This morning, Bob Boldt led our Adult Forum in reflections on the Day of the Dead.  The observance calls on us not only to remember those who have gone before us and the loved ones we've lost, but to get beyond our fears and our impulses to pretend it away and remember death as a natural part of life.  Bob used the image of life as a stream, and our lives as one small piece of its course; our job is not to cling to the water, but to let it flow through us, to accept where it comes from and pass it on.

In the first part of a two-part message, Rev. Nancy explored some similar ideas about what we receive as legacy and what we pass on to our progeny.  She showed a video in which a Rabbi strikingly reclaimed the (for some of us painfully) familiar question: "Are you saved?"  He said he meant it the way you'd say it to someone who's been typing at their computer for an hour.  Are you saved?  Have you "written" your unique experience into the world through work, connection, mentoring, so that it won't be lost if you should suddenly "lose power"?

We also have a Day of the Dead altar in our sanctuary.  Thanks to Bob Boldt and Ruth Neudahl for constructing the altar, and thanks to Joanna Palmieri for the use of her beautiful tapestry!  The altar will remain up through next Sunday, November 2nd.  Members and friends are still invited to bring pictures, mementos, even food items to add to the altar in memory of those who have died: friends, family, even far-away people whose lives and work have inspired and shaped us.

Next Sunday, November 2nd:

Daylight Savings Time Ends
Be sure to set your clocks back or you'll arrive an hour early!

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Open Floor Election Preview
Members and friends are invited to discuss the issues and races coming up on the general election ballot November 4th.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Legacy and Progeny, Part 2 of 2," Rev. Nancy Tanner-Thies

Plus Children's RE with Katherine Connor and Madeline Matson

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The November Newsletter and print calendar are ready!  Paper copies are available at the Fellowship, and electronic copies are available.

Congratulations and thanks to the winners of the Halloween Basket silent auctions!

This Friday, October 31st at 11 pm, there will also be a Day of the Dead meditation at the Fellowship, around the altar.  Contact Bob Boldt.

And we're gearing up for our Chili Cook-Off coming Saturday, November 15th at 5 pm.  Judi Jecmen has started spreading our fliers!  Mary Rice is currently signing people up to make pies and baked goods for the silent auction and is accepting other items as well (artwork, etc. can be left in the Forum room).  There are plenty of other ways to help, too!  Please contact one of our organizers:
Publicity and tickets, Judi Jecmen
Setup and decoration, Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe
Food, Bob Antweiler and Dwight Politte
Entertainment, Patt Behler
Raffle and silent auction, Mary Rice
Cleanup, Lisa Sanning

Community Events this week:

Documentary Days continue at Capital 8 Theater Monday, October 27th with "Mistaken for Strangers."  What starts as a rock documentary soon becomes a surprisingly honest portrait of a charged relationship between two brothers, and the frustration of unfulfilled creative ambitions.  Screenings at 5 and 7 pm.

Tuesday, October 28th at 7 pm, Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra with the Symphony Chorus performs Brahms's Symphony No. 2 Op. 73, Doug Etters's Kyrie and Gloria, and John Rutter's Gloria at Lincoln University's Mitchell Auditorium (formerly known as the Richardson Fine Arts Building).  Tickets $15 for adults, $10 for students, available at www.theJCCA.org.  (Note: Ruth Robertson,soprano; Charlotte Parsons, alto; and Patt Behler, tenor, are members of the chorus.)

This week, Capitol City Cinema on High Street presents "The Congress" and "Art and Craft."  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Today, we were reminded of our UU commitment to flexibility and open-mindedness --- our speaker canceled at the last minute.  However, our own Katherine Connor graciously stepped up and read us a sermon by Rev. Jane Rzepka, a crash course in UU history.  Modern UUs draw on diverse traditions that taught the unity of God/the divine and universal salvation, as well as religious tolerance and reliance on reason.  Our roots go back to the dawn of Christianity and perhaps further, but at the same time we are always inventing ourselves anew --- indeed, that's what the depth of our tradition calls on us to do.

Next Sunday, October 26th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Day of the Dead," Bob Boldt.
We will be discussing the various Pagan and Christian traditions associated with this time of year.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30
Message: "Legacy and Progeny, Part 1 of 2," Rev. Nancy Tanner-Thies

Plus Children's RE with Roger Tanner-Thies and Sharon Morgan.

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We need another Adult Forum leader for November.  The 9th and the 30th are available, you just need to bring an article or video and see where the discussion leads!  Contact Laura Gilkey.

Three Halloween Gift Baskets are on display at the Fellowship entrance as a Silent Auction.  Bids are being taken, so check them out!

