B.U.U.F. Adult Education

This course will investigate the evolution of myth and religion in antiquity through an exploration of the Greek "mystery religions." Among the traditions covered will be the Eleusinian, Orphic, Mithraic, and Pythagorean mysteries. Special attention will be given to the influence that these ancient traditions had on the development of Christianity, as well as their relevance to present day forms of spirituality and liberal religious faith.

Leaders: Reverend Elizabeth Greene and Bill Renwick
Schedule and location: 5 sessions: Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m.; November 7, 14, 28; December 5, 12.; Senior High room
Registration fee: $10
Materials: Pen and paper; other materials will be provided in class
Maximum enrollment: 20

How might the moral and ethical grounding of Unitarian Universalism be given greater voice in the public square? As the gap between rich and poor expands and the ill effects of political hubris and corporate-controlled economic globalization intensify, the exclusion of religious liberals from civic dialogue is dangerous. Join a study circle that will read and discuss the recent UUA paper, "Moral Values in a Pluralistic Society," adopted as the denomination's 2005-2007 Study/Action Issue.

Participants will share their views and insights regarding the values needed to guide ethical human behavior in our increasingly diverse society, itself part of an economically and politically interdependent global society. The study circle will prepare a principled BUUF response to the UUA paper as input to the "Statement of Conscience" process at the 2007 General Assembly. It is possible that the study circle may also participate in a Sunday worship service in the spring.

Leader: Lynne Tolk
Schedule and location: 5 sessions: Thursdays, 7-9 p.m.; September 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; Junior High room
Registration fee: $10
Materials: Bring pen/pencil and notepad; copies of the UUA paper will be provided.
Maximum enrollment: 12

Have you imagined sharing your most meaningful life experiences and lessons with those you love? In this workshop you will have an opportunity to begin to do exactly that, by beginning a focused, written Values Legacy transmitting your unique story to cherished family, descendants and friends. The writing exercises will enable us to consider the richness of our lives, the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth we have experienced, and the values-based wisdom that has steadied and guided us through both fortune and peril. Join this workshop to reflect, learn and share with others a creative process that affirms the significance and wonder of one another's life journey. The result will be a personal narrative that expresses love and blessings for those who will carry our stories forward.

Leader: Edna Groves, former psychotherapist; certified Sage-ing Leader, The Spiritual Eldering Institute; certified facilitator of Values Legacy Circles
Schedule and location: 3 sessions; Saturday, October 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday, October 25, 7-9 p.m.; Wednesday, November 1, 7-9 p.m.; Junior High room
Registration fee: $25 for members of BUUF; $35 for non-members
Materials: Bring pen/pencil and writing pad; additional handouts and worksheets will be provided.
Maximum enrollment: 20

Across lines of race, class, and culture, our methods of communication have been built on the "rules of war." Accordingly, we become easily defensive and judgmental in our relationships with others, causing needless power struggles and pain, even with those we love. Such conditioned behaviors lead to social and psychological dysfunction, deeply affecting our spiritual growth and ability to find peace.

In this workshop, through stories, role-play and practice, we will learn how to interact with others without becoming defensive, no matter how strongly "provoked." This enhances our ability to be both honest and compassionate, causing others to drop their own defenses in response. These skills are potent tools for creating justice and strong spiritual communities that can make peace a contagious process.

Leader: Sharon Strand Ellison, Director of the Institute for Powerful Non-Defensive Communication, internationally acclaimed communications consultant and award-winning speaker, author of Taking the War Out of Our Words
Schedule and location: Sunday, October 22, 2-5 p.m. (after Sharon's presentation at worship services and following an informal luncheon for workshop participants); Sanctuary
Registration fee: $25 for members of BUUF; $35 for non-members
Materials: provided at the workshop
Maximum enrollment: 30

Watch an inspiring (perhaps enlightening!) movie or documentary at Spiritual Cinema gatherings on Tuesday evenings. We will go beyond being merely entertained as we actively discuss a film's meaning and relevance to our liberal religious values and spiritual sensibilities. Many of these films have never been released commercially because Hollywood distributors don't believe there is an audience (hence profit!). Selections include Indigo Evolution, The Hired Heart, City of Joy and others. Some films come from the Spiritual Cinema Circle, an organization that encourages independent filmmakers to create movies "that matter," and makes them available to wider audiences.

