​This Sunday, we celebrated our annual Water Communion with reflections from recently-joined member Rita Dockery.  Rita highlighted how water binds all of life together, whether in the view from the sky that reveals our blue, watery planet and renders borders invisible, or in the knowledge that water is elemental to all life, residing in our own bodies as well as in fish, other animals, plants, and more.  For Rita, communing with nature, with the other living things that share in this gift of water, is basic to her faith, grounding her in the experience of life on the blue planet.

Members and friends who were present also shared their own gifts of water, whether from distant travels, the tap at home, a new workplace, or the concern for others who don't have access to clean water.  All of these were mixed with water saved from the water communions of previous years.  As the water of the world has held the history of life, so too the communion water continues to hold the history of our life together as a Fellowship.

Next Sunday, September 16th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"International Day of Peace," Betty Cooper
One visionary person makes a difference.  Jeremy Gilley had a powerful idea; he set forth a plan and succeeded in getting September 21st as the “set date” for the International Day of Peace. While discussing his accomplishments, we’ll examine how each of do or can make a difference in the world, especially on September 21st.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Now You See It, Now You Don't," Rev. Nancy TannerThies
As we create and implement a vision for the future what is it that we refuse 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 --- "Vision and the Jewish High Holidays"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Building now has a new roof!  Thank you to everyone who contributed to this process, especially our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.  Note: The roofers have offered reimbursement if you suffer a flat tire between now and September 28th due to roofing nails in the parking lot.  If this happens, go ahead and get it fixed, then contact Bob Antweiler.

Our Adult Forum Coordinator, Betty Cooper, is seeking a volunteer to take over that position as soon as possible.  Many thanks to Betty for her work!  If you are interested in arranging speakers and programs for our Adult Forum hour on Sundays at 9:15 am, please contact Betty.

Samantha, our RE teacher, has asked that those who visit the building during the week look in on the plants in the RE room and water them if they need it.

Our Lost and Found bin located above the coat rack is getting full.  Please check it and retrieve any items that belong to you.

Monday, September 10th, is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  "The Spiritual Journey of Dr. Wayne Dyer, and how it Relates to all of us," with James Oermann.  Oermann will include a summary of Dr. Wayne Dyer's teachings and how they borrow from all world religions.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

This Thursday, September 13th, our building's Sanctuary is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Also on Thursday evening, the American Association of University Women holds their opening Fall meeting at our building at 7 pm in the Forum Room.  This month's speaker: Mrs. Kristi Campbell, Director of the Cole County Health Dept.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

Next Sunday, September 16th, the Worship Service Committee will be meeting at 6 pm here at the Fellowship.  If you’d like to get involved with creating our Sunday services, see our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

Patt Behler is seeking more people to participate in and organize a presentation on Move to Amend, coming Sunday, September 30th, with the organization’s national outreach director Greg Coleridge.  See Patt for more information.

Our third Covenant-Making Session is set for Friday, October 12th from 5:30 to 7 pm.  A covenant is a way to both describe and shape the culture of our Fellowship, to both invite newcomers and minister to ourselves.  Please see to Katherine Connor if you plan to attend or have any questions: [email protected]

Community Events this week:

The Housing Authority of Jefferson City is looking for volunteers to help in providing activities for their resident senior citizens, to give them more opportunities to interact with the community.  More information will be posted on the UUFJC Bulletin Board in our Sanctuary.  (If you would like to organize an effort to volunteer on behalf of the Fellowship, please contact Katherine Connor.)

This Tuesday, September 11th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "The Great Flood of ’93: A Look Back at 25 Years."  Eric Schroeter, state design engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation, was active on the scene during the historic 1993 flood and the recovery afterward. He will present a program, including video, about the damage to the landscape, properties, entire towns, and the lessons learned after this 330-year natural disaster.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents The Great American Read Project's Fall Kick Off with PBS affiliate KMOS (Monday night) and "Leave No Trace" (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 week, Rev. Mike Adamek made his monthly visit to our Fellowship and introduced our theme for September: Vision.  He gave thoughts on vision as our focus in life; how do we keep our eyes on the proverbial ball when tasks and distractions are constantly grabbing for our attention?  Rev. Mike challenged us to each find our personal mission, the thing that each of us is uniquely equipped and motivated do, and to commit to that first before other concerns crowd it out of our minds and our schedules.  While this mission will be unique for each person, various people's missions tend to have commonalities and connections.  If we draw closer to living out our mission, being gentle and patient with ourselves, we can also connect with others, drawn together by a broader vision.

