BUUF News – January 2009

Contents

EVERGREENE

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Who are we?

What makes us unique?

Why do we exist?

Good questions! If we, as a congregation, have some agreement on the answers to these questions, we will do even better than we do now at nurturing souls and helping to heal the world. The new year is always a good time to reflect on what has gone before, and then stretch our hearts and minds and souls to envision ourselves at our best. The enthusiasm that has been rising in us all fall can help us articulate our dearest values.

On January 23-25, our dynamic and energetic church will be participating in a Vision-Mission process, designed to include EVERYONE (including our creative and wonderful youth) in wrestling with the deep question of who we are. What is the "song" of this congregation? What deep values allow us to embrace an ever-widening diversity of people, sheltering us all in reverence and commitment? What shared vision will take us out into the world, where we can embody the historic UU tradition of service and commitment?

Watch for Judy Frederick and her merry band of Vision-Aires every Sunday, inviting you to participate, even facilitate. If you happen to miss these folks in person, feel free to call Judy at 362-4935, or e-mail her at .

I am feeling a great spirit afoot in our Fellowship. The first half of this year could have brought us to a place of tension or stress, given the Fall Stewardship Campaign, budget woes, etc. But no! We are part of the hope this country is feeling. We are part of a faith that can carry the saving message of Unitarian Universalism to more and more people.

May 2009 bring peace to our souls and the world. May it see joy and hope to all people.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Sue Philley, Board Chair

One of the most transformative events in our Fellowship's life occurs Saturday, January 24 , as focus groups meet at BUUF to create a collective Vision for the coming six years. Myths about Communicating Congregational Identity by Lynne M. Baab, was the feature article in the November 24 Alban Institute's Alban Weekly. In it she describes why a clear and appropriate Vision is critical to healthy congregations; i.e. conveying a clear communication will help the congregation connect to the community around it. Clear expressions of values and identity will also have a deep impact on the congregation itself. The expectations of people involved in a congregation are shaped by what they hear about that congregation.

For decades congregational leaders have been making decisions—both consciously and unconsciously—about identity and values and how they are communicated. All congregations need to periodically rethink and explore who they are and what they value. Even if all the people attending a congregation stay the same over a decade, each of those people would undergo personal changes in that time, and those personal changes would change the priorities and emphases of that community of faith. And, of course, no congregation is composed of exactly the same members over a decade or more. Changes shape the values of each congregation. Baab also argues that everything congregations say and do contributes to their identity, so paying attention to actions, technology, publications, and use of symbols that communicate priorities and the distinctiveness of "Who we are and what are we about" should be front and center for all congregations.

Sign up on Sundays or contact Judy Frederick for more information.

Who, What, Why

A Collaborative Workshop to Develop the Vision & Mission of BUUF

Saturday, January 24th 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 . Childcare will be provided. Questions? Call Judy Frederick at 362 4935 or Miriam Woito at 890-6074.

Mark your calendars now for this important event!

Making Our Sunday Services More Spiritual

From the 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.

(Check the Promoting Events page on more ways to get the word out, on Sunday, and at other times.)

Thanks for your help in making our worship services more spiritual.

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Greetings and Salutations!

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of RE

Our Religious Exploration program is a magical place where you can find your inner whimsy, wonder and awe, and where children are wise and adults can play!

Hello, I'm Emmie Schlobohm and I'm your new Director of Religious Exploration. I have been involved in the Boise UU Fellowship's Religious Exploration (RE) program for close to 15 years, as I've taught, served on the RE Committee, and participated with my two boys in all the wonderful programs RE has to offer. I am so very honored, awed, and thrilled to be a part of this new ministry of my heart!

Our RE program not only involves our children and their immediate families, but also the congregation as a whole as you are involved as witnesses and participants in the children's spiritual growth and your own. I feel that our congregation is a part of something miraculous within our Treasure Valley community, the greater Unitarian Universalist community, and within each of us. As I start out on this new journey, I invite all of you to come along for the ride and to help me make the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship's Religious Exploration program a shining star in our community and our hearts.

