CFD Director’s Message 3.16.22

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“…In almost every instance of our lives – our social lives – we are, if we pay attention, in the midst of an almost constant, if subtle, caretaking. Holding doors open, offering elbows at crosswalks, letting someone else go first, helping with the heavy bags, reaching what’s too high or what’s been dropped, pulling someone back to their feet, stopping at the car wreck, at the struck dog, the alternating merge, also known as the zipper – this caretaking is our default mode, and it’s always a lie that convinces us to act or believe otherwise – always.” – Ross Gay

I selected the quote above for this week, because despite how heavy, difficult, and dark the world might feel at times, I am reminded that our nature is one of empathy and compassion. In my heart, this is what continues to make our lives not only bearable but remarkably beautiful, so very tender, and always worth showing up to. While we may sometimes fall into unhealthy thought patterns due to a negativity bias, one may witness the kind of care Ross Gay describes daily when our hearts and eyes are open. May that be the case for you today, and may your faith be renewed again and again,
especially when you least expect it.

…I am here for you, just an email or a phone call away. I am now currently holding office hours in-person at UUFM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am-3pm. 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

March Schedule:

*Please note that the Wednesday Youth Group dates for this month have shifted slightly due to the availability of facilitators (third and fourth Wednesday instead of the second and third Wednesday of the month).

Children’s Faith Development:

Youth Group:

I am continuing to ask that you please consider making use of our Breeze forms to RSVP. This simply gives us an idea of what to expect, and we may still sometimes cancel dates that lack RSVPs. I will be sure to make it as clear as possible when that is the case though. Thanks for understanding.