Sunday morning, Jim Davis wrapped up our month of focus on Blessing with reflections on the blessings of our Unitarian Universalist tradition.  We as UUs value individualism, freedom of thought and belief, to the point that some may wonder how all these individual seekers add up to one faith.  And yet, we have a long history, with unitarian and universalist thinking dating back to the origins of Christianity.  As Jim related, 19th century minister Theodore Parker may have hit upon the answer when he spoke of "the transient and the permanent."  The ideas we hold at any time are vital, but they are transient; ideas develop and change over time.  But our bond of covenant, our agreement to respect one another's individuality, allows us to enter together into a faith community that lasts.

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

Next Sunday, July 1st:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Nuclear Medicine," Marvin Feldman
Marvin Feldman, Assistant Professor of Nuclear Medicine at MU School of Health Professions will discuss the science behind, how it works and what Nuc Med can do for you. There will be an exciting slide presentation and a question and answer session to follow.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "When the Heart Opens," Rev. Mike Adamek
The Dalai Lama says compassion is not a luxury but a necessity.  With love and compassion we can make a joint effort to solve the problems of humanity. Yet entering into compassionate service to others requires in his words “selfish altruism.” Ram Dass interprets the Dalai Lama’s provocative term in this way. “Compassionate action is not done for others–it is done with others, for ourselves, because we can no longer avoid it.  It helps fulfill our lives.”
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 --- Lesson TBA

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Board has revisited our building use policy and developed a new application form to use when people reserve our building for personal and community events.  Copies of the policy and form are posted on our bulletin board and available on request from the administrator ([email protected]).  Groups using the building should already have received the policy and application form by e-mail.  If you have not received it or you want more information, contact the administrator or a member of the board.

The art pieces from our previous display of Pour Art are now ready to be returned to the artists.  Look for them in a box in the Forum Room or contact Patt Behler to pick up your creations.

As a follow-up to a proposal raised during our Annual Business Meeting, Patt Behler has submitted a draft resolution to the UUFJC Board to name our Sanctuary/Fellowship Hall in honor of William Bradford Connor and Katherine Hanson Connor, in recognition of their role in founding and maintaining this Fellowship.  If you have any thoughts on this proposal, please talk to a member of our Board.

Monday, June 25th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  See Katherine Connor for more information.

Also Monday, June 25th, Jan Harcourt is hosting a Yoga Workshop in our building from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  Contact Jan for more information.

This Thursday, June 28th, our building is reserved from 6:30 to 8 pm by a community group.  Please allow privacy during this time.

This Friday, June 29th, Citizens for Peace present their monthly peacebuilding documentary film at 6 pm at our building.  There may be a refreshments hour beginning at 5 pm.  Please RSVP for refreshments or direct any questions to Betty Cooper.

The Soul Matters Small Group meets next Sunday, July 1st from 2-4 pm.  To get involved with the group, see Jim Davis.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, June 28th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Music at the Library with Buddhaloka.  Buddhaloka performs Pali chanting set to music. The group includes Artie Langston, Bruce Hibbett and William B. Edwards, all members of the Vipassana Church/Center for Buddhist Development in Jefferson City.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Chappaquiddick" (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 exploring our monthly theme of "Blessing" with reflections on how offering a blessing brings us into "the tenuous territory of change."  When we bless someone, we make a wish for their future; we intercede on their behalf.  But to make the blessing real and deeply intentional, we must be willing to participate in the future we are wishing for.  With our limited viewpoints and human powers, we can't create all of the futures we envision, but we can find the corners that are ours to create, and let our blessings lead us into the essential human task of making the future together.

Next Sunday, July 24th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Being a Blessing to our Nation," Betty Cooper
How can we be a Blessing to our nation?  For years Caroline Myss, journalist, medical intuitive and author studied the soul and its intimate relationship to our bodies, minds, and emotions before shifting to the “global soul.”  We will use Myss’ essay, “Our Collective Soul,” to help us focus on “being a blessing to our nation.”

