Six New Things – Week of June 13, 2022

In preparation for Juneteenth, we’ve got book lists and worship ideas; antiracist parenting tools; an antidote to despair; comfort for the forgetful; rest for caregivers… and a request for your input.

ONE

This Juneteenth, learn the why’s, wherefores, and history of this newly minted Federal Holiday (just last year!) through the Juneteenth Worldwide Celebration website; dig into the history and joy with books – and worship – prepared for all ages in our freshly updated Worship: Juneteenth lib guide; and join local celebrations found through the Family Fun Guide page for Twin Cities Metro Area joy.

TWO

Help families participate in Juneteenth celebrations with more authenticity by allowing Ibram X. Kendi to teach your parents How to Raise an Antiracist (One World) and your children how to say, Goodnight Racism (Penguin Random).

THREE

If antiracism work, creation care, justice-in-general and ceaseless division are getting you down, look into The Cross in the Midst of Creation: Following Jesus, Engaging the Powers, Transforming the World (Fortress) for an invitation to “throw off despair and complacency, [expose] disempower and hate-filled teachings that claim to be Christian, and [reclaim] the gospel as a force for healing, empowerment, and… transformation.”

FOUR

When the struggle is connecting with a forgetful loved one or parishioner, find support and wisdom in Dignity for Deeply Forgetful People: How Caregivers Can Meet the Challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease (Johns Hopkins University) and the Caregiver’s Resilience Program in its appendix.

You might also enjoy learning about Paula Decker Bender, artist, teacher, and director of Art Bright, who uses art to connect with folx dealing with memory loss (for any reason) and their caregivers.

FIVE

And when you’ve done the celebrating and worshiping and honoring and connecting, take some personal time. Unwind with Incantations for Rest: Poems, Meditations, and Other Magic (Skinner) from our UU friends.

SIX

If you have the time, we’d love to get your input as we continue to find innovative ways to serve you better – and support your innovative approaches to ministry. Please take our 5-10-minute survey to help us know what resources and services are most beneficial to you. We appreciate your time and will hold all answers in confidence. They will be used solely to direct our efforts in the future. Access the survey here. Thank you!!