Sunday morning was our annual Flower Communion, one of our most beautiful Unitarian Universalist traditions.  Those who attended brought flowers, and each person was invited to take a different flower than the one they had brought and take it home with them.

Elizabeth Prenger gave a message about the meaning of the ritual, and shared that it was especially meaningful to her because as it happened, her first visit to our Fellowship was a Flower Communion.  As the flowers in a diverse garden bloom in their own time and their own way, they give the whole landscape a rich and lasting beauty.  As symbols, the communion flowers remind us that we too find strength in diversity, as we follow our belief in letting each member of our community "bloom" in their own time and in their own way.

Next Sunday, April 30th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Grace Lee Boggs," Betty Cooper
Grace Lee Boggs was a Human Rights Advocate for more than seven decades.  A brief examination her work in civil rights, labor, feminism, environment, reveals that “communities of transformation” were created through her devoted efforts.  She lived for CHANGE!--the title of her autobiography.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The Art of Being Uncomfortable," Alexis Engelbrecht
Combining our past theme of risk and our current theme of transformation, Alexis will offer the idea that the state of being uncomfortable is an important part of transformation and explore ways in which one can ask, in the words of American Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön, "How can I practice right now, right on this painful spot, and transform this into the path of awakening?".
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We are now in our Annual Pledge Drive.  See our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for pledge forms and more information.  Suggested Fair Share donation guidelines are also available on the table in the back of the Sanctuary or on request.

Monday, April 24th at 6:30 pm, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Katherine Connor.

This Thursday, April 27th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group meets in our building.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, April 28th is our monthly Salvation Army meal.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.  Contact Jim and Joanna Babb.

Later Friday evening at 7 pm, the Last Friday Documentary Film group meets in our building.  Contact Cinthy Wilcox.

Community Events this week:

Monday, April 24th from 8 am to 8 pm, there will be a Holocaust Day of Rememberance exhibit in the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda.

This Tuesday, April 25th, Missouri River Regional Library hosts Nonfiction at Noon in the Library Annex.  Book under discussion: "The Revenge of Analog: Real Things and Why They Matter" by David Sax.  Vinyl records, film photography, board games, independent bookstores, small businesses in actual physical places—the analog world is cool and relevant again. The author explores the appeal of the real in a world saturated with digital wonders. One of The New York Times’ Top 10 Books of 2016.  Contact Madeline Matson.

Tuesday evening at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents "An Evening with Theodore Roosevelt," co-sponsored with The Historic City of Jefferson.  Theodore Roosevelt embodied the Progressive Movement in American politics. Jim Kreider, former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, considers Theodore Roosevelt his political mentor, and he will portray the President in period costume and accessories. He has appeared as TR in programs throughout the state.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Saturday, April 29th, a Rally for Climate Action is being held on the Courthouse Square at 8th & Walnut in Columbia.  Bring loud whistles and noise-makers.  Featuring Speakers, Poetry, Music, and a report from the People's Climate Movement March on Washington, D.C.  Contact Mid-MO Peaceworks.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Personal Shopper" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes 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 continued exploring our monthly theme of Transformation.  She shared various "myths" about the nature of transformation, from the visions in the Gnostic Gospel of Mary Magdalen to a less-than-factual internet story of an eagle that had to break its beak and grow a new one to keep hunting.  As Rev. Nancy reminded us, myths are stories that may or may not be true but that contain truths that help our living.  In this case, these myths show us processes of transformation.  Mary Magdalen was transformed by a sudden inspiration.  The eagle's story shows that transformation sometimes requires intentional, painful, slow and arduous work.  Are we prepared to honor those visions and do that work, personally and collectively?  How can we become a community that listens, respects, and supports people in these transformations?

In important Fellowship news, a workgroup has been drafting a Behavioral Covenant for our Fellowship, to represent our expectations and promises for how we will treat each other and come together.  They now have a draft and are requesting everyone’s feedback.  Paper copies are available on the bulletin board and on the table in the back of the Sanctuary, and electronic copies are available to view or download here: UUFJC Behavioral Covenant Draft (PDF). Please submit your feedback by next Sunday, April 23rd.  The workgroup members are: Bob Boldt, Kim Connor, Nancy Ellis-Ordway, Jan Harcourt, and Dwight Politte.

