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!

Our December Newsletter and Print Calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available at the Fellowship, and electronic copies are available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

This morning, Alexis helped us conclude our month of reflection on Attention and celebrate our annual Bread Communion.  We often find our attention drawn to fleeting things, whether it's the sunset glow on autumn leaves, a meal prepared with love that is soon devoured, or wrapping paper that will be discarded after the holiday morning.  Some of these things can be distractions, but some are nourishment to the spirit, things that give strength and love and enable good work long after the object itself has disappeared.  Alexis asked us to reflect on this as we direct our attention, to look beyond surface enjoyment and ask, in the words of Phillip Gulley, "What helps me do what is most important?"  What helps each of us to be "an instrument of reconciliation and love?"  These are the things that nourish us, that we can direct our attention toward.  At times we will all fall short, but we can always refocus on our values and rise again.

As a symbol of coming together in love and creating spiritual nourishment in our Fellowship community, we also held our annual Bread Communion.  Members and friends brought many kind of bread which were present for reflection at the service and were shared and enjoyed afterward.

Next Sunday begins our month of reflection on "Awe."

Next Sunday, December 1st:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Fake News," Bob Boldt
Bob will explore what is real, what is "fake," and how to tell the difference.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Information, Knowledge, Experience, Wisdom, Numen," Rev. Mike Adamek
In ancient Rome, a daimon could possess a person and they could be gripped by a genius, an unknown spirit which led them beyond experience, beyond wisdom to an awesome mystery which they did not control and which they did not yet understand. Rudolf Otto called this level of absolute reality beyond knowledge, beyond experience and wisdom, the numinous. He described this as mysterium tremendum et fascinans as the absolute spiritual reality, or God. As a religious humanist, I want to look at this reality from the forefront of continuous human exploration into the mysterious (not simply the unknown) which always produces a renewed sense of awe which is both full of wonder and fearful in its possibilities.
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 Love in Action"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Please help us spread the word about our small group gatherings!  We have postcard and letter sized flyers available; take as many as you like to give to people who you think would like to participate.  For more information or to RSVP, contact Alexis at [email protected].

We have some new chairs in our Sanctuary, thanks to donations from the Yoga classes that meet in our building.  Many thanks to everyone who donated!  We are hoping that the new chairs will be comfortable, as well as more lightweight and durable.  Give them a try and let us know what you think!  We may invest in more of them in the future.

Tomorrow, Monday, November 25th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff:
[email protected]

Next Sunday, December 1st, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Greener Grass" (Thursday through Sunday) and "Meet Me In St. Louis" (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 and a Happy Thanksgiving!

This morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflections on Attention, and she shared a story she was told about her childhood, that she would stand in the backyard of her family's home in a wind-swept part of the country, shaking her small fists and crying "Stop it, Wind!  Stop it!"  In these times, in many ways we find ourselves "standing in the wind" --- the howling of stimulus overload, the buffeting of our own confusion, stress, and trauma, the enveloping pressure of our society's conflicts and hatreds, and even the sometimes-too-literal burning or battering winds of our disrupted ecology.  How can we stand in these winds without being broken and blown away?

Rev. Nancy argued that attention is key, but not just any attention.  We must be present in the moment, but not settle for commodified "mindfulness" that leads us only inward and soothes us into complacency.  The Latin root of the word "attention," Nancy pointed out, means "to stretch toward," and that is what we must do --- stretch toward empathy for others, toward shared strength with them, and toward the place where our calling to do meets what the world needs done.

What stands alone in the wind will break.  What stands still and rigid in the wind will break.  We must attend to the moment and feel what we feel, attend to others and stretch toward them, move into the action that calls us, and trust that we don't have to do it all alone.

Next Sunday, November 24th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Mummy's Curse?" Dr. Christine Boston
Description:Lincoln University Anthropology professor Dr. Boston will trace myths about mysterious deaths associated with mummies.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Directing Our Attention To What Nourishes Us," Alexis
--- Plus Bread Communion
You're invited to join us for a contemplative experience with prompts to encourage reflection upon what really nourishes and enriches our lives.
Bread Communion will follow the service.
The Bread Communion is our annual ritual marking the harvest and supporting the blessings that support our lives.
Everyone is invited to bring a bread to share that has special meaning to them, or is just a favorite.
The fellowship will provide butter and cider. If you would like to contribute honey, jam, etc., please feel free to do so.
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 --- "Attention to the Beauty Around Us: The Practice of Gratitude"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Submissions for our December newsletter and print calendar are due TODAY.  Please e-mail any last-minute items to Laura Gilkey ASAP ([email protected]).

