“By not giving ourselves the minutes — or hours — free of devices and distractions, we risk losing our ability to know who we are and what is important to us.” -Alan Lightman
This past week in Children’s Chapel, we listened to the story The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell. We pondered how even the gift of nothing, was something, and how even when we are practicing stillness, there is also movement. We talked about how the gift of nothing still came in a box and consisted of quality time. We also discussed the way that our breath still moves us, even if we are as still as can be. It is in those mindful moments when we slow down to recognize life’s subtleties, that we remember what matters, and we return to ourselves.
I often forget to practice being still, but this year has brought numerous opportunities for it. The best gifts I have been given resemble the gift of nothing. I am so grateful for the time recently spent next to our fire pit, stargazing, on these mild December nights. The best gift of all was getting to revisit some artworks in progress with my husband, as I have been wanting to paint with him for a long time. I am so happy we could “unplug” together.
I pray that this holiday season, you allow yourself to find stillness between breaths. May there be peace in your heart between all that moves it. May you know the great gift of being held by one another, even if that must happen virtually for now.
Please 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.
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
Virtual Children’s Chapel
Our next Children’s Chapel date will be held on Sunday, December 27th at 11:30am. As always, more details and Zoom info will be posted to our private Facebook group and sent out via email.
Youth Group
Our Youth Group meets tonight, Wednesday, December 16th, from 6:30-8pm, with Barb and Macey. In place of our typical “game night”, we invite our youth to share their skills for our own little variety show. The hope is to provide a fun and safe virtual space to showcase all kinds of expression. It may be performed, demonstrated, or simply shown – this may take the form of music, dance, origami, poetry, painting, and whatever else our youth come up with. Barb and I are excited to witness what will be shared!
Lee and Barb also plan to host youth group this Sunday, December 20th, from 11:30am-12:30pm. As always, keep an eye on your email and our private Facebook group for Zoom info.
Best regards,
Macey Forsyth