This morning, Katherine Connor led a special service and our own Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe delivered a message based on the quote, familiar from Theodore Parker down to Martin Luther King: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."  A glimpse of such a majestic arc can comfort us in times (perhaps like now) when so much seems to be headed the wrong way, but it can also make us feel small, like that arc is something beyond our power.  A long arc, however, is composed of many small turnings, and our lives are the very substance of which it is made as we live our principles of compassion and justice and give what we are able to give.

This Sunday begins the annual "Guest At Your Table" drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and give to their work for human rights, justice, and sustainability around the world.  Those who attended today received gift envelopes and "Stories of Hope" booklets — more are available at the Fellowship.  Gifts are due Sunday, December 28th, and gifts of $125 or more are eligible for matching.  Contact Kath Connor for more details.

Next Sunday, November 30th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Circumstances or Character?" Laura Gilkey
Economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman writes, "Liberals talk about circumstances; conservatives talk about character."  Is he right?  What do we talk about, especially when it comes to issues of poverty and wealth?

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Banned Books," Courtney Waters of Missouri River Regional Library

Plus Children's RE — Volunteers Needed!  Contact Barb Koenig.

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

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

Our Membership Committee is looking for 5 to 7 people to give rides to members and friends on Sunday mornings.  Please volunteer and help us offer a warm welcome to those who can't take transportation for granted!  Contact Bob Antweiler.

Gennifer Monteer is reaching out to a family in need who live right in the neighborhood of our Fellowship.  If you can help, please contact Gennifer for a list of what's needed.

We have some unclaimed items in the kitchen; if you've come up missing a lid, a cord, or a pan after bringing food to the Fellowship, please check.

This Friday, November 28th, we will NOT be serving dinner at the Salvation Army.  We are happy to hear that they already have plenty of food for the holiday.  Bob Antweiler will have updates about future months.

Friday evening at 7 pm at the Fellowship, this month’s Last Friday Documentary will be “Wrenched,” a new film about the life and legacy of radical environmentalist Edward Abbey.  Contact Bob Boldt for more information.

A new RE Workshop For Parents will begin in December, to explore how parents and guardians can prepare their children for challenges and questions regarding their belief systems.  It will meet on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10ish from December 14 - January 11 (dates are subject to change depending upon weather conditions).  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe if you are interested in attending.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema on High Street presents "Keep On Keepin' On" and "Laggies."  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, Rev. Mike Adamek brought us a message about the ways we relate to the past, history, and tradition.  He argued that there is a crucial difference between Memory that engages the complexity of the past to inform a living present, and Nostalgia that flattens the past into simplistic images and imposes those images in ways that disempower the present.  A metaphor captured the distinction: Memory is a house, lived in for generations but redecorated and remodeled for each generation's need; Nostalgia is a monument carved in stone, never changing to adapt to the present moment until it cracks in the face of disaster.  In how we engage with our faith traditions and with our Constitution and laws, we can ask ourselves: are we drawing on memory, or are we trapped in nostalgia?

Today we also said a fond "Goodbye and Good Luck!" to our longtime member, former newsletter editor, and occasional service speaker Karen Beahan, who is moving.  All the best to you in your new home, Karen!  We'll miss you!

Next Sunday, November 23rd:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"What Happens when a City goes Bankrupt?" Frank Rycyk
"Detroit is on the verge of a mostly amicable end to its historic bankruptcy case ...," according to a Wall Street Journal article.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The Arc of the Universe," Katherine Connor and Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.
“The arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”  That quote reminds us not to simply throw up our hands or throw in the towel when the journey toward justice seems to be two steps back for every step forward.  Building the Beloved Community is long-haul work, but progress is possible.  This week kicks off the annual Guest At Your Table drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in their worldwide work toward justice.

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

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

A Potluck lunch will follow the service.  For recipes from people helped by UUSC's work in Haiti, contact Katherine Connor.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Fall Chili Cook-Off Saturday night was a success!  Those who attended had a great time and raised over $680 for our Fellowship!  Thanks to all and congratulations to our Chili Champions:
Judges' Choice: Jim Davis
Most Original: Dwight Politte
Most Popular: Beth Dunn

We need Adult Forum leaders for December.  Contact me if you are interested in leading a lively discussion on a topic of your choice.

Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly Monday, November 17th, at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Katherine Connor for more information.

Community Events this week:

Tuesday, November 18th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Mobilizing the Masses: Themes and Symbolism in American World War I Posters."  Join the Navy! Buy war bonds! Eat less wheat! Messages like these bombarded the American public during the Great War, mostly via attention-grabbing posters issued by a host of governmental and voluntary agencies. Using numerous samples from Truman State University’s extensive collection of original World War I posters, this program will explore some of the key themes and recurring symbolism in the United States’ war mobilization campaign. The presenters will include Amanda Langendoerfer, head of special collection and archives, and Dr. Jason McDonald, assistant professor of history, both of Truman State University.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Thursday, November 20th 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 welcome.  Contact Sue Gibson.