Next Sunday, April 23rd:

Newsletter Submissions Due.
Submissions for the May Newsletter and Print Calendar are due one week from today, next Sunday, April 23rd.  Please submit your items to Laura Gilkey by e-mail or in writing.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Understanding behavioral science: implications for achieving transformation," Terri Rodgers and Mike Stoutimore
Can this science help us save the world?  We will explore the role of the "environment" (our physiology, learning, experiences and interactions) in the actions we take and the repertoires we develop.  We Will hopefully come to the conclusion that it is unhelpful to blame individuals for their behavior and have some ideas about how to influence change.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Flower Communion" - Please Bring a Flower
Elizabeth Prenger and Jim Davis are planning our annual Flower Communion. According to the UUA website: The Flower Ceremony, sometimes referred to as Flower Communion or Flower Festival, is an annual ritual that celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, and community. Originally created in 1923 by Unitarian minister Norbert Capek of Prague, Czechoslovakia, the Flower Ceremony was introduced to the United States by Rev. Maya Capek, Norbert's widow. In this ceremony, everyone in the congregation brings a flower. Each person places a flower on the altar or in a shared vase. The congregation and minister bless the flowers, and they're redistributed. Each person brings home a different flower than the one they brought.
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

Potluck Lunch - Please Bring a Favorite Dish

Joys and Concerns - after the Potluck
An informal opportunity to share our Joys and Concerns with each other at greater length and depth.  Your presence is important.  Everyone --- including visitors --- is cordially invited to participate.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We are now in our Annual Pledge Drive.  See our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for pledge forms and more information.  Suggested Fair Share donation guidelines are also available on the table in the back of the sanctuary.

This Thursday, April 20th at 7 pm, the American Association of University Women meets at our building.  The speaker is Dr. Diana Richardson, MD, Naturapath and owner of the "Health, Wellness and Nutrition Center."  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, April 23rd at 1:30 pm.  All are welcome to attend the board meeting.  Contact our president, Katherine Connor.

Community Events this week:

Monday, April 17th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts "Music at the Library: Curtis & Loretta."  This award-winning folk duo combines original songs and traditional pieces from America and the British Isles on a variety of stringed instruments. Their CDs have appeared on “Top Albums of the Year” at Folkradio.org, and they’ve shared billings with such luminaries as Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Holly Near, and many more.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Personal Shopper" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes 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 we held another "This Unitarian Universalist Life" service in which members and friends explored our monthly theme of Transformation with reflections, music, and readings.

Bob Boldt spoke about the transformative power of the arts.  He shared his belief that art is not mere entertainment but a channel for truth and beauty to transform people who open themselves to it, something especially necessary in difficult times like ours.

Jim Davis talked about transformation in Unitarian Universalism.  He grew up in a church that emphasized the sudden, passionate transformation of conversion experiences, but this demand for conversion can all too easily turn into coercion.  In UUism, transformation is a gradual learning, sometimes marked but not defined by sudden creative breakthroughs.  It is a process of becoming the people we choose to be and being open to changing ourselves --- because when we are unwilling to change ourselves, then we are no longer free.

Next Sunday, April 16th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Welfare and Immigration," Frank Rycyk
According to Leon de Winter, "Holland is truly a welfare state and the Dutch are proud of it."  However, "They have started to demand... that immigrants teach their children to be proud and contributing members of this society."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Broken Beaks and Empty Tombs: Transformation in Myth & Reality," 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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We are now in our Annual Pledge Drive.  Contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for pledge forms and more information.  Suggested Fair Share donation guidelines are also available on the table in the back.

Monday, April 10th is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month, retired LU professor Ken Luebbering presents: "Establishing a Relationship between the Food Producer and the Consumer: Downtown JC Farmer's Market."  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

This Thursday, April 13th at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group meets at the Fellowship.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, April 14th, the Reader's Eye Film group meets at the Fellowship.  For film selection and more information, contact Cinthy Wilcox.

Next Sunday, April 16th, the previously-announced Laughter Yoga session at the Fellowship has been canceled.  Jan Harcourt is taking a break from these sessions over the summer; contact her for more information

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, April 11th at 4 pm, Citizens for Peace meet at Missouri River Regional Library upstairs in the Storyhour Room.  Contact Betty Cooper.

