BUUF News – May 2008

Contents

Em-bracing the Journey

Emmie Schlobohm, Board President

Our congregation is in the midst of a grand and glorious transformation!

During this past year, I've been encouraging you to get involved in the workings, decision-making, and process building going on all around us in our dynamic community. Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 18 in our fellowship hall at 11:30, immediately following a single service at 10:00. Childcare and a light lunch will be provided! Come be a part of the process and give us your input, your voice and your vote.

The Annual Meeting is our opportunity to make major decisions regarding our congregation. On the tentative agenda will be by-law changes, congregation sponsorship of the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger, and the election of new members of the Nominating Committee and the Governing Board. Here's yet another way you can get involved, experience growth and transformation, both congregational and personal!

- Have you always wanted to have the opportunity to see the big picture?

- Would you like to be a witness to and an integral participant in the growth and transformation of our beloved community?

Here's your chance! Experience first hand all the love and energy that gets poured into this family of friends and fellow travelers. The Nominating Committee has presented a great slate of candidates for the Board and you can join those nominees in the process.

Join in the fun of this election year, and run for office!

If this calls to you, just submit five signatures to Elton Hall, the secretary of our Governing Board, by May 8.

Miraculous transformation, personal and congregational, is possible!

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene is on Sabbatical until the fall. She will return to the office August 1 and to the pulpit Sunday, September 7.

Dialogues with the Board

April 27 the Board hosted a Budget Advisory discussion to share information on the BUUF budget process and to get input and suggestions from participants.

Join the next Dialogue with the Board on Sunday, May 25 after both services to discuss Janine Larsen's recommendations regarding our first step in an organizational audit and help the Board continue to refine the Strategic Plan. All are welcome. Let your voice be heard!

The Iraq War Resolution in the Community

The BUUF Congregation overwhelmingly passed the Iraq War Resolution, reported in the April newsletter. It also instructed the Board to share that resolution as it saw fit.

To date, the Resolution has been distributed with a cover letter explaining the origin of the resolution and requesting that it be shared as widely as appropriate and possible, to the following individuals and organizations: Idaho Senators and Congressmen, with requests to read the resolution into the Congressional Record; The Interfaith Alliance; UUA President Bill Sinkford and his assistant, Julie Shaw; Janine Larsen, PNWD District Executive, who has had it placed on the PNWD web site with a connection to the BUUF web site; Veterans for Peace; and approximately 20 Idaho newspapers and five television stations. All have been encouraged to share the resolution with their constituencies.

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

News from the North Wing

Karen Raese, co-Director of Religious Education

Karen is currently serving as Acting Co DRE. The DRE search committee will continue their search for a DRE following Elizabeth's return in the fall.

Wow! It is hard to believe that my first year as Co DRE is nearly over! It has been an amazing year, one full of wonderful people, wonderful experiences and, of course, a few wonderful challenges as well. The biggest challenge, given to us by the BUUF board of directors last spring, was to offer elementary children's RE programs at both the 9 and 11 services. As a growing congregation, we need to offer families options for RE and make sure that there is adequate space for our children's classes. Like anything new, this has not been easy. We've had lots of fun and successes in the classes. And, we have lots to think about and room to make it better. Let me share with you what I know, realizing that we want to know how you feel about it, too. Please read on for your opportunity to give us feedback.

We had so many generous folks who stepped up to help RE this year - teacher/guides, adult classroom helpers, special guest presenters and an amazing RE committee. It could not have happened without you! We matched our total RE registration of last year - 127! Approximately two thirds of children attended classes at 11:00 and one third at 9:00. Overwhelmingly, the children at the 9:00 service are younger, with a more even mix at 11:00. We are committed to offering elementary RE at 9:00 and 11:00. How do we do this next year? What did you like about RE this year? What didn't work as well for you and the children? We want to hear your opinion and your ideas before we prepare for next year. Surveys will be available this month. Watch the order of service or contact Karen Raese or Cathy Carmen at 658-1710 for more information.

Safe Congregations Panel is Alive and Well

Cathy Carmen, co-Director of Religious Education

Cathy is currently serving as Acting Co DRE. The DRE search committee will continue their search for a DRE following Elizabeth's return in the fall.

