EVERGREENE
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
You'll read about this elsewhere in the newsletter, but entering the holiday season, I can't resist celebrating the generosity all of you have shown so splendidly.
There have been times this fall when it has seemed a bit like we think we're about money and property, not people; when it has seemed as though we put business priorities over soul priorities. I am just so grateful to everyone in this congregation for having faith that we—staff, lay leaders, members, friends—actually do understand that we're a church.
"Miracle Sunday," November 16, really was a miracle. With the fabulous new BUUF Band Project (soon to be re-named) and much help from dozens of folks, we conducted services that lifted our spirits, touched our hearts, and filled us with joy of being, wherever we are on our journey. The kids loved putting their little crystals into the communion vessel, and we all love getting them back the next Sunday, adorned by a word describing our community. We reflected on what church is about and what we can mean to each other as we honor Mystery and help heal the world.
Not incidentally, we also gathered financial commitments for about $33,000 dollars, bringing us within a few grand of reaching our goal, a goal which will melt the deficit and free our energy for the real stuff of church.
Let us all kick back a little this December. (More activity arising in January!) Come to church and be with friends—take a look at all the renewing services planned for this month. Smile on your sisters and brothers. Love one another. Honor the dark time and offer gratitude for light's return.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Sue Philley, Board President
At its November meeting, Board members celebrated the generosity of the Fellowship's members and friends! New and increased donations helped increase pledge commitments for 2008-09 by $39,400 plus one-time gifts that included a $10,000 gift which will help reduce our deficit and support our Search for the Future!
We approved a Path to Membership that will be described in detail by the Membership Committee in coming weeks. We regretfully accepted the resignations of Julie Fanselow (who is now serving as the new Director of Communications for the Idaho Democratic Party) and Emmie Schlobohm (who has been hired as BUUF's new Director of Religious Education—see a related article). Board members joined Gini Courter, UUA moderator, at lunches during the weekend of November 23 and 24.
Judy Frederick reported that a strong committee is planning for the January 23-25 Vision Mission Weekend at BUUF. Members and Friends—mark your calendars now and plan to participate! Board members met with consultant Larry Wheeler at various committee meetings the weekend November 14-16th.
Security is important, especially during winter months—PLEASE be sure ALL doors are locked when you leave for the night!
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
Wonderful News on the Religious Education Front
After a long and careful process, headed by the ever-patient Val Duffy, the DRE Search Committee is proud to announce that our new Director of Religious Education (DRE) is Emmie Schlobohm. It was a difficult decision, because of the excellence of applicants, and we are very grateful to those who applied.
We are also extremely grateful to Cathy Carmen and Karen Raese, who have spent a year and a half as "acting co-DREs," half-time (ha) each. They have done a wonderful job. They will stay on duty during January to help Emmie learn the ropes, and Cathy will continue responsibility for Coming of Age.
This is great news for our congregation, kids and adults alike. Be sure to congratulate Emmie when you see her!
View from the South Wing
Cathy Carmen, Co-DRE
"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies." Anonymous
As we prepare for the holiday season here at BUUF, my thoughts are on all the wonderful ways we've worked together this year to cultivate and grow our community. From rallying together during Elizabeth's sabbatical to provide vibrant speakers and programs, to purchasing the acre of land adjacent to our property and just last month, completing a supplemental budget drive to more fully fund the staff (hey, that's me!) and our hefty mortgage payments, we have done amazing things together! Thank you one and all for your generous support and energy to keep the light of our liberal religious faith thriving in our valley.
