BUUF News – October 2007

Contents

EVERGREENE

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

On this newsletter deadline date, last Sunday (September 16) was the first time we had offered Children's Religious Education/Exploration (RE) at both services.

I was a little nervous after church, because there were quite a few more adults at the 11:00 o'clock service than at the 10:00. It made me wonder, "Is it possible that we have only a few kids at nine, the service where we actually have more grade-level offerings?"

But the news is good, with almost exactly the same number of children and youth at both services. (I guess we still have more no-children-at-home adults who prefer to sleep a little later.)

We have two reasons for making this very big change: 1) to be a full-service church for families with children; and 2) to spread attendance between the two services, filling the sanctuary for both, as opposed to the large inequities we were experiencing. (It was not unusual to have 40 at 9:00, and 150 at 11:00.)

So, I have hopes for both currently "childful" and "childless" families. I hope that parents will find the service that works better for them and attend consistently, so that teachers and kids can come to know each other and feel truly comfortable in their church home. I hope that more people, period, will attend the early service, greeting the Sunday morning with just-arisen spirit.

To everyone, I offer my grateful praise for your flexibility, laughter, hard work and enthusiasm. You're great.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Em-bracing the Journey

Emmie Schlobohm, Board President

Fall has arrived! I hope you're enjoying the changing colors and cooler temperatures and the freshness in the air! Inside our Great Hall, we've got wondrous windows and a fantastic floor! Your BUUF board has also been working on some fresh ideas and is looking forward to more adventures as this season continues.

We're launching a new opportunity for you to talk with us and air your ideas, dreams, and concerns. We want to know what's going on in your heart and mind and give you an opportunity to know what's going on in ours. Please watch your November newsletter for more details about our inaugural Congregational Dialogue with the Board! For now, please save the date of Sunday, November 18, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Refreshments will be served and we'll see you there!

Our beloved community is in the midst of a brief and very important capital campaign. Our Retire the Debt Campaign: a redemption that makes sense to U.U.s, aims to pay down the mortgage and thereby put us on an increasingly sound financial footing in the coming years. Please consider how important this community and its good works are to you and yours when making your donation to this vital endeavor.

We're on a journey together this year and for years to come. I'm thrilled to be traveling along with you! The journey is ours to embrace, so come join me, and the rest of your board, on this marvelous, mystical path!

Thanks to Our Volunteers

The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship had a fully staffed information booth all three days of the Hyde Park Street Fair—a first-time outreach effort for our congregation. We estimate that over 100 interested individuals stopped by to chat about UUism, our Boise Fellowship and to take some literature. Thanks to our small army of volunteers is in order—a sincere shout out of pure appreciation goes to: Jay and Carol Wechelsberger, Barry and Norma Hope, David Kessel, Debbie Espen, Ed Simon, Damon Anderson, Kit Brown, Lorel Case, Mary Osterman, Debbie Johnson Julie Fanselow, Cindy Catalano, Eileen Geddings, Janice Eby, Sharyce Davis, Lance Pittman, Bruce Dowlin, Jim Lyons, Bob Wallace and Gary Trakas. We couldn't have done it without you!

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Religious Exploration Expands to Both Services

Cathy Carmen, Co-Director of religious education

We did it—after much talk, visioning, planning, and volunteer recruitment our Religious Exploration Program has made the leap to serve families and youth at both the 9 and 11 o'clock service! Whew! At the writing of this article, we only have one week of classes under our proverbial belts and this is what we know: Attendance of children, nursery age—sixth grade was almost identical with 31 children attending classes at the 9 a.m. service and 32 children at the 11 a.m. service. What Karen and I observed was that there were more adults attending the 11 o'clock service, but our elementary population was essentially the same at both. Not to be forgotten are our older youth. The Jr. and Sr. High classes had 12 and 9 respectively at the 11 a.m. service. This is amazing for our first try at offering families more choices and spreading the youthful energy throughout our midst! So, now what...? How can we as a congregation keep the ball rolling and ensure that our RE Program is vibrant and healthy for the future? Here are some ways to make that happen:

1. Register your child(ren) for Religious Exploration! The lavender forms are available at the Information Center located in the North Entryway, under the file marked RE, and also on our website. We want to know who you and your children are, plus be able to send info and updates on all the cool events RE sponsors throughout the year.

