Our November Newsletter and Print Calendar are now ready.  Paper copies are available at the Fellowship, and electronic copies are available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

This morning, Alexis joined us to conclude our month of reflections on Belonging.  When asked what makes them feel like they belong, people name things like "feeling like I've met 'my people'," "feeling safe," "feeling heard."  These things are gifts, but without intention and balance, we can keep ourselves comfortable and hold off the vital work of transformation.  Alexis cited Buddhist author Pema Chodron's book, "Welcoming the Unwelcome," in which she describes an awakened heart as a "wish to be free from what gets in the way of helping others."  For this we must become mindful --- mindful of the identities and spaces that define where we feel we belong, mindful of the places where we are shielding ourselves from the vulnerability that awakening and welcoming call us into.  We don't have to push ourselves to the point of excessive risk, but we are called to push beyond comfort into the zone of learning.  Try asking yourself: "What might I do to help others feel belonging?  Why might it be hard?"  If we can stay present with ourselves and each other through the challenges of learning, we can both belong and transform, and make our UU spaces both safe and brave.

Next Sunday, November 3rd:

Daylight Saving Time Ends.
Remember to set your clocks back Saturday night!

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Is Manned Space Travel Impossible?" Bob Boldt

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Tathata and the Divinity School Address," Rev. Mike Adamek
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a master at focusing our attention on what was worthy in a life well lived.  We must celebrate the miracles in the mundane if we have ears to hear and eyes to see.
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 --- "Attention to our Inner Self: The Practice of Prayer"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Bob Boldt is organizing our annual Day of the Dead altar and observance.  Please bring pictures or mementos of passed loved ones from now until October 31st to be displayed on the altar.  Items may be left in the clear plastic box near the cafe bar and will be returned by November 4th.  Contact Bob for more information.

Tomorrow, Monday, October 28th at 6:30 pm is the first session of our UU Ethics small group.  Participants in this small group explore their values and consider their stances on ethical issues. Important Note: This is a space to learn together and grow, not a space for arguments or debate. While no ongoing commitment is required, regular attendance may be helpful.  For more information, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Also tomorrow evening, Monday, October 28th at 6:30 pm, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  This month's program will offer information on low-income housing programs, discussions on challenges, and testimony from those impacted by the lack of affordable and safe housing in Jefferson City.  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff: [email protected]

Our UUA Region, MidAmerica, is presenting several webinars this week: This Tuesday, October 29th at 6:45 pm will be a webinar on “Ritual of Healing and Recharging,” and this Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29th and 30th at 6:30 pm will be a pair of webinars on “Faith Development in Smaller UU Communities.”  For more information and videos of past webinars, visit the MidAmerica UUA website:  www.uua.org/midamerica/events/webinars

Next Sunday, November 3rd, the Art Committee will be holding an open house starting at 2:30 pm.  All are welcome to come enjoy our current exhibit, a retrospective by Patt Behler, plus an Art Talk on Printmaking at 3 pm, free donated art supplies, and more.  Contact Patt Behler.

Later next Sunday, November 3rd, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, October 29th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "The Climate for Change is Now."  You are invited to a showing of "Paris to Pittsburgh," produced by National Geographic Films. This film brings to life the efforts of individuals who are battling the most severe effects of climate change in their own back yards. It captures the urgency of the issue and the inspiring ways Americans are responding. The library is co-sponsoring this showing with the local branch of Citizens Climate Lobby, a group that empowers everyday people to work together on climate change solutions.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, November 1st at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film: "The White Crow.".  This film traces Rudolf Nureyev's poverty-stricken childhood in the Soviet city of Ufa, to his blossoming as a student dancer in Leningrad, to his arrival at the epicenter of western culture in Paris in the early 1960s and a nail-biting defection to the West. It's the true story of an incredible journey by a unique artist who transformed the world of ballet forever.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org. 

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Judy" (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 exploring Belonging with a paradox: the more deeply we understand ourselves, the more we can widen our circles of belonging and welcome.  Citing John O'Donohue, Nancy argued that belonging is vital to being human, that it brings together both our being, our living and passionate presence, and our longing for something beyond ourselves.  She also shared author Brene Brown's guideposts to belonging:

• It's hard to hate close up --- Move in.
• Speak truth to b***s*** --- But be civil.
• Hold hands --- With strangers.
• And keep a Strong Back, Soft Front, Wild Heart.

