View or download our February News:

Newsletter
Calendar

Sunday morning we held another "This UU Life" service, in which members explored how they had "awakened" from beliefs they once held into beliefs they hold now.

Bob Boldt shared experiences from his youth in the '50s that taught him the importance of honoring his own moral compass and questioning authority.

Sharon Morgan shared how her relationship with prayer has developed again and again in the course of her life.  She said that prayer felt good to her even when she awakened to her own non-belief in God, but she still searched for what prayer could be authentically for her.  Now, she said, it's not about who or what she prays to; prayer is an act of centering and connecting with her better self.

Dwight Politte shared the maxim "Progress, not Perfection."  He had awakened to his own bad habit of holding himself back by holding himself and the possibilities for community around him to impossible standards --- an awakening that helped him re-connect with our own Fellowship.

In closing, Alexis reminded us that the importance of Awakening goes beyond the "ah-ha!" moment.  The true gift and challenge of Awakening is to live out what we learn.

Next Sunday, February 5th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Imagining the Future," Laura Gilkey
Science Fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson shares ways sci-fi authors envision possible futures and considers possible futures after capitalism.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Sails and Ballast: Exploring New Worlds," Rev. Mike Adamek
Horace Greeley, a New York newspaper editor and publisher [and Universalist], used to say that liberals were the sails for any society and conservatives were the ballast.  Like any sailing ship, a well functioning society needs both.  But as a liberal, Greeley knew that it is the people who see and pursue what is possible, who leave port and sail to destinations that others had never considered, because no one knows what is possible until you move toward what you imagined as possible.
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The February newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available by the entrance and electronic copies are available here: Newsletter, Print Calendar.

The Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers willing to serve UUFJC on next year’s board.  If you’re interested, please talk to one of the committee members: Carol Bontempo, Betty Cooper, or Lisa Sanning.

Our Salvation Army work group is re-thinking when they will be serving meals.  If you would like to have input or stay in the loop, contact Bob Antweiler.

The Worship Service Committee meets next Sunday, February 5th at 1:30 pm.  Contact Alexis.

Also next Sunday afternoon, Capital Area NOW will be meeting at the Fellowship at 2 pm.  Contact Sue Gibson.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, January 31st, Missouri River Regional Library presents a program on Home Care.  Often families don’t think about what’s involved in keeping a loved one at home once care needs begin to increase. Other times families are ill-informed or have misconceptions about arranging for and paying for home care.  This interactive session, moderated by Mary Schantz, former executive director of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care, and featuring Heather McCreery, elder law attorney with Turnbull and Stark, representatives from the State Veterans Administration, and the Area Agency on Aging will provide information and answer questions.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, February 3rd, MRRL will present their First Friday Film.  For film selection and more information, contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Groundhog's Day" (Thursday only).  For showtimes and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Sunday  morning, we continued to explore our monthly theme of "Awakening" with the help of Maridee Edwards, who shared her experiences of awakening in Buddhism.  Learning about Buddhism as a teenager "awakened" her to the possibilities of different religious paths and of forging her own path.  Later, joining a Buddhist chanting group awakened her to a deep experience of unity with others.  And Buddhism calls her into the daily awakenings of mindfulness practice.  Maridee described mindfulness as "paying attention in a particular way in the present moment, without judgment," and she led us in an experience of mindfully eating grapes and pieces of clementine oranges.

You can experience this for yourself.  Next time you're eating something, take a moment to look at it and feel it in your hand.  Slowly bring it to your mouth and look at it as it comes closer to you.  Notice its scent.  Notice how it feels on your lips.  When you put it in your mouth, take a moment to lower your hand --- do each step fully before moving on to the next step.  Chew slowly, noticing the texture and taste, noticing your own reactions.  One of the members at the service said she'd been eating clementines all winter but hadn't really tasted one until this!

Next Sunday, January 29th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Hunting's New Controversy: Snipers," Frank Rycyk
New long-range shooting systems measure distance, determine wind effect, and fire high-powered ammunition.  Some say that this takes unfair advantage of the game animal.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "This Unitarian Universalist Life: I Used to Believe"
Members and friends will share prepared reflections regarding experiences that “awakened” them to new possibilities or ideas. As always, special readings and music will be part of this UU Life service.
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

Potluck Lunch after service --- please bring a favorite dish!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers willing to serve UUFJC on next year’s board.  If you’re interested, please talk to one of the committee members: Carol Bontempo, Betty Cooper, or Lisa Sanning.

