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Divine Spark of Resistance ~ Rev.Dr. Rebekah Savage

4/17/2023

Sunday, April 16th:

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

This morning, we continued our month of exploring "Resistance" with a message from our wider UU community via video. In a recent sermon, Rev. Dr. Rebekah Savage, senior minister at the UU Congregation of Rockville, Maryland reminds us that radical possibility and courageous love begin with radical self-acceptance and love for our full selves.

The message is available to view online:

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service from this morning is also available to view online:

Resurfacing ~ Rev. Molly Housh Gordon

4/10/2023

Sunday, April 9th:

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

This morning, we celebrated our annual Flower Communion. This UU tradition --- now in its 100th year --- celebrates the renewal of life in springtime and the renewal and transformation we can share in our faith community, as each of us brings a flower to add to our communal bouquet and receives a different flower than the one we brought.

We also shared an Easter message from our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia via video. Rev. Molly Housh Gordon's sermon "Resurfacing" took a metaphorical look at themes of resurrection in our world and lives. She asked how we can resurface after we’ve been hit by wave after wave of sorrow and grief, and she posited that the resurrection narrative can help us find wisdom to rise again. (Summary from UUCC's Youtube channel.) The original service including this message is available to view online:

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service 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).

It’s that time of year again: time for us to plan our budget for the upcoming fiscal year. You can help us by making or updating pledges of your planned donations to UUFJC so that our board can make informed decisions. For pledge forms and more information, contact our treasurer, Bob Antweiler: [email protected].

We would like to officially welcome Diane Vitello as a new member of UUFJC! She and her son Abel have been fixtures around the fellowship for a while now, and she's also been helping with our community pantry. We're very glad she's decided to make it official and join our community! Please help her to feel welcome!

Our free community pantry is now gradually reopening after a temporary break. For more information, contact Joan Kurtzeborn.

On Thursdays at 5:30 pm, Katherine Connor hosts a weekly Zoom Happy Hour for UUFJC Members and Friends to gather and check in.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91843966450?pwd=djBwTEx4YUxseW9SdytSZjJGS0xrdz09
Meeting ID: 918 4396 6450
Password: 918925
Phone:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago - US toll)

Find your nearest number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo
An independent Insight Meditation group taught by Joe McCormack meets at our building Thursday nights at 7 pm. For more information, contact Bob Antweiler.
Next Sunday, April 16th, our Worship Team meets at our building at 4:30 pm. To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our vice president, Lisa Sanning.

Our building 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 Tuesday, April 11th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Do Legislators Have Enough Information to Do Their Jobs?"  Legislators require knowledge to pass laws; however, it is not always easy for legislators to become fully informed about bills on the docket. The complexity of modern government, the size of the legislative agenda, and the demands of running for re-election make it impossible for legislators to become experts on each issue on which the government makes policy. State legislatures also vary in their capacity, as the 50 legislatures throughout the U.S. have different salary levels and benefits, time demands of service, and staff resources. This variation has an impact on the ability of state legislatures to amass the knowledge they need to successfully pass laws. How do legislatures overcome this information deficit? Less knowledge about proposed laws leads to uncertainty, which leads to makeshift decisions, sunset provisions or regulations stating that laws will cease to exist unless renewed by the legislature.  Dr. Elizabeth Dorssom, a political science professor at Lincoln University whose expertise is legislatures, will discuss how well informed legislators are and how this affects the quality and type of laws they pass. She will discuss the impact of lower legislative resources on the rise of use of temporary laws.  Contact Madeline Matson. For more on library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Thursday, April 13th at 7:30 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America holds its monthly online meeting.  To register or for more information, contact Alicia Erickson at [email protected].

This Friday, April 14th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts their Second Friday Film: "Till." (This month's First Friday Film became a Second Friday Film due to the Good Friday holiday.)  This outstanding film portrays the true story of Mamie Till Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who was brutally lynched while visiting his cousins in Money, Mississippi, in 1955. Her poignant journey of grief turned to action and led to the development of the civil rights movement, showing the universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world.  Contact Madeline Matson. For more on library events, visit MRRL.org.

For more events, see our online calendars:

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

E Pluribus Unum, not Them and Us ~ Rev. Mike Adamek

4/5/2023

Sunday, April 2nd:

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

This morning, UUFJC bid a fond farewell to Rev. Mike Adamek, who visited us in person to deliver one last Sunday message, about our UU faith calling to reconcile unity and diversity.