Don't forget our continuing Covenant-Building process!
The next session will be held next Sunday after services.  See below or contact Katherine Connor: [email protected]

Next Sunday, September 9th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Teaching Naturalization," Melanie Fraga, Frank Rycyk moderating
Ms. Fraga teaches "English as a second language" at Jefferson City High School.  She spearheaded the effort to move the recent ceremony where immigrants became citizens from the crowded federal courthouse to the more spacious Miller Performing Arts Center, where more members of the public could attend.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: Water Communion; "Fish Dreaming Deep," Rita Dockery
Observing nature with attention can remind us of the interconnectedness of all beings. For Rita Dockery, it is a necessity, a daily form of worship and prayer.  We will marvel at nature and planet Earth, and in particular, water. We will marvel at water and the Earth on a macro level. On a micro level, we will marvel at nature through Rita's observations on her summer on and in the water.
We are also celebrating our annual Water Communion.  You are invited to bring a small sample of water that represents a meaningful place or experience, or we will have symbolic water for you to use.
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 --- "Vision and Justice"

Covenant-Building Session - After Services
The second session in our ongoing process of creating a covenant for our Fellowship.  We hope to hear from new people in this second session, but previous participants are also welcome.
Finger food will be provided in lieu of lunch.
Please RSVP to Katherine Connor if you plan to attend: [email protected]

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our building now has a new roof!  Thank you to everyone who contributed to this process, especially our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.  The roofers have offered reimbursement if you suffer a flat tire between now and September 28th due to roofing nails in the parking lot.  If this happens, go ahead and get it fixed, then contact Bob Antweiler.

Our Adult Forum Coordinator, Betty Cooper, is seeking a volunteer to take over that position as soon as possible.  Many thanks to Betty for her work!  If you are interested in arranging speakers and programs for our Adult Forum hour on Sundays at 9:15 am, please contact Betty.

Patt Behler is seeking more people to participate in and organize a presentation on Move to Amend, coming Sunday, September 30th.  UUFJC will Greg Coleridge, national outreach director of Move to Amend, an organization proposing a Constitutional Amendment to declare that "Corporations are Not People”. We are inviting members of the entire community and area to learn more about this national movement. Please contact Patt Behler for more information or to help with the event and help spread the word. Flyers will be available.

The UUFJC Board and President Katherine Connor have asked Jim Davis to form a six member subcommittee to explore whether it may be possible and feasible to hire a part time UU minister for our Fellowship.  If you have any questions or any thoughts and suggestions to share, please contact Jim Davis ([email protected] or 573-619-2126).

Samantha, our RE teacher, has asked that those who visit the building during the week look in on the plants in the RE room and water them if they need it.

This Thursday, September 6th, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building at 7 pm.  Contact Susan Randolph.

This Friday, September 7th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

This Saturday, Project Homeless Connect is accepting donations ahead of their fourth annual event coming Friday, October 19th.  Our Fellowship has been asked in particular to give new, clean adult underwear in all sizes.  Donations may be brought to the Gym entrance of the First Baptist Church from 11 am to 2 pm.  Project Homeless Connect is also seeking volunteers to act as hosts for homeless guests at the event in October; please contact Patt Behler if you would like to volunteer.

And coming Monday, September 10th, is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  "The Spiritual Journey of Dr. Wayne Dyer, and how it Relates to all of us," with James Oermann.  Oermann will include a summary of Dr. Wayne Dyer's teachings and how they borrow from all world religions.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

Community Events this week:

This Friday, September 7th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents their First Friday Film: "Book Club".  It’s comedy time when four book club friends take on a discussion of Fifty Shades of Grey. Starring Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda and Mary Steenburgen. Andy Garcia, Don Johnson and Craig T. Nelson co-star.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Saturday, September 8th, Capital Area Missouri NOW is holding a Trivia Night at Avenue HQ at 7 pm.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri and there will be a paper supply drive for RACS (details below). We will have mini games and a raffle for some amazing prizes!  Tickets are $25 each. Bring-Your-Own food and drinks. For more information contact [email protected].

