Evergreene
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
As a church goes from smallish to mid-sized, one of the things people notice sharply is that the minister's available time goes way down. When there are fewer people to minister to, and way fewer administrative/organizational details to attend to, it's just easier to get one-on-one or small-group time with the minister. (That would be me.)
We in leadership address this very real issue in several ways. An important one is to encourage folks to find pastoral sustenance in other "avenues," notably in Chalice Circles, where church-related intimacy can be found and nurtured. Task group, Board and committee work can also bring satisfaction. (Plus, if it's Committee on Ministry, Worship Committee, Board or Congregational Care Team, significant time working with me.)
Another way is to call and make an appointment during office hours (listed in this newsletter's masthead, p. 2). This is particularly important is you're undergoing a crisis or difficulty about which you'd like ministerial counsel.
A third way is no-host Ministerial Lunches. These are held on one Tuesday and one Friday a month. The Tuesday lunch is on the west-ish side of town at the International Chinese Restaurant on Glenwood very near Chinden, and the east side lunch is at the URS building cafeteria, 1750 Front Street, sort of across from the Ram. We have no agenda, but manage to find all kinds of things to talk about.
See elsewhere for the March dates and join us!
President's Message
Sue Philley, Board Chair
The Vision Mission process helped highlight and reveal many of our "shared" dreams! Some of the items that received the most "votes" during the process were Leadership Training and Succession Planning, Green Sanctuary, Programming (summer evenings, musical, special speakers, intergenerational, and for elders), Solid Finances (and eliminate debt), Social Justice (community gardens and partnerships), Better Communications, and More Staff (ministerial, R.E., cleaning, data entry, office).
Miriam Woito and Elton Hall, Board members, will participate on a new Task Force (Strategic Planning Team 09) that includes Arlene Baldwin, Elaine Durbin, Bruce Dowlin, and Laurie Deines. Sheryl Dowlin will serve as "process checker" representing Strategic Planning Team '08. A completed Strategic Plan (our '08 Plan with added goals, objectives and activities from '09 will be ready for congregational input and review during April.
Amazing progress has been made by the By-Laws Committee in recent weeks. (Many thanks to Loren Bergensen, Bill Reid, Warren Bean, and Elton Hall!) Watch for a detailed list of opportunities (meetings and presentations) that they will offer to assure that everyone has read and understands the bylaws, has been given a chance to suggest changes for ideas they may not agree with, and is ready to vote "yes" on new By Laws by our May 17 Annual Meeting.
BUUF VISION
We are an inclusive religious community—lifting hearts, broadening minds and honoring the interconnected web of life.
BUUF MISSION
We are a caring community promoting and providing robust religious and intellectual exploration opportunities for children, youth, and adults.
We offer creative and inspirational opportunities for worship. We nurture spiritual and personal growth and transformation, foster diversity by reaching out to different communities, and practice justice as individuals and as a community.
Special Congregational Meeting – March 8
Elton Hall, Board Secretary
This Special Congregational Meeting will vote on BUUF's proposed Vision and Mission statement. (Child care will be provided.)
BUUF's "Search for the Future" efforts have produced remarkable results, beginning with the Strategic Plan developed last spring through focus groups, interviews and meetings. Last fall, the "Feed the Faith" campaign exceeded its goal of $50,000 for BUUF's operating budget. And this spring, over 150 people participated in a facilitated weekend workshop to develop a Vision and Mission statement for BUUF. Thirty-six facilitators took time for special training for the workshop. Then small groups spent a Saturday (many of you were there!) crafting a Vision and a Mission for BUUF, as well as brainstorming goals, objectives and action steps to realize the Vision/Mission. Over two Sundays in February, members and friends were invited to indicate those goals, objectives and action steps that were most important to them (and added a few of their own).
Now two steps remain in this process. One will involve comparing the results of the congregational priorities with our Strategic Plan to make sure everything important to BUUF is included.
