Yesterday morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies joined us to continue our month of reflections on "Gratitude."
That monthly focus is especially relevant this week as we in the US come upon the Thanksgiving holiday. The "Pilgrims and Indians" story associated with the holiday offers a slanted view of some painful and unjust American history, but we can confront those flaws without losing sight of the gift of the harvest that sustains our lives or the role of gratitude in our spirits. It is still worth taking a "holy day" devoted to giving thanks, and the challenges our own Fellowship has faced bring into relief all we have to be thankful for. These words by Gwen Matthews say it well:
"Today, we're thankful for you and what you bring to our church.
"Your spirit, talents, generosity, imagination, and dedication reaffirm our fellowship and create our Beloved Community. Our heartfelt thanks to you on this day and for all days to come.
"For those who embrace Thanksgiving as a day to honor the gifts of family, friendship, abundance, security, we celebrate with you and join our voices to hold aloft all sacred blessings.
"For those who hold Thanksgiving as a day of sadness, who mourn for the hurt and loss of native peoples, who are lonely, who grieve the loss of those dear and beloved, we hold your heartache and sorrow so you do not have to carry the burden alone.
"Blessings be upon you."
Wishing you blessings and a Happy Thanksgiving!
For those who would also like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service message from yesterday is available to view online:
That monthly focus is especially relevant this week as we in the US come upon the Thanksgiving holiday. The "Pilgrims and Indians" story associated with the holiday offers a slanted view of some painful and unjust American history, but we can confront those flaws without losing sight of the gift of the harvest that sustains our lives or the role of gratitude in our spirits. It is still worth taking a "holy day" devoted to giving thanks, and the challenges our own Fellowship has faced bring into relief all we have to be thankful for. These words by Gwen Matthews say it well:
"Today, we're thankful for you and what you bring to our church.
"Your spirit, talents, generosity, imagination, and dedication reaffirm our fellowship and create our Beloved Community. Our heartfelt thanks to you on this day and for all days to come.
"For those who embrace Thanksgiving as a day to honor the gifts of family, friendship, abundance, security, we celebrate with you and join our voices to hold aloft all sacred blessings.
"For those who hold Thanksgiving as a day of sadness, who mourn for the hurt and loss of native peoples, who are lonely, who grieve the loss of those dear and beloved, we hold your heartache and sorrow so you do not have to carry the burden alone.
"Blessings be upon you."
Wishing you blessings and a Happy Thanksgiving!
For those who would also like to keep up with our neighbors at the UU Church of Columbia, their service message from yesterday is available to view online:
UUFJC News and Events this week:
For accessibility and convenience, we have an option to donate to our Fellowship online through PayPal:
For accessibility and convenience, we have an option to donate to our Fellowship online through PayPal:
Donate to UUFJC
You can also mail donations and pledges to:
UUFJC
Attn: Treasurer
PO Box 1245
Jefferson City, MO 65102
You can also mail donations and pledges to:
UUFJC
Attn: Treasurer
PO Box 1245
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Thank you for being with us and supporting us!
And remember all our ways to stay in touch! You can visit our website at uufjc.org. You can also join our open-posting "UUFJC Cafe" Google Group to chat with other members and friends via e-mail and receive additional announcements and reminders (contact the Administrator at [email protected] to join).
Submissions for our December newsletter were due yesterday. Please email any last-minute items to Laura Gilkey ASAP: [email protected].
The restoration of our building after our recent fire continues, although we still expect it to be some time before we can move back. If you have any questions about the state of the restoration, please contact our board president, Rich Burdge. Watch for an update from Rich in our November Newsletter and coming to this email list soon!
It's time to update our UUFJC Members and Friends Directory. If you would like to share your contact information with other members and friends, please contact our administrator at [email protected] with the information you would like to share.
An independent Insight Meditation group taught by Joe McCormack meets at our building Thursday nights at 7 pm, when possible. Zoom may also be available. For more information, contact Bob Antweiler.
This Friday, November 24th would normally be our monthly Salvation Army Meal, but in the past our November meals have not been needed due to an outpouring of support for the Thanksgiving holiday. If you would like to help provide food for those in need, check with Bob Antweiler.
Our building (when available) is reserved by community groups Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at 6 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 5:30 pm. If you have access to our building, please allow privacy at these times.
Community Events this week:
No community events were submitted for inclusion in this week's email. If you know of a community event you would like to see featured in this space, contact our administrator at [email protected].
For more events, see our online calendars:
UUFJC Events
Virtual Gatherings
Affiliated Events
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events
And remember all our ways to stay in touch! You can visit our website at uufjc.org. You can also join our open-posting "UUFJC Cafe" Google Group to chat with other members and friends via e-mail and receive additional announcements and reminders (contact the Administrator at [email protected] to join).
Submissions for our December newsletter were due yesterday. Please email any last-minute items to Laura Gilkey ASAP: [email protected].
The restoration of our building after our recent fire continues, although we still expect it to be some time before we can move back. If you have any questions about the state of the restoration, please contact our board president, Rich Burdge. Watch for an update from Rich in our November Newsletter and coming to this email list soon!
It's time to update our UUFJC Members and Friends Directory. If you would like to share your contact information with other members and friends, please contact our administrator at [email protected] with the information you would like to share.
An independent Insight Meditation group taught by Joe McCormack meets at our building Thursday nights at 7 pm, when possible. Zoom may also be available. For more information, contact Bob Antweiler.
This Friday, November 24th would normally be our monthly Salvation Army Meal, but in the past our November meals have not been needed due to an outpouring of support for the Thanksgiving holiday. If you would like to help provide food for those in need, check with Bob Antweiler.
Our building (when available) is reserved by community groups Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at 6 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 5:30 pm. If you have access to our building, please allow privacy at these times.
Community Events this week:
No community events were submitted for inclusion in this week's email. If you know of a community event you would like to see featured in this space, contact our administrator at [email protected].
For more events, see our online calendars:
UUFJC Events
Virtual Gatherings
Affiliated Events
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events
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