“Twinkle lights are the perfect metaphor for joy. Joy is not a constant. It comes to us in moments – often ordinary moments. Sometimes we miss out on the bursts of joy because we’re too busy chasing down extraordinary moments. Other times we’re so afraid of the dark that we don’t dare let ourselves enjoy the light.”
– Brené Brown

I am glad to be entering in the month of December. Our Soul Matters theme is now Opening to Joy, and it feels so needed as we experience the shortest days of the year. I selected the words above to share today, as they feel quite relatable to me. I have found myself encountering moments of pure joy in the simplest of moments, even while I know that so much is unknown and that so much pain exists, too.

Yet, I know how forgetting small joy feels, how chasing something bigger robs me, and how going through shadows is inevitable. While these may be common feelings, I can’t help but wonder how our lives might be different if we all retained our childlike wonder. The kind of wonder that returns us right into the present.

I have been returning to joy in moments of folding origami, sipping on my morning tea, snuggling my cats, letting myself rest, walking outdoors, baking treats, and decorating for the holiday season (especially with my childhood ornaments). I’d love to hear what is bringing you joy, too. You might find that it is sparked for you, too, in many ordinary moments when you stop to consider it. May small joys surprise and delight you today.

…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

 

December dates:

This December, we will be continuing to offer children’s and youth programming over Zoom. However, we expect to be back in-person in the new year. Please keep an eye on more updates to come. I know many are looking forward to that transition.

 

I am continuing to require registration for Zoom calls, with a minimum of two RSVPs being needed for us to hold the sessions. Please RSVP at the links below!

 

Youth Group Wednesday, December 8th, 6:30-8pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/de22ee

Children’s Chapel Sunday, December 12th, 11:30am-12:30pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/fd70dd

Youth Group Wednesday, December 15th, 6:30-8pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/8512b4

Youth Group Sunday, December 19th, 11:30am-12:30pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/ce25e9

Children’s Chapel Sunday, December 26th, 11:30am-12:30pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/42afac