EverGreene
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
On December 19, we got a good start on the new year!
As you may have heard by now, our dynamic and thriving congregation is facing a pretty big financial problem for next year and for several years thereafter. The most apparent issue is a new $24,000 going into the operating budget, previously covered by pledges from the five-year-ago capital campaign. Yikes! Plus, we will have extra expenses associated with benefits offered to our new Director of Religious Education. Not to mention that I will be on sabbatical from mid-January, 2008 until August of that year.
So, on Saturday, December 19, about 35 extremely stalwart BUUFers (including one brand-new person) met to brainstorm two things: 1) how to help all of us become a congregation of generous givers, in all ways, and 2) how to meet this current financial challenge.
Lots of good ideas emerged—you can help!
—Will you consider serving on our vastly-understaffed Stewardship Committee? Call Wanda Jennings, Board chair!! 362-7563.
—If you have been contributing to the capital campaign, your obligation ends at the end of June, 2007. Some of us, when we are canvassed this year, are going to take half of that annual pledge and add it to our operating pledge for '07-'08. Think about it!
—Help us find a Volunteer Coordinator (a volunteer position, itself, for the time being), so we can get EVERYBODY involved the activities of our lively Fellowship. Call Janet Wyke, 939-3853; Christine Hanzlik, 880-0894; or Maggie Reid, 794-0985.
Wanda's Wonderings
Wanda Jennings, Board President
I hope you were able to enjoy some of the many wonderfully moving services and experiences at BUUF in December in which we shared light, deep thoughts, emotions, inspirations and joys. My heart is warmed by being with my wonderful BUUF friends. Thank you!
BUUF's Board and Stewardship Committee are working to Create A Congregation of More Generous People. We need your help in making this concept alive at BUUF. Please consider joining the Stewardship Committee to make this a reality. Come to BUUF on January 8 at 7:00 pm to find out how you can help.
"Racism? Classism? Who, us?" At the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) General Assembly in St. Louis last summer I agreed that our congregation along with many other congregations would do something this year to address the issue of anti-racism/anti-classism. Come to BUUF on January 14 for our service entitled "Racism? Classism? Who, us?" Let's make a difference by learning more and getting involved.
Have you been wondering how you could hold an honored place on the Board at BUUF? Do you know someone who would be a good Board member? The Nominating Committee, headed by Jeannette Ross, is ready to receive your suggestions for this highest honor for a lay person in our church.
And speaking of honors. Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is honored by the Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) as the chosen place for this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM). You will be inspired, educated, entertained and enlightened by the many activities of this fun-filled weekend. Everyone should attend an AGM and this is your best chance because it is right here in Boise, at the Grove Hotel on February 16 - 18. Carrie Bastian, our own music director, will be directing the District choir, the UUA President, Bill Sinkford will be the keynote speaker, and our Partner Church Committee will present a one-woman play about our partner church in Romania. Sign up now. You'll be glad you did!
BUUF Leaders Take the Lead
Thanks to 37 dedicated BUUF Leaders who gathered on a recent Saturday morning to creatively address budgetary needs. In the process we identified several needs of the church and planned ways to solve them. I am proud of how BUUF's Leaders took ownership of the needs, offered solutions and agreed to help find solutions to the following:
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I hope you will join us in this ministry of the church. We are here to minister to and serve each other.
Watch for news of the progress toward making BUUF a better place in all of these areas. If you would like to get involved with any of these projects contact Wanda Jennings or Betsy Dunklin.
enThralled with RE
Jennifer Thrall-Thomas
As the BUUF prepares to embark on a search to find a new director of religious education, many of us in the religious education/exploration program are reflecting on the important elements of the religious exploration/education program. We all agree that a successful RE program is only possible with a committed staff of volunteer teachers who meet, greet, and guide our children every Sunday. They are the backbone of the program.
We have been fortunate at BUUF to have been blessed with three years of consistent RE teacher/guide teaching teams who have committed to an entire year of service to our children and the RE program. This year will not be any different. Once again we will have teacher/guide consistency in our classrooms for the entire program year.
