“There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about. Ask: “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking. Notice what you care about. Assume that many others share your dreams…”
– Margaret Wheatley

During a time of many collective challenges regarding our health, mental health is no exception. Today, a family member and I were talking on the phone when they mentioned a neighbor had recently been experiencing some mental health challenges. Unfortunately, I was not surprised to hear that this individual was put on a waitlist and would not receive care until 2022.

This is wrong, and it is common to think a lot about all that is wrong in the world. It all feels so obvious and pervasive. Especially when going through mental health challenges without accessible support, it is much more difficult to imagine what is still possible.

It is difficult for so many to show up in the way we would like to right now, and it may feel like pieces of our physical community are still fragmented, too. However, the hurdles we must overcome through these times bring more reason that, whenever possible, it is essential that we strengthen and mend our most meaningful relationships. It takes many of us sharing our dreams to build them together.

I pray that we know a future of deeper care. May we hold great compassion in our hearts, to give ourselves grace for where we feel we are falling short. We are in extraordinary times, and we must practice allowing ourselves to be extraordinarily tender. Perhaps, the question we might consider is: What is possible to reconcile what is wrong?

…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 through Wednesdays, as well as 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

Youth Group:

• Tonight, Wednesday, September 15th: 6:30-8pm, Youth Group – fun and games with Barb and Macey

Children’s Faith Development:

• This Sunday, September 19th (Peace Day, Covenanting Reconciliation): 11:30am-12:30pm, Children’s Chapel with Danielle and Melissa K.