Sunday morning, Rev. Mike continued exploring this month's theme of "Awakening." Awakening is an element in many religious experiences, and Mike explored what it means in particular to him as a Unitarian Universalist. Christian forerunners of our movement in 18th century America argued against the dramatic conversions of the "Great Awakening" happening then, saying that awakening could take many forms, including slow, patient work and study. Today UUs continue to embrace a diversity of awakenings. For many of us, Buddhist concepts of awakening speak to us more deeply, the awakeness of letting go, moving beyond the pain of attachment and into compassion for all sentient beings.
Rev. Mike described a series of awakenings that he experienced throughout his life, some born in wonder, others in pain. Some he'd already known long before he woke to them --- gnawing feelings that suddenly bit hard. He described "Awakening" as "what gives you clarity of thought and directs you in purposeful action," perhaps a "step toward liberation" when you accept truth you may have been hiding from. Awakening, he said, is not a single event, but a process that continues throughout life.
Next Sunday, January 15th:
Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"What the Dakota Pipeline May Really Be About," Frank Rycyk
North Dakota Congressman Kevin Cramer presents some different ideas.
Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Wake Up! Stand Tall!" Rev. Nancy TannerThies
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 --- Volunteers Needed!
UUFJC News and Events this week:
We will be holding a Writing for Worship Workshop on Sunday, January 22nd from 1:50 to 4:30 pm. Alexis has organized some of the most helpful activities and information from both "The Shared Pulpit" and "This I Believe" for those interested in preparing reflections for a service. These workshops also provide excellent ways to get to know each other better, so even if you don't necessarily want to be part of a service, you are welcome to attend! Those who have attended past workshops are also welcome. RSVP to Alexis no later than this Wednesday, January 11th.
The Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers willing to serve UUFJC on next year’s board. If you’re interested, please talk to one of the committe members: Carol Bontempo, Betty Cooper, or Lisa Sanning.
The Art Committee is seeking interesting and unusual wreaths for their next exhibit. We are asking that members, friends and visitors who want to loan wreaths for the display to bring them to the Sunday worship service on January 15th. Wreaths should be ready to hang . Please leave them in the office by the end of the service. We would like for each to add a paper with name, and a comment about their wreath or a short poem that is applicable. The exhibit will last about two months. Thank you so much. Then we will be putting them up beginning at 2 pm on that Sunday afternoon. Art Committee members who can help are invited! Contact co chairs Roberta Dunkel or Patt Behler for more information.
Monday, January 9th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series. This month’s talk is entitled “Sandy Hook Promise,” by Susan Cook-Williams, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.
The Transgender Support Group meets this Thursday, January 12th at 7 pm.
This Friday, January 13th at 7 pm is the monthly Reader’s Eye Film. Contact Cinthy Wilcox for film selection and more information.
The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, January 15th at 1:30 pm. All are welcome to attend the board meeting. Contact Katherine Connor.
Later next Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the monthly Laughter Yoga session. Free and open to all. Contact Jan Harcourt.
Community Events this week:
This Tuesday, January 10th at 4 pm, Citizens for Peace meet at Missouri River Regional Library upstairs in the Storyhour Room. Contact Betty Cooper.
This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "A Man Called Ove" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). For showtimes 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!
Rev. Mike described a series of awakenings that he experienced throughout his life, some born in wonder, others in pain. Some he'd already known long before he woke to them --- gnawing feelings that suddenly bit hard. He described "Awakening" as "what gives you clarity of thought and directs you in purposeful action," perhaps a "step toward liberation" when you accept truth you may have been hiding from. Awakening, he said, is not a single event, but a process that continues throughout life.
Next Sunday, January 15th:
Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"What the Dakota Pipeline May Really Be About," Frank Rycyk
North Dakota Congressman Kevin Cramer presents some different ideas.
Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Wake Up! Stand Tall!" Rev. Nancy TannerThies
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 --- Volunteers Needed!
UUFJC News and Events this week:
We will be holding a Writing for Worship Workshop on Sunday, January 22nd from 1:50 to 4:30 pm. Alexis has organized some of the most helpful activities and information from both "The Shared Pulpit" and "This I Believe" for those interested in preparing reflections for a service. These workshops also provide excellent ways to get to know each other better, so even if you don't necessarily want to be part of a service, you are welcome to attend! Those who have attended past workshops are also welcome. RSVP to Alexis no later than this Wednesday, January 11th.
The Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers willing to serve UUFJC on next year’s board. If you’re interested, please talk to one of the committe members: Carol Bontempo, Betty Cooper, or Lisa Sanning.
The Art Committee is seeking interesting and unusual wreaths for their next exhibit. We are asking that members, friends and visitors who want to loan wreaths for the display to bring them to the Sunday worship service on January 15th. Wreaths should be ready to hang . Please leave them in the office by the end of the service. We would like for each to add a paper with name, and a comment about their wreath or a short poem that is applicable. The exhibit will last about two months. Thank you so much. Then we will be putting them up beginning at 2 pm on that Sunday afternoon. Art Committee members who can help are invited! Contact co chairs Roberta Dunkel or Patt Behler for more information.
Monday, January 9th at 7 pm is the monthly UUFJC Lecture Series. This month’s talk is entitled “Sandy Hook Promise,” by Susan Cook-Williams, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. Contact Carol Bontempo or Frank Rycyk.
The Transgender Support Group meets this Thursday, January 12th at 7 pm.
This Friday, January 13th at 7 pm is the monthly Reader’s Eye Film. Contact Cinthy Wilcox for film selection and more information.
The UUFJC Board meets next Sunday, January 15th at 1:30 pm. All are welcome to attend the board meeting. Contact Katherine Connor.
Later next Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the monthly Laughter Yoga session. Free and open to all. Contact Jan Harcourt.
Community Events this week:
This Tuesday, January 10th at 4 pm, Citizens for Peace meet at Missouri River Regional Library upstairs in the Storyhour Room. Contact Betty Cooper.
This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "A Man Called Ove" (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). For showtimes 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!
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