This morning, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflection on Expectation.  Often we hear --- or perhaps say --- the words "Well, what did you expect?" when something doesn't turn out so well.  Looking to our knowledge of the past, we may see limitations as obvious and give up on the chances of a different and better future.  But Rev. Nancy reminded us that there is something in us, a "divine spark" perhaps, that can have a hand in shaping the future, our own expectations, and those of others.  We are too interconnected to decide the future by ourselves, but, in the words of Thoreau, we must "reawaken and keep ourselves awake," and never give up the "expectation of the dawn."  If we stay willing to learn and redefine ourselves, open to future possibilities, then we can become responsible participants in the ongoing creation of our shared life.

Next Sunday, September 22nd:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"What is Global Dimming?" Bob Boldt

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 --- "The Power of Cooperation"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

We in the process of updating our Members and Friends Directory.  The Administrator, Laura Gilkey, may e-mail you or approach you to confirm your contact information and whether you wish to be listed.  You can update, add, or remove your directory information at any time by contacting Laura at [email protected].

Starting this week, our small group ministry coordinator, Alexis, is offering community office hours.  For more information, contact Alexis at [email protected].

Tomorrow, Monday, September 16th, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Next Sunday, September 22nd, our small group ministry coordinator, Alexis, is offering small group facilitator training starting at 4 pm.  If you would like to get involved or are even just curious, please contact Alexis at [email protected].

Also next Sunday, September 22nd, the Worship Service Committee meets at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday services, please contact our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

Community Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, September 16th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Changing Relationships in a Changing World."  Dr. Catherine Rymph, chair of the Department of History at the University of Missouri-Columbia, will discuss how social and cultural shifts after World War II shaped the form and function of personal relationships and how the generations responded to these major changes.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Tuesday, September 17th, the Lincoln University Presidential Lecture Series welcomes political strategist Symone Sanders.  Free and open to the public, held in the Scruggs Center Ballroom.  Doors open at 5:30 pm, program at 6, Q&A at 7.

This Thursday, September 19th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents: "The History of Missile Sites in Missouri."  This presentation will showcase Missouri’s history with the Nike and Minuteman II missile programs, rocket and missile engine testing as well as discussions on the decommissioning of the 150 former Minuteman II missile silos and 15 launch control facilities by the Air Force. The presenters will include staff from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Federal Facilities Section.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

Next Sunday, September 22nd, MRRL holds an Artist Reception for Bruce Woodward.  View the exhibit, meet the artist and enjoy some light refreshments. The artwork is on display until the end of October.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Farewell" (Thursday through Sunday), and a special In The Park After Dark showing of "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" (Saturday only).  For showtimes, more events, and more information, visit capitolcitycinema.org.

And Scene One Theater presents "The Musical of Musicals (The Musical)" directed by Natalie Eickhoff, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm.  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 celebrated our annual Water Communion.  One of the rituals we honor --- that we come to expect --- in our year together is when regather our Fellowship as Summer turns toward Fall, perhaps regathering from rest or travel, and we begin a new church year.  Each of us is invited to bring a sample of water --- or use a symbolic dollop of water --- to represent experiences we bring with us as we come together.  Today brought the extra touch of water from the sky, but the storm cleared in time for many of us to come and share, everything from childhood experiences to travels to the justice causes that water represents for us.

Next Sunday, September 15th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
""Peacebuilding Leadership," Betty Cooper

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 --- "The Power of Numbers"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our President, Katherine Connor, is seeking people to help in renewing our Welcoming Congregation status.  See our September newsletter for more information or contact Katherine.

We are also in the process of updating our Members and Friends Directory.  The Administrator, Laura Gilkey, may e-mail you or approach you to confirm your contact information and whether you wish to be listed.  You can update, add, or remove your directory information at any time by contacting Laura at [email protected].

Faith Voices for Jefferson City will be collecting signatures to put an issue on the ballot to expand Medicaid eligibility.  To get involved in this effort, contact Molly Freebairn.