2. Come; bring your children to RE often! We ask that once you decide to attend at a specific time (either at 9 or 11), please commit to coming on a consistent basis. It benefits both the children as they receive a regular dose of UU values as well as develop friendships and aids the guides/teachers in lesson planning.

3. Sign up to assist in a classroom! Adult helpers (not just parents) are needed in every elementary-aged classroom to keep us in compliance with our Safe Congregation's policy of having two adults with any group of children. Our classroom guides/teachers will lead the lesson. Adult helpers provide that extra pair of eyes and hands to assist and supervise when necessary. Check out sign up sheets outside every classroom in the North Wing. Helpers are needed at both the 9 and 11 o'clock services.

4. Freely donate healthy snacks! Our elementary youth generally are served a small, healthy snack at the end of their class. Please consider stocking our snack basket, located just inside the doorway in the North Hallway, with crackers, pretzels, dried fruit and other yummy treats. We ask that no nuts, especially peanuts and/or food with nuts are served. Thanks!

SOSS Heard!

Karen Raese, Co-Director of Religious Education

We sent the SOSS and you responded, generously! In mid August we were in need of additional Religious Exploration (RE) teacher/guides to fully staff our newly expanded elementary age RE program. I am pleased to report that at this writing we only have one position to fill! That means 22 of 23 volunteers have graciously stepped forward to share their time and talents with our BUUF children this year. I am truly humbled by this outpouring of generosity and the support of our wonderful RE program! I am also grateful for the many folks who weren't able to teach in our classrooms but offered their support in other important ways. Please join me in extending our thanks to the following individuals who have committed themselves to working with our elementary age children as teachers/guides in RE this year!

First Sunday Children's Service

Miriam Woito

The principles of the Unitarian Universalist tradition will be the focus of the First Sunday Children's services starting October 7 at 10:00. This multi age class is for children grades 1-6. There will be lots of activity. The 4th, 5th and 6th graders have created The Principles Rap with dance steps. We will sing, we will share, and there will be stories and art projects. The students will also be adding to the BUUF weaving project and creating a special sculpture for the congregation. It will be fun! First Sunday is a special time for the children to celebrate and have fun together. Children, please join us!

Jr. High OWL

Cathy Carmen, Co-Director of religious education

The Jr. High OWL (Our Whole Lives) the human sexuality class will be offered to all youth in grades 7-9 at BUUF beginning October 14. This 26 week class is taught every-other-year and alternates with our Coming of Age program for Jr. High youth. Our OWL facilitators are Kendra Bridges and Bill Reid and the class will be offered Sunday mornings from 9-10:30 in the Sr. High room. On first Sunday's class times alter to accommodate our single, 10 a.m. service; beginning at 8:30—10. In order to enroll, a parent meeting/orientation is required. Contact Cathy Carmen at 658-1710 for more information.

Chalice Lighters Needed

Karen Raese, Co Director of Religious Education

Participate in one of our favorite rituals. Children and youth are needed to light the chalice each week. Sign your child(ren) up to light the chalice during the service time of your choice. Children must be at least 5 years of age.  All first time chalice lighters receive a special BUUF chalice lighter pin. See sign up sheets in the north wing information center. For more information contact Karen Raese at 658-1710.

Dia de los Muertos

Barbara Morledge

Mark your calendars now! The popular, annual "Day of the Dead" returns this year on Friday, November 2, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. The Religious Exploration committee sponsors this traditional Mexican holiday celebration. An inter-generational event, we celebrate the lives of those who have left the mortal world. Cook and bring a dish enjoyed by your loved ones who have passed on. We will have a pot-luck dinner full of memories to be shared.  Bring mementos and photographs to create small "alters" to honor the dead. These alters will be displayed at our Sunday service on November 4.

Please join us for a festive and touching family event. Contact Barbara Morledge at for more information.

Infuse yourself with fresh energy!

