“May we find our foundation in the work of Love; demanding, tiring, true and human and holy.”
― Pádraig Ó Tuama
Expect the unexpected… To some, this may be an anxiety-inducing command. To others, this could be a hopeful reminder of the magic and progress that is still possible.
This phrase popped into my head while driving this past weekend. I have been experiencing unexpected circumstances during my time away from home recently. Some awareness of the global crises we face reminds me of how small my own day-to-day problems are though. While I have let myself feel disappointment and concern, it is important for me to recognize that what I have been personally experiencing are nothing more than inconveniences.
Lately, news of dry conditions, air quality warnings, floods, fires, the apparency of inequity and injustice, continued health concerns over COVID variants, on top of personal losses and more, makes the world we live in feel a bit apocalyptic. While it is difficult to remain optimistic through this all, I believe in the importance of focusing on our potential and what positive change we might create together as a community, while also tending to our own needs. It is easy to allow oneself to feel overwhelmed or distraught when reading about what is happening around the world, but balance can be found when we know ourselves, our threshold, and our gifts.
My prayer today is that we cultivate gratitude, empathy, and a deeper sense of care throughout the deeply painful times we live in. Let us know the goodness, hope, compassion, beauty, and resilience that live on through the darkest times. Release our worries, so we may use our imaginations and energy wisely. May our foundations be grounded in the work of Love.
When we think of the future, are we spending more time considering the devastation yet to come or are we dreaming up the many ways we can create big and small changes?
…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 and Macey
- Sunday, August 22nd, 11:30am-12:30pm – Youth Group via Zoom with Lee and Macey