EVERGREENE
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
What a great place this is these days! By the time you read this, we will have had a fun-filled, action-packed Vision-Mission weekend, sharing time together in conversation about who we are.
At the end of this month, there's more fun and action, this time following up on one of the strong Strategic Planning recommendations from last year. The recommendation was that the Fellowship needs to have a stronger justice and service presence in the larger community. It was very clear that many, many people felt this should be a priority for us.
Well, on Feb. 27 and 28, everyone will have a chance to find out how we can do it. Not how the Social Action Committee can do it, or how the minister can do it, or how committed individuals can do it:how WE can do it.
Two social justice folks from the Unitarian Universalist Association will be with us. They have already asked for a commitment from Board ministers and from me, promising to be there. (We will be, of course.) They have asked various of us (mostly Rick Groff, Social Action Committee Chair) to complete an exhaustive, many-paged questionnaire about who we are, so they can design the workshop for us, not for just any generic situation.
These folks are dynamic and very experienced. They present workshops that bring up questions of the philosophy/theology behind justice work, and that aim to guide us—collaboratively—toward significant programs of BUUF Works.
See elsewhere in the newsletter for sign-up information—and do come!
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Sue Philley
Social Empowerment Workshop
Social Action, Social Justice, Social Empowerment—these topics are on many of our minds and in our hearts. But what does this congregation REALLY care about? How can we make our biggest impact? What resonates with our larger community? What about resources, accountability, and a congregational theme? How do we find our "fit" with a social justice cause? Please sign up for the Social Empowerment Workshop February 27-28. Learn from UUA experts and each other as we answer these important questions!
Search for the Future—And the BUUF Vision Workshop
More than 135 members and friends (a wonderful turnout) participated during January 23-25 in the BUUF Vision process, sharing their thoughts and dreams about BUUF's future. Watch for reports on outcomes and invitations to participate in next steps including developing a strategic plan to implement this vision! Our UUA Consultant, Larry Wheeler, kept in close touch with planners for the past few months guiding this process; and his leadership, expertise and support was very helpful!
Thanks to those who participated and to those who so generously donated their time as facilitators, greeters, and food providers. And thanks to the Committee: Judy Frederick (Chair), Miriam Woito, Debbie Johnson, Suzanne Woodcock, Dave Ward, Bob Wallace, Patricia Heeb, Ann Sabin, Jane Bunker, Mason Morfitt, Jim Kosglow, Elton Hall, Patricia Heeb, Lynn Tolk, Lisa Johnson, Sue Philley, Reverend Elizabeth Greene, and Office Manager Gerry Morris. Special thanks to Cathy Carmen, Emmie Schlobohm, Joe Wechselberger, and the many parents who helped encourage youth participation and supported them so they could be involved as participants and/or babysitters.
A BUUF Denominational Affairs Committee?
The Board Trustees are exploring creating a new committee to be the link between the greater Unitarian Universalist denomination and our BUUF members and friends. It would receive and disseminate information, promote opportunities (including lay leadership training, AGM and GA business and delegate selection), and help assure we meet deadlines from the national office, the Pacific Northwest District, and other congregations to help us be more knowledgeable, involved, and influential as a Fellowship. Members of this committee will have a terrific opportunity to be "in the know" and to see the cutting edge of UU leadership and issues. If you would like to help shape a description for the committee and/or participate in this new endeavor, please contact BUUF board trustees Dale Winke ( ) or Sue Philley ( ).
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
First Impressions—no, really!
Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration
I've been involved in our Religious Education program as a teacher, classroom helper, child-care provider, and RE Committee member, but I've never been this involved in the day-in-day-out workings of our RE program. After my first weeks as the new Director of Religious Exploration, my first impressions of our RE program go something like this...
Wow! I never realized! We need to do what?! There's more space where? You do all of this every week?! There were how many emails and calls today? Where did you say the chocolate was stashed?