Personally and professionally this year and a half as one of your Director's of Religious Education has stretched me beyond my usual self. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with all our wonderful volunteer classroom teachers/guides, youth advisors, BUUF office staff, the Board of Trustees and especially my cohorts in crimes, Karen Raese and Elizabeth Greene. I honestly believe that in both small and large ways, we have made a difference in the lives of our children and youth of this world. For that I am truly grateful. I am also acutely aware that my own two children have both struggled with my job here at BUUF and benefitted from it as well. As my daughter Linnea said, "I like it that you're important here, because then I feel important too." Still, the days of Sunday morning being a "family time" disappeared as it became my "work time" as Co-DRE. Now that a new Director of Religious Education/Exploration has been hired, I look forward to passing on the light of what we do. I think Emmie Schlobohm will do a grand job and I look forward to working with her to orient her to the details of the job. However, I will also let go of aspects of this job slowly, as I will continue to facilitate the Coming of Age class (a once-a-month class for our Jr. High youth) and work with many of this same group to plan for and go to Boston, MA in June 2009. So, this is good-bye, but not farewell. It has (and will continue to be) quite a ride!
Boston Bounders Babysitting
When:
Sat., Dec. 6, 4:00-9:00 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 13, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Sat., Dec. 20, 5:00-10:00 p.m.
Where: Elementary R.E. classrooms in the north wing of BUUF
Why:
1. To give you an opportunity to holiday shop, have some time off, meet with friends, attend a holiday party, etc.
2. The Bounders are raising funds for their summer 2009 trip to Boston.
Cost:
$5/hr. for 1 child
$7/hr. for 2 children
$9/hr. for 3 children
What Else:
For an additional charge, gift wrapping is available after you shop or if you want to bring things to be wrapped while you're out. You can bring your own wrapping paper or your gifts can be wrapped in recycled maps.
Adult supervision will be provided.
We'll need your cell phone #, emergency contact, child(ren) food allergies, if any when you drop off your child(ren). Snacks and light dinner provided. Call Amy Butts at 853-5273 for more information.
REflecting on the Season
Karen Raese, Co-Acting DRE
What does Christmas mean to UUs? I came across this article in the Winter 2005 issue of the UU World, part of the uu and me! insert, a publication written for children and their families by the church of the Larger Fellowship. This article discusses Christmas and Unitarian Universalism. To read this online, search in the archives of www.uua.org/uume. If you'd like a printed copy there will some on the RE table in December. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to discuss this with the special UU children in your life.
Lastly, on a more personal note... I will be transitioning out of the DRE position at BUUF in January. A new Director of Children's Religious Education has been selected! We all will be working together to make the transition smooth for everyone. Children's RE at BUUF will continue to be a wonderful program, better than ever!
Little did I know, 3 1/2 years ago when first I agreed to be the Children's Religious Education assistant for then DRE Jennifer Thrall-Thomas and more recently serving as the Co-Acting Director of Religious Education, what an amazing journey it would be. I am ever so grateful for the chance to serve this congregation in this way. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet all the families and children who come to our faith community, to share time with them in our classroom communities and get to know them better. And, I am especially grateful for the many, many gracious and talented volunteers who said "yes" when they were asked to do the myriad of things that make children's Religious Education at BUUF what it is!
Children's Religious Exploration Committee
Angie Tate
The Children's RE committee is busy planning our treasured Deck the Halls weekend, beginning on Saturday, December 6 from 1-3 PM. Themed A Thousand and One Ways to Love and to Care, this intergenerational celebration at BUUF is a must to attend! Saturday afternoon will include decking the halls, craft making, singing, and fellowship. All of our RE classes will rehearse on Saturday. Would you like to volunteer? Angie Tate at 336-0738 or .
December starts the second trimester of RE classes. Please sign up once per child to help in an elementary classroom on the blue board located in the north vestibule. The congregations support is appreciated in keeping with our safe congregation's policy. Come see what our children are learning.
December Children's RE Schedule
Karen Raese, Co-Acting DRE
Please remember the RE rehearsal and "Deck the Halls" fun activities on Saturday, December 6 from 1:00-3:00. Join the fun!