The second step involves voting on the proposed Vision and Mission at the March 8, Special Congregational Meeting, 12:30pm, in the BUUF Sanctuary. Because so many people were involved in creating this Vision and Mission, the Board will honor their hard and thoughtful work by requesting an up or down vote on the Vision and Mission. Generally speaking, the Mission should be revisited every three years, and the Vision at least once a decade.
Newsletter Submission Guidelines
Deadlines:
Third Tuesday (noon)—all inserts must be submitted to the editor
Third Thursday (noon)—all newsletter articles & other items must be submitted to the editor.
These deadlines will now be strictly enforced. No exceptions. Submit all items to the editor by email at .
Formatting Guidelines:
200-250 words per article. This will also now be strictly enforced.
Please use Times New Roman font in 11 point. Do not use all caps, even for article headlines.)
Single space between sentences.
Single linespace between paragraphs.
Do not embed graphics or photographs in the document. They must be a separate attachment to the email (so your email will have 2 attachments: the document & the graphic).
Inserts
Inserts will only be done for items that involve the entire congregation. If you or your committee wants to design it yourselves, that's fine. But you/they need to work closely with the newsletter editor. Please give the newsletter editor as much notice as possible that you want to include an insert in an upcoming newsletter. INSERTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE EDITOR BY NOON ON THE THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH.
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
Get to Know Our Kids
Do you know BUUF's kids? Do the kids to know you? Whether or not your children are in RE, we would LOVE to have you come play with us!
We have record attendance this year. Hurrah! Of course, we now have a call for more classroom assistants. Assistants support the class's regular teacher, and is a one-time commitment. You may have so much fun, however, that you'll consider joining us more often! We have a fabulous curriculum and we need your support to make it work. And so I invite you to sign up as a classroom assistant.
To sign up, swing by the RE table in the North Vestibule. Simply put your name down on the list, and we'll give you a reminder call the week before you assist. Questions? Give me a call (639-9450) or write me at . I look forward to seeing you in the classrooms!
Boston Bounders present: A Taste of New England
As winter wanes and spring waxes, why not treat yourself to a night out and help our junior high youth, too?
The Boston Bounders will present A Taste of New England on Friday, March 13. Doors will open at 6pm for mingling, and dinner will be served at 6:30.
You'll enjoy a dinner of updated traditional New England delicacies including creamed turkey and biscuits, Johnny cakes, baked beans, and more, prepared by guest chef Sharon Barlow Palm and the Boston Bounder families. Beer and wine will be available by donation.
There also will be a live dessert auction featuring beautiful desserts from local bakeries and a live Boston trivia game. Plan to come and show off your Boston knowledge and win lobsters (gummy).
All proceeds will benefit the junior high 2009 trip to Boston.
Tickets are just $10 per person or $50 for a table of 6 and will be available March 1 and March 8 in the north vestibule and at the door on March 13. You can also reserve tickets by emailing Cathy Sherman, , or calling her at 387-0478 (h) or 794-6277 (cell). Get your tickets early! Don't miss this Great Event!
Junior High Survey Results
On a Sunday in January, the BUUF Junior High Youth engaged attendees in a brief survey. Many of those surveyed expressed interest in hearing the results. So, here they are. We had about 50 adults respond, and 11 Jr. High Youth. Note that no definitions or context were provided by the youth, i.e. respondents interpreted the question themselves.
1. Do you believe in a form of God or a religious higher power?
Adults: Yes, 76%. No, 17%. Don't Know, 7%.
Jr.High: Yes, 36%. No, 18%. Don't Know, 45%.
2. Did you come to UU from another religion (i.e. religion of family or that you practiced)?
Adults: Yes, 74%. No, 26%.
Jr.High: Yes, 27%. No, 73%.
3. Do you believe in some form of afterlife?
Adults: Yes, 42%. No, 24%. Don't Know, 35%.
Jr.High: Yes, 64%. No, 18%. Don't Know, 18%.