If you have any questions or ideas for the future or if you'd just like to come and find out who I am, please join me for one of the following informal meet-and-greet sessions, refreshments provided. I'd love to get to know you better! All ages are encouraged and welcomed to come!

Sunday, January 11, 2009
10:15—10:45 am in the Raible class room in the north wing
12:15—12:45 pm in the Stowe class room in the north wing
Embrace the journey and enjoy the ride!

Children's RE Committee

The Children's Religious Exploration committee is very excited to welcome Emmie Schblolm as our new Director of Religious Education. The committee is ready to offer our support as she embarks on this new adventure with us! We bid a farewell to our co-DREs, Cathy Carmen and Karen Raese. They have done a wonderful job and offered leadership, friendship and an outstanding RE program over the past year and a half!

This New Year will find our committee busy planning for our future sponsored events and the growth in the Children's RE programs. We welcome additional members for the celebrations we sponsor, Sunday RE coordination and monthly meetings. If you would like more information about joining us, contact a committee member or call Angie at 336-0738, .

Returning Your Guest At Your Table Boxes

Please remember to return the Guest at Your Table boxes and checks on January 4 or January 11. The RE classes will be collecting these for children in RE. If you do not have RE children, you can return your boxes to the DRE office. If you didn't get a Guest at Your Table box, you can still contribute to the UUSC programs for human rights and social justice. Please deposit your check payable to UUSC in the specially-marked Guest at Your Table box located in the DRE office. You'll be signed up for a one-year UUSC membership with a $40 contribution.

COMMITTEES

Adult Education News

Mike Philley

Please have a look at the Adult Education Spring 2009 Bulletin (also available as a printer-friendly PDF, sent as part of the print newsletter). This is our most attractive and compelling slate of offerings ever—certainly there is something for everyone! January is the time to sign-up—just fill out the registration form, attach a check, and mail or return it to BUUF.

At the end of May I'll step down as chairperson of the Adult Education Committee. For seven years I've been honored to lead an exciting program that has become an important part of our Fellowship. I will leave with gratitude for the accomplishments, friendships, and deepened sense of community I have experienced through the Committee's work.

I wish to thank our minister, Elizabeth Greene, my stalwart Committee members both past and present, and BUUF's office manager, Gerry Morris, for deeply appreciated support over the years as we've developed this successful program.

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 call 208-695-7912 or .

Fundraising News

Claudia Fernsworth

Get ready to spend "AN EVENING IN PARIS" right here at our AUCTION! There will be delectable hearty hors d'oeuvres (not dinner), fine ambience, entertainment, and of course—fabulous things to bid on. Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 7 and invite your friends. If you want to dress like you are spending AN EVENING IN PARIS, that will add to the fun. Tickets are $20 each and will be available at the Book Nook every Sunday, or call me at 853-1526 to reserve yours. This is our biggest FUNdraiser, so do plan to come.

Of course VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED before, during and after. Sign up on the clipboard in the North Vestibule.

CHOCOLATE EVENT— I am soliciting people who make excellent chocolate desserts to sell at our First Annual CHOCOLATE EVENT—April 4 from 1 to 4. Give me a call at 853-1526 if you would like to contribute.

Getting by In Hard Times

Would you like to be part of an informal "networking" group, to see how we can be of help to each other in these difficult times?

The Board and the Congregational Care Team are sponsoring a get-together after church on Sunday, January 4, where all who is concerned about community needs can meet and talk about supporting each other.

This will not be primarily about money, because neither the Fellowship nor individuals has a whole lot of that. But how about trading baby-sitting? Can you fix cars, if a family has a breakdown? Need help writing a resume? The possibilities seem limitless! Even if you are not in need, or don't feel you have something to offer, you might attend this meeting and be surprised!

Child care will be provided.

Green January

Bryan Jennings

The Green Sanctuary Committee will hold its first meeting of the new year on Monday, January 5, 7:00 pm at BUUF. We will be discussing projects for the coming year. We need new members for the committee, and we really need your ideas. If there's something you'd like to help us do to contribute to the greening of BUUF or the survivability of the world at large, please meet with us, and we'll talk about it. We will also begin planning an Earth Day service or other Earth Day activities for April. For further information, call Bryan or Wanda at 362-7563 or e-mail .

