This Sunday we were joined by Rev. Dottie Mathews, associate minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Columbia, Missouri.  She had recently been on a learning journey in El Salvador, listening to the stories of those living with the violence there.  Years ago, Rev. Dottie said, she had heard news reports about the US government's intervention in those countries, but she didn't look into it deeply.  Now she is working to know better and do better, to move past fear-inducing stereotypes about places like El Salvador to come close to the experiences of the real people there, people who live surrounded by soldiers, guns, and barbed wire, who carry the scars of horrific violence and who sometimes flee because they have no other choice, but who nonetheless live and work and love their country.

Rev. Dottie's central conclusions were these:
That people who have suffered need to tell their stories and to be heard.
That compassion cannot be uninquisitive; that we must look deeply into our own nation's role and the benefits that have come to us from what happened.
And that we are all capable of violence - that the perpetrators are scarred human beings as well.

Today was also the next-to-last Sunday of our annual our Guest At Your Table observance to highlight and support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  Today, Alicia White told us about how the UUSC partners with grassroots organizations and women community leaders in Central America in working to end gender-based violence and secure human rights for all.

Next Sunday, March 1st:

Guest At Your Table Ends.
Please submit any donations to support the UUSC to our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.  You can also learn more about the UUSC's work or donate at any time at UUSC.org.

UUFJC Pledge Drive Begins.
Estimating your support for this year is a great help to us in planning our Fellowship's future!  Contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"MSP History," Mark Schreiber
Schreiber will describe the historical development of theories of corrections and rehabilitation.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Wisdom is the Optimum Blend of Knowledge and Experience," Rev. Mike Adamek
Wisdom, while it is a goal, it is more a journey with many paths which endlessly beckon us on. We will explore one such journey from our religious heritage.
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 Wisdom of Simplicity"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our March newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available in the box near the coat rack.  Electronic copies are now ready to view or download: Newsletter, Calendar

Tomorrow, Monday, February 24th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at a new time and location: 6 pm at Joshua House Church.  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff:
[email protected]

This Friday, February 28th is our monthly Salvation Army Meal.  Please contact Rick Andris or Bob Antweiler if you can help provide and serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

Later this Friday, February 28th, the Buddhist Center is holding a Trivia Night Fundraiser at McClung Park.  There will be at least one unofficial UUFJC table among the competitors; for more information or to join in, contact Bob Antweiler.

Next Sunday, March 1st, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, February 25th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Music in the Library with The Second Baptist Church Inspirational Choir.  For more than 50 years, The Second Baptist Church Inspirational Choir has provided the gift of song to members of Jefferson City’s historic African American congregation. Under the direction of music minister Barbara Burgess, the 30-member choir will provide an evening of music in the gospel tradition.  The Church’s origin is 1859 with early slave worshippers; with the growth of the congregation, the membership chose the name Second Baptist Church in 1865. The present membership includes seven generations from Maggie Henderson, who was one of the organizers of the early Church.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Harriet" (Wednesday only) and the Academy Award Winning "Parasite" (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!

This morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflections on Resilience.  Those of us who are relatively privileged can admire the resilience of our neighbors of color and other deprivileged identities.  We may have learned important lessons about personal resilience for ourselves, but how can we become part of a broader resilience?  Rev. Nancy drew inspirations from Resilient Agriculture, which focuses on local context, mixed methods, robustness, adaptability, and transformability.  To adapt and transform, we must let go of our resistance and embrace needed change.  We must also work against the polarization that can break down the social trust we need to adapt together.  Rev. Nancy pointed to Martin Buber's 1952 speech "Hope for this Hour;" in another polarized time, Buber called on people to be critical of how disagreements are framed and to see others as individuals, not merely members of opposing groups to be automatically distrusted.  We are all needed to add our part to building a diverse, robust, transformable community and society.

We also continued our Guest At Your Table observance in support of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  Today, Alicia White told us about the UUSC's support for women leaders and grassroots activists working for the rights of the oppressed Rohingya people of Myanmar.  We will be collecting Guest At Your Table donations Sunday, March 1st, and you can learn more or donate at any time at UUSC.org.

