“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” – bell hooks

Healing through connection…

It may sound ironic – the idea of healing through connection during COVID-19… a time when many may be feeling disconnected as ever. However, that is what we will be focusing on the coming week – how companionship is essential to us all.

I truly pray that immediate families with children cultivate deeper, intimate, whole-hearted connection during the coming weeks. I also hope that we continue to adapt to make authentic connection to those outside of our households possible too (I have so much admiration when I witness all of the creativity that has come out of this time). This does inevitably bring frustrating and challenging moments for us all. I am thoughtful about the way I frame the changes we face during our first holiday season of a pandemic. Extensive amounts of time at home with the responsibilities and energy that children require can be especially challenging. While I do not want to sound overly optimistic, I do want to share encouragement and care with you all. I want you to know that you are seen and that I will do whatever I can to provide support or point to resources.

Today, I spend some time packaging our Bread Communion goodie bags. I am grateful to the leadership of our Rev. Rita Capezzi for her brainstorming and persistent efforts in making our long-standing traditions continue to happen in a way that is as safe as possible. While this process of individually packing these goodies certainly requires more time and effort, it brings me a feeling of fulfilment and joy. I hope that the love of this collaborative effort is felt in each of them.

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.

Thank you,
Macey Forsyth

 

Youth Group

Our Youth Group meets tonight, Wednesday, November 18^th from 6:30-8pm. This meeting will consist of a check-in and some reflection on the theme of Healing. Barb and Macey will be co-facilitating. We will discuss how we might establish new traditions that bring comfort and healing during a holiday season that is so different. We will spend the last half of our meeting playing a game together. As always, Zoom info will be found via email and on our private Facebook group.

 

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

Virtual Children’s Chapel

Our Children’s Chapel will meet next via Zoom this Sunday, November 22nd, at 11:30am via Zoom with Danielle and Macey. This is the day that we celebrate Bread Communion remotely, and our worship theme is healing through companionship. We will also reflect on the healing that practicing gratitude brings. A reminder with the Zoom info will be sent via email and posted in our private Facebook group.