“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the Earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer

Lately, I have been reflecting on what it means to show up with presence, to allow my concern to coincide with my joy, and my grief and gratitude to stretch me. A part of me has always known that these emotions and experiences can exist together in a single being, but occasionally I get stuck.

It is easy to become overwhelmed and reactive these days, whether that reactivity looks high-functioning or stagnant. Living through a pandemic, on top of much personal loss and climate change, is traumatic, even if it feels subtle and residual to some of us. We mustn’t minimize our experience, as building relationships requires sharing authentically in addition to holding space. Speaking to our true experiences in ways that are courageously vulnerable, while allowing pause, encourages others to do the same. It is challenging to show up often, ready to respond mindfully, when so many of us are carrying what is heavy, but it is needed.

I revisited those words from Robin Wall Kimmerer past week, the same day I returned to our local community garden. Right away, the words resonated deeply for the times that we are living through. The contrast of the vibrant color and buzzing life of the garden posed against the smokey sky we all witnessed provided a stark illustration to accompany Kimmerer’s words. It reminded me of our most tragic and wonderful experiences coinciding, and how, when I look closely through the really difficult points in my life, incredible glimpses of hope and resilience persist.

While we are all experiencing our current moment through different lenses and beliefs, we are a part of the same interconnected web. Let us remember that our joys, sorrows, hopes, concerns, and blessings live and belong in the same room. May we combat polarity by keeping an open mind, loving heart, helping hands, and eyes wide open. Slow us down enough to really care for one another.

…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

 

St. Peter-area families are welcome to meet up with Macey tonight, Wednesday August 4th, anytime between 5-7pm, at Gorman Park (near the St. Peter Community Center). She will be holding space for conversation, questions, and just casual playtime among friends. 

 

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