Today, retired reporter Bob Priddy visited the Fellowship to talk about the largest religious revival in Jefferson City history.  Invited by an alliance of what were then the four main Protestant Churches in town, a renowned revivalist preached for more than a month in 1915, urging repentance from such sins as drinking, cigarettes, card-playing and dancing.  The saloons in town closed for lack of customers, and attendance at the revival sermons sometimes exceeded the population of the entire town.  Reverberations of the event can still be felt today: some good, such as the formation of the local YMCA, others perhaps not so good.  Sermons against dancing seem quaint to most of us today, but we still live with the legacy of such puritanical moral ideals. 

Next Sunday, April 5th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Topic TBA, Jim Davis

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Flower Communion - Please Bring a Flower
Message: "The Universal Christian Message of Easter," Rev. Mike Adamek
Rev. Mike's Message: Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus was both fully God and fully Man in one person. What is universal about Jesus is not his godhood, it is not his resurrection as Christ, it is his paradoxically simple impossible message to everyone who had ears to hear.

Plus Children's RE with Kim Connor; Aide Needed!

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The April Newsletter and Print Calendar are ready!  Paper copies are in the back of the Sanctuary and electronic copies are available on request.

Our annual pledge forms are here!  See the April Newsletter or our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for a copy of the form and a letter from our Fellowship President, Katherine Connor.  Your pledges are very important for us as we draw up a budget for our activities in the coming year; your help is truly appreciated.

Any member interested in the position of RE Director is asked to please contact a member of the Nominating Committee: Bob Boldt, Kim Connor, or Frank Rycyk.

The books for the "Shared Pulpit" sermon seminar are in!  See Katherine Connor if you ordered a book.  If you didn't but still need one, it's available on Amazon Kindle and Google Play, or see Katherine for more information.

As a reminder, the Jefferson City Recorder Consort meets at our Fellowship on Tuesdays from 1-3 pm.  Their next meeting is this Tuesday, March 31st.  Anyone who plays recorder or would like to learn to play recorder is invited.  Contact Richard Parsons.

The First Friday Social for this Friday, April 3rd, has been CANCELED.

Community Events this week:

Monday, March 30th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts an Author Talk with Nina Furstenau.  Furstenau's culinary memoir, Biting Through the Skin: An Indian Kitchen in America's Heartland, has received glowing reviews for its literary quality and themes of identity as well as its sensual descriptions of food and cooking. The author was born in Thailand to Indian parents, grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas, served in the Peace Corps in Tunisia, and founded a publishing company with her husband. She teaches food and wine writing for the University of Missouri science and agricultural journalism program, and is also the author of Savor Missouri: River Hill Country Food and Wine.  Contact Madeline Matson.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Today, Rev. David Avery, a retired Disciples of Christ minister, visited our Fellowship to give us a talk about Light and Darkness.  So often, our language equates light with goodness and darkness with evil and fear (and what does that do to the way we view dark-skinned people?), but Avery encouraged us to embrace the gifts of darkness.  Visually, photographers and artists know that the light in an image would have no shape or meaning without darkness to contrast it and give it form.  Spiritually and personally, a "dark night of the soul" may be lonely and frightening, but it is through such journeys into the unknown that we grow as people.

Next Sunday, March 29th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Community Gardens and Sustainability," Jack Ryan and Bob Boldt, Heart of Missouri Gardens.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The Big Revival, 1915," Bob Priddy
Bob Priddy is a recently retired Associated Press reporter.   He will talk about the Big Revival, where an evangelical minister came to Jefferson City and inspired many people to swear off alcohol during his preaching.

Plus Children's RE; Volunteers Needed!

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Submissions for the April Newsletter and Print Calendar are due TODAY.  E-mail any last-minute items to Laura Gilkey ASAP.

This year's pledge forms are ready, along with a Stewardship Letter from our Fellowship President!  Please fill out a form and return it to our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.  This is very important for us as we draw up a budget for our activities in the coming year; your help is truly appreciated!

The "Shared Pulpit" sermon preparation group has been postponed while we wait for the books to come in.  Contact Katherine Connor for the latest updates and for information about the book.

Monday, March 23rd there will be a special Yoga workshop at the Fellowship at 5:30 pm.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Later Monday Evening at 6:30 pm, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Katherine Connor.

This Friday, March 27th at 4:30 pm is our monthly Salvation Army workday.  Contact Bob Antweiler if you can help prepare or serve food for those in need.

