With our new sound system, installed in the spring of 2008, we have the means to capture digital audio. If you missed a day, or want to share with others, or listen again, here's your chance! Be patient after you click the link (and perhaps accept the download with a dialog box): depending on the speed of your connection, it may take some minutes to download. Or, use the link to the podcast feed in the "Related links" box.
BUUF 2008 Sermon Audio
October
October 26, 2008, 9 & 11 am
"The Flaming Chalice," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
We UUs have fewer symbols that most religions. But we do cherish the flaming chalice, a beacon to us for many years. Elizabeth will tell the story of this symbol, and we will all reflect on the nature of symbols. Carol and Jay Wechselberger, service coordinators; Carrie Bastian, music.
October 19, 2008, 9 & 11 am
"Pebbles In a Pond," Don Schutte
As children we often pitched pebbles into a pond. Maybe we still do as adults. I know I do. What lesson is there in this innocent action? David Ward, service coordinator; Mike Lemieux, music.
October 12, 2008 9 & 11 am
"Of Such is the Kingdom of Heaven," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
This is National Children's Day, and we will consider that "childlike" attitude seen in advanced teachers like the Dalai Lama. It is also Association Sunday, celebrating this denomination of ours, which helps us teach our children to be confident, competent and compassionate. Tony de Angelis, service coordinator; BUUF choir with Sue Langley, music.
October 5, 2008, One service 10 AM, Potluck Following
"Let Us Cultivate Boundless Goodwill," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
What did the Buddha mean by "boundless good will"? On this Congregational Care Team-sponsored Sunday, Elizabeth will reflect on the nature of good will—usually bounded— in community. Nancy Harms, service coordinator; Coston Frederick, music.
September
Sept. 28, 2008, 9 and 11 am
"Who Is My Neighbor?" Rev. Elizabeth Greene
We Unitarian Universalists hold diversity as a high value. Today, Elizabeth will look at some ways about we may embody this value, and some ways where we may opt for denial or benign neglect. Mark Zimmerer, service coordinator. Charlotte Tompkins, music.
Sept. 21, 2008, 9 and 11 am
"Reflections on a Sabbatical, part one: Experiencing the Holy," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Over this program year, Elizabeth will be sharing various aspects of her recent sabbatical. On this Sunday, she will reflect on the many and varied experiences she had of reverence and awe—sometimes known as the holy. Carol and Jay Wechselberger, service coordinators. Carrie Bastian, music.
Sept. 14, 2008, 9 and 11 am
"Don't Be Afraid of Some Change," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
On this weekend when we will have been stimulated and inspired by a visit from UUA consultant Larry Wheeler Elizabeth will discuss the spiritual, emotional and practical implications of transition—which is always happening. Service coordinator, Allie Gooding. Mike Lemieux, music.
Sept. 7, 2008 10:00 am
"Re-Connecting in Love," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
(Sorry, this sermon was not recorded.)
August
August 31, 2008, 10 am
"Silencing Mr. Negativepants," David Ward
David desperately wants to break free from his comfort zone. Throw caution to the wind and take complete advantage of this incredible gift we call life. Unfortunately, David's subconscious is dominated by a snobby British butler named "Mr. Negativepants," who constantly tells him he's not good enough, smart enough, and, doggonit, people don't like him. If you square off against your own version of Mr. Negativepants from time to time, head to BUUF this fine August morning and perhaps together we can silence him for good.
August 24, 2008, 10am
"Polishing the Mirror" or "You don't like my Kung Fu?," Tony DeAngelis
Reflections on the spiritual aspects of the Martial Arts.
August 17, 2008, 10am
"Here Comes the Sun," Debbie Espen
We are physical, material, biological beings who not only need the light and warmth of the sun to live, but also respond emotionally and spiritually to the sun. Debbie shares a personal story of a long, cold, dark night, and what she learned from the experience.
August 10, 2008, 10am
"Shifting Sands in Religion and Politics: A Contemporary Historical Look," Jill Gill
Jill will explore changes currently afoot within the religious right as we approach the 2008 presidential election, and place these changes into some recent historical context.
August 3, 2008, 10am
"Science Fact and Fiction—How they informed my faith and world," Dale Winke
Let us see where that takes us.
July
July 27, 2008, 10 am
"The Grand Metaphor - Life on (and off) a raft in the Grand Canyon." Linden Boice and Gordon Hamilton
BUUF members Linden Boice and Gordon Hamilton will recount highlights of their three week rafting trip through the Grand Canyon this spring, and, perhaps, impart a few lessons for living during their multi-media presentation.
