This morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflections on Resilience.  Those of us who are relatively privileged can admire the resilience of our neighbors of color and other deprivileged identities.  We may have learned important lessons about personal resilience for ourselves, but how can we become part of a broader resilience?  Rev. Nancy drew inspirations from Resilient Agriculture, which focuses on local context, mixed methods, robustness, adaptability, and transformability.  To adapt and transform, we must let go of our resistance and embrace needed change.  We must also work against the polarization that can break down the social trust we need to adapt together.  Rev. Nancy pointed to Martin Buber's 1952 speech "Hope for this Hour;" in another polarized time, Buber called on people to be critical of how disagreements are framed and to see others as individuals, not merely members of opposing groups to be automatically distrusted.  We are all needed to add our part to building a diverse, robust, transformable community and society.

We also continued our Guest At Your Table observance in support of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  Today, Alicia White told us about the UUSC's support for women leaders and grassroots activists working for the rights of the oppressed Rohingya people of Myanmar.  We will be collecting Guest At Your Table donations Sunday, March 1st, and you can learn more or donate at any time at UUSC.org.

Next Sunday, February 23rd:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Peace is Possible," Betty Cooper
Paul Harris founded Rotary in 1905; he was a proponent of peace and peace education.  From the founding onward, the organization has sought ways to be peace activists.  Rotary International, partnered in creating UN and recently is in partnership with Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) and the War Prevention Initiative, which publishes the “Peace Science Digest.”  In 2012, Rotarian Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) was created.  An essay for the group’s program, “Peace is Possible,” was written by Dr. Paula Fellingham, a committee member of RAGFP.  The discussion will focus on parts of Paula’s essay and the mission of “Peace Science Digest.”

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Grappling with our History," Rev. Dottie Mathews
We invite you to join Rev. Dottie Mathews, Affiliated Community Minister with the UU Church of Columbia, as she shares some of what she experienced and learned during her very recent immersive solidarity trip to El Salvador.   Dottie is active in the cause of migrant justice locally and nationally and is eager to return to UUFJC and discuss ways we can join forces with all who long to be more effective allies and accomplices for justice across the globe.
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 --- "Finding Resilience through The Earth"

UU Ethics Small Group - 2 pm.
Please RSVP to Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, November 17th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

This Tuesday, February 18th at 7 pm, Patt Behler hosts the unofficial “Off-Deck” Discussion Group for UUFJC members and friends.  This month’s topic: “Brainstorming.”  Contact Patt for location and more information.

This Saturday, February 22nd, Alexis will lead a group in creating felt and paper flowers for a special evening service in March.  For more information or to RSVP, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Art & Culture Series #2: Young Picasso" (Tuesday only), " IndieLens PopUps: Always in Season" (Wednesday only), and "The Song of Names" (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!

This morning, we continued exploring our monthly theme of Resilience with reflections on part of what we're up against.  We shared a sermon that Rev. Marlin Lavanhar of All Souls Unitarian in Tulsa, Oklahoma gave in 2016, in the wake of a police killing of a black member of the Tulsa community.  Lavanhar discussed the many destructive ways in which racism is embedded in our society; not for nothing has it been called the USA's "Original Sin."  Moving away from it requires more than just changes in laws, it requires slower and more arduous changes in culture and in hearts, including our own.  Lavanhar suggested that if we recognize the wave of change that is happening in our time, if we don't vilify those who disagree but focus on learning, re-wiring, and healing together, we can lift our tragic losses into sacredness and move toward new life, toward the shape of justice.

If you missed it (or would like to hear it again), you can view the sermon online (Warning: the video contains disturbing images of racist violence.)

We also continued this year's Guest At Your Table program in support of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  This week, Alicia White highlighted indigenous women activists from low-lying island countries.  The UUSC is supporting their work for climate justice as their homes are threatened with destruction.  For more information, take one of the Guest At Your Table booklets available at the Fellowship or visit UUSC.org.

Next Sunday, February 16th:

March News Due.
Please submit your items for our March newsletter and print calendar to Laura Gilkey by e-mail ([email protected]) or in writing.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Nuclear Energy," Marvin Feldman

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: 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 --- "Finding Resilience through Our Humor"

"This I Believe" Small Group - 2 pm.
This month's theme: "Resilience."  Contact Alexis at [email protected].

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Many thanks to everyone who helped with and attended our annual Chili Supper yesterday evening!  Thanks especially to organizers Bob Antweiler, Alberta Mobley, and Alicia White.  Congratulations to champion chefs Stu Dunkel and Tim Mobley.  Early estimates are that we raised over $1,000 to support our Fellowship, so thanks again to everyone!

