BUUF News – July 2008

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene is on Sabbatical until the fall. She will return to the office August 1 and to the pulpit Sunday, September 7.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Sue Philley, Board President

It is an honor to embark on my new term as Board President July 1. In June we said farewell to Wanda Jennings, Ed Davis, and Loren Bergenson who completed their three-year terms and welcomed Julie Fanselow, Don Schutte, and David Ward as first-year Board members. (Judy Frederick had joined the Board mid-term).

June was an important month at BUUF—I believe that both the Board and the Congregation were invigorated and strengthened by our efforts that helped us reach a rapid consensus to purchase the land adjacent to our property (see related article in this newsletter). This decision reflected a common vision and faith in our community and in the future that is critical to healthy growth.

During June, the Board held several extra meetings (beyond our usual monthly one) to discuss the property purchase, strategic plan, vision, and budget. We decided to design activities to educate ourselves, members and friends and build consensus about changes we must undertake to continue our growth as a program church. We each read a book recommended by PNWD Executive, Janine Larsen, Moving on from Church Folly Lane by Rev. Robert T. Latham. We hope to design activities and discussions that will help us all "Get with the Program!" (Program Church, that is).

We also committed to implement a long-range planning process next fall and to incorporate strategic planning goals into this. We want to improve several administrative areas of BUUF to provide better services to our members. These include purchasing church database software to enhance communications and data collection, hiring a Stewardship Consultant to help us strengthen our stewardship process, and focusing on leadership development. Most importantly, the Board took a leap of faith, increasing staff hours to provide more complete office and Sunday Service music coverage and to help us initiate the new programs we are envisioning.

I invite you to take a few moments this summer and consider what your role(s) will be as we move into a creative future together! Will you join in Long Range Planning, "Let's Get with the Program!," Dialogues with the Board, or other initiatives and learn and dialogue with others? Will you offer to share your expertise and/or time helping with our new database and/or IT needs? Will you join a Land Stewardship Team to manage our new property? Will you demonstrate that you value additional staff hours enough to increase your annual pledges?

As a culture, we are beginning to understand that if we can envision it, we can make it happen. I am eager for us demonstrate this as we move into the new leadership year ahead!

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

RE Survey

If you have children in the Religious Education program, or otherwise participated, we'd like to hear from you as we wrap up this year and plan for the next. You can take the survey online, or paper copies are available in the north vestibule information center. Please return the paper version to BUUF by mail or to the DRE's office. Please respond by July 15. Please contact Karen Raese at for more information.

BUUF Campers

There are a limited number of spots available for our annual BUUF family camping trip August 15-17. Please contact Eileen Geddings, 853-0822, or Karen Raese, 853-3865, for more information. RSVP deadline is July 20.

COMMITTEES

Property Opportunity Seized by BUUF

Elton Hall

The Special Congregational Meeting

Less than three weeks ago, BUUF was informed that the property immediately behind the BUUF Grove, playground and Jeremiah's Garden was being sold by Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, who have long had good relations with the Fellowship and wanted BUUF to have first chance to purchase it. The property is .959 acre, contiguous to BUUF's eastern property line, and contains a house, a manufactured home, a steel shed and pasture with water. But BUUF had only ten days to make an offer!

Thanks to the heroic help of many people, BUUF's Board launched a week-long information campaign, emailing every member and friend, sending out a mailing to everyone, and holding daily information sessions for all who wished to gather information, ask questions and express views. A special congregational meeting was called for Sunday, June 15.

The congregation boldly stepped up to the plate. Ninety members showed up for the meeting, along with a number of friends who could participate in the deliberations but could not vote. Everyone had two chances to speak, and many did, asking important questions, discussing a variety of concerns, and looking to BUUF's future and the opportunities this purchase afforded. The most striking feature of the meeting was the degree to which members came prepared to express their views articulately, ask clear and insightful questions, and carry on discussions and listen to one another in a manner that was civil, gracious, understanding, and thoughtful. Kudos to our members!

In just less than an hour of deliberation, the congregation was ready to vote. Since a 2/3 vote of approval by members present is required for this kind of transaction, members counted off for and against empowering the Board to purchase the property. The purchase was approved by a vote of 79 in favor, 10 opposed. The Board was instructed to negotiate all details of the purchase.

Events Move Quickly

U.S. Bank, BUUF's mortgage holder, expedited a typical three-week appraisal process by giving an appraisal of $185,000 for the property. This was on the low end of "eyeball" appraisals done the week before. The afternoon of the congregational meeting, a team of negotiators visited the Phillips', who accepted BUUF's offer of $185,000 for the property. The bank has already provided us with several options for financing, and they are under consideration.