On December 7, our annual Deck the Halls service (single service at 10:00) features our children and youth. There will be no Children's RE classes offered. All children will participate in this wonderful intergenerational service. The nursery will be staffed, as usual, for care of nursery aged children. For those who find it difficult to remain in the service, the preschool room will be available for free play. We ask that parents supervise their own children if this option is chosen.
On December 14 and 21 elementary aged RE classes will explore the winter holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas. Due to the school holidays, only nursery care and the preschool class will be offered on December 28.
On January 4 regular children's RE classes will resume (single service at 10:00). We look forward to welcoming the New Year with you and your children!
Snack Round-Up
Cathy Carmen, Co-DRE
The Children's Religious Exploration Program asks BUUF members and friends to help us stock our shelves with healthy snacks for our elementary classrooms. During the month of December please drop off items in the colorful wicker basket located just inside the door to the North Wing of classrooms. Suggested snacks include: pretzels, fruit leathers (no fruit roll ups, please!), healthy crackers, dried fruit (cherries, craisens, etc.), fresh fruit and animal crackers. We ask that nuts, especially peanuts, and food items containing nuts or processed with nuts, not be donated. So, read those labels! The children thank you for your generosity.
Welcome a Guest at Your Table this Holiday Season
Every year, UU Communities participate in the Guest at Your Table tradition. Gift boxes are being distributed through the Children's RE program and available in the south vestibule. As we invite these guests to our table by placing the gift box where we have meals, we are reminded to share with others whose lives are changed by the UU Service Committee's (UUSC) human-rights work. At each meal, insert coins or bills into the gift box and share a connection to others. Please return the boxes beginning January 4. We'll collect them January 4 and 11. The money collected is used to support the UUSC's programs for human rights and social justice around the world. With a $40 box collection, you'll receive a one-year UUSC membership. If your final gift totals $100 or more, it will be eligible to be matched by the UU congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! We're Boston Bound Once Again!!
Emmie Schlobohm, Boston Bounder Boss
Ahoy, fellow BUUFers, did you know that here, in our very own congregation, our fine young junior high youth set out once every two years to explore their UU roots and wings in Boston, Massachusetts? Over the years we've created this trip as a way to explore the larger Unitarian Universalist movement and connect with UU's in other parts of the country. Our Boston Bounders are at it again this year with plans to land in Boston in June 2009!
In light of this revelation, I wanted to catch you up on what's been happening and to give you a heads up about what exciting things are coming so you can take full advantage of all opportunities to participate in our fine young teens' endeavors. They've shown amazing team-building and leaf-raking skills in the yards of several fellow BUUFers. You've no doubt seen them hawking their BUUF wear for your holiday shopping convenience in the vestibules before and after Sunday services. You can also catch them providing refreshments for you to wet your whistle at various BUUF events. Look closely in this very issue of our newsletter to find out more about their plans to make your holidays easier with babysitting and gift-wrapping opportunities.
And as if that wasn't enough, keep a weather eye out for their upcoming fine performance at our annual Deck the Halls service on December 7 and for an imaginative representation of their fundraising progress that will be created this month for your viewing pleasure.
Earth Scouts
Nimi Sandhu
Now is the time! Nimi Sandhu is passionate about creating a new youth group at BUUF. She has long been interested in creating an Earth Scouts program. Earth Scouts is Scouts plus! It's principles derive from the Earth Charter and are exactly in line with UU principles.
Earth Scouts is an inclusive, co-educational scouting program, in which facilitators provide a cooperative learning environment for future community leaders and change agents seeking sustainability, equity and nonviolence. Earth Scouts are the parents, teachers, mentors and youth who come together to engage in a shared learning experience that teaches and supports understanding and action on community issues in ways that are congruent with the Earth Charter. Earth Scouts is a program of Earth Charter U.S.
Nimi can't do this alone—but a small group of parents can make this happen! The Earth Scouts website has a complete Facilitators guide on how to start a program. It is for ages 3 through 17. If you are interested in starting this program at BUUF please call Nimi at 229.0155 or email her at .
