“Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
I learned something new about the word enjoy from our Soul Matters resources. Surprisingly, its etymology is to give or make joy. In Old French, enjoir is “to give joy” from en- “make” + joie “enjoy.” This is a creative challenge to our usual understanding of joy as something we receive or simply experience.
Yesterday, I found myself feeling the most joy when I woke up and was able to take my time at home on a snowy morning. It is truly one of my favorite things, to be in a warm, cozy haven to view the falling snow from, while sipping on a warm beverage, and to find out that I have no obligation to leave home. Then, I felt joy, gratitude, and care when my neighbor cleared off my front walk, in addition to the entire stretch of sidewalk that wraps around our corner lot. Again, I finally found even more joy and fulfillment in enjoying some fresh air, while finishing off the rest of the work of clearing the snow away from our driveway.
As I considered what I might give back to my neighbor, in the form of baked goods or perhaps one of their beverages of choice, I felt like I completely understood that etymology. This is because I can imagine the feeling that the interaction of giving back will bring. I truly look forward to those moments. In fact, I recall reading studies that claim that we may experience more joy, or longer-lasting joy, when we give, in comparison to when we receive (see one example here: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/the-joy-of-giving.html). I hope that my neighbor rested well last night and knows more joy because of what he provided to me, too.
May you, too, know the joy of giving and receiving through this season and always. I pray that you remember the many forms this takes, whether it is service, kindness, quality time, or something physical. Your presence, alone, is a gift, and as I hope you are reminded often at UUFM, how loved and needed you are.
…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
This week…
Youth Group
Lee and I will be hosting a Zoom call tonight from 6:30-8pm with some check-in time, a bit of reflection, and a game. More details are in your email and posted to our private Facebook group!
Children’s Chapel
Please see the link below to RSVP for Children’s Chapel via Zoom this Sunday from 11:30am-12:30pm. I have no one registered yet, but we will hold the call if at least a couple of kids confirm they will be joining! Thanks.
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
What else is to come…
In January, I expect to hold regular in-person Children’s Chapel and Youth Group meetings again. By February, I plan to have an Our Whole Lives program available to 7-9 and 10-12 grade youth in-person, as well. Please keep an eye out for more updates on that. I am in need of some additional co-facilitators in the coming months as we prepare to re-open more fully. Send an email to cfddirector@uumankato.org if you may be able and willing to help! Thank you.