In 2004 the Religious Exploration Program began the ambitious yet necessary work of creating our Safe Congregations Policy. This is a document that outlines our commitment to preventing, reporting and dealing with child abuse and inappropriate conduct. With the talented research and writing of Linda Judd the policy was written and approved by the BUUF Board later that year. Now we have a special group of BUUF members and friends, the Safe Congregations Panel, who meet regularly to ensure the Fellowship follows the guidelines and program recommendations of that policy. The Panel members are: Sheryce Davis, Judy Frederick, Renee Hatten-Montagne, Craig Raese, Jeanie Scepka, Sue Stadler, Amber Stigile, Eric Wallace and Cathy Carmen. Information about the Safe Congregations Policy is located in the Information Center in the North vestibule and in the information rack beside the office administrator's desk in the South Wing. Also, every classroom in both RE Wings contains a contact list of Safe Congregations Panel members. If there are any questions, concerns or reports of any form of child abuse and/or neglect, please contact a Panel member.

Summer Preschool Coordinator Needed

Our Summer RE Program is looking for a talented person to coordinate our growing preschool-age class from mid-June—Labor Day. This is a paid position. In the past this age group has been cared for by nursery care providers, but our Fellowship has a commitment to better serving this growing group of children and their families. The Preschool Coordinators primary responsibilities include taking attendance, conducting a short in-gathering with the children and then leading then either in an age-appropriate activity or reading a story then preparing a healthy snack. A volunteer nursery care helper will be present to care for infants that maybe there. If you are interested in learning more about this position, please contact Karen Raese or Cathy Carmen, Co-Directors of Religious Education, at 658-1710 as soon as possible.

Children's RE Committee

Angie Tate

The Children's Religious Exploration Committee members have enjoyed a successful program year! We doubled our committee members and doubled our responsibility for Sunday Service coordination. We challenged ourselves to find volunteer helpers for both services each week and all went remarkably well! We have exceptional kids, guides, volunteers and DRE's! I am proud to be a part of this hard working committee and I thank the committee members for their efforts. Nicely done!

The following events are behind us now; Dia de los Muertos, Deck the Halls, Easter Egg Hunt and the Earth Day Celebrations. Teacher appreciation will be May 18, and the committee will participate in a breakfast held in honor of our RE guides.

The summer RE program will begin on June 15. There are volunteer sign-up sheets for the Just So stories and nursery help in the north vestibule. Pick a summer Sunday and enjoy our RE kids!

Looking into the Future...Jr. High Programs for 2008-2009

The Religious Exploration Program for next year is in the planning stages and I wanted to make sure all Jr. High school aged youth (entering grades 7-9) and their families are aware what's happening. The 2008-2009 RE Program year which runs September —June will offer two important milestone events—The Coming of Age Program and the trip to Boston, MA to explore our UU heritage. The Coming of Age experience pairs individual youth with adult mentors who then meet together (with the minister plus DRE) to explore life's large questions, such as what is the nature of good and evil or what may happen to us after we die? The time together culminates in the youth writing a personal credo, generally outlining what the person thinks or believes are guiding principles in his/her life at this time. The trip to Boston was originally created by our former DRE, Jennifer Thrall-Thomas, as a way for UU's here in the Treasure Valley to explore the larger Unitarian Universalist movement and connect with UUs in other parts of the country. It's also just a whole lot of fun! So, if you are a Jr. High youth or parent of one and might like to take part in either one or both of these programs, please contact Cathy Carmen at 658-1710. She will be sending out detailed informational letter about these two items in June.

COMMITTEES

Partner Church News

Cynthia Alleman

BUUF partner church members are gearing up for summer travels. David and Miriam Woito, Elizabeth Greene, and Jennifer Thrall-Thomas will travel to Meszko, Transylvania this month. They will spend time in Meszko plus continue travels to Moldova with fellow UUs from Maine. Will Smith is planning on being in Mészkõ in July. See his write-up in last month's newsletter. We can support him by buying shares "of a pilgrim". This is a great opportunity to connect our young people.

We are planning a small Partner Church Anniversary Celebration on June 1 after the 10:00 am service. We are celebrating our 15 anniversary of partnership with Mészkõ. We hope to see you then!

If you would like to join us for a meeting, we meet every second Tuesday of the month at 4:30 pm at the BUUF library.

