This Sunday, our own Alexis Engelbrecht wrapped up our month of reflections on "Perseverance" with a message about the balance of perseverance and discernment.  Some of the paths we need to follow are indeed hard and uncomfortable and call for us to carry on in the face of adversity.  However, our desire for mission and meaning and our fear or guilt about quitting can tempt us to become stubborn and inflexible and limit ourselves.  Alexis suggested that, rather than committing inflexibly to a single course of action, we focus on the values toward which we can persist while being flexible.  We can honor the warning signs that come to protect us and others, and we can remember the UU insight that revelation is continuous.  Sometimes we may choose a wrong path, but if we learn from the mistakes and evolve, even the paths we abandon can become part of our continuing road toward our highest values.

Our March Newsletter and Calendar are now ready to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

Next Sunday, March 4th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Secret to Midcareer Success," Frank Rycyk
Professor Michael S. Malone observes that "star employees can rise only so far unless they develop social or 'secondary' skills."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "He Answers the Moon Because He Can See It," Rev. Mike Adamek
A man in a Hawaiian shirt is sitting on the California beach at night.  A companion questions him as they gaze at the moon, “Which is closer, the moon or New York city?”  He answers the moon because he can see it.  What we see is not always more real than abstract ideas.  We need to balance what our senses tell us about the world and the abstract ideas we need to understand the world. We will touch on Dark Matter and the loss of privacy in our exploration.
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 --- Balance and Justice (Holi, Hindu Festival of Colors, March 5th)

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The March newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available in the box on the wall near the entrance.  Electronic copies are available at the links above and will be available through our website tomorrow.

We are working on raising the money we need to replace the carpet in our Sanctuary.  If you would like to contribute, there is a gold box for donations on the table by the window where the entry hall leads into the sanctuary, or you can contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

Monday, February 26th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  See Katherine Connor for more information.

The FBI in association with local law enforcement agencies is hosting a Community Forum on Protecting Houses of Worship.  RSVPs are due this Thursday, March 1st, and the forum itself will take place Thursday, March 8th from 6-8 pm.  See the flier on the bulletin board for more information.

Beginning this Thursday, March 1st and continuing Tuesdays and Thursdays in March, Jan Harcourt will be holding a "Move for Fun and Health" class in our building from 11:45 am to 1 pm.  Contact Jan for details.

Community Events this week:

Monday, February 26th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Propagation & Care of Succulents, Including Cacti."  Master Gardener Ray Evans has years of experience growing and caring for all kinds of plants, but he has a special fondness for succulents. He will explain where to grow succulents and how to cultivate, propagate and maintain these fascinating plants. This is the program to attend if you’ve ever wondered why your Christmas cactus died or why the jade plant you’ve tended for years isn’t thriving. Learn from the expert.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Thursday, March 1st, a new class with Rev. Nancy TannerThies begins at Sapattu: "Possibility and Power: Admitting Who We Are - Claiming our Responsibilities."  This 8 month online class begins March 1st and runts through the end of October.  Cost: $145  ($25 non-refundable registration fee due at signup, remainder of fee due before April 1st.)  If you have any questions or would like a registration form, contact Rev. Nancy.

This Friday, March 2nd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film.  This month's selection: "Darkest Hour."  Within days of becoming Great Britain's Prime Minister, Winston Churchill faces a defining trial with the looming threat of Nazi invasion.  He stand firm and rallies his nation for the fight ahead.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Call Me By Your Name" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, 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 March Newsletter and Calendar are now ready to view or download:

Newsletter
Calendar

Sunday morning we gathered again after last week's unfriendly weather, and we continued our monthly theme of Perseverance with a message from Rev. Nancy TannerThies.  Nancy reminded us how challenging Perseverance can be in our daily lives -- those of us who do crafts may have embarrassing stashes of "UFOs" (UnFinished Objects), but most of us also know what it's like to try and try again to get something right or to stick with something that seems to give no return.  Rev. Nancy shared a list of seven qualities that lead to Perseverance: the ability to find meaning in our experiences, to be vulnerable and ask trusted others for help, to be supportive in how we relate to ourselves, to trust in uncertainty, to have a sense of humor, to maintain equanimity, and to keep things in perspective and practice gratitude.  However, Nancy suggested, even with all of that, Perseverance seems to require something more.  It is something deep in our core, she said, that can call us to persevere, and she invited us to listen inside ourselves for the perhaps-faint voice that "pulses with longing" even against the odds.