Karen Raese and Cathy Carmen, the outgoing co-Directors, are even more miraculous than I thought they were! They work tirelessly on the nitty-gritty details and the glorious big picture of the amazing program they've helped to build. We are all so very lucky to have had their gifts and talents guiding our children's Sunday BUUF activities!! I am in their eternal debt for all the patient and compassionate guidance they've given me during this time of transition.
And if Karen and Cathy weren't gifts enough to our community, we are blessed to have over 40 volunteer coordinators, committee members, teachers, helpers, and care givers gifting their time and love to our children every week! I have witnessed infinite dedication, enthusiasm, and love for our school-age kids as these angels create a sacred and welcoming space with joy in the good work and a pervasive aura of kindness and joy throughout our RE wings and Great Hall.
I am, and always will be, honored, grateful, and joyful beyond words to be a part of this RE program and BUUF community filled with evolving programs and people who grow, transform, and knock my socks off! I invite each and every one of you who read this to come be a part of our explorations and experience the magic that is RE at BUUF.
Children's Religious Exploration Committee:
Angie Tate, RE committee chair
The Children's RE program has settled into mid year. What fun we are having! If you haven't signed up to help in a classroom for this trimester please do so soon. We value our weekly helpers; the program doesn't work without you!
Snack alert! The classrooms are running low on snacks. Please consider donating a bag of pretzels, goldfish crackers, fruit...no peanuts please! The snack hamper will be in the north vestibule before and after services.
We will welcome additional committee members to assist with Sunday coordination and the events and celebrations we sponsor. We have a vibrant committee that shares friendship and fellowship! Come join us. Our February 11 meeting will take place at BUUF at 6:00. Call for further information, Angie 336-0738, or Ann 639-9450, .
Our Boston Bounders
February is chock-full of great events at BUUF, and the Boston Bounders are stepping up to provide services and raise funds at many of them. We'll be providing childcare, serving and cleaning up after special meals, and offering drinks and desserts. Don't miss the auction on February 7! Come see "Just Married" The Musical on February 14! Participate in the Social Justice Empowerment Workshop with an evening dinner on February 27 and action planning on February 28. Look for the Bounders working behind the scenes to help these events go smoothly, and ask them about our upcoming trip to Boston in June. As always, thanks for your support!
Thanks Karen and Cathy
For Cathy and Karen
Co-DRE's
Planning for our kids'
Education's a breeze.
Leading our children
Dedicated and kind,
Such enthusiasm
Is so hard to find.
Thanks for the difference
You've made in each kid,
To your living legacy
Fond farewells we bid.
Wanda Jennings
December 30, 2008
COMMITTEES
Successful Spring Campaign Awaits
The spirit of abundance is thriving at BUUF. The Board and the Stewardship Committee wishes to send a heart-felt thank you to every member and friend that contributed to the enormously successful "Feed the Faith" campaign this past fall. Thanks to your wonderful donations we were able to surpass our goals in just a few short weeks.
Riding this wave of generosity, the Stewardship Committee is setting its sights on an equally successful campaign this spring. We have a dedicated team of volunteers poised to lead the way toward meeting our goals of spiritual and financial abundance. They include David Ward, Debbie Johnson, Allie Gooding, Jim Lyons, Betsy Dunklin, Mason Morfit, Jane Bunker, Linden Boice and Sue Philley.
The plan this spring is to celebrate together, dine together, sing together, worship together and help shape our future together. A Kickoff Gala is scheduled for the evening of April 25 at BUUF. All are invited for an evening of dinner and music. A lively "Commitment Sunday" follows on April 26, and the annual budget drive will close with a spirited "Celebration Sunday" on May 31. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
Interiors Committee
Erin Logan
I serve on this committee because I believe our built environment greatly influences our attitudes and ultimately our actions. In the broadest sense this is the charge of Interiors—to promote certain mood environments in specific areas of the building. Worship in the Fellowship Hall, learning in the classrooms, dynamic interaction in other parts of the building.