Awakes the Sleeping Giant

The DRE task force committee has returned from its "sabbatical" and will resume its quest. The purpose of this committee is to bring forth candidates for the position of a permanent full time Director of Religious Education at BUUF. In the coming months a job posting will go out regionally and also nationally to solicit candidates for this position. We also are very interested in seeking out local candidates.

The members of this committee are: Valerie Duffy, Amber, Christine Hanzlik, Emmie Schlobohm, Roger Sherman and Mark Zimmerer. We would like to thank former members of this committee for their hard work: Cathy Carmen, Becky Groff and Erin Logan.

Also, the committee would like to thank Cathy Carmen and Karen Raese for their willingness to be "Acting Co-DREs" this past church year. They did an exceptional job at stepping in and their efforts made this year, without a full time, permanent DRE, run seamlessly.

Leadership Appreciation

The BUUF Board is accepting nominations for a Leadership Appreciation Presentation to be held during the Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 18. We have many exemplary leaders—and would like to see several people nominated for special recognition! Criteria can include: Length and/or Breadth of Service, Quality of Leadership, Mentoring, Vision, Creativity, Behind the Scenes Contributions, and Other Admirable Leadership Traits. Please pick up a nomination form in the North Lobby or here on boiseuu.org and return it to the office by Sunday, May 11th. For more information, contact Sue at 378-1714.

Inside with Interiors

Thanks to all the people who stopped in or emailed us for our open forum on the chancel area. The BUUF Community certainly has a lot of wonderfully creative ideas. Our primary goal for the session was to identify the areas for improvement needed for the stage upon which our minister, guest speakers, and choir focus our religious energy. Some of the needs we identified included:

- The ability to gracefully control the light coming in our windows and doors during services

- Increasing the UU Identity in the space

- Improving the sense to "focus here" for the service activities

- Improving the functional storage for the accoutrement need for the service

- Creating a sense of permanence and intention while maintaining the flexibility of the space

The chancel is not only a sacred place but also, like the Great Hall in which it resides, a space of many functions. Interiors will be working with all the stakeholders over the course of the next few months. We will be able to address some of these needs before the start of the new program year and others will need to wait until a dedicated Sanctuary is built.

Earth Day Thanks

Many thanks to the creative R.E. teachers, adult presenters, youth, children, committee chairs, and helpers who made the Earth Day and Volunteer Fair a success in spite of our challenging weather logistics. Special thanks to the Social Action Committee and guests from Animals in Distress, Foster Parents, and the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger.

Looking for Flash Memory Card donations.

Dale Winke

As part of the sound system improvements and upgrades, a digital recording system was installed. Replacing an analog cassette tape, recordings are placed on a flash memory card in digital form. The same card you use in your digital camera may very well work in our sound system. Have you upgraded to a larger Gigabyte card and have others filling your sock drawer. Donate what you are not using to BUUF. See Bill Reid or Dale Winke. Thank you for your continued support, we hope you like what you hear!

Social Action

May Social Justice Offering

Rick Groff

Ending food insecurity in Idaho will be the focus of the May social justice plate offering. Twenty-five percent of the non-designated plate offering and 100% of checks that are marked "outreach" in the memo field will go to the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger (IIRAH). Please read the article in this newsletter "Is IIRAH a New Type of Retirement Account?" to learn more about the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger.

Take the time to read another article "Adding a Tool" to learn why the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship needs to add advocacy to its social justice tool kit and one way it can do so.

If you'd like to nominate a cause for consideration as a future recipient of BUUF's monthly social action outreach offering, contact Social Action chair Rick Groff (336-4921) and then remind him regularly.

Adding a Tool

Rick Groff

You know the proverb: if you give a woman a fish you feed her for a day, but if you teach her how to fish you feed her for a life time. Here is a twist on that proverb: give a woman a fish and you feed her for a day, but if you change the policies that cause food insecurity for her, she will feed herself for a life-time.

Doing social justice service such as providing warm and secure places for homeless to stay and feeding hungry people will always be a very important part of BUUF social justice work. However, BUUF needs to add advocacy to its set of tools for achieving social justice. A UUA publication defines advocacy as: "lobbying and anything else that brings your voice to your elected officials, or to others who change and make policy."

We need to change flawed policies so we aren't forever alleviating the resulting injustices. At the annual meeting, you can help BUUF get more involved in advocacy by voting yes in regards to BUUF becoming an Endorsing Body for the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger. Read on...

