BUUF News – November 2007

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Have you seen Time magazine's October 15 issue? There is a full-page ad for Unitarian Universalism—possibly the first UU ad campaign, ever, in a major magazine. There will be others to follow.

I am excited that we seem to be removing our light from under that notorious "bushel" about which we used to sing in my old Sunday School days. ("This little light of mine"—"Hide it under a bushel? No!") Our embracing faith has so much to offer, and there are so many people out there who don't know about us and would feel very much at home in our congregations.

My only concern is that we who are already "at home" may not always practice warm hospitality to those people who might poke their noses into our building after seeing the ads. Currently, Board members, Congregational Care Team members, the Membership Team and I are doing our best to seek out newcomers, chat with them and make them feel comfortable. Even at that, we sometimes find ourselves conducting business, instead of acting as gracious hosts.

Would you consider actively greeting people you do not know? Is it possible for you to set aside business or old friends for the first fifteen minutes after service, to seek out newcomers? When you see new people at a potluck table with no "oldtimers" with them, can you summon whatever it takes to go over to their table and to eat with them?

Hospitality has been considered a sacred responsibility in some times and some cultures. While we probably won't jump right to "sacred responsibility" toward the newcomers to our home, perhaps we can move toward honoring our role as hosts. Give it a try!

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Em-bracing the Journey

Emmie Schlobohm, Board President

I love this time of year! The cool moist air, the colors of the trees as they put themselves to bed for the winter, and the distinctive quality of the sunlight are transforming!

This month, there are several opportunities, formal and otherwise, to talk with me and your other Board members. Look for us - we're the ones with the bright yellow nametags.

You'll have an excellent opportunity to hear what's up within your congregation and to talk with BUUF leadership about issues that are important to you at the Congregational Dialogue—Making BUUF Work for YOU! on November 18 from 12:30 to 2:00. We'll explore how we all can make BUUF work for our beloved community and what our beloved community can do for each of us.

We are considering the installation of a permanent sound system. Dale Winke will be available to answer your questions for the first couple of weeks in November. Got questions about sound? Find Dale by the current sound equipment after and between services.

With deep regret and sadness, we accepted Ed Davis' resignation from the Board at the October meeting and wished him well in his new job that requires extensive traveling. The Board is seeking candidates to fill this position through June 30 of 2008. If you are interested or would like to recommend someone, please speak with me. You can catch up with me at church or call me at home at 343-3662.

It fills me with joy and gratitude to be on this journey with you.

Dialogue with the Board: What BUUF Can Do For You!

Mark your calendars now! On Sunday, November 18th, BUUF Board Members will provide an informative, fun process for sharing ideas about "What BUUF Can Do For You" and "What You Can Do For BUUF"! Come to the Sanctuary from 12:30-2:00 p.m. to get acquainted in small groups and enjoy a light soup lunch. If you have never been to a Fellowship meeting before and/or don¹t currently serve in a leadership role at BUUF, you are especially invited and will be eligible for a whimsical prize. For more information or to request childcare*, contact Dale Winke ( 375-7726) or Sue Philley ( 340-9450). *Please submit childcare requests by November 11th.

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

REport from the South Wing

Cathy Carmen, Co Director of Religious Education

Many of us have heard of the events our youth take part in — such as Coming of Age, the Boston Bound trip, Dream Group and this year, Our Whole Lives (OWL) human sexuality class. But what else goes on in our Jr. and Sr. High classrooms every single Sunday? Change is in the air we breathe lately and no less so for our vibrant Junior and Senior High portion of the Religious Exploration Program. This year we have trained and welcome six, count 'em six new youth advisors to lead this wonderful group of teens and I'd like to introduce them!

In our Jr. High classroom we have Sandy Jack, Jan Nissl and Lance Pittman working together. At this time they have chosen to use Neighboring Faiths as their curriculum and overall theme for the year. After reviewing on paper many of the beliefs and doctrines of faith traditions, they plan to take Sunday "fieldtrips" to visit in person various churches and houses of worship in the Boise and greater Treasure Valley community. Interspersed between these will be community service and social justice activities and events to have the youth partake in as much direct, "real world" experiences as possible. Stay tuned for details from their visits...