This Thursday, April 13th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents: "Big Foot: The Cryptid, The Legend, The Reality?"  Creatures identified as Bigfoot, Yeti, Sasquatch, and the like are described in many cultures around the globe. Dr. Christine Boston of Lincoln University will focus on the fossil, biological and cultural evidence to determine if the evidence supports the existence of Bigfoot creatures in today’s world.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Kedi" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and a program of "Kid Flix" (Saturday only).  For showtimes 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 began exploring our April Soul Matters theme of Transformation with the story of a great Unitarian minister, John Dietrich.  Deitrich's theology transformed thoughout his life, leading him to become a pioneering Humanist who believed that the focus of faith should be on the development of humanity.  The credo he was writing at the time of his death shows that his thoughts had transformed again in a more theist direction, but he still spoke of the need to look past our metaphorical ideas of god to the common spiritual ground that could bring humanity into unity and peace.  Dietrich exemplified the Unitarian Universalist value of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning as he kept searching all the way to the end of his life, never seeing his own theology as perfect and complete, and he showed Humanism as an approach to the sacred.

Next Sunday, April 9th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Transformation of a Westboro Baptist," Laura Gilkey
In a TED Talk, former Westboro Baptist member and funeral protester Megan Phelps-Roper shares what changed her mind.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "This UU Life: Transformation"
Join us for a This Unitarian Universalist Life service in which prepared reflections by members, special readings, music, and you'll-have-to-come-to see-what-else are used to examine our Soul Matters theme of transformation.
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

Face2Face - 1:30 pm
A chance to be transformed through listening, get to know each other better, and make new friends!  Contact Katherine Connor.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our annual pledge drive has begun!  Contact our treasurer, Bob Antweiler, for more information.  Thank you to all who help support our Fellowship with your pledges!

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Please contact the administrator ([email protected]) for a copy.  We make it available on request in the interest of privacy, but please don’t be shy about requesting it!

Monday, April 3rd there is a program on Interfaith Response to the Refugee Crisis at 6:30 pm at Presbyterian Church.  The Social Justice Ministry Team of First Presbyterian Church, working with the Clergy Caucus of Faith Voices for Jefferson City and the Capital Area Interfaith Alliance, is seeking to find ways to sponsor and support refugees and immigrants in the Jefferson City Area through this special presentation.  Contact Pastor Dave Henry (573-636-2149).

Faith Voices for Jefferson City is holding their annual anniversary celebration dinner and silent auction this Friday, April 7th at 6:30 pm.  The keynote speaker will be Dr. Benjamin Akande, President of Westminster College.  UUFJC will have a table for 8, and Katherine needs to know who wants to attend.  If we get over 8 people, that’s all right; we can chip in to cover the additional cost.  Contact Katherine Connor.

Coming Monday, April 10th is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month, retired LU professor Ken Luebbering presents: "Establishing a Relationship between the Food Producer and the Consumer: Downtown JC Farmer's Market."  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

Community Events this week:

This Friday, April 7th at 7 pm, Missouri River Regional Library will present its First Friday Film.  For film selection and more information, contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Kedi" (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), plus programs of "Kid Flix" (Saturday and Sunday).  For showtimes 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-long exploration of "Risk" and looked ahead to next month's theme of "Transformation."  Laura Gilkey gave the sermon, about the uses of safe space.  We need safe spaces --- we need a break from survival mode to connect with vision and creativity, and we need a place to be accepted as we are to connect with courage and authenticity.  We must be mindful in using the privilege of safe space so that it doesn't become a hiding place or an armed camp hostile to outsiders.  But if we use safe spaces well, they can help us risk engagement with the larger world --- and help us risk transforming ourselves.

Next Sunday, April 2nd:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Teaching Trump: Should Teachers Offer Up Their Own Politics?," Frank Rycyk
Is there a point where opinionating crosses the line into political proselytizing?

