This morning, we were joined again by Dr. Cliff Cain, Professor of Religious Studies at Westminster College, who brought us thoughts about the early history of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Early members of the "Jesus movement" were persecuted, seen as unpatriotic for their refusal to honor the official gods of Rome. One historian wrote that the persecutors "think Christians are the cause of every public disaster." But when the emperors converted and Christianity became the official religion of the empire, they became the oppressors in turn, suppressing both paganism and the diversity within their own faith. Again and again throughout history, we see peoples targeted as outsiders to the nation and its religion, and again and again, we see political power corrupt the oppressed into oppressors. How does this insight inform how we see our present world, and what are we called to do about it? Where is this pattern repeating itself? Where is it being resisted? What would we do if suddenly we were completely in charge? What might we be tempted to do, telling ourselves "we're right and they're wrong"?
Next Sunday, May 5th:
Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Harvard Photo," Jim Davis
Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Make It Alright," Kim Mason
In 2018 Netflix rebooted the make over reality show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. With a new cast and new location, what lessons does Queer Eye offer for us now? How does the cast's willingness to engage with a range of people inspire our own curiosity and openness? The Fab 5 aren't making over the fellowship - but they just may make over your heart!
Due to an unexpected and exciting opportunity, Kim Mason, a graduating student from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, will be speaking to us on May 5th.
(Rev. Mike Adamek will return May 26th.)
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 --- "Curiosity and Understanding"
Farewell Potluck for Sharon - Please Bring a Favorite Dish
After services, we will hold a special potluck to say goodbye to longtime UUFJC member and leader Sharon Morgan as she is moving to be closer to family. Thank you and best to you, Sharon!
We also have a card for Sharon that you are invited to sign.
UUFJC News and Events this week:
Our May newsletter and print calendar are ready. Paper copies are available in the wall box near the coat rack. Electronic copies are available to view or download: Newsletter, Calendar
Our Annual Business Meeting is coming Sunday, May 12th. The agenda for the meeting is now ready; it is included in the May newsletter (see link above), or see our President, Katherine Connor, for a copy. If you wish to review the minutes of last year’s meeting, you can view or download them here, or see Katherine. If you wish to look at the proposed budget in advance, please see our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.
If you wish to participate in the national Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly this year, this Tuesday, April 30th, is the last day to sign up at early-bird rates. Registration costs go up starting May 1st. This year’s GA is taking place in Spokane Washington, and offsite registrations are available to let you participate online. Some GA events will also be livestreamed online and open to all. For more information or to register, visit UUA.org/GA.
And coming a week from tomorrow, Monday, May 6th at 6:30 pm, our own Alexis will give a special presentation: “Stories from the Border, Sanctuary, and Ways to Help.” Alexis will share what she learned from her time on the border in Tuscan, Arizona, plus an immediate opportunity to be of assistance to a family in Columbia. Please invite anyone you think would like to learn more about this important issue and how to help.
This Thursday, May 2nd at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building. Contact Susan Randolph.
Next Sunday, May 5th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm. Please allow privacy.
Community Events this week:
This Tuesday, April 30th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a presentation on Missouri Courthouses. Bill Hart, executive director of the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation, will discuss the architectural history of Missouri’s courthouses. Contact Madeline Matson. For more library events, visit MRRL.org.
This Friday, May 3rd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film: "On the Basis of Sex." Inspired by a true story, this film depicts Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a young lawyer and new mother facing multiple career challenges. She takes on a case, which she knows could change the courts' view of gender discrimination. Teaming with her husband, Martin Ginsburg, she fights the case all the way to the Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark decision in the fight for equal rights. Contact Madeline Matson.
This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Beach Bum" (Thursday through Sunday). For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.
For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:
UUFJC Events
Affiliated Events
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events
Have a great week!
Next Sunday, May 5th:
Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The Harvard Photo," Jim Davis
Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Make It Alright," Kim Mason
In 2018 Netflix rebooted the make over reality show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. With a new cast and new location, what lessons does Queer Eye offer for us now? How does the cast's willingness to engage with a range of people inspire our own curiosity and openness? The Fab 5 aren't making over the fellowship - but they just may make over your heart!
Due to an unexpected and exciting opportunity, Kim Mason, a graduating student from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, will be speaking to us on May 5th.
(Rev. Mike Adamek will return May 26th.)
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 --- "Curiosity and Understanding"
Farewell Potluck for Sharon - Please Bring a Favorite Dish
After services, we will hold a special potluck to say goodbye to longtime UUFJC member and leader Sharon Morgan as she is moving to be closer to family. Thank you and best to you, Sharon!
We also have a card for Sharon that you are invited to sign.
UUFJC News and Events this week:
Our May newsletter and print calendar are ready. Paper copies are available in the wall box near the coat rack. Electronic copies are available to view or download: Newsletter, Calendar
Our Annual Business Meeting is coming Sunday, May 12th. The agenda for the meeting is now ready; it is included in the May newsletter (see link above), or see our President, Katherine Connor, for a copy. If you wish to review the minutes of last year’s meeting, you can view or download them here, or see Katherine. If you wish to look at the proposed budget in advance, please see our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.
If you wish to participate in the national Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly this year, this Tuesday, April 30th, is the last day to sign up at early-bird rates. Registration costs go up starting May 1st. This year’s GA is taking place in Spokane Washington, and offsite registrations are available to let you participate online. Some GA events will also be livestreamed online and open to all. For more information or to register, visit UUA.org/GA.
And coming a week from tomorrow, Monday, May 6th at 6:30 pm, our own Alexis will give a special presentation: “Stories from the Border, Sanctuary, and Ways to Help.” Alexis will share what she learned from her time on the border in Tuscan, Arizona, plus an immediate opportunity to be of assistance to a family in Columbia. Please invite anyone you think would like to learn more about this important issue and how to help.
This Thursday, May 2nd at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building. Contact Susan Randolph.
Next Sunday, May 5th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm. Please allow privacy.
Community Events this week:
This Tuesday, April 30th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts a presentation on Missouri Courthouses. Bill Hart, executive director of the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation, will discuss the architectural history of Missouri’s courthouses. Contact Madeline Matson. For more library events, visit MRRL.org.
This Friday, May 3rd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film: "On the Basis of Sex." Inspired by a true story, this film depicts Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a young lawyer and new mother facing multiple career challenges. She takes on a case, which she knows could change the courts' view of gender discrimination. Teaming with her husband, Martin Ginsburg, she fights the case all the way to the Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark decision in the fight for equal rights. Contact Madeline Matson.
This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Beach Bum" (Thursday through Sunday). For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.
For yoga and even more events, see our online calendars:
UUFJC Events
Affiliated Events
Religious Education
Building Use (other)
Community Events
Have a great week!
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