BUUF News – October 2006

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

I know, I know, we're all tired of all the politicking, and we still have a month to go. I was at a church meeting the other day, and one of the people there appeared just about on the edge of frantic, pretty much during the whole meeting. I wondered at first, then realized that she is deeply, deeply involved in one of the Congressional races, and is under amazing pressure—there's a huge amount of stress going on for anyone who is working in politics this fall.

So, in case you aren't one of the stressed ones, I'll do my ministerial best to push you in that direction. OK, you don't have to work so hard you break the Stress-O-Meter, but I'd like to urge you to get involved, if you aren't already.

There are a couple of ballot issues that are extremely important, and folks from our church are already working hard on them. Deb Smith (939-6268) is working very hard to support Proposition 1, adding one cent to our taxes, specifically earmarked for our very needy schools. Jim Geddings of our Welcoming Congregation Committee (853-0822), is organizing folks from BUUF to work against the anti-gay proposed constitutional amendment. Education and human rights: how much more Unitarian Universalist can you get?

You can also work for candidates of your choice, of whatever persuasion. I have noted in this column a couple of times that we have several Boise UUs running for various offices, and they can always use your time, energy and other resources. Both Congressional races have excellent candidates—pick one and go to work!

I am more passionate even than usual this year, for reasons personal and otherwise, about the importance of concerned citizens like us stepping up and doing everything we can to influence our state to "bend toward justice," to quote 19th-century Unitarian minister Theodore Parker.

See you at various political and volunteer events—right? I hope so.

Wanda's Wonderings

Wanda Jennings

Your BUUF Board and Bountiful Busy Bees at BUUF have been hard at work this past month.

• The Interiors Committee has proposed flooring for the sanctuary that the Board has accepted. We will need to raise money to pay for it, so be ready to open your wallets so that we may enjoy a beautiful bamboo floor soon.
• The Personnel Committee, the Board and Elizabeth have completed the Minister's Letter of Agreement. They have also made important changes to our staff sick leave policy.
• The Garden City Community School has been renting our facility during September. Thanks to our staff and many folks have been helping things to run smoothly, especially Cathy Carman, our liaison. The School is waiting on construction and we all know how that can go, so their new facility is not yet ready. We are negotiating a new lease for two more months, ending November 30th. This will help them out greatly and it will also increase our income.
• We have enjoyed a concert on BUUF's beautiful grounds, an evening of Mozart Under the Stars, by Boise Master Chorale.
• We are supporting the Idaho Votes No campaign to defeat the Idaho anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment (HR2). Our Outreach Dollars will go to this campaign in October, so please give generously. Watch for opportunities to volunteer to help in this important effort supporting human rights.
• Our monthly Outreach Dollars have been contributing to local projects in BUUF's name, giving help where needed and increasing our good name in the community.
• We will host the Annual General Meeting of the Pacific Northwest District (AGM of the PNWD) in Boise February 16-18, 2007.
• Chalice circles are forming, allowing people to know one another better in a small group setting while deepening their spiritual lives. Sign up to join your own chalice circle.
• All committees, teams, groups and councils in BUUF's infrastructure continue to make wise decisions each day to keep things running smoothly, providing us with spiritual nourishment and allowing all of us to enjoy our home.

Thanks to all of you.
Blessed Be.

enThralled with RE

Jennifer Thrall-Thomas

Why do the children attend the beginning of the adult service each Sunday?

Each Sunday at BUUF, we have the children stay in the service through the prelude, the welcoming of visitors and the first hymn. We sing them to their classrooms after we recite the children's affirmation. Why do we do this? Why don't we have the children go straight to Sunday school? I am asked this question frequently by parents. After the first Sunday of the year on September 10, this question came up amongst the RE group as we watched children fuss and "veg" out and hang on their parent's arm wishing to be anywhere else.

There are several reasons that we, as a community, need and want to have our children present in the Sunday service. One reason is that they need to be seen. That first Sunday in September there were about 100 children and youth! It WAS a sight! That might be a record attendance day. Only have I seen that number of children on a Deck the Halls Sunday. We want to recognize their presence and their importance. What does it mean to BUUF to have so many families? It is a healthy sign and it needs to be recorded in the mind of the community.

