BUUF News – September 2009

Contents

EverGreene President's Message Town Hall Meetings at BUUF BUUF Board Update CONGREGATIONAL MEETING RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION From our Wondrous Wings First Day of Children's RE RE Registrations Available, Due Religious Education and You Junior High OWL this Fall COMMITTEES Newsletter Deadlines! Help Wanted Vestibule Space Join the Stewardship Team! Silent Auction Coming A View from the Bridge "Fall Into Living Community" All BUUF Symposium: Living Community

SOCIAL ACTION You CAN Make A Difference UUs for Justice in the Middle East Voices from the Shelter Getting to Know a Family BUUF Making a Difference ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Michael Dowd at BUUF Sept. 15 Once-Every-Three-(or so)-Year Event! A Picture of You New dates, new energy Chalice Circle Chatter The Other Book Group September Sages WIDER COMMUNITY Partner Church News Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival

EVERGREENE

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Our new president, Judy Frederick, recently spoke of her hope that this year, in all the work we do, we will keep our spiritual compass foremost. What a great statement to envision our coming year.

Last year, we set in motion so many organizational projects, necessary for our moving forward as a growing congregation. We had a businesslike consultant; we ran a special budget drive to make up a deficit; we created a whole new organizational chart; we had a spring budget drive.

And that's just a part of it. The tone was pretty task-oriented, and some of us might have felt a little worn out by the time the program year ended.

This year, of course, there's still lots of work to do, fleshing out last year's initiatives, as well as just keeping our dear church's worship, outreach and organization buzzing along.

At the same time, during this year we will be reminding ourselves, ever and again, that a church like ours—noncreedal, embracing pluralism of all kinds—is about healing, wholeness, health, truth and reconciliation. We are here to nurture the souls of all who enter our doors, and also to help heal the world.

When my late brother was young, he'd say "I'm stoked!" when he was excited about something. That's how I feel. Join me!

President's Message

Dale Winke, Board President

Near the end of the final episode of Battlestar Galactica, the character of Kara "Starbuck" Thrace says, "I just know that I am done here. I've completed my journey...and it feels good." Well, on Sept. 1, 2009 I am resigning as President of the BUUF Board. After a long search for a new job after graduating from Boise State in Dec. 2008, I finally landed a dream job with CSX Transportation, the largest railroad in the EASTERN United States—which means my family and I will eventually be leaving Boise, moving to the Albany, NY area. Unlike Starbuck, I do not feel good about leaving BUUF right now, no matter how happy I am about my new job, for the journey, the work, is far from complete. The reality is though, that the work, our work, your work, BUUF's work, is never really complete, that recognition does not make it any easier.

I have spent my column space the last couple of months expressing the importance of individual involvement in congregation affairs; volunteering time, pledging monetary support, getting involved in the upcoming congregational meetings on the budget, the planning of the capital campaign, setting budget goals and priorities; like the work, the list goes on, and on, and on. So in my closing words to you, let me once again stress that this place cannot be what it is, or what it will be, what it could be, without the dedicated involvement of everyone, on every level, friend and member alike.

Battlestar Galactica was ultimately about the survival of the human species, and the trials and tribulations related to that struggle. Admiral William Adama stated at a pivotal moment that, "It is not simply not enough to survive, one has to be worthy of survival." BUUF's vision and mission lived fully in concert with our UU principles, make it worthy of so much more than simple survival, and that is the charge I leave to each and everyone of you. As always, my love, respect, and best wishes to all.

So say we all!

Town Hall Meetings at BUUF

Town Hall Meetings will be held Sunday, September 13 at 12:30 in the Raible Room and September 20 between services at 10:30 in the Library to give YOU a chance to interact with Board and Finance Committee members to review and discuss the BUUF Budget (to be approved on September 26) and to give feedback to the Board on the initiatives and goals that you feel are most important for the coming year. Please plan to attend, get acquainted with new people and ideas, and share your comments and concerns. Questions? Contact Judy Frederick 362-4935; email .

BUUF Board Update

Judy Frederick, incoming Board President

I come to this position as BUUF board president under special circumstances, filling in the need for an acting president by the departure of Dale Winke. I appreciate all we have ahead of us, and look forward to getting to know many of the new faces I have encountered. I come with a 32 year history here at BUUF, and know what a treasure we have in one another.

Look at what we are doing... see a place YOU could join in? This is the work of the open heart and willing hands.

Board Projects underway...

