Author: Shelly Storm

September 28, 2022

Look at these amazing carrots! They grew in our UUFM Organic Garden, tended by the Rossow Strasser family, Linda Ganske, and Mae Gagnon (let me know if I am missing anyone). Yes, they are crooked. And yes, they seem to be holding each other in … read more.

CFD Director’s Message 9.28.22

“I was so shocked to learn that the opposite of belonging is fitting in. Because fitting in is assessing a group of people and changing who you are. But true belonging never asks us to change who we are. It demands we be who … read more.

CFD Director’s Message 9.21.22

Interdependence as a Value

So often, we equate independence to freedom or associate it with strength. While it can be an admirable quality, it has its downfalls. When young people are praised for all of what they can do by themselves, some begin to develop a … read more.

September 21, 2022

Minister’s Message

We all need a circle of care, a circle of belonging. These words of Starhawk make this claim so beautifully:
Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion without having the words catch in our throats. Somewhere a circle of hands … read more.

CFD Director’s Message 9.14.22

“You hardly knew how hungry you were to be gathered in, to receive the welcome that invited you to enter entirely… You began to breathe again… You learned to sing. But the deal with this blessing is that it will not leave you alone, will … read more.

September 14, 2022

Minister’s Message
The Soul Matters theme of the month is “Belonging,” and this beautiful poem by Jan Richardson reminds
us that belonging can be a double-edged sword.

You hardly knew
how hungry you were
to be gathered in,
to receive the welcome
that invited … read more.

CFD Director’s Message 9.7.22

Happy September (the month of Belonging)! I am now easing back into my responsibilities at UUFM, while parenting my new little one, Aedan. I feel grateful to be back and to be in a position that feels like a good balance with the new role of … read more.

September 7, 2022

Dear Ones,

The happy day is upon us! We gather in from our far-flung places and lives to become once more a congregation celebrating our past, present, and future through our traditional Water Communion, as well as a party and picnic designed to welcome all. I … read more.

August 31, 2022

Rev. Rita is out of the office and away from regular Fellowship business from August 27 through September 5. She returns to duties on September 6. If you need assistance, contact Shelly Storm, Communications and Office Administrator at uumankato@gmail.com and 507-388-5022 or Board President … read more.

August 24, 2022

I am preparing for the new program year, even as I am relishing these last few weeks before we begin again in love. And “relish” is just the right word, for this season holds much to delight the eye and the palate. Saturday morning Farmers’ … read more.