Once a year or so, Elizabeth does a "humor sermon," delving deeply into the profound theological significance of laughing. Or, well, does she actually mostly enjoy an opportunity to tell jokes from the pulpit? Besse LaBudde, service coordinator. Carrie Bastian, music.
In the practice of yoga, doing poses is only the beginning of the work. More importantly, yoga focuses on the breath and its effect on our bodies, minds and spirits. Mark Zimmerer will discuss the act of breathing with stories from Thich Nhat Hanh, BKS Iyengar, Al Gore and his own experience that help us to understand its importance to a balanced life in the world. Rev. Elizabeth Greene, celebrant, Conner von Huene, music.
Our faith has blazed a trail to a more caring, more just society, in part living up to Dr. King's "Dream." We will look at the contributions and life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and what we can do to fulfill his prophetic words. From Martin Luther King, Jr: "Any religion which professes to be concerned about the souls of men and women, and is not concerned about the social and economic conditions that can scar the soul, is a spiritually moribund religion only waiting for the day to be buried." Bev Harley, Service Coordinator, Deb Smith, Celebrant. being hUUman (BUUF band), music.
Loren shares how 2009 was a year of spiritual insight for him, gleaned from Michael Dowd's book, Thank God For Evolution, among other sources. TGFE offers a powerful way to reconcile science with the best of religion, in a way that has the potential to accelerate our spiritual growth and the life improvements that go with it. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator. Mark Zimmerer and Susan Langley, music.
Last spring, about 120 of us participated in a survey conducted by the respected Lilly Foundation, and they have sent us our results. How do we compare with others? With our own aspirations? Coston Frederick, service coordinator. Cees Hoefnagels, music.
David Ward will present a sermon written by the President of the First UU Church of Wichita, concerning our lives in the Age of Gadgetry. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator; BUUF Choir directed by Carrie Bastian, with Sue Langley, music (9am service).
Once again, Elizabeth will reflect on the impossible subject of love, that consumerist-mangled, advertising-perverted human feeling, springing from the depths of our souls. Besse LaBudde, service coordinator; Lance Pitman, Natalie Whiting, and Carrie Bastian, music.
Most of this country has accepted, as de facto social law, the notion that life itself is essential precious, and more important than pain and suffering. But the times might be changing, toward acceptance of the right to die with dignity, on one's own terms. Patricia Heeb, celebrant. Peggy Pulley, service coordinator; Michael Stevenson and Janelle Brown, music.
Know those "Student Driver" signs on cars? Would we treat each other differently if we all wore "Student Human" signs? Elizabeth and our fabulous house band will explore this question. Coston Frederick, service coordinator; being hUUman, the BUUF band, music.
Unitarian Universalists do not spend undue time, as a rule, reflecting on their theological foundations. But, can we really act responsibly in the world if we do not know what our assumptions are, behind our work to bring justice and charity in the world? Louise and Elizabeth will share their personal takes on this fundamental question. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator; BUUF choir, music (9am, with recorded music for 2nd service).
Rev. Forrest Church died on September 24, 2009, at the age of 62, leaving what may be the late 20th century's most significant Unitarian Universalist theological and human legacy. Elizabeth will share some of his life and thoughts. Nancy Harms, service coordinator; Boise Highlanders, music.
Don't forget to SPRING FORWARD before church on Sunday: Daylight Savings Time starts at 1am. Best to set your clock ahead an hour Saturday night.
Elizabeth reminds us that UUs have historically been a lot more comfortable with thought than passion, which sounds like we live from our heads rather than our hearts. Can we live more from our hearts, or is there at least a middle ground? As Joseph Campbell said, follow your bliss and as UUs everywhere might add—but think!
Sermon by Elizabeth Greene, Coordinated by Mark Zimmerer- also our Annual Budget Drive Kick off, and the BUUF band, being hUUman plays. Talk about Passion!
In this Passover season, Elizabeth will retell the central Jewish story related to this holiday, and will lift up the gratitude that characterizes this celebration. Coston Frederick, service coordinator; Michael Stevenson, music.
As we celebrate Easter, we reflect once again on how human life is always made up of both darkness and light, of difficulty and redemption. Cathy Sherman, service coordinator; BUUF choir, Carrie Bastian, Sue Langley, music.
"Truth" is a pretty tricky concept, often put forth as the result solely of scientific observation, or at least processes to which we all apply our brains. What, though, of our "night selves," the parts of us that learn truths through myth, intuition, dream and story? Bev Harley, service coordinator; Jeff Korfanta, music.
Third Annual John Harms Day:
On April 11, please honor John by wearing the necktie you inherited
from him, or another tie that you like.
Somewhere at the interface of religion, psychology, philosophy and self help is the Medicine Wheel of the American Indians. It is a guide to self actualization and the understanding of self and others. It requires no shaman, priest, feathers or drums. It is a guide to change within oneself. Besse will share some of her struggles with the wheel and its possible uses in psychological therapy. Bill and Peggy Pulley, service coordinators; Carrie Bastian, music.
Our church is a Unitarian-Universalist-Association-recognized Green Sanctuary, a designation of which we may be proud. What does it mean? How do we continue, as a congregation, to make our step light on the earth? Nancy Harms, service coordinator; being hUUman and April Ward, music.
A Sunday always eagerly awaited by our congregation, this is the Sunday we hear words of wisdom from our high school seniors, about to "go out into the big world." Experience our next crop of community leaders. Come help our graduating youth bridge to young adulthood and celebrate! Beverly Harley, service coordinator.
Enlightenment seems a noble and high-falutin' concept. But there's a school of thought that says it's not much use if the laundry doesn't get done, too. Coston Frederick, service coordinator.