We need deep self-awareness to be our authentic selves with others and to confront our fears about them.  How can we both speak our truth and invite others in?

Next Sunday, October 27th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Food Bank," Jami Wade
The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri is one of the few nationwide to provide food at no cost.  Jami Wade has assumed regional responsibilities for this organization.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Belonging, Becoming, and Welcoming," Alexis
This morning, we'll explore the gift of being in a space that feels comfortable and consider what happens when that space and the people in it evolves.
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 --- "Belonging to Big Things: the Practice of Opening to the Interdependent Web"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Bob Boldt is organizing our annual Day of the Dead altar and observance.  Please bring pictures or mementos of passed loved ones from now until October 31st to be displayed on the altar.  Items may be left in the clear plastic box near the cafe bar and will be returned by November 4th.  Contact Bob for more information.

Tomorrow, Monday, October 21st, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

This Friday, October 25th is our monthly Salvation Army Meal.  Contact Roberta Dunkel 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.

And a week from tomorrow, on Monday, October 28th at 6:30 pm is the first session of our UU Ethics small group.  Participants in this small group explore their values and consider their stances on ethical issues. Important Note: This is a space to learn together and grow, not a space for arguments or debate. While no ongoing commitment is required, regular attendance may be helpful.
To sign up, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/K8Xvm32pPe23jFbQ6
For more about small groups, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Community Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, October 21st at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Music in the Library with Claude Bourbon.  Bourbon lives in England and is known throughout Europe and America for his amazing guitar performances. He regularly tours in America and has shared the state with countless musicians in many venues. His music is a mélange of folk, blues, classical, and Spanish influences.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, October 25th is the 14th Annual Evening Rotary Spaghetti Dinner from 4:30 to 7 pm at Grace Episcopal Church (217 Adams St).  Proceeds benefit local and international service projects.  Adults - $10, Youth (6-12) - $5, Kids 5 and under - Free.  Carry-Out Available.  Plus raffle tickets for chances to win a variety of prizes!  Menu includes Spaghetti with Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce, Tossed Green Salad with Parmesan Cheese, Crusty French Bread, Pies and Desserts, and Iced Tea.  Contact Frank Rycyk for more information.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Official Secrets" (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, our Religious Education Team led us in an intergenerational and participatory exploration of our monthly theme, Belonging.  Those present were asked to list words that captured a sense of belonging for them -- things like being safe, being accepted, being one's true self -- and the list we produced had a lot in common with a list the RE students had created earlier, and both had a clear harmony with our UU Principles.  We were then asked to consider the spheres in which we each belong -- from family to organizations to our identities and our world.  What responsibilities do we have to each group?  What does each one give to us?  Where are we stretching ourselves too far?  Where could we engage more?

Next Sunday, October 20th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"TEA," Bob Boldt

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 --- "Belonging and Not Belonging: the Practice of Finding the Courage to Leave"

Afternoon Small Group - 2 - 4 pm
"This I Believe" Theme: Belonging
Participants will learn from one another by sharing stories from their lives in a variety of ways. We will use the themes from Soul Matters as our starting point. The number of participants can vary. No ongoing commitment is required.
To sign up, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/jQ6xRqD7U8Y6BEns5
Contact Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Bob Boldt is organizing our annual Day of the Dead altar and observance.  Please bring pictures or mementos of passed loved ones from now until October 31st to be displayed on the altar.  Items may be left in the clear plastic box near the cafe bar and will be returned by November 4th.  Contact Bob for more information.

This Tuesday, October 15th at 6:45 pm, MidAmerica UUA presents a webinar on “Working with Anxiety.”  For more information and events, including recordings of past webinars, check the MidAmerica UUA website: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/events/webinars

This Friday, October 18th is Project Homeless Connect.  UUFJC is supporting this annual event to connect those struggling with homelessness with information and services.
Sign up to volunteer: https://signup.com/go/xgOuiEZ
E-mail: [email protected]
Call: (573) 635-6886
Or contact Patt Behler or Sheila Murphy.
The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, October 20th, at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Contact our President, Katherine Connor.