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "John Dietrich: An Unitarian Transformation," Rev. Mike Adamek
John Dietrich began preaching by speaking his mind and soon he was tried for heresy by the Reformed Church.  By speaking his mind he started a debate in American Unitarianism which echoes down to the present, theist vs. humanist controversy.  After he retired in 1938, former opponents crowed that in the next nineteen years until his death he rejected Religious Humanism and became a theist. I will argue that his transformation was typical for a religious liberal, and richer than any simplistic judgment.
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The April Newsletter and Print Calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available by the entrance and electronic copies are available here: Newsletter, Print Calendar.

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Please contact the administrator ([email protected]) for a copy.  We make it available on request in the interest of privacy, but if you're a member or friend, please don’t be shy about requesting it!

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

This Thursday, March 30th at 7 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Capital Area Interfaith Alliance hosts a Passover& Music Event.  Learn about the story of Passover and its significance for members of Jefferson City's Jewish Community from members of Temple Beth El.  The event is free.  Jewish refreshments and cookies will be provided with time to mingle afterward.

This Friday, March 31st at 7 pm, the Last Friday Documentary Film group meets at the Fellowship.  Contact Cinthy Wilcox.

The Worship Service Committee meets next Sunday, April 2nd at 1:45 pm.  Contact Alexis.

Faith Voices for Jefferson City is holding their annual anniversary celebration dinner and silent auction on Friday, April 7th at 6:30 pm.  The keynote speaker will be Dr. Benjamin Akande, President of Westminster College.  UUFJC will have a table for 8, and Katherine needs to know who wants to attend.  If we get over 8 people, that’s all right as long as we can chip in to cover the additional cost.  Contact Katherine Connor.

Community Events this week:

Rev. Nancy TannerThies is faciliating a 7 month online class at Sapattu: "Reverence and Mirth: Living with Integrity in Chaotic Times."  For registration cost and more information, contact Rev. Nancy or see the flyer on our bulletin board.  The class begins April 1st and runs through the end of October.

This Tuesday, March 28th, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "From Curb to China: Getting to Know the Markets, Culture, and Impact of Recycling."  Lelande Rehard, planner for the Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District, will take a look at how recycling works from curb to finished product, challenges for certain materials, and how markets, culture and regulations affect costs and participation. Learning about the whole system will help you understand the impact of your decisions about recycling.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "My Life as a Zucchini" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes 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 continued exploring our monthly theme of "Risk."  Those who take risks --- even and especially those who take heroic risks --- often seem like fools as they step out.  With this in mind, Rev. Nancy used the tarot card "The Fool" as an image to spark reflection.  One common version shows us a person at a cliff's edge, striking out on a journey toward a grand horizon, open, vulnerable yet excited, with a satchel on a staff and a dog at their feet.  Rev. Nancy said that inescapable love for something makes us "fools" willing to take risks.  The cliff's edge in the card shows us the danger, but we also have valuable things to bring with us to aid and steady us (the satchel and staff), and we also have friends at our side (the dog) as we set out toward the unpredictable grand horizon.

Next Sunday, March 26th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Myth of the Trigger-Happy Cop," Frank Rycyk
Fatal shootings by police are relatively rare and have gone down in many places.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Castles of Ice, Burrows of Earth: The Uses of Safe Space," Laura Gilkey
We need "safe spaces" to engage with a risky world, but we must be mindful of how we use them.  Are we hiding in them?  Are we weaponizing them?  Or are they places to grow into greater engagement?
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC Board - 1:30 pm
All are welcome to attend the board meeting.  Contact president Katherine Connor for more information.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Please contact the administrator ([email protected]) for a copy.

Housekeeping Note: Several months ago Katherine and Alexis worked very hard to rid our building of clutter. To honor their efforts, we ask that you please refrain from bringing items you no longer/want or need at home, to the Fellowship.  Despite the good intentions behind the act, when you leave unwanted items in the building, someone else is left with the responsibility of making a trip to the Salvation Army or Goodwill to take them off where they should have gone in the first place.  Thank you for your help with this matter.

This Thursday, March 23rd at 7 pm, the local Transgender Support Group meets at the Fellowship.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, March 24th is our monthly Salvation Army work day.  Please contact Bob Antweiler, Jim Babb, or Joanna Babb if you would like to help prepare or serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

Faith Voices for Jefferson City is holding their annual anniversary celebration dinner and silent auction on Friday, April 7th at 6:30 pm.  The keynote speaker will be Dr. Benjamin Akande, President of Westminster College.  UUFJC will have a table for 8.  A flyer is available on our bulletin board, or contact Katherine Connor for more information.