Thanks to the hard, quick and brilliant work of BUUF members able to act thoughtfully under severe time constraints, the property is ours, an investment that gives flexibility to our future plans. How the land is incorporated into present BUUF property and how it will be used is subject to much more discussion and congregational input. In the meantime, the Board is moving to establish a Land Steward Team to manage the property, along with added security. The Board expresses its gratitude to all who helped make this process work.

Become a Land Steward!

The BUUF Board invites you to serve our Community by joining a newly-forming Land Stewardship Team to manage our new property.

This will involve developing a volunteer management framework for the property including: landlord/tenant interactions, maintenance, storage/yard usage, fruit trees, neighbors, etc. Several BUUF members have already volunteered, won't you join them?

Applications will be available in the North Lobby. To request an application, please contact Sue Philley 208-340-9450 cell or email .

Small change is a big help to BUUF's bank account

Julie Fanselow

The BUUF board, in budget-setting mode this past month, found its attention drawn to two small income sources that can add up if enough members and friends pitch in.

COFFEE—Did you know that BUUF spends about $1,000 a year, or $19 every week, to have coffee on Sundays? You can help defray these costs — and maybe even raise a bit of money - by tossing your pocket change (or a buck or two) into the donation container near the coffee pots. We know: The current donation jar is pretty hard to see, so look for a more visible one sometime soon.

ALBERTSON'S—The Albertson's Community Partners program lets you link your Preferred Savings Card to up to three good causes of your choice, including BUUF. That way, every time you shop at Albertson's, a few cents will go back to BUUF. To sign up or learn more, ask at your neighborhood store.

Last year, coffee contributions barely topped $100 and our Albertson's rebates were just over $1,200. We can do better than that! Please help these two easy fundraising efforts by painlessly doing your share when you shop at Albertson's or enjoy coffee at BUUF.

Congregational Care Team Report

Barry Hope

So many times when one needs auxiliary support for an illness, physiological in nature, it affects the whole person i.e. job, energy, transportation, the literal ability to procure food, and the realization that probably this is not a good time to have to search for ambulatory or other auxiliary devices just to help you get along. The Congregational Care Team is exploring interest in a sharing/lending process in which we obtain an inventory of available medical equipment with which we can help each other out in crisis situations. If you are interested in any way, or have medical accouterments to lend, please call Sandy Layser (376-8579).

Now that summer has chosen to arrive, seize the season and run with it. Enjoy the safety of warmth. Occasionally, summertime, or just the addition of more heat, can be daunting. Changes in lifestyle and, of course, personal life situations can be cause for sadness. The Fellowship's Congregational Care Team is here for you, should you want to call us. We can extend our caring conscientiousness, or be a sounding board for things that are on your mind. There is a poster with CCT members' pictures and phone numbers located in the Fellowship office across from Gerry's desk. There is also a request for assistance drop box in the same vicinity. Certainly tensions exist within the very confines of the BUUF. We'll lend a confidential ear, you do the talking. Call a CCT member for more information. Team coordinators are Sandy Layser (376-8579) and Mary Osterman (385-9950).

Your IT Expertise is Needed

BUUF members and friends are invited to participate in a discussion of database options to help the Board decide on a system that will improve communications and assist staff and volunteers as they manage information and meet expanding needs.

If you have knowledge of committee and management needs or skills or interest in providing technical advice and support, please submit your thoughts about what we may need in writing by July 2 and plan to attend a database/ information needs assessment meeting Thursday, July 10, from 7-9 pm at BUUF. For more information, contact Sue at 340-9450 (cell) or email .

Results of Logo Survey

Thank you to the 74 people who responded to the questions posed by the Logo Task Force. Here is a recap of the results.

Question 1a: Should BUUF use the double ringed flaming chalice on all of our official stationary, legal documents and community announcements?

81% of the respondents replied with a yes. 19% with a no.

Question 1b: Should subgroups, i.e. committees be allowed to develop and circulate their own logos?

50% of the respondents replied with a yes, 49% replied with a no, 1% did not reply.

Question2: Should we research, develop and test market a new, unique logo design to be used exclusively for BUUF official stationary, legal documents and community announcements?

24% of respondents replied with a yes. 73% replied with a no and 3% did not reply.

Based on the results of the survey, the task force is recommending that the board:

— Restore the use of the double ringed flaming chalice as our logo effective immediately or as soon as able but, by the close of summer. This logo would be used on all official stationary, legal documents and community outreach including but not limited to our newsletter and website.

