BUUF News – October 2008

Contents

EVERGREENE

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

COMMITTEES

Green Sanctuary Meetings

Habitat for Humanity

ReStore

Let's Make BUUF Greener

Welcome to The Courtyard!

Life Skills Training

Vestibules

SOCIAL ACTION

Immigration-Guest Worker Symposium

Social Action Happenings

Time to Take Care of Our Own

Interfaith Sanctuary

What Are We Doing for Others?

IIRAH Webmaster Needed

CROP Hunger Walk

Clinic Needs at Corpus Christi

September Social Action

 

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Helpful REading

Youth Sundays at BUUF

Dia de los Muertos

Family Campfire Night

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Are You New To BUUF?

Blue Place Special

Women on the Verge

Other Book Club

Imagining the future

Friendship Dinner!

Apology to Our Neighbors

Book Nook Is Back!

Hyde Park Street Fair Update

Poetry for Elizabeth's Return

Fun Fair Great Success

Partnership w/Friends of Jung

Poinsettia Order Time

Wider Community

Energy Festival 2008

EVERGREENE

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Change is in the air. I can feel it, and it's not just that welcome bite of fall starting to be felt in the mornings.

Many of us are hoping for change in our government, come November. Lots of us are experiencing change in our and our families' lives. Lord knows the US financial system is undergoing change.

And I continue to feel a sense of transition in our congregation, even now that I am pretty much back to business after my sabbatical.

We had a stimulating weekend with Unitarian Universalist church consultant Larry Wheeler, who has recommended some changes we probably all know need to happen: getting more people involved; understanding money as part of our soul work and our justice work, not just an embarrassing and/or annoying thing we don't talk about very well; seeing ourselves as the size we really are (about 250 adult members, about 130 registered children) and doing business in new ways that don't frustrate us so badly; committing ourselves as a religious body—not just the Membership Committee—to genuinely welcoming new people.

Almost most importantly in the long run, considering what vision we have of ourselves as a liberal religious congregation in the Treasure Valley, feeling a sense of mission. As this year progresses, our dynamic Board will be sponsoring activities aimed at helping us reflect together on these vision-mission matters.

In the meantime, though, who do you think we are? What do you feel, in your heart and soul is our place in the world and in the community? What is the "song" of this Fellowship?

As we go about the work of our church, let's also be reflecting privately and talking with each other about this deeply-important part of our lives.

 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Sue Philley, Board President

Search for the Future

More than 80 adults and 15 children and youth participated in the Search for the Future Workshop on Saturday, September 13. Larry Wheeler, UUA consultant, started us on a year-long process to strengthen our Fellowship by aligning our administrative and financial structures and membership procedures with the larger issues of a clear mission and vision, a 5-year strategic plan, up-to-date by-laws, a healthy and responsible annual operating budget (supported by a strong Annual Budget Drive), and policies and procedures that are agreed upon and published. Watch for Larry's detailed Assessment Report in the mail!

Larry was very impressed with our facility and our presence in the community. He applauded our recent decision to purchase adjacent property. However he noted that for several years our attendance, enrollment, donor units and giving has been flat. (In fact, we fall well below other UUA congregations in the amounts of our annual pledged contributions). He also felt that our top priority must be to raise the number of people giving and the average size of pledges to our Annual Budget Drive in order to support our staff and program needs as a mid-size congregation.

Blessings flow back to us when we give, so to address these recommendations, your Board has committed to conduct a brief, but energetic, fall financial drive to increase our current 2008-09 donor base (both in numbers of members and friends donating and in the size of the pledges that were made last spring). The main result will be to assure we move out of "deficit budget mode" by fully funding our present budget needs and accumulate a contingency fund. With everyone's additional contribution, we will raise $50,000 by mid-November. We will be asking that everyone who is able participate in a special two-hour session with Larry after the Single Service Potluck October 5.