Traditionally, we honor the guides/teachers at an end of the year with a brunch (which we will still do on May 20). Additionally, we will hold up the importance of guiding our children at a service around the time of the semester break.
By the power invested in me as DRE, I am officially declaring February 11, RE Teacher Appreciation Day! Please mark your calendars and make a point of attending Sunday services and be sure to show your appreciation to the wonderful people who guide your children every Sunday at BUUF. AND, help your children to make a card or picture for each of the teachers who have worked with them this year and present it to them on February 11.
As we prepare for the new DRE, we want to do our best to continue supporting our guides/teachers and insure strong volunteer support. Saying "thank you" goes a long way in making this consistency repeat.
Boston Bounders present:
A Taste of New England
Julie Fanselow
After a holiday season full of cooking and cleaning, why not treat yourself to a night out and help our junior high youth, too?
The Boston Bounders will present A Taste of New England on Saturday, January 13. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for mingling and a silent auction, and dinner will be served at 6:30.
You'll enjoy a dinner of updated traditional New England delicacies including creamed turkey and biscuits, Johnny cakes, Indian pudding, and more, prepared by guest chef Sharon Barlow Palm and the Boston Bounder families. Beer and wine will be available by donation.
There also will be an opportunity to bid on some cool Boston-themed items. (Psssst ... if you have any items to donate—Boston sports or college team gear, Boston-related books or CDs, etc—please contact Julie Fanselow at juliewrites@yahoo.com as soon as possible!) All proceeds will benefit the junior high 2007 trip to Boston.
Tickets are just $10 per person and will be available January 7 at church and at the door. You can also reserve tickets by emailing Julie or calling her at 859-9006. Seating is limited, so get your tickets early!
Coming of Age Kids Learn Generosity
Did you hear what's happening in the Coming of Age class? Some very generous anonymous person donated $100 to each Coming of Age kid, asking them to GIVE IT AWAY! Not only give it away, but make it grow first and then give it away! You should have heard all of the wonderful ideas our generous young people had for making the money grow and for giving it to help others. Perhaps you have heard as you've been asked to art sales, to donate to a child with cancer, to help Hurricane Katrina victims in Boise, to give to music scholarships, to donate to money trees going to the Idaho Food Bank, The Women and Children's Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Thanks for your generosity in helping these students learn what it means to help others. You'll get a full report next month. Prepare to be amazed.
Help us Clean Up our RE classrooms!
Mark your calendars for January 13 at 9:00 am for the all church clean up to get us all gussied up for the rest of the program year and make us sparkly and bright for the visitors from around the Pacific Northwest district annual meeting in February. Please arrive at 9:00 am and help us get the job done!
Snacks for Religious Education
From time to time we ask the congregation to bring in snacks to use in the Religious Education, RE, program. It is that time again. We are in need of items appropriate for class snack. Please be aware, however, that we cannot accept snack items with peanuts, peanut butter or other nuts. We have an increasing number of children and youth that are seriously allergic to these items. While parents and RE guides work together to make sure these children get appropriate snacks, we ask your assistance. Some snack items that work well include goldfish, graham, animal or ritz-type crackers, raisins, fruit leather or pretzels. The snack donation hamper basket will be back in its regular place in the north wing near the preschool/kindergarten room. Thanks for your support.
The Search for a Director of Religious Education (DRE) is On!
Cathy Carmen
Sad, but true... our current Director of Religious Exploration, Jennifer Thomas, will be leaving in the spring. The search for a new DRE is underway and the committee wants to ensure everyone is updated and included in the process. The following are some of the things guiding this important task:
Our denomination, The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has published a document that is very helpful. The Search for Religious Education Leadership—Best Practices for UU Congregations outlines the process, giving us benchmarks as we move along. One major decision we've made is to advertise for a fulltime (40 FTE) DRE. Currently Jennifer, plus her very able assistant, Karen Raese, work 37 hours/week to run the RE Program which includes youth infant—18 years. What we will do is consolidate their hours into one position, adding 3 hours. Why full-time? There is a document entitled Recommend Religious Education Staffing Ratios compiled by UUA folks who specifically work with Lifespan Education and RE Credentialing, who recommend a growing congregation such as ours, one full-time program person be employed for every 100 active members enrolled. The last two program years we have had 100+ children enrolled in RE, with the current numbers being 121! That's truly amazing for a Fellowship with just under 250 adult members! Our program offerings both on Sunday morning and throughout the week/month to older youth are thriving. Over the past seven years we really have "grown up" and need someone full-time to guide it to new heights!