While this is a fairly large charge, we are only a committee of three. We are serving the many competing needs of our Fellowship of 250 plus members and friends. Currently, Nancy Harms, Dale Winke and myself serve on this committee. If one of us can't make a meeting then, more than likely, we will not meet because two people making the decisions for 250 just doesn't seem right.
We seek at least two more committee members to join us and help tweak and refine our building's functioning details. There are lots of areas where tweaking is needed and the more members we have on the committee the more we can get accomplished. If you care about our environment - won't you join us?
Our meetings are typically the second Monday of the month at 7 pm in the Library. Come listen, come help, come join us. Questions? I can be reached at 336-4960. Thank you.
Volunteer Recognition Help
Recognizing and appreciating those who give so generously of their time and spirit at BUUF is one of our most important "ministries." This year, we have a guide to help us, Beyond Banquets, Plaques, and Pins: Creative Ways to Recognize Volunteers by Sue Vineyard. If you would like to join a planning team and help identify and implement ways to thank this year's leaders and volunteers (to finish before May 20), please contact Sue Philley at 208-340-9450 (cell) or email .
Please Help with Worship Services
Your Sunday Services Committee works hard to present worship services each Sunday morning. You may not have noticed the work we do because it is mostly in the background. We recruit readers and chalice lighters. We coordinate the service, working with the presenters to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
We need YOU to sign up to help. You can be a reader. You can sign your child up to light the chalice. You can sign up to be a greeter or to make coffee. It takes us all working together to make our services run so smoothly.
We also need more people on our Committee because many hands make light work. We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00. Please join us. Questions? Contact the new chair, Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
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
Would you like to spend "AN EVENING IN PARIS"?
You and your friends can do it by coming to our AUCTION on Saturday February 7. Tickets to this, our biggest fundraiser, are just $20 each and can be purchased at the Book Nook or at the door. The evening includes music with a French Cafe Jazz flavor by our own Mike Lemieux— exquisite catered hearty hors d'oeuvres—including desserts (yes, they do have hors d'oeuvres in France...) subtle French Cafe ambience and of course—a wonderful selection of things to bid on at both the live and silent auctions.
(Shhhhh... I have had a sneak peek at the hors d'oeuvre menu and you will be glad you came because you will have had a chance to savor them. MMMMMMMMMMMM....)
Dress "French" and add to the fun. Hope to see you there!
CHOCOLATE DESSERT EXTRAVAGANZA
(or whatever—the name is still in the selection process)
Mark your calendar for Saturday April 4 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Come and enjoy a selection of made-from-scratch desserts created by BUUF members and friends—Maybe even YOU! Call me if you would like to contribute a dessert, serve or otherwise help.
The public is invited, so hopefully they will be lining up at the door.... Tell your friends, neighbors, family, co-workers, etc. More information in next month's newsletter.
Landscape Pop Quiz: When is an Idaho Bridge a Home for a Norwegian Troll?
Mary Anne Hedrich
Answer: When it is The Bridge on our BUUF property. It all started with BUUF's new land acquisition and the magic of being caught up in the excitement of our community's new home. Mary and Alan Schwartzman proposed the building of a bridge. Mary wanted a design that would connect to our Unitarian roots & partner church in Transylvania. She had seen photos of the intricate and beautiful carvings unique to Transylvanian architecture, and carefully researched each detail. She learned to carve wood and did all the carving on The Bridge. The Schwartzmans stress that The Bridge project is the result of many hands: Family members. Bob Smith's structural expertise. Greg Duffy's knowledge of shake roofs. The John & Cheryl McFarlane Family, who gave an entire summer to help with the actual building process. Barb Alexander and Frank Shuff documented the project with photos and many loving hands ages 5 years to 70 participated in creating BUUF's magical bridge.
