BUUF Sundays Archive

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BUUF Sunday Services Archive - 2015

January 2015

Jan. 4, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Sharing Our Strength – Fire Communion," Rev. Dana Worsnop

Join us for a Fire Communion Service as we burn away what is no longer needed from the past year and face the future together. The future is always uncertain and we live in times when many are predicting disaster from many points of view. How do we live with strength and purpose in uneasy times? Elton Hall, celebrant; David Scott, service coordinator.

Jan. 11, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Loving Alike," Rev. Dana Worsnop

More than 400 years ago, our Unitarian forebears spoke as a voice for religious tolerance in the midst of the violence of the Reformation. For this they were targeted by both Catholics and Protestants. What do we yet have in common with those Unitarians' direct descendants? Why do people travel half-way around the world to reconnect with those roots with your Partner Church in Mészkő? Nancy Harms, celebrant; BUUF Choir, music; Teresa Wood, service coordinator.

Jan. 18, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Lift Every Voice," Debra Smith

Sunday's service will focus on the fourth of six steps (Discussion/Negotiation) towards attaining "Beloved Community," as outlined by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It matters how we talk to one another. It especially matters how we listen. It matters that all voices be lifted. Honored. Even the cantankerous. How do we manage this? "Using grace, humor, and intelligence," according to The King Philosophy. Gwyn Reid, celebrant; Will Smith, music; Mary Hester, service coordinator.

Jan. 25, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"CCT, BUUF's Arm of Comfort and Support," Rev. Jackie Kelly

Sharing the joys and celebrations of our community are a real bonus of being a part of the Fellowship. And, sometimes we need to reach out to one another when times are not so joyous. What are lessons from a pastoral care perspective—Rev. Jackie shares her unique understanding based on experience as a UU chaplain for St. Luke's Regional Medical Center and the BUUF Congregational Care Team (CCT) talks about its role in providing support and service to our congregants in need. Sharene Watsen, celebrant; David Scott, service coordinator.

February 2015

February 1, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Sum of All Known Reverence," Rev. Dana Worsnop

Ours has been a humanist faith, long before the advent of the Humanist movement in the early 20th century. From Renaissance humanists to the advent of Universalism to William Ellery Channing to Walt Whitman, ours has been a faith concerned with human lives and human character. What can we learn from our earliest humanist forebears about ourselves and the theological threads we trace? BUUF Choir, music; Patricia Heeb, celebrant; Susie Hardy, service coordinator.

February 8, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Love Will Guide Us," Rev. Dana Worsnop

Privilege and oppression have been themes in American culture throughout our history. We all have parts of ourselves that are privileged and parts that are oppressed. How can we come to recognize our own privilege and examine it so that the world can be a place where fewer are oppressed? David Scott, celebrant; Corey Porch, service coordinator.

February 15, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Free Pulpit and the Free Pew," Rev. Dana Worsnop

Ours is a tradition of the free pulpit and the free pew. Whose pulpit is it anyway and who is free to speak in it? What is freedom of the pew and how is it exercised. Important questions all, especially as you prepare to offer freedom of the pulpit to a new minister. Corey Porch, celebrant; Nancy Harms, service coordinator.

February 22, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Ferguson in Boise?" Representative Sue Chew

What about the experience of being singled out and assumptions made because of culture (ala Ferguson). What can those from "white" culture do to learn more and communicate better with others from different cultures, etc. Sue is the representative from Boise's District 17. Debra Smith, celebrant; Mary Stell, service coordinator.

March 2015

March 1, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Curiosity as a Spiritual Practice," Rev. Dana Worsnop

Our world is so polarized and people are becoming more and more entrenched in their views. It seems each side thinks of themselves as virtuous and the other side as deluded if not outright evil. How might bringing an attitude of curiosity shift our polarization? Dena Duke, celebrant; Teresa Wood, service coordinator.