• BUUF Living Community Symposium (Sat., Oct. 3, 8;30 AM-4 PM)
• Development and introduction of an ORGANIZATIONAL CHART which clearly defines roles, relationships, and communication channels with BUUF.
• STRATEGIC PLAN development and expansion into a 5 year plan and then emerging into a GROWTH COMMITTEE.
• Preparing for and achieving our ANNUAL BUDGET DRIVE and SPRING CAPITAL CAMPAIGN to allow us to be who we want to be in the Treasure Valley.
• Implementation and training for our new IT DATABASE.
• Facilitating a LEADERSHIP RETREAT in November.
• Assisting Elizabeth in the development of a PROGRAM COUNCIL that will oversee and coordinate all BUUF committees.
• Creating both a BUUF HANDBOOK and JOB DESCRIPTION MANUAL.
• Planning for Elizabeth's retirement in 4 years.
• Planning for Interim ministers etc. to enable us to initiate the calling of another minister.
• Managing our GROWING NUMBERS here at BUUF, with creative solutions to growing pains. (ex: parking and seating issues)

So much to do and many hands and hearts to do the work. It will be process, not destination and above all, we will do it with our spiritual compass first and at the forefront.

In the service of healing and wholeness,
Judy Frederick.

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

In Gratitude from our Wondrous Wings

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

During the last week of July, I joined religious education colleagues from all over the continent at the Cedar Ridge Retreat Center near Portland, Oregon, for an intensive week of leadership training. We enjoyed (endured) unseasonable temperatures in the triple digits! This class will appropriately go down in the annals as "The Hot One!"

We explored Unitarian and Universalist history and theology as well as the history of religious education in these traditions. We looked at system theories and examined our roles in the context of our own congregations. We worshiped together and shared our personal theologies and our struggles to live authentic and balanced lives. We experienced and resolved conflicts as we worked in observed leadership groups and explored group process and dynamics. The week brought laughter, tears, frustration, joy, and connection. It was meaningful, educational and transformational.

Back home in Boise, I have a much deeper perspective on faith and faith development. I envision the tremendous opportunity for our guides, advisors, and other classroom volunteers to experience their own developing theology through their community ministry with our children and youth, and my own ministry of focusing more on the development of this opportunity for all of us. It is my dream that guides, advisors and classroom volunteers in our Religious Exploration program will come to discover that the most powerful and profound, personal faith development work they have ever done is in the good work they take on in our RE program. May it be so!

First Day of Children's Religious Education

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

Sunday, September 13 is Homecoming Sunday and the first day of our Young People's Religious Education program for our new church year. The single service will be at 10:00. Children will stay in the service with their families for the first 20 minutes or so. When the children and youth are released to classes, your Director of Religious Exploration, Emmie, and RE Committee members will be available to assist families in locating the correct classroom. We look forward to being together again!

Starting September 20, we will offer RE classes at both the 9:00 and 11:00 services.

Religious Education Registrations are Available & Due Back

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

It is time to turn in your children's Religious Education registration forms. If your child was registered last year, you should have received your registration form in the mail. If not, you can pick one up on the RE table in the north vestibule. Please return your registration forms—either by mail or directly to the office of the Director of Religious Exploration. We are in the final phases of planning for fall classes and would love to hear from you. Your response will allow us to make plans to accommodate all our children and youth. If you have any questions, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710 or .

Young People's Religious Education and You

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

Young People's Religious Education (RE) at BUUF is essentially a cooperative effort. We rely upon the generosity of time and spirit of parents, grandparents and congregational members to guide or teach classes, advise youth groups, provide nursery care and assist in the classrooms. The Director of Religious Exploration provides support, training, lessons and program materials. Please consider how you might share your gifts with us. Applications are being accepted for those who would like to work with our RE program as classroom teachers or guides or youth advisors. Please contact Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration.

Junior High OWL Begins this Fall

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

The UU human sexuality class, Our Whole Lives (OWL), will be offered to our junior high youth at BUUF starting this fall. This 26-week class is taught every other year and alternates with our Coming of Age program for this age group. More information on parent meetings and class times will be coming soon. If you have any questions, please contact Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration, at 658-1710 or .

COMMITTEES

Newsletter Deadlines for 2009-2010

Jen Grush-Dale, BUUF News editor,

Hello to my wonderful contributors!

Our Fellowship is growing by leaps and bounds, which means our newsletter is ever expanding! This is requiring some changes concerning article length, inserts, and DEADLINES. Our newsletter is now regularly 12 pages long during the regular program year. This means more articles and more time needed to get the newsletter ready for printing.