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Leave No Trace" (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 Sunday, Warren Solomon of Temple Beth El visited our Fellowship to speak about the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  He described the celebration of these holidays and the days between, a time for Jews to engage in moral reflection, seek forgiveness, make amends, and resolve to do better.  Warren shared some of the prayers for the occasion, and he found in them a call to appreciate the present moment and to work for a better world, sentiments held in common with many UUs.

Warren also invited us to the High Holiday Services at Temple Beth El.  Rosh Hashanah begins with an evening service at 7:30 pm on September 9th, with additional services beginning at 10 am on the next two days, September 10th and 11th.  Yom Kippur begins with another evening service at 7:30 pm on September 18th plus an all-day service beginning at 10 am September 19th.  (We were warned that the evening services may be crowded.)

For more detailed information, Warren was kind enough to share his PowerPoint presentation with us, here: PowerPoint Presentation on the Jewish High Holy Days.

Next Sunday, September 2nd:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"World Citizenship and Cooperation," Betty Cooper
In 1928, Secretary of State Frank Kellogg and the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Aristide Briand proposed and successfully passed the Kellogg-Briand Pact, an agreement to outlaw war.  Visions are shared.  What is yours?  Mine is World Peace.  Share yours with us.  “Without vision the people perish.”

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Vision: Choosing the Most Important Over the Merely Urgent," Rev. Mike Adamek
Our vision is limited.  Sometimes close and sometimes the horizon is far away.  Likewise, our lives are filled with pressing day to day activities and vision is metaphor for how we see ourselves planning to spend our remaining finite amount of time and energy.  We can strive to accomplish more and more by being efficient and industrious but to what ends?  On our fiftieth birthday or on the fiftieth anniversary of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Jefferson City, what would we like attendees to say about us as individuals or as individuals in the life of this congregation?
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 --- "Vision and the Water Service"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our September newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available in the box on the wall near the coat rack.  Electronic copies are available to view or download here:  Newsletter, Calendar

The UUFJC Board and President Katherine Connor have asked Jim Davis to form a six member subcommittee to explore whether it may be possible and feasible to hire a part time UU minister for our Fellowship.  If you have any questions or any thoughts and suggestions to share, please contact Jim Davis ([email protected] or 573-619-2126).

Samantha, our RE teacher, has asked that those who visit the building during the week look in on the plants in the RE room and water them if they need it.

Monday, August 27th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  This month will be focused on relationship building and support of the Clean Missouri Initiative.  For more information, contact Katherine Connor.

This Tuesday, August 28th, roofers will be installing a new roof on our building.  We apologize for any disruption to events happening at the Fellowship.  Thanks to everyone who contributed to this process and especially to our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.  Contact Bob if you have any questions.

Capital Area Interfaith Alliance (CAIA) and Quinn Chapel AME Church are inviting everyone for an Evening of African American Spirituality, this Thursday, August 30th.  The program will begin at 7 pm and include music and an informational keynote by the Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, Pastor-Teacher.  A Question and Answer period will follow.

This Friday, August 31st, Citizens for Peace present their monthly peace-building documentary film at 6 pm in our building.  For film selection and more information, contact Betty Cooper.

And coming in two weeks, on Sunday, September 9th, we will be holding another Covenant-Making Session after services.  This is part of an ongoing process.  A covenant is a way to both describe and shape the culture of our Fellowship, to both invite newcomers and minister to ourselves.  Please RSVP to Katherine Connor ([email protected]) if you plan to attend, or see her with any questions.  We’re hoping to hear from new voices this time, but previous participants are also welcome.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, August 28th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "The Great American Read."  Come for a special screening of the premiere episode of The Great American Read, hosted for PBS by Meredith Viera. The program features authors and readers talking about 100 of the country’s best-loved books selected through a representative national survey.  Stay afterward to vote for your favorites.  Contact Madeline Matson.