We also want our children to experience at least part of an adult Unitarian Universalist Sunday service. Some services are longer than others with the addition of the few annual rituals that we observe such as mingling of the waters. We want them to see what it is all about, be properly greeted by the community if they are new and be a part of the whole for just a little while.

Many other denominations, that are thriving, have Sunday school before the service and the children and youth are present through the entire church service. They are included in the service and their presence is recorded and expected.

For some kids, sitting in the adult service is a painful boring experience, but I challenge all families to take some time and explain to our children and youth the reason for being part. Educate and demonstrate ways in which it can be a more rewarding experience by taking moment to be present, listen to the sights and sounds around. Look at the varied ages and faces in our community, feel the music during the prelude. Ground themselves in their seat and meditate. I will remind you all that at the Buddhist relics service the challenge was made to those in attendance to meditate for five minutes. That included children, and there was absolute silence and magic occurred.

On a more personal note, I want to thank the congregation for the outpouring of good wishes for my speedy recovery from surgery. I am well on the mend and am feeling pretty good, and that is due, in part, to the support and love I have received from the congregation. I hope to see you about mid October.

Coming of Age—Attention Jr. High Families

The Coming of Age program will begin in November. This is a change to the original calendar. The first night will be November 8, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at BUUF.

Coming of Age—Are you interested in being a mentor?

Jennifer Thrall-Thomas

I am currently searching for adult mentors to work with some of our Jr. High youth in the Coming of Age program. Mentoring a youth in coming of age is a wonderful way to get to know some of the great kids we have in the RE program at BUUF. We will meet monthly as a group beginning in November. The program will culminate in May with the Coming of Age service. Please contact Jennifer Thrall-Thomas at if you are interested.

Children's Worship Starts October 1st

Karen Raese

On the first Sunday of each month, children in grades 1-6 will meet together in the north wing classrooms for Children's Worship. It is a time for the children to be together in a slightly different setting. The word worship comes from the same root as the word worth. It means "to honor what we believe has worth and meaning." Our focus this year will be to continue with the children's weaving project. This project, Weaving our Lives Together, Telling our Stories, ties in nicely with Sunday Service's theme, Journeys. We hope to learn about each other's journeys and explore our own through a variety of experiences. On October 1 part of our worship will be to explore the BUUF grounds with Mary Schwartzman and learn the incredible story of the Mother Tree.

Religious Exploration/Education Checklist

It is October and the Children's Religious Exploration /Education program is off to a great start. We love having your children here at BUUF. Here is what we need from each family participating in children's RE so that we may continue this success.

• Registration form completed this fall for all children (including nursery) and youth. Orange RE registration forms are available from the information rack in the north vestibule.
• Sign up to be an adult or parent helper in the elementary age classes. Our Safe Congregations policy requires that two adults be present in each classroom each week. Sometimes this can be accomplished by the guides (or teachers) who prepare and facilitate the weekly lessons. Often, however, our guides need an extra adult, or two, to assist with the lesson and related experiences. The preschool and kindergarten class always needs a designated helper. These helpers fill supporting roles—attendance, snack distribution, glue and tape dispensing, supervising a small group activity, cleaning up and so on. Please sign up on the sheets outside each classroom and be prepared to say "yes" when the RE committee member calls to ask your assistance.
• Volunteer to stay and assist in the nursery if the nursery care provider has more than 5 or 6 children. This will help assure the best possible experience for all.

Dia de los Muertos—Day of the Dead

Cathy Carmen

Back by popular demand, the RE Committee with the able assistance of the Pastoral Care team is hosting a Dia de los Muertos fiesta for the whole family on Sat., Nov. 4, from 4—7:30 p.m. in our own Fellowship Hall.

Day of the Dead is a beloved Mexican holiday that is celebrated on Nov.1 and 2. At this time it's believed the spirits of the dead return to the world of the living to enjoy for a few hours all the joys and comforts they left behind. In order to welcome spirits, the living family members prepare home altars (ofrendas) adorned with flowers, candles, favorite foods and mementos of their life here on earth. In Mexico some families go directly to the cemetery where they clean the gravesite and bring flowers, candles and food to celebrate their dearly departeds' return.