Starting in September (for the October newsletter) the deadline will now be the 3rd TUESDAY of the month for all articles except the following: Sundays, EverGreene and the President's Message. Everything else must be to me (email ) by NOON on TUESDAY.

Deadlines for the next year:

• Sept 15 for October's issue
• Oct 13 for November (yes, in this case it is the 2nd Tues)
• Nov 17
• Dec 15
• Jan 19
• Feb 16
• March 16
• April 13 (yes, again, the 2nd Tues)
• May 18

Please see the separate newsletter submission guidelines, which must now be strictly enforced.

I'm sorry that I can no longer accept late material. The quality of our publication is being compromised and I must insist on these changes.

While I know it is some people's preference to use the phone, I have a hard time taking or returning phone calls. My toddler has a 6th sense when it comes to mommy taking an important call. Therefore, I prefer corresponding by email whenever possible.

Thanks for all your hard work. Here's to the start of a great year!

Vestibule Space

Interiors Committee

As the new program year gets underway, committees will want to use the vestibules to share information with us, sign us up for activities and maybe even sell us some of their fundraising wares. As you plan your events please remember that the Vestibule Space Sign-Up Sheet is located on the literature rack by Gerry Morris's desk in the church office suite.

Remember to sign up weeks in advance as space is limited and in demand. The welcoming carts will be present once again in the vestibules allowing for only one additional committee to use the space.

Lastly, please remember that the vestibules are first and foremost transitional spaces providing entry and exit to the wings and fellowship hall. Tables should be located to allow for maximum circulation and safety.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Erin Logan or Nancy Harms.

Join the Stewardship Team!

COME ONE, COME ALL... join the Stewardship Committee team! We're looking for more than a few good men & women to join in the fun. Interested? Want to learn more? We'd love to have you participate in any and all functions, you name your job. Please contact Debbie Johnson. Cell phone 440-2972, .

Silent Auction Coming

Claudia Fernsworth

Start thinking of what you can donate to our November Silent Auction. This will be the auction for everyone! We will accept new or very good used items with a value of $5 or more. Look for donation forms in the North Vestibule. As always, if you would like to help with this event, sign up on the clipboard in the North Vestibule as well.

If you have any questions, call me at 853-1526

A View from the Bridge

Bridge Event Center Committee

A continuation of last month's update from the Bridge Event Center

To Our Dear BUUF,

So how can the Bridge Event Center help BUUF Volunteer Coordinators?

BEC can share things we have learned the hard way: How to find the elusive "Communication Loop" inside BUUF (Example: There are 23 Landscape Volunteers to be notified before each outdoor event.); clarifying needs & resources for each event; utilizing check lists that might be helpful; becoming familiar with Policies and Procedures that were researched to increase safety, reduce liability, show courtesy to our neighbors, reduce impact on our building and grounds and demonstrate "green" behaviors.

Compliments to BUUF & the Bridge Event Center:

• After attending G.A. in Salt Lake City this June Gerry reported, "I was the envy of all the UU Office Managers across the country. They were amazed by BEC. I don't know what I would do without you."
• Email inquiry: "Are you all booked up for a September Wedding? Gorgeous! Gorgeous!! Just what I am looking for."
• An Event Evaluation: "The bridal party and guests last Saturday thought the grounds were beautiful and plan to refer all their friends to us! I told them you are all volunteers and that what they see is a "work of love" and they were so impressed!", Bev Harley, BEC Monitor.
• Buddhist Relic Tour organizers: "Your indoor spaces are not only beautiful but utilitarian and what a blessing it is to use your spiritual outdoor Meditation Gardens and Labyrinth."

The Bridge Event Center is still a work in progress. Your ideas and support do help.

BEC Motto: We don't have to be perfect but we do have to be quick to fix things that go wrong.

Sunday, October 4: "Fall Into Living Community"

Get involved—visit the annual fall volunteer committee and social group Fair featuring information and opportunities on how YOU may get more involved in our "Living Community!" Group and committee leaders please plan to set up your display at 9:30. Staff your booth at 11:15. After the single 10 a.m. service, bring brochures, signs, decorations to attract people to your table. Dessert will be served from these tables in the courtyard. Desserts donations welcome! Questions? Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563.

All BUUF Symposium: Living Community

Saturday, October 3, 2009 8:15am to 4pm

Featuring Rev. Elizabeth Greene and BUUF Members and Friends and Teens (newcomers welcomed and encouraged to attend!)