For detailed information go to www.earthscouts.org.
COMMITTEES
Search for the Future and "Feed the Faith: A Gift from Everyone" Campaign
Sue Philley, BUUF Board President
As BUUF members and friends entered the season of thanksgiving, they seemed to reflect on how much our Fellowship's "community" meant to them and to the extended community beyond our walls. They met with Visiting Stewards and/or responded to phone contacts with a great outpouring of generosity—increasing pledges to over $39,000; plus donating several one-time gifts, including a lead gift of $10,000.
It was exciting to watch the enthusiasm that the Visiting Stewards felt for each new gift...whether a $5 a week, a $10 a month, or a $2000 or more a month gift! Each of these was meaningful, given from the heart, and helped us reach our goal! We received wonderful feedback, suggestions, and inspiring stories and testimonials. Much of this will be referred to appropriate committees and used to help improve congregational life in coming weeks. Our numbers of Fair Share gifts increased and many people took advantage of our new electronic payment option which will help save staff time.
We had 43 Visiting Stewards and more than one-fourth of them had never participated in a fund drive before. Several said they loved doing it and felt so inspired by their visits and phone contacts that they'll sign up again! However, since we needed 75 Visiting Stewards, you may or may not have been contacted!
If you'd like to increase your pledge or can pay electronically, please email Gerry Morris ( ) to request a form. [The form and more information can be found later in this newsletter as well.] A new or increased pledge starting in December can still be applied to our goal and will have substantial implications for BUUF's future financial health.
Please contact Sue Philley, 340-9450, email: if you have any questions or suggestions about the campaign.
Who, What, Why
A Collaborative Workshop to Develop the Vision & Mission of BUUF
Saturday, January 24, 8:30, 1:00, or 6:00 pm
Come share your hopes, dreams, ideas, and suggestions for the future of BUUF.
Together, we will create and put into words the essence of:
who we are
what makes us unique
why we exist.
Then, we will explore how to achieve this vision as a congregation.
WE NEED YOU to help create vision and mission statements that will guide the future of BUUF.
Together we can articulate our purpose and move forward as a cohesive community.
Sign up for one of the 3, three hour sessions - 8:30, 1:00, or 6:00 at .
Questions? Call Judy Frederick at 362-4935 or Miriam Woito at 890-6074.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR THIS IMPORTANT EVENT!!
Fundraising News
Poinsettia Unloading Help Needed
Claudia Fernsworth
A big "Thank you" to all who ordered one or more of the 137 poinsettias from Edwards Greenhouse. They are scheduled to be delivered to BUUF at 10:00 am on Saturday December 6. If you can help with unloading and organizing them, please call or e mail me.
Mark the Calendar—Our Next Auction will be Saturday, February 7, 2009
Details in the January 2009 newsletter
Be thinking of something you can donate. Goods and services valued over $20 will be featured. Will you donate $1 or more to help buy a Downtown Merchants gift certificate? Do you have a cabin you would let someone stay in for a week or weekend? A business you can solicit? (please ask me for a letter) A talent or skill you will share? Gently used items to donate? etc. Donation forms will be on a clipboard in the north vestibule.
We will also need help to make the Auction a success. Look for the clipboard in the north vestibule to sign up for a job—"many hands make light work".
Chocolate, Anyone?
Contact me if you are willing to make a from-scratch, upscale, elegant, delicious chocolate dessert. I am thinking of having a fundraising chocolate event in early April and inviting all residents of the Treasure Valley and beyond.
Kudos to Mortgage Retirement Contributors
Bob Huntley, Campus Development Committee Chair
In the Fall of 2007 BUUF launched an initiative to reduce or retire our mortgage under the theme "A Redemption Which Makes Sense to UUs". We thank the sixty-six Contributors for the remarkable benefits they have conferred upon us.
