Today, our own Jim Davis delivered a message about Dr. Martin Luther King, and the Civil Rights movement, reminding us of how hard-won its victories were, and of the role some Unitarians played in that risky and difficult work.  The violence that Dr. King and other Civil Rights workers contended against seems so irrational today, it can be difficult for a younger person to get their mind around the fact that it really happened, and not very long ago --- so recently, in fact, that if we had not lost Dr. King to that violence, he might very well be alive today.  Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that ugly history, and then look around at who is subject to violence today --- LGBT people?  Undocumented immigrants?  Criminal suspects?  The poor? --- and how we can work toward a day when what they are suffering is seen as so immoral and irrational that it beggars belief.

As a service project in honor of Martin Luther King, we also took a special collection to buy bus passes for children at South Elementary School who live too close to the school to qualify for the regular school bus, but who still face a difficult walk in bad weather.  We'll be presenting the money at the school's assembly on Friday.  If you'd like to give money or participate in the presentation, contact Patt Behler.

Note: I'm trying a new format for the news and events; let me know what you think!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The February Newsletter and Calendar are finished!  Paper copies are available in the back of the Sanctuary, and digital copies are attached to this week's news e-mail.

Last night's Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction was a rousing success!  Those who attended had a great time, and over $900 was raised for the Fellowship and Relay for Life!  Many thanks to Nancy Ordway and Roberta Dunkel who took the lead, and to everyone else who helped and and participated!

Katherine Connor will make one more order of Standing on the Side of Love T-shirts if there's sufficient demand.  Contact her as soon as possible if you still want a T-shirt.

RE needs teachers and aides!  All of the lessons and supplies are prepared ahead of time to make it as easy as possible.  Please sign up to help!  There is a sign-up sheet on the RE room door, or you can contact Amy Regnier.

Annual Giving Receipts have gone out.  If you haven't received yours or if you have any questions, contact our Treasurer, Don Love.

This Friday, January 31st at 7 pm, UUFJC hosts the Last Friday Documentary, "A Peaceable Kingdom," about ethical treatment of animals.  Contact Bob Boldt.

This Saturday, February 1st, the Ethical Eating Group meets at UUFJC at 9 am to hear speaker Randy Boyce and discuss the "Menu for the Future."  Contact Shanon Hawk or Stephanie Childress.

Next Sunday, February 2nd, Youth RE meets during our morning service for middle-school and high-school ages.  Contact Nancy Ordway or Amy Regnier.

Next Sunday is also the monthly Laughter Yoga session at UUFJC at 4 pm, free and open to all.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Community Events This Week:

Monday, January 27th, Documentary Days continue at Capitol 8 Theater with "Inequality for All," featuring former Labor Secretary Robert Reich.  Shows at 5 and 7.

If Monday isn't a good night for you, "Inequality for All" will also be showing Wednesday, January 29th at 6:30 pm at Pawley Theater in the MLK Building at Lincoln University, in an event organized by several local organizations to mark the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty.  Refreshments provided and discussion to follow.  Contact Sue Gibson for more information.

Thursday, January 30th at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library hosts music with Cathy Barton and Dave Para.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Saturday, February 1st, the Mid-Missouri Returned Peace Corps Volunteers' Third Goal International Film Festival begins at 1 pm at the MU Student Center in Columbia and lasts into the evening with four documentary films, international food, artisan pieces, and information on joining the Peace Corps.  Visit MORPCV.org or contact Patt Behler for more information.

Saturday evening is also the Jefferson City Animal Shelter's annual Trivia Night beginning at 7 pm.  Proceeds benefit the shelter's low-cost spay/neuter program.  Contact Roberta Dunkel for more information.

For exercise, yoga, and even more events, see our Calendars.

