This morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflections on Integrity.  A life of integrity, she said, is not finished when we achieve our goals and build ourselves up.  We must go beyond this, put our tools to new uses, and risk the selves we've built.  Integrity, she said, is more a matter of undoing than doing, and sometimes we need a crisis to strip us of everything we thought we were, down to what is truly essential.  What we find then can be surprising, but strangely familiar.  Having learned what we can do, we can discover what we can't not do.  Having found our place to stand and our lever, we can discover our role in moving the world.

On the eve of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Rev. Nancy also reminded us of this man of integrity, who called the United States toward the integrity of keeping its promises of freedom and equality.

Next Sunday, January 26th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Small Business Development Center," Lauren Carter
This Federally-sponsored program, located at Lincoln University, provides resources and help for new businesses.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: To Be Announced
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… Finding Your Courage"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We now have fliers and tickets for our Annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th.  The event will feature chili and more delicious food, live music, games, silent auction and raffle, and more!  Tickets are $10 for adults, children 6 and under free.  If you'd like to get involved, we have a sign-up sheet near our front entrance.  Fliers are also available in the sanctuary --- please take some to spread and tell your friends!  For more information, contact Bob Antweiler or Alberta Mobley.

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Paper copies are kept by our phones, and paper and electronic copies are available on request from the administrator ([email protected]).  We make the directory available “on request” in the interest of members and friends’ privacy, but please do not be shy about requesting!  Also remember that the directory can be updated at any time; please contact the administrator if you would like any information updated, added, or removed.

Rick Andris has stepped forward to organize our monthly Salvation Army meals -- many thanks to Rick.  We will be taking January off and will resume serving in February.  Contact Rick or Bob Antweiler for more information.

The Worship Service Committee meeting scheduled for this evening has been rescheduled to tomorrow, Monday, January 20th at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

At an overlapping time, tomorrow, Monday, January 20th at 6:30 pm, our building is reserved by a community group.  Please allow privacy; if you are attending the Worship Service Committee, please respect the group's needs.

And a week from tomorrow, Monday, January 27th, 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 week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Art & Culture Series #1 // Van Goh - A New Way of Seeing" (Tuesday only); "The First Rainbow Coalition - IndieLens PopUps (Wednesday only); and "Uncut Gems" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

Also this week, Scene One Theatre begins their production of "Other Desert Cities" by Jon Robert Baitz, with shows this Thursday through Saturday and more shows next week.  For more information, visit sceneonetheatre.com.

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, we were thankfully able to have our services despite the weather, but your Administrator was not able to attend.  Integrity means the principle to take seriously our commitments, such as coming together in our services each week, but it also means the wholeness to balance those commitments with prudence and self-care and be open with each other about those needs.

Here's hoping you all were able to find that balance this weekend and stay safe, and hoping to see you soon!

Next Sunday, January 19th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Fake News," Bob Boldt

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "A Lever and a Place to Stand," Rev. Nancy TannerThies
Exploring the meaning of integrity in the first and second parts of life.
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… Finding and Feeling the Integrity of “'We'"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Paper copies are kept by our phones, and paper and electronic copies are available on request from the administrator ([email protected]).  We make the directory available “on request” in the interest of members and friends’ privacy, but please do not be shy about requesting!  Also remember that the directory can be updated at any time; please contact the administrator if you would like any information updated, added, or removed.

Rick Andris has stepped forward to organize our monthly Salvation Army meals -- many thanks to Rick.  We will be taking January off and will resume serving in February.  Contact Rick or Bob Antweiler for more information.

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, January 14th at 7 pm, Patt Behler is hosting an unofficial “Off-Deck” discussion group for UUFJC members and friends.  This month’s topic is “The Nature of Time.”  Contact Patt for location and more information.

Next Sunday, January 19th, the Worship Service Committee meets at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Honey Boy" (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!

Our January Newsletter and Print Calendar are now available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

This morning, Rev. Mike Adamek joined us to begin the new year and to begin our month of focus on Integrity.  Integrity, he says, has two relevant meanings: the first is fidelity to strong principles, but he focused on the second: a state of undividedness and wholeness.  Rev. Mike cited Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which see us coming in our elder years to a decision between Integrity and Despair.  The Integrity path asks us to make meaning of our lives and own them in all their imperfections.  In accepting the wholeness of ourselves, we can also accept our place in an integral whole that we cannot fully judge or control, but that carries our impact beyond our own lives.  This viewpoint can enrich us not only in old age but in any season.

Next Sunday, January 12th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"JC Hands Together," Carolyn Perry
This new non-profit provides an alternative to payday loans.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: To Be Announced
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… Finding Your Inner Voice"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Paper copies are kept by the phones in our building, and paper and electronic copies are available on request from the administrator ([email protected]).  We make the directory available “on request” in the interest of members and friends’ privacy, but please do not be shy about requesting!  Also remember that the directory can be updated at any time, so please take this opportunity to check your information and contact the administrator if you would like anything updated, added, or removed.

We are seeking someone to organize our monthly Salvation Army meals.  This has been a longtime community service of our Fellowship, but we need help to continue.  Contact Bob Antweiler for more information or if you can help.

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 Thursday, January 9th at 7 pm, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets at our building, in the Forum Room.  This month, Robert Pinhero, Education and Training Consultant, presents: "Introduction to Conscious Capitalism."  Free and Open to the Public.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

At the same time, this Thursday, January 9th at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America also meets at our building, in the Sanctuary.  The group usually meets on the first Thursday of the month; this month's meeting was moved due to the New Years holiday.  Contact Susan Randolph.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Honey Boy" (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!

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!