CFD Director’s Corner 11.03.21

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“Memory invites us to maintain our grip on the past, but it also calls us to pay attention to who we are in the present. Memory’s question is not just “Do you remember?” but “How do you want to be remembered?”
– Rev. Scott Tayler

While holding memories in our hearts may be a practice that comes naturally, it takes thoughtfulness, discipline, and foresight to simultaneously hold what we know of our origins and choose to create what we believe may be a meaningful legacy.

It is easy to lose sight of what comes beyond our day-to-day lives. Yet, each day we can create an impact depending on the way we hold ourselves, exemplifying self-love, how we care for one another, the extension of that love, and ultimately, the thoughts and feelings that others experience around us, the memories that people hold of us. It is hopeful to think that those that come beyond us, those we might never meet are influenced by the way we model love.

When we choose to actively care for the Earth and the health of our interdependent web, that, too, creates impacts that are beyond our human forms. When we choose restorative actions and protest what is unjust, those steps, big or small, matter.

Some painful history is difficult to carry in our memory but reconciling with it and choosing to write our own intentional new chapter is healing, empowering, and matters more than we could ever fully realize. I pray we know the growth that comes when we are stretched by both holding history with compassion and creating a new story with love.

…I am here for you, just an email or a phone call away. I am currently holding office hours in-person at UUFM on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am-2pm. 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

Reflecting on October…

It was so good to see those of you who came to gather at UUFM despite the cold weather on the afternoon of Halloween! While much of our online programming has consisted of small groups, we had a total of 29 people come through outdoors in-person. While I know some of you were shivering, I hope you all enjoyed the activities and connection as much as I did! I am especially grateful to Rev. Rita, Deb Fitzloff, and Mark Spangler who contributed by hosting a memorial activity, origami making, and the haunted garage. Thank you so much to all who were there and those there in spirit.

November Dates to look forward to – Please continue to sign-up over Breeze, as I will be requiring a minimum of two kids signed up to hold the sessions. (Though, all are welcome, regardless of whether or not you have RSVP’d.) These sessions continue to take place over Zoom for the time being.