This morning was our last Sunday service of 2014 --- I can hardly believe it!  We marked the occasion with an open mic on the topic,"Thoughts for the New Year."  Among the diverse thoughts shared, several of us were especially concerned about the needs for justice that were revealed in this past year, and reflected on the work for justice that we've done or tried to do and the work we hope to do in the year ahead.

We also held our annual Fire Communion.  Attendees wrote something they wished to let go and gave the papers to be burned, and we lit candles while holding in our minds something we want to carry forward.  Fire can be a welcome presence in this season of cold.  It consumes as it gives warmth and light.  In the coming year, what will burn and what will glow for you?

Next Sunday, January 4th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Should jobless blacks cheer background checks?," Frank Rycyk
Wall Street Journal editorial board member Jason L. Riley states, "Research suggests that employers who use background checks are less likely to racially discriminate."

Parents Workshop - 9:30 am

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "An Apology for Freedom, Reason and Tolerance in the 21st Century," Rev. Mike Adamek
An Apology is a reasoned defense of religious beliefs.  Freedom, Reason and Tolerance has been the unofficial motto of Unitarianism and then Unitarian Universalism since the 1920s when Earl Morse Wilbur first summarized the whole of Unitarian history as “Freedom in thought Reason in conduct and Tolerance in judgement.” I will argue that the power of liberal religion in the 21st century still generates from these three core values.

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

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Today is our due date for Guest At Your Table donations.  If you want to hand them in to our treasurer, Bob Antweiler, please do so as soon as possible, or you can mail them in yourself and list us as your congregation.  Extra envelopes are still available.

The January Newsletter has been delayed due to the holidays, but the January print calendar is ready.  Paper copies are in the back of the Sanctuary on the bulletin board, and electronic copies are available.

We still need Adult Forum Leaders and RE Volunteers for January!  To lead the Adult Forum, contact Laura Gilkey; to help with RE, contact Barb Koenig.

There will be an informal gathering at the Fellowship at noon on New Years Day.  All are welcome to bring snacks, music, and games.  Contact Lisa Middeke (phone preferred: 636-4242).

We have more holiday cancellations this week: the American Association of University Women will not meet in January, and we will not be holding a First Friday Social.

The list of Values is still posted in the back of the sanctuary for one last week!  This is part of a visioning process for the Fellowship and we want to hear from everyone --- members, friends, and visitors alike, so if you haven't yet, please take some of the provided stickers and mark your top three!  Next Sunday is the last day to do it.

Patt Behler still has 2015 Peace Corps calendars for sale, featuring beautiful international scenes.  $12 each.  Contact Patt to get one!

Community Events this week:

This Friday, January 2nd, Missouri River Regional Library presents its First Friday Film, "Blue Jasmine," at 7 pm in the Art Gallery.  Cate Blanchett delivers yet another amazing performance in director Woody Allen’s take on class divisions and the recent recession. She plays a New York City socialite wife to Alec Baldwin, a businessman who is arrested for fraud. When her marriage falls apart and the money goes, she moves to her sister’s apartment in San Francisco and attempts to join the real world of work and relate to those in the “other” class.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Homesman."  Watch for January film selections to be announced soon!  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

This morning, Rev. Nancy reminded us how people have always understood this season in story.  Today in the US, many point to one particular story of the reason for this season (and many more define ourselves in part by how we view that story).  However, there is a rich, diverse history throughout the world of many stories that tell of light born from darkness and of celebrations in the time of darkness.

Rev. Nancy shared several, and I'll add one more, from (you guessed it) Japan:

The Goddess of the Sun had been fighting with her brother, the God of Storms, and at one point she got so upset that she hid herself in a cave, plunging the world into darkness.  The other gods hit upon a solution and threw a big celebration at the mouth of the cave.  The sounds of revelry piqued the Sun Goddess' curiosity, and she went and peeked out.  When she did, she was stunned by a dazzling light — her own reflection in a sacred mirror.  The other gods pulled her out and placed a holy seal on the mouth of the cave, bringing light to the world once again.

Another story of a celebration in the darkness to summon back the light.

