2024 Invocations (15)
In 2024, the Central Florida Freethought Community offered secular invocations at civic meetings across our region. Each reflection centers on shared human values—compassion, reason, integrity, and service—while respecting freedom of conscience and the separation of religion and government. Below are the invocations from this year.
2024 October 1, Angelo Parra, Volusia County, FL
2024 August 6, Keith Becher, Brevard, FL
2024 June 17 - Gordon Brown, Groveland, FL
2024 June 4 - Angelo Parra, Volusia County, FL
2024 May 14 - Gordon Brown, Lake County, FL
2024 May 8 - Tee Rogers, Winter Park, FL
2024 April 29 - Jocelyn Williamson, Winter Springs, FL
2024 April 22 - Kathy Starke, Casselberry, FL
2024 March 26- Randa Black, Clermont, FL
2024 March 25 - Sue Jenik, Sanford, FL
2024 February 27 - Bonnie Hall, Seminole County, FL
2024 February 7 - Joseph Richardson, Tavares, FL
2024 January 23 - Gordon Brown, Lake County, FL
2024 January 16 - Choice Edwards, Groveland, FL
2024 January 4 - Rowan Fox, Volusia County
1 October 2024 - Volusia County Council
Angelo Parra - 213 words
Good morning, and thank you: Chairman Brower, County Council and County Manager for this opportunity. As a three-plus-year resident of DeLand, it’s a true honor to appear here again representing the Central Florida Freethought Community.
It may have escaped notice that today, October 1st, happens to be:
· International Music Day
· World Vegetarian Day
· and International Coffee Day.
But, more to the point, this day we are in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month begun in the Johnson Administration to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic-Americans to the nation's achievements, culture, and history. I am a proud part of the 16% of Volusia’s population that is Hispanic.
This morning, as you resume the work of shaping the future of Volusia County, please do take a moment to reflect on our diversity and the strength it brings our beautiful and vibrant county.
Consistent with that, we beseech you to approach each decision with open minds and hearts, guided by reason, compassion, mutual respect, and the spirit of cooperation ... as you work toward the shared purpose of bringing about an enhanced quality of life for all residents of Volusia.
I close with a quote from Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Thank you.
6 August 2024 - Brevard County Commission
Keith Becher - 172 words
Thank you commissioners and staff for having me today.
May we take a moment to reflect on the values that unite us as a community and a nation.
In this space, we are bound not by creed or doctrine, but by a commitment to principles that transcend individual beliefs.
We hold in common the ideals of democracy: the dignity of every person, the right to free expression, the pursuit of justice, and the relentless endeavor for equality.
These principles guide us, challenge us, and call us to action. Let us pledge ourselves to the ongoing work of creating a society where every voice is heard, where the rule of law protects the weak as well as the strong, where differences are celebrated as strengths, and where the promise of liberty and opportunity is extended to all.
May our deliberations today be infused with respect, compassion, and a shared purpose.
Together, let us strive to build a future defined by cooperation, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to the common good.
Thank you.
17 June 2024 - Groveland Commission
Gordon Brown - 160 words
Mayor Wilson, council members and staff, thank you for this moment of participation in your meeting.
As constituents, we share the responsibility, along with you, to preserve and nurture our communities.
We recognize that our communities become more diverse every day.
We also know that we live in an environment that is both wondrous and fragile.
As decisions are made, now and in the future, we ask that every stakeholder is given a voice in shaping our community, and that the voiceless will be remembered in our discussions.
May every position, assertion, motion, or debate be based upon sufficient research and reliable evidence.
And ultimately, we look to all of our elected and appointed public servants to provide informed leadership, peaceful resolution, and fair directives.
May I leave you today with this thought from Dwight D. Eisenhower; “The peace we seek to win is not victory over any other people, but the peace that comes with healing in its wings.”
4 June 2024 - Volusia County Council
Angelo Parra - 225 words
Good morning, and thank you, Chairman Brower, Council Members, County Manager, and county administration and staff for this opportunity. As a resident of Victoria Park in DeLand, it’s a true honor to be here today representing the Central Florida Freethought Community.