When asked why they chose the gift of a bridge to BUUF, the Schwartzmans state that it was a combination of considerations practical, symbolic, and aesthetic. People needed a way to get across the creek! Initially, it was to be a gift in memory of the Schwartzman Family. But it became much more. It became a life of its own. As others caught the dream, the BUUF community became connected in a labor of love. A book, "Little Bridge", was written by Wanda Jennings & Trava Mayes and illustrated by many BUUF artists. The R.E. library has a copy along with the photo history, "Bridges to People".
And of the Troll? That too, is a unique element. A Norwegian friend told the Schwartzman children many stories of trolls throughout their childhood. So it was only natural that The Bridge would be a home for a troll. But not just any troll. This troll loved children, wasn't grumpy, grouchy or devious, and frankly, flunked out of Troll School. He needed a home and now he has one. Hence, the name "Troll Haven" carved on The Bridge timbers.
SOCIAL ACTION
Social Justice Happenings
People at BUUF have been generously donating to Social Justice causes each month through the offering. One-fourth of all undesignated cash and check plate collections go to the monthly social justice cause. 100% of the donations can be designated for the cause by writing outreach in the memo of your check. If you'd like to nominate a cause for consideration as a future recipient for the social justice outreach offering, contact Rick Groff ( ).
During October 2008, the congregation donated $2,545.44 to the Elizabeth Greene Pay it Forward Fund through the Social Justice plate collection. This fund will be used to assist members of the congregation.
During November 2008, the congregation donated $1,237.30 to the Boise State University Intertribal Student organization for their 2009 Spring Pow Wow. The University contributed matching funds to the extent that the Intertribal Student organization actually received $3,000 in their account through our donation.
The Social Action Team will be meeting February 1 and then on March 9 in the library. Please contact Rick Groff for more information.
February Social Action Project: The Community Center
The Community Center (TCC) has been providing a safe, inviting place for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied community to gather for 25 years. It offers free meeting space for all LGBT organizations and has an impressive lending library. It also has published Diversity news magazine, which is distributed statewide, for 25 years.
The value of having a place where LGBT people can meet, be themselves and talk freely without fear of harassment cannot be overestimated. The groups currently meeting at TCC include the Metropolitan Community Church, the Idaho Equality Committee, Youth Alliance for Diversity, Tri-States Transgender and more. The center is also available to individuals and groups for special events.
TCC, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is working to raise funds not only to maintain its current facility but to increase its services to the LGBT community. The board envisions offering more educational and developmental programs as well as increasing the hours the center is open. For more information, visit www.tccidaho.org.
Announcement of BUUF's Own Mini Food Bank
The Congregational Care Committee, with the encouragement of Minister Greene and the Board, has begun a small, limited food bank of sorts for members and friends. It is located in the coat room in the south vestibule, behind the closet door on a bookshelf. If you need something, please take whatever you need. There are plastic grocery bags in the closet. If you have extra, especially now when we are just beginning, please donate whatever you are able. As guidelines, the foods we think would be most useful are as follows:
- No bulk foods (we don't have space); individual foods only
- No foods that are messy such as flour or sugar or dry milk
- Nothing perishable; we have no refrigeration
- No glass items; plastic or cardboard only
- Ready-to-eat foods and those that are easily cooked and stored long-term such as:
- Cans, especially with protein (tuna, stew, pork n beans, spaghetti & meatballs)
- Soups
- Boxes or individual packages of rice
- Boxes of macaroni & cheese
- Pasta and potato mixes
- Cereal
- Peanut butter
Due to our historical problem with mice, we have a large plastic container at the base of the bookshelf that will contain any mice-friendly items.
Lighting our chalice: Let's build BUUF's power as a force for change
"I crave social action and engagement."
"I like the idea of the church having a bigger presence in the community."
"We talk social action, but we are not there."
"I would rather be doing things together rather than just talking about things."