Our intrepid Sr. High youth are under the able leadership of Joe Wechselberger, Christine Hanzlik and Damon Anderson. Together they take the position that "if the youth lead—they will follow"! So, they are knee-deep in getting better acquainted with one another (plus eating yummy Sunday morning snacks!) and hope to work toward finding events, activities and community service opportunities that the youth themselves identify as important/worthwhile to explore. They too see themselves taking some Sunday "fieldtrips" to local houses of worship in late winter.

So, wander down the South Hall some Sunday at 11 o'clock and see what's going on in the Jr. and Sr. High classes; you'll be amazed!

Children's Dedication

Karen Raese, Co Director of Religious Education

Children are an important part of our congregation. Unitarian Universalists believe that each child brings new life and hope into the world and we include a special ceremony to dedicate children during a Sunday service. If you would like to have your child(ren) dedicated please note that December 9 is the next, and only, scheduled date for this year. For more information, or to indicate your interest, please contact Karen Raese, Co Director of Religious Education at 658-1710.

Deck the Halls Fast Approaching

Karen Raese, Co Director of Religious Education

Deck the Halls, our beloved celebration that kicks off the winter holiday season, is fast approaching. It will be held the first weekend in December, featuring activities on Saturday and an intergenerational single Sunday service at 10:00. As you read this, the Co DRE's and the RE committee will be hard at work planning these festivities. In October, we invited congregational discussion on how this year's Deck the Halls will manifest itself. We want Deck the Halls to continue to be a memorable, fun and intergenerational event that fit the needs of our growing and changing fellowship.

Making the World a Better Place

Karen Raese, Co Director of Religious Education

This year, our children in grades 1-6 are being exposed to curricula that focus on peace, social action and community service. They will also do a number of lessons relating to "green" issues this spring. In order to provide more ways for our children to live our UU principles, we have been talking with the Social Action and Green Sanctuary committees about how we can coordinate efforts. We hope to teach by example and hopefully increase the impact that BUUF has in our community. I look forward to the many opportunities that this cooperation will provide for our families and children to be involved in making Boise and the world a better place.

Volunteers Needed

Joyfully, our Children's Religious Education program has 101 registered participants. The elementary program features 72 shining stars and our junior and senior high students count in at 29. The Preschool/Kindergarten classes make up 30 of the registrations. My how we are growing! The number of participants in RE is similar at both the 9am and 11am programs.

In order to comply with our Safe Congregations Policy, a volunteer is needed each Sunday in our classrooms, Preschool thru 6th grade, to assist the designated teacher/guide. We have been looking at parent recruitment as a committee for a longtime. In, some classes the current method of recruiting assistants from the class works out well. For other classes it hasn't worked so well. So here's the breakdown...If all RE participants, including Jr./Sr. High families (adult, parent, grandparent, congregational member), volunteer in elementary classes 3 times during the program year we'd be set for volunteers. This does not necessarily mean volunteering in only the classroom that your student attends. We know that BUUF is supportive of RE and will help us to stay compliant with our safe congregation policy.

We have a vibrant, growing program with an amazing group of dedicated guides that give their time to teach our BUUF kids. So come along, have some fun, sign up. Enjoy our shinning stars. Sign up sheets are located outside the classroom doors. We need everyone's help to make the Children's program run smoothly!

COMMITTEES

"Redeem the Mortgage" Campaign Starts with a Bang

Chip Cole—Finance Committee Chair

Our campaign to pre-pay a significant part of our mortgage is off to a great start—already 18 donors have pledged $46,340. What do these savvy donors know?

· Our monthly mortgage payments paid from our operating budget doubled in June.

· One-sixth of our total budget is now spent on the mortgage.

· About 70% of each monthly mortgage payment now goes to interest.

· Pre-paying mortgage saves us a fortune in interest—money we can use for programs, for salaries, and for ______ (you fill in the blank).

· In 2010 our mortgage interest rate will readjust to market rates, which will almost certainly be higher than our current rate.

· In 2013 our mortgage "balloons", and has to be paid in full or refinanced.