Please help us spread the word about our small group gatherings!  We have postcard and letter sized flyers available; take as many as you like to give to people who you think would like to participate.  For more information about small groups or if you would like to participate, please contact Alexis at [email protected].

We have some new chairs in our Sanctuary, thanks to donations from the Yoga classes that meet in our building.  Many thanks to everyone who donated!  We are hoping that the new chairs will be comfortable, as well as more lightweight and durable.  Give them a try and let us know what you think!  We may invest in more of them in the future.

Next Sunday, November 24th at 2 pm is the second session of our UU Ethics small group, which was rescheduled due to the weather.  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 participate, contact Alexis at [email protected].

The UUFJC Board meets later next Sunday, November 24th at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Contact our President, Katherine Connor.

Tomorrow, Monday, November 18th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, November 18th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents an Author Talk on "CB Radio and American Culture."  Tim Scherrer, author of Crashed the Gate Doing Ninety-Eight, will tell the story of the first electronic social network in America—the CB radio. Citizens Band Radio grew from a small number of hobby users to a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s. CB life created its own “slanguage,” music and values. What started mostly with truckers grew during the 1974 oil crisis and became widespread, with users adapting CBs to their own economic and social uses. This movement changed the character of the radio use, eventually making the radios truly the Citizens’ Band. Then they disappeared…  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Peanut Butter Falcon" (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!

This morning, we continued our month of focus on "Attention."  We UUs count among the Sources of our Living Tradition "Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life."  As such, we are called to pay attention to the beliefs of others.  To that end, this morning we enjoyed a video from our larger UU community, in which Sarah Farkas and Judith Scott describe their Jewish faith at the UU Fellowship of Bay County in Panama City, Florida.  Judaism is a diverse tradition, but many Jews and many UUs can find common ground in a shared focus on acting with goodness, working for social justice, and a questioning approach to faith.

You can view Sarah and Judith's entire presentation on YouTube, including the question and answer period we didn't have time for in our service:  A Jew and a Unitarian Walk into a Bar

Next Sunday, November 17th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Environmental Consciousness," Molly Freebairn

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: Rev. 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 --- "Turning Attention to the Now: The Practice of Mindfulness"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Please help us spread the word about our small group gatherings!  We now have letter-sized and postcard-sized flyers available at the Fellowship; please take as many as you like to give to people who you think would like to participate.

Indeed this is a good time to spread the word: the next sessions of both of our small groups are coming up this week.  Tomorrow, Monday, November 11th at 6:30 pm is the second session of our UU Ethics small group; and next Sunday, November 17th at 2 pm is our “This I Believe” gathering on this month’s theme of “Attention.”  For more information or if you would like to participate, please contact Alexis at [email protected].

We have some new chairs in our Sanctuary, thanks to donations from the Yoga classes that meet in our building.  Many thanks to everyone who donated!  We are hoping that the new chairs will be comfortable, as well as more lightweight and durable.  Give them a try and let us know what you think!  We may invest in more of them in the future.

If you brought pictures or mementos for our Day of the Dead altar, thank you.  Those items are ready to be returned to you. Contact Bob Boldt for more information.  

This Tuesday, November 12th, Patt Behler is hosting an informal discussion group for UUFJC members and friends at her home at 7 pm.  The theme will be “How Do We Know What We Know?”  Contact Patt for more information.