— Encourage committees to use the official logo on their announcements and any legally binding documents (contracts/pledge forms) at a minimum.

— This would include the order of service. The size of the logo on these documents could be small in the background but, should be present. We would also encourage the inclusion of such other symbols that relate to our affiliation with other organizations. For instance, RE may want to include their affiliation with LREDA.

— Develop a updated contemporary letterhead using the double ringed flaming chalice.

If you would like to see the full results of the survey with all the comments contact Erin at . Also on topic would be Elizabeth's March, 2004 sermon, Flaming Chalice: UU Symbol.

SOCIAL ACTION

Foster Care of Idaho to Receive the July and August Plate Offerings

Foster Care of Idaho will be the recipient of the July and August plate offering. Funds collected will help to purchase bikes, scooters, backpacks, a swing set for the waiting area, and passes to local attractions. Twenty-five percent of the non-designated plate offering and 100% of checks that are marked "outreach" will go to Foster Care of Idaho.

Fall into Community Fun Fair

Want to join the in the fun of the social activities at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship? Come to our Fall into Community Fun Fair in the courtyard on Saturday, September 6 at 7:00 in the evening hosted by the Chalice Circles and the BUUF Social Groups. We will have a fun evening of entertainment, desserts and getting to know each other. You will have a chance to talk to Chalice Circle leaders, the knitters group, and our book clubs. You might find some friends to start a new Women on the Verge group or a new Chalice Circle group, a bowling club, a singles group, a young adult fun group, or any other social group you would like to have at BUUF. Some of the Chalice Circles include Single Parents, Phoenix Rising Health and Healing, Curious Explorers, Cool Group, the Eggheads, Men's Group, and the Saturday Morning Group.

Mark your calendar and plan to come join the fun as we return from our summer travels and begin a new year at BUUF!

Boise Habitat for Humanity Goes Green And You Can Help!!

The Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity is working toward being certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System which encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices.

Two years ago the Senior High Youth helped this Fellowship raise $5,000 to contribute to the building of two Green homes being built by the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity and we presented the money to them in June. We welcome other contributions to this worthwhile project.

Our own Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has a Green Sanctuary Team coordinating these efforts. BUUF has been given the following 2 dates for 10 to 15 workers: Saturday, August 2 and Saturday, Sept. 6. If you can work only during the week there will be some openings for individuals on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students 16 to 18 years of age can work if accompanied by parents.

See Wanda Jennings to sign up or contact her at 362-7563 or .

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Darn. Shucks. I'll be go to h**k

Humanists have completed their group meditation on what it can mean to be spiritual without benefit of a deity, and are ready to consider those all too human urges that strongly suggest that the speaker has a supernatural support system. Put another way, our July meeting will consider the history and practice of cursing.

Are you familiar with the Biblical source of the curse? Recall the incredibly thorough (two page) curse in Tristran Shandy? We'll share many forms and variations, from religiously-approved anathema and malediction to swearing, from favorite expressions to conjecture about the cussed impulse in that blue-sky humanist manner at BUUF, July 13, starting at 11:15am. Our starting time this summer gives you time to attend the 10am single service.

Heads-up: Our August gathering will consider luck, chance, astrology, games and the many ways we try to guess the future.

For more information speak to Rick Groff or Jeanette Ross. Rick can send you a reminder.

BUUF Pilgrims Visit Mészkõ

Gwyn Reid

June was a month for renewing and strengthening our relationship with our partner congregation in Mészkõ. Two groups from Boise visited Mészkõ. The first weekend of June, Reverend Elizabeth Greene and David and Miriam Woito were in Mészkõ. Their trip coincided with the 15th anniversary celebration of our partnership. Reverend Robert Balint of the Mészkõ Unitarian Church sent this message to us on Sunday, June 1:

"Dear friends, Friendship shortens the distance between people. Care brings people together. You celebrate today in a Transylvanian way, walking the bridge, and thinking of us. We celebrate here in your way. We are just about to enter the church and have a service in American UU way. Praying together with our guests, Elizabeth, Miriam, David, and thinking of you who could not come, but who are always in our hearts. This is a high day for us, for we have friends there. This is a high day for you, for you have friends here. To our partnership."

