In welcoming the month of compassion, I have a couple quotes to share related to what we have all been witnessing since the death of George Floyd. It is difficult to summon the right words, but we need to remember that it is better to have the conversations than to remain silent out of fear. Our growth requires us to be vulnerable, to make mistakes, and to humbly welcome feedback. While we need to be thoughtful, we must not be silent.
Last night I listened in during the UUA’s virtual vigil, and I want to highlight that it is still available to listen to if you would like to participate in your own time. During the vigil, the following was shared by Everette Thompson, Side With Love Campaign Manager: “Love requires us to struggle. Love requires us to stretch… It is all worth it.”
I appreciated this statement (there was a lot more to it) because it reminds of that sharing our compassion and love was never easy. Many of us have undoubtedly been losing sleep over the oppression that we now cannot turn away from. We may be feeling conflict with those who have different perspectives, and parents are navigating difficult conversations with their children. If you are seeking resources or information on how we can collaborate in educating our future generations on anti-racism, please reach out. I will do my best to point you in the right direction. You are also always welcome to share content with me that you believe holds relevance and meaning.
“True compassion isn’t about comforting others. It’s about our comfort getting disturbed. It’s about connecting with another’s pain and struggle so deeply that we can’t rest until they rest.” – Soul Matters Sharing Circle Team
“Love a UUFM Elder”
This week concludes our Love a UUFM Elder invitations, I will send one final reminder out to families tomorrow with a list of the elders we are encouraging our families to write to.
Dear Friends,
As I continue to keep you all in my hearts and thoughts, 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. My typical workdays are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. 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.
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 next Children’s Chapel will be this Sunday, June 7th, at 11:30am (after worship). A separate Zoom link will be sent out to families via email and posted on our private Facebook group. This will take place the same day as our virtual Flower Communion. Your children are invited to share their flowers or colored flower pictures on our call that day.
Youth Group:
Youth Group will take place again virtually, next Wednesday, June 10th from 6:30-8pm. The Zoom invitation will be sent out via email and posted to our private Facebook group.