Membership Memo

A sometimes update on what is going on with your Membership Committee

After several months of work, talking with church leaders, reviewing what other UU fellowships do, and making many revisions, the Membership Committee made a recommendation to the board for a Path to Membership. The Board approved the final version on November 20. As you may recall, back in August the membership approved a change to our bylaws providing for a Path to Membership. This path provides prospective members with an historical background on UU, and BUUF in particular. It also outlines the advantages and responsibilities of membership. By following the Path, all new members will have the same understanding of what being a member of this faith community means. The Path will be published in full on our website in the near future for your reference, but in the meantime, here are the basics:

The traditional Path to Membership in the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship shall include the following, or the alternatives listed:

1. Complete the New UU class or an alternative.
2. Meet with the minister to gain an understanding of the advantages and responsibilities of membership.
3. Find ways to participate regularly in the BUUF community as able.
4. Respect the principles and purposes of the UUA, and the mission and covenant of the Fellowship.
5. Provide monetary support by completing an annual pledge form and volunteer service to this community as able. Waivers to the requirement for monetary support may be made when needed.
6. Sign the membership book.

From now on, prospective members will be asked to complete the Path to Membership prior to signing the membership book. If you have any questions about the Path, feel free to talk to any board member or someone from the Membership Committee.

SOCIAL ACTION

January Social Action Project: The Idaho Human Rights Education Center

Arlene Baldwin

The mission of the Idaho Human Rights Education Center is to "promote respect for Human Dignity and diversity through education and to foster individual responsibility to work for justice and peace." The center achieves this mission through educational programs with teachers and students, community leadership and advocacy in human rights. The Center was founded in 1996 to construct a memorial to human rights. In August 2002, that vision became a reality when the world class Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial opened to the public. Today, thousands of school children and adults tour the Memorial each year and participate in our programs.

We have a dream!

Once again, BUUF will take part in the Martin Luther King/Human Rights Day March and Rally. The event will take place on Monday, January 19.

Marchers will gather in the Hatch Ballroom on the second floor of the Boise State Student Union Building to make posters starting at 9:30 a.m. The march begins at 10:45 a.m. and will culminate in a rally at the Boise City Hall Plaza.

For more information about this year's events, visit mlk.boisestate.edu.

Let's empower BUUF to help heal the world

BUUF did a lot of work over the past few months to strengthen our financial status. Soon, we'll spend time updating our mission statement and creating a vision. Now, we're asking all BUUF members and friends to set aside part of one weekend (a Friday evening and Saturday morning/afternoon) Feb. 27-28 to explore what our fellowship can do to help the wider world at a Social Justice Empowerment Workshop.

Join national UU facilitators the Rev. Ralph Galen and Pam Kelly to discuss such questions as: What social justice issues should BUUF pursue? Do we want to concentrate on a few issues or make as wide an impact as possible? How can we get more people involved in BUUF's social justice work? How can we live our new mission and vision statements (and UU values!) through what we do in the community?

In the strategic planning process, BUUF members and friends said they want our fellowship to be known for its social justice work. You can help make that happen by taking part in the Social Justice Empowerment Workshop Feb. 27-28. Save the dates now, and watch the February newsletter and Sunday bulletins for sign-up opportunities.

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Other Book Club

Join fellow BUUF members and friends in the Other Book Club on January 11, 2009, 7pm in the BUUF Library for a discussion of 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. Since the December meeting got snowed out, discussion will also cover Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father.

One Man Reflects on "Violence of Language"

Jeanette Ross

The title Darrell Johnson has chosen for our January 11 meeting prepares us for an intriguing, wide-ranging perspective on this important subject. Whether deliberate or not, hidden or obvious, that which judges— and hurts, diminishes or confuses its victim does more damage than most of us acknowledge. Darrell will help us identify the implications of our all-too common language.