Perhaps you have already given generously to a recent campaign or are feeling maxed out regarding your BUUF or other charitable donations. Perhaps you are new, haven't been giving recently, or have never been asked. Whatever your circumstance, the only question you will be asked is to "consider a generous gift that reflects your commitment to BUUF." These are uncertain times and it seems counter-intuitive to raise additional funds now. However, a local survey of non-profits and numerous UUA surveys show that people will give generously (even in bad times) to organizations and causes that are most important to them.

Your board has taken a leap of faith that you care about this community and that we value our staff and programs and must fund them adequately. We are very excited about BUUF's future and welcome and need your involvement, support and feedback to help us determine our future direction! We invite you to get involved financially as well as in volunteer and leadership roles and hope to see you on October 5.

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Children's Religious Education FAQ

Karen Raese, Co-DRE

This time of year brings many children to our religious education program. Nearly 90 children and youth were present on Homecoming Sunday, September 7. That is a phenomenal number. We are excited to get to know everyone better and hope to see you often. It will be another great year at BUUF. Thanks for being an important part of it.

The following answer to frequently asked questions (FAQ) may be helpful for newcomers as well as old timers, alike.

Can my two year old child be in the preschool class?
Only children that are three in September may be in the preschool class. Our curriculum is designed for three and four year olds. This creates the best learning opportunity for everyone.

Is it OK to drop off my child in the classroom before the service?
We invite families to begin the service together. The teachers are preparing for class and are not able to watch your child. Many teachers will join the service before their class. Please do not drop your child off or allow older children to wander the building before class. The nursery is open just before the service starts and you may drop children off then.

Should I pick my child up from class following the service?
Please pick up your child promptly from their classroom or the nursery. Those children older than third grade may be released to join their parents in the sanctuary. Our volunteer teachers would like to join the congregation for coffee, too.

Should I be outside when my children are outside?
Absolutely. It is important that a family adult be outside watching and monitoring your children's activities. Our lovely grounds invite exploration and are perfect for burning off energy and this is best done with your adult supervision.

How can we get into the playhouse? Several families have volunteered to serve as playhouse families. That means that when they are able, they will open the playhouse for use. However, they will also lock the playhouse when they leave. This is a beautiful and popular spot for families to gather. Please enjoy this space with your children.

If you have additional questions about children's RE, Please ask a RE committee member or one of the Co-Directors of Religious Education at 658-1710.

Helpful REading

For those of you who battle the "do I have to go to church?" question, here is help. The fall issue of the UU World provides some answers in the "UU and Me!" pullout section designed for children and families. Check it out online at the UUA website.

Child Care Providers Needed Immediately

We have immediate needs for both adult and youth child care providers to support our families who wish to participate in adult events at BUUF. This may include Sunday mornings in the nursery and as well as some evenings. Both volunteer and paid opportunities are available. Please contact Karen Raese or Cathy Carmen at 658-1710.

Youth Sundays at BUUF

Cathy Carmen, Co-DRE

Did you know that our first Sundays of a month are Youth Sundays? What's that, you may ask... Those are our single, 10 a.m. service Sundays in which our wonderful Jr. High youth (grades 7-9th) participate in the service itself. If you attend (and we wish you would!) you'll find youth greeting you at the entry ways, lighting the chalice to open the worship service, offering readings and contemplations for reflection, passing the baskets during the offertory and handling the microphones. The youth are there, front and center for all of us to see, hear and appreciate!

The topics or themes of the sermons on Youth Sundays are also chosen with the youth participation in mind. We call them "youth friendly" and we also invite the Sr. High youth who normally are in their own class during the 11:00 service, to join the congregation for the service on Youth Sundays. So, come; if you are a Jr. High aged youth (or parent to one!) sign up to take part in first Sundays beginning Oct. 5. Everyone else is invited to come as well and enjoy the energy and special contribution our youth make to the life of our Fellowship.

Dia de los Muertos

Barbara Morledge

Mark your calendars now! The popular, annual "Day of the Dead" returns this year on Sunday, November 2, 2008. This year, the celebration will be conducted during the single service at 10:00 am! The religious education (RE) committee sponsors this traditional, Mexican holiday celebration. An intergenerational event, we celebrate the lives of those who have left the mortal world. Bring a special pot-luck dish to share following the service! Traditionally, it is a dish enjoyed by a loved one who has passed. Join us for a festive and touching family event.

