"Perhaps" - Moving Beyond Expectations

This morning, our own Alexis helped us conclude our month of reflection on Expectations.  We organize our lives into stories, she explained, where we are the main characters and we think we know how and where things are going, but what if we don't know?  What if we open ourselves to the views of others, even when they shake up our plotlines and expectations?  Alexis shared John Caputo's theology of "Perhaps," This is not, Caputo emphasizes, "the safety of indecision," but a radical risk.  "Perhaps" has a way of shaking things up --- it says yes to a future that includes uncomfortable change, but at the same time it moves us toward greater possibilities.  Even when we don't see ideals like Justice, Compassion, and Peace in our world, "Perhaps" tells us that they can be real and draws us to participate in making them real.

Next Sunday begins our new theme for October: Belonging.

Next Sunday, October 6th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"9/11," Bob Boldt

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Many Hands Make Light Work," Rev. Mike Adamek
Hard to belong when you are observing from a distance.  Hard to belong when you will only join with others when they must follow your directions alone.   Belonging is easier when you share meaningful tasks that make a difference in your life and in other people’s lives.  Belonging is a function of contributing to worthwhile tasks together. What is it you will share?
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 --- "Belonging to a History: the practice of making sure no one gets left out of the story."

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our October newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available at the Fellowship in the box on the table near the coat rack.  Electronic copies are now available to view or download: Newsletter, Calendar.

All are invited to our upcoming small group opportunities:

• This I Believe: Participants will learn from one another by sharing stories from their lives in a variety of ways. We will use the themes from Soul Matters as our starting point. The number of participants can vary. No ongoing commitment is required.
• First meeting: Sunday, October 20 from 2-4 PM on the theme of Belonging.
• Other dates (the time remains the same): Nov. 17 and Dec. 15
• To sign up, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/jQ6xRqD7U8Y6BEns5
• Unitarian Universalist Ethics: Participants in this small group explore their values and consider their stances on ethical issues. Important Note: This is a space to learn together and grow, not a space for arguments or debate. While no ongoing commitment is required, regular attendance may be helpful.
• First meeting: Monday, October 28 from 6:30-8PM
• Other dates (the time remains the same): Nov. 11 and Dec. 9
• To sign up, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/K8Xvm32pPe23jFbQ6
• If you know of someone or a few someone's who might be interested in such groups but are not involved in UUFJC, please do let them know they are invited as well.
• For more about small groups, contact Alexis at [email protected].

This Thursday, October 3rd, at 7 pm in Lincoln University's Young Hall room 300, Capital Area Interfaith Alliance will present a special program about the Jefferson City Diocese’s interfaith work in social ministry, presented by Dan Lester, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri and Diocesan Director, Catholic Campaign for Human Development.  The program will illustrate how their social ministries are serving all faiths, plus time for Q&A.  For more information, see Frank Rycyk.

Also this Thursday, October 3rd at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building.  Contact Susan Randolph.

Next Sunday, October 6th, the Art Committee will be holding an open house from 2:30 to 4:30 pm.  All are welcome to come enjoy our current exhibit, plus a talk on Figure Drawing at 3 pm and a donated art supply exchange.  For more information, contact Patt Behler.

Later next Sunday, October 6th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, October 1st at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts an installment of the LU-MRRL Lecture Series: "Cursed! Archaeology & Mummy Curses."  Mummies have fascinated the public for centuries due in large part to ideas concerning the curses associated with them. Join Dr. Christine E. Boston, assistant professor of anthropology and sociology, as she explores the origins, realities, and falsehoods of the ideas of mummies, curses, and the real and imagined dangers in archaeology.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, October 4th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their First Friday Film.  This month's selection: "Tolkien."  This film covers the formative years of renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien as he finds friendship, courage and motivation among a group of fellow outcasts at school. Their bond strengthens as they mature, until the outbreak of World War II, which threatens to tear the fellowship apart. Tolkien’s early life experiences later inspired him to write his famous Middle-earth novels.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "ZZ Top" (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!