The deadline for this article was two weeks before January's Vision & Mission Workshop. But if history holds, a major theme resonating from that weekend will be akin to these heart's desires voiced at every crossroads in our fellowship's recent past:
On the weekend of February 27-28, we will have a chance to take our newly clarified vision and mission and use them to transform ourselves and the world. "Lighting Our Chalice" is the theme of a special Social Justice Empowerment Workshop the last weekend of this month. It's our opportunity to work with two UUA-trained facilitators to build a social justice program that will create real results in our community and the world.
The weekend will begin with a home-cooked dinner at 6 pm Friday, February 27, followed by a meeting from 7 to 9 pm. We'll reconvene from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, February 28, with lunch included. (Free-will offerings will be taken for both meals. Childcare will be provided.) By the end of the afternoon Saturday, we'll have discovered concrete new ways to keep making progress from "talking the talk" to "walking the walk. "
BUUF is already known as a force for social justice in our community. Our minister's strong voice, our social justice offerings, our work on behalf of Interfaith Sanctuary and the Idaho Food Bank, our efforts for Whittier School and our participation in such activities as the CROP Walk and Rake Up Boise help show our commitment to the world outside our walls. But with a weekend dedicated to advancing social justice —and with the help of facilitators who specialize in social justice—we can help our community outreach programs reach new levels of effectiveness, wide participation and enthusiasm.
Look for your opportunity to sign up for "Lighting Our Chalice" on February 27-28. Together, we can be the change we want to see in the world.
Speak Out For Equal Rights
A bill is being sponsored in the current Legislative session to amend the Idaho Human Rights Act to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." If passed, this amendment will provide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people protection from discrimination in employment and housing.
The Idaho Equality Committee website has a form that allows you to easily contact your state senator and representatives in support of this issue. The form allows you to send a personalized e-mail and then to print the message to mail a letter to the legislators. Printing and mailing the message has far more impact than sending the e-mail alone.
Our representatives need to know that this issue matters to people if they are to support it. Please take a few minutes to let them know it matters to you.
Mitten and Gloves Galore
Besse LaBudde & Rick Groff
BUUF's traditional holiday drive for gloves, mittens and caps for Whittier Elementary School amassed 156 pairs of mittens and gloves along with 50 caps. That's more than 12 dozen gloves which will protect 1560 fingers from the cold. Nurse Addie is delighted and very grateful. She thinks we are "the best."
All of you outdoors people know that 80% of a person's heat loss occurs through an uncovered head so if you see any good buys on caps please add to our collection. The Social Action Team will see that they get to Whittier....along with any jackets, pants or shoes that may had been displaced by new Christmas gifts.
The Experience of Being Homeless
Church Women United (CWU) in Ada County Human Rights Celebration Day, Friday, March 6
10:00 am Brunch; Program 10:30 am
First Congregational Church, 23rd and Woodlawn, Boise
Program: "The Experience of Being Homeless"
CWU is a national organization which has worked for peace and justice (those things which make for peace) for over 60 years. Everyone is invited and bring a friend.
BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Congregational Care Team Report
Barry Hope
More connective tissue, please. The Congregational Care Team is braced for a busy year, indeed. The team welcomes its new members from our '08 training: Susan Sangiorgi, Carol Gramann, Pam Woodies, and John Sangiorgi. (Ah, you guessed it. Susan and John are married.) All four of the above, being astute and remarkable human beings, inspire great expectations from CCT. (No pressure.)
A recent project that you may be aware of is an on-premises food bank in the coat room off the south entrance. Feel free to take from and/or contribute to it. The times are unusually hard for many and we share.
As a group we do a directory review and try to take notice of folks that we haven't seen in a while. Whereas this is not "1984", we still hope that you're doing well and may (ulp) send you a card or give you a call.