Crafting begins on Sunday, October 26, for both adults and children! Bring photos and mementos of loved ones who have passed on, to create miniature alters. Make paper flowers, and decorate sugar skulls and masks. RE classes that day will be crafting, and the congregation is invited to join them between services.

Contact Barbara Morledge at , or any RE Committee member, for more information.

Family Campfire Night Scheduled

Everyone is invited to join us for a family friendly campfire night on October 10 from 6:30-8:30pm at BUUF. We'll provide the fire, marshmallows and s'more fixings. You provide chairs, your roasting sticks, and perhaps a guitar. Watch the order of service for more information. Call Amber at 921-0457 for more information or to volunteer to help.

COMMITTEES

Green Sanctuary Meetings

We are about being good stewards of our home. If you are interested in helping to stop global, in helping to make our world a better place, please join us. We meet the first Monday of each month and our next meeting is Monday, October 6 at 7:00. All are welcome

If you are interested in receiving e-mails about our Green Sanctuary Team you can sign up on our list serve by contacting Wanda Jennings at .

Habitat for Humanity

This summer BUUF was able to donate $5000 (raised by the BUUF Senior Highs) to The Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity and twice BUUF Volunteers helped to build "Green" House. This house and houses which Habitat will build in the future will be certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, which encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices. Thanks to all those who helped make this happen!

ReStore

To provide additional funds Habitat for Humanity operates ReStore, a place to recycle your house building supplies such as fixtures, plumbing, windows, etc., and to also purchase these materials. BUUF Volunteers helped staff ReStore this summer and more volunteers are needed.

ReStore is located at 10537 Overland. Call Jeff Phelps at 841-9510.

Let's Make BUUF Greener

BUUF is equipped with boxes to recycle. Please use them and continue to recycle at home as well.

Environmentally friendly, non-toxic kitchen supplies have been purchased. Please use these and do not bring in others. If these supplies are low, please contact Wanda Jennings, 362-7563 or . For copying please consider using both sides of the paper, using smaller margins, and reusing paper. Thanks for all you are doing to help our environment!

BUUF Music Notes

Carrie Bastian

"I believe the children are the future. Teach them well and let them lead the way."

Our children are our future, and the way they leave Sunday Service for RE is important; it's a special moment—a moment that for many years has been accompanied by the sweet strains of Natalie Sleeth's "Go Now in Peace." However, in Ms. Sleeth's original composition, the lyric is "may the love of God surround you," a sentiment that many felt needed modification to fit local custom.

For several years now, the estate and posterity of Natalie Sleeth have been aware that UUs made this change and have requested that we either sing "Go Now in Peace" as written, with the word "God," or not sing it at all. Members of the UU Musicians Network (UUMN) have discussed this issue at length, coming to the conclusion that the ethical course is to honor the integrity of the composer, and either sing Ms. Sleeth's song as written, or choose a new one.

In response to this dilemma, several UUMN members have written children's recessionals. Our own BUUF music committee has reviewed the various compositions and selected "Children's Blessing," a beautiful song with inspiring lyrics, as the best alternative to "Go Now in Peace." On Sunday, October 12, the choir will present this new children's recessional for the first time. There will be opportunity for discussion following this debut. Please check upcoming Sunday Service bulletins announcing dates and times for "Children's Recessional Discussion."

On Sunday, November, you will have an opportunity to sing "Children's Blessing" along with "Go Now in Peace" using the word "God" as originally written. You will then be able to vote at that service as to whether we should adopt "Children's Blessing" as our new children's recessional or continue singing "Go Now in Peace" with the word "God," as Ms. Sleeth wrote it. Continuing to sing "Go Now in Peace" with the modified lyric is not an option under consideration. If you are concerned about this issue, I would say: 1) Be sure to be in attendance on October 12 and November 2, and 2) Don't be afraid of some change.

Welcome to The Courtyard!