John Quincy Adams, our 6th President, said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
We are profoundly grateful to you – our leaders – for the long hours and often-underappreciated time, effort, and personal sacrifice that comes with your tireless commitment to your constituents.
As you serve our community, we ask that you embrace the spirit of inquiry and reason ... with a willingness to listen ... and a focus on building bridges of understanding ... embracing our differences as strengths ... strengths that enrich our community.
In your stewardship of Volusia, we ask – as you safeguard our home today – you remain mindful of our responsibility to future generations.
May the mutual love of friends and family and our collective hopes and dreams inspire you. It is through your generous commitment of time, creativity, and love of Volusia County that you make a brighter future for all of us.
I close with a quote Winston Churchill: “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.”
Thank you.
14 May 2024 - Lake County Commission
Gordon Brown - 176 words
Thank you to Chairman Smith, commissioners and staff for this morning’s invitation.
We begin with a moment of gratitude and reflection; we live in a free society where myriad voices and beliefs are respected and even celebrated and we recognise the accomplishments of this body in concert with the citizens of Lake County.
Nevertheless, we find ourselves in uncertain times, therefore we look to all of our elected and appointed public servants to provide informed leadership, peaceful resolution, and fair directives.
May the deliberations you engage in now, and in the future, include a few guiding principles:
Decisions made with evidence and veracity,
Acceptance of those who grow-up, live, and love, differently,
Abiding regard for the diversity and dignity of those who are served,
And keeping to the practices of logic, compassion, and justice.
Many of our brothers and sisters face their daily challenges with optimism, while many others remain in despair. So, we remember
these few words from Albert Camus, “Where there is no hope, it is incumbent upon us to invent it.”
Thank you
8 May 2024 - Winter Park City Commission
Tee Rogers - 155 words
Let us take a moment to appreciate the opportunity to come together today.
May we be grateful for the diversity of perspectives in this room and the chance to learn from one another.
May we be grateful for the chance to make a difference; and with courage, may we focus on our greatest responsibility: uplifting others.
May our discussions and decisions today be guided by empathy and a spirit of collaboration. Let us seek solutions that benefit all those we serve in our vibrant community.
May each of us present here be grounded in a vision for Winter Park as a place where everyone feels welcomed, heard, valued, and empowered to contribute.
Let us hold in our hearts the knowledge that our decisions today are building blocks for a healthy and sustainable future for all generations. Today and always, may we be guided by reason, respect, and a shared vision for the future.
Thank you.
29 Apr 2024 - Winter Springs City Commission
Jocelyn Williamson - 207 words
Thank you, Mayor McCann, commission members, city staff, residents, and visitors.
As we convene tonight's meeting, let us pause for a moment and reflect on why we’re here.
In the quiet of this chamber, may we find the clarity and resolve to fulfill our duties with integrity and with compassion.
Let us acknowledge the responsibility and privilege inherent in our positions, recognizing the faith and trust placed in us.
Tonight, as we make decisions that impact the entire community, let us appreciate the diversity of voices and the unique needs they have.
May our discussions be characterized by empathy, reason and impartiality.
Patience and understanding should guide our interactions, that we may seek common ground and consensus in our deliberations.
Let us approach each item on the agenda with open hearts and minds, committed to solutions that best serve the interests of ALL stakeholders.
There is an African proverb that reads, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'
Indeed, we travel and progress further when we are united on a journey with common goals.
As we embark on this evening's agenda, may we strive to make Winter Springs a beacon of opportunity, where everyone can flourish and thrive.
22 Apr 2024 - Casselberry City Commission
Kathy Starke - 228 words
Thank you, Mayor Henson and Commission Members, as a long-time and proud Casselberry resident, I stand before you with a heart full of hope and optimism for the future of our city and the generations to come.
In this moment, let us also recognize the invaluable contributions of our city staff. Each and every day, they work diligently behind the scenes to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability that are essential to our democracy. Their dedication ensures that the gears of our local government turn smoothly, enabling us to navigate the complexities of civic life with clarity and efficiency.
As we begin the business of the day, may we carry forward the values of community, integrity, and progress that define us as residents of Casselberry.