This Tuesday, September 10th, Patt Behler is inviting UUFJC Members and Friends to her home for an informal Deck Discussion at 7 pm.  Starting topic is the 3rd UU Principle, “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.”  Space is limited, so you must contact Patt if you wish to attend.

This Thursday, September 12th, the local chapter of the American Association of University Women meets in our building at 7 pm.  Hope Gerdes, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, will be the speaker.  Her topic for the evening is "Outsmart the Scammers."  Contact Charlotte Parsons.

Next Sunday afternoon, September 15th from 2:30 to 4:30, the Art Committee is holding an artist reception and 92nd birthday celebration for our own Patt Behler.  A retrospective show of her work is currently on display here at the Fellowship, and the building will be open for art viewing, a donated art supply market, and more.  For more information, contact Art Committee Chairs Patt Behler and Roberta Dunkel.

Later next Sunday evening, September 15th, 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, September 10th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents an installment of the LU-MRRL Lecture Series: "Gender Reveal! Law and Order: SVU (or, Not on the Money!)"  There’s a “twist” in this well-known episode of Law and Order SVU. Come find out what really happened in the true-life case from the 1960s that tells us about the gender science of the day. Dr. Cal Johnson, associate professor of psychology, will discuss the Dr. John Money and Gender Reassignment Controversy.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Wednesday, September 11th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL hosts a Capital READ Book Discussion.  Join library director Claudia Cook and adult programmer Madeline Matson for a discussion of the 2019 Capital READ: The Girl’s Guide to Missiles: Growing Up in America’s Secret Desert by Dr. Karen Piper.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Late Night" (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, Rev. Mike Adamek joined us to begin our month of reflection on Expectations.  Rev. Mike argued that we shouldn't let our expectations -- whether generated by ourselves or others (based on our attitudes of optimism or pessimism) -- create a cocoon around us that keeps us from being vulnerable.  Life isn't the way it's supposed to be.  It's the way you cope that matters.  That takes courage, but being vulnerable means we are open not just to the bad, but also to the good.
(summary by Katherine Connor)

Next Sunday, September 8th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
 "The Mueller Report," Bob Boldt

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: Water Communion, Jim Davis
Please bring a small sample of water that represents a significant experience from the past year.
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 --- "The Power of One Voice"

Potluck Lunch After Service - Please bring a favorite dish!

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our President, Katherine Connor, is seeking people to help in renewing our Welcoming Congregation status.  See our September newsletter for more information or contact Katherine.

Faith Voices for Jefferson City will be collecting signatures to put an issue on the ballot to expand Medicaid eligibility.  To get involved in this effort, contact Molly Freebairn.  Molly will also be accepting signatures next Sunday.

Once again this year, we are calling for donations of lightly used and new clothing for Project Homeless Connect.  This is an event in October supported by several local churches to provide assistance and connections to homeless people.  Please bring donations to First Baptist Church this Saturday, September 7th, starting at 10 am; look for the red and white balloons on Monroe Street.  The following items are requested:
•New or Clean, Gently-used Clothing (Especially Jackets & Coats)
•New or Gently Used Shoes 
•New Adult White Socks (Tube Socks Preferred)
•New Adult Underwear, assorted sizes
•New Washcloths
•Toiletries for care kits (fingernail clippers, razors, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products still needed)
For more information, contact [email protected].

This Thursday, September 5th, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America meets in our building at 7 pm.  Contact Susan Randolph.

Community Events this week:

This Friday, September 5th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents their First Friday Film  This month's selection: "The Public."  On the coldest night of the year, a Cincinnati librarian is caught between a group of homeless patrons staging a sit-in and a face-off with the local police and the media. Emilio Estevez wrote, directed and stars in this film, his gift of love to public libraries and a film 12 years in the making. Also starring Alec Baldwin, Jena Blum, Taylor Schilling and Christian Slater.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Late Night" (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 were joined by Doug Hill from First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield, Missouri.  Doug shared with us his philosophy of uncertainty.  Having emerged from decades in a fundamentalist cult to now identify as Agnostic, he pointed out that Agnosticism is not lazy shrugging or moral fence-sitting, but a principled commitment to truth and evidence.  Agnosticism is also compatible with many beliefs, but it recognizes the limits of belief and the sanctity of proven knowledge.  Doug especially underlined this point: we can believethings that are neither provable nor disprovable, and these beliefs can be positive, helping us organize our lives and make choices, but when we claim to know what we can't prove --- or hold to beliefs refuted by evidence --- we fall into dangerous delusions.  Embracing the uncertainty of the world is a challenge; our brains like to know what to expect.  Doug finds it helpful to live in the present moment, maintain a sense of humor, and build courage.  In this way we can reap the benefits of uncertainty in greater knowledge and growth and greater joy in diversity.

