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!

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 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!

This morning, on Christmas Eve, we had a special Winter Holiday service, gathering perspectives from various members and friends through reflection, song, and a sharing of hope ceremony.

We UUs tend to be "Happy Holidays" people, and for good reasons.  One of our core values is to welcome those with different perspectives and beliefs, even different celebrations, and to welcome it if we are drawn to those things ourselves.  However, that very freedom allows us not only to shed the old and embrace new things that ring truer to ourselves, but to hold on to heritage that strict orthodoxy would lead us to reject.  For some of us, it's in our UU Fellowship that we can speak of the hope and promise of Christmas and sing the Christian carols of our youth, even as our understanding of the doctrines behind them changes.

So in whatever way you understand it, in whatever way you're ready to receive it: Merry Christmas.  May you be safe, and may you feel warmth, plenty, and love.

Next Sunday, December 31st, 2017:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
led by Frank Rycyk

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The Quandary of Hope," Nancy Ellis-Ordway
"Never give up hope! You can't give up hope!" How many times have you heard it? Hope is  thought of as positive and desirable. It gets us through dark times and motivates us to do what needs to be done. Sometimes, though, hope holds us back when we need to move forward. Sometimes giving up hope is exactly what we need most. Where is the line between hopelessness and reality?
Patrick Ordway will perform special music.
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 --- "New Year, New Hope"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Submissions for the January Newsletter and print calendar are due TODAY.  Please e-mail any last-minute items to Laura Gilkey ASAP.

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteers willing to offer rides to members and friends who can't drive to services on Sunday.  If you can help, 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.

Due to the Christmas holiday, Faith Voices for Jefferson City is not holding their monthly assembly this week.  For information on their ongoing activities, see Katherine Connor.

This Thursday, December 28th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group meets in our building.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, December 29th at 6 pm, Citizens for Peace meet at our building to present their monthly peacebuilding documentary film.  This month's selection: "Tomorrow's Children" by Suht Jhally, featuring Riane Eisler.  Contact Betty Cooper.

Community Events this week:

Our own Patt Behler is hosting an alternative Christmas Party tomorrow, Monday, December 25th starting at 2 pm.  Chat and games, costumes welcome.  Very light refreshments will be provided.  Please do not bring food or drink with you.  Please RSVP to Patt by phone.

This Thursday, December 28th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Forest Park Owls: Hidden in Plain Sight."  Mark H.X. Glenshaw, an award-winning naturalist, has closely observed and documented the lives of Great Horned Owls in Forest Park in St. Louis since December 2005. He will talk about how he found these owls, basic facts about the species, and the different behaviors he has seen and documented with photos and videos.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Wonderstruck" (Friday and 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!

Sunday morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued exploring our monthly theme of "Hope" with a title that she couldn't seem to get out of your head: "Mustering the Minions."  The word "minion" conjures up images of servility (and yes, maybe those little yellow guys from the movies), and while may we often feel that we are just going along with a plan we haven't chosen, we also have power and responsibility that affect how the world unfolds around us.  We can reason and choose for ourselves, maintain our integrity in our own minds and persist in whatever small steps we can take to realize it outwardly.  When we come together as minions of hope, our fragile selves can be a force toward a better future.

Next Sunday, December 24th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"International Women's Day," Betty Cooper
In honor of International Women's Day, Dr. Riane Eisler was the first speaker in the series on "Mothering Nature in the Age of Trump.".  Ideas from her speech "People & Plans to Expedite World Harmony," will be discussed.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Winter Holiday Service"
Perspectives on the holidays through reflections, readings, and song, by the Worship Service Committee, members, and friends.
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 --- "Christmas Hope"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteers willing to offer rides to members and friends who can't drive to services on Sunday.  If you can help, 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, December 18th at 6:30 pm, a local Girl Scout troop meets in our building.  Contact Kim Connor.

Our regularly-scheduled Salvation Army workday this Friday is canceled as they have received an influx of holiday donations.  Contact Jim and Joanna Babb to get involved in future months with preparing and serving food for those in need.

Community Events this week:

Monday, December 18th at 6:30 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Big Pharma: Market Failure," a documentary film and panel.  How much do pharmaceutical company really spend on research and development of truly innovative drugs? Do free market principles affect drug prices and help control costs? Do the normal rules of business apply to the pharmaceutical industry? How TV ads impact consumers and doctors? Speakers afterward will include Dr. Ed Weisbart, assistant professor of clinical medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, and Jefferson City pharmacist Daryl Hubble. Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "A Christmas Carol" (Wednesday only) and "The Square" (Friday and 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!