If you wish to know more about the DRE Search committee, please contact one of us! Our members include: Roger Sherman, Wendy Kirkpatrick, Analisa Lawler, Becky Groff, Erin Logan, Val Duffy, Mark Zimmerer and Cathy Carmen. Check out the UUA website for more links to RE related information.
Garden City Community School at BUUF...the Grand Experiment
Cathy Carmen
As this newsletter goes to press, The Garden City Community School (GCCS) which has been renting our building since September, is packing up to move. They originally approached us to rent temporary space when it became apparent their own rented property and buildings would not be ready for school's start. Well, those original two weeks quickly became two months and then stretched into three. In the process we learned many, many things! For instance we quickly learned what sharing space looks, feels and even sounds like—especially for our beloved office staff during their work week. We also learned how to be good neighbors. The Marketing Committee and our Board will be kept busy analyzing this experience—including the feasibility of renting to community groups of this magnitude/nature again. For now, The GCCS students and staff will be relocating to a larger facility located across Chinden Blvd. We wish them well and a heart-felt thank you for participating in this grand experiment.
Mészkõ Partner Church News
Cynthia Alleman
Thank you for your generosity for the December outreach offering that went to Mészkõ. We would like to share the latest email that we received from Robert Balint, the Mészkõ minister.
Dear friends,
I was quite silent in the last weeks, but by the time I get home I do not feel like surfing on the internet. So excuse me for not giving any sign of living, though I have good news.
But let's start with the first one: it is warm in the house! The installation for the central heating is ready and working since Tuesday. The water installation system (pipes and so on) is 8o % ready. This weekend we are going to paint the dormitory and the living room. In some days the kitchen and bathroom will be ready too. So hopefully we can move in, in two weeks. We are really awaiting that moment.
We had our second youth church service this Sunday. Some theological students were coming. The youths also cleaned the community room for the Sunday services. They were working for two days. Tuesday we had Santa in our village. Eci, the daughter of the treasurer was Santa. We visited all the children under 12. They were so amazed. We were having lots of fun. I am so satisfied by the activity of our youths. I can tell you that they are the soul of the congregation.
With warm friendship,
Robert
Travel plans are firming up for pilgrims to travel to Transylvania July 1 to July 12. We will be meeting in January to plan the itinerary. You are welcome to join us! Contact Cynthia Alleman or any member of the Partner Church Committee. The Partner Church Committee's next meeting is January 9 at 4:30 pm in the library.
Friendship Dinner!
It's Suppertime! Come join your BUUF friends for an intimate dinner in someone's home on Saturday, January 20. 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 .
UUs Flocking to Boise
Tom von Alten
Every year, hundreds of the most active, interesting, and committed Unitarian Universalists from across the Pacific Northwest gather for the annual meeting of our district of the Unitarian Universalist Association. With our population centers west of the Cascades, and the scheduling on President's Day weekend, the transportation hurdle for Boise folks can be a bit daunting.
This year, the travel distance for us is just a trip downtown: to the Grove Hotel, where an intense weekend starts Friday night, February 16, carries on all the next day with 20 workshops, 3 special events and a banquet, and did I mention that UUA President Bill Sinkford is our keynote speaker on Saturday?! Sue Philley and many helpers are providing a full program for children and youth over the course of the weekend as well.
If you have yet to participate in the wider community of UUs in our region, this is the finest opportunity you'll have to experience first-hand the depth and breadth of knowledge, compassion and commitment of our movement in this corner of the world.
Those of you on the UUA/PNWD mailing list received a 12-page brochure late last month with complete meeting details and a registration form; if you're not on the list, we have more copies at the Fellowship, and you can also find the latest conference information and registration on the PNWD website, pnwd.org (News & Events, Annual Meeting). The early registration deadline is January 13; do it today!