The nineteenth century artist, Jose Guadalupe Posada used his woodcuts to poke fun at Mexican society by depicting people as skeletons. Over time these inspired modern day artists in honoring famous artists, writers and public figures that died. In many depictions of the holiday today skeletons play a part. This humorous bent lends an air of fun and allows a community to laugh at a very serious topic, while providing a way for people to honor the memories of their deceased loved ones.

Come join us, the first Saturday in November. Attendees may bring something—a photo, memento or trinket that reminds them of someone or thing dear. There will be opportunities for altars and other commemorative crafts to be made. We also ask you bring a favorite food(s) of the dearly departed to share with others at a potluck.

Mészkõ Partner Church News

Cynthia Alleman

By the time you read this, we hope that you are having fond memories of the great time and good food that you enjoyed at Fesztival. Wasn't it a grand Fesztival?

A portion of the money raised from Fesztival goes to our sister church in Mészkõ, Transylvania. Along with our contributions, they also are having fundraisers to help finance projects in the village. And projects are happening! A heritage foundation has been established with BUUF's help and they are beginning to restore historical buildings and monuments. The statue of Frances Balaz is being refurbished. The parsonage, where the new minister, Robert Balint lives with his family is also being renovated. Currently they are redoing the foundation of the parsonage. We are working to get photos of the restorations on the website so you can see this work. Stay tuned!

Moving from the past to the modern, we have communication with our village now as never before because Robert has email with his cell phone. We have weekly contact with him. Mészkõ seems a little closer this way.

Meetings are planned for the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30p in the BUUF library. You are welcome!

BUUF comes face to face with "An Inconvenient Truth"!

by Wanda Jennings

On Monday, October 9, at 7 pm, we will join over 4000 congregations of all faiths in screening the movie "An Inconvenient Truth," narrated by Al Gore. This movie is a remarkable overview of climate change, its likely causes and consequences, and the challenges it poses to our world and our way of life. After viewing the film, we will conduct an in-depth examination and discussion of climate change, using a resource guide that accompanies the film.

This will be the first meeting of an Adult RE study circle, with three more meetings on the remaining Tuesday evenings in October. We will use other available materials and will consider what action we can take as individuals, as a congregation, a community, and a nation to reduce our impact on the earth's atmosphere. If there is sufficient interest, we can move toward turning BUUF into a UUA Green Sanctuary, and we might conduct a Sunday worship service in the spring based upon insights gained and acitons taken. The Adult RE registration fee for this study circle is $10.

We are also planning a second showing of "An Inconvenient Truth," open to all, following the service and potluck on November 5, or on a date to be determined in October, depending on availability of the film. For additonal information, contact Bryan or Wanda Jennings, 362-7563, , or see us at church this Sunday.

Share Your Spiritual Journey

Sunday Services Committee

Many people enjoyed the member profiles given during the stewardship campaign. In fact, the positive feedback helped Sunday Services decide upon the theme "Our Journeys" for the 2006-2007 fellowship year. The theme will focus on the idea of spiritual journeys that lead to Unitarian Universalism. The committee is looking for volunteers who would be willing to share their spiritual journey with the congregation. Starting in October, the second Sunday service of each month will have 3 -5 minutes available for a volunteer who wishes to share their journey. Please contact Gail Haldeman ( ) or Desiree Swain ( ) if you would be willing to volunteer.

Breakthrough Congregations/Video Stories

The Unitarian Universalist Association Growth Team chose four breakthrough congregations in 2005 which overcame obstacles that had prevented them from growing either in numbers or in spirit. Share the stories about congregations who are enjoying success and reaching their goals. Some of you were inspired by watching these stories in a series this summer.

The DVD is available for checkout in our library.

Treasurer Notes, BUUF Reaches Out to the Local Community

Jim Geddings, Treasurer

Welcome! This is the beginning of what I hope to be at least a semi-regular Treasurer's column, designed to inform the congregation of relevant ongoing financial information. Stay tuned and you will find out how generous we were with our Sunday Social Outreach donations last fiscal year, how our collections of capital and operating pledges are coming along, how much we have paid down the mortgage of our new building wings and other information that might be important to the Fellowship as a whole.