Next Sunday, February 23rd:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Peace is Possible," Betty Cooper
Paul Harris founded Rotary in 1905; he was a proponent of peace and peace education.  From the founding onward, the organization has sought ways to be peace activists.  Rotary International, partnered in creating UN and recently is in partnership with Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) and the War Prevention Initiative, which publishes the “Peace Science Digest.”  In 2012, Rotarian Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) was created.  An essay for the group’s program, “Peace is Possible,” was written by Dr. Paula Fellingham, a committee member of RAGFP.  The discussion will focus on parts of Paula’s essay and the mission of “Peace Science Digest.”

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Grappling with our History," Rev. Dottie Mathews
We invite you to join Rev. Dottie Mathews, Affiliated Community Minister with the UU Church of Columbia, as she shares some of what she experienced and learned during her very recent immersive solidarity trip to El Salvador.   Dottie is active in the cause of migrant justice locally and nationally and is eager to return to UUFJC and discuss ways we can join forces with all who long to be more effective allies and accomplices for justice across the globe.
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 --- "Finding Resilience through The Earth"

UU Ethics Small Group - 2 pm.
Please RSVP to Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, November 17th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

This Tuesday, February 18th at 7 pm, Patt Behler hosts the unofficial “Off-Deck” Discussion Group for UUFJC members and friends.  This month’s topic: “Brainstorming.”  Contact Patt for location and more information.

This Saturday, February 22nd, Alexis will lead a group in creating felt and paper flowers for a special evening service in March.  For more information or to RSVP, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Art & Culture Series #2: Young Picasso" (Tuesday only), " IndieLens PopUps: Always in Season" (Wednesday only), and "The Song of Names" (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!

This morning, we continued exploring our monthly theme of Resilience with reflections on part of what we're up against.  We shared a sermon that Rev. Marlin Lavanhar of All Souls Unitarian in Tulsa, Oklahoma gave in 2016, in the wake of a police killing of a black member of the Tulsa community.  Lavanhar discussed the many destructive ways in which racism is embedded in our society; not for nothing has it been called the USA's "Original Sin."  Moving away from it requires more than just changes in laws, it requires slower and more arduous changes in culture and in hearts, including our own.  Lavanhar suggested that if we recognize the wave of change that is happening in our time, if we don't vilify those who disagree but focus on learning, re-wiring, and healing together, we can lift our tragic losses into sacredness and move toward new life, toward the shape of justice.

If you missed it (or would like to hear it again), you can view the sermon online (Warning: the video contains disturbing images of racist violence.)

We also continued this year's Guest At Your Table program in support of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  This week, Alicia White highlighted indigenous women activists from low-lying island countries.  The UUSC is supporting their work for climate justice as their homes are threatened with destruction.  For more information, take one of the Guest At Your Table booklets available at the Fellowship or visit UUSC.org.

Next Sunday, February 16th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Nuclear Energy," Marvin Feldman

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: 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 --- "Finding Resilience through Our Humor"

"This I Believe" Small Group - 2 pm.
This month's theme: "Resilience."  Contact Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Many thanks to everyone who helped with and attended our annual Chili Supper yesterday evening!  Thanks especially to organizers Bob Antweiler, Alberta Mobley, and Alicia White.  Congratulations to champion chefs Stu Dunkel and Tim Mobley.  Early estimates are that we raised over $1,000 to support our Fellowship, so thanks again to everyone!

We are still looking for people to help continue our monthly Salvation Army meals, which resume this month.  If you can help provide and serve food for those in need, please contact Rick Andris or Bob Antweiler.

This Thursday, February 13th, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets in our building.  This month's presenter: Christine Nobbe,  Director of Gifted Education, DESE.  Free and open to the public.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

Next Sunday, February 16th, our Worship Service Committee meets 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.  