Join us as we continue to celebrate the holidays with a Christmas Eve service this Wednesday evening, December 24th at 7 pm.  There will be singing, games, and more! Contact Carol Bontempo for more information.

Next Sunday, December 28th:

Guest At Your Table Donations Due.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Shall We End Juvenile Prisons?" Betty Cooper
Nell Bernstein in "Burning Down the House" reveals a shocking truth: what adults do to children behind the walls of America's juvenile prisons is criminal.

Parents Workshop - 9:30 am
Leader: Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Thoughts on the New Year," Open Mic and Fire Communion
All are invited to share thoughts or readings.

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

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

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

We need Adult Forum leaders and RE volunteers for January.  To lead the Adult Forum, contact Laura Gilkey; to help with RE, contact Barb Koenig.

The list of Values is still posted in the back of the sanctuary, with stickers for everyone to mark their top three.  Please give us your feedback!

This Wednesday evening, December 24th, we will be having a Christmas Eve service; see above.

We have some holiday cancellations this week: the Transgender Support Group will NOT be meeting on Thursday (Christmas Day), and we will NOT be serving our monthly meal at the Salvation Army on Friday (the day after Christmas).

Friday evening, December 26th at 7 pm at the Fellowship is this month's Last Friday Documentary film: "Griefwalker," about a shaman's approach to end-of-life care and death as a part of life.  Contact Bob Boldt.

Community Events this week:

Next Saturday, December 27th, Missouri River Regional Library hosts: "Crime Scene: a Dramatic Reading from Dead Red."  Author Tim O’Mara and local actors Jack Renner and Tom Renner will do a reading adapted from Dead Red, O’Mara’s new book to be published in January 2015. Dead Red is filled with the kinds of unexpected twists that make for the best crime fiction, and with secrets that run far deeper than loyalties. O’Mara has been a New York City school teacher for more than 25 years and has deep Jefferson City connections.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Force Majeure" and "The Homesman."  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

At our service this morning, Rev. Mike and Patt Behler got us into the holiday spirit, singing lots of Christmas Carols.  Some of them were childish and some were overtly Christian, but it was an opportunity to reconnect with the holidays' childhood sense of fun, and perhaps to reconnect too with some of the good messages of the Christian tradition.  I actually sat out a lot of the carols myself, but I was just saving up my voice for one I particularly like:

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.

Next Sunday, December 14th:

January Newsletter Submissions Due.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Is Death the End?" Bob Boldt
We will discuss end-of-life issues in connection with this month's Last Friday Documentary, "Grief Walker."

Parents Workshop - 9:15 am
The first meeting of this new workshop has been rescheduled to next week.  Participants will explore how parents and guardians can prepare their children for challenges and questions regarding their belief systems.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "A Solstice Celebration," Rev. Nancy Tanner-Thies

Plus Children's RE with Roger Tanner-Thies and Jim Davis

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We have a Holiday Basket Raffle on the table in the entryway!  The basket includes lots of great items: a Hastings giftcard valued at over $30, a handmade fair-traded scarf from India, a wine giftset and more!  Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10; please buy some chances to support our Fellowship!  The drawing will be held after service next Sunday, December 21st.

We need Adult Forum Leaders and RE Volunteers for January!  See Laura Gilkey to lead the Forum or Barb Koenig to help with RE.

As part of a visioning process for our Fellowship, Kath Connor has posted a sheet in the back of the Sanctuary with a list of Values.  Stickers are provided, and everyone is invited to mark their top three.  Please give us your feedback!

The Membership Committee is still looking for people willing to help members and friends who need rides on Sunday morning.  They're only asking for once a month, so please contact Bob Antweiler if you can help.

Monday, December 15th at 6:30 pm, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at Quinn Chapel AME Church.

Next Sunday, December 21st at 4 pm, Jan Harcourt will lead the monthly Laughter Yoga session at the Fellowship.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, December 18th at 7 pm, it's An Evening of Holiday Song!  The Jefferson City High School Chorale will perform a selection of holiday songs from a variety of musical and ethnic traditions. The performance will be under the direction of Beth Dampf, director of choral music at JCHS.  Contact Madeline Matson. 