March 8, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Shorter Longer Way," Rabbi Dan Fink

Rabbi Dan Fink of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel will be speaking on: "The Shorter Longer Way." The title is drawn from a tale from the Talmud, which speaks of our journeys and transitions, as individuals and in community. Rabbi Fink will focus on the way we mark passages in our lives as congregants and congregations. Mary Hester, celebrant; Susie Hardy, service coordinator.

March 15, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Coming Alive," Rev. Dana Worsnop

We talk often of the shared ministry of the church, shared among minister, staff and the laity. Yet often people invest only the minister with the authority to "do ministry." If the work of the church is all ministry – from pulling weeds to serving on the Finance Committee to being a worship celebrant – does it change what you do for the church and how you do it? Gwyn Reid, celebrant; BUUF Choir, Carrie Bastian and Liza Long, music; Patricia Heeb, service coordinator

March 22, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Our Better Angels," Rev. Dana Worsnop

The world often seems more frightening than ever before and new threats seem to confront us almost daily. Yet the longer and larger trends show this to be the least violent time in human history. How can this be so? And if it is so, how might it change how we live? Debra Smith, celebrant; Mary Hester, service coordinator; Will Smith and Carrie Bastian, music

March 29, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Stand With Me," Rev. Dana Worsnop

We can only accomplish the great work we yearn to do if we are standing together. The work of transformation, the work of justice, the work of growing compassionate hearts. When we stand together, our voices, our generosity of spirit, our financial and personal resources, and our passion gain strength and purpose beyond our individual lives. Will you stand with me? Patricia Heeb, celebrant; Nancy Harms, service coordinator; Carrie Bastian, Lessie Brown, Tom von Alten, Mark and Tenje Zimmerer, music.

April 2015

April 5, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"We Are Risen," Rev. Dana Worsnop

Resurrection is such a powerful metaphor. Even if we don't believe in the literal and physical resurrection of the body, we get to consider what the metaphor can mean in our spiritual lives. Easter is both a holy day for us as Unitarian Universalists, and one that we continue to wrestle with. Let us wrestle and wonder and embrace resurrection. Corey Porch, celebrant; BUUF Choir, music. Teresa Wood, service coordinator.

April 12, 9:30 & 11:15 am

Senior Bridging, BUUF Senior High Youth

Come get an infusion of hope for the future! Our Bridging Ceremony is a Sunday where we hear words of wisdom from our graduating high school seniors. Experience our next crop of community leaders and rejoice! Come help our graduating youth bridge to young adulthood and celebrate! Rev. Dana Worsnop and Emmie Schlobohm, DRE celebrants.

It's John Harms Tie Day; we invite you to wear one of his, or one of your own to honor John's legacy.

April 19, 10am Single Service Sunday!

"Alive with Faith! Growing and Transforming from the Ground Up," Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove

Let's celebrate the ways our faith helps us dig in and reach out to make a real difference in the world. In this single service at 10 a.m, we will celebrate all that BUUF is and will be and make our pledges for the coming year. Mike Lemieux and Quality Time will play and we'll share a meal together after the service. We welcome the Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove to share the pulpit with Rev. Dana.

April 26, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Dare Greatly," Rev. Sara E. LaWall (Ministerial Candidate)

Life is full of challenges, adventures, opportunities for transformation and lots of the unknown. To dare greatly is to live with wholeheartedness, to step into uncertainty with a spirit of joyful optimism and love. Sometimes we will stumble and even fail. But if we pay attention along the way, noticing the spaces in between, the journey offers great beauty, deep wisdom and opportunities for transformation. As we begin a new ministry together, full of hope for a strong future, how will we dare greatly? Debra Smith, celebrant; Janelle Brown, Rachel Murphy, Carrie Bastian, music.

May 2015

May 3, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Why Church?" Ministerial Candidate Rev. Sara E. LaWall

Statistics paint a bleak picture for mainstream religion in America. Attendance is way down across denominations and churches are closing their doors. We Unitarian Universalists sit near the bottom, remaining stagnant in our numbers for decades. To many, it seems we are dying. Couple that with the high numbers of young adults that are distrustful of religious institutions and we might begin to ask, "Why bother with church at all?" And yet, this church community means so much in the lives of all of you, the answer to “Why Church?” lies right here among us. BUUF Choir, music.