Sharon Barlow Palm, RE committee

Volunteer in our RE classes! Preschool/kindergarten and most elementary classes need adult helpers every week. You don't have to plan the class or teach, just be there to assist. Parents are expected to help in the classrooms about four times per year. However, many parents are already teachers so they aren't available to act as helpers. Our Safe Congregations Policy requires that we always have two adults in every classroom. If your children are grown or are in the junior or senior high classes, please consider helping in the younger children's classes. Your assistance once or twice a year would be a major blessing. Sign up sheets are outside each classroom. Call Karen Raese or Cathy Carmen at 658-1710 for more information.

COMMITTEES

Interiors Committee

Our committee meets once a month, on the second Monday at 7 PM in the 5th/6th grade room. We encourage folks to bring their ideas and express their needs at this time. This is also the time to discuss any intended donations or modifications that impact the Interior of the building. Although many discussions will take place over email we prefer to discuss initial requests and make final decisions in person with all the Interior Committee members present.

More about the New Floor

While we hope everyone is enjoying our new floor, we wanted to share some maintenance tips that we hope will help keep it looking fabulous for years. Here are a few suggestions for our general use:

- Wipe your shoes well at the entrance to the building.

- When moving a chair, lift instead of drag

- When moving a table, lift instead of drag and have someone help you.

- Clean up spills right away. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

The manufacturer suggests dust mopping or sweeping after daily use and a light damp mop after heavy use like a potluck. As part of our cleanup chores for potlucks we need to incorporate the dust-mop/sweeping feature into the sponsoring committees' cleanup responsibilities. Lets get the word out.

Vestibule Windows and Doors

The Interiors committee respectfully requests that we no longer use the vestibule windows and doors as bulletin boards. Besides the disruption in visual aesthetics, there are genuine safety concerns. In the coming days, the Interiors Committee will seek to provide a viable alternative for committees and events wishing to post public information. In the meanwhile we ask that items not be taped to the vestibule glass and doors, and that the bulletin boards, the monthly newsletter, and Sunday Order of Service be utilized as intended. Thank you.

New Editions

There are now 17 new books on our library's shelves. Come on in and check them out! You'll find them in the categories of UU Authors & UUism, Life Passages, Social Justice, Welcoming Congregation, Atheism, Cultural Studies, Science & Nature, and Comparative Religion. Proceeds from last spring's book sale helped with the purchase of these new additions to our collection. The blue binder next to the check out folder gives a listing of the books and a brief summary.

SOCIAL ACTION

Outreach will benefit Interfaith Sanctuary

Julie Fanselow

The weather is getting cold, especially at night. Imagine being homeless. Imagine being turned away from a warm place to sleep because you have alcohol on your breath, or you have a family that you're trying to keep together.

People who refuse to pile extra burdens on our city's homeless population created Interfaith Sanctuary two years ago. Now, after two winters of traveling from one temporary location to the next, Interfaith Sanctuary has a permanent, year-round home that will open November 1 at 1620 River Street in downtown Boise.

It costs $4,200 to operate the shelter for a week. How much could BUUF raise in October to help sustain the shelter this winter? Can we raise enough to run it for a day ($600), three days ($1,800), or even a week ($4,200)?

Twenty-five percent of this month's non-pledged collection plate donations will go to help Interfaith Sanctuary. If you write "social action" on the memo of your check, the entire amount you donate will benefit this cause. See Rick Groff's article elsewhere in this issue to learn about ways that you can help Sanctuary with your time as well as your money.

Could your favorite justice organization be a future recipient of BUUF's monthly social action outreach offerings? If you'd like to nominate a cause for consideration, write a brief note about the group and what it does, and give it to social justice chair Rick Groff (or email him at ).

BUUF Interfaith Sanctuary Team

Rick Groff

I am organizing a BUUF team to work at Interfaith Sanctuary every Sunday night from November through March. There will be a skilled and knowledgeable manager on duty while we are there. We will need two front desk volunteers, one to work from approximately 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and another to work from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM (probably me). These two individuals do intake and various other things. A floater to fill in for other volunteers is also needed. I don't know the hours for the floater, but I am guessing 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM. Two teams consisting of two individuals each are needed for neighborhood monitoring and these teams work from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. They ensure that Interfaith Sanctuary is a good neighbor by picking up trash generated by our guests and making sure that all the guests make it to Sanctuary.