Community Events this week:

Monday, March 20th, Missouri River Regional Library holds an Author Talk by Alex George.  George will discuss and read from his newly published novel, Setting Free the Kites, a coming-of-age story set in Maine. The book will be available for purchase and signing after the program. George was the 2013 Capital READ author for A Good American, which was a Library Journal Best Book of the Year among many other awards.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, March is a Holocaust Day of Remembrance in the Capitol Rotunda, with a Memorial and Exhibit of Rescue and Resistance, 8 am to 8 pm.  For more information visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum online at www.ushmm.org/dor

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "My Life as a Zucchini" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes 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!

As part of our Service this Sunday, we elected our incoming board:

President - Katherine Connor (continuing)
Vice President - Jim Davis
Secretary - Lisa Sanning
Treasurer - Bob Antweiler (continuing)
Director of Religious Education - José Villafañe

Thank you to the Nominating Committee (Carol Bontempo, Betty Cooper, and Lisa Sanning) for their work, and thank you to our officers for their willingness to serve!  The new board will work with the outgoing board before taking office after our annual business meeting coming in May.

Alexis also offered a message, continuing to explore our monthly Soul Matters theme of Risk.  Alexis focused on revelation; UUs recognize many possible sources of revelation, of those direct and personal "Aha!" moments, but sometimes the "Aha!" brings an "Oh, no!" as our revelations call us into risky new territory and change.  The challenge and power of revelation lies in accepting that risk and taking responsibility, expanding our comfort zones and doing what we can within our own corner of the tapestry, our own sphere of influence and talent.

Next Sunday, March 19th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Debunking the Vulnerability Myths:  Learning to take risks," Betty Cooper
Discussing the work of Brené Brown.

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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Please contact the administrator ([email protected]) for a copy.

Sunday morning announcements will be changing starting next week.  Being mindful of everyone’s time and attention, we will only announce news and events for the Fellowship and affiliated organizations, and we will no longer call for more announcements from the floor.  You are still welcome to bring fliers for the bulletin board and to submit items to the administrator for inclusion in the Google calendar and weekly e-mail.  Please bear with us as we continue working to find the right balance, and talk to a member of the board for more information.

New nametags are here!  If you do not have a new nametag, want a nametag, or want a correction to your nametag, or if you would prefer a clip-on nametag to a corded one, please contact Katherine Connor.  Please also take a moment to write your preferred pronouns in the space provided; moving beyond just assuming about pronouns is an important part of our LGBT Welcoming efforts.  Thanks to Katherine for her work on the new nametags --- they look lovely!

Monday, March 13th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  Our own Nancy Ellis-Ordway will speak on “Weight Stigma and Social Justice.”  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk for more information.

This Thursday, March 16th at 7 pm, the American Association of University Women meets at the Fellowship.  Contact Charlotte Parsons for more information.

Next Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the monthly Laughter Yoga session.  Free and open to all.  Contact Jan Harcourt.

Faith Voices for Jefferson City is holding their annual anniversary celebration dinner and silent auction on Friday, April 7th at 6:30 pm.  The keynote speaker will be Dr. Benjamin Akande, President of Westminster College.  UUFJC will have a table for 8.  A flyer is available on our bulletin board, or contact Katherine Connor for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, March 14th at 4 pm, Citizens for Peace meet at Missouri River Regional Library, upstairs in the Storyhour room.  Contact Betty Cooper.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "I Am Not Your Negro" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes 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 we began exploring our Soul Matters theme for March: Risk.

Rev. Mike began by reminding us that Risk is all around us, because all of our choices make a difference.  If we can never be free of risk, how can we keep it in balance?  This balance is very individual; what feels feels threatening to one person may feel safe for another --- since "safe" just means an acceptable level of risk.  But when we seek that safety, is it because it's what's best, or what's easiest?  The easy way, sticking to the familiar, brings slower but serious risks of its own.  To grow, we must take the risk of letting things go and letting in the new, whether that's growing as an individual or growing as a Fellowship.  Going through the risk and discomfort is the path to growth.  So where will you grow?  What are you willing to no longer feel safe about?