Is IIRAH a New Type of Retirement Account?

No, this is the initials for the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger. The organization works "in developing solutions to the root causes of hunger through education and public policy and by supporting providers of direct hunger relief." (IIRAH mission statement) Their vision: "To make hunger history in Idaho by assuring food security for everyone."

Each year, the organization focuses on changing one public policy regarding food security. Last year, their efforts led to a change in the Food Stamp eligibility rules. This year, IIRAH played a pivotal role in enacting legislation that increased the grocery tax credit and made the poorest Idahoans eligible for the credit.

The organization is composed of representatives from 22 communities of faith and goodwill that have chosen to become Endorsing Bodies such as the Islamic Center of Boise, Benedictine Monks of Idaho, Ahavath Beth Israel, Hillview United Methodist Church, Interfaith Alliance of Idaho, and the Idaho Dietetic Association.

Endorsing Body requirements (There are no dues.):

- Be a community of faith and goodwill

- Support the IIRAH vision and mission

- Designate a liaison to IIRAH

The BUUF membership will vote on becoming an Endorsing Body at our annual meeting May 18. You can learn more about IIRAH on their website.

BUUF Activities & Events

Mother's Day Tea

BUUF Landscape committee is holding a Mothers Day Tea on May 11 after each service in The Courtyard. There will be tea (of course!), tea sandwiches, savories, petit fours and fruit tarts. Tickets are $5 each with a maximum of $20 per family and they must be purchased by May 5. Tickets will be available after each service at the ‘Tea Table' by the Book Nook in the back of the Sanctuary.

This is a first of what we hope will be a Mothers Day tradition and we think it is a fine opportunity to celebrate mothers AND families. All proceeds from the Tea will be used to buy bike racks to be installed outside each vestibule.

Talk as Blessing

Music can do it, a sculpture, an unexpectedly rewarding conversation, a poem. April's BUUF humanists stepped away from the dictionary to share those experiences that bring gifts we didn't crave or demand or even earn, those times when we felt expanded, enriched, unburdened— or to use common theological parlance, lifted up. We confessed, at least some of us, to experiencing moments of grace.

We retreat to the shadow side for May. As sunlight dances around us (a blessing!) and our poplar grove beckons, representing all that is green and generous, we will talk about guilt and shame. Where does it come from? What's the association with ‘religion,' and not just in our tradition? Expect to hear personal reflection, prepare, if you will, to share. Newcomers are always welcome.

As usual we meet at 11am in the Stowe room, north wing, the second Sunday of May, which is May 11. Contact Rick Groff or Jeanette Ross if you like.

The Other Bookclub

Interested in contemporary literature? Join the Other Book Club for their upcoming meetings:

The next meeting will be at the home of Harriet Shaklee, 906 Marshall Street at 7pm on Sunday, May 18, when we'll discuss the memoir by Bill Bryson, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. You can reach Harriet at hshaklee@cableone.net or 371-3634 for questions.

We'll be talking about The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea at the book club meeting on June 8. Place TBA.

Sage Travel and Energy

Tom von Alten

My first inkling of Liz Ratcliffe's trip around the world was an email dispatch under the subject "Boise to Abu Dhabi." For two weeks following, I enjoyed the delight of her quirky, serialized travelogue posted from cybercafés of the Middle and Far East. She's back in Boise, has pictures and will share a "live" report with the Senior Sages, on Thursday, May 8, 9:30am at the Kopper Kitchen. (2661 Airport Way), over a no-host breakfast.

On May 22, guest Wally Keltner will speak about our energy choices, and the possibility of moving away from confrontation, to collaboration. His experience with utilities, shipyards and nuclear submarines will make for an interesting discussion.

The Sages meet at on the second and fourth Thursday mornings of the month to consider topics from participants and guests. All are welcome, no reservation required. Call Tom von Alten, 378-1217, for more information or to be added to our email or telephone reminder list.

BUUF Mamas

Okay you moms out there. Do you feel like you need a break from your kids and a chance to laugh, dine, imbibe and enjoy time with other BUUF moms, especially those with small children? Well, then we are the group for you! Join us for BUUF Mom's Night Out. Our next dinner is scheduled on April 29, which starts our regular monthly schedule of the *last Tuesday of every month*. So mark your calendar! April 29, May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30, etc... The location varies from month to month, so RSVP to Sally Grimes at 860-6370 or . This has been a great success so far. Let us know if you'd like to be added to the email list for future dinners.

