8/25/2019
This morning, we were joined by Doug Hill from First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield, Missouri. Doug shared with us his philosophy of uncertainty. Having emerged from decades in a fundamentalist cult to now identify as Agnostic, he pointed out that Agnosticism is not lazy shrugging or moral fence-sitting, but a principled commitment to truth and evidence. Agnosticism is also compatible with many beliefs, but it recognizes the limits of belief and the sanctity of proven knowledge. Doug especially underlined this point: we can believethings that are neither provable nor disprovable, and these beliefs can be positive, helping us organize our lives and make choices, but when we claim to know what we can’t prove — or hold to beliefs refuted by evidence — we fall into dangerous delusions. Embracing the uncertainty of the world is a challenge; our brains like to know what to expect. Doug finds it helpful to live in the present moment, maintain a sense of humor, and build courage. In this way we can reap the benefits of uncertainty in greater knowledge and growth and greater joy in diversity.
Next Sunday, September 1st:
Adult Forum – 9:15 am
“Prosecutorial Injustice,” Hugh Flowers
Service and Religious Education – 10:30 am
Message: “Expectations Rule Our Lives Until We Change Them,” Rev. Mike Adamek
Expectations are like an automobile’s cruise-control. Whatever we expect, we experience and we follow the same pattern until our dispirit experiences force us to change our expectations. In human history and in our development from birth until now, there have been radical changes in what we expect. When do we accept the expectations of others so much that we internalize them as our own and when do we challenge them with every fiber of our being? That is the glory of expectations.
If you have a joy or concern that you would like to have read during the Service, please submit it by noon on Friday through our website: http://uufjc.org/joys–concerns.html
Plus Children’s RE — “The Power of We”
UUFJC News and Events this week:
Our September newsletter and print calendar are ready. Paper copies are available in the wall box near the coat rack. Electronic copies are now ready to view or download: Newsletter, Calendar
Tomorrow, Monday, August 26th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church. Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff:
kimberly@missourifaithvoices.org
This Friday, August 30th is our monthly Salvation Army meal. Please contact Roberta Dunkel if you can help provide and serve food for those in need. Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.
Next Sunday, September 1st, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm. Please allow privacy.
Community Events this week:
This Wednesday, August 28th, Missouri River Regional Library’s Nonfiction at Noon will be discussing the book “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo. Meets upstairs in the Truman Room. Contact Lisa Sanning.
This week, Capitol City Cinema presents “Maiden” (Thursday through Sunday). For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.
For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:
UUFJC Events
Affiliated Events
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events
Have a great week!