Let us approach our deliberations with open minds and a commitment to serving the common good, guided by the principles of fairness and inclusivity.
Together, let us continue to build a future that reflects the diversity and resilience of our beloved city.
It is through a generous commitment of time, energy, and creativity that you make a better future for Casselberry, on behalf of constituents.
I’ll close with a quote from cultural anthropologist Margaret Meade who famously said:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Thank you.
26 Mar 2024 - Clermont City Commission
Randa Black - 219 words
Thank you, Mayor Murray, Council Members, and city staff, for your unwavering dedication to the beloved city of Clermont.
As we gather here tonight, let us pause to acknowledge the diverse tapestry of voices and experiences that make up this community.
Consider the sage words of Maya Angelou, who said, "Nothing will work unless you do."
Let her wisdom guide us as we embark on the important work ahead, recognizing that true change requires dedication and effort from each and every one of us.
May we be mindful of the trust bestowed upon us by the people we serve, and may we approach our responsibilities with humility, courage, and a deep sense of purpose.
As we deliberate and debate, may we do so with open hearts and minds, seeking common ground and solutions that uplift all members of our community.
Let empathy be our compass as we navigate the complexities of self governance, always mindful of the impact of our decisions on those we serve.
In the pursuit of progress and stability, let reason be our compass, and compassion be our guide.
Together, let us forge a path forward that uplifts and empowers all who call this city home.
Tonight, let us work with renewed determination, knowing that by working together, we can build a brighter future for all.
25 Mar 2024 - Sanford City Commission
Sue Jenik - 192 words
Thank you, Mayor Woodruff, Commissioners, and city staff, for your unwavering dedication to our beloved Sanford.
As we gather together for a moment of reflection, let us consider the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, who proclaimed, "The world of the future is in our making. Tomorrow is now."
Let our meeting tonight honor the legacies of those who came before us while we strive to build a brighter future for generations to come.
At a time where divisiveness garners more views than peace, let your decisions here counter that harmful current.
May we be remembered for our mutual respect for those with whom we disagree, and our open-mindedness to new ideas, recognizing that our differences actually serve to enhance our work and improve the fabric of shared experience.
May we be guided by empathy, reason, and a commitment to mutual understanding.
Together, let us continue to build a Sanford where opportunity abounds, compassion flourishes, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow shines for all those who live, work, and play in our city.
As Ms. Roosevelt would have us do; let us seize the opportunity to shape the world of tomorrow, starting today.
Thank you.
27 Feb 2024 - Seminole County Commission
Bonnie Hall - 230 words
Thank you, Chairman Zembower, Commissioners and city staff - as a proud Seminole County resident and mother to an enthusiastic elementary student, I stand before you today with a heart full of hope and optimism for the future of our county and the generations to come.
In our deliberations today, may we embrace this moment of civic engagement with open hearts and minds.
I am reminded of the words of Helen Keller, who said,
"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."
Our community is a tapestry of diverse voices, each contributing to the vibrant mosaic that is Seminole County. Let us embrace the strength that lies in our diversity and work collaboratively to address the challenges and celebrate the successes that shape our shared experience.
In this commission meeting, may our discussions be guided by a genuine desire to create positive change, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for our children and generations to come.
May we approach the challenges before us with wisdom, guided by a vision that transcends individual perspectives for the greater good of our beloved community.
Let our actions today lay a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow, where unity triumphs over division, where progress knows no bounds, and where we all maintain a shared commitment to harmony and the flourishing of all who live, work, play, or visit Seminole County.
Thank you.
7 Feb 2024 - Tavares City Commission
Joseph Richardson - 207 words
Our thanks to Mayor Grenier and the commissioners and the city staff for this invitation.
In this chamber of governance, let us unite in the spirit of reason, compassion, and the pursuit of justice.
As we gather, may our hearts be open to the diversity that defines our community.
This morning, let us draw inspiration from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed more than 75 years ago, serving as a guidepost illuminating the path to equality, dignity, and liberty for all.
May today’s meeting’s decisions reflect the wisdom of reason and the empathy that binds us as fellow human beings.