At the same time, Thursday at 7 pm, MRRL hosts another program upstairs in their Art Gallery: "Missouri Digital Heritage."  MDH is a collaborative effort among the Missouri State Archives, Missouri State Library and the State Historical Society of Missouri that has dramatically expanded the amount of information available online about the state’s history. Through MDH, the partners assist institutions across the state in digitizing their records and placing them online for easy access. More than 9 million records from across the state can be accessed through the MDH website. Haiying Qian, digital collections coordinator at the Missouri State Library, will provide a guided tour of the MDH website and highlight some popular resources for exploring an individual’s family history of Missouri’s collective past.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema on High Street presents "Listen Up, Philip" and "CITIZENFOUR."  "CITIZENFOUR" is the film by Laura Poitras, one of the first journalists to speak to Edward Snowden, about the now-famous NSA leaker.  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Today, the Sunday before Veterans' Day, Lt. Col. Ray Ferguson of Lincoln University ROTC spoke to us about the history of Lincoln University, and the role played in its founding by the Civil War Veterans of the 62nd and 65th Colored Infantry.  Lt. Col. Ferguson also spoke about his own experience as a member of the military, saying that given the ugly experiences and rootlessness military life often entails, it can mean a lot to veterans for the community to open its arms to them, such as offering opportunities to speak.  Many of us are justifiably critical of the ways in which the US government uses our military, but on Veterans' Day and every day, we must not let any such misgivings cloud our eyes to the dignity and humanity of the individuals who serve.

Next Sunday, November 16th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"League of Denial," Bob Boldt
We will discuss the dangers football poses to the human brain, particularly the developing brains of young players.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Nostalgia Must Not Replace Memory," Rev. Mike Adamek
The way we look at the First Amendment is important.  Memory connects us to the past and is good, Nostalgia wraps the past in such a golden haze that the past loses its usefulness in the present.  Lets look at how nostalgia and memory treat the first amendment differently.  Who we are as Americans is built on who our ancestors have understood themselves to be and nostalgia is a mendacity we ill afford today.

Plus Children's RE — Volunteers Needed!

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Katherine Connor has been working with Faith Voices for Jefferson City and reports that through the organization and other efforts, area faith leaders are making progress toward dealing with issues of racism in our community.  More local events are expected as the Grand Jury makes its report and events unfold in Ferguson, Missouri.  Watch your e-mail inbox for updates.

For those of us concerned about our beloved member Roberta Dunkel, she is home now and recovering from her shoulder surgery.  Here's hoping she'd back up to speed soon!

We still have a card in the back of the sanctuary for longtime member Karen Beahan, who is moving away.  If you want to sign, please do so ASAP!

If you have questions about the Jefferson City Vehicle Stops Report (a way of monitoring racial profiling by the police force), contact Don Love.

Monday, November 10th at 6:30 pm, the Worship Service Committee meets at the Fellowship.  All are welcome to come and share ideas for upcoming services.  Contact Carol Bontempo.

Friday, November 14th at 7 pm at the Fellowship is the monthly Reader's Eye Film.  Contact Bob Boldt for more information.

And this Saturday, November 15th at 5:00 pm, it's our Fall Chili Cook-Off!  Come for a variety of food, entertainment, raffles, silent auction and more!  We now have sign-up sheets for volunteers and cooks by the entrance.  We still need volunteers, cooks, raffle prizes and as many people to attend as possible, so spread the word and bring friends!  It's getting down to the wire, so if you can help, please contact one of our organizers ASAP:
Publicity and tickets, Judi Jecmen
Setup and decoration, Organizer Needed!  (Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe will help)
Food, Bob Antweiler and Dwight Politte
Entertainment, Patt Behler
Raffle and silent auction, Mary Rice
Cleanup, Lisa Sanning
Don't know who to get in touch with?  Contact Katherine Connor for help.

Next Sunday, November 16th, Jan Harcourt will lead the monthly Laughter Yoga session at the Fellowship at 4 pm.

Community Events this week:

The regularly scheduled Citizens for Peace meeting will not be held this month, because the Library is closed for Veterans' Day.  Organizer Betty Cooper suggests: Let's turn this day into "Communities Celebrate Peace and Nonviolence" — CCPN studies nonviolence on November 11.  How about that?

