This Sunday, Andy Grizzle visited us again.  He concluded our Soul Matters theme for March, "Balance," with reflections on good and evil.  We UUs tend to focus on the good in ourselves and our Principles, but among our Six Sources are faith traditions and philosophies that also have a lot to say about evil.  Even after millennia, however, evil remains hard to define --- perhaps because, as Andy reflected, it seems to disappear the closer you get to it.  We're so intimate with our own motivations and those of our loved ones that it's difficult to see any of their actions as "evil;" we know the balance they're striking between their situation and their behavior.  "Evil," Andy argued, is a word we use to push hard choices comfortably away, a label we can only use when we are disconnected from the people involved.  By getting closer, we can engage with our community, with people's reality and their needs, and with our own uncomfortable imperfections.  As Andy concluded, if we're far enough away to see in black and white, we're not close enough to find balance.

Next week begins our Soul Matters theme for April: "Emergence."

Our April newsletter and print calendar are now ready.  Paper copies are available at our entrance, in the box on the wall near the coat rack.  Electronic copies are available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

Next Sunday, April 1st:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Evolving Self," Betty Cooper
In this session, we examine the ten ideas Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi provides in his book, The Evolving Self. as we develop and emerge into a “higher self,” needed to create the “Fellowship of the Future.”

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Easter: Emergence Means Rolling Your Stone Uphill," Rev. Mike Adamek, 
                 with Flower Communion
Emergence is not a temporary condition where you quickly transition from death to eternal life when someone else rolls away the stone. Emergence is a lifelong process where your consciousness changes in the daily intimate choices you make rolling your stone uphill.
If you’re able to , please bring a flower, or some other pretty blooming thing, like a Forsythia branch, from your garden or yard. We’ll share them with each other and you’ll go home with something different.  No yard or garden? No worries! We always have plenty to go around.
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 --- "Emergence as Birth and Rebirth - Easter"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual pledge drive has begun!  Thank you to everyone who supports UUFJC with their pledges, and thank you to those who submit their estimates of giving, it's a tremendous help to us in planning for the year ahead.  For pledge forms, Fair Share giving suggestions, and more information, contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

Monday, March 26th, Faith Voices will not be holding their regular monthly assembly.  Instead, they encourage people to attend the School Board Candidate Forum at 6 pm in Lincoln University’s SUC Ballroom.  See Katherine Connor.

This Friday, March 30th, Citizens for Peace present their monthly documentary film at 6 pm at our building.  This month's selection: "War on Democracy."  Contact Betty Cooper.

The Worship Service Committee meets next Sunday, April 1st at 5 pm.  Contact Jim Davis.

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday, March 28th, Missouri River Regional Library presents "The Art of Bonsai" at 7 pm, upstairs in the Art Gallery.  Members of the Mid-Missouri Bonsai Society will explain the history of this ancient art in which miniature trees are grown in containers. They will cover how to create your own specimen and tips for successful bonsai ownership.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool" (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 April newsletter and print calendar are now  available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

Sunday morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued exploring our monthly theme of Balance.  Often we think of "balance" in either-or terms, balancing this with that; you have your position, I have mine, and somehow we've got to come to a resolution.  This tendency toward either-or thinking and the desire for closure runs deep in our culture, but Rev. Nancy encouraged us to look toward interconnection and complexity: to listen, to give up the need to change each other or to find one right and permanent answer.  Sometimes the balance we need is an intermingling of complex feelings, an uncomfortable but vital state of tension.  Sometimes there is a resolution, but if we let go of chasing after it, if we try to dwell on the positives of what is, we can better find the balance to respond to each situation.

We also elected our Board of Directors for the 2018-2019 term.  The officers-elect will work with the outgoing board on next year's budget, then take office after our Annual Business meeting coming in May.  The incoming board members are:
President: Katherine Connor (continuing)
Vice-President: Frank Rycyk
Treasurer: Bob Antweiler (continuing)
Secretary: Lisa Sanning (continuing)
Director of Religious Education: Gennifer Monteer
Thank you to all of them for their willingness to serve, and best to them in the coming year!

Next Sunday, March 25th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Balanced Life," Betty Cooper
Freud stated that two life tasks need to be balanced—work and love.  Alan Loy McGinnis’ book, The Balanced Life: Achieving Success in Work and Love, expands on that idea.  McGinnis studied highly successful people asking them the secrets of their achievement.  He discovered that highly effective people lead a balanced life. From those interviews, he postulated the four laws of success:  Commitment, Discipline, Collaboration, and Adaptability.  Participants will discuss questions related to these four laws.  