Sunday morning, our own Alexis Engelbrecht continued exploring our monthly theme of Hope.  It's easy to think of Hope as just a happy feeling about a bright future that will "somehow, eventually" happen, but this kind of hope is hard to sustain and hard to be satisfied by.  For Alexis, a more inspiring kind of hope requires a renewal of imagination and faith --- imagination to envision a better world, and faith that that world is achievable.  This moral imagination disrupts the status quo and calls us into the risk and effort of "creative altruism," calling us to make the choices that make hope not just a happy feeling but a powerful force for good.

Next Sunday, December 17th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Frank Rycyk

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Muster your Minions of Hope," 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 Religious Education --- "Seeds of Hope"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Membership Committee is looking for volunteers willing to offer rides to members and friends who can't drive to services on Sunday.  If you can help, please contact Bob Antweiler.

If you lent us tables or chairs for our recent Chili Cook-off, we appreciate your help with the event, but for those who have not yet retrieved their tables or chairs from us, it would be very helpful if you pick them up as soon as you can.  You will find them just inside our front entry door, near the coat rack.  Contact Bob Antweiler with any questions.

Our Yahoo! e-mail group is being retired.  Our e-mail listserv and electronic archives have now been transferred to Google.  If you want to make sure you’re included in the new Google e-mail group so you can to chat with members and friends over e-mail and receive extra announcements and reminders, please contact the Administrator, Laura Gilkey, or any member of the board.

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, December 11th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month: "Race in the Schools:  Administrator’s Stories" with Doug Hayter, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA).  See Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk for more information.

This Thursday, December 14th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group meets at our building in the Sanctuary.  Contact [email protected].

At the same time, Thursday evening at 7 pm, the American Association of University Women is scheduled to meet at our building in the Forum Room.  Please contact Charlotte Parsons before attending; the Association has taken a break from meeting in December in previous years.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Square" (Friday, Saturday, and 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 monthly Soul Matters theme for December: Hope.  The winter holiday season is a time to celebrate hope, Rev. Mike reflected, whether that hope is the Christian coming of the savior, the Passover deliverance, or the Earth-centered watch for the return of the sun.  Like the same note played on different instruments, holiday hopes sound in different voices, and Rev. Mike shared what the special tone of hope means for him.  It means an expectation for the future that is:
- More personal than abstract,
- More nourishing than stimulating, including the beauty that nourishes the heart,
- More optimistic than pessimistic, because pessimism holds us back from engaging
- And that brings more people together than it drives apart.
Hope can be a challenge in challenging times, but as we listen to its tone we can find the strength to make our world better, however long it might take, small and intimate bit by small and intimate bit.

Next Sunday, December 10th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Hope…Uninterrupted," Betty Cooper
With excerpts from Jane Goodall's book, "Reason for Hope," we find her potent legacy to this planet is one of awakening the absolute interdependence of all things in the natural world.  With the resiliency of Mother Nature, Goodall envisions a world of peace and understanding, of respect and sustainable solutions. (The 2017 Documentary, “Jane” is now in theatres.)

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Imagine," Alexis Engelbrecht
Join us in exploring the relationship between creativity and hope through word, reflection, and song.
Guest musicians, Alexis' sister Annie and brother-in-law Rodney, will be part of the service as well. Annie and Rodney have played with musical groups in Branson, Missouri, and Annie has toured Ireland and Canada with the Homestead Pickers.
Alexis also asks that those of you in our Google group (see below) check your e-mail inboxes throughout the week to be on the lookout for links and information related to how we we explore the theme that day. They aren't required readings but are designed to add hope to your inbox.

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 --- "Light and Hope"

Potluck Lunch After Service - please bring a favorite dish and a helping of holiday spirit!  If you can bring more than one dish in different categories, it would help make sure we have plenty for everyone to enjoy.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual Chili Cook-off this past Saturday was a success!  Thank you to Bob Antweiler for organizing and to everyone who helped with food, donations, and effort!  We still have some leftover silent auction items --- take a look and contact Bob if you're interested in any of them.

Our Yahoo! e-mail group is being retired.  Our e-mail listserv and electronic archives have now been transferred to Google.  If you want to make sure you’re included in the new Google e-mail group so you can to chat with members and friends over e-mail and receive extra announcements and reminders, please contact the Administrator, Laura Gilkey ([email protected]), or any member of the board.

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.

You can also help the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship spread holiday cheer to incarcerated individuals.  Instructions and some cards are available under the screen by our cafe bar.  You can create your own cards, too (see the instructions).  Cards are due by this Thursday, December 7th.  Contact Katherine Connor.

This Friday, December 8th at 7 pm, Capital Area NOW presents their monthly film at our building.  For film selection and more information, contact Sue Gibson.

