Minister’s Message Here is the final question from the Question Box Service on October 23rd: “Where is the arc of justice bending?” It references an 1853 quotation from Unitarian minister Theodore Parker: “I do not pretend to understand the moral universe. The arc is a long one. My eye reaches but little ways. I cannot … Continue reading October 26, 2022
“Courage is found in unlikely places.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien The Path of Courage, and Honoring its Complexities As we wrap up the month of courage, I find myself reflecting on the multitude of places it can be found and ways it can be practiced. Courage can be found in not having the right … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 10.26.22
I’m back in Mankato after a fruitful leave for reflection and renewed friendships in Western New York. Back at my backyard view, watching the leaves fall. Watching the Downy woodpeckers and the squirrels continue to fatten themselves for the lean times that are coming. Watching that one leaf that does not seem to want to … Continue reading October 19, 2022
This week is a relatively busy one for me, with interviewing childcare candidates, planning ahead, and providing care tonight, among other things. While I do not have an elaborate reflection to share here today, the words in the image shared here reminded me of the upcoming tale for all ages. May you know the value in … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 10.19.22
What a wonderful, noisy coffee hour we had in the Fellowship Hall this past Sunday. Deep conversations across generations, lots of laughter, families with children, chatting about Indigenous Peoples Day weekend events, social action to encourage voter turnout, healthy snacks. It was like the before times at our best of times—vital and vibrant, committed to … Continue reading October 12, 2022
Nursery care We now plan to have the nursery open every Sunday during worship. We are dependent on (background-checked) volunteers while we work on hiring childcare workers. Please spread the word. Children’s Faith Development We now plan on having CFD every Sunday, including the first Sundays of the month. o October 16th, 10:30-11:30am, Full-hour CFD, Halloween … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 10.12.22
A lot of good news came out of our Stewardship Workshop Weekend. Participants (and maybe you, too?) feel great gratitude for the community and the values they find at UUFM. And at the same time, participants (and maybe you, too?) feel a sense of loss for what is changed and perhaps can never be changed … Continue reading October 5, 2022
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” Mary Anne Radmacher I never considered myself a particularly courageous person, especially as a child. I felt uncomfortable in large groups and would get so embarrassed about any area I lacked … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 10.5.22
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 an embrace. According to the Farmer Grows website https://farmergrows.com/why-do-carrots-split-when-growing/ , … Continue reading September 28, 2022
“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 we are.” Brené Brown My standard morning ritual these days consists … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 9.28.22