Monday, January 23rd at 6:30 pm, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  See Katherine Connor for more information.

The Transgender Support Group meets this Thursday, January 26th at 7pm.

This Friday, January 27th, our monthly Salvation Army meal is canceled.  We are re-thinking our schedule for these meals going forward; contact Bob Antweiler if you would like to have input or stay in the loop.

Friday evening at 7 pm is the monthly Last Friday Documentary film.  For film selection and more information, contact Cinthy Wilcox.

Community Events this week:

Camryn is selling Girl Scout Cookies.  Contact Kim Connor.

This Tuesday, January 24th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts an Author Talk by R.M. Kinder.  Music is the heartbeat of Kinder’s new novel, The Universe Playing Strings, which focuses on the world of four hometown musicians. Kinder is professor emerita of literature and creative writing for the University of Central Missouri. Her previous novel, An Absolute Gentleman, was the 2008 Capital READ.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Seasons" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Our services Sunday were canceled due to the risk of icy roads.  Hope you were all safe and warm and hope to see you next Sunday.

Next Sunday, January 22nd:

February Newsletter Submissions Due.
Please submit your items to Laura Gilkey by e-mail or in writing.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Awakening to the Good Life," Betty Cooper
A discussion of Siddhartha, the Buddha's story.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Moments of Awakening in My Buddhist Practice & the Grace of Mindfulness," Maridee Edwards
Moments of awakening for me occur most when I am consistent in my Buddhist practice. Meditation, chanting, and mindfulness practices have been helpful to see the beauty of the world and be in harmony with others.
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC Board - 1:30 pm (tentative)
All are welcome to attend the board meeting.  Contact Katherine Connor.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers willing to serve UUFJC on next year’s board.  If you’re interested, please talk to one of the committe members: Carol Bontempo, Betty Cooper, or Lisa Sanning.

The Art Committee is seeking interesting and unusual wreaths for their next exhibit.  The date to bring the wreaths has been pushed back to next Sunday, January 22nd.  Wreaths should be ready to hang . Please leave them in the office by the end of the service. We would like for each to add a paper with name, and a comment about their wreath or a short poem that is applicable.  Contact Art Committeeco chairs Roberta Dunkel or Patt Behler for more information.

This Thursday, January 19th, the American Association of University Women meets at the Fellowship at 7 pm.  Mrs.  Ann Jarrett from the Missouri Education Association will present "Grow Your Own Teachers."  This is a program that the Columbia public schools have  adopted.  Please come to hear new and inventive ideas in education.  For additional information, contact Charlotte Parsons.

Community Events this week:

Camryn is selling Girl Scout Cookies.  Contact Kim Connor.

This Thursday, January 19th at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Then and Now: Missouri Wines’ Impressive Impact."  Christa Holtzclaw, marketing specialist for the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, will cover the timeline of the Missouri wine industry as well as its growth and current state.  Contact Madeline Matson.

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

Next Sunday, January 22nd is the 7th Annual Music Teachers Recital at 3 pm at First Christian Church.  Free Admission.  Our own Ruth Robertson will perform; contact her for more information or visit http://www.mmamta.org/.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "A Man Called Ove" (Monday only) and "Seasons" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Tomorrow's service is canceled due to the weather and the risk of icy road conditions.

Please stay safe and warm!

Sunday morning, Rev. Mike continued exploring this month's theme of "Awakening."  Awakening is an element in many religious experiences, and Mike explored what it means in particular to him as a Unitarian Universalist.  Christian forerunners of our movement in 18th century America argued against the dramatic conversions of the "Great Awakening" happening then, saying that awakening could take many forms, including slow, patient work and study.  Today UUs continue to embrace a diversity of awakenings.  For many of us, Buddhist concepts of awakening speak to us more deeply, the awakeness of letting go, moving beyond the pain of attachment and into compassion for all sentient beings.

Rev. Mike described a series of awakenings that he experienced throughout his life, some born in wonder, others in pain.  Some he'd already known long before he woke to them --- gnawing feelings that suddenly bit hard.  He described "Awakening" as "what gives you clarity of thought and directs you in purposeful action," perhaps a "step toward liberation" when you accept truth you may have been hiding from.  Awakening, he said, is not a single event, but a process that continues throughout life.

