 21 7 PM – 9 PM	Winter Solstice Evening Service 7 PM service in the sanctuary led by Mystic Grove. 8 PM Punch and cookies ending with the lighting of the Yule log.
Dec 21-22 9 PM – 7 AM	Annual Yule Bonfire Vigil We keep watch over the longest night of the year and do our part to ensure the sun rises. Games, music, carols and more!

The schedule PDF is posted here.  We’ll have a limited number of print books for the Bardic Circles for those without smartphones and other devices.  Remember to bring yours to access the lyrics digitally. We like saving paper!

There will be board games, singing, stories, and more. Feel free to bring a lawn chair, sleeping bag or tent if you plan to take a nap on the green.

VOLUNTEERING

Yule is our biggest ritual of the year. This year we’ve decided to reprise “The Story of the Celts” for Words for All Ages. We are seeking people willing to do a small reading/skit role.

• Maiden (found)
• Youth (found)
• Mother (found)
• Father (found)
• Crone (Found)
• Sage

We also welcome drummers for the spiral dance in the service,  food clean up helpers,  people wanting to share music and stories around the bonfire, and general volunteers throughout both parts of the winter solstice events.

If interested, please email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org,

CALENDAR

Here is  what’s happening up to the next meeting.  Come on down and join us any time.  Facebook RSVPs help us plan for supplies, so please check in if you can.

Dec 14 7 PM – 9 PM+	Join the “pop up” Pagan Choir and perform at Black Cat Cafe Open Mic on Dec 14th! We meet in Classroom B in Gore Hall for a quick run through at 7 PM and perform around 9 PM. Hang out til the end to enjoy the rest of the acts!  Learn the lyrics at home online.
Dec 20 7 PM – 9 PM	R & D: Ritual Book (3rd Thursdays) Mystic Grove prepares rituals for hopeful publication for our 20th anniversary. This session is working on the templates.
Dec 21 7 PM – 9 PM	Winter Solstice Evening Service 7 PM service in the sanctuary led by Mystic Grove. 8 PM Punch and cookies ending with the 8:45 Cup Game and 9 PM lighting of the Yule log.
Dec 21 9 PM – 7 AM	Annual Yule Bonfire Vigil We keep watch over the longest night of the year and do our part to ensure the sun rises. Games, music, carols and more!
Dec 28	Moon Circle Session 12. Last class in the “Goddess & Other Dieties” series! New block Jan – June 2019 themed around Chakras.  Registration opens with Jan 2019 News.
Jan 4	R&D: Wheel of the Year Mystic Grove and friends help test projects a new “wheel of the year” curriculum Mystic Grove is writing for the MS/HS/Adult level for publication at UUCards.  Pop by on 1st Fridays.
Jan 6	1st Sunday Monthly Meeting

YULE GIFTS

Mystic Grove is the adult UU Pagan affinity group and Covenant of Unitarian Universalist chapter at First Unitarian (1U). We provide worship, classes, and social opportunities for MG members, the 1U congregation, and the general public. Our events are often free or low cost.  We also provide scholarships to our tuition classes.

Affinity groups, while affiliated with the church, are not church program committees and do not get church program funding.  What we offer is paid for by MG members and its fans.

Like what we do online and in person? Want send us a Yule gift to help with funding next year’s projects? You can use the 1U donation page and put “Mystic Grove” in the memo line.  You can also donate to 1U itself.  We are very blessed to have a church that welcomes religious pluralism and allows us use of the campus. We couldn’t do what we do without 1U’s benevolence. Not all pagan groups get that kind of support. Please consider giving generously to our home church this Yuletide season!

You can learn more about UU and Pagan beliefs at the UUA’s “Pagans and Other Unitarian Universalists Inspired by Nature.” 

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar with PDF: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar/

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING

Thanks to those who attended the Nov 4, 2018 monthly meeting!

Here are the Mystic Grove Nov Meeting Minutes if you missed it.  In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access.”

The next meeting is Dec 2 at NOON in Room 1. Guests welcome!

INSPIRATION PHOTO

This month’s photo is from the 1U garden. Many of us like to garden as part of our spiritual practice.  On campus, you can visit our newest version of the garden near the education building or click here to learn about its story. 

GUIDELINES FOR VISITING OUR 1U GARDEN

The community garden is open for all to enjoy. When you visit, be mindful of the following:

• Please visit our garden during daylight hours.
• Our church is the home for many meetings and events; please maintain a respectful noise level.
• The individual raised beds are privately used; please do not take anything from them without the owner’s permission.
• You are welcome to harvest enough for your own needs, and please leave plenty for others. If you would like a larger harvest (for example, to share with a non-profit or for a community event), please talk with one of the core garden members.
• While most of our plants are edible, some are inedible pollinators. If you have any questions about what you can and cannot eat, please see our plant guideline below and ask a core garden member.

If you want to share what lights your  spirit up email your photo to mysticgrove@orlandouu.org and tell us about it!

NEXT RITUAL

Our Yule ritual is a two part event. Come for it all or just the bits you like best.

Dec 21 7 PM – 9 PM	Winter Solstice Evening Service 7 PM service in the sanctuary led by Mystic Grove. 8 PM Punch and cookies ending with the lighting of the Yule log.
Dec 21-22 9 PM – 7 AM	Annual Yule Bonfire Vigil We keep watch over the longest night of the year and do our part to ensure the sun rises. Games, music, carols and more!

VOLUNTEERING

Yule is our biggest ritual of the year. This year we’ve decided to reprise “The Story of the Celts” for Words for All Ages. We are seeking people willing to do a small reading/skit role.

