This weekend offered us a reminder that our monthly theme, Perseverance, does not mean moving forward no matter what.  Sustainable perseverance requires us to use discernment and care to keep ourselves and others safe and well.

With that in mind, Sunday's services were canceled due to the wintry weather and dangerous road conditions.  We hope that everyone is safe and warm!  

Perseverance at a time like this means taking care through the storm and being there when the storm passes --- so, weather permitting, we hope to see you all next week!

Next Sunday, February 18th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Special Guest Speaker Deanna Alonso; Frank Rycyk moderating
Deanna has kindly agreed to reschedule her forum appearance to next week.  She is Executive Director of the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association.  Her journey from homelessness to Executive Director well illustrates our monthly theme of "Perseverance."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Pulsing with Longing," Rev. Nancy TannerThies
Rev. Nancy will be exploring “how we move beyond intention again and again.”
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 --- "Perseverance and Kindness" (Random Acts of Kindness)

UUFJC Board - 6:30 pm
All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  For draft agenda and more information, contact our president, Katherine Connor.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Sanctuary has a new look!  Members of our worship service committee and board have discovered that by using the space differently, we have room to welcome more people.  We're still working out the details, so let us know what you think.

Monday, February 12th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month, Kristi Campbell, Director of the Cole County Health Department will speak about "The Flu: Myth and Reality."

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, February 13th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a discussion about Lincoln University’s Ethnic Studies Center.  Mark Schleer, archivist at Lincoln University, will discuss the Ethnic Studies Collection at Page Library on the LU campus. He will describe the development of the collection over the years, unique items in the collection, and how the collection supports LU’s academic program.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents the Oscar-Nominated Animated Short Films (Tuesday and Wednesday), and "I, Tonya" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Sunday morning, Rev. Mike Adamek began exploring our Soul Matters theme for this month: Perseverance, and he asked an important question.  How do you tell the difference between the virtue of Perseverance and not-so-virtuous stubbornness or obsession?  Easy answers are difficult to find.  It is wise to ask ourselves why we persist, what makes our goals worth persisting toward --- but on the one hand any of us can convince ourselves that our motives are nobler than they are, and on the other hand even short-sighted motives can help us persevere toward worthy goals.  The best advice Rev. Mike could offer was to work at being honest with ourselves and especially at being open and receptive --- listening to the people around us, the world, and even the silence, allowing new truths to break in on us.  The things truly worth persevering for will survive the testing.

Next Sunday, February 11th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Special Guest Speaker: Deanna Alonso, Frank Rycyk moderating
Deanna is Executive Director of the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association. Her journey from homelessness to Executive Director well illustrates our monthly theme of "Perseverance."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: “Those Who Went Before – And Persevered”
This is the time of the year for reflecting on History and to learn more about our foremothers and forefathers, many of whom faced adversities.
Our UUFJC Worship Committee will share vital and inspiring information about some of the notable persons from the past, including how, through their perseverance, they contributed toward shaping and molding the world we live in today.

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 --- "Perseverance and Love" (Valentines)

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Sanctuary has a new look!  Members of our worship service committee and board have discovered that by using the space differently, we have room to welcome more people.  The pulpit and chalice table are now on the side of the room nearest the entrance and the forum room; the piano has not moved but will now be positioned behind most of the seats.  We're still working out the details, but most of the responses Sunday were positive.  If you haven't seen it yet, don't let it surprise you.  Open your mind and see what you think of it!

This Sunday we finished our annual Guest At Your Table donation drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee continues.  Visit uusc.org for more information, and contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, as soon as possible if you'd like to make a last-minute donation.

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteer Greeters.  If you would like to be the first friendly face people meet as they enter on Sunday mornings, please contact Bob Antweiler.

MidWest Leadership School is coming this summer, July 15th-21st in Decorah, Iowa.  Sponsored by our MidAmerica Region UUA, MWLS is "a weeklong intensive experience designed to engage participants in all aspects of leadership in a Unitarian Universalist faith community," with parallel programs for youth and for adults of all ages.  Alexis Engelbrecht and Laura Gilkey have attended in the past, if you want to know more about the experience.  The UUFJC Board is interested in providing financial assistance to attend.  Contact our board president, Katherine Connor, if you are interested.

This Wednesday, February 7th from 9 am - 2 pm, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has reserved our building for their Legislative Advocacy Day.  Contact Shanon Hawk with any questions.