Next Sunday, December 10th, a Soul Matters small group meets here at the Fellowship from 2-4 pm.  This session is now full; contact Alexis if you’d like to participate in future sessions in person or online.

Coming Monday, December 11th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month: "Race in the Schools:  Administrator’s Stories" with  Doug Hayter, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA).  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, December 5th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents a program on Holiday Wine Pairing.  Celebrate the holiday season with Missouri wines. Learn about the growing Missouri wine and grape industry and how to successfully pair wines with your favorite holiday foods. You’ll have the opportunity to sample select Missouri wines. Ages 21+ only. Registration limited to 40. Contact Madeline at 634-6064, ext. 250.

Next Sunday, December 10th at 1:30 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL hosts an art exhibit reception with Suebet Beck.  This exhibit features oils and pastels on a variety of subjects. Meet the artist and enjoy some light refreshments.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "It's a Wonderful Life" (Wednesday only), "National Lampoon Christmas Vacation" (Thursday only), and "Loving Vincent" (Friday, Saturday, and 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, Alexis Engelbrecht concluded our monthly theme of Abundance with reflections and our annual Bread Communion.  The Bread Communion, Alexis said, is a symbol of the nourishing support and diversity of our community, but she also led us inward, toward the abundance of possibilities within ourselves and how we can nourish those possibilities.  Inspired by the Quaker practice of "letting your life speak" --- listening to your life rather than telling it how it should be --- we reflected on such questions as:
What gifts have you learned to neglect in yourself?  Which need to be reclaimed and fed?
Amid an abundance of roles and expectations, what role or name could give you life and call you into the future with courage?
When we nourish both our selves and our communities, we create an abundance of possibilities together.

And don't forget to come in from the cold and enjoy the abundance of our Chili Cook-off this Saturday, December 2nd from 5-8 pm!  Details below.

Next Sunday, December 3rd, 2017:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"UU Activism," Frank Rycyk
Suggested advance reading: "Do you have to be an activist to be a Unitarian Universalist?," UU World, Fall 2017.  5 UU ministers and a UU lay leader are interviewed for this article.  According to a UU World article of many years ago, this dispute has continued for a long time.  There is hope that our Forum will lead to some mutual understanding.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Which Hope Binds You to the Future?," Rev. Mike Adamek
On December 21, 2017 at 10:28 a.m the sun reaches its zenith in the southern hemisphere.  It travels as far south as it can go on our winter solstice and so we have the longest night of the year.  Every night after gets shorter until the summer solstice on June 21, 2018 at 5:07 am when the sun reaches its zenith in the north and we have the longest day of the year in Jeff City.  Christmas has always been about hope even before it was called Christmas. At this time of year, if seasonal or Christian hopes do not bind you to the future, have you asked yourself what does?
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 --- "Birds and Hope"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

This Saturday December 2nd from 5-8 pm is our annual Chili Cook-off!  We have fliers to help spread the word and tickets to sell (advance tickets are $1 off).  More volunteers are still welcome --- the more the merrier!  In particular, it would be good to have more:
-Chilis
-Baked Goods
-Silent Auction Items
-Tables
-And if anyone is able to help Judi Jecmen with the Cake Walk.
Please come enjoy chilis, soups, desserts and more, plus raffles, silent auction, games, and fun for everyone.  Contact Bob Antweiler with any questions.

The December Newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available on the table by the entrance; electronic copies are now available through our website.

Our Yahoo! e-mail group is being retired.  Our e-mail listserv and electronic archives have now been transferred to Google.  If you want to make sure you’re included in the new Google e-mail group so you can chat with members and friends over e-mail and receive extra announcements and reminders, please e-mail [email protected] or contact any member of the board.

You can help the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship spread holiday cheer to incarcerated individuals.  Instructions and some cards are available under the screen by our cafe bar.  You can create your own cards, too (see the instructions).  Cards are due by Thursday, December 7th.

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

Tomorrow, Monday, November 28th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  This month’s program will be continuing conversation and planning on healing racism.  See Katherine Connor for more information.

The Worship Service Committee meets next Sunday, December 3rd at 5 pm.  Contact our Vice-President, Jim Davis.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, November 28th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a presentation about Human Trafficking in Mid-Missouri.  Nanette Ward, founding member of the Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition, will provide an update on the work of the coalition and its efforts to promote awareness of the forced labor and sexual exploitation of children, women and men in mid-Missouri.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, December 1st at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film: Murder on the Orient Express (1974).  Everybody on board the storied train is a suspect in this 1974 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit. The great Albert Finney plays Hercule Poirot, and the suspects include a cast of stars.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Loving Vincent" (Friday, Saturday, and 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!