At the same time, Thursday evening at 7 pm, Columbia Area NOW meets at the Hy-Vee Restaurant at Broadway and Fairview in Columbia.  New members and non-members are welcome.  Contact Sue Gibson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Alive Inside" and "Force Majeure."  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

This morning, Kathlene Woodruff of the local YMCA addressed our Fellowship about the work of her organization, particularly their Respite Care events, which provide a safe, supervised place for foster children and give their foster parents some needed time for themselves.  Although "YMCA" stands for "Young Men's Christian Association," through its long history the organization's mission has broadened far beyond young Christian men, and it now welcomes young people of any gender, faith, race, or sexual orientation.  Most of the work is done by volunteers from the community; Kathlene would be happy to have more hands, if any of you can help reach out to young people in need!

Next Sunday, December 14th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Ferguson: Lessons Learned (?)," Bob Boldt

Parents Workshop - 9:15 am
Next week begins a new workshop to explore how parents and guardians can prepare their children for challenges and questions regarding their belief systems.  It will meet through January 11th (with adjustments for weather).  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Christmas Songs, Stories and Shared Memories," Rev. Mike Adamek
A Family Christmas is a shared time with families you were born into, new families that you make, and families of friends who have become family.  Small congregations are like biological families in that they are always growing and changing as people come and go on their own life journeys. Bring your singing voice and join the fun.

Plus Children's RE with Kim Connor and Madeline Matson.

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:

As part of a visioning process for our Fellowship (see the December Newsletter), Kath Connor has posted a sheet in the back of the sanctuary with a list of Values.  Stickers are provided, and members and friends are invited to mark their top 3.  It's an interesting challenge to decide!

Our Membership Committee is still looking for volunteers to give Sunday morning rides.  They're only asking for once a month, so please contact Bob Antweiler and help!

Monday, December 8th at 6:30 pm, the Worship Service Committee meets at the Fellowship.  Contact Carol Bontempo.

This Thursday, December 11th at 7 pm, a Transgender Support Group will be starting at the Fellowship.  Future meetings will be the second and fourth Thursday of each month.  Contact Ari Morse.

This Friday, December 12th at 7 pm at the Fellowship is the monthly Reader's Eye Film.  Contact Bob Boldt for this month's film selection and more information.

Community Events this week:

Monday, December 8th at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library hosts "BYOB - Bring Your Own Book" 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, December 9th at 4 pm, Citizens for Peace meets in the Story Hour Room at MRRL.  Contact Betty Cooper.

Also this Tuesday at 5:30 pm, our own Patt Behler will address the Evening Rotary club about "The Peace Corps in Guatemala."  The event will be held at Grace Episcopal Church (use the High Street entrance).  Contact Frank Rycyk for more information.

Patt Behler also has 2015 Peace Corps calendars for sale, $12 each.

Later Tuesday evening at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents "Resentment, Retribution, and the Road to Peace for Missouri After the Civil War."  When the Civil War ended in 1865, military operations may have ended, but hostilities definitely did not cease. After four years of brutal guerilla warfare and devastating military campaigns, some residents of Missouri were ready for peace and a return to normal life. But many—both victors and vanquished—still harbored grudges and a desire for revenge. Author Steve Wiegenstein, whose latest historical novel deals with Missouri during this time period, will talk about the repressive measures that followed the war, the efforts at resistance and evasion, and the long-lasting effects of Missouri’s painful past to reconciliation.  Contact Madeline Matson.

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

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.

Sunday morning, Courtney Waters, Teen Librarian of Missouri River Regional Library, visited us to talk about Banned Books.  Thankfully we don't live in a country where books are banned nationwide, and even the local bannings that remove books from schools and libraries are not very commonly enacted (although they are very commonly proposed).  So why does it matter, when you could just order any "banned" book from some online bookstore?  It matters because schools and libraries can be a cultural lifeline for people — especially young people — for whom "just buying it" isn't as easy as many of us take for granted.  It matters because people — especially young people — need to see the reality of their own lives reflected in what they read and to know that their experience is a part of the wider world that others understand, especially if that reality is difficult or controversial.  It matters because every removal of a book is a move toward a world where difficult and controversial issues are treated with shaming silence rather than respectful engagement.