Leader: Nuralima
Schedule and location: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7-9 p.m., beginning September 19 through January 16; Junior High room
Registration fee: None; a modest donation will be asked of those who drop in for film viewing and discussion

A subject of rigorous scientific inquiry and intense public debate, global warming may be the pivotal environmental issue of our time. In October, BUUF will join many congregations of all faiths in a nationwide showing of former vice president Al Gore's recent film, An Inconvenient Truth, a remarkable overview of climate change, its likely causes and consequences, and the challenges facing our social, economic and political institutions if we are to adjust to a warming world. After viewing the film, those interested in a more in-depth examination and discussion of climate change will form a study circle using a resource guide that accompanies the film. The group will pay particular attention to actions that may be taken by citizens, households and communities (including our congregation!) to reduce our impact on atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases believed to be the key causal factors in global warming. The group may also decide to present their study experience, insights, and proposed action steps at a Sunday worship service in the spring.

Leaders: Bryan and Wanda Jennings
Schedule and location: viewing of An Inconvenient Truth on Monday, October 9, at 7 p.m. in the Junior High room; the study circle meets the following three Mondays, 7-9 p.m.; October 16, 23, 30
Registration fee: $10
Materials: An Inconvenient Truth DVD and companion study resource guide will be provided
Maximum enrollment: 16

The Unitarian Universalist Association's new curriculum, Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Young Adults, focuses on the sexual developmental issues of younger adults, ages 18-35. Topics covered include: grappling with newfound freedoms, forming relationships, coming to terms with one's sexual identity, becoming better informed about safe sex and the biology of sexuality, and making decisions about commitment and family.

The class will be conducted in an interactive yet confidential manner, with the safety and comfort of participants uppermost in mind as the group explores the issues of young adult sexuality.

Facilitators: Cherie Forster and Robert Stevahn
Schedule and location: 14 sessions, Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 30; December 7, 14; January 4, 11, 18, 25; Senior High room
Registration fee: $15
Materials: bring pen and notepad; curriculum handouts will be provided
Maximum enrollment: 12

Calling all chocolate lovers! Join us for a delightful social evening of sampling handcrafted chocolates, embellished by selected red wines, and learning about the colorful history of the chocolate industry dating back to pre-colonial times. The proprietors of Boise's The Chocolat Bar will provide the best of their wonderful dark and white creations and demonstrate the process and art of fine chocolate making. They will also tell us about the recent expansion of organic and "single origin" chocolate in the marketplace, a trend that carries both positive and negative consequences for the developing nations where most of the world's production of cacao beans occurs.

Leaders: Chris Preston and Kristi Echols-Preston, Chocolatiers, The Chocolat Bar, 206 N. 9th Street, 338-7771.
Schedule and location: Friday, November 3, 7-9:30 p.m.; north wing classrooms
Registration fee: $25
Maximum enrollment: 24

Sacred dance is shared kinesthetic communion, group ritual and personal expression of what matters most and moves us spiritually. Drop-in classes during the fall meet every two weeks for exploration of ethnic and spiritual dance forms from around the globe. Join an hour of warm-ups, dance in a variety of styles, and learn about the historical background of several dance traditions. No dance training is required; all levels of fitness and mobility are encouraged.

Leader: Jeanette Ross
Schedule and location: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, beginning September 12 through December 12, 7-9 p.m.; north wing classrooms
Registration fee: None; a $5 donation is suggested from those who attend several dance sessions
Materials: wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing

The "New UU" class is offered three times each year to introduce newcomers to Unitarian Universalist history, guiding principles, and the varied programs and resources at the Boise UU Fellowship. The class provides a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for conversation and sharing among participants as they learn about our liberal religious community. Facilitated by lay leaders and sponsored by the Fellowship's Membership Committee, the New UU class is highly recommended for those who wish to explore the Unitarian Universalist faith and to deepen their involvement at BUUF.

Leaders: Facilitated by members of the Membership Committee; brief presentations will be given by leaders of various programs at BUUF (for more information, contact Steve Thomas, or Mike Chambers
Schedule and location: 4 sessions, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m.; October 11, 18, 25, November 1; Library
Registration fee: None