“All have their worth and each contributes to the worth of the others.”― J.R.R. Tolkien
This past week, I received criticism of a particular tendency that someone else, a couple of days later, pointed out as a healthy quality. It reminded me of how important it is to take our time to communicate compassionately and consider perspectives. When one is not looking closely, mindfully observing one another’s gifts, it is common to get caught up in criticisms and complaints. It is common to hurt one another, but that is why it is so important to pick up the people one loves and encourage them.
I think a lot about the way that our lives mimic the rest of our interdependent web. When one spends time in an outdoor environment, whether it is the woods, at a lake, in the garden, or elsewhere, the health of the environment relies on its biodiversity. It goes beyond what the eye can see, to a microscopic level. Even the seemingly miniscule microorganisms matter very deeply. What one might think of as a pest at first glance may indeed be an essential part of the web.
We all bring a unique, purposeful blueprint to this life. May we recognize this in ourselves and others. While holding one another accountable is important, shifting our perspectives to make it known what we appreciate is essential. Let us know the harmony that is possible in our relationships when we live and love on purpose.
Pictured is last weekend’s sunset, reminding me that even some wildfires are sometimes necessary to replenish our forests.
…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 re-connecting 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 and Macey
- Sunday, August 22nd, 11:30am-12:30pm – Youth Group via Zoom with Lee and Macey