Admission: Free with donation; Pre-registration required

Free Children's Camp (Beyond Babysitting)

Save the date and plan to attend this opportunity for fellowship and inspiration in the exploration of "Living Community" The morning activities will focus on "Awakening Spirit" followed by the afternoon emphasis on "Spirit in Action." The program includes viewing Barbara Marx Hubbard's video "Humanity Ascending" and offers a variety of spiritual and interactive exercises and discussion points to help translate your deepest values into a more meaningful life within the vitality of a Living Community.

A light lunch and snacks will be served.

Registration begins August 30 -- watch for details in the Order of Service.

SOCIAL ACTION

Advocacy—You CAN Make A Difference

The Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger proudly presents an evening with Nancy Amidei on Tues., Sept. 22 at 7:00 P.M. at St. Mark's Catholic Church (7960 W. Northview St., Boise). Often called a "relentless advocate for changing public policy to better serve the most vulnerable populations," Nancy served on the faculty of Washington State University School of Social Work, served as staff director of the U.S. Senate Selection Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs, was Executive Director Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and author of many books and publications. Join us for an evening of learning, success stories, practical experience and much more. Using your gift of citizenship really can make a difference.

Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East

A BUUF chapter of the Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) is forming, with the goal of "working for a peaceful and just resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, including a settlement affirming the equality, dignity, freedom and security of all peoples involved" and to educate ourselves and the community. See www.uujme.org for information. If you are interested in participating, contact Debbie Espen at with UUJME in the subject line.

Voices from the Shelter

Rick Groff

Jim was neatly attired, had combed hair, was clean shaven, and was in his fifties. I thought he was a community volunteer when I met him during my shift at Sanctuary homeless shelter, but learned that he is a resident. Here is his story:

Jim had been doing telephone support for a living since he hurt his back four years ago. Most recently, he provided technical call support for a cell phone company and supervised a team of eight people. He was let go in March and has not been receiving unemployment.

He sold his possessions and moved into a motel. He was arrested for DUI and then sold his car to his daughter. When we met for lunch, Jim got there on a bicycle. He moved to the River of Life (ROL) and was invited into a 12-18 months educational program. After he started drinking again, he was dismissed from the program. He was barred from the ROL altogether when he failed a sobriety test.

Jim is grateful that Sanctuary Homeless shelter took him in and treats him fairly. He demonstrates his appreciation by working as a resident volunteer. He says his life is in a holding pattern. He never expected to be homeless and live in a shelter but insists that he is "going to make it."

Getting to Know a Family

Sarah Bratley

I wasn't really sure what to expect as I drove into the plain grey apartment complex. It reminded me of so many other similar complexes I had lived in or worked at over the years. Children were running everywhere trying to find enough room to play with a one or two mothers watching from their doorsteps. I wondered if any of these children were part of my family.

I knew so very little about my family. As part of the Family Support Committee, I knew that the family had qualified for the Habitat for Humanity program so it meant that they were low income and living in substandard conditions. In selecting our families, every member of the Committee had heard the stories of the families that had been selected. Mine had escaped from Somalia by way of a refugee camp in Kenya. I knew that there were two parents, seven daughters and one son, who had to live with a friend because there wasn't room in their current two-bedroom apartment. Beyond that it was up to me to get to know them better.

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. That's when I first met the smiling Anab. At three years old, she is the boldest of the girls. Her older sister Leila (4) also greeted me but from safety behind the oldest of the girls, Barlin (13). As I stepped into the apartment, I didn't see the plain white walls typical in rental apartments.I saw colorful fabric was draped on every surface. Foil streamers like you use for parties or New Year's Day celebrations hung from the ceiling adding to the festivities. Over the intervening months, I've learned that first impression of the plain stereotypical exterior into the vibrant interior was symbolic of what I was to find as became closer to my family.

On the surface my family is a typical Muslim refugee family. Neither parent speaks English very well. Barlin, Dania (12), or a friend translates when I visit or call. Zainab (the mother) and the girls all dress in traditional style caftans with layers of wraps and cover their hair using the same colorful fabric that adorns their walls. Ali (the father) and Hassan (19) wear simple shirts and pants. I always get a big smile and hug from Anab when I visit. Dania is usually reading a book, and Barlin is at that awkward phase of wanting to play with the younger kids but trying to be more grown up. She plays on the basket ball team at her Junior High.