This Thursday, February 8th at 7 pm, the American Association of University Women meets at our building, in the Forum Room.  This month's speaker will be Mrs. Ann Jarrett, the Teaching and Learning Director of the Missouri National Education Association.  Her topic will be "Teacher Recruitment and Retention Issues."  She'll also tell us about the latest on the issue of the MO. Board of Education and it's members.  AAUW meetings are open and the public is invited.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

At the same time, this Thursday, February 8th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group will also meet at our building, in the Sanctuary.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, February 9th at 7 pm, Capital Area Missouri NOW (National Organization for Women) presents their monthly film at our building.  For film selection and more information, contact Sue Gibson.

This Saturday, February 10th, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meets in our building from 1:30 - 4:30 pm.  Contact Patt Behler.

And!  Coming Monday, February 12th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month, Kristi Campbell, Director of the Cole County Health Department will speak about "The Flu: Myth and Reality."  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday, February 7th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Reel Life Cinema: "13th."  Director Ava DuVernay, who won multiple awards for her film “Selma,” explores the injustices of the U.S. prison system and what it reveals about racial inequality in America.  Contact Madeline Matson.

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

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Sunday morning, we finished our month of reflections on Intention with our annual Fire Communion.  In her message, Alexis reminded us of the primal nature of fire --- these days many of us no longer have to feed a fireplace or keep a wick neatly trimmed to give light without smoke, but looking back on these things reminds us that "tending the flame" is a matter of ongoing nurturance and attention.  Alexis called us to give that kind of nurturance and attention, to tend to the flames of what's most important inside us and between us --- to let those things burn away that dim our light, and to tend what ignites our spirit.

As such, this year's Fire Communion was a two-part ritual.  We continued our tradition of burning papers representing things we want to let go of from the past, but we also lit candles to represent those things we intend to keep "trimmed and burning."

Next Sunday, February 4th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Perseverance and Black History," Betty Cooper
February is Perseverance Month and Black History Month.  This session combines both themes, while exploring the work of Rev. Dr. William Barber.  He is training activists to bring faith to social justice, by mixing piety with politics, and thereby breathing new life into the American political landscape. Cornel West says, “Barber is the closest thing we have to Martin Luther King Jr. in our midst.”

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Active and Honest Receptivity Separates Perseverance from Persistence," Rev. Mike Adamek
I am resolute, he is pigheaded and she is just stubborn. Laugh if you will but how do you know when tying a knot and hanging on is the virtue of perseverance rather than the stubborn willful persistence of never letting go? We will highlight some clues about knowing the difference.
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 --- "Slow and Steady Wins the Race"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The February newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available by the entrance --- see our lovely new display boxes mounted on the wall by the coat rack.  Electronic copies are available to view or download: Newsletter, Calendar.

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteer Greeters.  If you would like to be the first friendly face people meet as they enter on Sunday mornings, please contact Bob Antweiler.

The annual Guest At Your Table donation drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee continues.  Visit uusc.org for more information, and contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for ways to donate.

MidWest Leadership School is coming this summer, July 15th-21st in Decorah, Iowa.  Sponsored by our MidAmerica Region UUA, MWLS is "a weeklong intensive experience designed to engage participants in all aspects of leadership in a Unitarian Universalist faith community," with parallel programs for youth and for adults of all ages.  Alexis Engelbrecht and Laura Gilkey have attended in the past, if you want to know more about the experience.  The UUFJC Board is interested in providing financial assistance to attend.  Contact our board president, Katherine Connor, if you are interested.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, January 30th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts "Music at the Library: River City Jazztet."  The River City Jazztet will swing through a program of fun and familiar jazz favorites. A quartet, led by local saxophone/clarinet player and vocalist Kerry Cordray, will feature Pack Matthews at the piano, Artie Langston on bass, and Jordan Fallon on drums.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, February 2nd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film.  For film selection and more information, contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Disaster Artist" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

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

Newsletter
Calendar

Amid Sunday morning's beautiful weather, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued exploring our monthly Soul Matters theme of "Intention."  With the new year still fresh, Rev. Nancy reflected on the "split second" of transition that happens again in our lives.  We notice the transition from old year to new, but transitions can happen at any moment; we can be reminded of them at every threshold and every door.  But the moment of transition is fleeting --- so we must work on our intentions beforehand for them to guide us when the moment comes.  The deep inner honesty this takes can be uncomfortable, calling us to sit with our inner racism, prejudice and selfishness, but when we are tempted to stall out in despair, we can remember the moment of transition --- the gift of letting go and starting again toward our best intentions.

Next Sunday, January 28th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"President Obama's Nobel," Betty Cooper
After reading Barack Obama’s 2009 Nobel Peace Acceptance Speech, the question becomes: What was his intention in that speech?  Was he being “pulled” into what he truly was?  Or what he really believed? Or was he pushed-out?