With the addition of the two wings adjacent to the initial building which was the Sanctuary, BUUF suddenly had a courtyard. Each plant had to be moved to a new location—no simple task. However, with The Courtyard a reality, new plans had to be made to create a lovely and usable outdoor 'room.' Warren Bean led the development by donating the concrete for the area immediately adjacent to the Sanctuary—the Maude Elnora Whitmore Bean Memorial Patio, in honor of his mother. The design of the patio resembles that of a chalice, if one could view it from on high.

In the center of The Courtyard is the water feature, designed and donated by Sarah Cox. It was her intent that it reflect Idaho's water/hardscape relationship, something with which she has an enduring and intimate association. Locating that unique stone over which water flows, took a good deal of time, but the outcome could not have been more perfect: Sacred Stone/Peaceful Waters.

All of the planting designs in the inner courtyard were developed by Botanist Maureen Cunningham of the Landscape Committee. Of note, flanking the concrete walkway between the water feature and the Sanctuary are bricks inscribed in honor of individuals or in celebration. Bricks flank all Courtyard walkways and could someday be similarly inscribed. Two relatively new additions to The Courtyard are garden benches, one honoring Linda Anne Sutherland.

The outer, open side of The Courtyard looks over the pasture and at The Grove. In late spring, a glorious array of iris graces that part of the perimeter, a gift of Jan and Jim Kosglow.

Next month, it will be our pleasure to introduce you to The Grove, with its venerable Grandmother Tree.

BUUF Congregational Care Team Presents

Life Skills Training

Explore the skills of Active Listening,
Knowing your own limits,
Recognizing boundaries,
Communication styles 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 8 at BUUF from 9am to 3pm, including a potluck lunch from 12-1. Bring a dish to share and your preferred beverage. Coffee and tea will be provided.

Dr. J. Gibson, author of Healthcare Issues of Aging Families, Dynamics of Aging Families and Personal Safety Nets will lead the morning session. He is also presenting Adult RE sessions at BUUF on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

Lise Stewart, BUUF member and frequent presenter, a specialist in strategic planning with degrees in business and psychology will present the session on "Effective Communication" from 1-2pm.

Rev. Elizabeth Greene and the CCT will present "making Pastoral Care Real at BUUF." This session is for current and prospective CCT members. 2-3pm

Sign up at the information center in the north vestibule or with a CCT member on CCT Sunday, October 5.

Vestibules

With our program year in full swing, here is a friendly reminder that if your committee wants to use vestibule space on Sunday mornings the reservation list is on a clipboard on the literature rack by the office manager's desk. We suggest signing up at least 3 weeks prior to needing the space. The list can fill up fast at certain times of year so, don't delay. Thank you, Interiors Committee

SOCIAL ACTION

Treasure Valley Immigration-Guest Worker Symposium

A Citizens' Forum to Discuss Issues and Solutions

The Treasure Valley is a microcosm of migrant worker issues affecting jobs, border security, and economic and social justice. Immigration reform is complex and raises many questions regarding guest worker programs, alien registration, workplace enforcement, identification and driver's licenses, minimum wage laws, healthcare and worker benefits, and rights to U.S. Citizenship.

This Symposium will feature a panel of distinguished speakers who are directly engaged in immigration and migrant worker affairs. The thrust of the symposium will be to explore both the issues and the most practical and workable solutions.

The Symposium is open to the general public at no charge. Voluntary donations will be accepted with all net proceeds to benefit the Idaho Community Action Network.

The distinguished presenters are:

MODERATOR: Dr. John Freemuth, Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Boise State University,

PANELISTS: Leo Morales, Community Organizer, Idaho Community Action Network Michaelene Rowe, Executive Director, Snake River Farmers Association Maria Andrade, Boise Immigration Attorney Will Rainford, Public Affairs Spokesperson, Roman Catholic Diocese Dr. Greg Ledbetter, Veterinarian and Dairy Farmer Rosio Gonzales, Executive Director, Idaho Catholic Charities

DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 5, 7:00 to 9:30 P.M. PLACE: Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 Garrett St., Garden City

For additional information contact Bob Huntley, 388-1230, or Mike Philley, 378-1714.