After the service, we had a lovely meal, part potluck and part catered, and on behalf of the Fellowship, we presented Rev. Mike with a memory book compiled by Katharine Connor, and a $100 gift card for Beacon Press. We are all tremendously appreciative and grateful for Rev. Mike's 23 years of dedication, friendship, and thought-provoking messages that he has shared with us. (Potluck report by Rich Burdge.)

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service from this morning is available to view online:

The Dangers of Courage and Vulnerability Culture

3/31/2023

Sunday, March 26th:

Our April newsletter has been delayed.
Our editor is deeply grateful for everyone's patience!

Note: next Sunday, we will be having a special farewell lunch for our last service with Rev. Mike Adamek; more information below. Chicken and sides will be provided; desserts welcome.

This morning, we shared a recent message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman at the UU Church of Springfield via video. Exploring our monthly theme of "Vulnerability," Rev. Michelle discussed the cultural conversation many of us have been hearing or having about vulnerability, touched off particularly by the work of Brene Brown, who points to vulnerability as the birthplace of joy and belonging. However, many women of color and other marginalized thinkers have pointed out that this approach does not speak to them, that our culture does not offer them spaces where vulnerability will be rewarded and not punished.

As we wrap up our own month of focus on vulnerability, let us build a world where all have healthy places to be vulnerable, and remember that whatever gifts vulnerability may have for us, it is not our place to demand vulnerability of others who may face dangers we do not share or understand..

The message is available to view online:

Also this morning, we held the election of officers for the coming church year, to take effect after the Annual Meeting. The complete slate of board members from this past year will be returning. However, we realize that today's election was not adequately publicized beforehand. Our board president, Rich Burdge, takes full responsibility and offers his apologies.

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service from this morning is available to view online:

The Irish Lament ~ Intern Minister George Grimm-Howell

3/21/2023

Sunday, March 19th:

Note: Our new budget year is coming, and your pledges of expected giving will help us plan our future! See below or contact our treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

This morning, shortly following St. Patrick's Day, George Grimm-Howell used his first service with us to talk about the rich tradition in Irish culture of the lament, and its purpose in giving expression to grief, both on a personal level, and collectively, in the face of injustice. Aubrey Gogel and Lisa Sanning performed poetic readings of laments, and we heard traditional recordings that in some cases, showed that these melodies also gave rise to familiar UU hymns. (Summary by Rich Burdge)

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service 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).

Submissions for our April newsletter are due TODAY. Please email any last-minute items to Laura Gilkey ASAP ([email protected]).

It’s that time of year again: time for us to plan our budget for the upcoming fiscal year. You can help us by making or updating pledges of your planned donations to UUFJC so that our board can make informed decisions. For pledge forms and more information, contact our treasurer, Bob Antweiler: [email protected].

We are always in need of donations for our free community pantry. For donation ideas and more information, contact Joan Kurtzeborn. Reimbursements are available; contact our treasurer, Bob Antweiler: [email protected].

On Thursdays at 5:30 pm, Katherine Connor hosts a weekly Zoom Happy Hour for UUFJC Members and Friends to gather and check in.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91843966450?pwd=djBwTEx4YUxseW9SdytSZjJGS0xrdz09
Meeting ID: 918 4396 6450
Password: 918925
Phone:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago - US toll)

Find your nearest number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo
An independent Insight Meditation group taught by Joe McCormack meets at our building Thursday nights at 7 pm. For more information, contact Bob Antweiler.
This Friday, March 24th is our monthly Salvation Army meal. Please contact Bob Antweiler if you can help provide food for those in need.

Our building 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:

Next Sunday, March 26th at 2 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents an Author Talk with Patrick Murphy: "Places to Pray: Holy Sites in Catholic Missouri." Patrick Murphy has spent the past 40 years telling stories of the American heartland. A five-time Emmy Award winner, he has produced television programs for PBS< both locally and nationally, as well as documentaries and weekly series. He took a year to visit every corner of Missouri, exploring its Roman Catholic history and culture. From the grand basilicas of Missouri’s big cities to small churches in every corner of the state, the stories of generations of Catholic immigrants are set in stone. These churches endure today as monuments to the struggles and the faith of those new Americans and their descendants. In Places to Pray, Murphy’s new book, he takes readers to churches, c=shrines, convents, and monasteries throughout Missouri. He explores the architectural marvels of St. Louis and Kansas City and visits neighborhood parishes that proudly hold on to the ethnic flavors of their founders. His book is intended for readers of all faiths and walks of life who might venture into some of these places to experience realms beyond those offered by daily life. Contact Madeline Matson. For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

For more events, see our online calendars:

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

Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman on Vulnerability

3/13/2023

Sunday, March 12th:

