“When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So, it is better to speak.”
– Audre Lorde

In the Children’s Chapel circle, we sing our simplified Seven Principles to the tune of “Do-Re-Mi” and the Fifth Principle is shared as, “Five – all people need a voice.” What I find myself thinking of today is how long it took for me to recognize how important that principle is, particularly in my own path. In fact, it is still quite the journey for me. How easy it is to think of ourselves as just a drop in the ocean. However, as the poet Rumi reminds us, we are both the drop and the ocean itself. We are all connected. Showing up fully and authentically in community matters.

When I was younger, I was so afraid to share and sometimes hesitant to simply begin to create. I thought that I needed to start with a profound concept to accompany what I was writing or making. What I have learned is that developing my voice and my art has taken the ability to trust in the process. It has also taken being humble enough to realize that comparison will never serve me, and that there is no need to feel pressured to make something brilliant each time. Adopting a growth mindset is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, in my mind.

Committing to freewriting more regularly over the last year has helped show me the healing power of paradoxically growing my awareness, while unburdening my brain from the many thoughts moving through. Being able to share what I have written and physically speak with people is what has taken more courage and offered greater reward though. Both the personal and the interpersonal benefits keep me coming back to this practice.

My prayer today is that we recognize the power and impact of each voice and how together, they grow to be expansive. Let us not only listen deeply to others but give our fullest attention to what comes through us, too. May we remember our interconnection. Let us discover the magic that happens when we lean in, to courageously share, and lean out, to listen without judgement.

…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.

• 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 (tentative – please RSVP by emailing Macey if you plan on coming)
• Sunday, August 22nd, 11:30am-12:30pm – Youth Group via Zoom with Lee and Macey