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

This Sunday, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflections on "Here and Now."  Here and Now, we often find ourselves amid a storm of concerns.  Our lists of tasks, goals, shortcomings, and distractions can often overwhelm us moment by moment, yet Here and Now is also where we find the "direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder" honored among the sources of our UU faith.  So how can we use the moment to stabilize ourselves rather than flying in all directions --- to find a "wider, deeper center"?  Rev. Nancy pointed toward mediation, which we may also call mindfulness or prayer.  Many traditions offer many techniques for meditation, and Nancy offered some simple steps.  Focus on this moment, sufficiently for awareness.  As our many thoughts and concerns come, simply let them pass through without obsessing with them, seeing their motion as part of the moment.  Through this kind of practice, we can gain the perspective to contain our multiplicity while staying stable and helping ourselves act with integrity. 

After services, we also held the first session of our covenant building process.  More sessions are planned in the coming weeks.  If you wish to attend one or have any other questions, please contact Katherine Connor.  More information is also available in a handout Katherine prepared, which is available to view or download here: Covenant Handout.

Next Sunday, August 26th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Project Homeless Connect," Sheila Murphy
Project Homeless Connect is in its 4th year.  This presentation will describe Project Homeless Connect and what it attempts to do for those people.  Evidence of homelessness in Jefferson City is visible to us all when we drive around town.  What is less visible are people who live precariously, such as those who have recently left the Salvation Army Shelter, who live in their car or who are one emergency away from homelessness.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The Jewish High Holy Days," Warren Solomon
Warren will invite UUFJC members and friends to attend services at Temple Beth El for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
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 --- "People of Risk - Being Risk Takers"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Board and President Katherine Connor have asked Jim Davis to form a six member subcommittee to explore whether it may be possible and feasible to hire a part time UU minister for our Fellowship.  If you have any questions or any thoughts and suggestions to share, please contact Jim Davis ([email protected] or 573-619-2126).

We are continuing the long process of cleaning our Fellowship building to free up much-needed space.  If you have any items stored at the Fellowship, please take them home or make sure that they are clearly labeled.  Contact Katherine Connor.

This Thursday, August 23rd, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

This Friday, August 24th is our monthly Salvation Army Meal.  Please see Roberta Dunkel if you can help provide or serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

Next Sunday, August 26th, the Soul Matters Small Group meets from 2-4 pm.  To get involved with the Soul Matters Small Group, see Jim Davis.

And coming Monday, August 27th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Katherine Connor.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, August 23rd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a program on "Volunteer Opportunities in Jefferson City."  Interested in helping local nonprofit agencies with their important community work? This program will feature representatives from eight United Way health and human service agencies who will describe their missions and volunteer needs. The program will also include Ann Bax, United Way president/CPO, who will introduce the organization’s new digital volunteer application website.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Tale of Despereaux" (Tuesday only, in partnership with MRRL) and "Whitney" (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!

Note: Next Sunday we will be holding a Congregational Covenant Building session.  For more information, see below or contact Katherine Connor ([email protected]).

This Sunday, our own Sharon Morgan continued our monthly theme of "Here and Now" with a sermon on the activist call of Unitarian Universalism.  Both our Unitarian and Universalist forebears held inclusive theologies and moral convictions that let them to embrace marginalized people and work for a just society.  Many of them, both the famous and the unsung, fought for the abolition of slavery, prison and mental asylum reform, support of the civil rights movement, and much more.  Here and now, similar convictions are embodied in our UU Principles, and the call to live out our faith is immediate and urgent; like Sharon, many of us feel among current events a variety of affronts to our values.  No one can do everything, but all are called to do something.

Sharon's advice:  Choose one or two issues that are close to your heart.  Research them.  Tell others about your convictions, and find or start a group of mutual support.  Talk to those affected by the issue.  Accept that you will make mistakes; learn from them.  And finally, practice self-care so that you can sustain your efforts.

Next Sunday, August 19th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Toltec Civilization, Part 2," Stephen Carew
(Continued from July; please bring your July forum handouts.)  The discussion in July centered around the Aztecs who were strongly influenced by a culture that rose to power in the Valley of Mexico called Toltec.  The Toltecs were masters of architecture, art, medicine, engineering, and calendrics. They left no written records, but a masterpiece of the teachings was written by Don Miguel, called The Four Agreements.  In July, two of The Four Agreements were discussed; this session focuses on Agreements 3 & 4. 