Humanists believe in— and support— the fullest development of human potential. This presentation is part of a year-long look at the ways we may inadvertently diminish that potential— or enhance it. Join us Sunday, January 11, at 11am in the library at BUUF for thoughtful talk that must, alas, end with the end of the BUUF service taking place at the same time. For more information contact Rick Groff or Jeanette Ross.

Ministry Lunches

Ministry Team

As our church gets bigger and bigger, it is harder and harder to find time to just chat with our minister, Elizabeth Greene. To help remedy this lamentable circumstance, the Ministry Team (formerly known as Committee on Ministry) sponsors two no-host lunches a month, to which everyone is invited. There is no agenda—you bring your ideas, questions, sharing, or whatever, and Elizabeth is there as part of a convivial luncheon gathering. January times:

Tuesday, January 6, 11:30 am, International Chinese, Glenwood near Chinden

Friday, January 30, 11:30 am, URS cafeteria (previously Washington Group, even more previously Morrison-Knudsen), 1750 Front; cross Broadway from eastbound Connector, enter doors behind fountain.

Join us!

New UU Class Offered Again Soon

Would you like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Are you thinking about becoming a member of BUUF? Then the New UU class is for you! This class will offer you the opportunity to meet other newcomers, church leaders, and members. It will provide you with some history, and give you a glimpse into the inner workings of the Unitarian Universalist Association and of BUUF in particular. It will also reveal the many ways you might become involved in the life of this community.

The New UU is the first step toward membership required in the Path to Membership (see page 4) recently approved by the board. But, even if you don't plan to join right away, the class is fun and informative.

This time around, the class will be offered on two successive Saturdays: January 31, and February 7, 2009 from 10:00 am until about 2:30 pm. For more information you can contact Membership chair, Jay Wechselberger, at 871-3765 or .

BUUF Music Notes

Carrie Bastian

I've often said that December is to musicians what April is to accountants: busy! This December has been no exception. Even so, it has been a joyous kind of busy. Thanks to all who participated in our mostly music Sunday on December 14. And thank you to Mother Nature for sending the lovely snow to compliment the music.

If you're thinking about a New Year's resolution that will add more beauty and joy to your life, resolve to participate in choir beginning on January 7! The choir will be on break for the next couple of weeks. We will resume our regularly scheduled rehearsals (Wednesdays from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm) on January 7 in preparation for our February 1 performance. Step out of the shower and come sing with the BUUF choir!

Update on the BUUF Band Project: We are currently in the process of selecting a band name. Mike Lemieux found a web site called www.bandnamemaker.com. Enter a word and the site will generate a list of possible names for your band. I thought I'd give it a try by entering the word "gnostic." I got "Reindeer of the Gnostic Salmon." Needless to say, we're still looking. In the meantime, we're preparing for a January 18 performance.

Thanks to all who expressed interest in the band. As much fun as it would be to have a jam session with twenty-three people or so, it simply isn't workable for a Sunday service setting. In order for the band to function and perform for BUUF on a regular basis, there must be a solid core. After much discussion among those who performed on November 16, it was decided that spots for guest musicians will be available from time to time. As each song has its own particular musical needs, Mike will audition those who's skill sets match the band's needs. This will hopefully offer both stability for the band and opportunity for those who wish to contribute their talents. Please talk to Mike or me if you have any questions.

Sage in Winter

Tom von Alten

The BUUF Senior Sages welcome in the new year with the help of two professors in our midst: on January 8 Chuck Lauterbach presents "The Oedipus You Thought You Knew," and on Jan. 22, Elton Hall on "Religion v. Science." For almost two centuries, people have debated whether religion and science can be compatible or are mortal enemies. What is really behind this debate? Why are extreme positions put forward? Why would anyone really care about such a debate? We'll explore the issues involved, who has been engaged, and why the debate may amount to much less than has been made of it.

We meet twice a month for a no-host breakfast, interesting presentations and lively discussion at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way), at 9:30am on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. Newcomers are welcome, no reservation is needed and we don't check IDs. Join the conversation!