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, February 11th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts an Author Talk with NiNi Harris.  NiNi Harris has researched and written 14 books on St. Louis history and architecture. She will discuss This Used to be St. Louis, taking a look at the layered history of the city from the French colonial era and the Civil War to the waves of immigrants who came to the state from all over the world and the great migration from the South that brought rural African Americans and whites to the city. St. Louis’s distinctive ethnic neighborhoods, its architectural and cultural heritage, its entrepreneurial spirit, and its many industries and businesses all contributed to the texture of this major U.S. city. Her book will be available for sale and signing after the program.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Wednesday, February 12th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents: "Reel Life Cinema: GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II."  This documentary tells the story of the 550,000 Jewish men and women who served in World War II—as active participants in the fight against Hitler, bigotry and intolerance. Jewish Americans fought on two fronts: for America and for Jews worldwide. Like all Americans, they fought against fascism, but they also fought on a more personal fight—to save their brethren in Europe. In the midst of it all, they battled anti-Semitism within the ranks of the U.S. military, facing slurs and violence from their fellow service members. The film features interviews with WWII veterans including Mel Brooks, Bea Cohen and Carl Reiner.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Fantastic Fungi" (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!

Don't forget our annual Chili Supper this Saturday, February 8th at 5:30 pm!  Come enjoy food, live music, chair massage, raffle, and more!  Tickets are $10 for adults; children 6 and under enter free.  Spread the word and bring friends!

This Sunday, Rev. Mike Adamek joined us to begin our month of reflection on Resilience.  Resilience, he said, is having the maturity to let go of situations and relationships that aren't working and start again, to get back up even after being smashed flat.  Deep down, it's the ability to accept and respond to the world as it is, rather than clinging to how we wish it was.  A key factor is how we respond to fear.  Do we fear a future of loss and paint all of life in bleakness and scarcity, or do we open ourselves to the possibility of a future where problems are solvable and we are loved?

This week, we also began the annual Guest At Your Table initiative to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in their work for human rights and connections with grassroots partners throughout the world.  This year's theme is "Women Leaders, Strong Communities."  For the next four weeks, Alicia White will be sharing stories about the UUSC's work.  You are invited to take home a brochure and donation box, and we will collect the donations on Sunday, March 1st.  For more information, contact Alicia or visit uusc.org.

Next Sunday, February 9th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The History of Nuclear Energy," Marvin Feldman

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: To Be Announced
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 --- "Finding Resilience through Each Other"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Annual Chili Supper is coming this Saturday, February 8th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  We are still looking for more chefs to provide chili, soups, and baked goods, and more silent auction items  We have a sign-up sheet for volunteers near the entrance, plus tickets you can sell and fliers to spread the word.  Tickets are $10 for adults; children 6 and under enter free.  Come enjoy food, live music, chair massage, raffle, and more!  Contact Bob Antweiler, Alberta Mobley, or Alicia White.

We are still looking for people to help continue our monthly Salvation Army meals, which resume later this month.  If you can help provide and serve food for those in need, please contact Rick Andris or Bob Antweiler.

This Thursday, February 6th at 7 pm at First Baptist Church, Capital Area Interfaith Alliance and First Baptist Church  invite you to a special program about the work being done by Familia Cristiana Internacional Baptist Church and the El Puente Hispanic Ministry, each tending to the needs of the growing Hispanic/Latino population in Cole and Moniteau Counties.  Presenters: Pastor Noah Angel and Sister Guadalupe Ruiz.  Includes time for Q&A.  Contact Frank Rycyk for more information.

Also this Thursday, February 6th at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building.  Contact Susan Randolph.

Next Sunday, February 9th, the UUFJC Board meets at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Contact our President, Katherine Connor.  

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, February 4th at 7 pm in Missouri River Regional Library's Art Gallery, the LU-MRRL Lecture Series presents:: “'I’m Your Person': Television Narrates Female Friendships in the Workplace."  Dr. Kathleen M. Turner Ledgerwood, assistant professor of English, will analyze the historical movements of television portrayals of women in the workplace. She will consider shows that portray the only woman in a male-dominated workplace, like The Mary Tyler Moore Show; to women working as partners in the workplace, like Laverne and Shirley and Cagney and Lacey; to important depictions of healthy female friendships in the workplace, like Grey’s Anatomy and Parks and Recreation.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, February 7th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film: "Harriet."  Based on the inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary story of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Haunted by memories of those she left behind, Harriet ventures back into dangerous territory on a mission to lead others to freedom. She risks capture and death to guide hundreds to safety as one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad, defying impossible odds to change the course of her life and the fate of the nation.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more Library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents various programs of Oscar-Nominated Shorts (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!