We are still looking for people to help continue our monthly Salvation Army meals, which resume this month.  If you can help provide and serve food for those in need, please contact Rick Andris or Bob Antweiler.

This Thursday, February 13th, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets in our building.  This month's presenter: Christine Nobbe,  Director of Gifted Education, DESE.  Free and open to the public.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

Next Sunday, February 16th, our Worship Service Committee meets 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.  

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, February 11th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts an Author Talk with NiNi Harris.  NiNi Harris has researched and written 14 books on St. Louis history and architecture. She will discuss This Used to be St. Louis, taking a look at the layered history of the city from the French colonial era and the Civil War to the waves of immigrants who came to the state from all over the world and the great migration from the South that brought rural African Americans and whites to the city. St. Louis’s distinctive ethnic neighborhoods, its architectural and cultural heritage, its entrepreneurial spirit, and its many industries and businesses all contributed to the texture of this major U.S. city. Her book will be available for sale and signing after the program.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Wednesday, February 12th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents: "Reel Life Cinema: GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II."  This documentary tells the story of the 550,000 Jewish men and women who served in World War II—as active participants in the fight against Hitler, bigotry and intolerance. Jewish Americans fought on two fronts: for America and for Jews worldwide. Like all Americans, they fought against fascism, but they also fought on a more personal fight—to save their brethren in Europe. In the midst of it all, they battled anti-Semitism within the ranks of the U.S. military, facing slurs and violence from their fellow service members. The film features interviews with WWII veterans including Mel Brooks, Bea Cohen and Carl Reiner.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Fantastic Fungi" (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!

Don't forget our annual Chili Supper this Saturday, February 8th at 5:30 pm!  Come enjoy food, live music, chair massage, raffle, and more!  Tickets are $10 for adults; children 6 and under enter free.  Spread the word and bring friends!

This Sunday, Rev. Mike Adamek joined us to begin our month of reflection on Resilience.  Resilience, he said, is having the maturity to let go of situations and relationships that aren't working and start again, to get back up even after being smashed flat.  Deep down, it's the ability to accept and respond to the world as it is, rather than clinging to how we wish it was.  A key factor is how we respond to fear.  Do we fear a future of loss and paint all of life in bleakness and scarcity, or do we open ourselves to the possibility of a future where problems are solvable and we are loved?

This week, we also began the annual Guest At Your Table initiative to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in their work for human rights and connections with grassroots partners throughout the world.  This year's theme is "Women Leaders, Strong Communities."  For the next four weeks, Alicia White will be sharing stories about the UUSC's work.  You are invited to take home a brochure and donation box, and we will collect the donations on Sunday, March 1st.  For more information, contact Alicia or visit uusc.org.

Next Sunday, February 9th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"The History of Nuclear Energy," Marvin Feldman

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: To Be Announced
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 --- "Finding Resilience through Each Other"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our Annual Chili Supper is coming this Saturday, February 8th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  We are still looking for more chefs to provide chili, soups, and baked goods, and more silent auction items  We have a sign-up sheet for volunteers near the entrance, plus tickets you can sell and fliers to spread the word.  Tickets are $10 for adults; children 6 and under enter free.  Come enjoy food, live music, chair massage, raffle, and more!  Contact Bob Antweiler, Alberta Mobley, or Alicia White.

We are still looking for people to help continue our monthly Salvation Army meals, which resume later this month.  If you can help provide and serve food for those in need, please contact Rick Andris or Bob Antweiler.

This Thursday, February 6th at 7 pm at First Baptist Church, Capital Area Interfaith Alliance and First Baptist Church  invite you to a special program about the work being done by Familia Cristiana Internacional Baptist Church and the El Puente Hispanic Ministry, each tending to the needs of the growing Hispanic/Latino population in Cole and Moniteau Counties.  Presenters: Pastor Noah Angel and Sister Guadalupe Ruiz.  Includes time for Q&A.  Contact Frank Rycyk for more information.

Also this Thursday, February 6th at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building.  Contact Susan Randolph.

Next Sunday, February 9th, the UUFJC Board meets at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Contact our President, Katherine Connor.  

Community Events this week:

This Tuesday, February 4th at 7 pm in Missouri River Regional Library's Art Gallery, the LU-MRRL Lecture Series presents:: “'I’m Your Person': Television Narrates Female Friendships in the Workplace."  Dr. Kathleen M. Turner Ledgerwood, assistant professor of English, will analyze the historical movements of television portrayals of women in the workplace. She will consider shows that portray the only woman in a male-dominated workplace, like The Mary Tyler Moore Show; to women working as partners in the workplace, like Laverne and Shirley and Cagney and Lacey; to important depictions of healthy female friendships in the workplace, like Grey’s Anatomy and Parks and Recreation.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, February 7th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film: "Harriet."  Based on the inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary story of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Haunted by memories of those she left behind, Harriet ventures back into dangerous territory on a mission to lead others to freedom. She risks capture and death to guide hundreds to safety as one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad, defying impossible odds to change the course of her life and the fate of the nation.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more Library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents various programs of Oscar-Nominated Shorts (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!