Yet inside there is so much more. Ali used to be a gardener in Somalia - tending mango, coconut and lemon trees. He and Zainab met in Kenya and that's where all their daughters were born, even oldest daughter Nurta who is married with four kids of her own. Zainab giggles and Ali just smiles when I ask for the story of how they found each other in that strange new place. Of his journey, Ali says simply, "[Growing up in Somalia] was a good life. A beautiful land. Then bad men came and things got bad. We went to Kenya and bad men came there too. Now we are here and we are thankful." They dream of having a place of their own to raise their daughters according to their traditions and beliefs.

I am still a bit of a stranger visiting this family that is so different from my own. Yet, we are connected now. Ali and Zainab are improving their English, and I've added my own fabric to the plainer walls of my home. Every time I'm frustrated because the shower isn't working or it's too hot to mow the lawn, I hear Ali, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For helping me and my family and giving us a chance for a home." They are still waiting for a lot big enough for the home they need. Habitat has two more houses to build on their current site before they can turn their resources and attention to the property with the greatest hope for a home for my family. I look forward to the day when I can hand them the keys to a home built just for them.

BUUF Making a Difference

BUUF received recognition last month at the Les Bois Awards -- an awards ceremony conducted as part of Pride Week by the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied communities to recognized outstanding leadership, volunteers and support. Louise Jacobsen, chair of BUUF's Welcoming Congregation Committee (BUUF's liaison with the LGBT community) was chosen as the recipient of the Birch Award. BUUF and related individuals and activities were nominated in the following categories:

PONDEROSA AWARD (presented to an organization outside the LGBT community for its service and support) - BUUF

ALDER AWARD (presented to an individual who fosters understanding of sexuality and spirituality, and works to eliminate religious homophobia) - Elizabeth Greene and Louise Jacobsen

OLIVE AWARD (presented for an outstanding event that promotes unity with the LGBT community) - "Just Married (The Musical)," shown at BUUF

BIRCH AWARD (presented to an individual outside the LGBT community for his or her service and support) - Elizabeth Greene and Louise Jacobsen

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Michael Dowd at BUUF Thursday, September 15

7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Fellowship, Free Admission

For 30 years I've been an atheist. The message of evolutionary evangelism is so powerful for me that it has transformed me into something new: a Creatheist. Not only does Creatheism honor and respect my atheist past, but it also gives incredible honor and reverence to my Christian past. For the first time in 30 years, I actually feel proud of when I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at Bible camp when I was 12 years old. Since Creatheism integrates my entire spiritual journey, I actually now call myself (in reverse chronological order) a: Creatheist (2009) Transhumanist (2003) Unitarian-Universalist (1985) Secular-Humanist (1979) Christian (1971). Creatheism does a wonderful job of integrating all of the phases of my spiritual journey into the Divine Whole.
– Loren Bergeson

I started reading this book in late May, one chapter a day before breakfast, which is my most focused time. By the time I reached Ch. 6, I knew this was going to be a more important book for me than I had anticipated. I started reading with pencil in hand, and I changed my plane reservation to return earlier from Maine in September so that I could provide housing for Michael and Connie. I have been an active scientist for 50 years with my own evolving "scientific day-language stories" of evolution and religion. Dowd's use of "day language/night language" and analogies like "nested dolls" and "Lizard Legacy, Furry Li'l Mammal, Monkey Mind, and Higher Porpoise" has helped me expand and integrate my own stories at space-time scales ranging from the Big Bang to how I got to be who I am now and why I think and do the things I do. Do not miss his presentation! Neat stuff.
– Webb Van Winkle

Once-Every-Three-(or S0)-Year Event!

Elizabeth Greene & Bob Wallace

Every few years, we get it into our head to have an allchurch barbecue in our back yard. ("We" being your minister and her spouse.) This is one of those years!

We provide barbecued pork, chicken, hot dogs, garden burgers, and buns, and you bring dessert, side dish or salad, plus your dinner ware and something to drink. All are welcome, and we have a really good time.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009
Time: 4-8 pm
Place: 1140 Santa Maria Drive

We love to have kids and youth attend, just asking parents/guardians to keep an eye on offspring. Getting into our backyard can present a challenge to folks with disabilities, but we have always figured out how to include all—just let us know, if you anticipate problems with stairs.

No need to RSVP, just put it on your calendar and show up. Y'all come!

