Our April Newsletter is now available to view or download:
UUFJC April 2020 Newsletter
(No print calendar this month)

Bit by bit, we muddle toward a new normal and recover bits of our old normal.  This morning our Adult Forum returned with a stimulating discussion about seeking positive solutions in the current crisis, and, in late-breaking news not included in the newsletter, our Forum Coordinator, Frank, is back on the job, and we hope that many of our already-scheduled Forum topics can be discussed as planned via Zoom.

We were also invited again to online services with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia.  UUCC minister Rev. Molly Housh Gordon shared the reading "Choose to Bless the World" by Rebecca Parker, but approached that blessing in what at first seemed a strange way.  This is no time to sweep our feelings under the rug, to bottle them up to corrode or explode.  Rev. Molly invited us to own the anger we feel at the present situation, to shout it out or proclaim a curse upon it --- but then, she called us to breathe deeply and realize that anger and fear are the guardians of what we love and hope for.  Every "NO" we shout is in defense of a "YES" that we yearn for.  Rev. Molly called us to enter that yes, enter that love, enter "an act of recognition, a confession of surprise, a grateful acknowledgment that in the midst of a broken world unspeakable beauty, grace and mystery abide" --- to enter the place where we can choose to bless our world.

Next Sunday, April 5th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Poetry," Bob Boldt
You are invited to bring a poem to read aloud to the group, whether a poem you have written yourself or a favorite poem by another author.  Introduced and moderated by Bob Boldt.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 652 714 556
Password: 988270   
https://zoom.us/j/652714556?pwd=dGl5WUtCd0JUcUpXZzBGU1c0Mkd1dz09
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,303350454# US (Chicago)
Phone
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Find your nearest phone number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo

UUCC Online Services - 10:30 am
The UUFJC Worship team is working on online services.  In the meantime, we have been invited to online services by our neighbors at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia:
These services will be offered via Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianUniversalistChurchOfColumbiaMO/?eid=ARCFLwfOPhvNekpA6bZuhuMke8zRihU5cX37pHO0Ig0hKx3TtbHgCgOx6CG-2K9kJWv-gRxpo4lI5kdW
And via Zoom:
Join Zoom Webinar:
Webinar ID: 380 411 489  
https://zoom.us/j/380411489
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,303350454# US (Chicago)
Phone
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Find your nearest phone number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo

UUFJC News and Events this week:

As we try to find new ways to come together, we still need financial support, even without Sunday offering baskets.  To support UUFJC, please mail your pledges and contributions to:
UUFJC
Attn: Treasurer
PO Box 1245
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Thank you for being with us and supporting us!

We are also still in our annual pledge drive.  We ask everyone who is able to estimate their financial support for the coming year so that we can plan our Fellowship’s future.  Contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler at [email protected].

Starting this Wednesday, April 1st at 2 pm, Laura Gilkey is hosting a weekly virtual book club for UUFJC members and friends via Zoom.  We will be starting on our selected book: Silas Marner by George Eliot.  We will be listening to the book with accompanying text during meetings --- there is no "homework;" you do not have to read the book on your own.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 957 765 341
Password: 032766  
https://zoom.us/j/957765341?pwd=TyswaWQvV0tLQy9rVlp5bTd0TWxlQT09
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,303350454# US (Chicago)
Phone
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Find your nearest phone number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo  

Starting this Thursday, April 2nd at 5:30 pm, Katherine Connor will be hosting a weekly Zoom Happy Hour for UUFJC Members and Friends to gather and check in.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 182 389 756  
https://zoom.us/j/182389756
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,303350454# US (Chicago)
Phone
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Find your nearest phone number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo

Our building is reserved for ongoing community groups on Wednesday April 1st starting at 6 pm, Saturday April 4th starting at 6 pm, and Sunday, April 5th starting at 6:30 pm.  We have not checked in to see if these groups are meeting, but if you have access to our building, please continue to allow privacy at these times.

For more events, see our online calendars:

UUFJC Events
Virtual Gatherings
Affiliated Events 
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events  

Please stay safe, well, and connected!

​Tomorrow we invite you to join us in these virtual Sunday gatherings:

Zoom Forum - 9:15 am
UUFJC's Forum Hour returns via Zoom.  We do not yet know if we will be able to hold forums on previously scheduled topics.  For more information, contact Katherine Connor: [email protected]  
Join Zoom Meeting via web browser
https://zoom.us/j/678786486
Meeting ID: 678 786 486
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,678786486# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,678786486# US (New York)
Phone - Dial by your location
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US
        +1 301 715 8592 US
Meeting ID: 678 786 486
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo  

UUCC Online Service - 10:30 am
UUFJC members and friends are invited to join our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia for online services.
These services will be offered via Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianUniversalistChurchOfColumbiaMO/?eid=ARCFLwfOPhvNekpA6bZuhuMke8zRihU5cX37pHO0Ig0hKx3TtbHgCgOx6CG-2K9kJWv-gRxpo4lI5kdW
And via Zoom:
Join Zoom webinar using Web Browser:
https://zoom.us/j/380411489
Or iPhone one-tap :
    US: +16468769923,,380411489#  or +13126266799,,380411489#
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 646 876 9923  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799
    Webinar ID: 380 411 489
    International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aTznTWFfb 


Hope you are all staying safe, well, and connected!