Chili & Cornbread Cook-Off
Pull out your aprons and dust off your recipe boxes because it's almost time for the GREAT BUUF CHILI & CORNBREAD COOK-OFF. The 2009 Boston Bounders will be sponsoring this fun event on Saturday, May 2. Look for the sign-up form and details in the April Newsletter. Got questions and/or suggestions for making this THE EVENT of the year? Please call Connie Onyon at 888-7530 or send her an email at .
COMMITTEES
Creating "Abundance" together this spring
The Stewardship Committee is gearing up for its spring Annual Budget Drive with an emphasis on "Abundance" at BUUF, and we can't wait to get started. 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 now, and prepare for an exciting month of celebrating and relishing the wonderful community we have established.
In addition, we invite you to say "yes" when you're asked to join one of the many teams who will be continuing our one-on-one visits with BUUF members and friends this spring. These personal visits provide ample opportunity to meet new people, express ideas and become an integral part of building and shaping our spiritual home. Please step up and say "yes." For more information, contact David Ward at 939-2601 or .
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Chocolat...
Calling all chocolate lovers! Be sure to register soon to participate in a delightful social and educational evening featuring that incomparable duo—chocolate and wine!
Come sample handcrafted chocolates from The Chocolat Bar, enjoy selected red wines, and learn from the experts. This special Adult RE program happens at BUUF from 7 to 9pm, Wednesday, April 1—no 'fooling'—but you need to pre-register.
Chocolatiers Chris and Kristi Preston of Boise's The Chocolat Bar will discuss the colorful history of the chocolate industry dating back to pre-colonial times.
They'll explain the process and art of fine chocolate making. And they'll describe the recent expansion of organic and "single origin" chocolate in the marketplace, a trend which carries both positive and negative consequences for the developing nations where most of the world's production of cacao beans occurs.
Throughout, Chris and Kristi will provide a generous and varied sampling of fine chocolates, accompanied by delicious red wines.
Come to BUUF April 1 and treat your taste buds to heaven while learning about a favorite food.
To join in the pleasure, please pick up an Adult RE class bulletin at the BUUF Info Center in the north vestibule and register for this event.
The class size is limited, so act quickly. For further information, contact Eric Wallace, 433-0706, .
This Is Not Your Mother's BUUF Summer Season!
The Sunday Services Committee is soliciting sermon ideas for the BUUF 2009 Summer Season. Building on the formula of last year's successful summer season, the committee is requesting that members of the congregation submit compelling personal stories to scaffold summer programs around. As opposed to a straight dry lecture format, services truly come alive when coupled with the narrator's personal experience. The most successful lay programs use the speaker's personal experience and passion as a springboard to explore issues that have transcendent meaning to both the speaker and the congregation. If you have the passion and a personal story, please contact Wanda Jennings, Chairperson of the Sunday Services Committee, to begin the process!
Landscape Work Party
Join the March 14 Landscape Work Party! We deadhead, trim & rake from 9 am til noon, then enjoy lunch (provided) and each other. If you have your own gloves or small garden tools, bring them. However we do have extra gloves and tools in the shed for our use. This is a great opportunity to be a part of BUUF's awesome out-of-doors. Questions? Call Mary Anne at 336-0179.
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
Support the Peregrine Fund
Gus Tate
The Peregrine Fund was chosen by BUUF's Senior High group to be the March "cause of the month." The Peregrine Fund is a Boise-based organization that works nationally and internationally to conserve birds of prey in nature. The headquarters for the fund is the World Center for Birds of Prey, which breeds falcons and condors for release into the wild. The Peregrine Fund has twenty projects across the globe that are engaged directly in conservation work as well as educational programs to increase the survival of many birds of prey species.
