August 6th, 2023

Our August newsletter  is now ready to view or download:
UUFJC Newsletter, Flame on the Water August 2023

As most of you probably know, we suffered a fire at our building this past week.  There is no structural damage, but there is a lot of damage inside, from smoke if not from the fire itself.  This morning, we were able to meet at an alternate location for a gathering moderated by our own Rev. Nancy TannerThies to share our thoughts and feelings about what has happened and how we move forward.  The fire has shaken us, and it may shake loose some things that no longer fit (however we might wish they did), but it can also shake us into awareness: of what it means to us to come together as a Fellowship, and of the energy, ability, and love we have to keep us coming together through the challenge.


As we move forward, some of you might wish to help directly.  Our board president, Rich Burdge writes:

"It was wonderful to see so many of you today as we shared our states of mind and began thinking about how to approach the restoration of our building. The enthusiasm and energy there was inspiring. Now we would like to try to get [an idea] of the talents at our disposal. If you are willing and able to assist in planning our recovery, please contact me describing specifically what skills, talents, or expertise you feel you can contribute. Before this is done, we will likely need people with knowledge of kitchen and bathroom design and remodeling, and general interior design. There will be room for people who can only be involved in planning, and for those who can do physical labor. (And probably some things I'm not thinking of!) As we said during the service today, we don't know exactly what the timetable will look like, but if we do use a lot of our own labor rather than professionals, a great advantage will be our ability to mobilize it quickly (and cost!). And please do not worry if you don't feel you have the right expertise or skills. Moral support is great, too! The board will collect all the responses and use them throughout this process. Thank you in advance for your support!"
For those who would also like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service message from this morning is available to view online:

UUFJC News and Events this week:

For accessibility and convenience, we have an option to donate to our Fellowship online through PayPal:

Donate to UUFJC
You can also mail donations and pledges to:
UUFJC
Attn: Treasurer
PO Box 1245
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Thank you for being with us and supporting us!


And remember all our ways to stay in touch!  You can visit our website at uufjc.org.  You can also join our open-posting "UUFJC Cafe" Google Group to chat with other members and friends via e-mail and receive additional announcements and reminders (contact the Administrator at [email protected] to join).
Due to the fire and other recent disruptions, our Free Neighborhood Pantry coordinator, Joan Kurtzeborn, believes it is time to close the pantry, at least for a while.  Please contact Joan with any questions or input about the future of the pantry.

An independent Insight Meditation group taught by Joe McCormack meets at our building Thursday nights at 7 pm, when our building is available.  For more information, contact Bob Antweiler.

Next Sunday, August 13th, our Intergenerational Book Study meets at 2 pm.  This month’s selection: “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams.  Contact Emma Regnier and Betty Cooper for the meeting location and more information.
Later next Sunday, August 13th, our Worship Team meets at 4:30 pm.  All are welcome to join in creating our Sunday services.  Contact our vice president, Lisa Sanning.

The UUFJC Board also meets next Sunday, August 13th, at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  For agenda and more information, contact our president, Rich Burdge.


Our building (when available) is reserved by community groups Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at 6 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 5:30 pm.  If you have access to our building, please allow privacy at these times.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, August 10th, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America holds their monthly online meeting.  To register or for more information, contact Alicia Erickson at [email protected].

For more events, see our online calendars:

UUFJC EventsVirtual Gatherings
Affiliated Events 
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events