Our February Newsletter and print Calendar are now available to view or download:
Newsletter
(Newsletter Appendix: Chili Supper Flier)
Calendar

This morning, we finished our month of reflections on Integrity with a message from our wider Unitarian Universalist community, offered via video.  Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn in Massachusetts spoke on "The Integrity of Atheism."  What brings us together and makes us diverse as UUs, Rev. Weinstein said, transcends questions like "What god do you worship" and "Theist or Atheist?"  The call to community and spiritual experience transcends all such boundaries.  However, she suggested that non-theists offer a particular and valuable perspective that enriches our faith community: they point to the need for thought and clarity in our ideas about the sacred, and remind us that a belief in God is not needed to live a moral life.  As we open the doors to our UU Churches, Rev. Weinstein said, we don't care what you do or don't worship; we care about creating meaning and beloved community together.

If you missed today's service or would like to hear the message again, you can view it online: https://youtu.be/lKwL6qFxkuI

Next week begins our theme for February: Resilience.

Next Sunday, February 2nd:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Humor," Bob Boldt & Marvin Feldman

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Resilience Means Starting Again," Rev. Mike Adamek
Gavin DeBecker in The Gift of Fear pronounces that men are more mature when they face facts and find the strength to start again in a new relationship rather than single mindedly never letting go of someone or something they love.  If true, and I think it is for both men and women, then how do we find the resilience to do so?
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 --- "Finding Resilience through Our Grit"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our February newsletter and print calendar are now ready.  Paper copies are available at the Fellowship in the box near the coat rack, and electronic copies are available at the links above.

It is now only two weeks until our Annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th.  The event will feature chili and more delicious food, live music, chair massage, silent auction, raffle, and more!  Tickets are $10 for adults; children 6 and under enter free.  We have a sign-up sheet for volunteers near the entrance, plus tickets you can sell and fliers to spread the word.  Contact Bob Antweiler, Alberta Mobley, or Alicia White.

We are still looking for people to help continue our monthly Salvation Army meals, which resume next month.  If you can help provide and serve food for those in need, please contact Rick Andris or Bob Antweiler.

Tomorrow, Monday, January 27th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff: [email protected].

Next Sunday, February 2nd, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The First Rainbow Coalition" (Wednesday only); "Groundhog Day" (Saturday only), and various programs of Oscar-Nominated Shorts (Thursday through Sunday).  For details, showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

And this week concludes Scene One Theatre's production of "Other Desert Cities" by Jon Robert Baitz, with shows Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.  For more information, visit sceneonetheatre.com.

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!

This morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflections on Integrity.  A life of integrity, she said, is not finished when we achieve our goals and build ourselves up.  We must go beyond this, put our tools to new uses, and risk the selves we've built.  Integrity, she said, is more a matter of undoing than doing, and sometimes we need a crisis to strip us of everything we thought we were, down to what is truly essential.  What we find then can be surprising, but strangely familiar.  Having learned what we can do, we can discover what we can't not do.  Having found our place to stand and our lever, we can discover our role in moving the world.

On the eve of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Rev. Nancy also reminded us of this man of integrity, who called the United States toward the integrity of keeping its promises of freedom and equality.

Next Sunday, January 26th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Small Business Development Center," Lauren Carter
This Federally-sponsored program, located at Lincoln University, provides resources and help for new businesses.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: To Be Announced
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 --- "Being True to Yourself by… Finding Your Courage"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We now have fliers and tickets for our Annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th.  The event will feature chili and more delicious food, live music, games, silent auction and raffle, and more!  Tickets are $10 for adults, children 6 and under free.  If you'd like to get involved, we have a sign-up sheet near our front entrance.  Fliers are also available in the sanctuary --- please take some to spread and tell your friends!  For more information, contact Bob Antweiler or Alberta Mobley.

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Paper copies are kept by our phones, and paper and electronic copies are available on request from the administrator ([email protected]).  We make the directory available “on request” in the interest of members and friends’ privacy, but please do not be shy about requesting!  Also remember that the directory can be updated at any time; please contact the administrator if you would like any information updated, added, or removed.

Rick Andris has stepped forward to organize our monthly Salvation Army meals -- many thanks to Rick.  We will be taking January off and will resume serving in February.  Contact Rick or Bob Antweiler for more information.

