EverGreene
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
I am writing this column from Boston, Massachusetts, the Land of the Bean and the Cod and, incidentally, that fish oddly called scrod. Not incidentally, this is also the center of Unitarian Universalism in America, and I wish every UU could visit. (As our junior high youth do, every other year or so.)
I am here as your Pacific Northwest District trustee to the Unitarian Universalist Association national Board, with a visit to my daughter ahead of the meeting. (She lives in Sydney, Australia—ask me why we're meeting in Boston!)
"Unitarian" and "Unitarian Universalist" are concepts everyone here has heard of, unlike the American West, where every single UU who ever lived in those areas has had the experience of trying to explain ourselves—getting responses of amazement, sometimes horror, sometimes blank stares.
King's Chapel was built in 1754, originally Anglican, changed to Unitarian when its minister announced that he no longer believed in the Trinity, and the congregation decided it valued him higher than that idea. The church is still Unitarian, and is part of the Freedom Tour, visited by thousands every year.
Unitarian names like John Adams and and John Quincy Adams abound all over the place, of course. And the Unitarian Universalist Association headquarters building is at 25 Beacon Street, just above the Boston Common, right in the middle of things.
I am a Westerner, through and through. I love being a UU in Boise, Idaho, where I know we are really needed and we make a difference. At the same time, I also love being reminded of our history, feeling rooted in our faith and our country's history.
Read up on it a little if you have a chance, tell the story to the kids in your life—we are as American as Thomas Jefferson. Oh yeah, he was a Unitarian, too!
Book Club News
BUUF has two active book discussion groups. The Classics Group meets five times a year on an irregular schedule and The Other Book Club meets monthly, usually on the 2nd Sunday evening. Both convene in private homes. New members are always welcome, but the hosts prefer RSVPs whether you're new or "old."
7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 - Other Book Club: "The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant - at the home of Verna Baker, 7012 Tamarindo. RSVP/directions: 853-2808
7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 - Classics Group: "Mary Barton" by Elizabeth Gaskell at Marcia Lyons's home, 902 N. 18th St. RSVP: 336-9678
Letter from the President
Patti Raino
Greeting! Please spend some time in the south wing enjoying the Martin Wilke art exhibit and the completed fireplace in the Library/Board room. We enjoyed the comfort of a fire during our meeting this month.
At that meeting we heard an excellent presentation about our current building and liability coverage from Phil Drick, our insurance agent. After his presentation the Board voted unanimously to increase our liability coverage from $500,000 to $1,000,000 and to add Directors and Officers liability as an endorsement to our current coverage. The increase to our annual premium will be $180.00 and bring us in line with most Church coverage around the Valley. Just as information our current coverage includes flood insurance as we are in the Boise River's flood plane.
We also heard a report from staff and the Treasurer about the current checks and balances we have in place for handling, recording and depositing money. We were pleased with the level of security and made a recommendation that a simple form be developed to accompany cash or checks that are left with our office manager to be deposited in the Church's account. It would be similar to the form used to record the plate collection each Sunday.
Committee's have been turning in their budget request for next year and at our February board meeting the Board will hear recommendations from the Finance Committee concerning next year's budget. This information will be used to develop our Annual Campaign goal.
In other business the Board appointed Susanne Woodcock, Kathy Hall, Tom von Alten and Jeanette Ross to be our four delegates to the Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) Annual General Meeting (AGM). This meeting is being held in Port Townsend, Washington in February.
Lastly, we now have the opportunity to contact many in our fellowship through email if you have signed up to receive our electronic newsletter. As part of the newsletter function to keep you informed the board felt that notification of church wide events that will be occurring in the next week is appropriate.
I hope many of you are enjoying the wonderful snow in the mountains.
May peace be with you.
Money, the Last Taboo?
Lynne Tolk
UU's will discuss religion and politics with gusto, but money is still a topic that makes most folks nervous. One of the commitments of the Stewardship Committee is to challenge that taboo. So we are sponsoring both a class and a workshop through the Adult Religious Education program about money matters.