Calling All Readers

On May 6 at 7 pm the Classic Book Club will gather at Lorel Case's home, 8925 Stynbrook Drive, to discuss Absalom, Absalom by William Faulkner. At that time the Club will also set its schedule for next year. Call Lorel at 376-3188 for more information.

Singing the Journey

Having trouble learning the hymns out of the teal hymnal? The UUA has provided a library of mp3 recordings for our educational use. They won't win any awards for musicianship, but the on-line versions are a big help to those of you who like to sing out!

Elevator Speeches

(Journaling Your Way To Clarity Adult Religious Education Class, Spring, 2006)

In an Adult Religious Education class in spring, 2006, members wrote their "elevator speeches, " in response to the following hypothetical situation: if a person gets on an elevator with you, notices your flaming chalice pin, asks about it, and you only have a few floors to explain the Unitarian Universalist faith, what do you say?

Elevator Speech—Kathy Hall

I'm in an elevator; my neighbor admires my chalice necklace, asking me what it means. I respond: it is a Unitarian Universalist symbol. In our fellowship, we light a chalice flame in every service, and our minister announces a theme to think about. Often small children become chalice lighters. Our fellowship embraces the idea that there are many paths to the spiritual light. We nurture each other in our individual attempts to know ourselves, and find our spiritual life's work and inner source of compassion. We are a nucleus of brotherhood for all genders, races and sexual orientations.

Some Unitarian Universalists see themselves as humanists or atheists, others as Christians or Buddhists. Through religious education for the young, we mark important passages in life and teach self-reliance in thought and action. As a fellowship, we sponsor social justice programs in our community and use outreach as an expression of our inner commitment to the good of all.

We come from an historical tradition of questioning religious and ethical positions.  We also come from the American Transcendentalists.  We have many different points of view, but we are a lively community of united seekers.

Elevator Speech—Mason Morfit

UU is a community of people unbounded by any theology who, while pursuing their individual spiritual paths, share ethical values and a concern for social justice.

Elevator Speech—Jane Bunker

Can you imagine a religion that is inclusive; that not only honors but welcomes all spiritual paths; that encourages caring communities whose members actively work for social change and which celebrates the beauty and mystery of the entire universe?

That is Universalist Unitarianism.

PNWD & UUA

BUUF Delegates to GA Needed

General Assembly is a wonderful opportunity to connect with Unitarian Universalists from around the world. It is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. It will be held June 25-29 at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This year's theme is Common Threads. Go to the website UUA.org for more information and to register. You are needed as a delegate to represent BUUF. Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or if you are interested in being a delegate.

Become a Chalice Lighter

Dale Winke

There are many good reasons to join the more than 1,400 Pacific Northwest District Unitarian Universalists who are Chalice Lighters. Being a Chalice Lighter brings you the joy of watching your $10 (or larger) contribution to a call multiply to a grant of more than $14,000 to support the growth of our liberal religion in the Pacific Northwest. The more of us who take the Chalice Lighter pledge, the more the program will have to offer to growing congregations. Our Sanctuary floor was made possible with a Chalice Lighter grant; it is time to pass it on!

Becoming a Chalice Lighter is as easy as filling out a Chalice Lighter Enrollment Form (PDF), or enrolling online, at the PNWD website. Once you're signed up, your name will be added to the rolls and I will give you your own Chalice Lighter pin. Wear it proudly!

Up to three letters a year will come your way telling you the purpose of the call and asking you to send in your pledge of at least $10. Each call will go for the purposes described in the letter, so you will know exactly where your money will be going to work. Your only obligation beyond fulfilling your pledge 2 or 3 times a year is to keep the district office informed of any change of address. Isn't that beautiful in its simplicity? Now, isn't it time you became a Chalice Lighter! See me and I'll get you signed up. What are you waiting for?

UU Hospitality Joins with Sensory Delights in Wine Country Excursions to the Napa Valley

An hour north of San Francisco are the lush vineyards, world class wineries and picturesque small towns of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. We invite all UUs and friends to share the beauty of our "home" through the UU Fellowship of North Bay's "Wine Country Excursions."