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Individualism and Unitarianism," Jim Davis
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 --- "Blessing and the Web of Life - Senses"

Note, the after-service lunch location has been changed since the publication of our June newsletter.  Lunch will now be at J. Pfenny's.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

As a follow-up to a proposal raised during our Annual Business Meeting, Patt Behler has submitted the following draft resolution to the UUFJC Board:
"The membership, in recognition of the outstanding leadership of William Bradford Connor and Katherine Hanson Connor, co-founders of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Jefferson City in 1991, and in honor of their numerous contributions to this Fellowship, chooses to name the fellowship hall of the organization the William Bradford Connor and Katherine Hanson Connor Meeting Hall, and more informally, the Connor Hall.  This will be used as the official name at all times when the Hall is in use, either by Fellowship activities or when other groups utilize the hall.  A plaque so designating this information will be placed in a prominent site in the Hall."
Please direct any comments on this proposal to the UUFJC Board.

The art pieces from our previous display of Pour Art are now ready to be returned to the artists.  Look for them in a box in the Forum Room or contact Patt Behler to pick up your creations.

Monday, June 18th, a local Girl Scout Troop meets in our building at 6:30 pm.  Contact Kim Connor.

This Friday, June 22nd is our monthly Salvation Army meal.  We urgently need more volunteers to continue providing and serving food for those in need, particularly while our regular organizer, Joanna Babb, is still in the hospital.  If you can help, please see Jim Babb.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

This Saturday, June 23rd, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meeting previously announced to take place in our building has been moved to another location.  Contact Patt Behler.

Community Events this week:

Monday, July 18th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents a program on "Photography and the Elements of Composition."  Today’s photo technology enables almost anyone to take pictures that are in focus, properly exposed and fairly well lit. The challenge that remains is composition. Steve Stacey, who comes from three generations of professional photographers, will explain basic composition guidelines and provide tips on how to make great photos no matter what kind of camera you use.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This  Wednesday, June 20th is the annual SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary Ice Cream Social, 11 am to 6:30 pm at the St. Joseph Cathedral Undercroft.  Tickets are $3 at the door for delicious homemade cakes and Central Dairy ice cream, and in addition, lunch and dinner items will also be available for purchase.  Activities for the event include the Kids Corner, a Quilt Raffle, a Country Store, Treasures from the Attic items, a Silent Auction and a Book Nook.  Contact Kris Ballage at [email protected] or (573) 690-7300

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "You Were Never Really Here" (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, the blessings of modern technology let us connect to our wider UU faith community and hear a sermon delivered by Rev. Tamara Casanova Suzuki at the Live Oak Congregation in Goleta, California in 2015.  Rev. Suzuki addressed what it means to be a UU; though we value openness, we are not a faith where "you can believe anything you want."  Our searches for truth and meaning are unique and free, but they must also be responsible; they must also support a caring a humane life.  As UUs, we come together around shared ethics, around covenants, Principles, and Sources, but often we ourselves can get vague and quiet about why we're here --- unless we make the effort to focus on it.  Rev. Suzuki delivered a challenge to make that effort, to find a succinct and powerful answer to the question "Why Are You UU?," an "elevator speech," so to speak.  In a faith as diverse as ours, received boilerplate may not do; look to what resonates with you, to remind yourself why you're here, and to help you share the blessings of our faith more bravely.

Next Sunday, June 17th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Should Donald Trump get the Nobel Peace Prize?," Frank Rycyk
USA Today presents arguments for and against.  Korean negotiations are the main topic.  Should be a lively discussion.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Blessing: The Tenuous Territory of Change," Rev. Nancy TannerThies
Exploring how it is that we participate in making change happen when we offer a blessing.
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 --- "Blessing and Freedom - Juneteenth"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The art pieces from our previous display of Pour Art are now ready to be returned to the artists.  Look for them in the Forum Room or contact Patt Behler to pick up your creations.

Tomorrow, Monday, June 11th at 7 pm is our monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month's speaker is Michael Couty, Director of Juvenile Justice, Cole County.  Mr. Couty makes every effort to help juvenile offenders avoid getting caught up in the adult system.  He will also share with us his work while serving on the school board.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

This Thursday, June 14th, the local Transgender Support Group meets in our building.  A closed session at 6:30 pm in the RE Room will be followed by an open meeting at 7 pm in the Sanctuary.  Contact Liberty Sitzes: [email protected]

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday, June 13th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents Reel Life Cinema: "Whose Streets?"  This powerful documentary focuses on the aftermath of the 2014 shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Using actual footage of protests and encounters with police and citizens, it shows how protest activated the community to come together and sparked a global movement.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Coming Wednesday, June 20th is the annual SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary Ice Cream Social, 11 am to 6:30 pm at the St. Joseph Cathedral Undercroft.  Tickets are $3 at the door for delicious homemade cakes and Central Dairy ice cream, and in addition, lunch and dinner items will also be available for purchase.  Activities for the event include the Kids Corner, a Quilt Raffle, a Country Store, Treasures from the Attic items, a Silent Auction and a Book Nook.  Contact Kris Ballage at [email protected] or (573) 690-7300

