Connecting Across Distance

We are in extraordinary times, so this week's e-mail is going to be a bit different.

These extraordinary times make it ever more important to come together in community and minister each other.  The following is an excerpt from a message by national Unitarian Universalist Association President, Susan Frederick Gray:

"There is no script for these times. We are all learning as we go—building skills of resilience and letting compassion, connection, and ministry be our guide.

"Naturally, there is a lot of anxiety and fear. Connecting across physical distance will be ever more important. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you tend to your community:

• "Tend to the things that help reduce anxiety, particularly the acts of human connection that help calm us. People will experience different levels of insecurity and anxiety, particularly as weeks pass. Many are reminded of previous trauma and are navigating those alongside present circumstances. Others are holding personal fears for their own health and that of loved ones. Existing challenges, whether physical, conditional, emotional, or relational may be exacerbated.
• "Be diligent about calling, texting, video chatting, and emailing messages to your loved ones and community members. Practice good listening. Offer compassion and a non-anxious caring presence. Look at organizing small groups to come together virtually more frequently or create calling circles to stay connected. We are fortunate there are so many ways to connect across distance.
• "Provide specific ways people can help one another, the congregation, and larger community. Having a task, knowing how you can help and serve is a gift right now. Create opportunities for people to minister to one another."

We at UUFJC are feeling our way forward and seeking new ways to come together.  At the same time, we encourage our members and friends to reach out to each other by phone, e-mail, or whatever safe and responsible medium feels best for you.

Also please consider the virtual gatherings listed below.  We are relying on the Zoom platform, which we realize is a challenge for some.  For help, you may try this short video on how to join a webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGbpwZNW3oI.  Our president, Katherine Connor ([email protected]) will also do her best to help you.

Today, March 22nd:

April News Due.
Please submit your items for our April Newsletter and Print Calendar.  E-mail them to me at [email protected].

UU Church of Columbia Online Service - 10 am
UUFJC members and friends are invited to join our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia for online services.
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianUniversalistChurchOfColumbiaMO/?eid=ARCFLwfOPhvNekpA6bZuhuMke8zRihU5cX37pHO0Ig0hKx3TtbHgCgOx6CG-2K9kJWv-gRxpo4lI5kdW
Zoom Webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/380411489 (you will be prompted to download and install the Zoom app if you don't already have it)
Zoom by iPhone one-tap :
    US: +16468769923,,380411489#  or +13126266799,,380411489#
Zoom by Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 646 876 9923  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 669 900 6833
         or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799
    Webinar ID: 380 411 489
    International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aTznTWFfb 

UUFJC Coffee Hour - 11:30 am
Zoom Webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/119378901?pwd=ZU9wN2xocGZLaDk1L2JjMHpibjFpUT09
Meeting ID: 119 378 901
Password: 491285
Zoom One tap mobile
+16465588656,,119378901# US (New York)
+13126266799,,119378901# US (Chicago)
Zoom by telephone:
Dial by your location
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US
        +1 301 715 8592 US
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 119 378 901
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aeC2zyWdIo

Next Sunday, March 29th:

We are again invited to the Columbia UU online service; see the information above.

Please watch your e-mail for online events from UUFJC.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

As we try to find new ways to come together, we still need financial support, even without Sunday offering baskets.  To support UUFJC during this time, mail your pledges and contributions to: 
UUFJC
PO Box 1245
Jefferson City, MO 65102

We are also still in our annual pledge drive.  We ask everyone who is able to estimate their financial support for the coming year so that we can plan our Fellowship’s future.  Contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler at [email protected].

This afternoon at 2 pm, our This I Believe small group will be meeting online via Zoom.  For more information, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Later this evening, our Worship Service Committee meet at 6 pm.  For the status of this meeting, contact our vice president, Lisa Sanning at [email protected].

Next Sunday, March 29th, our UU Ethics small group will be meeting online via Zoom.  For more information, contact Alexis at [email protected]. 

Community Events this week:

Many community events are canceled, including all in-person events at Missouri River Regional Library.  Even when events remain scheduled, we encourage our members and friends to follow CDC guidance and avoid gatherings of 10 or more people whenever possible.

However, we encourage you to explore the library's many online resources at MRRL.org.  Many more national and local organizations are stepping up with online resources that you can explore.

Please keep us informed of virtual events serving the local community.

For more events, see our online calendars, now including a new "Virtual Gatherings" calendar.  We are still working to catch up with changing events, so some listings, particularly in the Community Events calendar, may not be current; please contact event organizers for more information:

UUFJC Events
Virtual Gatherings
Affiliated Events 
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events  

Have a safe week!