On of the current conservation projects includes saving the California Condor from extinction. During the second week of March, the Peregrine Fund will be releasing a new group of California Condors in to the Arizona population near the Grand Canyon. This is a great cause and anything you can give is welcomed. Twenty five percent of the non-pledged donations in the offering plate will go to the Peregrine Fund; if you would like all of your donation to go to the fund, simply write "outreach" on the memo portion of your check. Thank you for your support of the Peregrine Fund and the BUUF Senior High project.
Hygiene Kits for Whittier School
Each spring the nurse at Whittier Elementary School visits the classrooms to discuss personal hygiene and to give out a few of the kits we prepare.This year there is an important change in the contents. We will NOT be including small toys for the boys or hair accessories for the girls. Instead, since the nurse can no longer get free toothpaste from manufacturers, we will include a tube of toothpaste (any size). We will, however, continue to include a book in each packet along with a comb, soap, hotel/motel size shampoo, conditioner and lotion. Please place your reminders of summer travel in the Whittier box in the north entryway.
BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
BUUF Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza
All Desserts Home-made from Scratch
Saturday April 4, 2009
1:00pm to 4:00 pm
Admission: $10 at the door (for 3 desserts & 1 raffle ticket). Additional desserts $3— raffle tickets $2
Raffle drawings on the 1/2 hour Must be present to win. Profits will be used to pay down the mortgage. Invite everyone you know for further information call Claudia at 853-1526.
Spring Book Sale
Stock up for your summer reading at our Spring Book Sale on Saturday, April 18 from 10am to 4pm in the Main Hall. The Library Committee will be selling gently used books, the proceeds of which will be used to buy new books for our Library. These sale books have been donated by our BUUF members and friends and comprise a wonderful variety of fiction and non-fiction volumes at bargain prices. The Boston Bounders will also be selling books and games for children and youth and will have a baked goods table. They are earning money for their trip to Boston. We hope you will all come by and support these fundraisers as well as taking home some terrific book bargains and goodies. Bring your biggest shopping bags, and stock up! We will be accepting donated books and games through April 17. Please place items for children and youth in the donations box in the Jr. High classroom, and adult reading in the box in the Library.
What's New in the Library
We've had some wonderful recent additions to our library shelves donated by Jane Bunker, Mason Morfit, Laurie Deines, and Judy and Coston Frederick. Come by and check them out. Many can be found in the sections of Life Passages, Family, Poetry, and Meditations. Many thanks to all of our donors for broadening our library's collection. Thanks to Liz Ratcliffe, our BUUF readers will be able to enjoy The Atlantic magazine this year. It can be found in one of the burgundy magazine holders.
Friendship Dinner!
It's Suppertime! Come join your BUUF friends for an intimate dinner in someone's home on Saturday, March 21. 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 .
Church Women United 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.
Sage in Yukon
The BUUF Senior Sages journey to the Yukon this month, as if we were a mouse on Don Clark's shoulder. He'll bring his slide show, you'll bring your spare change for the no-host breakfast, and we'll have an interesting discussion together at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way), 9:30am, Thursday, March 12. On the fourth Thursday, March 26, we're bound to have an interesting presentation, but we're not sure what it'll be just yet.
Newcomers are welcome, no reservation needed. Contact Tom von Alten for more information or to get with the program, 378-1217.
Ministry Lunches
The 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. March times:
Tuesday, March 10, 11:30 am, International Chinese, Glenwood near Chinden
Friday, March 30, 11:30 am, URS cafeteria (previously Washington Group, even more previously Morrison-Knutson), 1750 Front; cross Broadway from eastbound Connector, enter doors behind fountain.
Join us!
Other Book Club
Please join the Other Book club in the BUUF library to discuss contemporary literature:
March 8, 7:00pm: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion.
April 12, 7:00pm: March by Geraldine Brooks.
May 10, 7:00pm: Empire Falls by Richard Russo.
Wonders of Change
Jeanette Ross
February's meeting of the Humanists at BUUF celebrated the joys of the natural world with the benefit of understandings first provided by Charles Darwin. Twelve attendees shared 12 personal perspectives of the cosmos and its evolutional products as seen by, in Cal Peterson's words, a peculiar featherless vertical biped.