May 3, 1:00 pm

Special Congregational Meeting

The congregation will decide whether to call Rev. LaWall to be our new settled minister.

May 10, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Coming of Age," Junior High youth and mentors along with Rev. Dana Worsnop and Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Education

Our Coming of Age youth will share their statements of faith that they have developed over the years and through the journey of discovery that has been our Coming of Age program for the last eight months. Join in on this celebration of youth and share in the journey with these incredible young people!

May 17, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Free Thinking Mystics With Hands," Rev. Dana Worsnop

Rev. Tom Owen-Towle describes Unitarian Universalists this way. How might we live up to this description? Which of these three parts are we best at – thinking freely, engaging mystery and the mystical, using our hands to be of use in the world? Dena Duke, celebrant

May 24, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Peace and Freedom," Rev. Dana Worsnop

Even as the wars that are raged in our name are winding down at last, we are still a nation at war. Men and women are fighting in distant lands to protect us. Protect us from what? On this Memorial Day Weekend, we will consider where our responsibility to those women and men. Patricia Heeb, celebrant.

May 31, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Good and the Perfect," Rev. Dana Worsnop

My time with you as your Interim Minister is coming to a close. We have done so much good work together, made a misstep or two, traveled some rocky roads, and come out happily at the end of our journey together. I will reflect on my time at BUUF, what I have learned about you and what you have taught me. BUUF Choir, music; Nancy Harms, celebrant

June 2015

June 7, 10 am

"Flower Power," Flower Communion Service, Rev. Dana Worsnop and Emmie Schlobohm

All Generations: Flower Power was the cry of a whole generation. The Flower Communion ritual represents the power and beauty the arises in a diverse community. What is BUUF’s flower power? Sue Langley, music.

June 14, 10 am

"Who’s Your Daddy?" Rev. Dana Worsnop.

On this Sunday before Father’s Day, we will consider role of fathers and masculine energy in the world, in us all. Sharene Watsen, celebrant; Arvel Bird and Sue Langley, music

June 21, 10 am

Summer Solstice

The longest day of the year occurs on this Sunday during the service. At the summer solstice, the Sun travels the longest path through the sky, and that day therefore has the most daylight. Join us to sing and chant and meditate as we celebrate the sun. Gwyn Reid, celebrant; Sue langley, music.

June 28, 10 am

"Maturity—What Is That and How Do I Get It?" Elton Hall

Maturity is a condition that we hope comes with age and experience, but just what it is and what we can do to gain it can be elusive. We will explore emotional, moral, mental and spiritual aspects of maturity and ways we mature. Debra Smith, celebrant; Mike Lemieux, music.

July 2015

July 5, 10 am

"The Demise of Democracy in America," Bob Huntley

American servicemen and women, and their families, for two and one half centuries, have given and sacrificed mightily to achieve and preserve freedom and democracy for us.

As we pay tribute to them, it is our duty and responsibility to honor them by reflecting and asking ourselves: “Are we, the present generation, living up to our duty to insure that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth?” Mary Hester, celebrant; Nancy Harms, service coordinator; Liza Long, music.

July 12, 10 am

"Charity: What could possibly go wrong?" Debra Smith

Clara Barton, Universalist and founder of the American Red Cross, fought against slavery and the unfair treatment of women, the unacknowledged suffering and sacrifice of soldiers, the intransigence of American politics, and--at last--against the people in the very organization she founded. In this service we will draw inspiration from this visionary and persevering woman, and draw lessons about how we might “do” social justice work in the world. We will acknowledge her significant contribution to our world by conducting a blood drive on Thursday, July 16, from 2 until 7. Watch for announcements with more information. Patricia Heeb, celebrant; Mike Lemieux, music; Teresa Wood, service coordinator.