The PNWD Annual General Meeting, in Boise, February 16—18: don't miss this event.
Visit the PNWD website for more information and to register on line. Registration packets will be also available in the Book Nook during Sunday Services.
Whittier Grade School Needs
Rick Groff
I was visiting with Nurse Ade Monterastelli at Whittier a few weeks ago. We were talking about the children who attend Whittier and their needs. She said that she particularly needs underwear for girls sizes 3-6 and socks for boys and girls sizes 8-15.
If you would like to donate these or other clothes to Whittier, put them in the box located in the Narthex on the north side of the building and I will see that they get to Whittier Elementary.
Interfaith Sanctuary Needs—Please Help
Mary Knodell
The Interfaith Sanctuary is located near downtown Boise in the old Carnegie library building until the end of December when current funds run out. It takes about $4,000 a month to keep the shelter open and the hope is to run it until March when the weather warms a little.
Checks (memo line, Interfaith Sanctuary) are tax deductible and should be mailed to:
The Interfaith Alliance
PO Box 15893
Boise, Idaho 83715
Material gifts of socks are in greatest need. The men's feet are inspected to see whose are in the worst shape for donations.
Men's and women's underwear is another priority. Large jackets are needed (they have a surplus of small).
Flash lights are needed to see the way to the bathroom and not disturb others.
Showers are taken during the day at Catholic Corpus Christi House.
Break room could use instant coffee, tea and cocoa.
Volunteer monitors are needed each night. They are trained and the homeless men and women screened with log books of homeless known in area. Pam Nagel and I were told the regulars are very nice.
Children are no longer housed in the sanctuary because of possible danger to them so youngsters clothing no longer needed at the shelter.
The shelter is located in the old Carnegie library near downtown on Washington between 8th and 9th Streets. The entrance is on the west side of the building on 9th. Drop off donations about 7:00 pm when doors are open.
Genesis World Mission
Rick Groff
Genesis World Mission was chosen to receive the congregation's January outreach offering. Genesis World Mission sponsors the Garden City Clinic. This clinic was located in Garden City specifically because the area is federally designated as a medically underserved area. Volunteer professionals provide free medical and dental care at the clinic, which is located at 215 W. 35 Street in Garden City. The regularly scheduled clinics on Tuesday and Thursday offer health care for chronic and acute health care problems. Referrals are made to medical specialists who provide services without charge. Specialty clinics for dermatology, psychiatry, physical therapy and gynecology are offered periodically. A social worker is available for assistance and dental services are provided Friday mornings.
Qualifying patients include individuals working without insurance coverage and single parent families without insurance, those with seasonal or low-paying jobs, people with part-time jobs, unemployed individuals, and people attempting to become self-sufficient while leaving public assistance.
The Garden City Clinic offers qualifying patients over-the-counter medications, wound care supplies, general medical supplies, and durable medical goods and supplies such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches.
Creating Congregations of Generous People
That is the name of a great book by Michael Durall. The Board would like to create such a congregation at BUUF. Not that you are not already generous, but the ideas in this book will help us to see how we can create a culture of generosity at BUUF. We have ordered several copies of the book. It is an easy read so please check it out from the library and return it so others can check it out. Once you've read it, come with us on Monday, January 22 to discuss how make the magic happen here. We'll meet at 7:00 at Boise UU Fellowship.
Humanists Want to Know..
What would you like to know about humanism. We will be gathering the most provocative questions and a variety of answers at our next meeting, 9am January 14 in the senior high room. What do secular humanists say? Other UUs? Libertarians and Objectivists? Tim LaHaye? Garrison Keilor? You can toss your own questions on the table or join us.
Contact Jeanette Ross or 378-1217 for more information.
Respect for Earth Gives Birth to Green Sanctuary Program
Warren Bean
Unitarian-Universalism recognizes that each living person has an impact, for better or worse, on the world and must be accountable for the consequences of such. The UU Association has responded by creating the Green Sanctuary Program, which provides a framework for each congregation to learn about and to improve the environmental health of its church facilities and locale. The inspiration for this program is in the UU Seventh Principle, "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part."
Several members of our congregation have formed a Green Sanctuary Committee to work toward BUUF's living more fully in harmony with the earth, a program that encompasses all areas of sustainable living. The Committee will be providing progress reports to the congregation throughout the months to come. Please look for these in future issues of the newsletter, and be prepared to join us with your support and assistance where possible.
Breakthrough Congregations/Video Stories
Wanda Jennings
The Unitarian Universalist Association Growth Team chose 4 Breakthrough Congregations in 2006 that 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. We will view and discuss one story on each of the following Sundays from 12:30-1:00 in the Junior High room: January 14, 21, 28 and February 11. Come join us!
Chili and Cornbread Aficionado Alert! The Cook Off is Coming
The famous (and sometimes flaming) BUUF Chili/Cornbread Cook Off will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2007. Sample and vote between 5:30 and 7:00 pm, then join in adult and children's games from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Adults, $5; children 10 and up, $2; families, $10; children under 10, free. Kid-friendly chili and snacks will be available, along with desserts. Donations will be accepted for desserts and for beverages including wine and beer provided by the parents of the Jr. High Boston Bounders to support the youths' upcoming trip. Bring your appetites, and share in great food and fellowship.
Enter your traditional, family, secret, or innovative chili or cornbread in the contest. Both vegetarian and meat chili welcome, along with every conceivable kind of cornbread. Entry forms are available in the West BUUF vestibule (see wall display for signup board) through January 14. Watch for ticket sales at table in vestibule beginning December 10.
Ministerial Lunches
from the Committee on Ministry
Feel like it's very hard to ever get a chance to chat with our always-busy minister, Elizabeth Greene? It is!
To help solve this problem, the Committee on Ministry and Elizabeth have resurrected Ministerial Lunches. On a Tuesday on the westish side of town and a Wednesday on the eastish side, Elizabeth and a Committee on Ministry member will be available for a no-host lunch and conversation about whatever is on anyone's mind. We meet from 11:30-1:00, and you may drop in any time. Here's the schedule for January:
Wednesday, January 10, Washington Group Plaza cafeteria, on Park Blvd (extension of inbound Connector) near Broadway, enter through doors closest to the fountain.
Tuesday, January 16, International Chinese Restaurant, corner of Glenwood and Chinden.
Please drop in, for casual chat or for discussion of Serious Questions on Your Mind. Y'all come!
Strike the Harp, Join the Chorus
Tom von Alten
What's the best to time to join the BUUF choir? At our next rehearsal, of course. We'll start the new year on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 7:15 pm at the Fellowship, with music for February (and for the Annual General Meeting choir, which we'll be a part of). Here's a multiplier for your effort and joy: the best pick-up choir in the Pacific Northwest District, and you can be in it! Newcomers and old comers are warmly welcomed; you bring your voice and we'll share our enthusiasm.
Contact our Choir Director, Carrie Bastian, at 283-4152 or or Music Committee chairman Tom von Alten at 378-1217 or for more information.
Elevator Speeches
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—Wanda Jennings
Breathing together as a
community of like-minded,
loving friends we support each
other on our many individual
paths to the holy. We believe
that all are worthy parts of the
interconnected web, so we care
for the justice and dignity of all
creatures.
Wanda's Chalice
Our
Chalice
leads us
toward
its light,
a beacon
to those who seek
warmth, love and knowledge.
Share your light with others.
May there always be light.
The Great Turning adult RE class begins February 7!
Adult Education Committee
Following David C. Korten's The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community presentation and book signing at BUUF on Friday, January 19, the adult education program will feature a 5-week discussion class beginning Wednesday, February 7. If you are interested in joining the class, you can purchase the book at the January 19 event, or afterward at BUUF's Book Nook. To sign up for the class and for more information contact Mike Philley at 378-1714 or
Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World Order
Richard Tarnas, philosopher, cultural historian, and internationally acclaimed author of The Passion of the Western Mind will discuss his new book, Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World Order.
The controversial work challenges our understanding of history at its very foundations, suggesting a synchronistic connection between the structure of the world and the psyche that pervades it. He suggests a fresh way of understanding the cosmos, history, and our dynamic place in both of them.
Four intimate salons (maximum attendance is 30 at each salon) will occur Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2 and April 6, 7-9pm, at BUUF. The salons will be devoted to:
- The Passion of the Western Mind
- Synchronicity
- Cosmos and Psyche I
- Cosmos and Psyche II
Each salon will include a presentation and discussion with ample time for questions and sharing of points of view. Wine and cheese will be provided. Call Gerry Morris at 658-1710 to reserve your place; reservation is required. Cost is $5 per salon, or $15 for all four.
The Conference will be held on Friday, April 27, 7—9pm, and Saturday, April 28, 9am—noon & 1:30—4:30pm. The Friday evening session will lay the foundations of Tarnas' work and views through a presentation and question and answer period, followed by a book signing.
The Saturday session will deal with main ideas in Cosmos and Psyche, inviting participants to look at history in a new and challenging light.
COST: Friday night session: $10 pre-registered, $15 at the door. Full workshop (Friday evening and Saturday) is $40 pre-registered, $50 at the door.
For more information: www.psychessalon.com
Stewardship Lives!
Stewardship is alive and well at BUUF! Our coming fiscal year will see a sizeable increase in operating expenses as our mortgage payments shift from the capital fund (which ends) to operating. A meeting was called to address our need to raise more in pledges than the previous couple of years. 36 people showed up for a Saturday morning session at the busiest time of the year—with enthusiasm, yet! I left that meeting more inspired and committed than ever to doing whatever I can to serve and steward this community of great people.
A special note of thanks: Gwyn Reid, who served as vice-chair of this committee last year, and chair this year, has had to resign from the committee for health reasons. All of us are grateful for her long hours, humor, and good sense. We wish her a speedy and full recovery and will miss her. Also thanks to Lorel Case and Kathy Hall, who are no longer part of the committee. They both put in a lot of work. Needless to say, we need new members! Please see any of us (Ed Davis, Betsy Dunklin, Rick Groff, Maggie Reid, or Lynne Tolk) if you are at all interested in what we do. We normally meet the second Monday of the month at 7:00pm in the library.
More Than Stars In Your Crown
Ever wonder why past board members are smiling? It's probably the afterglow from working with others for a cause worthy of the effort.
Are you nodding in agreement? Ready to stretch, reach out, take advantage of what you already like about us? The nominating committee (Lorel Case, Val Duffy, Roy Montague, Gary Trakas and Jeanette Ross) is now gathering names of potential candidates for next year's Board of Directors.
If you are interested in serving or would like to suggest someone else, please contact any nominating committee member. Committee members and chairs: we welcome your suggestions. Check the directory for contact information or speak to the committee chair, Jeanette Ross, at or 378-1217.
Library Lines
from the Library Committee
January is a time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new year. It's a time to assess accomplishments and plan for future pursuits. Whether you want to increase your knowledge in particular areas of interest or meet some personal goals, we suggest you explore our BUUF library to see what it has to offer. Among its volumes, you'll find information on our own UU traditions as well as those of world religions and cultural histories. You'll find amazing stories of people who have sacrificed for causes of social justice. In our poetry section, you'll find inspirational writings to help you meet new goals. Among the books of meditation, you'll find ways to center yourself and concentrate on your new pursuits. If you are planning to turn over a new leaf in the new year, come visit our library. We have lots of them.
Do you have questions about Unitarian Universalism?
What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
Do some UUs have different beliefs than other UUs?
Which values do you hold highest?
If you are new to our Fellowship this is your opportunity to learn more and make new connections. The NEW UU Classes begin Tuesday January 23 at 7:00 pm and run for four consecutive Tuesdays (Jan 23, 30, Feb 6, 13) here at the Fellowship.
To register or to get more information please contact Steve Thomas at 342-1196 or (please put New UU in the subject line).
Ika Update
Jennifer Thrall-Thomas
Many of you have asked about our sweet exchange student, Ika Septihandiyani, from Indonesia who enjoyed so much her participation in the BUUF for the nine months she was in Boise.
Ika returned home with more than $5,000 collected from friends in Boise to help with rebuilding after the devastating earthquake that struck the island of Java last April. Ika's family home was severely damaged and the home of her grandparents was destroyed. At this time, both homes have been rebuilt and the funds went a long way in paying for school tuition for Ika and her brother and sister. Thank you to everyone who contributed prayers and funds!
Currently, Ika is studying for national tests that will determine her college placement. She has had a little difficulty shifting back to life in Indonesia, but is doing very well.
Membership: These Are My People
From time to time the Membership Committee will be inviting members and friends of the BUUF to share their stories of belonging to this congregation.
This is Dena Duke's story:
15 years ago I showed up to a summer service at the old building on Pierce Park Lane.
A small circle sat in the sun discussing the topic of the day while I soaked it in. In September I was greeted by a real church service only to hear a debate on capitol punishment, realizing this was a place to exchange ideas and even disagree. "Help us to know how much we need each other and give us the strength and courage to open our hearts," was all I needed to hear to become a member. Little did I know what a joy and challenge that would be.
I cried through a spiritual autobiography class; worked feverishly on the Worship Committee; locked the doors after everyone was gone; came alone as a married woman surrounded by families; lost a child; had a child and listened to him laugh through his dedication every time Elizabeth called out "Michael Parker Duke"; watched my husband, Steve, start coming and make connections himself; fell in love with songs; joined a women's group only to have to say good bye to member Donna Pendley; and faced the fear and thrill of a new building. After moving the years were filled with R.E., women's groups, singing, readings, and even being auctioned off as a sister.
It was 12 years full of joys and sorrows, and I needed a break. After three years away doing a wide variety of meaningful things, my family and I were ready to return. It took courage and strength to leave and come back, but I never stopped working on "opening my heart". Coming back was just one more step in that journey. Thanks for welcoming us back.
Silver Sages
Tom von Alten
The BUUF Silver Sages gather for a no-host breakfast and provocative discussions at 9:30am on the second and fourth Thursdays of most months, at the Kopper Kitchen on Airport Way. All are welcome, we have no hair color test. Contact Tom von Alten, 378-1217 for more information, to suggest a topic, or to volunteer a presentation.
Join us Jan. 11 for Jeanette Ross' tales of "The Bad Popes," from the pre-Renaissance and pre-ethical Church. Based on the book of that title by Russell Chamberlin. On Jan. 25, we'll share "Ephiphany Doo-Dah," a potpourri of intuitive insights, brought by each of us to share with the group.
Update Your Information Please!
A draft copy of the new BUUF Directory of Members and Friends will be available for review in the south vestibule on Sunday, January 14 and Sunday, January 21. Please stop by and review the entry for your family, and make any corrections in the draft copy.
Pick up your copy on January 28.
Remember, children must be registered for Religious Education/Exploration in order to be included.
All Building Clean Up Day
from Building & Grounds
Please join us on Saturday, January 13 (9 to noon) to dig in and spruce up the fellowship! We'll be working with RE to clean rooms, haul off clutter, and make some (minor) repairs. Lots of help is needed and will be greatly appreciated. Contact Sheryce Davis 378-8326 with any questions.
Car Pooling Needed
Warren Bean
Yes, Virginia, there is a future for Boise U-U Fellowship. But not all aspects are going to be wonderful.
More people attending the second (11 a.m.) service means more automobiles. During last month (October), the quantify of vehicles filled all the spaces in both parking lots, all the space beside the sidewalk on Garrett Street, and 4 to 6 cars along the curb in the northward residential area.
The message? People choosing to attend Second Service must begin to change their life style and to car pool.
Not the most convenient thing to do, but it will become more necessary as the church year continues, and attendance continues to grow.
Family Game Night
Cindy Catalano
Are you having post holiday blues? Tired of being cold and shut in?
Then come and join other fellow BUUF'ers for a family game night on Saturday January 20 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Just bring your favorite game or games to the main sanctuary. We'll have tables set up. The "Boston Bounders" will also be fundraising/selling non alcoholic drinks and snacks. So come and join in the fun. Questions: call Cindy Catalano 853-2720.