Now listen, people, we are not in this just to be on a committee. We want to be used. This is a team with talent. Although we can't function in a professional capacity, we have excellent referral capabilities. We listen, empathize, and even occasionally understand. If you're in need of a supportive presence, give someone on the team a call. Giving and taking is a universal constant; please employ it. Communication is fabulous and therapeutic. Request for assistance forms are available in the fellowship office. Do you know anyone who heeds help? All requests will be kept in strict confidence.
Since our usual CCT meetings end at 12 pm, we respected the challenge of our own chalice. The candle obligingly extinguished itself just on time. Thank you.
Camping with BUUF
It is time to think about your summer plans. Each summer friends from BUUF gather at Ponderosa State Park in McCall, Idaho to camp together. This year we'll be gathering on the weekend of July 17. Consider joining us. We need to finalize reservations by the end of January. Please contact Eileen Geddings ( or Karen Raese ( ) to reserve a spot or for more information.
What Would Darwin Say?
Continuing our year-long investigation into the mysteries of the human brain, at our January meeting Darrel Johnson introduced the hopeful possibility that hominids are evolving in a positive direction. His evidence: the virtuous use of both sides of the brain that we call empathy.
In honor of the 200th anniversary of the great biologist's birth, for our February meeting Jeanette Ross will explore some current questions about what characteristics we've inherited and which we improvise as we go along.
We meet in the BUUF library at 11am, the second Sunday of each month, February 8 this month. It isn't easy, we have so much to say, but we stop when Fellowship services end, at or before 12:15pm. If questions contact Jeanette at 378-1217. To get on our email reminder list, call Rick at 336-4921.
BUUF Mamas
Okay you moms out there. Do you feel like you need a break from your kids and a chance to laugh, dine, imbibe and enjoy time with other BUUF moms, especially those with small children? Well, then we are the group for you! Join us for BUUF Mom's Night Out. We will be meeting every month at Papa Joe's at the corner of University and Capitol Boulevard for the foreseeable future on the last Tuesday of the month. Please contact Deanna Crowder at or 713-7781. This has been a great success so far. Let us know if you'd like to be added to the email list for future dinners.
Book Nook News
New books are arriving at the Book Nook. Visit its table at the back of the sanctuary to see the new titles that have just arrived. The Book Nook still has a few copies of Mary Oliver's new book of poetry, Red Bird, and Forrest Church's last book, Love and Death. Remember, all profits go to BUUF! Come, browse, read, support our Fellowship!
Attention Knitters
Save your excess yarn balls for a enjoyable evening in May.Talk to Lorel Case for details.
Classics Book Club
A discussion of Jack London's Martin Eden will be held at Marcia Lyons's home at 7:00 on Feb. 18. Call Lorel Case (376-3188) for details.
Partner Church News
Gwyn Reid
In March, the Partner Church committee partners with Adult Religious Education to offer a three-part book discussion series on the Alabaster Village, the first-hand account of Christine (Balazs) Morgan. For seven years in the 1930s, Christine and her husband, Reverend Ferenc Balazs, lived and worked in Mészkõ, Transylvania. Ferenc served the congregation of the Unitarian church, and tried-in spite of financial, political, and health difficulties- to better the circumstances of his congregation. The book is beautifully written, and the discussion will be augmented by other materials written by Christine and Ferenc. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., March 3, 10, and 17 at BUUF. Registration Fee: $25 (includes book) or $10 for borrowed books (limited number of books available to borrow).
Please contact Cynthia Alleman if you are interested in being part of BUUF's annual trip to Mészkõ for 2009.
Letter from Mészkõ
We received the following Christmas message from Reverend Robert Balint
Dear Friends!
I would like to wish you all a nice and pleasant Christmas. As you know it is a very important holiday for us when families gather and friends visit each other.
We had a wonderful night at Christmas Eve in the church with the children singing and playing. The church has never been so full of people than this time. And although we do not have snow (which is quite strange here) the spirit of Christmas seems to be here among us.
