Global Peace Film Festival Hosting Pop-Up Indie at Rollins

Interfaith Discussion to Be Held at AdventHealth University
On Wednesday, November 13, the monthly Interfaith Discussion sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at AdventHealth University (671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, FL 32803), which is on AdventHealth’s main Orlando campus. The title of the evening’s discussion is: “In what ways does science complement my faith tradition’s teaching? And in what ways do science and my faith tradition’s teachings conflict? And when there’s conflict, which takes precedence—science or my faith tradition? The monthly discussions are respectful, open and candid, and the participants represent a variety of faith traditions as well as those who question the validity of faith altogether. For directions to the meeting, click here. Admission is free. Everyone is invited. For more information, phone 321-228-4599.

This Organization Exists to Promote Civility in Government
From their website: “The Institute for Civility in Government is dedicated to reducing the polarization of our political and legislative processes by facilitating dialogue, teaching respect, and building civility in both the public and private spheres . . . . We believe there are two key threats to the effectiveness and efficiency of the governing process in the United States: lack of participation in government at all levels—local, state, and national; and persistent and growing polarization along lines of race, class, religion, age, and ideology. Apathy and antipathy put our nation at risk. Therefore, we strive to educate Americans about their role in civil society, and equip them to participate effectively in it. And we strive to help elected officials, their staff, and their constituents understand that how we govern is as important as the positions we take . . . .The Institute for Civility in Government endorses no political candidate, and takes no stand on any issue. Our concern is process, not position.” Thank goodness someone recognizes the crying need!

RISE: Conversations on Race and Unity, Session 6, Nov 14
The public is invited to join Winter Garden’s year-long community workshop series titled Conversations on Race and Unity. Session 6—Moving into Action: Make a Difference—will be held on Thursday, November 14, at 6:00 pm at Roper Co-Op Ballroom (146 West Plant Street, Suite 210, Winter Garden, FL 34787). This community-wide event, hosted by Oasis Church Winter Garden and facilitated by the Peace and Justice Institute, in partnership with the Orlando Mayor’s MLK Commission and Roper Co-Op Ballroom, will provide a safe space to focus on our shared humanity with an exploration of race, privilege, bias, systems of privilege and oppression, and practical application. Click here to register and pay the $10 fee.

Concert to Feature Bach’s Moravian Music Heritage
“An engaging evening of conversation, laughter, insight and performance” is how an upcoming Bach Festival Society Insights & Sounds concert is being billed. Artistic Director and Conductor John V. Sinclair will share how the Moravians affected the musical life of young America. In addition to establishing the first Bach Society in America, the Moravians provided America’s link to baroque and classical era masterpieces. The concert will be on Thursday, November 14, at 7:30 pm at the Tiedtke Concert Hall on the campus of Rollins College (1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789). Click here to purchase tickets—which are nearly sold out, so hurry. Phone 407-646-2182 for more detail. And there’s a bonus! Take your proof of purchase for “Insights & Sounds: Bach’s Moravian Music Heritage” to the Albin Polasek Museum (633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789) for a $5 tour of the museum and sculpture garden. Docent Marty Crean will present special Moravian-focused tours on Thursday, November 21, at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm.

UU Congregations Sponsoring Musical About Race
On Friday, November 15, at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm), First Unitarian Church of Orlando (1901 East Robinson Street, Orlando FL 32803—the musical’s venue) and University Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will present “Deeper Than the Skin: A Musical Presentation on Race in America,” performed by Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway. Reggie and Greg have a unique story. Born three days apart, they each have ancestry flowing through the same portal of history—Richmond, Virginia. They are now on a pilgrimage together—one that began three decades ago! The racial divisions that are the reality of America started them in two different worlds, but the amazing bonds of music, mutual respect, sheer admiration and shared vision have brought them together as friends and colleagues. Their stories, together, form the quintessential American story. Echoing Gandhi, they believe that in telling our truths we are able to rise up from the past and build bridges to each other and the future. For information, phone 407-808-8795 or send an email.

Stoic Meetup Groups Becoming Active in Central Florida
Don’t know much about Stoics? That can easily be corrected—because Stoic groups are becoming active in Central Florida. Just check out when, where and what they’re doing by clicking here. And just what are Stoics all about? Here’s how they’re described on their Meetup page: “In our world of instant gratification, constant stimulation, and endless distractions, Stoicism offers a novel perspective on life. Interested in developing an unconquerable mind? Stoicism has the answers . . . . It’s an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded in 301 BCE in Athens. The first teacher was Zeno of Citium. The school taught that virtue (the highest good) is based on knowledge, and that wise people live in harmony with nature. The school also taught tolerance and self-control.” Click here for a brief video that will get you started in your learning search.

PJI Sponsoring Healing Retreat with Native American Nov 16
The public is invited to join the Peace and Justice Institute for a retreat in the Ocala National Forest with Joe Iron Eagle, a Native American born within the Chiricahua-Apache Nation, who from an early age was dedicated to spiritual pursuits and committed to preserving the knowledge and wisdom of his tribe, which has been passed down through the oral tradition of his ancestors. Enjoy a day of renewal and connection with both nature and the other participants. Families are welcome to attend.The day will include a yoga practice, a lighting the fire ceremony, meditation, music and more. Bring your own lunch, a chair, a sweater and a blanket. The event will be held on Saturday, November 16, at Tanahuachi Nac (139 Ridgewood Dr. Georgetown, FL 32139) from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Optional camping overnight. Fee: $20 (students free). For more information contact PJI by email or by phone (407-582-2291). Click here to register.