Pledges total $129,000 payable over four years. We received and applied $64,000 advance payments on principle. The effect is that (a) we have saved the Fellowship $108,840 on interest; (b) each $1 confers a $2.70 benefit on BUFF for a total effective contribution of $172,840; (c) the final pay-off date has been moved forward from August 2025 to April 2022 (forty months earlier); and (d) without these pre-payments, the principle balance in April 2022 would yet have been $154,970.
Pledge Payments Made Easy
If you would like to make your monthly pledge to BUUF via electronic/automatic payments, this option is now available. An authorization form for automatic withdrawals (PDF) is available online, or from the information rack in the office area. Completed authorization forms can be mailed to BUUF, 620 Garrett Street, Boise ID 83714, or left in the mailbox in the office area. For further information contact Gerry Morris in the BUUF Office, 658-1710, or email .
Making Our Sunday Services More Spiritual
Sunday Services Committee
In an effort to make our worship services more spiritual we would like to make fewer announcements from the pulpit. If you have an announcement for Sunday please send it to by 5 PM on the Wednesday before and she will get it printed.
If you have an announcement that misses the deadline, please consider printing it and putting it in the order of service or on the chairs yourself, after checking with the service coordinator.
Thanks for your help in making our worship services more spiritual.
New in Our Library
Besides our ever—growing collection of books, we also have many additions to our Audio-Visual materials. They are in all formats of CDs, DVDs, VHS, and cassette tapes. They cover many varied and interesting subjects. We recently had a donation from Dan Bacon of 17 wonderful videos of Native American culture, history, storytelling, and arts. Some of these are out of print and very hard to find. We have DVDs of "What the Bleep?..." and David Korten's works, as well as CDs of the Reverends Forrest Church and Robert Fulghum when they visited and spoke in our Fellowship. Check out our collection on the Audio-Visual shelves, and you're sure to find something of interest!
BUUF Music Notes
Carrie Bastian
We've been singing "Children's Blessing" for a few weeks now, so it probably comes as no surprise that this new tune received the majority vote on the children's recessional decision. For enquiring minds, the count was 55 for "Children's Blessing" and 32 for "Go Now In Peace." Thank you to everyone who contributed an opinion, whether by voice or ballot.
Thanks for all the positive feedback on the BUUF Band Project. Mike, Susan, John, Bob and I are already working towards future collaborations. Several of you indicated interest in being a part of the project. We are currently in the process determining how auditions and band participation will work. I'll keep you posted as we work through the details.
With the Winter holidays upon us, singing is a great way to get in the spirit of the season. Treat yourself to a more meaningful December by singing with the BUUF choir. We are working on fun, accessible music for a special, mostly-music service on December 14. Please join us on Wednesday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. for choir rehearsal.
Christmas Caroling Party!
All members and friends are invited to join with the choir for an evening of musical merriment. I'll bring song books for lots of impromptu fun. Feel free to bring your own Christmas sheet music, or even a musical instrument if you prefer to jam-a-long, rather than sing-a-long. If you like, bring a treat to share (milk and cookies anyone?). Our caroling party will take place at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17 in the sanctuary. The more, the merrier!
Church Photographers needed
Help with taking pictures of church activities. Become a member of The History Keepers Committe if you'd like. Your pictures will go in the church photo album and also be used for other purposes. Technical assistance available if you want to learn more about photography. Contact Frank Shuff. 631-0953 .
New UU -- Mark Your Calendar!
The next New UU course will be two daytime Saturday workshop sessions, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. Details will be in the January Newsletter.
Join the BUUF IT Circle
BUUF IT Circle is a initiative to improve the data and technology to meet the future needs and goals of BUUF. With the rapid growth BUUF is experiencing, we need to put a dynamic system or systems in place. Any individuals are welcome to join regardless of their technical experience. For more information and ways to contribute please feel free to email Mitchel Bethel at or call 208-695-7912
SOCIAL ACTION
Social Action Happenings
Please join the Social Action Team the first Sunday of each month in the library at 8:30 AM.
