“The great insight of Universalism is that you do not have to coerce people into loving one another. The commandments are not threats. If they are not fulfilled God will not withdraw His love. No one has ever or will ever draw true love out of another with punishment. God’s love is given to all; and love is a more positive force for good than fear ever will be. Behind this is a simple truth: in being loved we learn to love. Those who are loved will in turn love others. Those who feel God’s infinite love within themselves will in turn feel so good about themselves, so connected to life, and so full of compassion that they will not be able to help themselves but spread that love for they will overflow with it.” – Rev. Dr. Mark Morrison-Reed, “Dragged Kicking and Screaming into Heaven”
I was raised in a Christian home, church, and school. There are many parts of the Christian teachings that I value, and from a young age, there have been parts of that culture and upbringing that did not resonate. I still value the education I received, and the importance placed on gratitude, kindness, generosity, and forgiveness. However, even as a small child, I felt conflicted because love and eternal life felt so conditional. I knew that many other religions existed around the world and was in disbelief that only Christians would make it to this place called heaven. It felt like so much of what I was being taught was infused with fear and shame, and there were many other aspects that did not make sense as I grew older. I went on to be told more information that I did not believe, and by the time I was 15 and had gone on a mission trip, I quietly left the youth group I had been involved in.
Within our community and the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition, I have found a place whose Seven Principles and Six Sources align with what I deeply know in my heart. I am grateful to say I have felt welcome here since day one. I am so happy that I get the opportunity to play a part in shaping a bit of our time together at UUFM, sharing authentically and mending my own personal sense of faith. For many, healing our hearts from the way we are raised takes a lot of time and energy. Sometimes, it takes letting go. I am realizing that I do not get to choose who will love me and respect my thoughts. What I can choose is to continue to respond in a loving and grounded way myself, while staying rooted in my truth. This way, I give more energy to establishing my vision for a more just, peaceful, and unified future.
May you, too, be welcomed and feel embraced in our community. May your heart be so abundant with love, compassion, connection, and grace that it is shared exponentially. I pray that we all do the humble work of lifelong learning, considering perspectives, as we grow to be a more inclusive and considerate people. Let us be brave enough to continue to share what is true when it is challenging and forgiving enough to be okay with making mistakes along the way.
Please know that I am just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 or by email at cfddirector@uumankato.org . If I do not answer, I encourage you to send a text or leave a voicemail. Currently, I am available for daytime meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I also do have availability most other weekday evenings. I will continue to do my best to serve as a resource to our community, through connecting you to one another and of course, directly. Being a light in the lives of others is as important as ever, and I hope you will stay connected.
Macey Forsyth
Please consider joining our private Facebook group:
UUFM Children’s Faith Development
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404655806251029/). This group is intended for families and congregants who are involved in Children’s Faith Development. My approval of new members’ access to the information there is what makes the group a safe space for sharing. I will be sharing our weekly stories as Facebook videos on my personal page publicly and sharing them in the group, as well as short prayers and meditations.
Link to the stories:
Our virtual Stories for All Ages are now available on the UUFM YouTube Channel. At least one new story will be available by Sunday, each week.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNwWkbABO6HpDlw5Po2TdQA?view_as=subscriber
Youth Group:
Our Youth Group meets again next Wednesday, February 17th, from 6:30-8pm. We will continue exploring our monthly theme of Beloved Community and end with some games.
Virtual Children’s Chapel:
Our next Children’s Chapel will be held on Sunday, February 14th from 11:30am-12:30pm. Deb and Macey are facilitating and look forward to the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day via Zoom. Our book will be Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, and we ask that you come with colorful paper, scissors, and glue, if possible. Our monthly theme this February is Beloved Community!