You can probably think of more reasons of your own — and you can learn more about Banned Books on the American Library Association's website, here: http://www.ala.org/bbooks/

Meanwhile, the RE class did their part to help the UUSC's human rights and justice work around the world.  They made delicious baked apple treats to share with the rest of the Fellowship in exchange for Guest At Your Table donations.  Way to go!

Thanks also to everyone who joined Faith Voices for Jefferson City in their Ferguson Solidarity march downtown Sunday afternoon.  Those who were there say it was well-attended, and I personally was proud to be able to stand up at a moment when our community, our state, and our country need to hear that Black Lives Matter.

Next Sunday, December 7th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Hold the Pity for the Homeschooled," Frank Rycyk
A homeschooled New York high-school junior writes:
"...While others are convinced that home-schooling will stunt me, I take my inspiration from icons like Agatha Christie, Thomas Edison, Venus and Serena Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Charlie Chaplin — all of whom were taught in their own residences."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Respite Care," Kathlene Woodruff, YMCA
Respite Care is a program where foster parents are given a break once a month with an evening with events and supervision for foster children.

We will be taking a second offering collection to benefit a family in our neighborhood; see below.

Plus Children's RE with Roger Tanner-Thies and Patt Behler

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The December Newsletter and Print Calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available in the back of the Sanctuary, and electronic copies are available.

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.  Gennifer will have a bin in the entry way for groceries, diapers, etc., and we will be taking a second offering for the family next Sunday, December 7th.

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.

During December and January, Patt Behler will have 2015 Peace Corps calendars for sale to benefit volunteers around the world.  Calendars are $12 each; they feature beautiful global scenes and would make great gifts!  See Patt Behler.

This Thursday, December 4th, UUFJC hosts a Human Rights Roundtable from 10:30 am to 3 pm, organized by Empower Missouri (formerly MASW) and a variety of co-sponsors.  Thirty or more representatives from a broad range of organizations will explain what they do to further human rights and plan how to better support each other's efforts.  UUFJC members and friends are welcome to attend.  Snacks, cookies, bread, etc. are appreciated.  Contact Don Love for more information.

Friday, December 5th beginning at 5 pm is our First Friday Social, a night of casual off-budget fun with UUFJC friends.  Bring refreshments of your own or to share.  Contact Katherine Connor.

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.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, December 2nd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts "Fine Printing and the Book Arts in a Googled World."  John Neal Hoover will present a selection of private press books, fine printing and artists’ books from the collection of the St. Louis Mercantile Library Association, the oldest library in Missouri, to show the resilience of printing and finely made physical books in the e-book age. He will present a history of printing through books dating from the 15th century to recent publications created by modern presses in an informal lecture welcoming participation and questions. Hoover is director of the Mercantile Library.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Thursday, December 4th at 7 pm, Steve Bessemer of the State Emergency Management Agency will be at MRRL in the Art Gallery to explain how the Map Your Neighborhood program works. This program is designed to help neighbors prepare for disasters. In a disaster, your neighbors are your most immediate source of help. Traditional 9-1-1 responders are quickly overwhelmed during a disaster. Some minor preparation and knowing what to do in the first hour of a disaster response may save a life, reduce the severity of injuries, and reduce the amount of damage that you, your family, and neighbors sustain. This class is endorsed by the Missouri Seismic Safety Commission.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, December 5th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, MRRL presents their First Friday Film: "The Family Stone."  This comedy-drama features an all-star cast including Diane Keaton, Luke Wilson, Claire Danes, Craig T. Nelson, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney and Sarah Jessica Parker. The plot follows the holiday misadventures of the Stone family in a small New England town. Parker was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance. Keaton, Nelson and McAdams were each nominated for a Satellite Award for their performances.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema on High Street presents "Laggies," and maybe another film yet to be announced.  For showtimes and more information, visit: http://www.capitolcitycinema.org/.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.