This morning, we shared a recent message from Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman and our neighbors at First UU of Springfield, where they are also exploring the monthly Soul Matters theme of Vulnerability. Rev. Michelle shared her own experience of, like so many of us, trying to avoid vulnerability in favor of "stoic" objectivity, but vulnerability is a reality of life that we cannot opt in or out of. Sudden tragedies, circumstances beyond our control, marginalizing treatment --- all these things remind us that we are at risk whether we want to be or not, and some of us need no reminding. But on the other hand, a level of vulnerability is needed to truly relate to each other. As UUs, our faith tradition is defined not by creed but by covenant --- by relationship, and so we are called to build spaces where leaning into vulnerability is never forced but can feel welcome and safe. We are called, too, to lean into our own vulnerability where we can, to realize that we always have more to learn if we listen to others and are willing to risk finding that what we have known is wrong or incomplete.

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service message from this morning is available to view online:

Rev. Mike Adamek on Vulnerability

3/6/2023

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

Sunday, March 5th:

This morning, Rev. Mike Adamek joined us to begin our monthly theme: Vulnerability. Vulnerability, Rev. Mike argued, is crucial to continuing self-discovery and developing into our best selves. It is easy to fall into roles that feel familiar and safe but are ultimately constructions. We must remember to do the scary but rewarding work of opening ourselves up to new risks and possibilities, and in this way, we open ourselves to authentic engagement with the world.

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service from this morning is available to view online:

What would Love have me do today?

2/27/2023

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

Sunday, February 28th:

This morning, Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman, friend of our Fellowship and minister at First UU of Springfield Missouri, joined us in person to wrap up our month of reflections on Love. Love has many definitions, from the sweetness of cuddling or romance to the fierce love that stands up for justice, and the latter definition in particular speaks to many of us as UUs. Our first and second principles, "the inherent worth and dignity of every person" and "justice, equity, and compassion," call us into this kind of love, and while we have no creed, this can form a center for our wider UU faith. We may wonder, "Can our love really change the world?" But we know that love can heal us, and as we heal, we become more able to spread healing and strength to our neighbors and surroundings. We can change the world, bit by bit, when we ask ourselves as a spiritual practice: "What would Love have me do today?"

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service message from this morning is available to view online:

Embracing the Interconnected Web ~ Intern Minister George Grimm-Howell

2/20/2023

Sunday, February 19th:

This morning, we shared a message from our wider UU community via video, despite some technical challenges.

Continuing our monthly theme of Love, I would like to share more words from our wider UU community:

Power Prayer
By Becky Brooks

Spirit of Life, I have witnessed
a loud love,
an out-loud love,
that challenges me.

I did not recognize it
at first--
the rumble of an ocean
I had long been under.

But here it is right now
and it looks just
like the whole world
could be.

It doesn’t play nice;
why should it
when nice has only ever
played it a lullaby?

This love demands.

A love so loud
it lays rocks at the feet of children
who can’t find their path home--
across the pipeline--
any other way.

This love is indifferent to tolerance.
It invites you into your own
heart, where God loveself
has come to take tea with you.

Drink and know
that like that other love
this love
always protects
always trusts
always hopes
always perseveres.

Perseveres.

This out-loud love
makes no secret of its aim
to get you free.

But first, set fires.
Throw the poison
to the ground.
Match the love sound for sound.

Spirit of Life,
come,
and bring everyone.
We’re giving birth
to something new.

(from "Sparks of Wonder: Theme-Based Ministry for the Whole Congregation")

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service from this morning is available to view online:

Does Love Win? Universalism for Today ~ Rev. Aaron White

2/13/2023

Sunday, February 12th:

This morning, we continued exploring our February theme of Love with a message from our wider UU Community via video. Rev. Aaron White of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas talked about love as one of the pillars of our UU faith, especially rooted in the Universalist tradition that included figures like Hosea Ballou and George de Benneville. To them, as to many of us today, it didn't make sense that the love of the divine would be limited by things like race or creed, such that only the right kind of people would be saved. For our Universalist forebears, no one and nothing was ever outside of God's love, in eternity or in this world. Rev. White called on us, though, to go beyond an intellectual commitment to this and asked: what do we do about it? For most UUs, agreeing that there is no eternal hell is easy; more difficult and vital is asking, what on earth feels like hell, and are we ready to smash it? Because for us, Rev. White argued, the point of religion is not to become the right kind of person and earn divine love, it is to set aside judgments of worthiness and do divine love.

The message is available to view online:

For those who would like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service from this morning is also available to view online:

Next Sunday, February 19th:

Newsletter Submissions Due
Please send your items for our March newsletter to Laura Gilkey at [email protected].