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "You Were Never Really Here" (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 were blessed with beautiful weather for our service at Memorial Park, and Rev. Mike Adamek's message began exploring our monthly Soul Matters theme of Blessing.  Many blessings are things that happen all the time, but they truly become blessings when they come to us as "ordinary miracles."  Rev. Mike emphasized four points about blessings:
First, they are gifts we did not earn and can never repay.
Second, they must be recognized and acknowledged by the receiver.
Third, blessings can be mixed blessings; gladness can mingle with regrets.
And finally, blessings call us to respond with gratitude and become a blessing to others in turn.
As Rev. Mike pointed out, these aspects of blessings become more challenging as you go along, but they can lead us to feel more blessing in our own lives and help build a kinder and more blessed world.

Next Sunday, June 10th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Energy Medicine," Laura Wilson
Energy medicine helps you make important connections between your life experiences, your emotions, and what is happening in your body, resulting in better health, better relationships, and more happiness.  Laura Wilson is an Energy Healer and Coach.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Why Are You UU?," Rev. Tamara Casanova Suzuki
Through the wonders of technology, we will hear a sermon from our wider UU community.  This sermon was recorded on September 27th, 2015.
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 --- "Blessing and Prayer - Ramadan"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Saturday was our Annual Rummage Sale.  Many thanks to everyone who helped organize, donated items and bake sale goodies, worked on setup and on the sale day, and who spread the word or came to shop!
If you lent tables or other equipment, thank you!  Please pick them up at your earliest convenience.
We will be doing final cleanup Monday, June 4th starting at 8:15 am.  Help is much appreciated!  Contact Bob Antweiler.

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

This Saturday, June 9th, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meets at our building in the Forum Room from 1 pm to 3:30 pm.  Contact Patt Behler.

And coming Monday, June 11th is our monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month's speaker it Michael Couty, Director of Juvenile Justice, Cole County.  Mr. Couty makes every effort to help juvenile offenders avoid getting caught up in the adult system.  He will also share with us his work while serving on the school board.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

Community Events this week:

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

UUFJC's Annual Rummage Sale is coming this Saturday, June 3rd, from 7 am to 1 pm!
Come shop the sale, spread the word, and bring your friends!
For more on donating or getting involved, see News and Events below.

As for this Sunday's service, Rev. Nancy TannerThies concluded our monthly theme of "Creativity" by creatively engaging with one of the oldest and most loaded stories of our faith traditions.  She offered reflections on the story of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve --- and Lilith, the first wife of Adam told of in Jewish Midrash, who chose expulsion from Paradise into the unknown rather than being a lesser partner.  If we think of our lives as a kind of Paradise --- the bubble of life as we know it --- where do we face being treated as lesser-than?  Where do we treat others that way (look closely, it can be very hard to see)?  Knowing our own truth and committing to change begins a creative journey into the new.  As Rev. Nancy pointed out, everyone will have a different story, with different givens and different options; there will always be things you can't change --- but there will always be something you can change.  There will always be the opportunity for creativity.

Next Sunday, June 3rd:

Services at Memorial Park Pavilion.  For a map and directions to the park, please see our June newsletter.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Meaningful Work," Madeline Matson
An essential in life is work.  This month's theme is Blessing.  Is your work a "blessing?"  After reading Madeline's review of the book, Meaningful Work, the group will discuss how work can be made more "meaningful."  Madeline is a Reference Librarian at Missouri River Regional Library.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Ordinary Miracles," Rev. Mike Adamek
Blessings become part of our awareness when we are grateful for ordinary miracles.  On May 12, 2018 my first grandchild was born; James Patterson Adamek.  Babies are born in the millions every day.  Yet this birth was important to me.  An ordinary miracle that blessed my life.  We will examine those ordinary miracles in our lives that are gifts that we did not earn nor can we ever repay them. They are blessings.
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 --- "Blessing and Our Faith - Flowers"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We are now accepting donations for our annual Rummage Sale, coming this Saturday, June 2nd from 7 am to 1 pm.
We are asking for clean, fully functional items in good condition; thanks to you we always plenty to offer!  No adult clothing, please; children’s clothing is welcome and appreciated.  We’re also offering bake sale items this year and we have some ingredients for volunteers to use.  And for even more ways to help, we need extra tables and people to work on making signs and spreading the word.
Throughout this week, items will be stored in some areas, and starting Wednesday we will be at work setting up the sale; if you have a scheduled event in the building please plan accordingly.
If you have any questions, need help transporting large donations, or would like to volunteer to help with the sale, please contact Bob Antweiler and Lisa Sanning.
(Note: if you have any items stored at the Fellowship, we advise you to take them home until after the rummage sale or make sure that they are clearly labeled.)