This month I would like to pat all of you on the back for the tremendous generosity that you exhibited during the Social Outreach collections that started back in November of last year! This is truly putting that famous UU spirit to work in our local community. Your donations were forwarded to worthy local organizations:

Corpus Christi House - $976.00 (November)
Garden City Soup Kitchen - $1,057.40 (December)
Families First - $595.44 (January)
Interfaith Alliance - $625.44 (January)
Black History Museum - $700.30 (February)
Idaho Woman's League - $802.00 (March)
Habitat for Humanity - $783.49 (April)
Habitat for Humanity - $287.88 (May)
Habitat for Humanity - $341.50 (June)

In total our Fellowship contributed $6,169.46 last fiscal year to local charitable organizations. Way to go BUUF! Even though we gave generously to local organizations, we did not lose sight of the ongoing needs of our own home. During the last fiscal year our Sunday plate collections barely dipped. Our 2005-2006 budget projected $8,000.00 in plate collections during the upcoming year. Even after donating over $6,000 BUUF still received $7,835.73 in plate collections during the year or 97.95% of the projected budget for the year. Double Congrats for us!

See you next month with information concerning our annual financial statements for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. I'll give you some of the key results from our pledge collection and fundraising efforts.

Caring Corner

The Pastoral Care Team

The UU's have returned and we are all enjoying seeing old friends and re-establishing the connections lost over the busy summers. The Pastoral Care Team is working on our annual Life Skills Training and building new connections to carry us through the new year.

On Saturday, October 28 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. we open our circle and share our food with new people interested in learning more about caring for themselves and others. People interested in joining the Pastoral Care Team as well as those just interested in learning new skills are welcome. We meet at the Fellowship and appreciate your letting us know your coming by signing up either with a Pastoral Care Team member or on the sign up sheet in the northern vestibule information center.

We hope you can join us. Even if you can't, remember that Pastoral Care is there to help.

Church Women United World Community Day

"Signs of Healing" How do we achieve peace? Friday, Nov. 3, 2006 10:00 AM Refreshments 10:30 Program. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2920 Cassia, Boise. Fellowship Hall

All are welcome!

Friendship Dinner!

by Wanda Jennings

It's time for a Friendship Dinner! Come join your BUUF friends for an intimate dinner in someone's home on Saturday, October 21st. It is a great way to get to know people better. Sign up on the clipboard and someone will call you to bring a dish and enjoy lively conversation. Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

Garden City Community School

Cathy Carmen

In August the BUUF Board was asked to consider renting our RE classrooms and fellowship hall to the Garden City Community School. They planned to open their doors for September classes, but were faced with permit and construction delays on their 44th St. site. They were looking for a temporary space to begin classes. The Board in consultation with BUUF staff approved their request for September. I was hired as a site coordinator and liaison between the BUUF and the school to ensure the venture's success.

Early in September, members of their Executive Board approached BUUF about their need to renegotiate the original terms of their lease agreement. They said the cost of moving to their own property was rapidly rising as they worked with theconstruction industry's own inherent challenges. They were at a crossroads; in order for them to proceed, they needed more time and money. They wished to renegotiate both a longer stay in our building, at a reduced rental rate. After a flurry of meetings and number crunching to see exactly what this grand experiment has cost and benefited us thus far, the Board approved an extension of the lease at a fair-market price. As this newsletter goes to press, the final results are not yet in. However, it appears that the Garden City Community School will continue to share our beloved space until Nov. 30th. After much spirited discussion, the Board reserved the right to revisit this decision for review/discussion.

Let's make sure that as this situation continues to evolve we're communicating with one another. Any/all questions or concerns about the school can be directed to me, Cathy Carmen, or any of our Board members.

For those interested in the school, please check their website at gardencityschool.org. Briefly, they are Garden City's only public, charter school with 97 students and 15 staff in grades K - 8. They characterize their educational philosophy as "learner-centered, freedom with responsibility and community-based."

Lunch Bunch

by Nuralima

The Lunch Bunch will meet for lunch after the 11 am service at 12:45 pm in the lobby of Shari's Restaurant on Chinden Blvd on 10/08 and 10/22. Please join us for food and conversation!