Will Smith was in Mészkõ from June 12 to the 16th. We look forward to hearing about their adventures. On June 7, Gwyn Reid traveled to Spokane to present "Letters from Christine" (historic letters from the wife of Reverend Ferenc Balazs who served the Mészkõ congregation from 1930 to 1937). The presentation was part of a fundraiser to raise money to send Spokane UU youth to their partner church in Transylvania. Planning is under way for BUUF's 3rd Fesztival. Save the date: Saturday, September 20. We will need lots of volunteers for this signature event. Our next planning meeting is 6:00 pm, July 8 at BUUF.

Classics Book Club

The Classicists recently set their 2008 -2009 discussion schedule. Join them to talk about these books: An American Tragedy by Dreiser - Sept. 30, Framley Parsonage by Trollope - Dec. 9, Martin Eden by London - Feb. 18, and Hunger by K. Hamsun - April 29. Lorel Case is happy to answer any questions about the lineup.

BUUF Mamas

Okay you moms out there. Do you feel like you need a break from your kids and a chance to laugh, dine, imbibe and enjoy time with other BUUF moms, especially those with small children? Well, then we are the group for you! Join us for BUUF Mom's Night Out. Our next dinner is scheduled on July 29, which is our regular monthly schedule of the last Tuesday of every month. So mark your calendar for August 26, September 30, etc... The location varies from month to month, so RSVP to Sally Grimes at 860-6370 or . This has been such a great success that is now a regular event, so even if you can't make it to our dinner let us know if you'd like to be added to the email list for future dinners.

Summer Sages

Tom von Alten

The Senior Sages meet at 9:30 am on the second and fourth Thursday mornings of the month, at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way) for a no-host breakfast, and eclectic discussion on history, travel, politics, religion, you-name-it. All are welcome, no reservations required. Call Tom von Alten, 378-1217, for more information, or to be added to our email or telephone reminder list. Join us!

The Other Book Club

The Other Book Club will not meet in July or August. Our first meeting of the fall is September 14 at 7pm Erin Logan's house, 1702 Ridenbaugh Street in Boise, when we'll discuss The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. Take some time this summer to enjoy this novel, then join us in September to talk about it. Hope to see you there.

The Gift

E. Coston Frederick

Did You Know That...

In 1962 Jim and Charlotte Tompkins donated the upright piano played on for many years and still in use.

Then and ever since, Charlotte has discovered and encouraged BUUF members to share their musical talents.

In 1962, there were two pianists (mostly Charlotte) and recorded music for Sunday services. Over the years, not counting the choir and guest artists, we have had 39 musicians and still growing. Live music has become an expected and respected part of each Sunday service.

— from History Keepers

PNWD & UUA

Experience the Beloved Community - a place of practice & participation

Dear UUs of the Pacific Northwest District in Idaho,

Greetings from your neighbors in the Pacific Central District! We have a secret... a blessing... a gift to share with you. As over 500 UU's have experienced since 1978, the PCD Leadership School experience is most often transformational and can most certainly be personally enlivening and rejuvenating. As I contemplate how we grow our denomination (and I mean in every aspect) with collective intention, I am reminded of a quote I read while recently attending Appreciative Inquiry based leadership training.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."—Howard Thurman

Imagine how it feels to be truly blessed... Imagine being surrounded by a group of Unitarian Universalists who are all coming alive to their own gifts in a most life-sustaining manner... Allow us to create that space for you to nourish your gifts and breathe UU spirit into your life or the life of someone whose work you appreciate... Bless them with the gift of the Leadership School experience. We are fanning the flames of all souls. Come and rejuvenate yours!

We offer a radical UU welcome and a special invitation to you our neighbors in the PNWD. Please join us at our new location, Tuolumne Trails in Groveland, CA, August 2-8, 2008. Tuolumne Trails is a brand new facility, a work of heart built from the ground up to be fully accessible—even the pool has a ramp! The food is fabulous, the program is powerful, and the views are stunning, located just outside the grandeur of Yosemite National Park. For more information about our program and registration forms, please contact me or visit the PCD UU Leadership School website.

Yours on the journey,
Julie Springer, Convener
Email:
Phone: 408-927-5893

Remember Your Water!

Don't forget, during your summer travels, to take a small container with you to collect water samples from the various places you visit. Why? Because on Sunday, September 7, we will be celebrating our Water Communion: the Mingling of the Waters, when we pour our containers of collected water into a communal bowl.

"We think the joining of the water is symbolic of the rejoining after being apart (and is) symbolic of our sharing faith coming from several different sources. This is our holy water, so to speak," says UU Rev. Craig Roshaven.

So don't forget to collect water and to bring it with you to BUUF on September 7!