Social Action Happenings

Rick Groff

Here are some of the anticipated activities that the Social Action Team will be involved in during this church year:

** This is not a BUUF sponsored event. However, it is sponsored in part by Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger for which BUUF is an Endorsing Body. Information and registration are available on the Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force website or talk to Rick Groff at 336-4921.

In light of the election Day, November 4, the Social Action Team offering is fairly light this fall in the hope that you will contribute time and money to your favored political causes this fall.

Just PIFF It—or It's Time to Take Care of Our Own

We've all seen the recent headlines: Unemployment benefits running out for over 3 million US jobless...Another 610,000 jobless workers will run out of benefits by the end of this year. Unfortunately, the BUUF community is certainly not immune to these trying times. The need to help our own members and friends will probably increase in the coming year(s). Up to this time if the Congregational Care Team (CCT) has had a request for emergency assistance we have had to scramble the resources—whether it be food for a family, money for a heating bill, or other such basic needs of living. And yes, at times the requests have gone unanswered.

The CCT, along with input from the Social Action Committee, the Board, and others has spent the last several months designing a new fund—we're calling it the CCT Pay It Forward Fund (CCT PIFF if you will), to be established to help our own cover the "basic needs of living" during financial emergencies (see last month's newsletter CCT column for more information). Twenty-five percent of October's non-designated plate offering and 100% of checks that are marked "outreach" in the memo field will be used as seed money for the CCT Pay It Forward Fund. THIS YEAR, THIS WILL BE THE SOLE SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR THE CCT PAY IT FORWARD FUND. Please consider giving extra generously this month, the mouths you feed may be our own!

Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services

Rick Groff

Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services provides overnight shelter to men, women, couples, and families.

People seek shelter because they have lost their job, have moved to Boise seeking new jobs, been evicted by parents, have drug addictions, are mentally ill, are working at low paying jobs, been bankrupted because of medical bills, are chronically homeless, etc. Clients range in age from 18 to retirement age plus children in family groups.

We will fill two volunteer positions on Sunday evenings. One person will check people in as they arrive and will work from early to mid evening until 10:00 PM. The other person will do intakes on new arrivals, answer the telephone, give out medications, etc. This person is often mainly a monitor and the volunteer will work from early to mid evening until midnight.

Please let me know if you are interested (336-4921). Our team will begin operation as soon as we can form a team. You can volunteer as often or as little as you choose. You are also welcome to observe for an evening to see if this is something that you want to do before you commit to volunteering.

What Are We Doing for Others? $17,046 Helps

Social Justice ranked high in the activities and programs that Search for the Future participants identified as most important to BUUF members in September. Now is a good time to consider what we can do better for each other and others. We are doing a lot of social action and good work in the community (see below).

But we can do more to support each other and the community at BUUF. What are your ideas? Would you like to start a food bank? Lead a support group to talk about fears and concerns about the economy? Provide free meals once a month to the community? If so speak with a Board Member.

And, our Sunday contributions to the Social Justice Plate Offerings in 2007/08 totalled $17, 046! More than 15 local and international groups received these funds including: El Ada Community Action Partnership, Terry Reilly Health Services, Interfaith Sanctuary Community Services, CROP Walk, Camp Make-a-Wish, Meszko Partner Church, Donna Pendley Fund, Idaho Green EXPO, Idaho Food Bank, International Rescue Committee, Animals in Distress, Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger, and Habitat for Humanity. Besides these contributions, we provide free use of space to a broad array of community and service organizations, build Habit for Humanity homes, feed the homeless in addition to providing a welcoming home for new people seeking a liberal religious community.

Site Webmaster Needed

Rick Groff

Remember voting to become an Endorsing Body for Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger (IIRAH) at the annual meeting last spring?

Have you checked to see if we are listed as an Endorsing Body on their website? We aren't. The reason is that a volunteer is needed to update and make changes in their web site. I don't think that it would take a lot of time. If you know enough to administer a web site, then maybe you could be the person to update and manage their web site.

Please contact Rick Groff at 336-4921 for more information or to express your interest.