The Strategic Planning team determined that there was widespread support for a stronger social justice program at BUUF. One of four goals from this process was: "To be known in the community for our social action program."
In accordance with this goal, the Social Action Team and Adult Education are sponsoring a Social Justice Empowerment workshop February 27 -28. This is a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) supported program. Both of our facilitators have very strong social justice backgrounds and one has been teaching this workshop since 1992.
The most important component to this workshop is the attendance of members and friends. What social justice issues do you think BUUF should be pursuing? What sort of activities should we be performing to reach those goals? What is right and what is wrong with our current social justice program? You told the Strategic Planning team that you want BUUF to be known for its social justice program. Mark the dates of February 27-28 on your calendar; attend the workshop; and help to make your vision a reality.
Helping the Homeless
Working at the Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services is an interesting and rewarding experience. You can observe on a Sunday night to see if this volunteer opportunity is right for you. Please contact Rick Groff at 336-4921 or Jeanette Ross 378-1217 for more information.
September Plate Collection Results
Gary Wyke
Learning Lab has been sent a check from BUUF in the amount of $822.58 - 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.
Still Green Habitat
Sarah Bratley
On November 7, I had the pleasure of joining others from BUUF and the
community for the Dedication of the Okeny Family Home on Wardle Street.
BUUF became a part of this family's lives because Boise Valley Habitat
for Humanity (BVHFH) was building its first "green" home, and it was the
$5000 raised by our Senior High Youth that made the "green" part
possible. For
two Saturdays we laid roofing shingles, installed
siding, nailed attic joists, and attended to many smaller projects. Some
of us even volunteered at ReStore, a low-cost home improvement store
that benefits BVHFH.
BVHFH has applied for Platinum-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification on the Okeny home. Because of economic and environmental benefits, all future BVHFH homes will be "green" and built to LEED standards. BVHFH currently has two homes under construction, with the help of Meridian Schools and Idaho Department of Corrections, and they plan to build two more next spring. They have 10 families working on "sweat equity" toward safe, simple homes they can call their own.
How do I know? I serve on the Family Support Committee and I've been partnered with a wonderful family from Somalia. We may not speak the same language, but we all know what a blessing we have been given. Please contact me ( ) or the Habitat office ( ) for information on ways you can help eliminate poverty housing in our community.
BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Partner Church News & Outreach Offering
Gwyn Reid
On Sunday, November 9, it was wonderful to learn about last summer's trips to Meszko, and to receive the lovely hand carved plaque depicting the symbol of Unitarianism in Transylvania. Thank you to those members of BUUF who have reached out in such an important way to strengthen our partnership with the Unitarian congregation of Meszko. If you didn't get a chance to hear it, you can catch part of the service on BUUF's website. We'd like to start planning next year's trip to Transylvania as soon as possible. If you're thinking about going, please contact Cynthia Alleman. In December BUUF's social action plate offering will go toward the Ferenc Balazs heritage trust. The trust is a joint venture between BUUF and the congregation of Meszko to help preserve the historical church and parsonage and the legacy of Unitarian minister Ferenc Balazs. 25% of the non-designated plate offering and 100% of checks marked "outreach" in the memo field will go to this outreach. If you'd like to nominate a cause for consideration as a future recipient of BUUF's monthly social action outreach offering, contact Social Action chair Rick Groff. Looking for last minute Christmas gifts? On December 7 and 14, the partner church will be offering handicrafts from Transylvania for sale in the south vestibule.
BUUF Singles Holiday Kick-Off!
A new group is forming for BUUF Singles. This group will coordinate activities for singles of all ages, from holiday get-togethers to trips to Bogus, and will keep everybody informed. If you are single and would like to be invited to events with other like-minded singles, or would like to invite other like-minded singles to your events, this is the way to do it!