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "A Wider Deeper Center," 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 --- "People of Risk - Risking Failure and Change"

Congregational Covenant Building Session - After Services
We are returning to the task of creating a covenant for our congregation, to share our expectations and hopes for how we treat each other within our Fellowship community and intentionally create our Fellowship's culture.  Because it is important for everyone to have a voice in this process, it will take some time, and this session is only the first opportunity to contribute.
Please RSVP to Katherine Connor ([email protected]) if you plan to attend, and please contact her with any questions.  Katherine can provide materials for review before the session..
Finger food will be provided in lieu of lunch.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, August 13th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month: "The Aging Brain" with Dr. Carolyn Perry.  Dr. Perry will focus on new research about how creativity can help maintain a healthy brain.  She will be teaching a course this fall about the aging brain at Westminster College, where she serves as vice president.  For more information about the lecture series, contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

This Friday, August 17th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, August 14th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a presentation on the Climate Reality Project.  Climate change is affecting ecosystems and communities across the globe, but it’s not too late to take action. Gary Leabman, a Climate Reality Leader, recently spent time in Mexico City training with the Climate Reality Project where he learned much from Nobel Prize Laureates and other about the climate crisis. He will explain why now is the time for a Sustainability Revolution with the speed of the digital revolution.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema hosts a book signing with Jason Kander (Tuesday at 7 pm), as well as presenting the film "First Reformed" (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!

This Sunday, Rev. Mike Adamek began our month of focus on "Here And Now" with thoughts on getting lost.  When following a map --- or following GPS navigation, or a spiritual program --- from point A to point B, we know where we intend to go, but we may not know where we are.  If we lose our orientation, we might even makes things worse through denial, telling ourselves we're still on course while the scenery doesn't match and we become more and more lost.  It is through observing where we are in the "here and now" of each moment that we gain a more robust understanding of the landscape of our lives, the places in it where we've been, and how they've led us to where we are now and where our next steps might lead.

Next Sunday, August 12th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Hugs: Yes or No?" Frank Rycyk
Psychologist Peggy Drexler opines, "Workplace hugging has been a target of the #MeToo movement, but ever more people are doing it: how to make sure that embraces are welcome."  Forum participants are invited to bring their own stories and references.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Side with Love - Love Resists," Sharon Morgan
UUFJC's own Sharon Morgan discusses how resistance and activism are in the DNA of Unitarian Universalism and why it is so important to remember that  in today's world.
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 --- "People of Risk - Environmental Risk"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, August 12th, at 6 pm at the Fellowship.  They will be discussing and voting on a new social media and newsletter policy.  All are welcome to attend the meeting, and all are invited to review the meeting agenda and the social media/newsletter policy draft.  Paper copies are available on the bulletin board at the Fellowship, and electronic copies are available at the links.  Please contact our President, Katherine Connor, or another member of our board with any comments or questions.

Coming in two weeks, on Sunday, August 19th after services, we will be having a Congregational Covenant-Building Session.  This will only be the start of a process that we want to ensure everyone has a voice in.  For more information, see the August newsletter or talk to our President, Katherine Connor.  Please RSVP to Katherine if you plan to attend.

This Thursday, August 9th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Next Sunday, August 12th, Patt Behler is hosting a Dessert Party in our building from 2-4 pm to welcome to Samira Mahdi and Nasruddeen Al-Awaal as husband and wife.  Members and friends of UUFJC are invited.  Contact Patt Behler for more information.

Coming Monday, August 13th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month: "The Aging Brain" with Dr. Carolyn Perry.  Dr. Perry will focus on new research about how creativity can help maintain a healthy brain.  She will be teaching a course this fall about the aging brain at Westminster College, where she serves as vice president.  For more information about the lecture series, contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, August 7th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Reel Life Cinema: "Wasted! The Story of Food Waste."  The late Anthony Bourdain, along with other influential chefs, exposes the issue of food waste and how it contributes to climate change and shows how each of us can help to create a more secure food system.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "First Reformed" (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 August Newsletter and Print Calendar are now available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

This Sunday, retired Disciples of Christ minister David Avery visited our Fellowship to help us wrap up our month of reflections on Compassion, and he focused on Compassion and Fear.  Fear is a frequent obstacle to Compassion; it's easy to dehumanize those we fear and harm them, or to back off from compassionate action because we fear being hurt.  Avery went so far as to call Compassion "The Great 'Anyway'" --- loving acts that we do anyway in the face of all our fears, trusting in something greater than fear that lies beyond our knowledge; he said, "The opposite of faith is not doubt, but fear."  However, he also pointed out that the relationship between Compassion and Fear is not so simple as fear being bad; it is also the experience of our own brokenness and fear that can lead us to understanding and compassion for others in the challenges they face.