We are in extraordinary times, so this week's e-mail is going to be a bit different.

These extraordinary times make it ever more important to come together in community and minister each other.  The following is an excerpt from a message by national Unitarian Universalist Association President, Susan Frederick Gray:

"There is no script for these times. We are all learning as we go—building skills of resilience and letting compassion, connection, and ministry be our guide.

"Naturally, there is a lot of anxiety and fear. Connecting across physical distance will be ever more important. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you tend to your community:

• "Tend to the things that help reduce anxiety, particularly the acts of human connection that help calm us. People will experience different levels of insecurity and anxiety, particularly as weeks pass. Many are reminded of previous trauma and are navigating those alongside present circumstances. Others are holding personal fears for their own health and that of loved ones. Existing challenges, whether physical, conditional, emotional, or relational may be exacerbated.
• "Be diligent about calling, texting, video chatting, and emailing messages to your loved ones and community members. Practice good listening. Offer compassion and a non-anxious caring presence. Look at organizing small groups to come together virtually more frequently or create calling circles to stay connected. We are fortunate there are so many ways to connect across distance.
• "Provide specific ways people can help one another, the congregation, and larger community. Having a task, knowing how you can help and serve is a gift right now. Create opportunities for people to minister to one another."

We at UUFJC are feeling our way forward and seeking new ways to come together.  At the same time, we encourage our members and friends to reach out to each other by phone, e-mail, or whatever safe and responsible medium feels best for you.

Also please consider the virtual gatherings listed below.  We are relying on the Zoom platform, which we realize is a challenge for some.  For help, you may try this short video on how to join a webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGbpwZNW3oI.  Our president, Katherine Connor ([email protected]) will also do her best to help you.

Today, March 22nd:

April News Due.
Please submit your items for our April Newsletter and Print Calendar.  E-mail them to me at [email protected].

UU Church of Columbia Online Service - 10 am
UUFJC members and friends are invited to join our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia for online services.
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianUniversalistChurchOfColumbiaMO/?eid=ARCFLwfOPhvNekpA6bZuhuMke8zRihU5cX37pHO0Ig0hKx3TtbHgCgOx6CG-2K9kJWv-gRxpo4lI5kdW
Zoom Webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/380411489 (you will be prompted to download and install the Zoom app if you don't already have it)
Zoom by iPhone one-tap :
    US: +16468769923,,380411489#  or +13126266799,,380411489#
Zoom by Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 646 876 9923  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 669 900 6833
         or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799
    Webinar ID: 380 411 489
    International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aTznTWFfb 

UUFJC Coffee Hour - 11:30 am
Zoom Webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/119378901?pwd=ZU9wN2xocGZLaDk1L2JjMHpibjFpUT09
Meeting ID: 119 378 901
Password: 491285
Zoom One tap mobile
+16465588656,,119378901# US (New York)
+13126266799,,119378901# US (Chicago)
Zoom by telephone:
Dial by your location
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US
        +1 301 715 8592 US
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 119 378 901
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo

Next Sunday, March 29th:

We are again invited to the Columbia UU online service; see the information above.

Please watch your e-mail for online events from UUFJC.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

As we try to find new ways to come together, we still need financial support, even without Sunday offering baskets.  To support UUFJC during this time, mail your pledges and contributions to: 
UUFJC
PO Box 1245
Jefferson City, MO 65102

We are also still in our annual pledge drive.  We ask everyone who is able to estimate their financial support for the coming year so that we can plan our Fellowship’s future.  Contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler at [email protected].

This afternoon at 2 pm, our This I Believe small group will be meeting online via Zoom.  For more information, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Later this evening, our Worship Service Committee meet at 6 pm.  For the status of this meeting, contact our vice president, Lisa Sanning at [email protected].

Next Sunday, March 29th, our UU Ethics small group will be meeting online via Zoom.  For more information, contact Alexis at [email protected]. 

Community Events this week:

Many community events are canceled, including all in-person events at Missouri River Regional Library.  Even when events remain scheduled, we encourage our members and friends to follow CDC guidance and avoid gatherings of 10 or more people whenever possible.