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message:  “Tending the Flame” with Fire Communion, Alexis Engelbrecht
You’re invited to join us for our yearly Fire Communion. In the words of Rev. Elizabeth Harding, "The fire communion separates 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. It's a half-way point in our church year, but a celebration of the outside calendar’s year’s end and year’s beginning." As we consider what we need to release from 2017, we will also consider what we intend to embrace and nurture in this new year.
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 --- "Acting on Our Intentions"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

MidWest Leadership School is coming this summer, July 15th-21st in Decorah, Iowa.  Sponsored by our MidAmerica Region UUA, MWLS is "a weeklong intensive experience designed to engage participants in all aspects of leadership in a Unitarian Universalist faith community," with parallel programs for youth and for adults of all ages.  Alexis Engelbrecht and Laura Gilkey have attended in the past, if you want to know more about the experience.  The UUFJC Board is interested in providing financial assistance to attend.  Contact our board president, Katherine Connor, if you are interested.

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteer Greeters.  If you would like to be the first friendly face people meet as they enter on Sunday mornings, please contact Bob Antweiler.

The annual Guest At Your Table donation drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee continues.  Visit uusc.org for more information, and contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for ways to donate.

Monday, January 22nd, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  For more information, see Katherine Connor.

This Thursday, January 25th, the local Transgender Support Group meets at our building at 7 pm.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, January 26th is our monthly Salvation Army work day.  See Jim and Joanna Babb if you would like to help provide and serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

Later this Friday evening at 6 pm, Citizens for Peace present their monthly documentary film at our building.  This month's selection, "Nobelity," looks at the future through the eyes of nine Nobel Laureates.  Contact Betty Cooper.

Next Sunday, January 28th, a Soul Matters small group meets at the Fellowship from 2-4 pm.  This gathering is now full; please contact Alexis if you would like to participate in Soul Matters small groups in the future.

Community Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, January 22nd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts an Author Talk by Larry N. Campbell.  During the summer of 2016, Campbell set out from Three Forks, Montana, and followed the Missouri River (by car) from its source through seven states of the Upper Midwest and Midwest to its majestic confluence with the Mississippi River near St. Louis. He will talk about his trip and new book, "Rollin’ Down the River: Discovering People and Places Along the Mighty Missouri." His book will be available for sale and signing.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Disaster Artist" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Sunday morning, your writer was snowed in yet again, and our invited speaker, seminarian Andy Grizzle, was also unable to make it.  We were able to have a good service, though, as Katherine Connor and Jim Davis offered readings in honor of Martin Luther King Day.

Both honoring King's legacy and inviting new speakers are parts of our efforts to honor the intentions set forth in our Fellowship's vision and in our motto:

"Celebrate Diversity, Question with Integrity, Build Justice."

To this end, the worship service committee works to bring diverse voices to our Fellowship, who share and hopefully spark free and responsible thoughts and call us to work toward a better world.

Thanks to Vice President Jim Davis and all of our members and friends who help make it happen!

Next Sunday, January 21st:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Entering UU Ministry," Alexis Engelbrecht
Forum Coordinator Betty Cooper has invited our in-house UU seminarian--Alexis Engelbrecht—to discuss the work that is required to become a Unitarian Universalist minister.  Also, we'll explore the various intentions that lead one to seminary.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Split Second," Rev. Nancy TannerThies
Rev. Nancy will explore how we can and must repeatedly be intentional.
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 --- "Doing the Best We Can with Intentions"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteer Greeters.  If you would like to be the first friendly face people meet as they enter on Sunday mornings, please contact Bob Antweiler.

The annual Guest At Your Table donation drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee continues.  Visit uusc.org for more information, and contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for ways to donate.

On the anniversary of the Women's March on Washington, there will be a Solidarity March & Rally, co-sposored by Faith Voices (JC & MO) in Columbia this Saturday, January 20, 2017.  Bus transportation to Columbia is available.  Details are available in your order of service.  For more information or to sign up, please contact Scott or Susan Randolph.

Coming Monday, January 22nd, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Katherine Connor for more information.

Community Events this week:

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

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Sunday began our new monthly Soul Matters theme: Intention.

Rev. Mike Adamek began the month with reflections about Intention and decisiveness, but unfortunately your writer wasn't there due to the weather.  I'm not sure it amounted to as much as was feared, but at such times we all weigh our chances.

In this season of fickle weather, while we may long to come together and share our inspirational or spiritual intentions with our Fellowship community, the most important intention is to stay safe.  Please bear that in mind, and don't hesitate to be decisive when the going gets tough!

