BUUF Sunday Services Archive - 2010
January, 2010
Jan. 3, 9 & 11 am
"Laugh, I Thought I'd Die," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
Jan. 10, 9 & 11 am
"Hey, boys, how's the oxygen?" Mark Zimmerer
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.
Jan. 17, 9 & 11 am
"Making a Difference," Besse LaBudde and Nancy Harms
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.
Jan. 24, 9 & 11 am
"The Rise of Evolutionary Spirituality," Loren Bergeson
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.
Jan. 31, 9 & 11 am
"Where Do We Stand?" Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
February, 2010
Feb. 7, 9 & 11 am
"The Tao of Ipod," Anne Welsbacher
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).
Feb. 14, 9 & 11 am
"Love: Many-Splendored or Just Confusing?" Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
Feb. 21, 9 & 11 am
"Death as Part of Life," Ed Rush
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.
Feb. 28, 9 & 11 am
"We're All Student Humans," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
March, 2010
March 7, 9 & 11 am
"Social Action: Practical or Theological?" Louise Jacobsen and Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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).
March 14, 9 & 11 am
"The Legacy of Forrest Church," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
March 21, 9 & 11 am
"Passion," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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!
March 28, 9 & 11 am
"Dayenu," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
April, 2010
April 4, 9 & 11 am
"Mornings of Our Life," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
April 11. 9 & 11 am
"Day Selves, Night Selves," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
"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.
April 18, 9 & 11 am
"The Medicine Wheel's Still Pertinent Lessons,"Besse LaBudde
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.
April 25, 9 & 11 am
"The Sanctuary of Greenness," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
May, 2010
May 2, 9 & 11 am
Senior High Bridging, BUUF high school seniors, Rev. Elizabeth
Greene, Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration
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.
May 9, 9 & 11 am
"After Enlightenment, the Laundry," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
May 16, 9 & 11 am
State of the Fellowship (a spiritual retrospective, 2009-2010), Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
May 23, 9 & 11 am
"The Glastonbury Covenant," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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.
May 30, 9 & 11 am
"The search for meaning in our lives," Bill Reid
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.
June, 2010
June 6, one service, 10 am
"Flower Communion Inter-Generational Celebration" Rev. Elizabeth Greene and Congregation
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.
June 13, one service, 10 am
"BUUF's Outdoor Treasures," Landscape Committee Members
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.
June 20, one service, 10 am
"Solstice Earthworks," Mark Zimmerer
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
June 27, one service, 10 am
"The History and Evolution of 12 Step Recovery," Bill Pulley
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.
July, 2010
July 4, 10 am
"Integrity, Service and Excellence: Lessons from Air Force Basic
Training," Bonnie Harper
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.
July 11, 10 am
"Our Second Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human
relations; A cross generational dialogue on social change," Roger
Sherman and Anthony
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.
July 18, 10 am
"Loving Yourself," Guy Perkins
Peggy Pulley, service coordinator
July 25, 10 am
"Infectious Greed—America's slide from Democracy to Oligarchy," Bob Huntley
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.
August, 2010
August 1, 10 am
"Waikiki Walk Lights," Bryan Jennings
Sooner or later everyone rides THE BUS. Hello, is anyone really in
charge here? Nancy Harms, service coordinator; Gail Haldeman,
celebrant.
August 8, 10am
"Found in Translation: A Rough Guide to Self Discovery through Travel," Carrie Bastian and David Scott
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.
August 15, 10 am
"Spirituality at Work: Churchy Stuff I've Learned in My Job as a Psychotherapist," Patricia Heeb
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.
August 22, 10 am
"Through This We Life," Dr. Mike Cutler (Shoshoni heritage/Lakota & Dakota upbringing), a Native American professor in the BSU Counseling Department
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.
August 29, 10 am
"Everyday Spirituality and Meaningful Rituals," members of Everyday Spirituality and Meaningful Rituals Chalice Circle, aka "The Cool Group"
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.
September, 2010
September 5, 2010, 10 am
"Who are these Pagans," Don Schutte
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.
September 12, 9am & 11 am
"Bringing Our Water Home," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Official start of the program year! Bring water from your summer
travels, come check in with everyone. Nancy Harms, service coordinator.
September 19, 9 am & 11 am
"History, Hopes & Dreams," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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
September 26, 9 am & 11 am
"What Motivates Us?" Rev. Elizabeth Greene
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
October, 2010
Oct. 3, 9 am & 11 am
"A Brief History of the Future of School," Debra Smith
UUs have a long history of promoting free, non-sectarian public
schools. In the 19th century, one of our country's most eloquent
advocates was the Unitarian, Horace Mann. Today, public schools are
buffeted by reform advocates of all kinds. It seems that everyone who
has ever attended a school offers a solution for how to improve School.
Underlying these reform efforts are two very different visions of what
it means to be an educated person. Might it be time for the UUA to weigh
in on this discussion? Wanda Jennings, service coordinator. Will Smith,
music.
