Inherited Threads

10/29/2013

(Sorry this week’s post is a day late!)

This past Sunday was UUFJC’s third annual Day of the Dead Observance, and again Bob Boldt and Ruth Neudahl set up a beautiful altar in the Mexican tradition, devoted especially to the legacy of Frida Kahlo and showcasing an amazing piece of fiber art by Joanna Palmieri.  The altar will remain standing through the Feast of All Saints, until Nov. 2nd, so if you didn’t get to see it this morning, drop by the Fellowship and take a look!  Rev. Nancy brought us a message about the things we inherit from the past — from those we honor on the Day of the Dead — and what we transmit into the future.  In one powerful image, she described these gifts turned legacies turned gifts as threads, some coming to us beautiful as spun gold, some coming ragged, sharp or bloody.  Sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously, we always add our own twist and color to these threads as they pass through our section of the cloth and into the next.

News and events:

Youth RE Meets next Sunday, led by Amy Hoffman.  We are looking for volunteers to teach the Youth RE class in the future.  Amy has done wonderful work here as she has for the Fellowship in so many ways, but she is planning to move from the Jeff City area soon and needs people to pass the torch to.  Contact Amy Hoffman or Amy Regnier if you can help.

Friday, November 1st at 1 pm, there will be a rally for Comprehensive Immigration Reform at Representative Luetkemeyer’s office in Jefferson City.  Contact Sue Gibson.

Also on Friday from 4:30 to 7 pm, the Jefferson City Evening Rotary Club is holding their 8th annual Spaghetti Dinner at the First Christian Church, 327 E. Capitol Ave.  Come for spaghetti with all the trimmings (carry-out available), plus raffle tickets for a variety of prizes.  Adults $8, Youth 6-12 $5, Kids 5 and under free; proceeds benefit local and international non-profits.  Contact Frank Rycyk for tickets.

Later Friday evening, the previously-planned Relay for Life Coffee House has been cancelled, but we will be having our First Friday Social at UUFJC starting at 5:30 pm, an informal evening for members and friends to get together.  Bring your own refreshments.  If you have attended or want to attend a First Friday Social, we would appreciate input on when you would like the event to start; last month some people missed each other, so we’re looking into adjusting the time.  Please contact me or a board member if you have input.

Also on Friday Evening at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library presents their First Friday Film: “A Place at the Table” about hunger in the US, an issue many of our members are concerned about.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Saturday, November 2nd at 8:30 am is our Highway Pickup on Route B.  Contact Barb Koenig if you can help.

Later Saturday morning at 9 am, the Ethical Eating Group meets at The Coffee Zone to discuss the book “Behind the Kitchen Door;” even if you haven’t read it, they’d love to have you.  Contact Shanon Hawk or Stephanie Childress.

Saturday evening at 6 pm is Mid-Missouri Peaceworks Annual Dinner at the United Methodist Church in downtown Columbia.  There is a flier at the Fellowship with details.

Next Sunday, November 3rd at 1 pm, Capital Arts in Jefferson City holds a “Gift the Gift of Art” reception.  Many local artists have pieces for the winter holiday season and for all seasons, perfect for gift-giving or to bring beauty to your home.  Meet the artists over cookies and punch and enjoy the art!

Then at 2 pm Sunday, Missouri River Regional Library hosts Captain Timothy Young of the Jeff City Fire Department for a talk about the history of fire fighting in Jefferson City and his upcoming book on the subject.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Later next Sunday afternoon at 4 pm, Jan Harcourt will lead the monthly Laughter Yoga session at UUFJC.  Laughter Yoga is free and open to all ages, and this month’s session will be followed by a potuck.