However, we encourage you to explore the library's many online resources at MRRL.org.  Many more national and local organizations are stepping up with online resources that you can explore.

Please keep us informed of virtual events serving the local community.

For more events, see our online calendars, now including a new "Virtual Gatherings" calendar.  We are still working to catch up with changing events, so some listings, particularly in the Community Events calendar, may not be current; please contact event organizers for more information:

UUFJC Events
Virtual Gatherings
Affiliated Events 
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events  

Have a safe week!

A message from our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler:

Greetings,
I hope everyone is being safe.

We are looking at our financial situation. Most of our costs are continuing. To support UUFJC during this time, mail your pledges and contributions to: 

UUFJC
PO Box 1245
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Your generosity is appreciated. 

Bob Antweiler. 

If you have any questions, you can contact Bob at: [email protected]

A Message from our Vice President/Worship Committee Chair, Lisa Sanning:

In light of the changing situation regarding the Coronavirus/Covid-19 situation, the board has decided to suspend Sunday services in the UUFJC building indefinitely. 

The CDC, at this point, is recommending gatherings of no more than 10 people and is urging people to socially distance themselves to prevent the spread of the virus and to keep our hospitals and the dedicated people working there, from being overwhelmed by the pandemic.

As a congregation, we will be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

We are working on virtual alternatives so we can still be in community at this difficult time so look for more information to come as we develop those options for our members and friends. We can, and should, check on each other, by phone or email and reach out if we need support, (groceries/supplies delivered for those who shouldn't be out), or just a shoulder to lean on, or an ear to listen. 

Here are some links if you need more information:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

This is a particularly helpful resource in explaining visually, (for those able to see the graphs), why social distancing is so important:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/17/817251610/its-time-to-get-serious-about-social-distancing-here-s-how

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/13/europe/italy-american-woman-life-under-quarantine/index.html

What Italians, who are dealing with failing hospitals, horrible ethical decisions, and rationing of medical resources, would tell themselves if they could travel back in time ten days:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_cImRzKXOs&feature=youtu.be

Here's one more link in a handy format describing what activities are red, yellow, or green on a social distancing scale:

https://www.gradyhealth.org/social-distancing/

Take care everyone and I'll be in touch soon about virtual services.

Lisa

This morning, after a tumultuous week in which the Coronavirus pandemic began to impact many of our lives in a new way, Rev. Nancy TannerThies joined us to reflect on how our monthly theme of Wisdom connects to such a time as this.  Part of the wisdom we need now is to identify and speak the feelings we truly feel, the thoughts at the forefront of our mind, even when we might rather not face those things.  Now is a time to reflect on what we need, and on what we can give to meet the needs of others.  We are called to respect each other's need for safety in distance, but also to come together and hold each other in community.

Rev. Nancy also shared this reading: 

Prayer for a Pandemic
by Cameron Wiggins

May we who are merely inconvenienced
remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors
remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home
remember those who must choose between
preserving their health or making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children
when their schools close
remember those that have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips
remember those who have no safe place to go

May we who are losing our margin money
in the tumult of the economic market
remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country,
let us choose love during this time when we
cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace
of .... our neighbor.

Blessed be, Amen.

Next Sunday, March 22nd:

April News Due.
Please submit your items for our April newsletter and print calendar to Laura Gilkey by e-mail if possible ([email protected]), or submit written items to Katherine Connor for forwarding.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Prisoner Support Work," James Robnett
Robnett will share about his volunteer NAACP work behind the walls.

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 --- "The Wisdom of Story"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our board and worship team are paying close attention to the Coronavirus crisis and looking for ways to help us stay in community while staying safe and responsible.  Our national parent organization, the UUA, has strongly recommended avoiding gatherings of more than 25 people, and we encourage those at high risk and those who prefer to distance themselves to stay at home.  We are working on offering a virtual service option through Zoom in the near future; you can download the app at zoom.us.  For more on our response or for assistance with Zoom, contact our president, Katherine Connor at [email protected].  If you are not on our open-posting Google Group, we invite you to sign up to help you stay informed; contact the administrator at [email protected].

Other events taking place in our building may also be canceled or postponed.  All yoga classes held in our building are currently on hold.  Please reach out to your event organizers for the latest.

This month is our annual UUFJC Pledge Drive.  We ask everyone who is able to estimate their financial support for the coming year so that we can plan our Fellowship’s future.  Contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

Tomorrow, Monday, March 16th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Next Sunday, our “This I Believe” Small Group has been scheduled to meet at 2 pm.  For the status of that meeting, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Our Worship Service Committee is also scheduled to meet next Sunday, March 22nd at 6 pm.  For the status of that meeting, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

The special evening service that had been planned for a week from tomorrow, Monday, March 23rd, is being rescheduled.  We will keep you informed.