We offer small customized two day tours of our valleys which can include wine tastings, art galleries, museums, scenic trails and much more. We provide private rooms with bath in the homes of our members and experienced guides to conduct tours in their cars.

Tours are offered from April through October. Plan for two days of touring and a two or three night stay with all local transportation provided. Home hospitality without tours is also available. All proceeds to help our Fellowship grow and purchase property in this expensive real estate market. Contact Tom Wilson at 707 254-7443 or for details.

The PNWD News Center IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

On December 15, the first annual Alternative Gift Fairsponsored by Community UU Church (Pasco, WA) raised $10,106.94 for local, national, and international non-profit organizations. Audrey Ulrich, charity liaison for the fair said, "The Alternative Gift Fair is a wonderful example of how much can be accomplished when a group of dedicated, passionate people work together to make their world a better place!" Members of this small congregation turned out—almost to a person—to ensure the fair's success. Diane Reed, marketing and publicity coordinator noted, "We were also fortunate to receive extensive coverage, including newspapers, web casts, radio, and television." The fair gave shoppers the chance to visit a fun and festive holiday market and make donations in honor of family and friends in the true spirit of the season to a diverse collection of local, national, and international organizations with established track records of helping people, pets, and the environment. Plans are already underway for next year's fair, which the congregation expects to become a Tri Cities holiday tradition.

For the past five years, Magic Valley UU Fellowship (Twin Falls, ID) has held services in an old Kimberly, Idaho, mortuary; the sixth home since MVUUF was founded in 1992. The facility sold recently and the members had less than a month to find a new home. Many local congregations offered to share space, but having a space that was solely used by the Fellowship on Sundays was important. The new location, Step Ahead Learning Center in Twin Falls, may be the last temporary home for the 44 MVUUF members. The children's learning center is full of the spirit of life. MVUUF is pleased to be located in Twin Falls, hopeful that inactive members will return, and that the facility will be easier for visitors to find. MVUUF has moved from a facility providing for the end of life to a facility providing for the start of life. The complete story can be found in the Magic Valley Times-News.

Members of the UU Church of the Palouse (Moscow, ID) recently held a community-building workshop on Covenant of Right Relationship, facilitated by a PNWD Healthy Congregations Consultant. The four-hour experience, described by one participant as "exhilarating," followed a Sunday worship service devoted to the subject.

Washington State congregations are actively studying issues related to "Death With Dignity," prompted in part by the current initiative proposed for the state's November ballot. Evergreen UU Fellowship (Marysville, WA) recently invited other PNWD congregations to attend a Saturday workshop at their church, to explore the meaning of a good death, pre-planning your choices for end of life, advance directives, hospice and comfort care, death with dignity, and bereavement. Attendees of the District's Annual General Meeting also had the opportunity to participate in educational workshops on the topic.

Visit the PNWD News Center online for the latest District news.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

UU University, a pre-GA gathering of congregational leaders, is scheduled for June 24-25 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Reverend Dr. Nick Carter, president of Andover Newton Theological School, is the featured speaker, addressing the "borderlands of difference" that naturally occur in a context of diversity: diversity of thought, diversity of opinions, diversity of theologies, etc. Participants will explore how to lead congregations with so many opinions and perspectives, and how to develop effective partnerships in surrounding communities.

The UUA General Assembly follows, June 25-29 at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center.

If you have plans to be in Boston on business or pleasure, check with the UUA's bed and breakfast lodging before you go. Pickett & Eliot Houses are located at the top of historic Beacon Hill, just steps from the Boston Common. The two houses on Mt. Vernon Place include 20 guest rooms, open only to members of UU congregations. For more information, phone (617) 948-4679 or email .

We are saddened to report that the Rev. Dr. Forrest Church has announced that the initial success of his treatment for esophageal cancer has faltered. In a recent letter to his congregation, All Souls Unitarian Church in New York City, Rev. Church announced he "must face the certainty that my cancer is terminal and the great likelihood that my future will be measured in months not years."

Rev. Church is well known and beloved for his inspirational speaking and books on the practice and meaning of liberal religion and patriotic values. If you attended our 2003 Annual General Meeting in Moscow, Idaho, you probably still recall his passionate keynote address. In line with the theme, "Tributaries to Peace," Rev. Church addressed the standing-room-only crowd on the important bond between faith and freedom in the history of the U.S and how the war against terrorism threatens to upset that balance. Rev. Church also spoke of the joy of being back in Idaho, where he grew up as the son of the late U.S. Sen. Frank Church (D-Idaho).

The All Souls Unitarian Church website posts updates and messages from Rev. Church and has a link for well-wishers to send greetings.

Wider Community

Writing Your Life Story

Tom von Alten

The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Idaho, founded by and supported through the years by many members of BUUF, will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, May 10, 10:30am in the downtown Boise Public Library Auditorium. After a brief business meeting, our guest speaker will be Mary Owen, of Senior Solutions, a non-profit agency dedicated to preserving the dignity and independence of older individuals.

Owen is an experienced writer, editor, and member of The Cabin in Boise, and will present "Writing Your Life Story: How to Start—and keep on writing." After our parents have left us, we may wish we knew more about what they really thought about life. Did they sacrifice their pleasure for our well-being? What was important to them apart from food and shelter? For most people these questions were never discussed with their parents, or written down. Those of us who want our children to remember important aspects of our lives will want to hear our speaker, and take inspiration to record our thoughts, opinions and advice for the next generation.

There will be a question and answer session, and refreshments will be served. The meeting is open to the public and is free of charge.

Film Director to Visit Boise

Director David Karslake will be in Boise on May 15, 2008, for the one-night only premiere of the critically acclaimed and multiple award-winning movie "for the Bible Tells Me So," a movie that documents the lives of five very normal, very Christian, and very American families to discover how they handle the realization of having a child who is gay. Karslake, who lives in New York, will answer questions immediately following the movie.

Prior to the movie, a reception with Director Karslake will be held at the Idaho Black History Museum located in Julia Davis Park at 5:30 p.m., and the movie will show at 7 p.m at the Flicks located at the end of 6th Street downtown Boise. Tickets are $10 for the movie only, and $20 for the reception and the movie. Advanced ticket purchase is encouraged by calling 343-8568, or visiting the Idaho Human Rights Education Center, 777 S. 8th Street, Boise. Tickets for the movie also can be purchased at the door.

The event is cosponsored by the Ada County Human Rights Task Force and the Idaho Human Rights Education Center. Proceeds will benefit the Idaho Safe Schools Coalition, a group dedicated to ensuring school safety for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

First Annual Idaho Green Expo

Boise Centre on the Grove May 17-18, 2008

The Idaho Green Expo is coming to Boise next May and our congregation has the opportunity to take a special role in making it a success. The Expo will be a free, two day event that will showcase environmentally friendly products and services, and provide information that will help people to lead healthier and more sustainable lives.

The Idaho Green Expo will be a celebration, but one with a serious purpose: to accelerate the emergence of a new green economy - an economy that is sustainable, healthy, ethical and earth friendly. It will unite green businesses, social and environmental groups, visionary thinkers, and thousands of community members in a lively exchange of ideas, commerce, and community building.

Please help us to spread the word about this important event. If you work for a business or organization that would like to promote sustainability in Idaho, the Expo is looking for Sponsors and Exhibitors for the event. If you are interested in volunteering, we have the need for volunteers in a wide variety of fields.

BUUF's January plate offering will sponsor a booth for the Boise High School T.R.E.E (Teens Restoring Earth's Environment)

What Do You Think?

Some congregations use a logo to represent themselves and some congregations choose not to. In the past, we have used a flaming chalice design previously used by the UUA.

This design was created by an Austrian artist, Hans Deutsch, in 1941 for the Unitarian Service Committee. The holy oil burning in a Greek or Roman chalice is said to represent helpfulness and sacrifice. Later, double rings were added to represent our Unitarian and Universalist heritages. Examples of this flaming chalice design can be seen on our classroom door signage, library mantel and Fellowship Hall floor inset.

We want you to answer a few important questions regarding the use of this logo design.

1.) Should BUUF use this symbol on all of our official stationary, legal documents and community announcements?

1b.) Should subgroups, i.e. committees be allowed to develop and circulate their own logos?

2.) Should we research, develop and test market a new, unique logo design to be used exclusively for BUUF official stationary, legal documents and community announcements?

Your input is invaluable. Please complete a survey and add any additional comments and drop off in the BUUF office through May 18. We thank you for your participation.

You can also email your answers to .