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message by Andy Grizzle
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 of Life and Death" (Palm Sunday, March 25)

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual pledge drive has begun!  Thank you to everyone who supports UUFJC with their pledges, and thank you to those who submit their estimates of giving, it's a tremendous help to us in planning for the year ahead.  For pledge forms, Fair Share giving suggestions, and more information, contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

Registration is now open for the UUA’s annual General Assembly.  This year’s GA is close to home, in Kansas City, June 20th-24th.  Those who have attended GA in the past report an amazing and inspiring experience.  Financial aid is available through the UUA, and the UUFJC Board is also interested in helping members and friends attend.  See our March Newsletter for more information and talk to a board member if you’re interested in attending.

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

This Thursday, March 22nd, the local Transgender Support Group meets in our building.  Contact mbnut@hotmail.com.

This Friday, March 23rd is our monthly Salvation Army Meal.  Contact Jim Babb if you would like to help provide or serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

This Saturday, March 24th at 10 am, we will have a workday to clean up our office.  Helping hands are appreciated!  Contact Katherine Connor.

Later this Saturday, March 24th from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers meet in our building.  Contact Patt Behler.

Next Sunday, March 25th, a Soul Matters small group meets from 2-4 pm.  This gathering is now full.  Contact Alexis if you would like to participate in future gatherings in person or online.

Community Events this week:

Monday, March 19th, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "When the Mighty Mississippi Ran Backward: The Great New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-1812."  Presenter Jeff Briggs is the earthquake program manager for the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency. It’s his job to explain the earthquake risk in Missouri and help citizens take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe. He’ll show videos from earthquake hotspots and discuss the estimated impact of a big quake in mid-Missouri. Test your knowledge of earthquake trivia and win a prize!  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Winter's Bone" (Tuesday only) and "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool" (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, our own Alexis Engelbrecht continued exploring our monthly theme of Balance.  In physical endeavors such as ballet, striking acts of balance depend on a strong core in a very literal sense --- strong muscles in the center of the body.  Alexis said that the same holds true in a mental and spiritual way.  To keep our selves balanced in chaotic times is just as impressive and graceful as a dancer poised on one foot, and it just as surely requires a strong core, giving attention and effort to the values that are central for us.  These values can be different for everyone --- what values have lifted you to your peak experiences?  Which values were denied when you felt most frustrated?  What values must you honor or feel yourself wither inside?  To root ourselves in these values and stand firm is a radical act, one that not only strengthens us to endure, but allows us to become sources of strength and endurance for others.

Next Sunday, March 18th:

Newsletter Submissions Due.
Please submit your items for the April newsletter and print calendar to Laura Gilkey by e-mail (uufjc1@gmail.com) or in writing.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Balance Lost," Betty Cooper
The balance of individual and community is critical to sustaining democracy.  Parker J. Palmer in his book, Healing the Heart of Democracy, lists “Five Habits of the Heart that Help Make Democracy Possible.”  Those five habits will be discussed as we ask the question:  “Which of the five are most difficult to practice in today’s world?”

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Both And," Rev. Nancy TannerThies - PLUS UUFJC Election of Officers
Rev. Nancy will offer an exploration of unity, opposites and paradox as related to balance.
After services, we will elect incoming board members, who will work with their outgoing predecessors before taking office following our annual business meeting in May.  The nominating committee will offer a slate of nominees, and we will also be open to nominations from the floor.
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 Seasons" (Equinox, March 21)

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual pledge drive has begun!  Thank you to everyone who supports UUFJC with their pledges, and thank you to those who submit their estimates of giving, it's a tremendous help to us in planning for the year ahead.  For pledge forms, Fair Share giving suggestions, and more information, contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

Faith Voices for Jefferson City’s annual dinner and silent auction, originally scheduled for this Friday, March 16th, has been postponed.  Contact Katherine Connor for updates..

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.

Registration is now open for the UUA’s annual General Assembly.  This year’s GA is close to home, in Kansas City, June 20th-24th.  Those who have attended GA in the past report an amazing and inspiring experience.  Financial aid is available through the UUA, and the UUFJC Board is also interested in helping members and friends attend.  For more information visit UUA.org/GA.

Monday, March 12th, we will be having a workday to clean up our library starting at 1 pm.  Helping hands are appreciated.  Contact Katherine Connor.