Next Sunday, March 12th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
Bob Boldt

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Revelation: The Call and the Challenge," Alexis Engelbrecht
PLUS: UUFJC Election of Officers.
"Revelation" is a direct communication from the divine (for those who believe in the divine) - or a realization sparked by something.  Today we’ll explore the call that challenges us to be what we alone can be.  A special secret-until-that-day song that you won’t want to miss and is guaranteed to make you feel ready to face the week will be provided by Elizabeth Prenger, Angela Wells, Ted Koenig, and Alexis.

This service will end with a brief business meeting to elect our incoming board.  The proposed slate of officers will be:
President - Katherine Connor
Vice President - Jim Davis
Secretary - Lisa Sanning
Treasurer - Bob Antweiler
Director of Religious Education - Jose Villafane
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor.  If you are unable to attend and would like to designate a proxy to vote on your behalf, e-mail the administrator ([email protected]) for a proxy voting form.

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 --- Volunteers Needed!

Face2Face Event - 1:30 pm
A special event to transform ourselves through listening to each other, to get to know each other better and make new friends!  For more information or to RSVP, contact Katherine Connor ([email protected]).

UUFJC News and Events this week:

New nametags are here!  If you do not have a new nametag, want a nametag, or want a correction to your nametag, please contact Katherine Connor.  Please also take a moment to write your preferred pronouns in the space provided; moving beyond just assuming about pronouns is an important part of our LGBT Welcoming efforts.  Thanks to Katherine for her work on the new nametags --- they look lovely!

Sunday morning announcements will be changing later this month.  Being mindful of everyone’s time and attention, we will only announce news and events for the Fellowship and affiliated organizations, and we will no longer call for more announcements from the floor.  You are still welcome to bring fliers for the bulletin board and to submit items to the administrator for inclusion in the Google calendar and weekly e-mail.  Please bear with us as we continue working to find the right balance, and talk to a member of the board for more information.

The Transgender Support Group meets this Thursday, March 9th at 7 pm.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, March 10th at 7 pm is the monthly Reader’s Eye Film.  For film selection and more information, contact Cinthy Wilcox.

Coming Monday, March 13th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series.  This month: "Weight Stigma and Social Justice: When is Prejudice Acceptable?" presented by Nancy Ellis-Ordway.  Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.

Community Events this week:

This week is the Missouri River Regional Library and ABLE Annual Used Book Sale, Wednesday through Saturday at the St. Martin's Knights of Columbus Hall.  A huge variety of books will be available.  For daily hours and more information visit mrrl.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "I Am Not Your Negro" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  For showtimes 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 concluded our month of focus on "Possibility" by planting seeds of hope and love.  Youth members Aubrey and Sami led in today's service.  Aubrey shared a "This I Believe" essay by Sozi Tulante, who came to America as a refugee and had a challenging path even after arrival but found hope in a new home.  Sami offered a further reflection, reminding us that hope needs a support system and calling us to do as much as we can to increase the positive possibilities in our lives and the world around us.  Alexis also called us to turn hope into action.  Those who attended had an opportunity to make a commitment to some action to nudge the possibilities of hope and love toward blossoming, and to symbolize this commitment by planting seeds at the service and receiving seeds that they could plant at home.

Next Sunday, March 5th, 2017:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Power of Vulnerability," Laura Gilkey
In a popular TED Talk, Brene Brown shows that vulnerability is not weakness but the birthplace of wholehearted living.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Multiverse of Maybes" Rev. Mike Adamek
William James was convinced that nothing original or productive was ever a sure thing bereft of risk.  Always the future is a maybe until it becomes the present.  Somewhere between the too safe choice and the adrenaline junkie escapade is the next chapter in our lives, the next universe that will open productively before us.  How do we accept risk as a welcome part of 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 --- Volunteers Needed!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The March Newsletter and Print Calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available by the entrance and electronic copies are available here: Newsletter, Calendar.

Sunday morning announcements will be changing in a few weeks.  Being mindful of everyone’s time and attention, we will only announce news and events for the Fellowship and affiliated organizations, and we will no longer call for more announcements from the floor.  You are still welcome to bring fliers for the bulletin board and to submit items to the administrator for inclusion in the Google calendar and weekly e-mail.  Please bear with us as we continue working to find the right balance, and talk to a member of the board for more information.