• Maiden (found)
• Youth
• Mother (found)
• Father
• Crone
• Sage

We also welcome drummers for the spiral dance in the service,  food helpers,  people wanting to share music and stories around the bonfire, and general volunteers throughout both parts of the winter solstice events.

If interested, please email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org.

CALENDAR

Here is  what’s happening up to the next meeting.  Come on down and join us any time.  Facebook RSVPs help us plan for supplies, so please check in if you can.

Nov 10	MG Officers Meeting by Email We work on updating bylaws.
Nov 11 11:45 ish to 12:45 is after the service in Gore Hall	Mystic Grove’s 17th Bday Coffee Hour  1U BOT Deep Conversation: Participation and Growth The 1U Board invites you to the second in our series of Deep Conversations, the topic will be Participation and Growth, based on your input from our first conversation on Sept 9th. We look forward to seeing you in Gore Hall, child care will be provided*.
Nov 11, 1 PM	MG and Friends Yule Pagan Choir After the 1U BOT meeting, we stay behind to do the first practice in room 1.
Nov 15	R&D: Ritual Book (3rd Thursdays)  Mystic Grove prepares rituals for publication for our 20th anniversary.
Nov 16	Teaching Craft Circle: Acrylic Fluid Painting
Nov 18	MG and Friends Yule Pagan Choir
Nov 25	MG Field Trip: Guang Ming Temple Tour
Nov 30	Moon Circle Session 11 Class is closed for new registrations, but you can follow along online and/or join the FB group.
Dec 2	1st Sunday Monthly Meeting

BOOKS WILL CONTINUE!

Thank you for your support in both sharing gently used books and coming to buy them for a love offering to benefit the MG Scholarship Fund!  We will continue to accept books, tarot decks, and similar small items this year at any monthly meeting or ritual. You can also pop by during office hours during the week and leave book donations at the 1U front office.

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar with PDF: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar/

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

MEETING

Thanks to those who attended the Oct 7 monthly meeting!

Here are the Mystic Grove Oct 7 Meeting Minutes if you missed it.  In our efforts to increase transparency, help Mystic Grove friends and fans keep up, and assist forming CUUPS chapters and other groups, we’re making it a goal to make more of our documents “public access.”

The next meeting is November 4 at NOON in Room 1.

INSPIRATION PHOTO

This month’s photo is from Sandie C. in our Moon Circle group.  This is her Persephone altar. For many of us, creating home altars brings us joy!

If you want to share what lights your  spirit up email your photo to
mysticgrove@orlandouu.org and tell us about it!

NEXT RITUAL

We have two Samhain happenings this month.

On October 28, we go to our sister church, University UU.  Adult Religious Education at 9 AM will be “Ask a Pagan” panel Q& A session.  The sermon at 10:30 AM is “The Pagan Wheel of the Year” with a special emphasis on Samhain. Please consider bringing items for a community altar honoring your ancestors so stories can be shared during the social hour after service.  If you have never been to University UU or if its been a while, this might be a good day to visit!

On Nov 3, we have our Samhain ritual at 1U.    Come as you are or dressed in colors of the season: (grey, black, white, etc). “Pagan formal” is encouraged. This is your chance to break out the fancy clothes! Please bring a photo of your ancestor(s) for the community altar if you would like. Ritual begins at 7 PM. Potluck to follow at 8 PM. As a kindness to others, please be sure your dish is labeled with name of dish, name of cook, and any allergenic ingredients.

CALENDAR

Here is  what’s happening up to the next meeting.  Come on down and join us any time.  Facebook RSVPs help us plan for supplies, so please check in if you can.

Oct 13	MG Officers Meeting – In Person.  We work on updating bylaws.
Oct 14	1U Congregational Meeting.  11:45 PM in Gore Hall. Get the docs ahead of time here. (In light of the Congregational Meeting that was called, we’ve moved the Guang Ming Temple Field trip to Nov 11. )
Oct 18	NEW! R&D: Ritual Book (3rd Thursdays) 7 PM, Room 1. Drop In Friendly.  We are gathering our collection of rituals for publicaiton for our 20th anniversary.
Oct 19	Teaching Craft Circle: Make Elderberry Syrup and Gummies
Oct 26	Moon Circle Session 10.
Oct 28	NEW! Wheel of the Year Sermon at UUUS
Nov 2	R&D: Wheel of the Year (1st Fridays). 7 PM, Room 1. Drop In Friendly.  We are writing “Wheel of the Year” curriculum for MS/HS/Adult level for publciation at UUCards.  If you wish to contribute to this project, come on by!
Nov 3	Samhain Ritual.  7 PM Gore Hall.  8 PM Potluck.
Nov 4	1st Sunday Monthly Meeting.  NOON in Room 1.  Guests welcome!

BOOKS WILL CONTINUE!

Thank you for your support in both sharing gently used books and coming to buy them for a love offering to benefit the MG Scholarship Fund!  It is our policy to provide free or low cost events.  Our classes always have 1 full scholarship and two 1/2 scholarships  available as well.

We will continue to accept books, tarot decks, and similar small items this year at any monthly meeting or ritual. We will have books out at ritual at the book table.   You can also pop by during office hours during the week and leave book donations at the 1U front office.

MYSTIC GROVE LINKS TO KNOW

• Mystic Grove WordPress: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/
• Mystic Grove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticgrovecfl/
• Mystic Grove 1U Page: https://www.orlandouu.org/groups/mystic-grove/
• Mystic Grove Calendar with PDF: https://mysticgrovecfl.wordpress.com/calendar/

Questions or more info?  Please email us at mysticgrove@orlandouu.org