We will also be building an altar for our annual Day of the Dead observance.  Members and friends are invited to bring pictures and mementos of loved ones who have passed away.  There is a box by the Cafe Bar where you can leave them.  Please bring these items by next Sunday, October 26th, when the altar will be on display.  Items will be returned Sunday, November 2nd.  Contact Bob Boldt.

Monday, October 20th at 6:30 pm, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Kath Connor.

This Friday, October 24th is our monthly Salvation Army work day.  Serving begins at 5:00 pm; please arrive by 4:30.  Contact Bob Antweiler if you can help prepare ro serve food for those in need.

Later Friday evening at 7 pm is the Last Friday Documentary.  This month we've moved it up by a week to make way for Halloween events as we present: "Cave of Forgotten Dreams."  Granted rare access to the cave paintings at Chauvet, France, legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog opens a window into the creative lives of the earliest humans.  Contact Bob Boldt.

Next Sunday, October 26th at 2 pm, there will be an event at the Fellowship to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Humane Society.  Contact Alison Anderson.

And mark your calendars for our Fall Chili Cook-Off, Saturday, November 15th at 5:00 pm.  There will be a variety of food, entertainment, raffles, silent auction and more!  We need volunteers, cooks, raffle prizes, etc., and we need as many people to attend as possible.  Spread the word, bring your friends, and if you can volunteer, contact one of our valiant organizers:
Publicity and tickets, Judi Jecmen
Set up and decoration, Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe
Food, Bob Antwieler and Dwight Politte
Entertainment, Patt Behler
Raffle and silent auction, Mary Rice
Cleanup, Lisa Sanning

Community Events this week:

Documentary Days continue Monday, October 20th at Capital 8 Theater with "Cyber-Seniors," a humorous and heartwarming documentary feature that chronicles the extraordinary journey of a group of senior citizens as they discover the world of the Internet through the guidance of teenage mentors.  Screenings at 5 pm and 7 pm.

Also Monday evening, Missouri River Regional Library hosts "BYOB - Bring Your Own Book" at 7 pm upstairs in the Story Hour room.  If you like to read, join our no-stress, pressure-free book group. Talk about what you’re reading, what you like (or don’t like) and what you’d recommend. There’s no structured format, no “required” reading list—just a chance to talk, listen, learn and come away with some good ideas on books you might enjoy.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Tuesday, October 21st at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, MRRL presents "Remember the Ladies: Looking Back at Women's Roles in America's History, a Genealogy Program."  This program will explore the struggles women faced in defining their role in the country’s history and provide an alternative approach in locating female ancestors. Presenters include Belinda Luke and Deborah Furnell, both professional genealogists and officers of the Genealogical Society of Central Missouri.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Thursday, October 23rd at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, MRRL hosts "What's So Hot About Romance Novels?"  What is it about romance fiction that causes readers to spend $1.4 billion a year on it? What is the attraction that creates so many loyal readers? The world of romance novels today is more diverse than ever before. Such trends as new subgenres, digital books and independent publishing are changing the world of the romance book. Diane Peterson will examine the history of romances, the various subgenres, common themes in the novels, the impact of covers, and the overall appeal of the  genre. Learn what’s new in the industry and where things may be headed in the future. Peterson is a retired school library media specialist and lifelong romance reader. She is currently involved in a large project analyzing the patterns in the world of romances. She teaches for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and is a member of the Romance Writers of America.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema on High Street presents "The Two Faces of January," and "The Congress."  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Today, UUFJC hosted Rev. John Bennett and Rev. WT Edmonson for a dialogue on racial justice.  They spoke about their backgrounds --- one grew up in an all-white "sundown town," the other watched white neighbors abandon the local school after integration --- and about experiences that shaped their commitment to social justice.  They reminded us that we must look to the imbalance of power and privilege that gives racism its destructive force, and at the same time we must look to meeting each other in our common humanity as they showed us by example.

Next Sunday, October 19th:

Submissions are due next Sunday for the November Newsletter and Calendar.  E-mail items to Laura Gilkey or submit them to the mail slot in the Fellowship office.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"There is no 'Spanking Debate'," Laura Gilkey
Huffington Post columnist Lisa Belkin writes that “Some questions really don't have two sides,” and the evidence against spanking children is too one-sided to even call it a debate.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Humanitarian Service Projects in Vietnam," Mike Boehm
While the American war in Vietnam has ended and prosperity is developing in many areas there, the poverty and suffering in the rural areas has not ended.  Madison Quakers, Inc. has been helping to alleviate some of that suffering in a peaceful, uplifting and community oriented way.  For more information, visit http://www.mqivietnam.org/.
Mr. Boehm will be taking a special collection.

Plus Children's RE with Gennifer Monteer and Madeline Matson.

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We have some Halloween items and treat baskets available in the front hall for a Silent Auction. Bids are now being taken!