We are updating our Members and Friends Directory.  If you would like your contact information updated, added, or removed, please e-mail the administrator: [email protected].

Monday, February 27th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  This month's assembly will include a presentation by Susan Cook about school gun violence.  Contact Katherine Connor.

And an item has been lost at the Fellowship: a 12-inch-tall beige candle with designs on the sides.  Please contact us if you have any information.

Community Events this week:

Girl Scout Cookies have come in. Contact Kim Connor.

This Tuesday, February 28th, Missouri River Regional Library hosts "Nonfiction at Noon" in the Library Annex.  Discussion title: "A Street Cat Named Bob," a memoir about a London street musician and his relationship with the injured cat he found in his apartment’s hallway. It’s a “beautiful, never maudlin story of second chances for both man and beast.” (Booklist)  Contact Madeline Matson.

This Friday, March 3rd, MRRL presents their First Friday Film.  For film selection and more information, contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Shawshank Redemption" (Saturday only) and "Farmland" (Sunday only).  For showtimes 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 continued exploring our monthly Soul Matters Theme: Possibility.  She shared a favorite quote by Marianne Williamson:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ...  We are all meant to shine, [...] and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

To say that we are powerful beyond measure does not mean that our possibilities have no limits, but Rev. Nancy suggested that even our limitations can help to guide us, giving us structure and focus to choose the place where we can work hard to expand what's possible.  There are always limits, but we are always capable of more than we imagine.  Rev. Nancy called us to choose from what we see as possible, to commit to dreaming bigger, to accept our fears but not submit to them, and then to let go and accept that we are powerful and responsible even though we are not in control.

This week's quote to Contemplate: "A dream is the bearer of a new possibility, the enlarged horizon, the great hope." - Howard Thurman

Next Sunday, February 26th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"What the Dakota Pipeline May Really Be About," Frank Rycyk
North Dakota Congressman Kevin Cramer presents some different ideas.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Planting Seeds of Love"
Join us for this special multigenerational service that explores and celebrates what it means to be a community of possibility that “stands on the side of love”. We’ll have special music, readings, and a congregational activity in which members and friends of all ages are invited to reflect upon commitments they can enhance their sphere of influence and to plant seeds of love and possibility.
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 --- Volunteers Needed!

Special Film: "Defying the Nazis" - 2 pm
UUFJC will screen the documentary film "Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War" directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky.  The film is "an account of a daring rescue mission that occurred on the precipice of World War II.  It tells the story of Waitstill & Martha Sharp, a Unitarian Minister and his wife from Wellesley, Massachusetts, who left their children behind in the care of their parish and boldly committed to multiple life-threatening missions in Europe.  Over two dangerous years they helped to save hundreds of imperiled political dissidents and Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation across Europe."

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We are updating our Members and Friends Directory.  If you would like your contact information updated, added, or removed, there is a paper copy of the directory in the back of the Sanctuary where you can note any changes, or you can e-mail the administrator: [email protected].

The Transgender Support Group meets this Thursday, February 23rd at 7 pm.  Contact [email protected].

This Friday, February 24th is our monthly Salvation Army meal.  Serving begins at 5 pm, please arrive early to help prepare.  Contact Bob Antweiler, Jim Babb, or Joanna Babb if you would like to help prepare or serve food.

Later this Friday at 7 pm is the monthly Last Friday Documentary.  This month’s selection is “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners.”  Contact Cinthy Wilcox.

This Saturday, February 25th at 1 pm, a book group will meet to discuss “The UU Handbook.”  Contact Alexis for more information.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, February 23rd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Unguarded Moments: Laughing on the Inside at the Old MSP."  Larry E. Neal worked inside the old Missouri State Penitentiary for 20 years, supervising inmates in the maintenance and repair of the institution. His work took him from rooftops to cell blocks to the maze of tunnels underground. Hear Neal tell of the pranks, jokes and escapades that staff and inmates played on each other amidst this backdrop.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents the Oscar-Nominated Shorts, Live Action (Friday) and Animated (Saturday and Sunday).  For showtimes 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!