Today, our own Karen Beahan brought us a message about embracing change.  There's something in human nature that fears change; the status quo feels safe, even if we know we aren't happy with things as they are, but Karen encouraged us to practice making changes, even small ones, to develop a friendlier relationship with change, for those times when change comes on us uninvited, or when we want to make the bigger changes to improve our lives — and the lives of others.  Resisting fear to embrace positive change is a good goal to have in our minds tomorrow as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and his courage in fighting for positive change.

Don't forget the Faith Voices Founding Convention and UUFJC Chili Cook-Off coming up this week!  Details below.

This week's News and Events:

Katherine Connor is getting together another order for Standing on the Side of Love T-Shirts.  They're still available for 20% off their usual price, and she wants to get the order off soon to take advantage of the discount, so contact Kath ASAP if you want one!

We need a volunteer to fill Amy Hoffman's absence on the Nominating Committee, which is charged with nominating candidates for the Board.  Contact Katherine Connor.

The UUA's "30 Days of Love" have begun; for more information visit http://standingonthesideoflove.org/

Monday, January 20th, Documentary Days at Capitol 8 continue with "We the People," shows at 5 and 7 pm.

Also Monday night, Faith Voices for Jefferson City meets at 6:30 pm at the Catholic Center on Main Street.  Contact Kath Connor.

Tuesday, January 21st at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a talk on Habitat for Humanity's work in Jefferson City.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Thursday, January 23rd at 4:30 pm, Missouri Association for Social Welfare holds a conference call on Medicaid Expansion, Minimum Wage and more.  See the online calendar for the number or contact Sue Gibson.

Later Thursday evening at 7 pm, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its founding convention at Quinn Chapel AME.  We're hoping for a strong turnout of UUs; contact Kath Connor if you can attend!

Friday, January 24th is our monthly day to provide a meal at the Salvation Army at 5 pm.  Contact Bob Antweiler to help.

Saturday, January 25th at 5:30 pm we're holding a Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction to benefit the Fellowship's operating expenses and our Relay for Life team.  Tickets are $5 for unlimited chili, hot dogs and desserts will be available for additional a la carte prices.  Be sure to bring your friends, and talk to Nancy Ordway or Roberta Dunkel if you can volunteer to work the event, donate time or treasure for the silent auction, or provide live music.  We hope to see everyone there! 

The Chili Cook-Off will also include an "Art Cornered" display of framed paintings, special prints and posters.  Auction bids will be taken to benefit the 2014 Relay for Life (coming in June); payments may be made on an installment plan through May 31.  Contact Patt Behler by Thursday, January 23rd to enter items or for more information.

During the service next Sunday, January 26th, with the support of our Social Action Committee, the Fellowship will be taking a special collection to support a Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service project, providing bus passes to needy students at South Elementary School (cost: $20 per 18 passes).  Contact Patt Behler for more information or to make a donation.

For exercise, yoga, and even more events, see our Calendars.

Have a great week!

As suddenly as the weather turned bad last week, it turned lovely this week, we were able to have our first meeting of 2014.  It was great to see everyone again!

This morning, Kath Connor and Sharon Morgan shared with us their experiences with Faith Voices for Jefferson City (formerly known as Jefferson City Congregations Uniting), an organization where diverse local faith groups come together to work for social justice.  Issues they've worked on include Cap the Rate/Raise the Wage, Medicaid Expansion, and Public Transit.  Sharon spoke eloquently of coming together to rise above political anger and helplessness, and Kath talked about the important role her UU viewpoint has played in speaking up to keep the organization welcoming to all even as she has learned to appreciate the religious hues of other members' justice language.

Faith Voices is meeting January 20th (more details on this meeting to come), then on January 23rd from 7 - 8:30 pm, they hold their "Claim the Dream" founding convention at Quinn Chapel AME.  We're hoping for a strong turnout of UUs - contact Katherine if you're able to attend or if you need a ride.