Later Friday evening at 7 pm at the Fellowship is the Last Friday Documentary film.  This month’s selection is from the documentary miniseries “Century of the Self” by Adam Curtis.  Contact Bob Boldt for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, March 26th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts the Lisa Rose Jazz Group.  Saxophonist Lisa Rose and guitarist Joel Anderson share the backdrop for an evening of jazz standards and bossa nova. Lisa brings 17 years of playing in and around the local jazz and blues scene in mid-Missouri. Originally from San Francisco, she arrived in the Heartland in 1998 to teach woodwinds to students of all ages and abilities and to follow her interest in learning more about the roots of jazz and blues. Lisa and Joel have been a regular duo at the Columbia Art League, and they perform at festivals, gallery openings, and other events throughout the state.  Contact Madeline Matson.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Sunday, Rev. Nancy brought us a message about "Intelligent Sensibility" --- about the challenge of opening ourselves to awe and mystery while also keeping a responsible grip on our critical faculties.  The senses, the intellect, and the realms of mystical experience can all be gateways to that awe and mystery, if we resist the temptation to armor ourselves against the unknown, if we listen carefully and broaden our awareness, and if we maintain the flexibility to incorporate new experiences and change our minds.

Next Sunday, March 22nd:

April Newsletter Submissions Due.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"End of Life Issues," Gale Fuller

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Learning to See in the Dark," David Avery
David Avery is a retired Disciples of Christ Minister.   His talk will discuss some of the positive aspects of darkness.  Inspired by some of his recent studies of photography, he will discuss the healing powers of darkness, relating the "power of the moon" with the "dark night of the soul".

Plus Children's RE with Kim Connor; Aide Needed!

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Submissions for the April Newsletter and Print Calendar are due one week from today, Sunday, March 22nd.  Contact Laura Gilkey.

We need Adult Forum Leaders for April.  Contact Laura Gilkey.

Pledge reports have been sent out.  If you haven't gotten yours or if you have questions, please contact Assistant Treasurer Don Love.

Would you be willing to give someone a ride to the Fellowship one Sunday a month?  We have several new and regular people who need rides; this is an important aspect of welcoming for our Fellowship!  Please contact Bob Antweiler if you can help!

Registration is now open for the UU MidAmerica Regional Assembly!  There’s an early bird discount available until tomorrow, March 16th.  The Assembly itself is April 17th-19th in Naperville, Illinois (near Chicago).  For more information visit midamericauua.org.

This Tuesday, March 17th at 7 pm at the Fellowship, Show Me Solar and Labadie Environmental Organization present “Coal Ash Chronicles,” a documentary film about the health and environmental impacts of coal ash waste.  Discussion will follow with the film maker and representatives of environmental organizations.  Contact Mollie Freebairn.

This Thursday, March 19th at 7 pm, the American Association of University Women hosts a Jefferson City School Board Candidate Forum at the Fellowship.  The public is invited.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

This Friday, March 20th at 6:30 pm at the Truman Hotel, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its Year+ Anniversary Dinner and Silent Auction.  The keynote speaker is Rev. Starsky Wilson, a co-chair of the Ferguson Commission.  Cost is $50 per person, and Katherine Connor and others have generously donated funds for UUFJC to have two tables, so if you can’t afford the ticket, talk to Katherine about reserving one of our seats, or ask her about buying a ticket yourself.  Katherine is also in charge of the silent auction and would welcome items to include.

We’re forming a small group to work with the book “The Shared Pulpit,” a course in sermon preparation for lay people.  The group will meet once or twice a month, with the first meeting tentatively scheduled for next Sunday, March 22nd.  Contact Katherine Connor for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, March 17th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts: "lluminating the Word: The St. John's Bible."  The St. John's Bible is the first handwritten and illuminated Bible in over 500 years. It was produced using the same methods and materials that monks in the Middle Ages used: each page handwritten by goose quill on vellum with bold, swirling initial letters and full-page color illustrations, some using gold foil to "illuminate the Word." Dr. Michael Farrall, a retired professor who lives in Columbia, became fascinated with the craftsmanship that went into this Bible's creation and began researching the methods, materials, and the artistic decisions that produced these magnificent works of art. His presentation will feature pages from a facsimile of the St. John's Bible as examples.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Thursday, March 19th at 7 pm, Columbia Area NOW (National Organization for Women) meets at the Hy-Vee Restaurant at Broadway and Fairview in Columbia.  Non-members and new members are welcome.  Contact Sue Gibson.