This Thursday, November 14th, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets in our building at 7 pm.  This month's speaker is Kellie Ann Coats, Executive Director of Missouri Women's Council.  The Missouri Women's Council, an agency within the Department of Economic Development, was established in 1985 by the State's 83rd General Assembly to identify and address issues affecting the economic and employment status of women in Missouri.  Open to the public.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Medicaid Money in Missouri: Now and the Future."  After passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2019, Medicaid expansion became central to increased healthcare in the states. Studies from the University of Missouri and other sources indicate that Medicaid expansion would add $10 billion to the Missouri economy over the first 10 years. Rural hospitals would receive larger payments because they serve more elderly and poor citizens. And this year in February, Washington University released a study indicating that expansion could help almost 230,000 citizens receive health coverage with the costs mostly paid for by the federal government. Rural hospitals are closing. There is more reliance on ER usage, which hospitals call uncompensated care.  Hospitals then raise rates, and insurance companies pass that cost on to consumers.   Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

Next Sunday, November 17th, The 2nd Annual Sam B. Cook Memorial Organ Concert presents Alan Morrison, Organ Chair, Curtis Institute of Music, performing at 4 pm at First Christian Church, 327 East Capitol Ave.  Seating is limited.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Peanut Butter Falcon" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

This week also concludes Scene One Theatre's production of "Tales from the Rough Writers: An Evening of Original Performance Art," with shows Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  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!

Apologies for lateness in giving this its own post...

Our November Newsletter and Print Calendar are now ready.  Paper copies are available at the Fellowship, and electronic copies are available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

This morning, Rev. Mike Adamek began our month of reflections on "Attention" with a message he described thus:

"Ralph Waldo Emerson was a master at focusing our attention on what was worthy in a life well lived.  We must celebrate the miracles in the mundane if we have ears to hear and eyes to see."

A good reminder that the wisdom of mindfulness and attention has deep roots in our UU faith.

This month also marks 20 years Rev. Mike has been bringing us monthly messages at UUFJC!  Many thanks to Rev. Mike for all he's done for us and for all the blessings of our years together!

Next Sunday, November 10th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Environmental Journalism," Tina Cassagrand
Jefferson City publisher Tina Cassagrand will discuss how she is bringing together environmental journalists.

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 --- "Attention to the Needs of Others: The Practice of Helping"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

If you brought pictures or mementos for our Day of the Dead altar, thank you.  Those items are ready to be returned to you. Contact Bob Boldt for more information.

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

This Friday, November 8th, our building is reserved for a private recital from 6:30 to 8 pm.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

Next Sunday, November 10th, our Worship Service Committee meets at 6 pm (some versions of the November calendar list a different time, but 6 pm is correct).  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

And a week from tomorrow, on Monday, November 11th at 6:30 pm is the second session of our UU Ethics small group.  For more information, see our November newsletter or contact Alexis at [email protected].

Community Events this week:

Starting this week Scene One Theatre presents "Tales from the Rough Writers" (Thursday through Saturday).  For tickets, showtimes, and more information, visit sceneonetheatre.com

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Judy" (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 November Newsletter and Print Calendar are now ready.  Paper copies are available at the Fellowship, and electronic copies are available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

This morning, Alexis joined us to conclude our month of reflections on Belonging.  When asked what makes them feel like they belong, people name things like "feeling like I've met 'my people'," "feeling safe," "feeling heard."  These things are gifts, but without intention and balance, we can keep ourselves comfortable and hold off the vital work of transformation.  Alexis cited Buddhist author Pema Chodron's book, "Welcoming the Unwelcome," in which she describes an awakened heart as a "wish to be free from what gets in the way of helping others."  For this we must become mindful --- mindful of the identities and spaces that define where we feel we belong, mindful of the places where we are shielding ourselves from the vulnerability that awakening and welcoming call us into.  We don't have to push ourselves to the point of excessive risk, but we are called to push beyond comfort into the zone of learning.  Try asking yourself: "What might I do to help others feel belonging?  Why might it be hard?"  If we can stay present with ourselves and each other through the challenges of learning, we can both belong and transform, and make our UU spaces both safe and brave.

Next Sunday, November 3rd:

Daylight Saving Time Ends.
Remember to set your clocks back Saturday night!

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Is Manned Space Travel Impossible?" Bob Boldt

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Tathata and the Divinity School Address," Rev. Mike Adamek
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a master at focusing our attention on what was worthy in a life well lived.  We must celebrate the miracles in the mundane if we have ears to hear and eyes to see.
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 --- "Attention to our Inner Self: The Practice of Prayer"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Bob Boldt is organizing our annual Day of the Dead altar and observance.  Please bring pictures or mementos of passed loved ones from now until October 31st to be displayed on the altar.  Items may be left in the clear plastic box near the cafe bar and will be returned by November 4th.  Contact Bob for more information.