This week, Capitol City Cinema on High Street presents "The Skeleton Twins" and "Listen Up, Philip."  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

We had a great turnout Sunday morning for our Adult Forum, where we discussed issues and races in the coming election.  Maybe we were a little too much "of like mind," but we still found we had a lot to teach each other, and I'm glad everyone enjoyed coming together to help each other make informed choices.

Remember, this Tuesday, November 4th is Election Day!  Get to the polls and make your voice heard!  And, if you can, offer someone else a ride to the polls and help them claim their voice.  Contact Kath Connor to learn more about Faith Voices' Get Out The Vote efforts.

Next Sunday, November 9th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Thin Democracy vs. Living Democracy," Betty Cooper
What is it? How does it work?  Who gets involved?  What's required for effectiveness?  What motivates people to engage?

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The History of the 62nd and 65th Colored Infantry," Lt. Col. Ray Fergason, Lincoln University ROTC

Plus Children's RE with Barb Koenig and Patt Behler

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

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

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We have a card for longtime member Karen Beahan, who is moving away.  Contact Roberta Dunkel ASAP if you want to sign.

Thursday, November 6th at 7 pm, American Association of University Women meets at the Fellowship.  Contact Charlotte Parsons for more information.

This Friday, November 7th starting at 5 pm is our First Friday Social, an evening of casual fun with our members and friends.  Bring refreshments for yourself or to share.  Contact Kath Connor.

This Saturday, November 8th at 9 am is our Highway Pickup on Route 179.  Bring work gloves and wear appropriate clothing.  For directions on where to meet and park, contact Barb Koenig.

And it's only two weeks until our Fall Chili Cook-Off, Saturday, November 15th at 5 pm.  Spread the word!  We need volunteers to help out and cook.  Mary Rice is making a list of items for the Silent Auction, so please let her know what you plan to bring!  However you can help, please contact one of our organizers:
Publicity and tickets, Judi Jecmen
Setup and decoration, LEADER NEEDED! (Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe will help)
Food, Bob Antweiler and Dwight Politte
Entertainment, Patt Behler
Raffle and silent auction, Mary Rice
Cleanup, Lisa Sanning

Community Events this week:

Documentary Days at Capital 8 Theater conclude Monday, November 3rd with "20,000 Days on Earth."  Drama and reality combine in a fictitious 24 hours in the life of musician and international cultural icon Nick Cave. With startlingly frank insights and an intimate portrayal of the artistic process, the film examines what makes us who we are, and celebrates the transformative power of the creative spirit.  Screenings at 5 pm and 7 pm.

Mollie Freebairn is holding an election night watch party Tuesday, November 4th, 5-10 pm.  Contact Mollie for more information.

This Thursday and Friday, November 6th and 7th, Missouri Association for Social Welfare holds its annual conference at Capitol Plaza Hotel.  Visit http://www.masw.org/ or contact Don Love for more information.

Thursday evening, November 6th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts Marlo Bolinger of River City Florist and Gifts, who will demonstrate how to make garlands to enhance your office and living space during the fall and winter holiday seasons. Those who attended her flower arranging class last year will remember her creative designs and great demonstration skills.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Friday, November 7th at 5:30, Sapattu begins its winter class on the Gospel of Mary Magdalen.  A light supper is included.  Contact Roger or Nancy Tanner-Thies.

Later Friday evening at 7 pm, MRRL presents its First Friday Film, the Oscar-winning "12 Years a Slave."  It is 1841, and Solomon Northrup, an accomplished, free citizen of New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Stripped of his identity and deprived of all dignity, Northrup is ultimately purchased by ruthless plantation owner Edwin Epps and must find the strength to survive. The film is based on Northrup’s memoir.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Saturday, November 8th from 10 am to 8:30 pm, Sapattu holds a workshop: "Coming of Age: A Gathering of Crones and Sages."  The workshop is open to persons over 50 years of age.  Using individual reflection, group sharing and ritual, the event will explore how we can claim the wisdom of our years as we age.  Contact Roger or Nancy Tanner-Thies with questions or to register.

Saturday evening at 7 pm, Tenor Eugene Harper will present his senior recital at Lincoln University's Mitchell Auditorium.  The public is invited and admission is free.  His teacher Ruth Robertson invites you all to come and enjoy the powerful voice of this young tenor!  Contact Ruth for more information.

Also Saturday evening beginning at 7 pm at McClung Park, it's Sweet Nirvana, the annual fundraiser for our friends at Vipassana Buddhist Church/Center for Buddhist Development.  Dessert bar, food, live music, chair massages, a sand mandala, silent auction, door prizes and raffles — this family-friendly event has it all!  Tickets are available in advance or at the door: $6 or two for $10.  For tickets, or to donate or volunteer call: 573-635-9544.

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

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.