Starting April 1st, Sapattu will sponsor an online course entitled "Developing a Religion of One's Own."  This 7-month class will meet online about twice monthly.  Participants will explore their religious roots, spiritual journeys, current beliefs and ongoing questions.  The class will include assignments in the book "A Religion of One's Own" by Thomas Moore, suggested activities and additional material for reflection and discussion.  See flyers on the bulletin board in the back of the sanctuary, or contact Nancy Tanner-Thies.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Today, Dr. Serese Smith-Haxton, OB/GYN of Capital Region Medical Center, visited our Fellowship to talk about "Empowerment of Women."  In her work, she sees that most immediately in the area of healthcare, where she said women have more opportunity than ever to take charge of their health in critical ways.  Advances in technology allow earlier detection of cancers and other diseases, advances in research guide more efficient testing and treatment, and while online information sources must be carefully evaluated, the internet does put more information into women's --- and men's --- hands than ever before, empowering them to take a more active role in their own medical decisions and care.

Next Sunday, March 15th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"TBA," Leader Needed!

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Intelligent Sensibility," Rev. Nancy Tanner-Thies
Life is a mystery…one minute we are going about our business as if life were nothing special and the next we are face to face with profound, unfathomable, breathtaking Mystery.  Holding fast to our own religious freedom and the right to believe as we choose, we still have to deal with mystery; we still have some spiritual responsibility.  How do we cultivate an intelligent sensibility to the mystery?

Plus Children's RE with Katherine Connor; Aide Needed!

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC Board - 1:30
All are welcome to attend the board meeting.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Today's scheduled meeting of the UUFJC Board was postponed to next Sunday, March 8th, at 1:30 pm.  See above.

We need one more Adult Forum leader for March 15th or 22nd; contact Laura Gilkey.

Annual pledge reports have been sent.  Contact Assistant Treasurer Don Love if you haven't gotten your report or if you have questions.

There's still space on our Vision Board in the back of the sanctuary.  Please write in your ideas and dreams for our Fellowship's future!  Contact Kath Connor for more information.

We're forming a small group to work with the book "The Shared Pulpit," a course in sermon preparation for laypeople.  The group will meet once or twice a month, with a first meeting tentatively planned for March 22nd.  Contact Kath Connor for more information, and contact her ASAP if you want to order a paper copy of the book (also available in ebook formats).

Registration is now open for the UU MidAmerica Regional Assembly!  An early bird discount is available until March 16th.  The Assembly itself is April 17th-19th in Naperville, Illinois (near Chicago).  For more information, visit midamericauua.org.

The Worship Service Committee meets tomorrow, Monday, March 9th at 6:30 pm.  Contact Carol Bontempo.

The Transgender Support Group meets this Thursday, March 12th at 7 pm.  Contact Ari Morse.

This Friday, March 13th at 7 pm is the monthly Reader's Eye Film.  This month's selection is the British cult film and dark comedy "Withnail and I."  Contact Bob Boldt.

Later next Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the monthly Laughter Yoga session.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Community Events this week:

Citizens for Peace meet this Tuesday, March 10th at 4 pm, at Missouri River Regional Library in the Art Gallery.  Contact Betty Cooper.

This Wednesday, March 11th through Saturday, March 14th, Missouri River Regional Library and ABLE (Adult Basic Literacy Education) hold their annual Used Book Sale at St. Martins Knights of Columbus Hall.  This giant sale is always fun and full of great deals on a vast array of books, plus music, videos, and more!  Visit mrrl.org for directions and for each day's hours and prices.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Due to the wintry weather, today's services have been canceled.

Stay safe and warm!

Next Sunday, March 8th:

Daylight Saving Time Begins - Remember to "spring" your clocks forward!

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
TBA - Leader Needed!

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Empowerment of Women," Dr. Smith-Haxton
Dr. Smith-Haxton is an OB-GYN with Capital Region and also a singer and dancer.  She was featured in a recent issue of Her magazine.

Plus Children's RE with Barb Koenig.  Aide Needed!

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC Board - 1:30 pm
All are welcome to attend the Board meeting.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We need Adult Forum Leaders, including a leader for next week!  Contact Laura Gilkey.

We have a vision board in the back of the room and we’re asking everyone to write in their ideas for our Fellowship’s future!  Contact Kath Connor.

We’re forming a small group to work with the book “The Shared Pulpit,” a course in sermon preparation for lay people.  The group will meet once or twice a month, dates to be determined.  Contact Kath Connor for more information or to order a copy of the book.

Registration is now open for the UU MidAmerica Regional Assembly!  There’s an early bird discount available until March 16th.  The Assembly itself is April 17th-19th in Naperville, Illinois (near Chicago).  For more information visit midamericauua.org.

This Friday, March 6th, beginning at 5 pm is our First Friday Social.  A night of casual, off-budget fun with UUFJC friends.  Bring refreshments of your own or to share, enjoy music and games, or just hang out.  Contact Kath Connor.

Community Events this week:

This Friday, March 6th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents its First Friday Film.  Contact Madeline Matson for film selection and more information.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.