CROP Hunger Walk

A chance to help those in need!

Our UU values inspire us to support our fellow human beings, whether they are part of our church or local community or the world at large. We strongly support justice, equity and compassion in these human relations; ensuring that people have enough food to eat is one of the most basic of these needs.

High fuel prices, lost jobs and overall economic uncertainty have put a strain on peoples' budgets. Demands for food assistance from the Idaho Foodbank have increased 32% over what they were just last year.

The CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk helps to fund programs around the world to provide people with food, training, and assistance to help eradicate poverty. Walkers across the US join forces and solicit pledges to support these worthy causes. Donors may designate their contribution to the UUSC or other hunger-fighting agencies. 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the Idaho Foodbank to help fight hunger in our own community.

The Ada County CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, October 19 at 2pm (registration at 1:00 pm)
Julia Davis Park Bandshell
1, 3 or 6 mile distances

There are several ways to help:

Please help us help those in need!

Clinic Needs at Corpus Christi House

Besse LaBudde

Each week Terry Riley Clinic delivers services at Corpus Christi House as well as at other valley locations. Because of high demand, they are very short on 1% hydrocortisone ointment, antifungal cream and powder, and Mucinex© for the treatment of colds. Mucinex© does not interact with other medications and can be taken by people with high blood pressure so this request is brand specific. Please place contributions in the Corpus Christi box in the south entry way.

September Social Action

Gary Wyke

Learning Lab received 25% of the non-pledged plate collection during the month of September. Learning Lab is a nonprofit organization that has served the Treasure Valley and provided high quality literacy education services since 1991. Programs are designed to help functionally illiterate families and adults break the generational cycle of illiteracy and become self-sufficient.

Learning Lab programs include Preschoolers and Parents as Partners Family Literacy; Adult Basic Skills (including GED preparation); and English Language Learning. Students learn through interactive, individualized computer curricula and one-on-one study with the staff of teachers and more than 60 trained volunteer tutors.

Low literacy has been directly linked to poverty, unemployment, welfare dependence, school failure, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, poor health, and social isolation. With year-round classes, Learning Lab helps functionally illiterate adults reach their educational and personal goals, teaches parents how to support their children's development, and prepares children to enter kindergarten educationally and emotionally ready for a lifetime of learning success.

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Are You New To BUUF?

Have you started attending the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (BUUF) since January? If so, you first came to BUUF after our minister, the Rev. Elizabeth Greene had gone on a well-deserved sabbatical leave at the beginning of the year. She has returned, refreshed and renewed, and she would like to see all of you.

Some of you have met Elizabeth since her return in August, but there have been few opportunities for newcomers to spend much time with her. She wants to get to know each newcomer, personally welcome you to BUUF, and ask and answer questions in a conversational setting.

In order to facilitate that, we have planned a dessert reception just for you! The reception will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, 7 to 8:30pm in the north wing classrooms. Childcare will be provided so you don't have to worry about the kids. For more information, please contact Jay Wechselberger. Email: .

Attend a Blue Place Special: Supper—Hosted by BUUF Chefs

You're invited to the first-ever BUUF Wednesday Night Blue Plate Special! Wednesday, October 22, from 5:45 PM-6:45 PM. Forget about cooking, drop by after work, bring the kids, leave early or linger, and/or attend a BUUF evening activity. Things are hoppin' at BUUF and if we can find a spot that isn't taken already (no guarantee on that!) we can continue our conversations awhile longer! (This schedule allows time to clear the sanctuary so the choir can practice and people can get to their 7:00 PM meetings and classes). The cost is $5.00 for members and friends ($7 for guests), donations for children. Call Sharon BarlowPalm, 463-9983, if you need more information or would like to help with this or a future Blue Plate Special!

Women on the Verge

Yes, ladies, originally it was "on the verge of insanity" and some groups that formed at BUUF more than 10 years ago are still going strong! Those interested in forming a new group, are invited to meet at BUUF from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 20 to get acquainted, discuss their interests, decide where to meet (homes or BUUF or elsewhere), what to do (meet, talk, take turns presenting something the presenter wants to share—information, talent, hobby, interest; go to movies, plays or other activities). The group is self-led and usually closes at some point to new members. It continues until it "dies" and new groups are created as interest is expressed. Questions? Call Sue at 340-9450.