I am sending you all of my best thoughts and wishes. And I am also sending as a "Christmas present" the address of our homepage: http://meszko.unitarius-halo.net/
If you click on the English text at the bottom of the page you will be able to see some pictures and read some news about us.
Robert, Réka, Dalma, Mátyás and the Mészkõ people
Abraham Lincoln and Our Constitution
Honorable Stephen S. Trott, Judge, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
On Thursday, February 26 at 7:30pm BUUF will have the honor of a presentation by Judge Trott, with visuals on the screen, which is a dynamic and moving historical overview of the events leading up to the Civil War and the decisions and leadership President Lincoln was called upon to make.
The talk cogently commences with the fact that our democracy was the only true democracy the World had experienced during the 1,700 years since the fall of the last Greek city-state. Judge Trott demonstrates with historical fact the precarious state of our country at that time, making clear that had the Union been dissolved, democracy might indeed have "vanished from the Earth."
This is a powerful and compelling presentation which received great acclaim from the 125 lawyers and judges who heard the 90 minute program when recently presented to the Federal Bar Association. Judge Trott, a member of the Highwaymen singing group, is an insightful scholar who is dynamic and forceful and cogent in his speaking. It is a history lesson for all who wish a better insight into the makings of a democracy.
February Ministerial Lunches
Ministry Team
Have you noticed that our minister, Elizabeth, seems to be pretty busy these days? That getting a non-urgent appointment can take a couple of weeks? Well, you need to try Ministerial lunches! These are no-host, hour-and-a-half lunches, where Elizabeth is just there. Whatever you want to talk about will be talked about.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 11:30, we will be at the International Chinese Restaurant on Glenwood.
On Friday, Feb. 13, at 11:30, we will be at the cafeteria of the URS building on Park Way (used to be Washington Group; before that, Morrison-Knutson). There is talk of this "east" lunch transferring to Life's Kitchen, but for this month we'll stay at URS.
Please join us!
UU Ride Program
Dan Bacon
We have a somewhat small group of people willing to give rides to members and friends needing them. If you would be willing to help some of our members with transportation, we are asking that people in these general areas consider helping people get to and from the Fellowship on Sunday mornings. If you are interested, please contact Dan Bacon at 462-4545 or .
Reserve Your Space!
Call Stacy at 208.713.7847 or email
Call Jane at 208.424.8025 if you need child care.
Just Married !!! is a musical revue about love and same-sex marriage, with Jon Arterton and James Mack, legally married in Massachusetts in 2005 (and the sky didn't fall!). These two wonderful singers present a witty and poignant look at relationships, politics, the Bible, and the issue of gay marriage in America.
Becoming Ourselves
Presenter James Mack
How might things have been different if I hadn't felt the need to deny my own uniqueness and imitate the other "normal" kids around me as I grew up? Following his musical revue, Just Married, on Valentine's Day at BUUF, James Mack will be the speaker at our Sunday Service. He will tell his personal journey as a gay man in America today.
Movie Night at BUUF
Come enjoy a fun social evening watching the movie Groundhog Day! We'll watch it at 7:00 on Saturday, January 31, just 2 days before Groundhog Day, and Elizabeth will preach about it the next day. Everyone welcome!
What: Groundhog Day movie
When: 7:00 Sat., Jan. 31
Where: BUUF
Who: Everyone
Why: For fun, to prepare for Elizabeth's sermon, and to be ready for
February 2
Brilliant, quirky, good-natured, and smart are just some of the adjectives that film critics don't get to use often enough, but all of them apply to Groundhog Day. This quirky, good-natured comedy is as good as it can be. Too rarely does a clever screenplay come along to give good actors a chance. Director/screenwriter Harold Ramis, actor Bill Murray.
PNWD & UUA
Gathering in Peace
February 20-22
The 2009 Pacific Northwest District Annual General Meeting (PNWD AGM) will be in Salem, Oregon Feb. 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 the PNWD website 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.
Unitarian Universalist Associataion 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 uua.org for more information.