Don't get me wrong—our financial decisions so far have been wise, and we're in okay shape financially. Our last capital campaign raised $417,000, and enabled us to obtain the loan to build our two classroom wings. But right now prepaying our mortgage is the best investment we can make in BUUF. It will give us the flexibility to renegotiate our loan, to borrow more if we want to expand, or simply to use your generous operating fund donations for better purposes in the future.

In the next few weeks volunteers will phone members and friends to ask them to join the campaign to "Redeem the Mortgage". Please answer the phone and make a pledge. Or fill out the pledge form in the weekly Order of Service.

Discover Your Environmental Footprint

The Green Sanctuary action plan is in full swing, please become a participant. Currently we have been distributing carbon footprint questionnaires. Please fill one out and return it as indicated. We need to establish a baseline of the carbon emissions by our congregation and friends. Your information will be confidential, only aggregate data will be shared in updates. In addition, please consider joining a "low carbon diet group". These groups will meet 4 times in Nov, Jan, Feb and will develop a household carbon reduction plan. The ideas cover everything from compact fluorescent bulbs to water heater insulation to combing errands when leaving the house. If everyone could decrease 5000 pounds of carbon (the goal of the program) we could make a difference. Volunteers are needed for these and other programs. For more information, email .

Attention Pen & Ink/Pencil Artists!

Mary Anne Hedrich

We need you! The Landscape Committee is putting together a booklet about the various BUUF landscape features that we enjoy. We are in need of a person or people to illustrate the booklet. If you can help with the project, please contact Mary Anne Hedrich at 336-0179 or .

SOCIAL ACTION

Outreach Will Benefit Cancer Survivors on Mt. Aspiring

Jamie Montgomery

In 2000, there were an estimated 12,400 children and adolescents in the United States diagnosed with cancer. Childhood cancer is a tragedy that affects approximately 15 new children per 100,000 each year. In the midst of such an unfortunate time, it is often difficult for a family to leave the hospital setting to recreate and spend time in a positive atmosphere. Luckily, there are numerous camps that accommodate children and their families to make this possible.

This December, a group of cancer survivors are climbing Mt. Aspiring in New Zealand to raise money for camp tuition for children diagnosed with cancer. Please read the article entitled "Cancer Survivors on Mt. Aspiring" for details about the organization.

Twenty-five percent of November's non-pledged collection plate donations will go to Cancer Survivors on Mt. Aspiring and will be specifically designated for Camp Mak-A-Dream in Missoula, Montana, one of our region's camps for children. If you write "social action" on the memo of your check, the entire amount will benefit this cause.

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 its purpose, and give it to social justice chair Rick Groff (or email him at ).

Cancer Survivors on Mt. Aspiring

Jamie Montgomery

In 1997, a group of cancer survivors founded the non-profit organization Cancer Survivors on Mt. McKinley. They raised enough money to send 300 children diagnosed with cancer to specialized camps throughout the country to receive treatment outside of the hospital setting. These camps provided a unique opportunity for children to interact with their peers and to embrace the joys of life in spite of their diagnoses. In addition to providing camp scholarships, the group of cancer survivors summated Mt. McKinley.

Today, as a cancer survivor myself, I join many of those same individuals in a similar organization called Cancer Survivors on Mt. Aspiring. Each member has pledged to pay his or her way to New Zealand in December 2007 where we will climb the mountain as a symbol of hope. In addition, all funds raised help pay camp tuition for children battling cancer. I encourage you to visit Cancer Survivors on Mt. Aspiring at www.aspiring2007.org where you can read about the organization, view photos, and visit links to the camps that will benefit.

Like many of you, my family has been heavily impacted by cancer. I will be climbing Mt. Aspiring not only to encourage the next generation of survivors, but also to honor those who have battled the disease. If you have a particular individual you would like me to keep in my thoughts during the climb, please email me at or visit with me at BUUF.

The Frost Is On the Pumpkin...