This Tuesday, May 29th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church; note the date has been adjusted to accommodate Memorial Day.  This month’s assembly will focus on voter registration efforts.  Contact Katherine Connor for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, May 31st, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a presentation on "Culinary Knife Skills" at 7 pm, upstairs in the Art Gallery.  Johnny Graham opened Revel Catering in 2014, returning home to Jefferson City after spending 25 years working with some of the best chefs in the world, including the late Charlie Trotter, and his involvement in the annual "Masters of Food and Wine" event in California. He has worked in locales around the globe, offering high-end catering and private chef work. Among his clients were Rod Stewart, Madonna, Woody Harrelson, Bruce Willis and work on major motion picture sets. He will explain choosing the right knives, demonstrate basic knife skills and fundamental cuts, tips on knife maintenance. Your work in the kitchen will improve after Johnny's expert instruction.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, June 1st, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film at 7 pm in their Art Gallery.  This month's selection: "The Florida Project."  Six-year-old Moonee and her young friends spend an adventurous summer at The Magic Castle, a seedy, budget motel on a highway outside Walt Disney World. Motel manager Bobby watches over them and protects them from some of life's unpleasant realities. William Dafoe earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal of Bobby.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "RBG," a film about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (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's service was our Fellowship's annual business meeting, when we come together to live out our commitment to the democratic process, honored among our Unitarian Universalist principles.

Issues ranged widely, from the practical (we decided roof repairs deserved immediate attention) to the visionary (we spent a little time discussing what "worship" means to us as UUs).  Some highlights:

Due to changes of plans, two offices on our board had opened up since our annual election in March, and we elected Lisa Sanning to the office of Vice President/Worship Service Chair, and Barb Koenig to the office of Secretary.  Thus the following board now takes office:
President: Katherine Connor
Vice President: Lisa Sanning
Treasurer: Bob Antweiler
Secretary: Barb Koenig
Director of Religious Education: Gennifer Monteer
Thank you to the incoming board for your willingness to serve!

We also elected a Nominating Committee, tasked with finding candidates for next year's board: Tom Crane, Kim Connor, and Patt Behler.

We discussed our hopes for our Social Action Committee, and the need for people to step up to lead the effort.  We invite you to look over the Committee's charter and mission statement and contact the board if you would like to get involved!

Patt Behler also hopes to give our Sanctuary a name honoring some worthy person, near or far, past or present, perhaps a fondly-remembered Fellowship member or a pioneering UU forebear.  Before we adjourned, she called for others to contact her with suggestions.

All that and we weren't even late for lunch!

It's also less than two weeks until our annual Rummage Sale!  Mark your calendars, spread the word, and look for details below to donate or get involved!

Next Sunday, May 27th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Courage to Create," Betty Cooper
A theory states that our healthiest impulse is Creativity.  As we explore ideas from Rollo May’s book, The Courage to Create, we’ll discuss the “degree of truth” in that theory.  How can our creative power make our life and the lives of others more productive and satisfying ?  I'm planning for us to use ideas from nonprofits, so bring a mission statement from one of yours.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The No That Gets to Yes," Rev. Nancy TannerThies
Exploring how we decide what we want to create.
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 --- "Creativity and Play - Memorial Day"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Next Sunday, May 27th, we will begin accepting donations for our annual Rummage Sale, coming Saturday, June 2nd.  Please be looking for clean, fully functional items in good condition to donate; thanks to you we always plenty to offer!  No adult clothing, please; children’s clothing is welcome and appreciated.  If you're more into cookery than salespersonship, we're also interested in offering bake sale items this year, and we even have some ingredients for volunteers to use.  The following week, Sunday, May 27th through Friday, June 1st, we will be working in the building to set up the sale; regular weekly events may be adjusted.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the sale, please see Bob Antweiler and Lisa Sanning.
(Note: if you have any items stored at the Fellowship, we advise you to take them home until after the rummage sale or make sure that they are clearly labeled.)