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday, October 16th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents "Reel Life Cinema: Mantra."  This documentary explores the growing musical and social phenomenon of chanting and shares the stories of people from all walks of life and from all over the world who are finding healing and a sense of inner peace by singing mantras together. It shows that chanting can have beneficial effects on the brain and in turn on practitioners’ well-being.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, October 18th, in the afternoon at Central Bank (111 E Miller St) is a free Suicide Prevention Workshop: What Everyone Needs to Know about Access to Lethal Means.  2 pm to 3:30 pm program with 3:30 - 5 pm allotted for small group discussion, concerns, effectively listening role play and solutions.  Refreshments will be served.  For more information contact: 573-616-1702.  Offered by: The Ash Street Block Club Association, Safer Homes Collaborative, MOMS (Jefferson City Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America), NAACP Jefferson City Chapter, Central Bank, Hy-Vee, Gerbes, Gray Axis, and others.

This Saturday morning, October 19th in their Art Gallery, MRRL offers two presentations on Guns and Safety:

• Be SMART—Five Steps to Keep Children and Teens Safe from Gun Injury and Death
• 9:30-10am
• Kids will be kids. They won’t always make smart decisions about their own safety. Always assume that curious or impulsive kids may find and touch an unsecure gun, even if they’ve been told not to. The Be SMART campaign focuses on education about child gun deaths and responsible gun storage. Moms Demand Action volunteers, Freda McKee and Barbara Reading, will encourage parents to Be SMART and practice five steps to help prevent shootings by children.
• CALM—Conversations on Access to Lethal Means
• 10-11:30am
• Firearms are the most lethal means used in a suicide attempt. The Safer Homes Collaborative presents CALM, a suicide prevention training developed for all audiences. CALM informs participants of the role they can play in preventing suicide by reducing access to lethal means, including firearms, teaches how to identify and talk to someone who may be at risk of suicide, and provides options to encourage safer storage of lethal means as a way to prevent tragedy. Kurt Dudenhoeffer and Joshua Evans will co-present the training, which is not anti-gun but rather anti-suicide.
• Contact Madeline Matson.
• For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Official Secrets" (Thursday through Sunday) and a special In the Park After Dark showing of "Hocus Pocus" (Saturday only).  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. Mike Adamek joined us again to begin our month of reflections on Belonging.  As Mike described his message, "Many Hands Make Light Work,"

"Hard to belong when you are observing from a distance.  Hard to belong when you will only join with others when they must follow your directions alone.   Belonging is easier when you share meaningful tasks that make a difference in your life and in other people’s lives.  Belonging is a function of contributing to worthwhile tasks together. What is it you will share?"

Next Sunday, October 13th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Brexit," Frank Rycyk
The complexity of the various entities which make up a government without a constitution will be addressed.  Forum attendees are invited to bring in information about why many want to leave the European Union.

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 --- "Belonging to Yourself: the Practice of Knowing Who You Are"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Next Sunday, October 13th, our Worship Service Committee meets at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

All are invited to our upcoming small group opportunities:

• This I Believe: Participants will learn from one another by sharing stories from their lives in a variety of ways. We will use the themes from Soul Matters as our starting point. The number of participants can vary. No ongoing commitment is required.
• First meeting: Sunday, October 20 from 2-4 PM on the theme of Belonging.
• Other dates (the time remains the same): Nov. 17 and Dec. 15
• To sign up, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/jQ6xRqD7U8Y6BEns5
• Unitarian Universalist Ethics: Participants in this small group explore their values and consider their stances on ethical issues. Important Note: This is a space to learn together and grow, not a space for arguments or debate. While no ongoing commitment is required, regular attendance may be helpful.
• First meeting: Monday, October 28 from 6:30-8PM
• Other dates (the time remains the same): Nov. 11 and Dec. 9
• To sign up, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/K8Xvm32pPe23jFbQ6
• If you know of someone or a few someone's who might be interested in such groups but are not involved in UUFJC, please do let them know they are invited as well.
• For more about small groups, contact Alexis at [email protected].

This Thursday, October 10th, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets in our building at 7 pm.  This month's program: "Advocacy and Action in Public Policy," presented by Kay Meyer, MO State Board President and Pat Shores, MO Public Policy Legislative Action Coordinator.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

This Friday, October 11th, Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers will hold an English Country Dance in our building.  Setup at 6:30 pm, dance at 7 pm.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "ZZ Top" (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!