Laura Gilkey talked about Acceptance, and shared her belief that community comes not from being alike, but from accepting each other in all our uniqueness.
Jim Babb talked about the more intimate community of family, which he defines less by blood than by a sense of honor that consists of compassion, respect, and loyalty.
And Sharon Morgan talked about gratitude, a basic foundation of happiness that we can consciously embrace through daily practices.
We'll be exploring more themes in the coming months. If you would be interesting in speaking, contact Alexis Engelbrecht.
Next Sunday, December 6th:
Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Syrian Refugee Screening," Frank Rycyk
An Associated Press article documents up to three years of screening for Syrian refugees including fingerprinting and biometrics.
Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Christmas Every Day," Rev. Mike Adamek
It is that time of year again when generosity and gratitude abound and so do hard realities and diminished expectations. When we wear ourselves thin with preparation or do so little we hardly know what season is upon us. A time of loneliness and a time of living large in the love of family and friends. The holidays are a time of intense contrasts. What would you welcome and what would you avoid if this season never ended but was celebrated each and every day of the year? Be ready to sing some Christmas songs during this service!
If you have a joy or concern that you would like to have read during the Service, please submit it through our website: http://uufjc.org/joys--concerns.html
Plus Children's RE --- Volunteers Needed!
UUFJC News and Events this week:
The December newsletter and print calendar are ready. Paper copies are available in the back of the sanctuary, and electronic copies are available on request.
We need RE teachers and aides. See the sign-up sheet on the RE room door or contact Kim Connor.
We also need Adult Forum leaders. Contact Laura Gilkey
This Saturday, December 5th is our 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off! We have tickets on sale and fliers to distribute, and we're still welcoming help with the event, as well as items for the silent auction and volunteers for the service auction. Contact Bob Antweiler for more about how you can help. Or just come Saturday for good food and fun! Tickets are $6 or 2 for $10 in advance, $7 at the door.
Next Sunday, December 6th, the Worship Service Committee meets at 3:30 pm. Contact Alexis Engelbrecht to get involved in planning our Sunday services.
Community Events this week:
Monday, November 30th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Missouri Maps Tell Stories." If you “read” a map, you will find it tells a story just like reading a book. You can learn a lot of Missouri history by carefully reading maps. Dr. Walter Schroeder, retired professor of geography at the University of Missouri, will show and read some fascinating Missouri maps from various historical periods. Contact Madeline Matson.
Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, MRRL hosts an Author Talk. In "The American Cookbook," Carol Fisher describes how history, geography, social movements, and technological change came together through the preparation of food. From the first American cookbook in 1796 to regional and ethnic cookbooks, and from the cookbook revolution of the 1800s to influential cookbooks through the years, Fisher’s talk will provide a fascinating tour through what has made our food culture unique. Fisher is also the author of two other books on food history and culture. Contact Madeline Matson.
And on Friday, December 4th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, MRRL presents their First Friday Film: "The Holiday." Two women meet online at a home exchange website and impulsively switch homes for the holiday. This delightful film, directed by Nancy Meyers, stars Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, and Eli Wallach. Contact Madeline Matson.
Next Sunday, December 6th at 2 pm in the Art Gallery, MRRL also presents: "Painting for Peace in Ferguson." Carol Swartout Klein, author of Painting for Peace in Ferguson, will describe the amazing community project that arose in Ferguson during the months of protest and sadness following Michael Brown’s death. Artists and volunteers, community members of all ages and races, painted messages of hope, peace and unity on abandoned windows and storefronts in Ferguson in the Paint for Peace effort. Their beautiful and creative works are reproduced in Klein’s book, along with photos of the artists. Proceeds from the book’s sales are being reinvested in the Ferguson community. The book was also Missouri’s official selection for the Library of Congress’s National Book Festival. Contact Madeline Matson.
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!