The Worship Service Committee meeting scheduled for this evening has been rescheduled to tomorrow, Monday, January 20th at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

At an overlapping time, tomorrow, Monday, January 20th at 6:30 pm, our building is reserved by a community group.  Please allow privacy; if you are attending the Worship Service Committee, please respect the group's needs.

And a week from tomorrow, Monday, January 27th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly Assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church..  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff: [email protected].

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Art & Culture Series #1 // Van Goh - A New Way of Seeing" (Tuesday only); "The First Rainbow Coalition - IndieLens PopUps (Wednesday only); and "Uncut Gems" (Thursday through Sunday).  For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

Also this week, Scene One Theatre begins their production of "Other Desert Cities" by Jon Robert Baitz, with shows this Thursday through Saturday and more shows next week.  For more information, visit sceneonetheatre.com.

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!

This morning, we were thankfully able to have our services despite the weather, but your Administrator was not able to attend.  Integrity means the principle to take seriously our commitments, such as coming together in our services each week, but it also means the wholeness to balance those commitments with prudence and self-care and be open with each other about those needs.

Here's hoping you all were able to find that balance this weekend and stay safe, and hoping to see you soon!

Next Sunday, January 19th:

February News Due.
Please submit your items for our February newsletter and print calendar to Laura Gilkey by e-mail ([email protected]) or in writing.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Fake News," Bob Boldt

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "A Lever and a Place to Stand," Rev. Nancy TannerThies
Exploring the meaning of integrity in the first and second parts of life.
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 --- "Being True to Yourself by… Finding and Feeling the Integrity of “'We'"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Paper copies are kept by our phones, and paper and electronic copies are available on request from the administrator ([email protected]).  We make the directory available “on request” in the interest of members and friends’ privacy, but please do not be shy about requesting!  Also remember that the directory can be updated at any time; please contact the administrator if you would like any information updated, added, or removed.

Rick Andris has stepped forward to organize our monthly Salvation Army meals -- many thanks to Rick.  We will be taking January off and will resume serving in February.  Contact Rick or Bob Antweiler for more information.

Planning has begun for our annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th, 2020.  We are seeking chili-makers and other chefs, live music, games, silent auction and raffle items, and more!  To get involved, please contact Bob Antweiler or Alberta Mobley.

This Tuesday, January 14th at 7 pm, Patt Behler is hosting an unofficial “Off-Deck” discussion group for UUFJC members and friends.  This month’s topic is “The Nature of Time.”  Contact Patt for location and more information.

Next Sunday, January 19th, the Worship Service Committee meets at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Honey Boy" (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!

Our January Newsletter and Print Calendar are now available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

This morning, Rev. Mike Adamek joined us to begin the new year and to begin our month of focus on Integrity.  Integrity, he says, has two relevant meanings: the first is fidelity to strong principles, but he focused on the second: a state of undividedness and wholeness.  Rev. Mike cited Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which see us coming in our elder years to a decision between Integrity and Despair.  The Integrity path asks us to make meaning of our lives and own them in all their imperfections.  In accepting the wholeness of ourselves, we can also accept our place in an integral whole that we cannot fully judge or control, but that carries our impact beyond our own lives.  This viewpoint can enrich us not only in old age but in any season.

Next Sunday, January 12th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"JC Hands Together," Carolyn Perry
This new non-profit provides an alternative to payday loans.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: To Be Announced
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 --- "Being True to Yourself by… Finding Your Inner Voice"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The UUFJC Members and Friends Directory has been updated.  Paper copies are kept by the phones in our building, and paper and electronic copies are available on request from the administrator ([email protected]).  We make the directory available “on request” in the interest of members and friends’ privacy, but please do not be shy about requesting!  Also remember that the directory can be updated at any time, so please take this opportunity to check your information and contact the administrator if you would like anything updated, added, or removed.

We are seeking someone to organize our monthly Salvation Army meals.  This has been a longtime community service of our Fellowship, but we need help to continue.  Contact Bob Antweiler for more information or if you can help.

Planning has begun for our annual Chili Supper, coming Saturday, February 8th, 2020.  We are seeking chili-makers and other chefs, live music, games, silent auction and raffle items, and more!  To get involved, please contact Bob Antweiler or Alberta Mobley.

This Thursday, January 9th at 7 pm, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets at our building, in the Forum Room.  This month, Robert Pinhero, Education and Training Consultant, presents: "Introduction to Conscious Capitalism."  Free and Open to the Public.  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

At the same time, this Thursday, January 9th at 7 pm, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America also meets at our building, in the Sanctuary.  The group usually meets on the first Thursday of the month; this month's meeting was moved due to the New Years holiday.  Contact Susan Randolph.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Honey Boy" (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!