Concluding the month of Deep Listening…
Dear friends,
This week in politics brings an intense energy, as we consider what challenges and trauma United States citizens (in particular, those marginalized, LGBTQA+, and those with a uterus) may face. It is with humility and compassion that I write this today, bringing my attention to those who may feel deeply concerned for the future of our rights. I know that our listening alone is not enough, but I carry hope that it grows the roots of change, an informed and steady base to consider the way we may act together.
Yesterday morning, I listened to Brontë Velez’s interview on For the Wild podcast, titled Embodying the Revolution. They state, “My struggle is that we often come into one space and believe that is the space where healing is only possible, and so, we demand that of that space. We demand that of the gathering that says it is about grieving. So we won’t center the people who need to be centered at this time, whose deep, long, ancient history of marginalization, their voices, and their practices in liberation, need to be listened to, need to be heard, need to be amplified.” They urge us to be in our wisdom and discernment about when we choose to share and when we choose to listen. There is a lot to be aware of that is discussed in this interview around grief competition, spaces where it is best to de-center ourselves, and what work truly demands urgency.
With that said, I pray that you will hold some lessons from the past month long into the future. It is an active practice to listen deeply and with empathy, and none of us will do it perfectly. It is not easy, and we will often make mistakes. That means that we must be brave and vulnerable in doing this work of listening deeply and living into our values. I ask you to consider the following today: How might we think of our listening as a period of gestation, granting us the gifts of knowledge and insight to share intentionally? I keep in my heart the idea that Rev. Rita shared last week: let us listen to truly absorb what is being said, rather than listening to respond.
As a little sidenote: don’t forget that neurodiversity exists, and we all have different capacities for listening deeply. I identify as a kinesthetic learner and find that listening comes more easily for me when I simultaneously do something simple with my hands, like draw a little pattern or crochet a dishcloth. I encourage you to explore what works for you and your family!
Keep in mind, I would love to reconnect with your family from a distance at a park or your yard. I will be reaching out in the coming days via phone and email to check-in and gauge the interest in this. I know some of us are craving in-person connection, and the opportunity to distance outdoors feels safe to me. It would truly brighten my day getting to see you too!
Please also know that I am just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 or by email at cfddirector@uumankato.org . If I do not answer, I encourage you to send a text or leave a voicemail. Currently, I am available for daytime meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I also do have availability most other weekday evenings. 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.
Thank you,
Macey Forsyth
Youth Group
Our Youth Group meets on Wednesday, November 4th, from 6:30-8pm via Zoom with Lee and Macey. More details to come! Our monthly theme for November is Healing.
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
Virtual Children’s Chapel
Our Children’s Chapel will meet next via Zoom on Sunday, November 8th, at 11:30am via Zoom with Deb and Macey. More details to come! We look forward to exploring the theme of Healing during November.
Virtual Halloween Parade
With Halloween approaching, Rev. Rita and I would like to invite you to share your family’s costumes with us virtually. This way, on Sunday, November 1st, we can display them by screen-sharing a PowerPoint with photos during worship. We are calling it our Virtual Halloween Parade.
I have extended the deadline to submit your Halloween photos to: Friday, October 30th at noon or to Rev. Rita by 6 pm on Saturday, October 31.
All-generations are welcome to participate in sharing their Halloween costumes! If you are not able to get into character fully for a photo prior to Halloween this year, you might consider sharing a past year’s costume just for fun. I would love to see a good variety come together for this. I look forward to seeing who you all will be!
Photos can be emailed to cfddirector@uumankato.org
Thank you! Happy Halloween!