We are collecting food for The Pantry, the food assistance program of our friends at Table of Grace.  The Pantry offers recipe kits to help people make delicious, filling, and nutritious meals.  The items they need at this time are:
Rotini or Penne pasta
Chicken Bouillon powder
Old Fashioned Oats (NOT instant)
Cream of Wheat
Quick Grits (NOT instant)
Brown Sugar
We are collecting until next Sunday, October 19th.  There is a box at the Fellowship by the coat rack for donations, or you can donate money which Brad and Kath Connor will use for bulk purchases.  Make checks out to UUFJC and add a memo for "The Pantry."  Contact Roberta Dunkel for more information.

Monday, October 13th at 6:30 pm, the Worship Service Committee will meet at the Fellowship.  Contact Carol Bontempo.

Next Sunday, October 19th at the Fellowship, the monthly Laughter Yoga session will be held at 4 pm.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Again this year, we will have a Day of the Dead altar.  Members and friends are invited to bring mementos of loved ones who have passed away.  Please bring these next Sunday, the 19th, or the following Sunday, the 26th.  They will be returned November 2nd.  Contact Bob Boldt.

Community Events this week:

Documentary Days continue at Capital 8 Theater Monday, October 13th with "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me," a ferocious, funny and poignant portrait of the one-of-a-kind Broadway legend as she reaches her 87th year.  Screenings at 5 and 7 pm.

Tuesday, October 14th at 4 pm, Citizens for Peace meet at Missouri River Regional Library upstairs in the Story Hour Room.  Contact Betty Cooper.

Later Tuesday evening at 7 pm, MRRL hosts an event about The NEEED Project.  This local nonprofit is dedicated to promoting sustainable solutions for Nutrition, Energy, the Environment, and Economic Development. A representative will explain its various projects, including the Heart of Missouri Gardens, which produces food for local senior nutrition centers and area food pantries. Volunteers are also working to develop equipment that converts organic waste into energy and a soil amendment that enhances plant growth and has other environmental benefits.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Wednesday, October 15th at 7 pm, MRRL hosts "The Voice Within Us: An Evening of Poetry."  Bring a poem of your own or one by your favorite poet to share.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema on High Street presents "The American Wine Story," "The One I Love," and "The Two Faces of January."  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Today, Rev. Mike brought us a message whose title tells the story: "Tough-Minded Optimists are Needed Now."  Our stereotype of optimists is of naive Pollyannas who always look on the bright side, but Rev. Mike argued that a truer picture is of optimists as problem solvers --- it's not that they see nothing wrong, it's that when they see something wrong, they (we?) believe in the possibility of solutions.  Far from rose-tinted complacency, such true optimism produces "creative discontent" with things as they are --- just what we need to make things better.

Next Sunday, October 12th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"UUs Engaging in Civil Discourse," Frank Rycyk.
UUA's Congregational Management Committee offers guidance on their website on how the 7 UU Principles suggest ways to "disagree agreeably" toward the goal of creating intracongregational harmony.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: A Dialogue on Racial Justice with Rev. John Bennett and Rev. WT Edmonson.
Our speakers were among the faith leaders arrested in May protesting for Medicaid expansion. Contact Kath Connor if you wish to contribute to their legal defense.

Plus Children's RE with Lisa Sanning and Patt Behler.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Thanks to Bob Antweiler and everyone who helped with our booth at the Fall Festival this past Saturday!

This Friday, October 10th at 7 pm at the Fellowship is this month's Reader's Eye Film: "Vampyr," an eerily inventive early vampire movie directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, followed by selections from "The Twilight Zone."  Contact Bob Boldt for more information.

Also next Sunday, directly after service we are having a planning meeting for an upcoming fundraising event (tentatively scheduled for November 15th).  Please come if you can help or contact a Board member to volunteer.

Later next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm, the UUFJC Board meets at the Fellowship.  All are welcome to attend.

Later this month, we will be having our annual Day of the Dead observance and will once again be building a Day of the Dead altar.  Members and friends are invited to bring in pictures and small tokens in remembrance of loved ones who have passed on.  Please bring these on the Sundays of October 19th and 26th; they will be returned November 2nd.  Contact Bob Boldt for more information.

Community Events this week:

Monday, October 6th, Documentary Days continue at Capital 8 Theater with "Burt's Buzz," "a journey into the remarkable double life of Burt Shavitz— a reclusive beekeeper who reluctantly became one of the world’s most recognizable brand identities."  Screenings at 5 pm and 7 pm.

This Friday, October 10th is the Rotary Club Spaghetti Supper.  Tickets are $10.  For tickets and more information, contact Frank Rycyk.

This week, Capitol City Cinema on High Street is showing "FRANK" and "The One I Love," plus a Wine and Watch Fundraiser featuring "The American Wine Story."  For showtimes and more information, visit:http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.