Bob Boldt, via video, shared his first-hand experience covering Martin Luther King, Jr. He urged us to look beyond the familiar and comfortable quotations to the intense and complex obstacles King faced and his radical, liberating vision, which still remains challenging today.
Patt Behler spoke about Fannie Farmer, who came from a Unitarian family and persisted through childhood illness and disability to revolutionize cooking with the aim of promoting knowledge and health.
Lisa Sanning shared the story of Recy Taylor, a black woman raped by white men in the days before the Civil Rights movement. In the face of threats, she refused to remain silent, and although her fight for justice was frustrated, she still paved the way for future social change.
And finally, Katherine Connor looked back to an earlier Civil Rights movement, and the story of Mary White Ovington. A Unitarian born in 1865, Ovington was white, but she was inspired by black leaders of her day and her own Abolitionist heritage and became a key figure in the founding of the NAACP.
As we reflect on their stories, what principles and visions do our times call us to persist toward? What will emerge from our efforts? We may never know, but we can keep working and watching with faith in the creative energy at the heart of our world.
Next week begins our monthly theme for May: "Creativity."
Our May newsletter and calendar are now available to view or download:
Newsletter
Calendar
Paper copies are also available at the Fellowship, in the wall box near the coat rack.
Next Sunday, May 6th, 2018:
Adult Forum - 9:15 am
"Are we the first advanced civilization?," Stephen Carew
The last ice age ended around 11,700 years ago. I believe there were advanced civilizations that were destroyed when the water from melting glaciers flooded them. Maybe there is some truth to Plato's story about the Atlantian civilization that was destroyed by a flood or from the many flood stories of numerous cultures.
Service and Religious Education - 10:30 am
Message: "The Soul of Creativity," Rev. Mike Adamek
Creativity is an openness to whatever provokes reflection, reinterpretation, and results in working a valuable synthesis. It is all around us and in us and keeps today from being yesterday all over again. Connecting to the process almost always begins with an opening of ourselves.
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 --- "Creativity and Problem Solving"
UUFJC News and Events this week:
Our annual pledge drive is still in progress. Thank you to everyone who supports UUFJC with their pledges, and thank you to those who submit their estimates of giving; it's a tremendous help to us in planning for the year ahead. For pledge forms, Fair Share giving suggestions, and more information, contact our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler.
It’s just over a month now until our annual Rummage Sale, coming Saturday, June 2nd. Please be looking for items to donate; thanks to you we always plenty to offer! This year we’re requesting no adult clothing, please; children’s clothing is welcome and appreciated. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the sale, please contact Bob Antweiler and Lisa Sanning.
This Saturday, May 5th, the Hola Amigos Spanish Speakers group meets in our building from 1:30 to 4 pm. Contact Patt Behler.
Community Events this week:
Monday, April 30th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, Missouri River Regional Library hosts readings with poet Walter Bargen. Missouri’s first poet laureate will read from his latest works and discuss the role of poetry in contemporary life. His books will be available for sale and signing. Contact Madeline Matson.
This Friday, May 4th at 7 pm in their Art Gallery, MRRL presents their monthly First Friday Film. For film selection and more information, contact Madeline Matson.
This week, Capitol City Cinema presents "The Death of Stalin" (Thursday through Sunday). For showtimes, more events, 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!