Return of Really Creepy Night at the Movies!

Sunday, October 29, 7:09 PM, at BUUF

Yes, we had many requests following last year's showing of "Manos" - the Hands of Fate, but we've decided to show it again anyway! For those who came in late, a group of almost-talented amateur actors and moviemakers, including Bryan Jennings' father, shot a movie in the desert outside El Paso in summer, 1966. This film was released to theaters and quickly sank into well-deserved oblivion, until 1993, when the cable TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000 unearthed a copy and ran it on national TV! As a slap in the face of good taste, it became the most-requested show ever ran.

Multiple (at least two) knowledgeable media sources have labeled it "The Worst Movie Ever Made." Nonetheless, it was released on VHS and DVD and was recently produced on the stage by an amateur theater group in Portland, Oregon. Really. And now you, too, can cringe at what amateurs with an inflated sense of their own abilities hath wrought!

"Manos" (the quotation marks are in the title) will be shown in its original, uncut version at BUUF on the Sunday before Halloween. 1966 prices remain in effect: a requested donation of $1.50 for adults, $.75 for children under 12, all proceeds to help BUUF offset the cost of hosting this ugly spectacle. Free popcorn and cheap soft drinks will be served, and really tacky costumes are optional. Be there, or be square! No one will be admitted during the final fifteen minutes!

Powerful, Non-Defensive Communication Workshop

Enroll now for a fabulous communications workshop at BUUF! It's on Sunday October 22, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is led by author, award-winning speaker and communications consultant Sharon Strand Ellison. Preceded by an informal luncheon. $25 for BUUF members/friends, $35 general public. Sign up at the Adult RE table in the rear of the sanctuary (where you'll find information on a wide range of other excellent classes and workshops.) For even more information, contact Mike Philley at 378-1714.

Humanist Group News

by Larry Standley

At the monthly meeting of the BUUF Humanists, Sun., October 8, Larry Standley will make a presentation entitled "Things you can think-what kind of real are they?" The topic is ostensibly 'philosophical idealism' and its many troubling consequences for humanity-and for each one of us personally, but a promise is made to those who attend that there will be no dry and boring rehash of introductory college philosophy. In postmodern life, the philosophy that was metaphysics, epistemology, logic and axiology is swept away as invalid. But muddled thinking (and feeling) remains as a major human problem. A stimulating mental and psychological discussion is anticipated.

The group meets on the second Sunday of every month in the Francis Balasz Room (Senior High Room) at 9:00 AM. Visitors and newcomers are especially welcome.

Outreach Dollars Go to "Idaho Votes No"

Wanda Jennings

The campaign to defeat the Idaho anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment (HR2) is now in full swing. In October BUUF will donate 25% of the plate offerings (that are not pledges) to the Idaho Votes No Campaign. Mark your checks "Outreach" and 100% goes to the Campaign. Thanks for helping BUUF help Idaho!

Book Club News

The Other Book Club

Nervous Conditions
Sorry if that describes any aspect of your life, but it's also the title of the work BUUF's Other Book Club will discuss at 7 p.m. Sunday, October 8. If you'd like to read the book and come to the discussion, the author is Tsitsi Dengarembga, and the meeting is at Phyl Hower's house, 3277 N. Dove Pl. (off Ustick) All planning to attend--RSVP: 321-1439.

Poinsettia with a Purpose Sale

Harriet Shaklee

Take the opportunity to order your winter poinsettias from BUUF this year. Our poinsettias are high quality, beautiful plants from Edwards Greenhouses. They'll brighten your home for the winter holidays, or make great gifts for others.

Flower colors include Red, White, Jingle Bells (Red and white mixed), Monet (Rose colored), and Burgundy. Plants come in sizes of 6" ($12), double ($24) and quad ($48). Order forms can be found in the vestibules at BUUF, or you can make your own form, specifying quantity, size, color and price for each type of poinsettia you would like. Submit your order and payment by mail, or leave it in the marked boxes in the vestibules at BUUF. All orders need to be received with payment by October 29 so we can submit our order to Edwards Greenhouse in time.