Nancy Rolig will lead the discussion in March, on the issue of finding comfort when suffering a loss— without faith in a caring god or the benefits of a religious community. We will meet in the library of BUUF at 11am, March 8. To be included on the reminder list, contact Rick Groff; if any questions, contact Rick or Jeanette.
Landscape's Hidden & not-so-Hidden Treasures: The Children's Play House
Part I
Have you ever looked at the early stages of a flower bud and marveled as it slowly opened, beauty and wonder at every moment, until the fullness of the lovely flower was revealed? That's the story of the Children's Playhouse. There is more to the Playhouse story than one might think—let its story unfold:
When the Master Plan for BUUF's landscape was designed, it included a Transylvanian children's playhouse, right along with the other special features we all would enjoy. But it was Roy Montague who would make this playhouse a reality. Enlisted by Landscape's Mary Schwartzman, Roy agreed to design and build it. From the floor plan to the unique touches that mark its ethnic identity, and ultimately to putting saw and hammer to wood, Roy nurtured the little two-story project to completion. After a trip to our partner church in Meszko, Romania and seeing some of the area's architectural signatures, Roy was able to incorporate them into the play house. A steep roof, painted flower designs and access holes for bird houses as part of the fascia—all typically Transylvanian. It actually has a sister structure in Troll Haven Bridge, with some of the porch railings made of its leftover materials. The furniture in the playhouse was painted by RE high school students. Folks can get the combination for the lock box from the BUUF office.
But Roy wasn't finished with the playhouse. In front of the playhouse in a little cedar enclosure is more kid stuff—a table and chairs. Noted local artist Zella Bardsley did the metal work which included the dragonflies on the chairs, with the RE high schoolers painting the wooden parts. In 2007, he added a Transylvanian cupola, complete with bird houses and flower designs to the children's slide. He says that he isn't quite finished with that project; there are a couple more things he'd like to do (why are we not surprised?).
Watch for the second half of this intriguing story in April's newsletter.
John Harms Sunday
The Second Annual John Harm's Day will be on April 12. If you have a John Harms Tie you are encouraged to wear it to the service that day. If you do not have a John Harms Tie you are encouraged to wear a tie of your choosing to honor John. Last year it was great fun enjoying the creative way some of us displayed their ties!
PNWD & UUA
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 make overall policy for carrying out the purposes of the Association and 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, your chance to attend this exciting event with Unitarian Universalists from around the world. Visit uua.org for more information.
"Napa was as delightful as I had expected. What was equally
important and somewhat unexpected was the profound connections I felt
with my hosts and hostesses." – Carol Lim, Los Angeles
UU Fellowship of North Bay Wine Country Holiday
The UUs of Napa, California proudly announce an addition to our successful Wine Country Excursion program which we have offered the past 3 years.
In a year when overseas vacations are harder on the budget, why not plan a trip here in America? There is so much to see and do in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, e.g. wine education and tasting, art, history of the regions, gourmet dining, bicycling and hiking to explore the natural beauty of our hills and valleys and only an hour to San Francisco!
Sites of particular interest include Jack London's home; renowned and boutique wineries; numerous fine restaurants including the Culinary Institute of America; the diRosa Art and Nature Preserve; many museums and galleries; miles of bicycling and hiking trails, etc.
We offer two choices: Comfortable lodging in members' homes with full breakfast (up to 3 nights), or lodging plus our renowned Wine Country Excursion 2-day tour package.
In 2009 our program will run from April through October. Our fees for lodging are at least 25% below market rate (and include a scrumptious breakfast!) and tours are about 50% below commercial rates. All proceeds go to our small fellowship. We have limited openings, so contact us now for details. Tom Wilson (707.254-7443) or .
We look forward to sharing our lovely "home" with you!