Later Monday evening at 7 pm is our monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month, Stephanie Clark, a math instructor at Lincoln University and president of the faculty Senate, will speak on “women in math.”  See Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, March 13th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Antebellum South Through Reconstruction: An Author’s Journey."  Ed Protzel will discuss what he learned about slavery, post-Civil War politics and race relations while researching and writing the historical novels in his DarkHorse Trilogy, one of which is set in Civil War Missouri.  He will stress the Reconstruction period and how its effects still reverberate today.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Florida Project" (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 monthly Soul Matters theme for March: Balance.  Many of us might disagree with philosophies and faiths that tell us abstractions are the ultimate reality, more important than what we can grasp with our senses, but to say that perception is the ultimate reality is equally problematic --- especially as scientists learn how much of our universe is made of "Dark Matter" and "Dark Energy" that we cannot perceive but can surely deduce through the abstractions of math and science.  As we UUs continue our "free and responsible search for truth and meaning," let us balance perception with abstraction and doubt with openness.

Next Sunday, March 11th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Indivisible," Scott & Susan Randolph
Scott and Susan Randolph discuss the mission and goals of the "Indivisible Movement," a movement working to create positive change in the heart of Missouri and across the country.  

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Strengthening Our Core," Alexis Engelbrecht
Is balance truly desirable or even possible? Inspired by the metaphor of dance, in which there is always movement despite the appearance of stillness, let us consider alternatives to the common idea that to be balanced means that everything is in order and is being done well. Let us consider how we might strengthen what makes up our core  - or – in the words of Jim Wallis, how can we stay radically rooted “while remaining fully present in our current time?”.
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, Science and Math" (National Pi Day, March 14)

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Faith Voices for Jefferson City is holding its annual dinner and silent auction Friday, March 16th, and RSVPs are due this Thursday, March 8th.  Tickets are $50 per person.  UUFJC will have a table for 8 and extra seats if needed --- we appreciate donations toward seats whether or not you plan to attend, and if you would like to attend but can’t afford it, we will do our best to have a place for you.  If you would like to attend, please contact Katherine Connor by this Thursday.  If you would like to donate Silent Auction items, please contact Amy Rogers: faithvoicesjcmo@gmail.com or (573)418-6576.

We are also 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.

Registration is now open for the UUA’s annual General Assembly.  This year’s GA is close to home, in Kansas City, June 20th-24th.  Those who have attended GA in the past report an amazing and inspiring experience.  Financial aid is available through the UUA, and the UUFJC Board is also interested in helping members and friends attend.  For more information, visit UUA.org/GA

The UUA’s Commission on Appraisal is also seeking input on possible study topics, exploring larger issues that affect Unitarian Universalism.  They are seeking views from individual UUs through an online survey; please follow the link if you would like to contribute: UU Commission on Appraisal Study Topic Selection

We are moving to a new system for accessing the building.  You may have seen the push-button lock on the front door, and for those who will need to access the building, the board will now be giving out access codes rather than physical keys.  Keys still work on the other doors, but those locks are likely to be changed as well in the near future.  If you have questions or have physical keys you would prefer to turn in at this point, please see a member of the board.

This Thursday, March 8th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group meets in our building, in the Sanctuary.  For more information, contact mbnut@hotmail.com.

At the same time, this Thursday at 7 pm, the American Association of University Women also meets in our building, in the Forum Room.  This month's presentation: "What's Eating You? What Science Tells Us About Food, Weight and Health" by Nancy Ellis-Ordway, LCSW, PhD, plus news on the Association's recent and ongoing activities.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

This Saturday, March 10th at 1:30 pm, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meets at our building.  Contact Patt Behler.

The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, March 11th at 6:30 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Contact our president, Katherine Connor.

Coming Monday, March 12th, we will be having a workday to clean up our library starting at 5:30 pm.  Helping hands are appreciated.  Contact Katherine Connor.

Later that evening, Monday March 12th at 7 pm is our monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month, Stephanie Clark, a math instructor at Lincoln University and president of the faculty Senate, will speak on “women in math.”  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

Community Events this week:

A civil rights prosecutor speaks in Columbia and Jefferson City this week.  Jim Turner, a Missouri School of Journalism alum (1952), was a prominent attorney in the U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division for about three decades.  He prosecuted the KKK for killing activist Viola Liuzzo, one of the saints of the Civil Rights era.  A Unitarian from Detroit, she drove down to Alabama to participate in the Selma-Montgomery march.  Liuzzo was murdered the evening after MLK Jr.’s triumphant speech at the conclusion of the Selma-Montgomery march in March 1965.  Turner has a new book about the case titled Selma and the Liuzzo Murder Trials and published by University of Michigan Press in January.  He will speak at the MU Law School, Room 5, Tuesday, March 6th at 1 pm.  Then Wednesday, March 7th, at Journalism/RJI, Smith Forum, Room 200 at 6:30 pm.  On Thursday, March 8, he will speak at 1 pm at Lincoln University’s Page Library in Jefferson City.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Florida Project" (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!