Besse LaBudde

...but we hope to keep it from the ears and fingers of Whittier Elementary School children. Our annual collection of caps and gloves/mittens for Whittier begins on November 4. Please clip your donations to the lines attached to the name tag racks in both entryways. The school nurse asks that we choose caps and gloves that are machine washable and require no special care.

BUUF ACTIVITIES

Senior Sages Foreign Adventure

Tom von Alten

We'll have just one meeting in November (the 4th Thursday being Thanksgiving), but it should be a good one. On Thursday, Nov. 8, 9:30am at the Kopper Kitchen over a no-host breakfast, we'll hear from Wendy Kirkpatrick describing her experience working in Iraq to help rebuild that war-torn country. All are welcome. Join us!

Congregational Care Team Report

Barry Hope

Upbeat is the keyword that best describes our entrance into "Life Skills Training" this fall. CCT is such a great place for anyone to roost during Elizabeth' s upcoming sabbatical; "roost to action" so say I. It's always hard to tell what situations will arise during her absence. I have certainly come to admire the nourishment of her presence. We're a pretty lucky group to have that presence.

"Life Skills Training," which is the required step for entrance into the CCT, is held this month. All those wishing to join the team need to sign up and attend this important day. When one is on the CCT they always benefit by ongoing education in the caring field; obviously our training day is no exception! An excellent potluck repast is a requirement.

The holidays are nigh. This is a time of joy albeit stress. BUUF Congregational Care Team is available. If you need a caring connection or simply a person to listen to your thoughts about transition through this season of hope, you may call any present CCT member. Our poster (along with phone numbers) is affixed to the north wall of the office area at BUUF. If you have a concern about yourself or someone else you may also put it in the CCT drop box across from Gerry's desk in the church office.

BUUF CCT wishes you all our best regards as you enter in the 2007 holiday season. Take care, the peace that surrounds us is yours. Thank you so much for your presence in the world!

Partner Church Committee News

Cynthia Alleman

The Unitarian Church in Mészkõ, Transylvania became a little closer to us this month. How did that happen? Robert Balint, the Mészkõ minister, went online with a blog of their happenings, so you can see life in Mezko.

The partner church committee is all about connections. A connection was made at the Portland GA when Deb Smith performed, "Letters from Christine"; a compilation of letters from 1930 Mészkõ, put together by Gwen Reid. Some in attendance liked, "Letters from Christine" so much that they have asked Deb to perform it again the first of November in Appleton, Wisconsin.

We hope to have connections with all of you when we offer a partner church service on November 18th. You're also invited to join us the second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 pm in the BUUF library as we make connections near and far.

Explore Worth-ship With Us

BUUF Humanists

If I may generalize about you humanist types out there, you (like Libertarians) apply Occam's razor to non-obligatory rules: the fewer the better. An extension of the razor (if that's possible) might be the least inconvenience possible.

Thus the opportunity accompanying the time shift for BUUF's humanist group. We have no creed or exclusionary rules but we do have an appointed meeting time. This year, as we set ourselves to discussion of the language of faith (shaving it with Occam's razor, of course) we meet at a more convenient time, 11am on the second Sunday of each month. Come join us in the 3rd/4th grade room. Then you decide if you want to get up early for the 9am service.

For information contact Rick Groff (336-4921 or ) or Jeanette Ross (378-1217 or ).

A Short Tour of Our Underlying Philosophy

BUUF Humanists & Humanists of Idaho

Those who caught Jonathan Miller's 3 part series, A Brief History of Disbelief, on PBS this fall were enlightened and amazed by one renaissance man's ability to thread his way through the accumulated understandings of what we humans can and cannot explain. All this by the medical doctor who has staged some of Britain's most outrageously innovative Shakespeare productions.

Elton Hall, philosophy professor emeritus, and Jeanette Ross, practicing gadfly, will lead discussion. Join us for an afternoon watching Miller's highly personal view of atheist and humanistic thought on Saturday, November 17, from 1 to 5pm, at BUUF. Look for us in one of the classroom wings, to be posted as you enter the building.