July 19, 10 am

"Songs of Solidarity," Marshall Voit and Ibis Laurel

This summer, Marshall and Ibis embark on their Songs of Solidarity tour, on which journey they will sing with nearly a dozen faith congregations in six weeks. They will lead singing in English, Spanish and Hebrew, and invite participants to experience the galvanizing power of communal song. The Rev. Dr. Beth Johnson of Palomar UU Fellowship remarked, “Marshall and Ibis are musical masters and inspirational activists. My congregation was captivated by the beauty of their voices, their compelling musicianship, and their weaving together of spirituality and activism.” Debra Smith, celebrant; music by Marshall and Ibis; Teresa Wood, service coordinator.

July 26, 10 am

"Spirituality, innovation, diversity, and radical inclusion," Bill Reid

I will be asking a lot of questions this Sunday. Possible questions include, “Who is spiritual and who is not?” “Who decides?” “If we really welcomed everyone, what would happen?” “Is there such a thing as too much diversity?” “Are we as inclusive and welcoming as we think we are?” I have lots more questions, and I don't know the answers. Please join me for the beginning of a conversation. Gwyn Reid, celebrant; Mike Lemieux, music; Corey Porch, service coordinator.

August 2015

August 2, 10 am

"General Assembly: Who Knew It Would Be So Spiritual!" GA Attendees

The Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly, a five day annual meeting of delegates and attendees from congregations all over the United States met in Portland at the end of June. Twenty-four members of the BUUF congregation attended. The event was packed full of energy, education and inspiration: a more than “What We Did on Our Summer Vacation” report. Patricia Heeb, celebrant; Will Smith and Liza Long, music; Susie Hardy, service coordinator

August 9, 10 am

'What is it about listening?" Matthew Sabin

In college I read John Brunner's The Shockwave Rider wherein he proposed "a service that allows people to anonymously talk with another person who only listens." I've been noticing this special form of listening ever since. Nancy Harms, celebrant; Carrie Bastian, music; Teresa Wood, service coordinator.

August 16, 10 am

"On Being a Heretic, Long Strange Trip," Mary Hester

The six part series may have been a UU history series, but it had some major spiritual impacts on me. We will explore how the journey of our UU ancestors can impact us in the present day. Gwyn Reid, celebrant; Carrie Bastian, music; Corey Porch, service coordinator.

August 23, 10 am

"Journey," Quest Participants

This spring saw the end of the first offering at BUUF of the 19 month program for spiritual development, "Quest: A Spiritual Journey." Fifteen participants, four leaders, and a back-up ministry team completed the journey. Spirits were deepened, lives were changed. In this service, several will share their experience and the impact of the program on their lives. Wanda Jennings, celebrant; Carrie Bastian, music; Patricia Heeb, service coordinator.

August 30, 10 am

"Moving beyond the 'Why?' questions," Kenneth Watts

In the Christian and Jewish Scriptures we read: "For everything there is a season and a time and for every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die…." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) Very poetic. But the difficult part of life is everything that happens in between! And sometimes what happens in between can get pretty difficult. That's where community comes in. We come together to share our joys; we come together to share our sorrows and pain. We come together to share our questions, our wisdom, and our common humanity.

So often in the hospital I hear the "Why?" questions from family members, patients, and others in the midst of painful medical realities. In my early days of ministry in the conservative Christian tradition I tried hard to have all the right answers. After all, I was the minister. Nowadays, I find that keeping my mouth shut and listening is much more helpful than spewing forth my seminary wisdom. Today, I see myself more as a learner than a teacher, being a sounding board more than making boring sounds, a questioner rather than the "Shell Answer Man." As Mark Twain is said to have put it: "We never become really and genuinely our entire and honest selves until we are dead—and not then until we have been dead years and years. People ought to start dead and then they would be honest so much earlier."

Dena Duke, celebrant; David Scott, service coordinator

September 2015

September 6, 10 am

"Extinction, Ecological Collapse and Pope Francis," Mark McGinnis

Painter and writer Mark McGinnis will present work from his current project "Extinct and Almost Extinct: 50 Paintings" and discuss aspects of our current ecological crisis, referring to Pope Francis' encyclical letter, "On Our Common Home," a profound document that gives direction and hope to what seems like a hopeless situation. Patricia Heeb, celebrant; Carrie Bastian, music

September 13, 9:30 & 11:15 am

The Gathering of the Waters, Rev. Sara LaWall

Emmie Schlobohm, celebrant; BUUF Choir, music.