Tomorrow, Monday, October 28th at 6:30 pm is the first session of our UU Ethics small group.  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, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Also tomorrow evening, Monday, October 28th at 6:30 pm, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  This month's program will offer information on low-income housing programs, discussions on challenges, and testimony from those impacted by the lack of affordable and safe housing in Jefferson City.  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff: [email protected]

Our UUA Region, MidAmerica, is presenting several webinars this week: This Tuesday, October 29th at 6:45 pm will be a webinar on “Ritual of Healing and Recharging,” and this Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29th and 30th at 6:30 pm will be a pair of webinars on “Faith Development in Smaller UU Communities.”  For more information and videos of past webinars, visit the MidAmerica UUA website:  www.uua.org/midamerica/events/webinars

Next Sunday, November 3rd, the Art Committee will be holding an open house starting at 2:30 pm.  All are welcome to come enjoy our current exhibit, a retrospective by Patt Behler, plus an Art Talk on Printmaking at 3 pm, free donated art supplies, and more.  Contact Patt Behler.

Later next Sunday, November 3rd, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, October 29th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "The Climate for Change is Now."  You are invited to a showing of "Paris to Pittsburgh," produced by National Geographic Films. This film brings to life the efforts of individuals who are battling the most severe effects of climate change in their own back yards. It captures the urgency of the issue and the inspiring ways Americans are responding. The library is co-sponsoring this showing with the local branch of Citizens Climate Lobby, a group that empowers everyday people to work together on climate change solutions.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, November 1st at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film: "The White Crow.".  This film traces Rudolf Nureyev's poverty-stricken childhood in the Soviet city of Ufa, to his blossoming as a student dancer in Leningrad, to his arrival at the epicenter of western culture in Paris in the early 1960s and a nail-biting defection to the West. It's the true story of an incredible journey by a unique artist who transformed the world of ballet forever.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org. 

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Judy" (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!

This morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of exploring Belonging with a paradox: the more deeply we understand ourselves, the more we can widen our circles of belonging and welcome.  Citing John O'Donohue, Nancy argued that belonging is vital to being human, that it brings together both our being, our living and passionate presence, and our longing for something beyond ourselves.  She also shared author Brene Brown's guideposts to belonging:

• It's hard to hate close up --- Move in.
• Speak truth to b***s*** --- But be civil.
• Hold hands --- With strangers.
• And keep a Strong Back, Soft Front, Wild Heart.

We need deep self-awareness to be our authentic selves with others and to confront our fears about them.  How can we both speak our truth and invite others in?

Next Sunday, October 27th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Food Bank," Jami Wade
The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri is one of the few nationwide to provide food at no cost.  Jami Wade has assumed regional responsibilities for this organization.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Belonging, Becoming, and Welcoming," Alexis
This morning, we'll explore the gift of being in a space that feels comfortable and consider what happens when that space and the people in it evolves.
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 --- "Belonging to Big Things: the Practice of Opening to the Interdependent Web"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Bob Boldt is organizing our annual Day of the Dead altar and observance.  Please bring pictures or mementos of passed loved ones from now until October 31st to be displayed on the altar.  Items may be left in the clear plastic box near the cafe bar and will be returned by November 4th.  Contact Bob for more information.

Tomorrow, Monday, October 21st, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

This Friday, October 25th is our monthly Salvation Army Meal.  Contact Roberta Dunkel or Bob Antweiler if you can help provide and serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

And a week from tomorrow, on Monday, October 28th at 6:30 pm is the first session of our UU Ethics small group.  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.
To sign up, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/K8Xvm32pPe23jFbQ6
For more about small groups, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Community Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, October 21st at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Music in the Library with Claude Bourbon.  Bourbon lives in England and is known throughout Europe and America for his amazing guitar performances. He regularly tours in America and has shared the state with countless musicians in many venues. His music is a mélange of folk, blues, classical, and Spanish influences.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, October 25th is the 14th Annual Evening Rotary Spaghetti Dinner from 4:30 to 7 pm at Grace Episcopal Church (217 Adams St).  Proceeds benefit local and international service projects.  Adults - $10, Youth (6-12) - $5, Kids 5 and under - Free.  Carry-Out Available.  Plus raffle tickets for chances to win a variety of prizes!  Menu includes Spaghetti with Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce, Tossed Green Salad with Parmesan Cheese, Crusty French Bread, Pies and Desserts, and Iced Tea.  Contact Frank Rycyk for more information.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Official Secrets" (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!