Next Sunday, January 14th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Martin Luther King's Nobel," Betty Cooper
January is a historical month.  On January 15, 1929 was the birth of America’s greatest Civil Rights Leader—Martin Luther King, Jr-- and on January 30, 1948, was the death of the world’s greatest Civil Rights Leader—Mohandas Gandhi.  King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. As we review his Acceptance Speech we’ll discover not only King’s intentions, but the Intention of Alfred Nobel when he set-up the Nobel Prizes.  

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Body and Soul," Andy Grizzle
Centered on my civil rights landmarks tour of the deep south with my daughter, we will discuss the difficult work of caring for the voiceless souls of our communities, while we apply ourselves increasingly to the protection of their bodies.  
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 --- "Intentions. Fail Again. Fail Better."

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteer Greeters.  If you would like to be the first friendly face people meet as they enter on Sunday mornings, please contact Bob Antweiler.

The annual Guest At Your Table donation drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee continues.  Visit uusc.org for more information, and contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for ways to donate.

Monday, January 8th is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month’s topic: “Refugee Resettlement: an Eritrean Family.”  The Rev. David Henry, Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, will tell of the many obstacles refugees face on their pathway to finding a new home.  This will be an expansion on the lecture to the Evening Rotary Club in November.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

This Wednesday, January 10th is the due date for RSVPs to our upcoming workshops on small group facilitation, worship design, and writing for worship.  See the January newsletter for more information and contact Alexis by Wednesday if you’d like to participate in any of these workshops.  Thanks to Alexis for offering these opportunities.

This Thursday, January 11th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group meets at our building, in the Sanctuary.  Contact [email protected].

At the same time, Thursday at 7 pm, the American Association of University Women also meets in our building, in the Forum Room.  Ms. Kristy Campbell, Director of the Cole County Health Dept., will speak about Revelant Health Topics to Women " and her journey to the Health Dept. directorship.  AAUW meetings are open to the public.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

This Friday, January 12th at 7 pm, Capital Area Missouri NOW presents their monthly film at our building.  For film selection and more information, contact Sue Gibson.

This Saturday, January 13th from 1-3:30 pm, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meets in our building.  Contact Patt Behler.

Next Sunday, January 14th, the Worship Service Committee plans to meet at 5 pm.  Contact Jim Davis.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, January 9th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a presentation on the Missouri River Communities Network.  Steve Johnson will discuss the Network and its work to promote local food efforts in central Missouri and the promotion of healthy food activities, especially focusing on utilizing school-based outdoor classroom gardens to teach young students how to grow, harvest, prepare and eat healthy food that they have grown themselves.  Contact Madeline Matson.

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

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Sunday morning, as we stood at the edge of a new year, Nancy Ellis-Ordway concluded our month of reflections on Hope by looking beyond and forward.  She defined hope as "belief that positive change is possible," and we're often told that hope is a virtue, even a moral duty --- but some changes in some situations are not possible.  If we keep hoping without reflection, we can keep ourselves trapped and set ourselves up for disappointment.  True hope, Nancy told us, requires us to plan, to assess situations reasonably, and to take an active role in our own lives; this active role can heal us and move us forward even without changing things we can't control.

So as the new year dawns, what hopes do you need to let go of to move forward?  What hopes will survive realistic reflection and be worth your plans and efforts?  

Next Sunday, January 7th, 2018:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"100 Years after Balfour, Declaration of Division," Frank Rycyk
100 years after the declaration which led to the creation of Israel, descendants of those responsible opine on both sides of the issue.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Being Decisive Is a Closure, but Not Necessary the Premature Closure of Closed Mindedness," Rev. Mike Adamek
I like to keep my options open. Most people I know do to. I do not like being so open minded that my brains fall out. Being decisive is not knowing everything about anything. Being decisive is no more closed mindedness than open mindedness is wishy washy. It is picking a key issue in a real world problem and holding firm. What is the key issue for you when the state carries out the sentence of death for convicted murderers?
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 --- "Setting Intentions and Resolutions"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The January newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available on the table by the entrance.  Electronic copies are now available to view or download here: Newsletter, Calendar.

Our Membership Committee is looking for greeters.  If you would like to be the first friendly face welcoming people into our Fellowship on Sunday mornings, please contact Bob Antweiler.

The annual Guest At Your Table donation drive to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee continues.  Visit uusc.org for more information, and contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for ways to donate.

Coming Monday, January 8th is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month’s topic: “Refugee Resettlement.”  The Rev. David Henry, Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, will tell of the many obstacles refugees face on their pathway to finding a new home.  This will be an expansion on the lecture to the Evening Rotary Club in November.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

Community Events this week:

This Friday, January 5th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents their monthly First Friday Film.  For film selection and more information, contact Madeline Matson.

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

For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:

Service Committee
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Social Action
Community Events

Have a great week!

Our January newsletter and print calendar are now available to view or download:

Newsletter
Calendar