Interfaith Youth Core Sponsor Interfaith Friendship Study
According to a recently released report by the Interfaith Youth Core, titled “Friendships Matter,” students who engage in diverse friendships during their first year in college tend to be more accepting of their friends’ worldviews and diverse worldviews in general. The report is part of IFYC’s Interfaith Diversity Experiences and Attitudes Longitudinal Study (IDEALS), which is the largest religious-diversity longitudinal study ever undertaken in higher education. The report’s findings show that helping students and educators build bridges on campus is vital.

Hindu University to Offer Free Webinar on Yoga Nov 17
Hindu University of America is offering a free webinar about its yoga studies program on Sunday, November 17, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm EST. The webinar will give an overview of the type of subject matter covered in HUA’s academic courses on yoga. HUA offers more than 70 courses in six major subject areas that range from Yoga to Sanskrit to Post-Colonial Hindu Studies. In the case of yoga, for example, yoga studios seem to have sprung up on every street corner. While the physical practices of yoga are important to keep oneself healthy, yoga isn’t complete without understanding the concepts of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Ashtanga Yoga—the eight limbs of yoga and the Bhagavad Gita’s descriptions of the four streams of yoga: Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga. The webinar will provide an overview of these topics and more, allowing prospective students to learn the answers to questions such as: What is Holistic Ashtanga Yoga? How is it different from yoga that is at every street corner today? Can I apply the classical philosophy of yoga in therapeutic applications? Click here to register for this free webinar.

Sikhs Inviting Public to Celebratge Birth of Their Founder
Open House on Sunday, November 17, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm so the general public can learn more about Sikhism and can join the local Sikh community in celebrating the 550th anniversary of the birth of Sikhism’s founder, Guru Nanak. Sikhism, which began in India, is the fifth-largest world religion. The first Sikh immigrants came to the United States more than 130 years ago, and the Sikh Society of Central Florida has been in Oviedo for 33 years. The local Sikh community is inviting the public to “come and get to know your Sikh neighbors.” The event will feature a free vegetarian meal, free Indian beverages, a chance to learn more about Sikh history and teachings and much more. For more information about the event, go to the website of the Sikh Society of Central Florida or phone 407-409-2496. Click here for a brief video about Guru Nanak. Click here to learn even more.

Quakers to Sponsor Activism Workshop: ‘How to Win’
On Thursday, November 21, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, Quakers of Orlando Meetinghouse (316 East Marks Street, Orlando, FL 32803) will feature lifelong Quaker activist George Lakey, who will facilitate an interactive workshop based on his 2018 book How We Win: A Guide to Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigning. Participants will explore how to use nonviolent direct action to achieve positive social change in their communities. Attendance is encouraged by all progressive leaders who want to expand their skill toolbox. The event is free and open to the public, but attendance is limited to 40 people. So advance registration at Eventbrite is required for the public as well as for Orlando Quakers. A vegetarian meal will be served at 5:00 pm, with the workshop beginning promptly at 5:30 pm. Copies of How We Win will be available for any donation amount. The venue is wheelchair-accessible with gender-inclusive restrooms. Learn more about George Lakey and his work from these recent articles: The Guardian (March 2019) and Waging Nonviolence (August 2019).

BJC Sponsoring Student Religious Liberty Essay Competition
The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is inviting high school juniors and seniors to enter the 2020 Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest. This school year’s topic asks students to write an essay in the form of a letter to their state representative about bills mandating the posting of “In God We Trust” in public schools. Click here to get the rules for the competition. The contest is open to all high school students graduating in 2020 and 2021. Entries must be postmarked by March 6, 2020. The BJC is asking all who read this to tell juniors and seniors about this opportunity. Please pass this information along to students in your neighborhood, at your house of worship or wherever else you may interact with high school juniors and seniors.

Ginsburg Family Foundation Offering $35K Matching Grant
If you appreciate what’s being achieved by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, you have an opportunity to make your contributions for the balance of 2019 to achieve twice as much! The Ginsburg Family Foundation will give one dollar for every dollar someone else gives up to a maximum of $35,000. So we ask all our supporters to make their contributions go further by taking advantage of this act of generosity from the Ginsburgs. Whether you contribute monthly, quarterly or annually, every gift you give during the balance of 2019 will do double duty. money go twice as far. Which means you can have even greater satisfaction in knowing that you played a part in helping to make our community more harmonious and peaceful. All contributions are tax-deductible and may be sent to: BuildingUS, PO Box 3310, Winter Park, FL 32790-3310. Thank you for your help.

Muslim Reflection
Instead of a quotation to reflect on, how about a few pictures? In this case, the pictures are of some of the world’s most beautiful and unique mosques (masjids). Enjoy the mosques in picture form by clicking here. Enjoy them in person should you happen to travel to those parts of the world.