Community Events this week:

Some community events may be canceled or postponed.  Please contact event organizers for more information.

Tomorrow, Monday, March 16th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Don’t Forget Missouri Women!"  You know that 2020 is the 100th anniversary of female voting rights in the United States…but so much of the excitement is focused on women in the big cities that it’s easy to forget how much of that history took place right here at home. Learn a little more about the amazing work of Missouri women with Margot McMillen, author of The Golden Lane and other books about notable Missouri women.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more information about library events, visit MRRL.org.

Starting this Thursday through Sunday, March 19th through 21st, Scene One Theater begins its presentation of "Contellations" by Nick Payne, directed by UUFJC's own Rich Burdge.  Shows begin at 7:30 pm.  For tickets and more information visit sceneonetheatre.com.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Art & Culture Series #3, Degas: Passion for Perfection" (Tuesday only) and "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" (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, Dr. Cliff Cain, Harrod - C.S. Lewis Professor of Religious Studies at Westminster College, joined us to share his reflections as a Christian on his faith's history of Antisemitism.  Too often, the Christian church has "complied" with anti-Jewish narratives, from Medieval blood libels to the genocidal Nazi regime to present-day conspiracy theories.  However, it is important to remember the individuals and organizations who "defied" antisemitic attitudes, such as those in the World War 2 era who hid Jews or who helped them escape persecution.  Today, Dr. Cain sees hope in Christian leaders reaching a new theological understanding and moving to reconcile with their Jewish brothers and sisters.  He also sees hope in connections between individuals --- the more we know each other, the easier it is to defy the messages of hate.

Next Sunday, March 15th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"CAFO Legislation," Rudy Viet
State Representative Rudy Viet will share how his agricultural economics background argues for a need for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

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 --- "The Wisdom of Our UU Sources"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

This month is our annual UUFJC Pledge Drive.  We ask everyone who is able to estimate their financial support for the coming year so that we can plan our Fellowship’s future.  Pledge forms and suggested guidelines are available at the Fellowship in the Sanctuary.  Contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

This Thursday, March 12th at 7 pm, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets in our building.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

This Friday, March 13th at 7 pm, the Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers hold their monthly English Country Dance at our building.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Next Sunday, March 15th, the UUFJC Board meets at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Contact our president, Katherine Connor.

Coming Monday, March 23rd is our Special Service, An Evening of Renewal at 6:30 pm.  Invitations are in your order of service; please spread the word.  The evening will include a special collection to benefit Jefferson City High School’s Speech and Debate Team.  We look forward to a meaningful and refreshing service.  For more information or to learn how you can help, contact Alexis at [email protected].

And coming in April we will hold our annual election of officers.  Watch for a date to be announced in the coming weeks.  If you would like to serve, please get in touch with a member of our Nominating Committee: Carol Bontempo, Rich Burdge, and Gennifer Monteer.

Community Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, March 9th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library in partnership with Lincoln University presents a new installment of the LU-MRRL Lecture Series: "Fake News & You."  Join Lincoln University librarians Bradley Kuykendall and Jessica Robey as they teach you how to identify fake versus real information available all around us in our ever-connected, digital world and how not to fall into the fake news trap.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Tuesday, March 10th, is Missouri's presidential primary election.  Don't forget to vote!

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Becoming" (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 Sunday, Rev. Mike Adamek joined us to begin our month of reflections on Wisdom.  Wisdom, Rev. Mike suggests, is "the optimum blend of knowledge and experience."  Wisdom, while it is a goal, it is more a journey with many paths which endlessly beckon us on.

Next Sunday, March 8th:

Daylight Saving Time Begins.
Remember to set your clocks forward Saturday evening.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Living in Harmony with Nature," Dr. Cliff Cain
The Reverend Doctor Cliff Cain will discuss four historical spiritual leaders and their ideas about care of the environment.

​Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Antisemitism: Defiance and Compliance, A Christian's Reflections," Dr. Cliff Cain
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 Clowning"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Today ends our Guest At Your Table observance to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  If you have been putting donations in a Guest At Your Table Box or would like to give, please contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, as soon as possible.  You can learn more about UUSC’s work and donate at any time at UUSC.org.

Today also begins our annual UUFJC Pledge Drive.  We ask everyone who is able to estimate their financial support for the coming year so that we can plan our Fellowship’s future.  Contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

This Thursday, March 5th at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building.  Contact Susan Randolph.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, March 6th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents their monthly First Friday Film: "Motherless Brooklyn."  Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, and starring Bruce Willis and Edward Norton, this film follows a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette’s Syndrome, as he ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend. Armed with only a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, he unravels closely-guarded secrets that hold the fate of the city in the balance.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more Library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents 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!