One-Hour Choir Returns

Tom von Alten

Here's another chance to test-drive the BUUF choir: on Sunday, November 4, we invite those willing to try learning a song in one rehearsal to join us at 8:50am, and then to sing with us at the 10:00 service. Of course, we're open to newcomers at our regular Wednesday rehearsals (7:15pm in the main hall) as well. This month we'll be preparing music for a Christmas-themed service on December 16. Contact our Choir Director, Carrie Bastian, at or Music Committee chairman Tom von Alten at 378-1217 or for more information.

Dia del los Muertos Returns

Come join us on Friday, November 2, 6 p.m., at BUUF. If you've have never attended a "Day of the Dead" celebration, come see what you're missing. In an intergenerational, multicultural event, we honor those who have left the mortal world with activities, food and fellowship. There is a potluck dinner that features the favorite food and stories about our dearly departed loved ones. Bring photos and small remembrances to create a small alter or ofrenda to share. This is a festive way to remember and honor those who have come before. All ages welcome! Contact Barbara Morledge at for more information.

Other Book Club

Join the Other Book Club for discussions of some of the great novels of our time. Upcoming meetings:

Nov. 11 7pm, discussion of Saturday by Ian McEwan at Benita Coleman's house, 8169 W. Beckton Lane in Boise, 375-9082.

Dec. 9 7pm, discussion of Sunflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See at Mary Osterman's house, 4991 N. Contour Way in Boise, 385-9950.

UUA & PNWD

UUA Matters

Rev. Elizabeth L. Greene, PNWD trustee, UUA Board

Have you seen Time magazine's October 15 issue? There is a full-page ad for Unitarian Universalism—possibly the first UU ad campaign, ever, in a major magazine. There will be others to follow.

The UUA Board is excited about our getting the word out, and glad that President Bill Sinkford and staff are making it a priority. Did your congregation participate in "Association Sunday," October 14, celebrating our faith and contributing to a very specific financial campaign?

On another note, lots of people are asking about the results of the Open Space breakout sessions held at General Assembly in Portland last June. Stay tuned: we on the UUA Board have just received our packet of information and the Open Space information will be discussed very shortly.

Please feel free to call me at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-3 Mountain Time (208-658-1710) or e-mail me at .

Early Bird Volunteers Get (Not Worms!) A Choice of Pleasant Tasks

Our galvanizing PNWD Annual General Meeting - THE AGM - will happen on the weekend of February 29-March 2, 2008. A LEAP YEAR CELEBRATION. It will be in Tacoma at the newly renovated Sheraton Hotel (now called the Hotel Murano) and it looks to be wonderful. Read all about it in the registration material due out in November.

As always, we need cheerful folk to help register, guide, organize, take tickets, work with workshop leaders, and in the bookstore. Two-hour shifts are the norm. Please indicate your willingness to help by emailing Mary Watson ( ) or Joan Benderson ( ). Include your phone number so we can call you to discuss preferences. (You can call Mary, who is home during the day, at 253-884-4690). PLEASE DO IT SOON.

Life Skills Training

Congregational Care Team

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 3pm 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.

Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends

Share a Community Thanksgiving Dinner with BUUF friends. Sign up at the Kiosk in the North Vestibule. Fix your favorite Thanksgiving dish or stop by the store and buy one. We are looking for a host and a dinner location.

Date: November 22nd
Time: To be determined
Questions: Ask Wanda Jennings at or 362-7563.

Rake Up Boise is November 17

Julie Fanselow

It's not too late to sign up for Rake Up Boise, your 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 join this communitywide effort to rake the yards of disabled and senior Boise residents. BUUF will field four teams of at least six people each, which will make quick work of the 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? Sign up at church on Nov. 4 or Nov. 11, or email Julie Fanselow at ASAP, and tell me how many people are signing up. Families, individuals, youth and kids of all ages, and chalice circle groups are all welcome.

Family Choir at BUUF?

Twice a year sing with your children; three Wednesday rehearsals, 6:30-7:00 PM. CDs for practice at home or car; Perform on a Sunday morning. Possibly April or May.

If interested, contact Mary Schwartzman at .

THE POETIC COSMOS

An Evening with Drew Dellinger

Saturday evening performance, Nov. 3, 7-9 pm

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: Saturday, Nov. 3, 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