July 20, 2008, 10 am
The Velveteen Minister, Sharon Barlow Palm
Exploring the role of the minister in all of us.
July 13, 2008, 10 am
Honoring the Spirited Child - Within and Without, Sarah Bratley
With some group participation, Sarah Bratley shares lessons learned about recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person - even in those times when you are challenged to find it. She also explores the need for respecting your own spirit while honoring and nurturing the spirit of those around us.
July 6, 2008, 10 am
The History Project, Sheryl Dowlin, Alan and Mary Schwartzman, and Coston and Judy Frederick
America is a youth-worshipping culture, and that is appropriate for such a young country, celebrating, as it is, its birthday on this weekend. But any organization needs its elders. BUUF is in the process of video-recording the insights and wisdom of some of its "elders." This Sunday, come and hear from two long-term couples committed to each other and to our fellowship, and find out the secret to a lasting relationship.
June
June 29, 2008, 10am
"The Power of Four," by Tom Hanks, delivered by Dale Winke
How many cars would you have to take away from California's crowded roadway to rid them of gridlock? A computer simulation supplied the answer: four percent, or four out of a hundred. The study provided inspiration for actor Tom Hanks in a remarkable speech at Vassar College's graduation ceremony on May 22, 2005.
June 22, 2008, 10am
"The Shorter Longer Way," Guest speaker Rabbi Daniel B. Fink
Sometimes what looks like a short cut, isn't. The easy way out is not the path preferred. Rabbi Fink, rabbi of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel in Boise, will present "The Shorter Longer Way," a sermon based on a Talmudic story.
June 15, 2008, 10am
Father's Day, Greg Duffy
Several years ago, Greg Duffy, then a chimney-sweep, suffered a fall from a roof. He nearly died. Since that time his brain sometimes struggles to find words to express his thoughts. On this Father's Day, Greg will reflect on what it means to give fatherly advice when words fail, literally.
June 8, 2008, 10am
"Making Room for Hummingbirds and Hope," Nan Harms
Every creature on earth has approximately two billion heartbeats to spend in a lifetime. You can spend them slowly, like a tortoise, and live to be two hundred years old, or you an spend them fast, like a hummingbird, and live to be two years old. (Text by Michael McGee, originally given March 2, 2008 at the UU Church of Arlington, VA)
May
Sunday, May 25, 9am & 11 am
"What's so new about New Age Spirituality?" Panel of speakers
While current conventional wisdom would suggest that our culture's experimentation with Eastern religions and unorthodox Christianity is new, a closer familiarity with American Unitarian and Universalist histories counters that understanding. A panel of speakers, made up of recent attendees in an Adult R.E. class on the history of American spirituality, reflects on insights gained about their own, and America's, spiritual journey.
Sunday May 18, 10am
"For the Long Haul: Eco-justice for a Sustainable Future," Rev. Katherine Jesch
Our personal lives, congregational life, and the health and well-being of all life on Earth are intertwined. This sermon invites us to imagine our congregation as a healthy "Earth Community," where moral strength and spiritual sustenance can be found to support our quest for justice on an imperiled planet.
Sunday, May 11, 9am & 11am
"The Great Mother Virtue," Rev. Margaret Keip
Margaret will wrap Gaia, Mothers Day, and a magnificent ethic for living into a message about "size" on the last of her scheduled sabbatical-anchor Sundays with us.
Sunday, May 4, 10am
"The Last-minute Surprise"
Our planned guest speaker, Rabbi Daniel Fink, of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel in Boise, had a family emergency. David Ward stepped in with a special delivery.
April
April 27, 9 am and 11 am
"Each night a child is born is a holy night..." Sophia Lyon Fahs
Rev. Margaret Keip, our high school seniors, and Religious Education
Co-Directors Cathy Carmen and Karen Raese
Come join us in celebrating passages of our children and youth during this service when we have Children's Dedication and Sr. High Bridging. It is sure to be a day to remember.
April 20, 9 am and 11 am
"Are You Interconnected?" Wanda and Bryan Jennings
We talk a lot about being part of the interconnected web of all things. Do we ever check to see if we are really connected? Would the world be a better place if you were truly connected?
April 13, 9 am and 11 am
"The Conversation" Rev. Thomas Anastasi
No matter how much disagreement and conflict there in any aspect of our lives—in our families, in the government, in our congregation—the answer is always to be found, I believe, "in the conversation". We need to talk to one another on all these levels.
(April 13, 2008 was our first service recorded for this archive.)