The national Unitarian Universalist Association is holding its annual General Assembly June 20th-24th in Kansas City, Missouri, and our Fellowship has been issues credentials for two voters.  If you are a member of UUFJC, plan to attend GA, and would like to make our Fellowship's voice heard, please contact Katherine Connor.

Monday, May 21st, a local Girl Scout troop meets in our building at 6:30 pm.  Contact Kim Connor.

Thursday, May 24th, the local Transgender Support Group meets at our building.  A closed session at 6:30 pm in the RE room will be followed by an open meeting at 7 pm in the Sanctuary.  Contact Liberty Sitzes: [email protected].

This Friday, May 25th is our monthly Salvation Army work day.  Please contact Jim Babb if you can help provide and serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

Also Friday evening, Citizens for Peace presents their monthly peacebuilding documentary film at our building.  Refreshments at 5 pm; screening begins at 6 pm.  Contact Betty Cooper.

Our Soul Matters Small Group is tentatively scheduled to meet next Sunday, May 27th, from 2-4 pm.  To confirm the meeting or to get involved with the Soul Matters Small Group, contact Jim Davis.

Community Events this week:

Monday, May 21st at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Gerrymandering: Politics and Policy" with Dr. Terry Smith.  Gerrymandering dates to the earliest days of the Republic. It has been practiced by both parties. Until the 1960s, it resulted in the overrepresentation of rural interests. Most recently, it has been used at all levels—federal, state, local—to solidify red and blue districts, protect incumbents, and assure minority representation. In June, the Supreme Court will declare whether purely partisan gerrymandering is unconstitutional.  Dr. Smith is a professor of political science at Columbia College.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Final Portrait" (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 reflections on Creativity.  Creativity, Rev. Mike argued, consists of both "Inspiration" and "Dedication."  We need to be take the time to be filled with insight and energy, as well as applying that energy even when we have to battle our own premature internal editor and when we may look ridiculous to others.  This is not only a matter of art; everyone is creative, and Rev. Mike even suggested that our creativity is our "soul" --- not, for him, a supernatural soul, but the essence of self that makes us human.

Next Sunday, May 13th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Mothers' Peace Day," Betty Cooper
The Mother’s Day Proclamation was created in 1870 by Julia Ward Howe, a Unitarian; it was a passionate plea for disarmament and peace.  Two questions will be discussed:  How did it get hijacked and become a “Consuming Day?”  And how can it be restored to a day for peace and disarmament?

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Ramadan," Nasruddeen Al Awwal
The Muslim month of fasting, Ramadan, begins May 16th.  "Nas" will educate us about Ramadan.  Congregation members will offer appropriate readings.
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 --- "Creativity and Justice - Mama’s Day"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual pledge drive is still in progress.  Thank you to everyone who supports UUFJC with their pledges, and thank you to those who submit their estimates of giving; it's a tremendous help to us in planning for the year ahead.  For pledge forms, Fair Share giving suggestions, and more information, contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

It’s less than a month now until our annual Rummage Sale, coming Saturday, June 2nd.  Please be looking for items to donate; thanks to you we always plenty to offer.  This year we’re asking for no adult clothing, please; children’s clothing is welcome and appreciated.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the sale, please see Bob Antweiler and Lisa Sanning.

This Tuesday, May 8th at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets at our building.  Contact Susan Randolph.

This Thursday, May 10th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group meets at our building.  They will begin with a closed meeting in the RE room at 6:30 pm, followed by an open meeting in the Sanctuary starting at 7 pm.  Contact Liberty Sitzes: [email protected].

At the same time, the American Association of University Women also meets at our building, Thursday evening at 7 pm in the Forum room.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

Coming Monday, May 14th is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month: "A Low-Carbon Diet: Reducing your Climate-Change Footprint through Dietary Choice," with Mark Haim, peace activist and owner-operator of The Peace Nook in Columbia, MO.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

And coming Sunday, May 20th is the UUFJC Annual Business Meeting.  For more information, see the May newsletter or talk to Katherine Connor.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, May 8th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "It’s Yesterday Once More…Petroleum Memorabilia of Bygone Days."  Description:Duane Campbell has been collecting petroleum memorabilia for almost 40 years. What started with a few items has grown to a collection now housed in its own building—a replica of a 1930s gas station. The collection focuses primarily on items from the 1920s to the 1950s and has been featured in the St. Louis Post Dispatch and other newspapers.  Campbell will share selected items from his collection, his passion for petroliana and how his collection started and grew.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Death of Stalin" (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!