Working at Sanctuary is enriching. There is a lot of personal contact and I made some good friends. I came to appreciate how difficult life is on the street. Please call me at 336-4921 or email me at if you are interested or have questions.

Monthly Outreach Donation

Rick Groff

Each month, one-quarter of our Sunday plate cash offering plus designated checks goes to a social justice/environmental organization. Starting in October, the donation will be delivered to a representative of the recipient organization a month after the donations were made. For example, the August plate collection for El-Ada Community Action Agency will be presented during the first service in October.

These monthly outreach donations had a significant impact during the past church year. Here are the organizations that received donations and the amount they received during our church year 2006-2007:

• April — September, 2006: Habitat for Humanity (includes donations solicited directly for the project) - $4,898.24.
• October 2006: "Idaho Votes No" (Opposition organization regarding the anti-gay constitutional amendment) - $1,037.34.
• November 2006: Interfaith Sanctuary - $709.22.
• December 2006: Partner Church - $1,522.24.
• January 2007: Genesis World Mission - $514.12.
• February 2007: Idaho Food Bank - $444.07.
• March 2007: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (Drumbeat for Darfur) - $937.79.
• April 2007: United Vision for Idaho - $748.88.
• May 2007: Cool Cities Project - $402.52.
• June 2007: Whittier Grade School - $397.35.

BUUF Green Sanctuary Plans Approved

Congratulations everyone! On August 28th we were notified that BUUF's green sanctuary action plan was accepted by the UU Ministery for the Earth and we are free to execute our plan. Please look for and sign up for the adult RE classes this fall on "The Great Turning" and "Global Changing CO₂ourse" and "The Poetic Cosmos". Note the additional green verse two to our entry song of "enter, rejoice, and come in". Look for Green songs of the month. Now the hard work. We have several major programs that are in the planning stages that we need to start this Fall. We need to put together a team to work on the BUUF infrastructure (bike racks, composting, bio degradable cleaning products, recyclable office supplies, energy conservation). We also need to put together teams to work on a "Low Carbon Diet" and sustainable agriculture or a BUUF garden for next summer. This and much more will be coming soon. Please plan to participate and if you want to volunteer or participate let us know at

Green Sanctuary Low Carbon Diet

The primary cause of global warming is carbon dioxide (and other green house gasses) emitted into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels-gasoline, coal, oil, and natural gas- which we use to power our cars and homes to produce the goods we consume. The typical American household generates 55,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. By contrast, the typical German household contributes 27,000 pounds and the average Swedish household contributes only 15,000 pounds. Clearly we have much room for improvement.

The BUUF "Low Carbon Diet" program is one of the many ways that the Green Sanctuary program will help you to do something about that over the next year. The Low Carbon Diet program will start by performing a carbon foot print on each BUUF household that is willing to participate. We will then form Low Carbon Diet teams to work through a program to reduce your carbon footprint by 5000 pounds a year. Participation will also be possible on an individual basis if teams are not your thing. Upon completion of the Low Carbon Diet we will move to step two and investigate other possible next steps to do in order to try and achieve a goal of having BUUF households as "Best in Class" carbon emitters in the Boise community. At the end of the year, we will carbon foot print all participants to assess the collective and individual achievements of the team. Look for carbon foot-printing in the vestibules during October and November. To volunteer to help or participate email us at

CROP Hunger Walk

Supporting this year's CROP Hunger Walk is a great way to literally "walk the talk" of UU principles in an effort to help those who face hunger on a daily basis. CROP Hunger Walk is organized by Church World Service, an interfaith organization that helps those in need around the world.

The money raised by CROP Hunger Walk will be used not just to bring food supplies to those in need but to provide them important tools to avoid hunger in the future, from livestock to new wells to micro-loans. The CROP Hunger Walk also serves local needs, as one-quarter of the proceeds of the Boise walk will go to the Idaho Food Bank.

