“You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.”
–        Kahlil Gibran, On Children

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been diving into some continued education related to my position at UUFM, including an Our Whole Lives facilitator course, Mental Health First Aid, and a Curriculum Planning Renaissance Module. I am excited to share what I am learning, and it has brought me to some reflections on the null curriculum of my childhood. Considering what I feel I missed out on as a child brings up both sadness and compassion for my experiences, but it also reminds me of why I want to be providing a truly safe, nurturing space with young people today.

               One memory that came up for me a couple of nights ago is when a pastor came to speak with my class, at the small Lutheran school I attended as a kid. I don’t recall exactly how young I was (though I was quite little) or the details of the conversation. However, I do remember how the conversation weighed on me, as I took it to heart. I remember being told, gently yet with much certainty, that each action we take is either sacred or sinful in the eyes of God. This was striking to me, as I considered where I had done wrong and wondered how I could be more intentional. In hindsight, this is one of the earliest times I can really recall experiencing heightened anxiety around religion. In my young brain, I felt very pressured to be “good,” and felt immense guilt for even the slightest “sins.”

               I, of course, eventually came to realize that each of us generally know deep down what is right or wrong for us, on a personal level, and how it is okay for that to differ greatly among people. Through my adolescence, I understood more that so much of what I was told was sin is simply what makes us human, in all our magnificence and diversity, through each time we fumble and rise yet again. At the end of the day, our choices are our own, and to live fully, we must own them authentically.

               Unpacking and processing the impact of feeling shame or pressure within faith communities takes time. This kind of healing came up in conversations among others during my training, when we were asked to consider words like religion and ministry in the context of OWL. The bright side of my past is how it inspires me to invite openness and fluidity with our young folks. How fortunate I feel now, to exist and work in a far more inclusive and mindful environment. While I still have far more to learn, I feel honored to be able to hold space in a way that feels meaningful to me. I hope that as I grow, the offerings that I share and invite others to share at UUFM hold more and more meaning to you too.

               May our future generations practice religious exploration in spaces that they feel free, as we trust them to shape their paths forward with seeds of love and wisdom. Let us know how to hold space thoughtfully, to listen deeply, and to truly respect all ages. Show us the power of building a stronger intergenerational community.

…I am here for you, 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.

Macey Forsyth

 

 

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

August Schedule for children and youth to look forward to:

Come join us outside at UUFM or on Zoom a few last times before the new church year! We will break out the tie-dye again plus a few other materials at our outdoor dates in August. Siblings and parents of CFD / Youth Group kids are encouraged to join in the fun in-person too.

I am looking forward to reconnecting after a needed break from our typical online programming.

• Saturday, August 14th, 1-3pm – Youth Group in-person with Lee and Macey
• Sunday, August 15th, 11:30am-12:30pm – CFD via Zoom with Macey and Danielle
• Wednesday, August 18th, 6:30-8pm – Youth Group via Zoom (Zoom Escape Room created by Anika) with Barb and Macey
• Saturday, August 21st, 1-3pm – CFD in-person with Deb, Julia, and Macey
• Sunday, August 22nd, 11:30am-12:30pm – Youth Group via Zoom with Lee and Macey