Next Sunday, January 15th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"What the Dakota Pipeline May Really Be About," Frank Rycyk
North Dakota Congressman Kevin Cramer presents some different ideas.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Wake Up! Stand Tall!" Rev. Nancy TannerThies
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We will be holding a Writing for Worship Workshop on Sunday, January 22nd from 1:50 to 4:30 pm.  Alexis has organized some of the most helpful activities and information from both "The Shared Pulpit" and "This I Believe" for those interested in preparing reflections for a service.  These workshops also provide excellent ways to get to know each other better, so even if you don't necessarily want to be part of a service, you are welcome to attend!  Those who have attended past workshops are also welcome.  RSVP to Alexis no later than this Wednesday, January 11th.

The Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers willing to serve UUFJC on next year’s board.  If you’re interested, please talk to one of the committe members: Carol Bontempo, Betty Cooper, or Lisa Sanning.

The Art Committee is seeking interesting and unusual wreaths for their next exhibit.  We are asking that members, friends and visitors who want to loan wreaths for the display to bring them to the Sunday worship service on January 15th.  Wreaths should be ready to hang . Please leave them in the office by the end of the service. We would like for each to add a paper with name, and a comment about their wreath or a short poem that is applicable. The exhibit will last about two months.  Thank you so much. Then we will be putting them up beginning at 2 pm on that Sunday afternoon. Art Committee members who can help are invited! Contact co chairs Roberta Dunkel or Patt Behler for more information.

Monday, January 9th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month’s talk is entitled “Sandy Hook Promise,” by Susan Cook-Williams, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

The Transgender Support Group meets this Thursday, January 12th at 7 pm.

This Friday, January 13th at 7 pm is the monthly Reader’s Eye Film.  Contact Cinthy Wilcox for film selection and more information.

The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, January 15th at 1:30 pm.  All are welcome to attend the board meeting.  Contact Katherine Connor.

Later next Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the monthly Laughter Yoga session.  Free and open to all.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, January 10th at 4 pm, Citizens for Peace meet at Missouri River Regional Library upstairs in the Storyhour Room.  Contact Betty Cooper.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "A Man Called Ove" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Happy New Year!  Appropriately enough for this day of a new beginning, our New Years Day service Sunday morning was our annual Fire Communion.  Like the phoenix of legend and fantasy, sometimes we need to burn away the things that hold us back before we can shine in our true glory.  Members and friends privately wrote the things they wanted to let go of on special paper, then lit the paper from a candle and let it vanish in a burst of flames.*

What ragged phoenix feathers do you need to shed?  Imagine letting them go in a burst of brilliance and letting your light shine forth.

(*We used magician's flash paper.  Don't worry, everyone was safe and had fun.)

Next Sunday, January 8th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Stroke of Insight," Laura Gilkey
In a TED talk, brain scientist Jill Bolte Taylor shares an experience of a stroke that nearly took her life but awakened her to a new understanding.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Hiding from the Truth," Rev. Mike Adamek
Our theme this month is Awakenings.  My most memorable awakenings have occurred when I woke from my repression.  Repression, a process which can not be proved, is psychologically hiding from some truth in your life.  It is something that others do not do to us but what we do to ourselves. Awakening is the first step toward liberation.
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The January newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available by the entrance and electronic copies are available on request.

The Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers willing to serve UUFJC on next year’s board.  If you’re interested, please talk to one of the committe members: Carol Bontempo, Betty Cooper, or Lisa Sanning.  Betty is planning a lunch to discuss officer nominations this Thursday, January 5th; contact her if you would like to come.

The Art Committee is seeking interesting and unusual wreaths for their next exhibit.  See one of the committee co-chairs, Patt Behler or Roberta Dunkel.

The Worship Service Committee meets next Sunday, January 8th at 1:45 pm.  Contact Alexis.

Coming Monday, January 9th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month’s talk is entitled “Sandy Hook Promise,” by Susan Cook-Williams, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity.

Community Events this week:

This Friday, January 6th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents their First Friday Film: "Sully."  Clint Eastwood directs and Tom Hanks stars as US Airways Captain Chesley Sullenberger, who made a miracle landing on the icy Hudson River with no engine power, saving 155 lives. This film also explores the NTSB investigation afterward, which challenged the captain’s decision making.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "A Man Called Ove" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week and here's wishing you a blessed 2017!