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Bob Boldt

Our Adult Forum is currently available both in-person and via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98858741051?pwd=d3ZMbHJSL3NjMGMxZEM5N1VxUysxQT09
Meeting ID: 988 5874 1051
Password: 047662
Phone
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago - US toll)
Find your nearest number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message from UU Neighbors.

This week's service will feature a message from our wider UU community via video.
Our services are currently available both in person and on Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94285041130
Meeting ID: 942 8504 1130
By Phone (US toll):
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Find your nearest number: https://zoom.us/u/ak1ZLCDJG

Children's Religious Education - 10:30 am
Children attending in-person are welcome to join RE Instructor Samantha Porter for a lesson during the service hour. This month's theme: "Love." This week's lesson: "Love for Community."

Lunch after Service: If you would like to join other members and friends for lunch, look for a whiteboard in our entry hallway near the water fountain to see the weekly lunch location. Please add a tally to the whiteboard if you plan to attend.

Masks are currently optional for those attending UUFJC events in person.

If you have a joy or concern that you would like to have read during a service or shared in our weekly email, please submit it by noon on the Friday before through our website: http://uufjc.org/joys--concerns.html
We will also have paper forms available Sunday morning for submissions.
Zoom participants, please use the web form. Submissions made after noon on Friday may not be read or shared until the following week.

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).

Logan White has graciously agreed to take over maintaining our website and Facebook page from Jan Harcourt. Many thanks to Jan for her service, and many thanks to Logan for stepping up!

We are always in need of donations for our free community pantry. Cereal, Vienna sausage, and tuna would be especially helpful at this time. For more donation ideas and information on the pantry, contact Joan Kurtzeborn. Reimbursements are available; contact our treasurer, Bob Antweiler: [email protected].

On Thursdays at 5:30 pm, Katherine Connor hosts a weekly Zoom Happy Hour for UUFJC Members and Friends to gather and check in.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91843966450?pwd=djBwTEx4YUxseW9SdytSZjJGS0xrdz09
Meeting ID: 918 4396 6450
Password: 918925
Phone:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago - US toll)

Find your nearest number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo

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

Our building 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 Wednesday, February 15th at 1 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "The Practice of Loving-Kindness."  Relationships, family issues, a sense of isolation, loneliness, work stress, politics, financial strains, loss—all take a toll on our physical and mental health. This session is an introduction to the Loving-Kindness practice, grounded in the foundational concepts of mindfulness. Participants will be invited to experience a guided Loving-Kindness meditation during the program. Engaging in an active Loving-Kindness practice brings greater calm and happiness in daily life, relaxing the defense mechanisms associated with fear and negative mental states.  Terry Wilson will lead the session. She has been practicing and teaching contemplative practices for more than 20 years. Contact Madeline Matson. For more on library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Thursday, February 16th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents the latest installment of the LU-MRRL Lecture Series: "Kirigami Crafts: From Folding and Cutting Paper to Smart Materials and Soft Fabrics."  Origami—the Japanese art of folding paper—and its cutting variation Kirigami, are among the most popular crafts we learn as kids. The joy of creating interesting shapes from a flat sheet is something we carry well into adulthood. Get ready to make Kirigami paper crafts with Dr. Vianney Gimenez-Pinto, assistant professor of physics and chemistry. In her talk, she will also explore how folding a paper airplane or cutting a paper snowflake has inspired applied scientists and engineers toward developing new materials, devices and technologies.  Contact Madeline Matson. For more on library events, visit MRRL.org.

And this Saturday, February 18th at 2 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL hosts an Artist Reception for Julie Smith.  Smith, longtime photographer for the Jefferson City News-Tribune, has spent a career documenting events and activities, both large and small, in Jefferson City and Cole County. She is known throughout the region for her interest and attendance in what’s happening in River City. Her photos have won numerous awards from both journalism and photography organizations, and she was recently inducted into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame.  Contact Madeline Matson. For more on library events, visit MRRL.org.

For more events, see our online calendars:

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

<<Previous

Forward>>

Divine Spark of Resistance ~ Rev.Dr. Rebekah Savage

Resurfacing ~ Rev. Molly Housh Gordon

E Pluribus Unum, not Them and Us ~ Rev. Mike Adamek

The Dangers of Courage and Vulnerability Culture

The Irish Lament ~ Intern Minister George Grimm-Howell

Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman on Vulnerability

Rev. Mike Adamek on Vulnerability

What would Love have me do today?

Embracing the Interconnected Web ~ Intern Minister George Grimm-Howell

Does Love Win? Universalism for Today ~ Rev. Aaron White

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