I chose this quote today, after spending some time writing and reflecting yesterday about how much more I enjoy winter as I grow older and remember how to slow down. I remember feeling the pressure of working both as a student and at jobs I did not particularly enjoy… Those are the years of burnout that winter felt more difficult for me. I hope you, too, are slowing down, as we conclude the month of Opening to Joy and the year 2021:
“The high value put upon every minute of time, the idea of hurry-hurry as the most important objective of living, is unquestionably the most dangerous enemy of joy… I would simply like to reclaim an old and, alas, quite unfashionable private formula: Moderate enjoyment is double enjoyment.” -Hermann Hesse
…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
Children’s Chapel and Youth Group
No more dates left for December – Keep an eye on updates for what January may look like. I promise more information next week, following our monthly meeting.
I had announced our in-person start date as January 9th but have learned that we must first gain board approval before gathering downstairs. I am sorry for my mistake in providing information that was not accurate. Sunday, January 16th will be our tentative in-person start date, if we are approved. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience.
What else is to come…
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.