CFD Director’s Message 2.9.22

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“In a true community we will not choose our companions, for our choices are so often limited by self-serving motives. Instead, our companions will be given to us by grace. Often, they will be persons who will upset our settled view of self and world. In fact, we might define true community as the place where the person you least want to live with always lives.” – Parker J. Palmer

This past week, I found myself reflecting on some relationships I have held through the years that did not exactly meet my needs. Yet, I came to the realization that the ones I still hold are worth maintaining, despite the ways I have felt they’d seemingly fallen short. It is my belief that there is a distinct difference between relationships of harm and abuse and those that simply aren’t as easy or fun as we would like them to be. It is easy to get caught up imagining how people would ideally treat us and wishing for that, instead of softening and holding compassion for them, right where they’re at.

In addition to what is on the surface of those we know, there are so many unseen layers to every person’s background. I perceive Palmer’s words on building true community to be about the way we keep showing up alongside the people who get under our skin yet give us a wider perspective, if only we remain curious about them.

Let us wonder about others more. May we recognize the gifts that come when we are present in this way, with patience and humility. I pray we learn from the relationships that do not serve us, knowing that the way people behave, so often, has nothing to do with us.

…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

February dates – we ask that you continue to make use of our Breeze forms to RSVP for both online and in-person dates. This will allow us to invite extra facilitators downstairs and spread out if we are expecting greater attendance. Please note that in-person dates are tentative and may be moved online if we are to experience positive Covid cases among the congregation. I will do my best to keep you all updated in a timely manner:

Youth Group

Children’s Chapel

Our Whole Lives grades 10-12 sessions start next week – please register here, and I will send more information to your email soon: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/cdf90d

  • 10-12 grade OWLParent Orientation, Thursday, February 17th, 6:30-8pm in-person with Alissa and Macey
  • 10-12 grade OWL, Thursday, February 24th, 6:30-8pm, in-person with Alissa and Macey