Friendship Dinner!

It's Suppertime! Come join your BUUF friends for an intimate dinner in someone's home on Saturday, January 17. It is a great way to get to know people better. Sign up on the clipboard and someone will call you to bring a dish and enjoy lively conversation. Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

People's Poetry Project

Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.

There is no happiness like mine.

I have been eating poetry.

Mark Strand

If this makes your mouth water, then you need to join a new movement we're launching at BUUF: the People's Poetry Project. This will be a series of monthly salons/poetry readings focused on a single, specific poet each month, and selected by you—the people. So, to put us in the mood, and to encourage us to brush up on our Poetry 101 skills, the Adult R.E. program is providing a workshop on how to read poetry like a pro. The title of the class is "Reading Poetry Like Your Life Depended On It." Facilitated by Kim Philley and Debra Smith, the class will be held at the Fellowship on Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 am until noon, after which we will share a potluck lunch and read (or eat) poetry to our hearts' content. Membership will be limited to 20 people, but the salons are open to all. $10.00.

Just Married! The Musical

direct from Provincetown Massachusetts

Mark your calendars for February 14, Valentine's Day, when Just Married, The Musical will present at 7pm at BUUF. Tickets are by reservation only by e-mail or by calling Stacey at 208.713.7847. Pay by cash or check only at the door. Our profits are being donated to the Idaho Equality Committee. The event is being widely publicized and is expected to sell out.

The following is a review from the First Parish UU Church in Brewster, Massachusetts:

"Jon Arterton and James Mack's performance of their Just Married (The Musical) is an on-our-feet, thunderous applause, you-got-our-hearts theatrical event. This autobiographical revue weaves threads of the Bible, family relationships, and the struggles of growing up and coming out into the whole cloth of a loving relationship.

The backdrop is the hard won right for gay and lesbian couples to be legally married in Massachusetts. Their songs and narration tell the stories of their growing up, coming out, ultimately meeting one another, falling in love and getting married.

The audience alternately laughed and cried and finally shared in the exultation of marriage rights won and celebrated. The evening was both entertaining and thought-provoking. All of the audience at First Parish Brewster, both gay and non-gay, were captivated by Jon and James' resonant vocalization and poignant story.

At the conclusion of the performance, the full house erupted in spontaneous unanimous joy, celebrating the triumph both of marriage rights for all (in Massachusetts), and the enjoyment of this poignant, funny play.

Time Line

Many thanks to all who contributed to our Time Line of 1988 to 2008 on the weekend of November 22 and 23. We will add them to our files. As time goes on, members may want to add items to the Time Line. Such items should be meaningful to BUUF members, short, dated and signed. They may then be placed in the History compartment in the copy room.

History Keepers

PNWD & UUA

Gathering in Peace

February 20-22, Salem, Oregon

The 2009 Pacific Northwest District Annual General Meeting (PNWD AGM) will be in Salem, Oregon February 20–22. This is an exciting meeting of Unitarian Universalists from around our area. Come for a full weekend of shared learning, governance, fellowship and fun. Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, the keynote speaker, will challenge us to examine our personal commitments to peace and peacemaking. Go to www.pnwd.org for more information.

AGM Volunteers Wanted

Attendees at AGM 2009 in Salem, Oregon, February 20-22, can receive a rebate of $66 for volunteering at least six hours. Sign up with Laura Stine, the Volunteer Coordinator, either by phone to 503-364-2849, by email at , or by mail to Laura Stine
1635 Capitol St NE
Salem OR 97301

UUA General Assembly, A Meeting of Congregations

June 24-28, 2009, Salt Lake City, Utah

General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. General Assemblies shall make overall policy for carrying out the purposes of the Association and shall direct and control its affairs. Plus they have many interesting, challenging, educational, and spiritual programs. You will be amazed by how wonderful GA is and how it will change your life. You could even be a delegate representing the Boise Unitrarian Universalist Fellowship!

This is the closest General Assembly will be to Boise, so this is your chance to attend this exciting event with Unitarian Universalists from around the world. Go to www.uua.org for more information.