In the pursuit of goodwill to all in our county, may our actions be guided by the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and respect for the autonomy of every individual.
Let this assembly today be a testament to the shared values that transcend creed, culture, and conviction.
At the same time, may we be grateful for the progress we have made in the past 75 years, and the many accomplishments that surely lie ahead.
In closing, let us remember this work is a reflection of a commitment to the City, and that these efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of those served.
Thank you.
23 Jan 2024 - Lake County Commission
Gordon Brown - 180 words
Our thanks to Chairman Smith and the commissioners and staff of Lake County for this invitation.
December 9, 2023 was the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1948 the declaration was unanimously adopted by the United Nations.
The spirit of the Declaration is described in the Preamble which affirms, that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,” and Article 1 states that, “All human beings…are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
All governments, large and small, are entrusted with the mission to promote freedom, justice, and peace through carefully crafted laws and regulations made with evidence, logic, and compassion.
Eleanor Roosevelt was the chairperson of the drafting committee for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was likely motivated by this question, she asks, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?”
16 January 2024 - Groveland Commission
Choice Edwards - 477 words
Mayor Wilson, city council and staff, thank you for the invitation to the Central Florida Freethought Community to deliver the invocation!
Arrested on Good Friday, April 12, 1963---60 years and 3 months ago- for nonviolent demonstration against the injustice of his fellow United States Citizens. This man who did not hate.....but simply loved everyone.
Yesterday was his birth date. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote the Letter from Birmingham Jail, while he was jailed for leading nonviolent civil rights demonstrations in Alabama, The Letter from Birmingham Jail explains why MLK believed people had a responsibility to follow just laws, ..and a duty to break unjust laws. Martin was responding to several criticisms…. made by the …."A Call For Unity " clergymen
On April 16, 1963, 6 decades ago, The Reverend Doctor, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate... penned these words ….to a mostly white Christian clergy….. in response to divisive statements made by some white Christian clergy about his tactics: He was non violent and peaceful; he never threw a Molotov cocktail!
“I am cognizant of the inter- relatedness of all communities and all States. I can not sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.
Whatever affects one directly, affects all others indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial “outside agitator” idea. Anyone who lives inside the United states can never be considered an outsider anywhere in this country.”
That includes you and me...all of us! Because it is always the right time to do the right, just and moral thing!
Friends, there are just laws...and there are unjust laws.
Alarmingly and disappointingly, ...we are still dealing with injustice against both our citizens…. and non-citizens.
In the words of that great philosopher, RODNEY King: “Why cant we all just get along?”
I too have a dream.
My dream is captured in the lyrics in two songs: My Grownup Christmas List and Imagine.
“No more lives torn apart, that wars would never start. And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend, and right would always win. And love would never end.
Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer but I am not the only one.”
That’s MY dream!
Thank you, mayor and members of the city council, for all that you do for Groveland’s quest for peace, brotherhood and harmony. And finally, as you conduct the business of the city of Groveland, I wish you all wisdom, light, life, love, peace, power, prosperity, passion poise, beauty, joy health, wealth, romance and ALL the Excitement you can handle!
When you are smiling and laughing, you are living! Thank you, Shalom, Amen and Namaste
4 January 2024 - Volusia County Council
Rowan Fox - 193 words
Good morning, and thank you, Chairman Brower, Council Members, County Manager, and county administration and staff for this opportunity to start the new year.
As we gather to embark on a new year of governance, let us reflect on the shared values that underpin our commitment to the common good.
William James said, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” These are great words to open this reflection.
In the spirit of reason and human flourishing, let our deliberations be guided by an unwavering dedication to the principles of equality, justice, and the well-being of all citizens.
May our decisions be rooted in empathy, recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual.
Let our discourse be marked by the pursuit of knowledge and the application of rational thinking, ensuring that our actions are informed by evidence and reason.
Today may this council meeting be a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where every voice is heard, and every citizen feels represented.
And with gratitude for the opportunity to serve, let us commence this meeting with a shared dedication to the prosperity and well-being of Volusia County.
Thank you.