- 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!