The BUUF Singles Holiday Kick-Off! There will be hot mulled drinks, festive bites, and many opportunities for fun! Saturday December 13 at 3pm. We will meet and mingle at BUUF in the Balazs/Senior High room in the south wing (near the library). Most importantly, we will be getting to know each other and creating a BUUF Singles community. Email to be added to the BUUF Singles email distribution list or to RSVP.
On Being Heart Smart
Jeanette Ross
How do we measure intelligence? Is it enough to fill in dots on a test of knowledge and skills selected by test devisers?
December's BUUF Humanists will have their AQ (Awareness Quotient) raised by Al Null, retired psychologist of vast experience. He will address emotional intelligence, subject of contemporary brain research and a popular book by Daniel Goleman. As before we will turn the discussion over to Rebecca Jacobsen for a predictably lively exchange between attendees.
We meet Sunday December 11 in the library. We start promply at 11am and stop when BUUF services end or at 12:15pm, whichever is first. Newcomers and long-timers are all welcomed. Contact Jeanette or Rick Groff if you have any questions.
Landscape Heroes: Warren, Coston and Alan
Everyone has heroes and Landscape is no exception. We also want the world to know who some of our heroes are, so to begin, we present (drum roll) Warren Bean, Coston Frederick and Alan Schwartzman! Whooda thunk three perfectly reasonable guys would religiously (can we say that???) handle the mowing chores of BUUF every week, except in winter. Warren and Coston share the twice weekly mowing of the grassy areas and Alan mows the pasture. And we're talking about doing it during the heat of summer and the weather vagaries of spring and autumn. Not for the faint hearted, but these three make it happen.
BUUF Desk Calendars
Six BUUF artists and photographers have contributed to create the BUUF Landscape Desk calendar. They'll be available at the Book Nook at a cost of $12.00, with proceeds going to purchase bike racks. The twelve months of photos and art reflect the beauty of our landscape. This is a great stocking stuffer opportunity!
Newsletter Deadline Early Next Month
Jennifer Grush-Dale, BUUF News Editor
Due to the Christmas holiday, we must move up the deadline for newsletter submissions. I must have ALL submissions for the newsletter no later than Wednesday, December 17 at 10am.
A few reminders about submitting articles for our newsletter:
— Articles must be no longer than 200-250 words.
— Concentrate on the basics of your event (the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and then some on the HOW & WHY).
— Please email your submission to even if you know my other email addresses. This account is solely for newsletter related business & your submission may get misplaced if it is sent to a different account.
Other Book Club
Join fellow BUUF members and friends in the Other Book Club for upcoming discussions:
December 14, 2008, 7pm: Dreams of My Father by Barack Obama—meet at BUUF. Come share your thoughts about this autobiography of the early years of our president-elect.
January 11, 2009, 7pm: Willful Creatures by Aimee Bender. This is a collection of short stories by an author who will be coming to Boise in February for the Log Cabin Readings and conversation series. This is your chance to read and talk with friends about her work before she comes. Place TBA.
Ministry Lunches Return in January
Ministry Team
We're taking a break from Ministry Lunches in December, aiming for fewer events, more time for everyone to relax a little, get holiday things done early, enjoy the Winter Solstice embrace.
But January will bring these occasions back, no-host times when anyone who shows up can talk about anything they wish, with our minister, Elizabeth, and members of the Ministry Team.
The formerly-known-as-western lunch is Tuesday, January 6, currently scheduled for International Chinese on Glenwood and State. However, folks from Meridian, Nampa and points west are calling it "slightly less east, not west." So we may have the Jan. 6 event in Meridian. Watch your January newsletter.
The eastern lunch on Friday, January 16. Since we haven't heard from Mountain Home folks about the lack of easternness at the URS building (LOL), it is scheduled for that place, formerly known as Washington Group, even more formerly as the M-K Building.