Other Book Club

Join the Other Book club for book discussions at these upcoming meetings. The meetings are at 7pm at BUUF.

October 12, Three Cups of Tea: One man's mission to promote peace ... one school at a time, by Greg Mortenson and David Relin

November 9, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollen

Both authors will be speaking in Boise in November, so now is your chance to talk about their work with fellow book lovers at BUUF.

Imagining the future, interpreting the past

BUUF Humanists

At our September 14 meeting we agreed on a system of shared presentations loosely grouped around our inheritance from the past, our present situation and what to do about that. Several regular attendees each agreed to lead discussion on the month's topic; Rebecca Jacobsen will lead ideas of how to make everyday application of the subject.

We meet in the library at 11am each second Sunday. We will strictly adhere to closing time of 12:15pm, after which discussion will continue outside of the library, informally.

Our topics and dates:
October: Paul Rolig, on David Korten's book, The Great Turning.
November: Brian Mulvey, the architecture of thought, framing.
December: Darrel Johnson, the roots of violence.
January: Al Null, emotional intelligence and structure of the brain.
February: Jeanette Ross, science, Darwin and humanism.
March: Nancy Rolig, explaining evil and why bad things happen.
April: Rick Groff on the renaissance roots of humanism.
May: visions of utopia, not assigned.

Please join us; guests are always welcome. For more information contact either Rick Groff or Jeanette Ross.

Friendship Dinner!

It's Suppertime! Come join your BUUF friends for an intimate dinner in someone's home on Saturday, October 25. It is a great way to get to know people better. Sign up in the North Vestibule and someone will call you to bring a dish and enjoy lively conversation. Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

BUUF's Apology to Our Neighbors

Mary Schwartzman

The first ever BLISS Healing Fair was held on BUUF grounds August 23-24. It was a beautiful, well organized, free event by Wings Over Water & Integrity Productions with information booths, vendors, food, children's activities and different local musicians playing every hour. The music was designed to be restful and healing but electronically amplified.

Negative responses came in from three neighbors complaining of "loud music" and letters arrived from the Garden City Police & Office of the Mayor.

BUUF Action: The Bridge Event Center Committee responded immediately to the identified neighbors & then blanketed surrounding neighborhoods with the following flier.

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for letting us know that the music played three weekends ago at our church was loud enough to disturb you and your family. Our sincere apology for any distress and inconvenience this may have caused. We are reevaluating our policies for events held at the church to prevent this from happening again.

We want to be good neighbors and will do everything we can to assure that we are. Please let us know if you have further concerns so that we can address them.

We will be happy to talk with you in person at any time.
Sincerely, The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Result: Positive responses have been coming in. Three neighbors e-mailed or dropped by BUUF to say how much they enjoyed the music & the fair.

"We loved it! I love having new, alternative, innovative events. The music featured local talent...I appreciate that. We need to support our community. Keep it up!"

What was learned?: Let's "keep going" but give more attention to monitoring sound volume and placement of musicians. Through it all our neighbors hopefully learned a little more about us and now know we care about them.

The Book Nook Is Back!

The BUUF Book Nook will be reopened on Sunday, October 5. New UU titles are on the way, including meditations, life issues, essays, poetry and UU history. Watch for Forrest Church's new and final book, where he reflects on death after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer. Mary Oliver has a new book of poetry and the Book Nook will offer it just as soon as it is published.

A large, new collection of children's books are also featured, including new award-winning titles and old favorites.

Whether you are new to UU or an old-timer, you will find food for thought and nourishment for the spirit at the Book Nook. Don't miss the opening!