Flowers are delivered in early December, and can be picked up after the Deck the Halls service (December 3) or thereafter.

All proceeds from the poinsettia sale support BUUF's operating budget. Questions? Ask Harriet at 371-3634, or . See the order form in this newsletter.

Senior Sages News

Join a terrific group of Unitarians and other mostly-liberal thinkers as they gather two Thursday mornings each month to talk about important (and sometimes less important) matters over a casual breakfast. Usually there's a speaker with an engaging presentation. The sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. in the banquet room of the Kopper Kitchen on Airport Way, and newcomers are always welcome.

Thursday, Oct 12: Guest speaker is Henry Krewer of Corpus Christi House, a Catholic Worker charity providing services to the homeless in Boise.

Thursday, Oct. 26: Yasmin Aguilar of the Agency for New Americans describes that organization's efforts to help refugees adjust to life in the Treasure Valley.

Spiritual Cinema Group

Nuralima

The Spiritual Cinema Groups meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7 pm in the Junior High room, to watch and discuss inspiring, thought provoking, and educational movies and documentaries. All are welcome. A donation of $2 for the church is requested for each session or $10 for the fall program.

10/03 The Hired Heart This light comedy is about a woman in the midst of getting on with her life two years after the death of her husband.

10/17 Four short films;
The Tea Cup This cinematic haiku tells the story of the life, death, and rebirth of a teacup.

Gabriel This short film asks the questions "where do we go when we die?" from the perspective of a child whose ant dies.

Passengers A subway car in New York, where no one will look anyone else in the eye, is the last place on earth you'd expect a connection to take place between people, but miracles happen.

Celamy The child, Nelly, has an imaginary friend who leads her through tough moments with priceless advice and encouragement.

11/07 Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity A young girl resorts to ancient Chinese magic to bring love into her mother's life. Watch the magic unfold in this sweet, romantic comedy.

11/21 Visioning Tibet This inspiring documentary follows Dr. Marc Lieberman as he journeys to Tibet healing remote country people of cataract blindness.

When the Spirit Says Sing

Tom von Alten

Once upon a time, when your inner child and your outer child were one, when the spirit said "sing," you went ahead and sang. For most of us, that was a long time ago. But opportunity still beckons! Bring your inner child to choir rehearsal on Wednesday evenings, 7:15 at the Fellowship, and reconnect with your lost chords.

We are open to beginners, experienced choristors and operatic baritones. We enjoy each other's company as we learn to share our voices in harmony, and sing for one Sunday (usually the first) each month, and some special occasions. We have fun doing it! Join us, or contact our choir director (Carrie Bastian, 283-4152, ) or music committee chair (Tom von Alten, 378-1217, ) if you need a little more persuasion or information.

Spend New Year's Eve with Northwest UUs

Julie Fanselow

What better way to spend New Year's Eve than by reflecting and celebrating with your fellow UUs? Make plans to attend "Winter Eliot," a five-day UU family camp Dec. 28, 2006, through Jan. 1, 2007, at Seabeck, Washington.

Eliot is a retreat from the busyness of the holidays in a warm and cozy, friendly atmosphere. Winter traditions include music and signing, letting go of "old" stuff in a boat burning on the lagoon, and an intergenerational dance followed by a Midnight Feast. There's plenty of time for naps, quiet and rest too, as well as presentations by Dr. Patrick O'Neill, who will speak on "After Walden: Reasonable Ethics in an Intolerant Age."

Seabeck Conference Center is located amid tall cedar and fir trees on the shores of the Hood Canal, at the foot of the Olympic Mountains. Meals are served family style. More information and registration forms are available at www.eliotinstitute.org, by calling (206) 374-2497, or by emailing .

Have You Joined a Chalice Circle Yet?

Elizabeth praised them and encouraged you to join one. Several people gave personal testimonials during congregational commentary. If you are looking for a chance to become more involved with BUUF and to get to know a small group of people better, a Chalice Circle is for you.

Sign up on a clipboard or call the facilitator. More groups are forming all the time. All it takes is someone to facilitate and a group can take off! If the groups here don't meet your needs, put your name and phone number on the clipboard and someone will contact you as soon as more groups are available.