Next Sunday, February 25th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Congregational Study and Action," Betty Cooper
In January, our President Katherine Conner, sent a letter asking if anyone was willing to facilitate a congregational examination of the CSAIs (Congregational Study and Action Issues).  Katherine represents perseverance—a responsible vibrant leader seeking assistance for a worthwhile social justice issue, CSAI. The Congregational Study/Action Issue, currently is “The Corruption of our Democracy.”  Connected with the CSAI issue we will read ideas from Frances Moore Lappe’s books, Democracy’s Edge, and Getting A Grip.  

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Carrying On and the Art of Discernment," Alexis Engelbrecht
Description:Perseverance brings our hopes to life and accompanies living with intention. Sometimes, however, a U-turn or change in direction might be called for. This service will explore the relationship between discernment and perseverance.
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 --- "Perseverance and Laughter" (Purim)

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Sanctuary has a new look!  Members of our worship service committee and board have discovered that by using the space differently, we have room to welcome more people.  We're still working out the details, so let us know what you think.

Tomorrow, Monday, February 19th at 6:30 pm, a local Girl Scout troop meets at our building.  Contact Kim Connor.

The UUFJC Board meeting that had been announced for Sunday evening has been rescheduled to this Tuesday afternoon, February 20th at 2:30 pm in the Forum Room.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  See our president, Katherine Connor, for more information.

This Thursday, February 22nd, the local Transgender Support Group meets in our building at 7 pm.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, February 23rd is our regularly scheduled monthly Salvation Army work day.  However, one of our organizers is unavailable this month, and we don't yet know if we will be serving.  Please contact Jim Babb for updates.

Also this Friday, February 23rd, Citizens for Peace present their monthly peacebuilding documentary film at our building at 6 pm.  This month's selection: Tomorrow's Children: A Blueprint For Partnership Education In The 21st Century (2001).  Contact Betty Cooper.

This Saturday, February 25th, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meets in our building from 1:30 to 4:30 pm.  Contact Patt Behler.

Next Sunday, February 25th, a Soul Matters small group meets from 2 - 4 pm.  This group is now full; please contact Alexis if you would like to participate in future small group meetings in person or online.

And coming Monday, February 26th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  See Katherine Connor for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, February 22nd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a presentation on "Missouri in the Civil War."  Description:During the Civil War, only Virginia and Tennessee saw more action than Missouri. In their new book, The Civil War Missouri Compendium: Almost Unabridged, Joseph “Whit” McCoskrie and Brian Warren provide a chronological overview of more than 300 documented battles and engagements that took place in the state. They will discuss the research for their book and present maps that help visualize the conflict in Missouri and its overall influence on the western theater. Their book will be available for sale and signing.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents the Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts (Tuesday and Wednesday) and "Call Me By Your Name" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, 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!

This weekend offered us a reminder that our monthly theme, Perseverance, does not mean moving forward no matter what.  Sustainable perseverance requires us to use discernment and care to keep ourselves and others safe and well.

With that in mind, Sunday's services were canceled due to the wintry weather and dangerous road conditions.  We hope that everyone is safe and warm!  

Perseverance at a time like this means taking care through the storm and being there when the storm passes --- so, weather permitting, we hope to see you all next week!

Next Sunday, February 18th:

Newsletter Submissions Due.
Please submit your items for the March newsletter and print calendar to Laura Gilkey by e-mail ([email protected]) or in writing.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Special Guest Speaker Deanna Alonso; Frank Rycyk moderating
Deanna has kindly agreed to reschedule her forum appearance to next week.  She is Executive Director of the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association.  Her journey from homelessness to Executive Director well illustrates our monthly theme of "Perseverance."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Pulsing with Longing," Rev. Nancy TannerThies
Rev. Nancy will be exploring “how we move beyond intention again and again.”
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 --- "Perseverance and Kindness" (Random Acts of Kindness)

UUFJC Board - 6:30 pm
All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  For draft agenda and more information, contact our president, Katherine Connor.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Sanctuary has a new look!  Members of our worship service committee and board have discovered that by using the space differently, we have room to welcome more people.  We're still working out the details, so let us know what you think.