This year's walk will be on Sunday, October 21 and start at the Julia David Park Bandshell. Walkers have a choice of a 1, 3 or 6 mile loop. You can support the CROP Hunger Walk either by walking or by being a sponsor. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.cropwalkonline.org. For more information, stop by the table in one of the vestibules before or after the Sunday services or contact Carol Sevier at or 345-7062.

Save the date for Rake Up Boise

Julie Fanselow

Rake Up Boise is coming soon, the perfect chance to spend an hour or two with your family and friends in the crisp fall air and do some good at the same time.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 17, when BUUF will field several teams to rake the yards of disabled and senior Boise residents. There are typically at least six people to a team, which makes quick work of most yards. We'll start between 9 and 10 a.m. and be done in plenty of time for the BSU-Idaho game that afternoon.

Interested? Email Julie Fanselow at and let me know how many people are on your team. (Families, individuals, youth and kids of all ages, and chalice circle groups are all welcome. If you don't have enough people to complete a team, I'll combine you with others.) There will also be a chance to sign up at church in late October or early November, but we'd like to get a rough headcount of teams by October 10 if possible.

Mészkõ Partner Church News

Cynthia Alleman

We are enthusiastically planning events to strengthen the bond between BUUF and our Mészkõ friends; spring classes, pen pals, to name but a few... You are probably aware that Fesztival has been cancelled but we are planning an event for a later date.

Our friends in Mészkõ are busy! They have torn off the roof of the parsonage and replaced it with a new tiled roof, along with restoring the balcony. The hard work and energy towards their church is inspiring.

Last summer's pilgrims are looking forward to sharing their Mészkõ experiences with you in a November service. Even now, plans are in the works for travel to Mészkõ next spring or summer. As you see, we are busy on all sides of the globe! Join us Tuesday, October 9 at 4:30pm in the BUUF library if you wish to share in this international adventure of friendship and joy.

BUUF ACTIVITIES

The Auction

Saturday, February 9

Be thinking about a donation you can provide. High-end handmade items and items with a value over $20 will be accepted. Meals with a theme, stays at your cabin, narrated tours of places that you are "an expert" about are especially good sellers. As always, LOTS of help will be needed. Mark your calendars and tell your friends about our biggest fundraiser.

Chili & Cornbread Cook-Off

Saturday November 10 – 5:30pm

Families: $10; Adults: $5; Children over 5: $3; Children 5 and under: free

Child friendly chili will be available

Invite your friends....

Do NOT have that canned chili and store bought cornbread on Saturday, November 10th. Come to BUUF'S annual CHILI and CORNBREAD COOKOFF. Break out your chili and cornbread recipes or get your creative juices going—we are looking for cooks to enter the CHILI and CORNBREAD COOK-OFF . Prizes will be awarded to those with the most votes. This is a fun social event, so mark your calendars.

Poinsettia Sale

Yes folks, it's really time to think about poinsettias. Once again, we will be selling poinsettias—deadline for orders is Sunday, OCTOBER 28. Be thinking about friends or businesses that would like to have beautiful poinsettias fresh from Edward's Greenhouse. Volunteers are always needed to unload and organize the purchased poinsettias. Give me a call if you can help. For ordering, please see the order form at the end of the newsletter or at the Fellowship.

Music Adds Life

Tom von Alten

Don't you think? I don't have a citation handy, but I'm reasonably certain that music can add years to your life, and they'll be good years. The BUUF choir provides an opportunity to make music with friends and embody our hope for harmony in the world. We are open to new members; experience is welcome, but not required. We meet Wednesday evenings at the Fellowship, 7:15pm in the main hall, and sing about one Sunday a month. Contact our Choir Director, Carrie Bastian, at 283-4152 or or Music Committee chairman Tom von Alten at 378-1217 or for more information.

If you're interested in solo or small group instrumental or vocal performance for our Sunday Services, please contact our musician coordinator, Charlotte Tompkins, at 322-2467, or .

Other Book Club Discussions

Please join the Other Book Club for these upcoming discussions:

October 14th 7:00pm, discussion of Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen at the home of Carol Wilke, 5186 E. Trail Wind Drive in Boise, 338-1038.