This morning, our Religious Education Team led us in an intergenerational and participatory exploration of our monthly theme, Belonging.  Those present were asked to list words that captured a sense of belonging for them -- things like being safe, being accepted, being one's true self -- and the list we produced had a lot in common with a list the RE students had created earlier, and both had a clear harmony with our UU Principles.  We were then asked to consider the spheres in which we each belong -- from family to organizations to our identities and our world.  What responsibilities do we have to each group?  What does each one give to us?  Where are we stretching ourselves too far?  Where could we engage more?

Next Sunday, October 20th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"TEA," Bob Boldt

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: Rev. 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 --- "Belonging and Not Belonging: the Practice of Finding the Courage to Leave"

Afternoon Small Group - 2 - 4 pm
"This I Believe" Theme: Belonging
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.
To sign up, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/jQ6xRqD7U8Y6BEns5
Contact Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Bob Boldt is organizing our annual Day of the Dead altar and observance.  Please bring pictures or mementos of passed loved ones from now until October 31st to be displayed on the altar.  Items may be left in the clear plastic box near the cafe bar and will be returned by November 4th.  Contact Bob for more information.

This Tuesday, October 15th at 6:45 pm, MidAmerica UUA presents a webinar on “Working with Anxiety.”  For more information and events, including recordings of past webinars, check the MidAmerica UUA website: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/events/webinars

This Friday, October 18th is Project Homeless Connect.  UUFJC is supporting this annual event to connect those struggling with homelessness with information and services.
Sign up to volunteer: https://signup.com/go/xgOuiEZ
E-mail: [email protected]
Call: (573) 635-6886
Or contact Patt Behler or Sheila Murphy.
The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, October 20th, at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Contact our President, Katherine Connor.

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday, October 16th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents "Reel Life Cinema: Mantra."  This documentary explores the growing musical and social phenomenon of chanting and shares the stories of people from all walks of life and from all over the world who are finding healing and a sense of inner peace by singing mantras together. It shows that chanting can have beneficial effects on the brain and in turn on practitioners’ well-being.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, October 18th, in the afternoon at Central Bank (111 E Miller St) is a free Suicide Prevention Workshop: What Everyone Needs to Know about Access to Lethal Means.  2 pm to 3:30 pm program with 3:30 - 5 pm allotted for small group discussion, concerns, effectively listening role play and solutions.  Refreshments will be served.  For more information contact: 573-616-1702.  Offered by: The Ash Street Block Club Association, Safer Homes Collaborative, MOMS (Jefferson City Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America), NAACP Jefferson City Chapter, Central Bank, Hy-Vee, Gerbes, Gray Axis, and others.

This Saturday morning, October 19th in their Art Gallery, MRRL offers two presentations on Guns and Safety:

• Be SMART—Five Steps to Keep Children and Teens Safe from Gun Injury and Death
• 9:30-10am
• Kids will be kids. They won’t always make smart decisions about their own safety. Always assume that curious or impulsive kids may find and touch an unsecure gun, even if they’ve been told not to. The Be SMART campaign focuses on education about child gun deaths and responsible gun storage. Moms Demand Action volunteers, Freda McKee and Barbara Reading, will encourage parents to Be SMART and practice five steps to help prevent shootings by children.
• CALM—Conversations on Access to Lethal Means
• 10-11:30am
• Firearms are the most lethal means used in a suicide attempt. The Safer Homes Collaborative presents CALM, a suicide prevention training developed for all audiences. CALM informs participants of the role they can play in preventing suicide by reducing access to lethal means, including firearms, teaches how to identify and talk to someone who may be at risk of suicide, and provides options to encourage safer storage of lethal means as a way to prevent tragedy. Kurt Dudenhoeffer and Joshua Evans will co-present the training, which is not anti-gun but rather anti-suicide.
• Contact Madeline Matson.
• For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Official Secrets" (Thursday through Sunday) and a special In the Park After Dark showing of "Hocus Pocus" (Saturday 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!