September 20, 9:30 & 11:15 am

A Blessing for Beginning, Rev. Sara LaWall

Hans York, Carrie Bastian, music; Corey Porch, celebrant

September 27, 9:30 & 11:15 am

Building Sacred Trust, Rev. Sara LaWall

Sara Matlock, Ellie Hunt, music; Debra Smith, celebrant

October 2015

October 4, 9:30 & 11:15 am

Giving Life the Shape of Justice, Rev. Sara LaWall

The first Sunday of each month will be a Justice Sunday. Worship and Religious Exploration will focus on the Justice issue highlighted in the monthly Plate Partner. This month we'll highlight how we pay it forward both within the congregation and out in the wider world. Our October Plate Partner is this congregation's Pay It Forward Fund (see details in this month's newsletter). Lessie Brown, Carrie Bastian, Mike Lemieux, music; Patricia Heeb, celebrant

October 11, 9:30 & 11:15 am

Your Liberating Ministry: Toward a Shared Vision, Rev. Sara LaWall

BUUF Choir, music; Debra Smith, celebrant

October 18, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

We Were Boston Bound, Boston Bounders

Rev. Sara LaWall, celebrant

October 25, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Stories From the Way: How a 500 Mile Pilgrimage Across Spain Can Change the Stories We Tell Ourselves, Carrie Bastian and David Scott

Wanda Jennings, celebrant

November 2015

November 1, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Social Justice Sunday, Rev. Sara LaWall

A sermon about food justice connecting with our November Plate Partner the Boise Farmers' Market Mobile Market. Debra Smith, celebrant

November 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Experience the Holy, Rev. Sara LaWall

Nancy Harms, celebrant; BUUF Choir, music

November 15, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Radical Hospitality - The Golden Rule, Rev. Sara LaWall

(This service will also honor Transgender Day of Remembrance - nationally recognized on November 20.) Sharene Watsen, celebrant

November 22, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Apple Communion, Rev. Sara LaWall

All ages worship together to celebrate this season of gratitude. We will also be officially welcoming our Minister Emerita, Rev. Elizabeth Greene. Bring apple themed snacks for afterwards. Emmie Schlobohm, celebrant

November 29, 9:30 & 11:15 am

The Music of Our Lives, Music Director Carrie Bastian

December 2015

Just Mercy cover image

December 6, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Catching the Stones: Mercy, Brokenness, and Compassion"

A Justice Sunday sermon connecting with our December plate partner, the ACLU of Idaho and their work on criminal justice reform and the death penalty. Dive into the issue early and BUUF's participation in the UUA Common Read of Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. Bryan has dedicated his legal career to defending those who are trapped by an often capricious, political, and willfully unjust criminal justice system. Tom von Alten and Carrie Bastian, music.

December 13, 9:30 & 11:15 am

The Open Heart: Music and Meditation for the Holidays, Rev. Sara LaWall

Music from the BUUF Choir, and BUUF musicians

December 20, 9:30 & 11:15 am

Multigenerational Holiday Pageant with Rev. Sara LaWall & Emmie Schlobohm

All ages worship together to celebrate the holiday season

December 21, 6:30 pm

Winter Solstice

Please arrive by 6:30; the ritual begins promptly at 7:00. Bring treats to share after the service.

December 24, 7:00 pm

Christmas Eve Service, "Preparing Room"

We celebrate Christmas Eve with stories of Christmas that renew our sense of mystery and wonder at this time of the year. We sing carols, light candles and welcome magic and mystery once more into our lives at this darkest time of the year.

December 27, 9:30 & 11:15 am

Quaker Service

A silent service with Nancy Harms

"Soon silence will have passed into legend. Man has turned his back on silence. Day after day he invents machines and devices that increase noise and distract humanity from the essence of life, contemplation, meditation." Jean Arp

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