November 11 7:00pm, discussion of Saturday by Ian McEwan at the home of Benita Coleman, 8169 W. Beckton Lane in Boise, 375-9082

Senior Sages Bibliographic

Tom von Alten

All are welcome to the semi-monthly gatherings of the Senior Sages. We meet at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way) at 9:30am on 2nd and 4th Thursdays for interesting presentations and discussion over a no-host breakfast. On October 11, we'll ask each other the question, "Read any good books lately?" Bring your recommendations, new ideas and pithy excerpts. For October 25, we'll have a discussion about one book in particular, Richard Dawkins' best-seller, The God Delusion.

Contact Tom von Alten at 378-1217 or for more information, to get on our reminder list, or if you have a topic you'd like to present.

Rev. Forrest Church stops in for a visit!

If your read the Idaho Statesman with any regularity, you might notice the battles that takes place in the letters to the editor section regarding the history of church and state relations in the United States, the intent and religious background of the founding fathers, and how our multicultural reality stands up to the vision and dreams of those that came before us.

The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has the splendid honor of hosting our native son, the Reverend Forrest Church, Minister of Public Theology at All Souls Church in New York City, and the son of Bethine and the late Senator Frank Church. Rev. Church has written the book "So Help Me God; The Founding Fathers and the First Great Battle Over Church and State", published by Harcourt this past September 2007.

On the evening of October 11 from 7:00 to 9:00, Rev. Church will speak, conduct a question and answer session, and then sign books and converse with those in attendance. The event is FREE, and open to the public.

Members of the Book Nook will be staffing a table where copies of Rev. Church's new book will be on sale. Beverages and snacks will be available as well. The Bridge Event Center will be assisting with parking. Carpooling is encouraged.

Let us open our doors, our hearts, and our minds, and welcome Rev. Church enthusiastically and make his visit to Boise and to BUUF one that will not soon be forgotten!

For questions or to lend a hand, please feel free to contact: Dale Winke at 375-7726 home / 447-8763 cell / email

Book Nook Is Coming Back!

The BUUF Book Nook will reopen on Sunday, October 7. Come by and gather a harvest of reading for those cozy autumn and winter days.

Congregational Care Team – Life Skills Training

Explore the skills of active listening, knowing your own limits, recognizing boundaries, communication style, and MORE.

Come join us! We are offering training both for prospective new Congregational Care Team members and for others who are interested - the training is useful whether or not you become a member of the team (there is no obligation to join, but the training is required in order to join). No charge.

Please join us Saturday, November 17 at BUUF, Balasz Rm, from 9am to 3-m including potluck lunch. Bring a dish to share and your preferred beverage. Coffee and tea will be provided.

The agenda features top presenters - Rev. Elizabeth Greene will open with "Introduction and Getting to Know You" from 9-10:15. Judy Fredrick, longtime BUUF member and Certified Grief Educator, will help us consider the various loses that life brings and the ramifications for a community. 10:30 to 11:45 POTLUCK. Speaker to be announced for session 1 to 2pm. From 2 to 3pm Rev. Greene and the current CCT will present "Making Congregational Care Real at BUUF."

For more information, please call Sandy (376-8579) or Mary (385-9950). Please sign up at the Fellowship.

WIDER COMMUNITY

Senior Membership at the YMCA

Mary Knodell

Seniors on the Humana health insurance program and Secure Horizons/United Health Care/Medicare Complete are eligible for a free membership to the downtown YMCA or the West YMCA. Call the insurance office to confirm.

THE POETIC COSMOS

An Evening with Drew Dellinger

Stretch your mind around the 13 billion year history of the universe
Support the global movement for social and environmental justice

"Drew Dellinger puts a torch to your soul"
– Brian Swimme

Admission: $15 advance registration; $20 at the door

POETIC COSMOS WORKSHOP: 10 am-12:30 pm;
$15 advance; $20 at the door
Reduced fee of $25 for both the workshop and evening performance
Call 658-1710 for information and advance registration

at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship