Our January Calendar is now available to view or download: UUFJC January 2020 Calendar.
Our January newsletter has been delayed due to the holidays and will be available next Sunday.

Today, for our last Sunday service of 2019, we observed our annual ritual of letting go.  Our usual fire ceremony was unavailable, and this time we shared a few minutes to think of what we wanted to let go, then we were each invited to take a stone (if you weren't there, you can find one on your own).  In the coming week, when the thought or feeling you want to let go of comes to you, take the stone in your hand and visualize transferring the feeling into it.  When you are ready, go to a place that feels purifying (perhaps outdoors, or to a body of water), and throw the stone away, focusing on the idea that your burden is going with it.

While today's service was our last Sunday morning of the year, it was not our last time to come together!  Please join us tomorrow, Monday, December 30th at 6:30 pm, for our special year-end service: "An Evening of Community and Hope."  The service will offer reflection and encouragement, with meditation, rituals, and thoughts from special guests.  A collection for ongoing tornado relief efforts will be taken, and childcare will be provided.  Open to the community --- please spread the word and invite others!  For more information, contact  Alexis at [email protected].

Next Sunday, January 5th, 2020:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Rotary Youth Leadership Awards," Nick Rackers
RYLA is a free 4-day youth leadership event.  It has been described as a "transformative experience."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Integrity: So Who Am I Really?," Rev. Mike Adamek
Erik Erikson's last stage of psychosocial development is Integrity vs. Despair.  In these long dark nights of winter, a mind at any age can turn to questions about our development or stagnation as a person. Is the internal critic looking at our lives day by day, too critical or not critical enough? Which is it easier, to know where we fall short, or to know when we are good enough to be a person of integrity?
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 --- "Being True to Yourself by… Walking the Talk"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Planning has begun for our annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th, 2020.  We are seeking chili-makers and other chefs, live music, games, silent auction and raffle items, and more!  To get involved, please contact Bob Antweiler or Alberta Mobley.

Tomorrow, Monday, December 30th, prior to our special evening service (see above), our building is reserved for preparation and rehearsals.  Contact Alexis.

This Thursday's scheduled meeting of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, which meets in our building, has been rescheduled to next week, Thursday, January 9th, due to the New Year's Holiday.  Contact Susan Randolph.

The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, January 5th at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Contact our President, Katherine Connor.

Also next Sunday evening, our building is reserved for a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy; if you are attending the board meeting, please be respectful of the group's needs.

Community Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, December 30th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Forest Park Owls: Mating, Nesting and Owlets."  Mark H.X. Glenshaw is an award-winning naturalist who has closely observed and documented the lives of Great Horned Owls in Forest Park in St. Louis since December 2005. He will share what he has been able to observe and document including mating, nest selection, feeding of the owlets, fledging and gradual maturation of owlets, and the dispersal of the owlets with photos and videos to illustrate these behaviors.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, January 3rd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film.  This month's selection: "The Farewell."  In a bittersweet and often humorous film, Billi returns with her family to China for a fake wedding in order to say goodbye to their beloved matriarch--the only person who doesn't know she has but a few weeks to live. Starring Awkwafina in a emotionally resonant performance.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Aeronauts" (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 and a Happy New Year!

his morning, Alexis continued our month of reflections on Awe.  Awe, she pointed out, is a word for a feeling that often goes beyond what words can express.  As such, rather than a typical sermon, Alexis led us in making small strings of beads as a sensory aid to focusing on presence and intention.  She then led a meditation around poetic readings and music, asking us to consider with nonjudgmental curiosity:  What images, feelings, and thoughts arise in these meditations?  What might those images and feelings reveal?

Images that occurred to me included wind and sunlight in the leaves of summer trees, and seedlings pushing upward through soil.  Wordless awe need not be overwhelming and explosive; it can be simply letting things in as they are without rushing to reduce them to words and assigned meanings.

Next Sunday, December 29th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Beneficial Corporations (B-Corps)," Suzanne Luther
Suzanne, who runs 4-Quarters Art House, will describe a corporate structure similar to "Conscious Capitalism," more beneficial to citizens as well as shareholders.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: Fire Communion
In the words of Rev. Elizabeth Harding, "The fire communions eparates the end of the year from the beginning, helping us to put in perspective the joys and sorrows, the changes and transitions, the ups and downs of the year."
Members and friends are invited to write down a word or phrase on special magician's paper, indicating what they'd like to release before the new year begins. Then all are invited up to hold the special paper to a flame and watch their words vanish in a flash.
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 GooseBumps that Arise When We Look into Each Other’s Eyes"

Small Group: "This I Believe: Awe" - 2 pm
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.  For more information or to RSVP, contact Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our special year-end service, "An Evening of Community and Hope," is coming a week from tomorrow, Monday, December 30th at 6:30 pm.  The service will offer reflection and encouragement.  A special collection for ongoing tornado relief efforts will be taken.  Childcare will be provided.  Open to the community --- please spread the word and invite others!  For more information, contact  Alexis at [email protected].  

We now have a holiday tree on display by the piano.  All are invited to bring ornaments to add to the tree and make its decorations a reflection of our Fellowship community.  The tree will remain on display until after services next Sunday, December 29th.  For more information, contact Patt Behler.

Planning has begun for our annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th, 2020.  We are seeking chili-makers and other chefs, live music, games, silent auction and raffle items, and more!  To get involved, please contact Bob Antweiler or Alberta Mobley.

Tomorrow, Monday, December 23rd, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff: [email protected]

Our normal Fourth Friday Salvation Army dinner will not be held this month; thankfully they receive enough holiday support that our work isn't needed.  To get involved in future months, contact Roberta Dunkel.

Next Sunday, December 29th, our building is reserved for special service preparation and rehearsal starting at 4 pm (after the This I Believe small group).  Contact Alexis.

Community Events this week:

We have no community events listed for this week.  Please check other local event calendars.

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 and Happy Holidays!

Our services were canceled today due to the weather --- Nature took its turn at putting us in Awe of its power.

While we missed out on a sermon from Rev. Nancy TannerThies, she shares these words:

Kathleen Vohs writes: 
"Awe is quite threatening in certain ways, and something that is challenging and unwelcome [it]can border on fear....The experience of awe is one where you are temporarily off-kilter in terms of your understanding of the world. People mostly walk around with a sense of knowing what is going on in the world. They have hypotheses about the way people behave and what might happen; those are pretty airtight. It is hard to get people to shake from those because that’s just how the brain works. We are always walking around trying to confirm the things we already think. When you are in a state of awe, it puts you off balance and as a consequence...people might be ready to learn new things and have some of their assumptions questioned."

In the midst of the business of the season and the concern about the weather, I hope each of you finds time to experience something awesome.

Next Sunday, December 22nd:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Right to Harm," Michael Lester
This film will document problems associated with CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations).

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Beyond Mere Words," Alexis
You're invited to attend a different-from-normal-service that will emphasize silence and song inspired by Diana Palmer, who says:“There are in life a few moments so beautiful, that even words are a sort of profanity.”
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 GooseBumps that Arise When We Notice New Life"

UU Ethics Small Group - 2 pm
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 or to RSVP, contact Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our special year-end service, "An Evening of Community and Hope," is fast approaching, Monday, December 30th at 6:30 pm.  The service will offer reflection and encouragement.  A special collection for ongoing tornado relief efforts will be taken.  Childcare will be provided.  Open to the community --- please spread the word and invite others!  For more information, contact  Alexis at [email protected].  

We now have a holiday tree on display by the piano.  All are invited to bring ornaments to add to the tree and make its decorations a reflection of our Fellowship community.  The tree will remain on display until December 29th.  For more information, contact Patt Behler.

And as a holiday fundraiser for the Fellowship, we have two raffle baskets now on display near the cafe bar, filled with wine and treats for holiday entertaining or just for treating yourself.  The drawing will be held in one week, on Sunday, December 22nd, so don't wait!  For tickets and more what's in the baskets, contact Carol Bontempo.

Planning has begun for our annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th, 2020.  We are seeking chili-makers and other chefs, live music, games, silent auction and raffle items, and more!  To get involved, please contact Bob Antweiler or Alberta Mobley.

This afternoon’s meeting of our “This I Believe” small group has been rescheduled due to the weather; it will now meet on December 29th.  For more information or to RSVP, contact Alexis at [email protected].

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

And one week from tomorrow, on Monday, December 23rd, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff: [email protected]

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday, December 18th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Reel Life Cinema: "Lidia Celebrates America: Home for the Holidays."  Noted chef, author and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich loves the winter holidays and invites six celebrity guests of different ethnic backgrounds to her holiday table in this film: award-winning actors Christopher Walken and Rita Moreno, television journalist Ann Curry, model and television host Padma Lakshmi, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, and conductor Carlo Ponti, Jr. The film tells the stories of each individual’s journey to and in America, set against a meal that represents the diverse flavors of their heritage.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Lighthouse" (Thursday through Sunday) and "The Grinch" (Sunday 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!

From our Vice President:

Due to the weather forecast, which is calling for significant snowfall amounts, I'm going to go ahead and cancel service this morning, December 15. 

Although the snow hasn't started yet [at time of writing], all the forecasts I've checked are saying it will begin sometime this morning and I don't want anyone getting caught out in weather that's potentially dangerous.

Stay safe and warm everyone!

Lisa 

This morning, Alexis continued our month of reflections on Awe with a story from the Hebrew Bible: the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel, chapter 3).  Faced with the glorious spectacle of an occupying empire and even with the full threat of its violence, these characters still remained true to their own convictions about what should command their awe and worship.  A fictional story written at a time when such conflicts were all too real, it reveals some Jews of that era lifting up nonviolent resistance.  Most of us thankfully don't face death by fiery furnace, but even today, governments try to instill awe with their violence.  Especially at this time of year, our culture and industry seek to awe us with their glamour and spectacle.  But each of us has a truth within us that power can't control.  What really lifts you up and strengthens you?  What helps you live with compassion?  What gives you hope, and inspires you to be an agent of hope?  How can you stand firm and uplift what is truly awesome for you?

Next Sunday, December 15th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)," Nick Rackers
Rackers will describe free leadership training for qualifying high school students. Do you know any high school students who might benefit?

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: 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 GooseBumps that Arise When We Stare at the Stars"

"This I Believe" - 2 pm
RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER - Now meeting December 29th, 2 pm
One of our ongoing small group gatherings.  This month's theme: "Awe."  Participants will learn from one another by sharing stories from their lives in a variety of ways. No ongoing commitment is required.  For more information or to RSVP, contact Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our special year-end service, "An Evening of Community and Hope," is fast approaching, Monday, December 30th at 6:30 pm.  The service will offer reflection and encouragement.  A special collection for ongoing tornado relief efforts will be taken.  Childcare will be provided.  Open to the community --- please spread the word and invite others!  For more information, contact  Alexis at [email protected].

We also have a holiday tree on display again this year, in the sanctuary near the piano.  All are invited to bring ornaments to add to the tree and make its decorations a reflection of our Fellowship community.  The tree will remain on display until December 29th.  For more information, contact Patt Behler.

And as a holiday fundraiser for the Fellowship, we have two raffle baskets now on display near the cafe bar, filled with wine and treats for holiday entertaining or just for treating yourself.  The drawing will be held in two weeks, on Sunday, December 22nd, so don't wait!  For tickets and more information, contact Carol Bontempo.

Planning has begun for our annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th, 2020.  We are seeking chili-makers and other chefs, live music, games, silent auction and raffle items, and more!  To get involved, please contact Bob Antweiler or Alberta Mobley.

This Tuesday, December 10th at 7 pm, Patt Behler is hosting an informal discussion at her home for UUFJC members and friends.  The topic: “Creativity.”  Contact Patt for more information.

This Friday, December 15th starting at 6:30 pm, our building is reserved for a special service planning session.  Contact Alexis.

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday through Saturday, December 11th - 14th, Scene One Theatre presents "Short Attention Span Theatre 11: The Holiday Season," an evening of original 10-minute plays.  Shows at 7:30 pm each evening, plus a 2 pm matinee Saturday.  For tickets and more information, visit sceneonetheatre.com.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Lighthouse" (Thursday through Sunday) and "It's A Wonderful Life" (Sunday 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 to open our month of reflections on Awe.  Often we feel a wonderment that we label "awe" from the sense experience of overwhelming reality or from the dawning of knowledge, but Rev. Mike argued that true awe requires the wisdom to appreciate the power of what we're experiencing.  True awe, he said, both attracts and repels us --- along with the wonder comes an element of fear.  Whether it's the power of nature or the possibilities of our own technology, we recognize forces we can't predict or even fully understand, much less control.  The best response to such awesome forces, Rev. Mike reminded us, is to come together in love.

Next Sunday, December 8th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Medicare and Health Insurance," Charlotte Parsons
Charlotte will update us about ever-changing regulations.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Going Organic: Resisting Prepacked Awe," Alexis
Description:'Tis the season of intensified marketing and messages regarding what is required to make the holiday season special. Let us make intentional space to resist that which takes us away from what is truly deserving of our attention and awe.
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 GooseBumps that Arise From Slowing Down"

Potluck Lunch After Service - Please Bring a Favorite Dish!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

This Friday and Saturday, December 6th and 7th, we will be wrapping up our current art exhibition, the retrospective of our own Patt Behler’s work.  Patt will be there to greet people Friday for the last open day and Saturday during takedown.  Contact Patt for more information about the show or to purchase works.

The Worship Service Committee meets next Sunday, December 8th, at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

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

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, December 5th at 6:30 pm, Missouri River Regional Library presents Music in (or near) the Library with Maria Duhova Trevor at Grace Episcopal Church.  Maria Duhova Trevor is the principal harpist of both the Missouri and the Springfield Symphony Orchestras as well as an adjunct instructor of harp at the University of Missouri and Truman State University. She collaborates with local musicians in solo recitals and chamber music and appears regularly with the Odyssey Chamber Music Series in Columbia. She moved to the USA in 2006 from Slovakia and has established herself as one of the most sought-after harpists in Missouri. In Europe, she toured extensively with various orchestras and opera companies and served as a recording harpist for the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra. She maintains an active teaching studio, and her philosophy of the healing power of music has brought a large following.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, December 6th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film.  This month's selection: "The Chaperone."  Society matron Norma Carlisle volunteers to accompany future Jazz Age star and free spirit Louise Brooks for a summer in New York City. But why does she want to go? It’s a story full of surprises—about who these women really are and who they eventually become. Written by Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame and starring Elizabeth McGovern, a Downton Abbey star, the film is based on Laura Moriarty’s beloved novel.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

Next Sunday, December 8th at 1:30 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL hosts a Local Authors Showcase.  Meet local authors from the mid-Missouri area whose works represent a variety of genres. They will meet with visitors to discuss their work and publishing experiences, and have their books available for sale. It’s the perfect time to purchase signed copies for family, friends—or yourself. Check the library’s website for the participating authors.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more on library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Greener Grass" (Thursday through Sunday) and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (Sunday 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!