CFD Director’s Message 5.18.22

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“What if we tuned in to the detail of a leaf or the mood of the forest after a rain as closely as we notice our own shortcomings?” -Chelan Harkin
Following worship this past week, I finally returned to my yoga mat and found myself reflecting on the week’s theme: the beauty found in the diversity of bodies. Pregnancy has given me greater appreciation for my own body, yet I realize how my body deserved that all along.

The night prior, I came upon the excerpt from the poem above that reminded me how much more critical and focused people become about human bodies (particularly our own) than we do about our world itself.

Tuning into Earth’s seasons, wounds, beauty, and mystery gives us an opportunity to shift our perspective, to tune into greater wisdom and compassion. When we step out of our judging mind and experience more awe, we realize just how interconnected, fortunate, and beautiful we (humanity, in general) are too. It encourages one to practice more tender, caring, and loving.

May these warmer days outside bring growth, reflection, and joy to you. I pray that this season brings you greater meaning and acceptance. You, too, are beautiful, loved, and worthy. I hope you delight in yourself the way you do in the flowers.

(Pictured is our very first strawberry flower we have grown in our yard – it just appeared in the last few days.)

Children’s Chapel

Youth Group

There will be no Children’s Chapel on Sunday, May 29th since it is Memorial Day weekend.

As I wrap up my work here before my maternity leave, I have been planning for summer. There will be several opportunities to volunteer if any of you are interested. The goal is to continue having (a fun, casual version of) Children’s Chapel each Sunday, except for the first Sunday of each month.

We are also planning to offer a Wednesday night family movie night in the UUFM Sanctuary the first Wednesday of each month (6/1, 7/6, and 8/3). If you have requests for which movies you think would be fun to stream from Disney+ or Netflix, I am open to suggestions!

Plans for Youth Group this summer are in the works, and the CFD / Youth Group Committee has discussed hosting a monthly time for connection as well. Keep an eye on updates this summer for more information on that.