Oct. 10, 9 am & 11 am
"Standing On the Side of Love," Rev. Elizabeth Greene and Congregational Care Committee
The Congregational Care Committee brings love & care to the
congregation. Our denomination is also involved in Standing on the Side
of Love. How do they mesh? Nancy Harms, service coordinator.
Oct. 17, 9 am & 11 am
"Sustainability Didn't Catch On - Now What?" Loren Bergeson
Despite the best efforts of many dedicated people, humanity continues
to damage the planet and use up non-renewable resources at an ever
accelerating rate. What are the chances of creating enough political
will to turn things around? If the chances aren't good, what does that
mean for us personally and for our families? What specifically should we
do at this point in time? I'll give my answers to these questions which
will hopefully generate a productive discussion, followed by useful
action. Cathy Sherman, service coordinator. Music by BUUF Choir, Carrie
Bastian conducting.
Oct. 24, 9 am & 11 am
"Circle of Life," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Our Seventh Principle states that we affirm & support the
interdependent web of all existence. Is that mysticism, science, or
something else? Bev Harley, service coordinator.
Oct. 31, 9 am & 11 am
"All Souls," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
On this day, when the veil between this world and the next is said to
be thinnest, Elizabeth will reflect on witch hunts and generosity of
spirit. Wanda Jennings and Besse LaBudde, service coordinators.
being hUUman, music.
November, 2010
Nov. 7, 9 am & 11 am
"Spiritual or Natural?" Rev. Elizabeth Greene and Mark McGinnis
Elizabeth and Mark are self-confessed "mystic" and "naturalist,"
respectively. They both practice devotional disciplines. Are they more
alike or different? Cathy Sherman, service coordinator.
Nov. 14, 9 am & 11 am
"The Power of Story," Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration
Stories have been central to humanity for as long as people have been
speaking to each other. How else do we really learn what other people's
lives are like, feel what they feel, and belong together in community?
Carrie Bastian and Patti Raino, music; Nancy Harms, service
coordinator.
Nov. 21, 9 am & 11 am
"We Are All Pilgrims," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
A special Sunday, featuring woodblock slides and words from a
wonderful book about our ancestors, the Puritans. Elizabeth will reflect
on this heritage, and we will all enjoy the book (with permission from
Annie Bissett, author and artist). BUUF Choir, directed by Carrie
Basitan and accompanied by Sue Langley, music; Bill and Jane Hoffman,
service coordinators.
"Gratefulness," Gail Haldeman
Nov. 28, 9 am & 11 am
Now that Thanksgiving is over, how can we remember to live in a state
of gratefulness and learn to remain grateful not only for what we
perceive as the blessings in our lives, but also for the difficult
times? Bruce Dowlin, music.
December, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 9 & 11am
"Deck the Halls!" Children & Youth of Religious Exploration and Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration
It's time again for our annual tradition of Deck the Halls Sunday!
Our children and youth will share their discoveries of the wonders of
our Blue Boat Home. Join us for a celebration of traditions from
around the world and right under our feet. Plays, singing, parades, and
cookies abound! Wanda Jennings, service coordinator. Susan Langley, Cees
Hoefnagels, and Mary Schwartzman, music.
Sunday, December 12, 9 & 11am
"Just Before the Dawn," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
This is a dark, reflective time of the year, with the shortest day
approaching very soon. What does it mean to be in the wintry darkness,
and what does the light bring? This is Joining Sunday.
Beverly Harley, service coordinator. being hUUman, music.
Sunday, Dec. 19, 9 & 11am
"O Magnum Mysterium," presented by BUUF Choir, Carrie Bastian directing, and Rev. Elizabeth Greene
The ancient chant O magnum mysterium ("Oh great mystery") invites
us to contemplate Divine mystery in the birth of a child. Join with the
choir and BUUF musicians as we sing and celebrate the mysteries of the
holiday season. Besse LaBudde & Ed Rush, service coordinators. BUUF
Choir, accompanied by Sue Langley, music.
Tuesday, December 21, 7pm
"Winter Solstice Celebration," led by The Rev. Elizabeth Greene and the ever-faithful Solstice Team
This annual favorite is a reflective service celebrating light's
return and pondering what we want to leave in the darkness and what
bring into the light. About an hour long, it very appropriate for
children who can sit relatively quietly for that long. The nursery will
be available for parents who find it necessary to be with their children
somewhere besides the service itself.
BRING HOLIDAY GOODIES FOR THE FESTIVE PARTY AFTERWARD!
Fri., December 24, 7 pm
"The Power of Bethlehem," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Once again, we gather on Christmas Eve, to ponder the meaning of a
humble birth in a barn, a couple of thousand years ago. Whatever our
theology, this myth can have meaning for our lives. Nancy Harms, service
coordinator.
Sunday, December 26, 9am & 11 am
"Quaker Style," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
The early Quakers considered silence to be a direct path to God. This
was a radical idea in its time. Silence remains a radical idea today. In
our culture of Blackberries, cell phones, the Internet, high-definition
television and continual bombardment of advertising, cultivating
silence—as opposed to consuming products—is a radical idea.
But it can connect us to—and keep us on—the path we're
supposed to be on. Cathy Sherman, service coordinator.