Next Sunday, September 1st:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Prosecutorial Injustice," Hugh Flowers

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Expectations Rule Our Lives Until We Change Them," Rev. Mike Adamek
Expectations are like an automobile’s cruise-control. Whatever we expect, we experience and we follow the same pattern until our dispirit experiences force us to change our expectations.  In human history and in our development from birth until now, there have been radical changes in what we expect. When do we accept the expectations of others so much that we internalize them as our own and when do we challenge them with every fiber of our being? That is the glory of expectations.
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 --- "The Power of We"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our September newsletter and print calendar are ready.  Paper copies are available in the wall box near the coat rack.  Electronic copies are now ready to view or download: Newsletter, Calendar

Tomorrow, Monday, August 26th, Faith Voices for Jefferson City holds its monthly assembly at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Contact Rev. Kim Woodruff:
[email protected]  

This Friday, August 30th is our monthly Salvation Army meal.  Please contact Roberta Dunkel if you can help provide and serve food for those in need.  Serving begins at 5 pm; please arrive early to help prepare.

Next Sunday, September 1st, our building is reserved by a community group starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This Wednesday, August 28th, Missouri River Regional Library's Nonfiction at Noon will be discussing the book "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo.  Meets upstairs in the Truman Room.  Contact Lisa Sanning.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Maiden" (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 September newsletter and print calendar are now ready to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar

!This Sunday, Rev. Nancy TannerThies continued our month of reflections on "Invitation."  What does it mean to make a deep invitation --- to invite yourself, your whole self, and others into the moment?  Building on a reading about seeing a grizzly bear in the wild, Rev. Nancy pointed out that often we reduce our experiences into a series of dots --- a footprint here, a few hairs there, the sight of an animal --- and get so busy trying to connect the dots with our minds that we don't engage in the dynamic event that began before we entered and continues after we leave and will make its own meaning naturally in time.  What is uninvited, she suggested, is what overwhelms us, so she called upon us to invite it all, even the unwanted experiences, and invite ourselves to live in the moment with it all.  In this way, we can ready ourselves for new revelations.

Next Sunday, August 25th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"UUs Creating Peace," Betty Cooper
During the 2010 UUA General Assembly, The UUA Statement of Conscience on Creating Peace was adopted.  We'll discuss the document's three sections: Where We Stand; Historical & Theological Context; and Calls to Action.  Bring your "progress report" during this past eight years.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "Living in a World of Uncertainty," Doug Hill (from First UU Church of Springfield)
Doug will discuss agnosticism and uncertainty, especially compelling topics considering Doug was affiliated with a cult for the first 40 years of his life. 
Our Worship Service Committee first heard about Doug from a member of the Springfield church who describes Doug's message this way: "...one of the most compelling and enlightening talks I have heard in my 60-plus years of being a Unitarian".
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 --- "The Practice of Peace"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our building is reserved by a community group tomorrow evening, August 19th, starting at 6:30 pm.  Please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "Maiden" 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, Rev. Mike Adamek continued our month of exploring "Invitation."  In his own words:

I am speaking of invitation as an informal request not a command hidden as a request.  I am convinced that invitations happen all the time, yet they pass us by when we do not hear them as requests.  What should we want to hear when we hear a request or offer an invitation? 

Next Sunday, August 18th:

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

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Project Homeless Connect," Shiela Murphy
Murphy will describe how people from various churches and other organizations come together to provide services for homeless people.