Next Sunday, August 5th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"2015 Mizzou Protests," Marvin Feldman
Marvin is an Assistant Professor of Nuclear Medicine at MU School of Health Professions.  He will discuss the racial protests that occurred on the University of Missouri campus in the Fall of 2015.  This will be his personal view as an onsite observer of the process that led to the resignation of the Chancellor and President and the resulting changes to the University.  There will be an exciting slide presentation and a question and answer session to follow.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "What Happened to Getting Lost?" Rev. Mike Adamek
Where are we, here and now? No problem, just look at your GPS on your phone.  Thoreau believed that you can’t know where you are unless you often get lost. Then you really have to look around.  Emerson swore that if you could put Thoreau asleep and place him anywhere in the Concord woods and woke him years, months and weeks  later, he could upon rousing tell you within a week when he awoke and where he was simply by looking at the plants and insects in the surrounding area.  In our changed circumstances, how might we become more observant so we too know where we are, here and now so we can find our way forward.
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 --- "People of Courage - Courage and Good Risk"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The August newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available in the box on the wall near the coat rack.  Electronic copies are available at the links above.

Coming Sunday, August 19th after services, we will be having a Congregational Covenant-Building Session.  This will only be the start of a process that we want to ensure everyone has a voice in.  For more information, see the August newsletter or contact our President, Katherine Connor.  Please RSVP to Katherine if you plan to attend.

This Thursday, August 2nd, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building at 7 pm.  Contact Susan Randolph.

This Friday, August 3rd, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

Monday, July 30th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a presentation on Edible Flowers.  Edible flowers are a versatile ingredient in many food preparations from beverages and salads to jams and vinegars. Join master gardener Ray Evans as he explains how to incorporate a variety of edible flowers into your cooking as well as how to preserve flowers for later use.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, August 3rd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their First Friday Film: "Lean on Pete."  Fifteen-year-old Charley rescues an aging racehorse bound for slaughter and the two set off on a journey in search of a place to call home.  From Willy Vlautin’s acclaimed novel.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Seagull" (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!

This Sunday, Catholic priest Father George Kramer visited us to talk about Ecumenism --- friendship and cooperation among Christian denominations --- and the Catholic Church's place in it.  For too long, Father Kramer argued, churches of all stripes bogged down in their sense of knowledge --- insisting that the doctrines they knew were true, those of others were false, and that, Tower of Babel-like, punishment awaited those who wanted to know too much.  Father Kramer sees hope in a new dynamic begun under Pope Francis.  Institutional resistance continues, and individual Catholics vary in their opinions, but Pope Francis, we were told, has moved to emphasize heart and pastoral mission above intellect and truth claims, bringing the Church closer to a point where they can join together with others in divine love, the all-embracing "agape" love that dwells not only in Christians but in all people.

Please note: We need volunteers to help with our monthly Salvation Army meal!  See below for details and contact Jim Babb.

Next Sunday, July 29:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Inter-Racial Harmony," Chief Gary Hill presenting, Frank Rycyk moderating
We hear a bit of negativity, occasionally, about race relations.  Reading in Jefferson City Magazine about Hill's mixed marriage was a "breath of fresh air."  The couple will visit our forum to share hope for the future.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Compassion and Fear: How the One Touches the Other," Rev. David Avery
Rev. Avery is a retired pastor of First Christian Church and a member of Capital Area Interfaith Alliance (CAIA).
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 --- "People of Courage - Following Your Heart"

Potluck Lunch After Service - Please bring a favorite dish!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Monday, July 23rd, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  This month’s program will be outlining a path for moving forward together in this community by building a multi-faith and multi-racial movement.  Information will be shared on Prop A and other initiatives on the August 7th Ballot.  Contact Katherine Connor.