The snow and ice had at last given way to birdsong this Sunday, and our monthly theme of Emergence blossomed one last time from a past theme of Perseverance with a service delayed from February due to the ice.  Several members offered reflections on people whose perseverance in the past has enabled the emergence of our world today.

Bob Boldt, via video, shared his first-hand experience covering Martin Luther King, Jr.  He urged us to look beyond the familiar and comfortable quotations to the intense and complex obstacles King faced and his radical, liberating vision, which still remains challenging today.

Patt Behler spoke about Fannie Farmer, who came from a Unitarian family and persisted through childhood illness and disability to revolutionize cooking with the aim of promoting knowledge and health.

Lisa Sanning shared the story of Recy Taylor, a black woman raped by white men in the days before the Civil Rights movement.  In the face of threats, she refused to remain silent, and although her fight for justice was frustrated, she still paved the way for future social change.

And finally, Katherine Connor looked back to an earlier Civil Rights movement, and the story of Mary White Ovington.  A Unitarian born in 1865, Ovington was white, but she was inspired by black leaders of her day and her own Abolitionist heritage and became a key figure in the founding of the NAACP.

As we reflect on their stories, what principles and visions do our times call us to persist toward?  What will emerge from our efforts?  We may never know, but we can keep working and watching with faith in the creative energy at the heart of our world.

Next week begins our monthly theme for May: "Creativity."

Our May newsletter and calendar are now available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar
Paper copies are also available at the Fellowship, in the wall box near the coat rack.

Next Sunday, May 6th, 2018:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Are we the first advanced civilization?," Stephen Carew
The last ice age ended around 11,700 years ago.  I believe there were advanced civilizations that were destroyed when the water from melting glaciers flooded them.  Maybe there is some truth to Plato's story about the Atlantian civilization that was destroyed by a flood or from the many flood stories of numerous cultures.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The Soul of Creativity," Rev. Mike Adamek
Creativity is an openness to whatever provokes reflection, reinterpretation, and results in working a valuable synthesis.  It is all around us and in us and keeps today from being yesterday all over again. Connecting to the process almost always begins with an opening of ourselves.
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 --- "Creativity and Problem Solving"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual pledge drive is still in progress.  Thank you to everyone who supports UUFJC with their pledges, and thank you to those who submit their estimates of giving; it's a tremendous help to us in planning for the year ahead.  For pledge forms, Fair Share giving suggestions, and more information, contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

It’s just over a month now until our annual Rummage Sale, coming Saturday, June 2nd.  Please be looking for items to donate; thanks to you we always plenty to offer!  This year we’re requesting no adult clothing, please; children’s clothing is welcome and appreciated.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the sale, please contact Bob Antweiler and Lisa Sanning.

This Saturday, May 5th, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meets in our building from 1:30 to 4 pm.  Contact Patt Behler.

Community Events this week:

Monday, April 30th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts readings with poet Walter Bargen.  Missouri’s first poet laureate will read from his latest works and discuss the role of poetry in contemporary life. His books will be available for sale and signing.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, May 4th 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 Death of Stalin" (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, for Earth Day, we were joined by guests from Citizens Climate Lobby.  Many of us seek to support "the interdependent web" of life on Earth in our own ways.  As concerned and active citizens, what can we bring into being?  Citizens Climate Lobby and other civic organizations allow people to come together, enabling the emergence of personal and political power and confidence.  While individual decisions like recycling and energy efficiency are important, the call of the Earth asks more of us; we can join our voices together to push for greater changes that help care for the web of life --- and for ourselves and our neighbors and our places in it.

Next Sunday, April 29th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Martin Luther King, Jr," Bob Boldt
Bob Boldt shares firsthand experience with the lauded civil rights leader.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: “Those Who Went Before – And Persevered”
(Rescheduled from February due to weather)
Any time of year is a good time 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 --- "Emergence into Wholeness - Celebrating Diversity"

Potluck Lunch after service --- please bring a favorite dish!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual pledge drive has begun!  Thank you to everyone who supports UUFJC with their pledges, and thank you to those who submit their estimates of giving; it's a tremendous help to us in planning for the year ahead.  For pledge forms, Fair Share giving suggestions, and more information, contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

Monday, April 23rd, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Attendees will receive an update on CLEAN MO and Raise Up MO initiatives and plans for “Healing Racial Wounds” workshops, discuss the structure of this chapter, learn about leadership opportunities, and receive a presentation on the Voter Engagement and Education Campaign.  For more information, contact Katherine Connor.

