Democratic Process

Yesterday morning, our Adult Forum tried to engage our Fifth Unitarian Universalist Principle ("The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large"), as we discussed whether to create for ourselves an Adult Forum Policy.  While the members present felt that we didn't need a formal policy, we had a productive discussion.  We touched on our "editorial standards" for forum topics (specifically the fact that we don't have any standards), and considered privacy and press access issues that recently came up.  Some of our concerns couldn't be solved in one session and will be things to keep discussing with each other going forward, but we also had at least one simple and elegant idea that I myself had never thought of --- that the discussion leader sit on the far end of the table so latecomers can create less disruption and we can use the monitor without so much running back and forth.

Do you have concerns, suggestions, or new ideas for the Fellowship?  Come and share them!  Everyone is welcome next Sunday at the regular monthly meeting of the UUFJC Board, then the Sunday after that is our Annual Business meeting.  We look forward to seeing you --- and hearing you --- then!

Next Sunday, May 10th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"How to Handle Children who Kill," Betty Cooper
This is "Mother's Peace Day,"--a vibrant time to discuss the "care of our children."

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Islam and the Environment," Sultan Ahmad
Ahmad is from a town in Bangladesh that has been affected by climate change.

Plus Children's RE with Barb Koenig; Aide Needed!

Youth RE is available.  Contact Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafañe

UUFJC Board - 1:30 pm
All are welcome to attend the board meeting.  An agenda for this meeting and draft minutes of the previous meeting are posted in the back of the Sanctuary, and electronic copies are available on request.

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We are starting to draw up next year's budget, and we need your pledges (or estimates of giving) so that we can plan accordingly.  If you haven't yet turned in a pledge form or talked to our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, please do so!  However much or little you can give, it's a big help to let us know!

Mark your calendars for our Spring Cleaning Day, Saturday, May 16th.  We have various jobs to do indoors and out, but it’ll be fast and fun if we all work together.  Contact Kath Connor.

Also mark your calendars for our Annual Business Meeting, coming Sunday, May 17th.  We will approve a new budget, elect next year's officers, and more.  If you can't come but want your voice to be heard, you can designate someone to vote on your behalf; contact Secretary Laura Gilkey for a Proxy Voting form.

Unfortunately, we have not gotten the volunteers we need to lead the efforts for our annual Rummage Sale, so the sale will be canceled this year.  We still have more ideas for fundraisers, though, so stay alert for opportunities to help!

This Friday, May 8th at 7 pm is the monthly Reader’s Eye Film.  This month we celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary Orson Welles.  Contact Bob Boldt.

Community Events this week:

This Thursday, May 7th at 7 pm in the Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts an Author Talk with Keija Parssinen.  Parssinen’s new book, The Unraveling of Mercy Louis, is both a mystery and a coming-of-age tale of secrets and betrayals. The main character is a basketball champion and golden girl in a small Texas town who is dealing with a history of abandonment and the social pressures of adolescence.  Contact Madeline Matson.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "An Honest Liar" through Thursday, then "Welcome to Me" beginning Friday.  For showtimes and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

For yoga and even more events, see our Calendars.