A Picture of You

We need a picture of you! We would like to create a centerpiece for the October 3 Living Community Symposium. Please drop off a 4x6" copy of your favorite picture of you (could be 20 years ago) with your full name on the back in the marked box in the church office. These will not be returned. Or send a .jpg to . By Sept. 20 Please.

New dates, new energy

Jeanette Ross

In accord with our first cousins and other relation, the humanists at BUUF will meet on the third Sunday of each month, same time (11am) and place (library). To allow for use of the library by others, we will end our programs when 11am services end.

Topics and speakers so far: September 20 Jo Kirkpatrick will share her observations of how religious faith is expressed in central and southeast Asia. October 18 Xan Barrett will respond to Gore Vidal's book, Monotheism and its Discontents. November 15 Loren Bergeson will introduce us to the possibilities under the provocative heading of transpersonalism.

A new umbrella organization, Secular Idaho, is intended to promote "values and community for life" here on this earth, with purposes consistent with BUUF seven principles. A coordinated calendar will avoid conflict of meeting times with such member groups as Humanists of BUUF and Humanists of Idaho, both instituted and supported by several UUs, including John Harms.

Chalice Circle Chatter

Three of BUUF's several Chalice Circles submitted reports about their meetings:

Men's: Each meeting a different person chooses and leads the discussion. This summer's topics have included "The Role of Sin" and "Attitude: The Key to Self-Mastery." Our upcoming discussion is "What do women/partners want?"

Single Parent's: We enjoyed a summer of fun and friendship with potlucks (4th of July and Back to School) and a Camping Trip. We start up our regular meetings again in September.

Everyday Spirituality and Meaningful Rituals ("Cool Group"): Recently we explored Native American Spirituality, with Indian items on the altar. Upcoming this Fall we expect to explore Jewish, Shinto, Asatru, Hindu and other sacred traditions.

If you are interested in any of these groups, pick up a brochure from a vestibule cart and contact the facilitator for the group you would like to visit.

The Other Book Group

Our next get together is Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7pm in the BUUF Library. We will be discussing The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. We will also be selecting our next few months books to read so, bring your ideas. The Other Book Group meets the second Sunday of the month in the Library. New readers always welcome.

September Sages

Tom von Alten

The BUUF Senior Sages meet at 9:30am on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way) for a no-host breakfast and lively discussions. Something on your mind? Is there a guest speaker you'd like to invite, or a topic you want to know more about? Join the conversation! All are welcome, and no reservation is needed.

On September 10, Jean Gonzales will consider the development of "personality" from a behavioral perspective, and how psychotherapy can reveal a person's patterns of decision making to find more constructive responses. On September 24, Jo Kirkpatrick brings us two films about the effect mining in Orissa, India is having on its aboriginal people: Tribals in India trashed for invading industries.

WIDER COMMUNITY

Partner Church News

Gwyn Reid

Reverend Balint comes to Boise!

As mentioned in the August newsletter, Robert and his family will be coming to the U.S. this fall. Robert, minister of our partner congregation in Mészkõ, Transylvania, is the Balazs Ferenc scholar at Starr King School for the Ministry this year. As part of his responsibilities, Robert will be traveling to UU congregations all over the country. We are fortunate that he (and we hope his family) will be able to come to Boise. 15 visitors (including Elizabeth) have traveled from Boise to visit Mészkõ, but this is only the second time that a visitor from Mészkõ has been able to come to Boise. We look forward to his visit, and hope that Boise can provide the same kind of wonderful hospitality that we have received in Mészkõ.

Fesztivál News

To celebrate the visit of Reverend Robert Balint, Fesztivál will be Saturday, November 7. We will be preparing a traditional Hungarian multi-course celebration dinner. Mark your calendar now for this fun fundraising event.

New Meeting Dates/Time

Since the Partner Church committee is part of the Social Action cluster, we will be changing our monthly meetings to match the SA meeting schedule. In September, we will meet on Monday, September 14th (6pm Partner church-only, 7pm joint meeting with the rest of the Social Action committees). Beginning in October, we will meet the first Monday evening of every month (6pm PC, 7pm SA).

Annual Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival

The Fifth Annual Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival (SVSFF) scheduled Sept. 18—20 at the Sun Valley Opera House will feature two dozen films from all over the world that celebrate the human spirit, tell stories of courage and hope, and explore different spiritual traditions. Tickets to the festival will go on sale beginning Aug. 1 online at www.svspiritualfilmfestival.org, and at the Boise Co-Op, 208-472-4500; and Chapter One Bookstore in Ketchum, 208-726-5425.