Join us!
Welcome to The Grove...
and feel the stillness when there is no breeze, sense the excitement of scurrying creatures, or the answering nodding of branches and flashing leaves as you pass through. The Grove is a magical, mystical, spiritual place. One interesting note is that our Northern Poplars are related to the European poplars found in the area surrounding our Partner Church in Mészkõ.
The seasons and weather changes bring different moods to The Grove. Regardless of the time of year, The Grove is a favorite place for 'centering', enjoying a picnic, playing hide-and-seek, writing, strolling. One day, The Walk Through Time will wend its way among the trees and Tales from the Grandmother Trees will be told regularly. There is a brush pile of poplar limbs, branches and leaves near the south entrance which provides habitat for birds and other small animals and is a recycling opportunity. The brush pile is also one of the required elements which has earned BUUF's World Wildlife Federation's designation as a Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat.
BUUF takes its role of Grove stewardship seriously. Each spring, we have a healthy emergence of white top, a troublesome weed which could be easily taken care of by spraying, except that spraying could profoundly affect all of the trees because they are connected. John and Sandy Cruise 'adopted' The Grove a number of years ago, and faithfully weed-wacked the white top each spring, ensuring the health of the poplars. The Cruises also generously donated the picnic table near the Grandmother Tree. With their 'retirement,' The Grove is now available for others to adopt.
Get to know The Grove. You won't be disappointed. And next month, you will meet 'Troll Haven', the Bridge which has such profound symbolism to the BUUF community.
How to Make Holiday Gift Giving Greener
Green Sanctuary Team
This Holiday Season we hope you will consider giving donations to favorite charities in the names of your loved ones that you usually give gifts to. Give your friends and relatives a card telling them that a donation has been made in their names to this charity. You get a tax deduction, the charity benefits and your friends can brag that their charity has been helped. Sounds like a win-win. No gift wrapping, no package mailing, no mall shopping, no useless gifts being exchanged. What could be easier and greener? Encourage your friends and relatives to do the same for you. Tell them your favorite charities.
Author Signing!
Our very own Julie Fanselow has just published Off the Beaten Path: Idaho—A Guide to Unique Places. And she is doing an author signing! Come to the BUUF Book Nook, December 7, after the Deck the Halls service, buy a copy and have Julie sign it for you on the spot. Her new book is only $13.95, a bargain for a signed edition.
The Book Nook will also have a very few copies of her earlier works, Traveling the Oregon Trail ($16.95) and Traveling the Lewis and Clark Trail ($15.95) available for purchase and signing.
Thanks to Julie's generosity, all profits from these sales go to BUUF. Here are perfect gifts for northwest travelers, sightseers, and history buffs. Come and honor Julie, support BUUF, and give yourself a treat.
Icicle Cycle
Eric Wallace
Understanding icicles
requires not physics
but believing this:
Nature's riddles are parables.
Born of heat seducing cold,
a glistening panic of icy tears,
lemmings on the eaves,
a blind and fluid surge
seeks oblivion's edge.
But small leaps of faith
can bring great transformation.
Cold re-enchants,
drops falter,
waver,
spin chilled cocoons,
cluster and slumber,
in frosty defiance of waterfalls.
Gravity suspended,
winter ladles
crystal pendants,
fierce and fragile,
glassy tapers,
gelid daggers,
glacial corals,
sharp and brittle,
sleeping beauties
en pointe in air—
little dreaming
a Judas kiss of sun
will awaken
a moment of blinding clarity,
slyly precipitate
a downfall.
PNWD & UUA: Eliot Institute
Got plans for New Year's?
Eliot Institute, the Northwest's much loved UU summer camp (with sessions in June, July and August) also has a winter session: 12/28—1/1/09. This year, iconic NW poet Kim Stafford is our theme speaker; you won't be sorry if you come.
Visit EliotInstitute.org or call 206-374-2497 to learn more.