Monday, February 12th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month, Kristi Campbell, Director of the Cole County Health Department will speak about "The Flu: Myth and Reality."

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, February 13th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a discussion about Lincoln University’s Ethnic Studies Center.  Mark Schleer, archivist at Lincoln University, will discuss the Ethnic Studies Collection at Page Library on the LU campus. He will describe the development of the collection over the years, unique items in the collection, and how the collection supports LU’s academic program.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents the Oscar-Nominated Animated Short Films (Tuesday and Wednesday), and "I, Tonya" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, 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, Rev. Mike Adamek began exploring our Soul Matters theme for this month: Perseverance, and he asked an important question.  How do you tell the difference between the virtue of Perseverance and not-so-virtuous stubbornness or obsession?  Easy answers are difficult to find.  It is wise to ask ourselves why we persist, what makes our goals worth persisting toward --- but on the one hand any of us can convince ourselves that our motives are nobler than they are, and on the other hand even short-sighted motives can help us persevere toward worthy goals.  The best advice Rev. Mike could offer was to work at being honest with ourselves and especially at being open and receptive --- listening to the people around us, the world, and even the silence, allowing new truths to break in on us.  The things truly worth persevering for will survive the testing.

Next Sunday, February 11th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Special Guest Speaker: Deanna Alonso, Frank Rycyk moderating
Deanna is Executive Director of the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association. Her journey from homelessness to Executive Director well illustrates our monthly theme of "Perseverance."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: “Those Who Went Before – And Persevered”
This is the time of the year for reflecting on History and to learn more about our foremothers and forefathers, many of whom faced adversities.
Our UUFJC Worship Committee will share vital and inspiring information about some of the notable persons from the past, including how, through their perseverance, they contributed toward shaping and molding the world we live in today.

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 --- "Perseverance and Love" (Valentines)

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Sanctuary has a new look!  Members of our worship service committee and board have discovered that by using the space differently, we have room to welcome more people.  The pulpit and chalice table are now on the side of the room nearest the entrance and the forum room; the piano has not moved but will now be positioned behind most of the seats.  We're still working out the details, but most of the responses Sunday were positive.  If you haven't seen it yet, don't let it surprise you.  Open your mind and see what you think of it!

This Sunday we finished our annual Guest At Your Table donation drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee continues.  Visit uusc.org for more information, and contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, as soon as possible if you'd like to make a last-minute donation.

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteer Greeters.  If you would like to be the first friendly face people meet as they enter on Sunday mornings, please contact Bob Antweiler.

MidWest Leadership School is coming this summer, July 15th-21st in Decorah, Iowa.  Sponsored by our MidAmerica Region UUA, MWLS is "a weeklong intensive experience designed to engage participants in all aspects of leadership in a Unitarian Universalist faith community," with parallel programs for youth and for adults of all ages.  Alexis Engelbrecht and Laura Gilkey have attended in the past, if you want to know more about the experience.  The UUFJC Board is interested in providing financial assistance to attend.  Contact our board president, Katherine Connor, if you are interested.

This Wednesday, February 7th from 9 am - 2 pm, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has reserved our building for their Legislative Advocacy Day.  Contact Shanon Hawk with any questions.

This Thursday, February 8th at 7 pm, the American Association of University Women meets at our building, in the Forum Room.  This month's speaker will be Mrs. Ann Jarrett, the Teaching and Learning Director of the Missouri National Education Association.  Her topic will be "Teacher Recruitment and Retention Issues."  She'll also tell us about the latest on the issue of the MO. Board of Education and it's members.  AAUW meetings are open and the public is invited.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

At the same time, this Thursday, February 8th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group will also meet at our building, in the Sanctuary.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, February 9th at 7 pm, Capital Area Missouri NOW (National Organization for Women) presents their monthly film at our building.  For film selection and more information, contact Sue Gibson.

This Saturday, February 10th, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meets in our building from 1:30 - 4:30 pm.  Contact Patt Behler.

And!  Coming Monday, February 12th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month, Kristi Campbell, Director of the Cole County Health Department will speak about "The Flu: Myth and Reality."  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday, February 7th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Reel Life Cinema: "13th."  Director Ava DuVernay, who won multiple awards for her film “Selma,” explores the injustices of the U.S. prison system and what it reveals about racial inequality in America.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "I, Tonya" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, 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!