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 --- "The Practice of Possiblities"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Next Sunday, August 18th, 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 week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" (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 Sunday, Alexis returned to begin our new month of reflections on "Invitation."  Invitation, she said, is both a joy and a risk: every person, event, or idea that we invite in brings change to our lives.  Change means letting go of control, risking embarrassment and pain, but if we try to cling to things as they are, we cause ourselves more suffering and thwart our own potential.  Alexis encouraged us to take the risk of invitation, to embrace the joy and possibility of growth and change, to learn to be there with ourselves through the discomfort --- and to remember that we don't have to face it alone.

Next Sunday, August 11th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Medical Marijuana," Yurick Griggs
Griggs intends to apply for medical marijuana licensing.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "What should we hear when making or responding to an invitation?" Rev. Mike Adamek
I am speaking of invitation as an informal request not a command hidden as a request. I am convinced that invitations happen all the time, yet they pass us by when we do not hear them as requests. What should we want to hear when we hear a request or offer an invitation?
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 --- "The Practice of Trust"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

The Worship Service Committee meets this evening at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday Services, see our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.  Please note that a community group is meeting at our building in an overlapping time slot, so if you attend the committee meeting, please respect the group’s needs and privacy.

Our building is reserved by the said community group this evening starting at 6:30 pm.  Again, please allow privacy.

Community Events this week:

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents a Missouri Independent Filmmakers Showcase (Thursday only) and "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" (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 Sunday, Alexis joined us again to conclude our month of focus on Resistance with inspiration from a perhaps-unexpected place.  She pointed to the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes from the Christian Gospel of Matthew -- the source of the saying "turn the other cheek" might not seem like a text of Resistance, but it takes on new meaning when viewed against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, a culture that upheld militarism and wealth.  Turning the other cheek and walking the extra mile, Alexis said, were not literal instructions, but a call to nonviolently claim agency and unmask injustice.  In a society that upheld War, the Beatitudes said "Blessed are the peacemakers."  In a society that upheld wealth, they said "Blessed are the poor in spirit."  It called for a whole new understanding of honor and virtue.  We can see echoes of Rome's injustices in our own times.  What are we called to value and act on, to uphold and bless, to create a new and liberating future?

Next Sunday, August 4th:

Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"HPV Immunization," D'Arcy Crane (American Cancer Society), & Dr. Jennifer Krause
Early immunization against the sexually transmitted HPV virus can help to prevent cervical and other cancers.

Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The Risk of Invitation," Alexis
You're invited to explore how it can be risky to both invite and be invited - and why it might be worth doing anyway.
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 --- "The Practice of Sacrifice"

UUFJC News and Events this week:

Our August Newsletter and Print Calendar are ready.  Print copies are available in the wall box near the coat rack.  Electronic copies are available to view or download: Newsletter, Calendar

Next Sunday, August 4th, the Worship Service Committee meets at 6 pm.  To get involved in creating our Sunday Services, see our Vice President, Lisa Sanning.

In an overlapping time slot, next Sunday, August 4th at 6:30 pm, our building is reserved by a community group.  If you attend the Worship Service Committee, please respect the group's needs and privacy.

Community Events this week:

Tomorrow, Monday, July 29th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library presents: "Vinyl Records—Back in the Groove" (rescheduled from May).  Vinyl records are enjoying a major renaissance, due to the warmth of their sound, their retro vibe, and the simple joy of collecting. Taylor Bacon, co-owner of Hitt Records, a classic vinyl shop in Columbia, will offer his expert advice on how and what to collect, how to build and care for a collection, and address other questions new and seasoned collectors might have.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This Friday, August 2nd at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their First Friday Film for the month, "The Best of Enemies."  Based on a true story, this film centers on the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader who reluctantly co-chaired a community summit about desegregating schools in Durham, North Carolina, during the racially-charged summer of 1971. The incredible events that unfolded would change Durham, Atwater and Ellis forever.  Contact Madeline Matson.  For more library events, visit MRRL.org.

This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The White Crow" (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!