First Unitarian Church of Orlando

09/12/2026

Shanah Tovah and a Happy Rosh Hashanah to those who celebrate. May we continue to see leaders who value pluralism and see the beauty in our complex tapestry of cultures and faiths.

09/12/2026

💧“The Power of Beginning with Covenant: A Water Communion Worship Service”💧

September 13, 10:30am, in person in our Sanctuary and online via Facebook and YouTube

UU congregations everywhere hold their in-gathering service, where they participate in the Water Communion ritual during this time annually to kick-start the church year. It is no different for us here at 1U. So, Come dear one. Let’s gather our waters as we intentionally begin anew with covenant.

* If you would like to participate in the Processional from Gore Hall to the Sanctuary for this week's Water Communion, please plan to arrive by 10:25am.

Worship Leaders: Rev. Margalie Belizaire / Judith Stein-Farrall / Aubrey Connelly-Candelario / Charlotte Kendall

09/11/2026

Spirit of Life and of Love,

We remember, some of us, and the rest of us have heard the stories, of that day 25 years ago when the world seemed to shift.

September 11, 2001.

The world did shift, but it did not shift equally or even in only one direction.

9/11

The first time since that other day that will live in infamy that US soil had been attacked by foreign actors.

The day when thousands of innocents died, when this nation felt vulnerable, felt violated.

The day when America First was reborn, a War on Terror was created, a stronger foundation for Make America Great Again laid.

The day it became clear that much of the world saw America not as a dream of equality and opportunity, but America as Empire.

The day when Islamophobia was moved to the top of the long list of reasons to fear our neighbors.

The day when Arab looking people replaced Black folks as the most dangerous faces in America.

Great spirit, help us remember 9/11 and the many lessons we need to learn.

Help us become those who expand our circle of caring, not contract it to those who seem most similar to ourselves.

Help us resist both the calls to hate and the invitation to see ourselves as innocent.

Help us hold more of the truth.

We are not asked to be perfect, but we are called to be honest,

We are called to build a community worthy of being called Beloved.

Ase and Amen

~ Rev. Bill Sinkford

09/11/2026

A Pastoral Message from Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt

"...On this day, let us witness an abundant love that holds each of us in this solemn time. I send my love and deep care to all whose lives were changed by the events of September 11th and its aftermath. Those serving in the U.S. military who were sent off to war, the families and communities still reeling and rebuilding from the devastation of the wars the U.S. has waged, and to Muslim and immigrant communities who are still being targeted because of xenophobic rhetoric that took hold in response to September 11th."

Read more on UUA.org. https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/uua-rev-dr-sofia-betancourt-sept11-anniversary-statement

09/09/2026

🌱 Garden Work Party — New Date!

Our September 26 work party has moved to October 3!

Come help us w**d, plant, and mulch in the 1U Community Garden. No gardening experience needed, and all ages are welcome.

🕙 Break & snacks at 10 AM
☀️ Wear gardening clothes and shoes + bring sunscreen!

After October 3, we’ll return to our regular 4th Saturday schedule.

Come spend a morning working together in the 1U Community Garden! We’ll be doing some seasonal w**ding, planting, and mulching to help keep the garden healthy and beautiful. No gardening experience…

09/08/2026

Come craft, chat, and connect with us at September 19, 2027 Craft Circle! We’ll be exploring Ogham and making staves or coins inspired by nature and the Wheel of the Year—but you’re also welcome to bring your own project. No special skills required, just a willingness to create and enjoy some good company.

September 19, 2026 at 11 AMAssembly Room Join Mystic Grove for our September Craft Circle! This year, we’re drawing inspiration from The Natural Home of the Wheel of the Year by Raechel Henderson, …

09/08/2026

"Long Lines" beginner sewing class off to a good start! Want to help? You can donate cheerful cotton fabric prints or completed pillowcases or blankets for children's hospital charities.

On September 5, 2026 a new group of sewing students gathered for the first meeting of “Long Lines,” a beginner sewing class offered through Mystic Grove CUUPS. Over the coming months, s…

09/08/2026

🍂 What does abundance mean to you?

As we approach Mabon, the Fall Equinox, Mystic Grove CUUPS invites us to pause, give thanks for what sustains us, and consider how we can share our abundance with others.

Read more about this year’s Mabon Solar Worship on September 26, 2026 , including our food drive, ritual, and potluck.