In other news, we're gearing up for a UUFJC Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction Saturday, January 25th at 5:30 pm.  Tickets are $5 for all-you-can-eat Chili; hot dogs and desserts will also be available for a-la-carte prices (alcohol is permitted on a bring-your-own basis).  The Silent Auction will feature a variety of items from services to original artwork to delicious homemade foods.  We need everyone's help to make this event a success!  Contact Nancy Ordway if you can volunteer to work the event, cook, donate auction items, or provide live music.  Proceeds benefit the Fellowship's operating expenses and our DrUUm Up Support Relay for Life Team.  Hope to see you all there!

News and Events for this week:

Kath Connor is taking orders for Standing on the Side of Love T-shirts today; they're currently on sale for 20% off their regular price of $20 for Adults and $15 for Youth sizes.  She'll be sending in the order Monday, so contact her ASAP if you want one.

Submissions for the February Newsletter and print Calendar are due one week from today, on January 19th.  Submit items to the Administrator/Newsletter mailbox in the Fellowship office or e-mail them to me.

We also need Adult Forum Leaders for February; contact me if you'd like to volunteer.

Monday evening, January 13th, Documentary Days continue at the Capitol 8 Theater with "Stories We Tell," shows at 5 and 7.

Also Monday evening at 5:30, a weekly exercise session is beginning at the Fellowship, and it's open to all.  Contact Gennifer Monteer.

Tuesday, January 14th at 4 pm, the Department of Peacebuilding meets at Missouri River Regional Library.  Contact Betty Cooper.

Tuesday evening at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library also hosts a talk on Pet Care from Dr. Gregory Popp.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Wednesday, January 15th at 6:30 pm, the Worship Service Committee meets at the Fellowship (this meeting was originally set for Monday and is rescheduled to Wednesday).  All are welcome to attend.

Also on Wednesday, there is a Call for Interfaith Action on Climate Change in honor of Martin Luther King; visit http://www.interfaithactiononclimatechange.org

Thursday, January 16th at 7 pm, Columbia Area NOW meets at the Hy-Vee Restaurant at Broadway and Fairview in Columbia.  Contact Sue Gibson.

At the same time, Thursday at 7 pm, Move to Amend has a report you can listen to by phone or online, this week discussing corporate espionage on activist groups.  See the online calendar (Community Events) or contact Sue Gibson for more information.

This Saturday, January 18th, the Unitarian Universalist Association's 30 Days of Love begin; visit http://standingonthesideoflove.org/

For more Yoga and events, see our Calendars.

Our services are cancelled today due to the heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures moving into the area.  Stay inside and warm if you can, and if you must go out, take extra precautions and stay safe!

Be alert for cancellations of the events we have scheduled for this week:

Guest At Your Table Donations were originally due today; presumably they're now due next Sunday.  Contact Kath Connor.

Laughter Yoga this afternoon is also CANCELED.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Monday evening, Documentary Days at Capitol 8 Movie Theater begin with "Dirty Wars" featuring journalist Jeremy Scahill.  Shows at 5 pm and 7 pm.  Betty Cooper is getting a group together to go to the 5:00 show and discuss afterward; contact her if you want to join them.

Wednesday, January 8th at 6 pm the UUFJC Board meets at the Fellowship.  All are welcome to attend.

Thursday, January 9th at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a talk by Mark Miles, director of the State Historic Preservation Office about historic buildings.  Contact Madeline Matson.

At the same time, Thursday at 7 pm, Move to Amend has another report you can listen to by phone or online, this week discussing the making of the film "Legalize Democracy."  See the online calendar (Community Events) or contact Sue Gibson for more information.

This Friday, January 10th at 7 pm is the monthly Reader's Eye Film.  This month's selection is "Persepolis" (which was cancelled last month), the animated story of a young woman's coming of age in Iran. Contact Sue Gibson.

Next Sunday, January 12th is the last day Roberta Dunkel is collecting clothes for foster care.  You can leave them in the box by the coat rack or talk to her for more information.

For more Yoga and events, see our Calendars.

Stay warm and safe!