The local Transgender Support Group meets at our building this Thursday, April 26th at 7 pm.  Contact Liberty Sitzes: [email protected]

This Friday, April 27th is our monthly Salvation Army meal.  Please contact Jim Babb if you would like to help provide or serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

Later Friday evening at 6 pm, Citizens for Peace present their monthly peace-building documentary film at our building.  Contact Betty Cooper.

As a correction to last week’s announcements, the Soul Matters Small Group did not meet yesterday; they are meeting next Sunday, April 29th from 2:30 to 4:30.  If you would like to get involved with the Soul Matters small group, please contact Jim Davis.

Community Events this week:

This Friday, April 27th starting at 4:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts an Art Exhibit Reception: "A Murder of Crows."  The library is participating in the city Art Crawl. Meet artists James, Jan, Josh and Jake Crow from 6:30-8:30, and enjoy some light refreshments.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "A Fantastic Woman" (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 reflections on Emergence with thoughts about dusk and dawn.  Each is a moment of pause and transition, and together they remind us that we can emerge into light and we can emerge into darkness.  Like the caterpillar's transition to the chrysalis, like the hero's journey in the underworld (made famous by Joseph Campbell), Rev. Nancy encouraged us to see emergence into darkness as an opportunity, to trust ourselves and the universe with the challenge and learn what it can teach us.  Reemerging into the light can bring its own challenges; sharing our gifts requires its own kind of vulnerability.  But if we can accept the darkness and the light, accept our fears without being ruled by them, we can gain the freedom to live our lives fully.

Next Sunday, April 22nd:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Cultural Creativity," Betty Cooper
Are You a Cultural Creative?  Results of your test will answer the question.  There is a quiet revolution of values afoot in America—a multifaceted “social uprising of wellness,” requiring our help to keep what has emerged to continue moving forward.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Earth Day Service, with guests from Citizens' Climate Lobby
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 --- "Emergence of Life in the Story of Evolution - Earth Day"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual pledge drive has begun!  Thank you to everyone who supports UUFJC with their pledges, and thank you to those who submit their estimates of giving; it's a tremendous help to us in planning for the year ahead.  For pledge forms, Fair Share giving suggestions, and more information, contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.

Monday, April 16th, a local Girl Scout troop meets in our building at 6:30 pm.  Contact Kim Connor.

This Friday and Saturday, April 20th and 21st is the Mid-Missouri Festival of Faiths.  Organized by Capital Area Interfaith Alliance and open to people of all faiths, the Festival is aimed at promoting understanding and appreciation among members of different religions in mid-Missouri.  It will feature speakers from the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian (Catholic and Protestant) traditions.  The festival begins Friday at 7 pm at First Presbyterian Church with a concert featuring David LaMotte, singer, songwriter, author, and peace activist.  The Saturday session from 9 am to 4:30 pm includes plenaries, workshops, panel discussion and lunch.  Admission is $10 for each day or $15 for both days.  To register, visit midmofestivaloffaiths.org.  For more information, see Frank Rycyk.

Next Sunday, April 22nd, the UUFJC Board meets at 6:30 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  A draft agenda is attached to this e-mail.  See our president, Katherine Connor, for more information.

And coming Monday, April 23rd, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  For more information, see Katherine Connor.

Community Events this week:

Monday, April 16th, at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Montgomery C. Meigs and His Contribution to the U.S. Capitol—and Jefferson City."  Noted local historian Henry Gensky will discuss Montgomery C. Meigs, the father of Arlington National Cemetery and supervisor for construction of the U.S. Capitol as it looks today. He also has a connection to Jefferson City, having designed the Caretaker’s Cottage in the National Cemetery on McCarty Street. This event is cosponsored by the Missouri River Regional Library and the Historic City of Jefferson.  For more information, contact Madeline at 573-634-6064, ext. 250 or Tammy at 573-839-4121.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "A Fantastic Woman" (Thursday through Saturday).  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!