As summer gives way to autumn, the Wheel of the Year brings us to Mabon, the Fall Equinox—a time when day and night are in balance and we pause to recognize the abundance that surrounds us. Join My…

09/06/2026

Free Concert for the Constitution at 1U

Join us on Saturday, September 19th, from 2 pm to 4 pm in Gore Hall. Black Cat Cafe and We the People are sponsoring a special election season concert. Seven Central FL musicians will entertain with songs of social justice, celebration, and appreciation for our Constitution and its values. The League of Women Voters will distribute pocket Constitutions and register voters. There are no tickets - Just put it on your calendar and show up! Email questions to [email protected].

Join us on Saturday, September 19th, from 2 pm to 4 pm in Gore Hall. Black Cat Cafe and We the People are sponsoring a special election season concert. Seven Central FL musicians will entertain wit…

09/06/2026

First Unitarian Church of Orlando's Sanctuary Live Stream

09/03/2026

This Sunday's service, on September 6 at 10:30am will be the annual "Question Box Worship Service." Come with your questions and wonderings about our Strategic Plan. Let us explore together. Worship Leaders: Rev. Margalie Belizaire, Judith Stein-Farrall, Aubrey Connelly-Candelario, and 1U Members & Friends. In person in our Sanctuary and online via Facebook and YouTube.

09/03/2026

You don't have to be a regular attendee of Roots and Wings monthly gatherings to join us for this informative session with Linda Solash-Reed, but your RSVP will help us prepare space and handouts.

All Are Welcome for Elder Law Expertise Sessions with Linda Solash-Reed Irish poet David Whyte wrote: “To prepare the way for those we love—to make clear what is unclear, to carry the bu…

08/28/2026

✨ DON’T FORGET! ✨

🎭 Six unforgettable events. One incredible season.

The 2026-2027 Milk District Salon Concert Series at 1U is here, bringing together world-class musicians, spoken word artists, cultural performances, and one of Central Florida’s favorite handbell ensembles.

🎟️ Get all 6 events for the price of 5 with a Season Pass for just $125.

This year’s lineup starts in November and includes:
🥁 UCF Percussion Ensemble & Steel Band
🎄 Cool Yule with the Montverde Academy Concert Choir
📝 Rhymes of Resistance Poetry Night
🇰🇷 Traditional & contemporary Korean music
🎸 Folk music legend Tret Fure
🔔 Magic of Bronze’s 30th Anniversary Spring Soirée

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or discovering the series for the first time, this is our most diverse season yet, celebrating music, culture, and community in the heart of Orlando.

🎫 Reserve your Season Pass today— link is in the comments!

You can also opt out of the administrative fee during checkout.

08/27/2026

Hear and see from Judith, Linnea, Rev. Dr. McGuire, Rachel and Melissa on universal Unitarian Universalist themes to inspire you to live fully. Worship Services at First Unitarian Church at 10:30 every Sunday.

Many people are busy in summer on Sundays or out of Florida. July and August Worship services were full of wisdom, joy and community that can ready you for the coming year. Lessons from the Mountai…

08/26/2026

"The Wind Is Blowing from the East"

Sunday, August 30 at 10:30am

Join us in the Sanctuary or online via Facebook or YouTube as 1U members explore the basics of Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Taoism—and experience a meditation practice central to these traditions.

Come learn, reflect, and enjoy an Asian take on world religion!

08/26/2026

Join the newly formed JUUstice Readers book club. We meet the forth Tuesday of the month. For September, the book we’ll be discussing is ‘The Sum of Us’ by Heather McGhee.

More information on JUUstice Readers at tinyurl.com/JUUsticeReaders

08/24/2026

The next UUMFE Full Moon Gathering is online on August 30th.

08/22/2026

Gardeners hard at work in the community garden. All ages welcome to visit any time. Join us for the next garden work party on Sept 26, 2026 from 9 AM - 11 AM!

Four gardeners met today for the 4th Saturday garden work party from 9 AM – 11 AM. Lots of work got done despite the warm temps! Both solarized beds were uncovered. Bed 8 got some neem meal t…

08/20/2026

This Sunday, August 23, at 10:30am will be "In My Humble Opinion...: An Annual Soapbox Worship Service." Get on your soapbox and let us know what’s on your mind. Is it Voting Rights? Trans rights? Reproductive justice? The chicken or the egg? Come and be heard from the pulpit for 2 minutes. In the Sanctuary and Online.

08/20/2026

Join us this Saturday, August 22, from 9–11 AM for our 4th Saturday workday!

We’ll be harvesting tomatoes, getting beds ready for fall planting, w**ding, and spreading mulch. Kids are welcome, too!

Come lend a hand and enjoy some time in the garden with your community. Everyone is welcome!

See the event details for more information.