This Thursday, July 26th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

This Friday, July 27th is our monthly Salvation Army Meal.  Helpers are needed to provide and serve food for those in need.  Organizer Jim Babb is asking for three more volunteers to help serve this month, and is also looking for an organizing partner until Joanna Babb is well again.  Serving this Friday begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

Later this Friday evening, Citizens for Peace present their monthly peacebuilding documentary film at 6 pm in our building.  For film selection and more information, contact Betty Cooper.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Seagull" (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. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflection on Compassion.  Compassion can sound simple --- who doesn't want to be compassionate? --- but there is danger of letting what we think we should do eclipse what we really want and feel.  All of us hold resentment, and all of us can let comfort or fear hold us back from the deep giving commitment of true compassion.  True compassion, Rev. Nancy said, is grounded in the ability to lovingly accept yourself, with an inner self-knowledge that includes your not-so-compassionate side.  Who do we resent?  What do we fear?  What do we dislike about ourselves?  When we realize our flaws and see them as part of a shared human condition, we can move beyond mere concern and confession onto the long and challenging path of forgiveness and opening up.  We must compassionately own how frightened we are to break ourselves open, but still we must break open --- or else we will break down.

Next Sunday, July 22nd:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Missouri Department of Conservation," Tim Frevert
Tim was an Urban and Community Forestry Specialist at MDC before retiring.  He will discuss the Conservation Department, the history of the agency and his work in the Forestry Division.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Ecumenism," Father George Kramer
Description:The Catholic Church, in recent years, has reached out out to members and leaders of many religious denominations.  Father George will share ideas about these interactions.
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 --- "People of Courage - How Can We Practice Courage?"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

This Friday, July 20th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

The Worship Service Committee meets next Sunday, July 22nd at 6 pm.  For more information or to get involved in creating our Sunday Services, see our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, July 17th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "They Came From Outer Space? Exploring Aliens, Archaeology, and Our Ancient Past."  Ancient civilizations and cultures produced some seemingly impossible creations, such as the Egyptian pyramids and Nasca lines, but there is a fringe group of individuals who believe that extraterrestrials must have been involved in some way. They also believe they have evidence to support these notions.  Archaeologist Dr. Christine Boston will explore alien hypotheses from ancient mummies and head-binding practices, bringing together the human elements of the ancient Egyptian pyramids, NASCA lines, cranial modification, and Ata, the “alien” mummy.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Thursday, July 19th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents "Lifting Missouri Out of the Mud."  Dr. Thomas J. Gubbels, an expert on Missouri’s highway history, will trace the evolution of the state’s highways in the 20th century. He will discuss the creation of the Missouri State Highway Department and political resistance to road construction, Missouri’s Centennial Road Law, and the state’s role in the creation of Route 66 and the interstate highway system.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (Tuesday only), "The Rider" (Thursday through Sunday), and "Grease" (Saturday only, at Ellis-Porter Park).  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

This Sunday, via video, we presented a sermon by national Unitarian Universalist Association President Susan Frederick-Gray, which she delivered two weeks ago at the UUA's annual General Assembly.  Rev. Gray called on UUs to live out the fierce compassion of our faith --- to stand up for "the inherent worth and dignity of every person" in dehumanizing times.  She insisted that this is no time for casual faith or armchair concern.  And, she said, this is no time to go it alone.  We need to step forward with the courage of audacious love, and we need community to hold each other and heal each other and give each other strength to act.

Next Sunday, July 15th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Toltec Civilization," Stephen Carew
The discussion will center around the Aztecs who were strongly influenced by a culture that rose to power in the Valley of Mexico called Toltec.  The Toltecs were masters of architecture, art, medicine, engineering, and calendrics. They left no written records, but a masterpiece of the teachings was written by Don Miguel, called The Four Agreements.  Should these ancient practices be integrated in our lives today?

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 --- "People of Discipline - What Does It Mean To Be Disciplined ?"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Monday, July 9th at 7 pm is our monthly Lecture Series.  This month, our own Betty Cooper will speak on the topic of “Creating a Caring Society.”  For more about the lecture series, see Carol Bontempo and Frank Rycyk.

This Thursday, July 12th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, July 15th at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Talk to our president, Katherine Connor, for more information.  Also please talk to a board member before the meeting if you want to share any thoughts about the new building use policy revisions and building use application form, or about Patt Behler’s proposal to name the Sanctuary in honor of Brad and Katherine Connor.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Rider" (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!