Hyde Park Street Fair Update

Marcia Lyons

We had over 165 visitors to our informational outreach booth at the Hyde Park Street Fair. It was a wonderful opportunity for many of us to share the positive features of our spiritual home to many interested individuals. Thanks so much to our dedicated volunteers: Warren Bean, Debbie Espen, Eileen Geddings, Cindy Catalano, Leslie Miller, Ed Simon, Barry Hope, Norma Hope, Carrie Hope, Mary Hope, Bev Clark, Coston Frederick, Jessie and Ed Chastain, Karen and Craig Raese, Anca Stamm, Nancy Harms, Janet Wyke, Janice Eby, Jim Lyons and Jay and Carol Wechselberger. You all did a great job sharing information and your own thoughts about our faith community—we really appreciate your generosity for this public information effort!

Poetry for Elizabeth's Return from Sabbatical

On August 24 we had a Poetry Slam at BUUF to celebrate Elizabeth's return from Sabbatical. If you were there you heard the great poems and may have been wishing you could read them. If you were not there you don't know what you missed. Well, now you can read them for yourself, here, on our website, and also in a booklet in our library.

Fall into Community Social Fun Fair Great Success

It was a beautiful summer evening in the courtyard as BUUF Social Groups including Chalice Circles, the Miserly Movie club, the knitting club, book clubs, drumming group, Friendship Dinners, Women on the Verge groups, and hiking groups were represented at the Fun Fair in September. People had a chance to talk with leaders and to decide which groups they wanted to join. It was a fun evening with a clown, get acquainted games and desserts at every table. The evening ended with a group drumming session.

If you missed out on our Social Fun Fair and would like more information on any of these BUUF Social Groups please contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

Poinsettia Order Time

Claudia Fernsworth

Believe it or not, it is poinsettia order time. We have to have the orders in to Edwards Greenhouse by October 27, so use the order form from the back cover of the print newsletter and put it and your payment in the box at the Book Nook by 1pm Sunday October 26. All proceeds from the poinsettia sale support BUUF's operating budget.

Adult RE Partnership with Idaho Friends of Jung

Mike Philley

The Fellowship's Adult Education Committee provides an attractive array of classes, workshops, and special events each fall and spring. This year we are continuing a fruitful collaboration with the Idaho Friends of Jung to bring another Salon Speaker Series to BUUF that invites inquiry and reflection on Jungian approaches to understanding ourselves as individuals and as a species. The intent is to explore depth and meaning in our lives, where intellect and soul can unite in affirming our relationships with one another and with the community of life on earth.

In 2008-09, the Idaho Friends of Jung Salon Speaker Series will feature:

All sessions will be held in BUUF's north wing RE classroom space. Participation is open to all with no prior knowledge of Jungian concepts necessary. Quality refreshments (fair trade coffee, juice, wine, cheese and crackers) are provided. A $10 donation to help defray costs is suggested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. The generous support of those who attend the Salon Speaker Series ultimately enables Idaho Friends of Jung to exist and BUUF's liberal religious community to benefit from this joint educational venture.

For additional information or confirmation of dates and time, contact: .

Wider Community

Energy Festival 2008

Auto Makers and Morph-ers

As fuel costs, air quality, and energy independence occupy our minds more and more these days it seems fitting that this year's Energy Festival focuses on the car.

Who Killed the Electric Car? See the film and meet the director. Friday, Oct 24, 2008 Private Reception - Meet the film's director, Chris Paine at 5:30 - 7:00 pm at Discovery Center of Idaho. $25 per person, $20 for Discovery Center Members, includes $8 film admission and light refreshments. Film Screening: Who killed the Electric Car? 8 PM (film length 1 hour 50 min) at Egyptian Theater 700 W. Main Street, corner of Capital and Main in downtown Boise $8 admission.

Alternative Energy Car Morph-ers—a Community Forum. Saturday, Oct 25, 2008, from 1—4 pm Boise is home to some exceptional folks who've taken matters into their own hands—quite literally. This year's Discovery Center of Idaho's Energy Festival will bring together for the first time four Makers who've morphed conventional combustion engine cars into innovative alternative solutions. (Included in general admission to Discovery Center of Idaho.)

...table of contents

About Us | Contact Us | ©2008 The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Inc.

Chalice logo