It's often too easy to give a glib reply to the tossed off statement "how are you doing?" Let's hear a thoughtful, nuanced answer (what else?) to the question of how we've done, spiritually speaking, in 2009-2010. Mark Zimmerer, service coordinator.
On a Sunday packed with many things (new member joining, celebration of our stewardship campaign, the second annual Rock Communion), Elizabeth will reflect on an agreement that makes sense. Peggy Pulley, service coordinator.
When we reflect upon the people and events that have shaped our lives, we invest them with meaning and value. We name them good and bad, blessings and disasters. Are these value judgments useful products of our imaginations? As I approach my 60th birthday, I find myself wondering "why, why, why," like one of Kurt Vonnegut's characters. Join me as I explore disasters and blessings in my life. Nancy Harms, service coordinator.
This is the first Sunday of summer schedule, and our chance to say farewell to this program year. Bring a flower for the communion, and a dish for the potluck. After the service, we will process to Little Bridge to celebrate (with plum brandy and sparkling cider) our relationship with our Partner Church. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator. BUUF Choir, directed by Carrie Bastian, Sue Langley, accompanist, music.
A large part of what makes BUUF "BUUF" are the Grounds, the Grove, Jeremiah's Adventure Garden and A Walk Through Time. Learn how this magical place came to be from Barb Alexander. Jolene Schow will share how JAG was created and John Jacobsen will tell of his spiritual journey as a Master Gardener. Alan Schwartzman will wrap it up with a special surprise. Bill & Peggy Pulley, service coordinators. Will and Debra Smith, music.
The Summer Solstice is Jun 21, 2010 at 5:28am MDT. Come take a tour of earthworks, ancient and contemporary, that help us to understand, appreciate, and marvel at our position in relationship to the rest of our solar system. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator. Charlotte Tompkins, music
Problem drinking has plagued mankind from the beginning of recorded history. It has affected peasant to king, followers to great leaders. From the "Pledge" to Prohibition, no program or movement made any inroads toward recovery until the founding of AA in 1935 and its 12 step program. Its success has spawned 12 step programs for many if not most identified addictions including Narcotics, Over Eaters and Gamblers. The lives of millions have been changed through 12 step recovery. Ed Rush, service coordinator. Cees Hoefnagels, music.
Airman 1st Class Bonnie Harper Bonnie Harper, daughter of our music director Carrie Bastian, will speak on her recent experience in basic military training and on the core values of the United States Air Force: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. Bev Harley, service coordinator.
Our UU principles and especially our second principle, lead us to work for justice. But what is the path to justice, equity and compassion? Anthony and Roger, both raised UU in different times, will talk about the paths they've traveled as they have worked for greater justice, equity and compassion. While their views have been shaped by different forces, many underlying principles remain the same but they have also reached some significantly different conclusions. Cathy Sherman, service coordinator.
Peggy Pulley, service coordinator
Social Justice and Religious Freedom thrive only in the crucible of a society of involved people who are effectively engaged in the direction and actions of the institutions of government. An infectious greed now grips much of our business community. America is beset by the depredations of six mega-banks (shortly ago thirteen) whose influence over the operations of both Congress and the Executive is destructive of democracy. This, because the merger of excessive corporate wealth and power with political power constitutes a "Ruling Oligaechy", serving not the interests of the people, but only the accumulation of power and wealth in the hands of the few. Bev Harley, service coordinator.
Sooner or later everyone rides THE BUS. Hello, is anyone really in charge here? Nancy Harms, service coordinator; Gail Haldeman, celebrant.
Carrie Bastian and David Scott, BUUF's music director and her husband, will discuss ways in which travel can be a soul expanding experience. They will share some of their travel experiences, both humorous and meaningful, and talk about ways to access the benefits of travel, even when you think you can't leave town. Music by singer-songwriter Hans York. Peggy Pulley, service coordinator; Wanda Jennings, celebrant.
Though I have attended church forever, it has been in my work life that I have found meaningful experience of the "religious" concepts I heard while sitting in the pew. I'll be sharing that journey with you. Brace yourself: I may mention the word "sin." Besse LaBudde and Barbara Morledge, service coordinators; Patricia Heeb, celebrant.
Dr Cutler will share Lakota/Dakota traditional culture, it's values, beliefs, and rituals as he learned and experienced them. Specifically, he will provide a brief overview of the Inipi ceremony including some specifics on materials, meanings of the fire/altar/lodge, how an individual comes to be qualified to pour water. He will also share some Taku Wakan (things that are holy) and some Inipi Olowan (sweat songs) with Fellowship members and friends. Liz Mummey (Assiniboine), a member of the Native American Coalition of Boise, will share one of her oral tradition stories with the children entitled Why the Bear Has a Short Tail. After the candle is extinguished at the end of the service, we will invite everyone (adults and children) to take part in a friendship round dance. Cathy Sherman, service coordinator; Bruce Dowlin, celebrant.
The Chalice Circle by the same name will present an experience which shows what makes the "Cool Group" Concept so cool. Special music with flutes, drumming, and didgeridoos! Bev Harley, service coordinator; Nancy Harms, celebrant.
What does it mean to be Pagan and how is it different or the same as other belief systems. Let's explore these questions. Let's see if we can find how Pagans are alike and how they are different. You may find Unitarian Universalists have a lot in common with Pagans. Peggy Pulley, service Coordinator; Don Schutte, celebrant.
Official start of the program year! Bring water from your summer travels, come check in with everyone. Nancy Harms, service coordinator.
Our Fellowship is dynamic, changing-but-solid. In the best of all possible worlds, what do we long to create? Bill & Jane Hoffman, service coordinators
If you look deep inside, looking at your heart honestly, what do you find motivates you? Elizabeth will reflect (honestly!) on this big question. Cathy Sherman, service coordinator
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