We Are What We Spend is a four session class on Monday evenings from 7-8:30 beginning February 20 and ending March 20 (there will be no class March 13). If you have any issues around money and its role in your life, come explore with us ways to work towards a healthier relationship with your green stuff, and achieve financial freedom.
Wills and Retirement Planning is a workshop being given February 19 from 1:00 to 3:00. Financial planner Kathy Young and attorney Bob Wreggelsworth will present on how best to plan for retirement and provide for those you love after you are gone. The Stewardship Committee will provide lunch.
Register for both events on the back of the blue Adult RE flier in the South Vestibule. Please register early for the workshop so we can know how much food to prepare.
EnThralled with RE
Karen Raese
Many of you know that I began serving the fellowship as the Religious Education Elementary Program Specialist in August. Six months ago our Director of Religious Education Jennifer Thrall-Thomas' leave of absence seemed so very far away. Now it is upon us. With generous assistance from the Religious Education committee, RE guides (teachers) and many other volunteers we will continue to work together to provide a strong religious exploration/education program for our children and youth. We look forward to Jennifer's return in August. In the meantime, I will extend my office hours at BUUF to 8-2, Tuesday and Thursdays. I may be reached at 658-1710 or karen (at) boiseuu.org.
Story Time at BUUF will be offered to our youngest children during the 9:00 service. This UU curriculum is offered to better meet the needs of those children who attend at 9:00 and the many volunteers who assist with the program. While this is primarily geared towards preschool and kindergarten age children, older children may join in as they like, or sit in on the service. We'll meet in the classroom behind the sanctuary. Children will, as they are able, join in lighting their chalice, participate in a sharing circle, read a favorite story together and engage in a related activity. A nursery care provider will take care of the needs of any babies.
As this newsletter goes to press, the details of the Miatreya Buddhist Relics tour are being finalized. Please look for the related article in this newsletter. Elizabeth, Jennifer and I all felt that this was an incredible opportunity for all of us, including our children and youth. On Sunday, February 25, our RE classes will focus on Buddhism and the first through sixth grade will meet in the Senior high and Junior high classrooms to allow for the relics display to be set up in their normal classrooms. The senior high and junior high classes will attend the service. I hope that all interested families will take the opportunity of touring the relics together. This is truly a once in a life time experience.
Update on the RE Committee
Cathy Carmen
It is a new year and the RE Committee is knee-deep in activities to both support the current Religious Exploration program and improve it for the future. So, you may ask, what exactly does that mean? A sampling of the January agenda contained the following:
* We discussed how to show our appreciation for the 30+ teachers, youth advisors and nursery caregivers who work with our youth every single week. Since we are now half way through our program year, we decided to present them with a timely Chinese New Year themed gift.
* An important function of the committee is to provide support for teachers, as well as Jennifer and Karen, on Sunday mornings. Following the guidelines set out in our Safe Congregation policy, we try to ensure that every classroom is staffed with two adults at all times. This means parents of children (and generous adult BUUF members/friends) are encouraged to sign up to assist teachers in the classroom once a month. Each Sunday the designated Service Coordinator makes reminder calls to helpers and is available to teachers if any needs arise during class.
* We also began planning our Summer RE program by choosing the curriculum and discussing how to best staff it during the traditionally lightly attended summer months. This year after two summers of RE committee members coordinating some 20+ volunteers, Jennifer and the committee have requested from the Board funds to hire a coordinator. If approved, we will be announcing the job description and doing interviews in April and May.
* Finally, we committed to assisting with some new events that are taking place soon. On Feb. 24-26 a collection of Buddhist Relics will be on public display in our North Wing. Then on March 10-12 the Pacific North West District of the UUA will be sponsoring a district-wide training for RE educators on the topic of multiculturalism. This training is a Renaissance module and will take place at the Nazarene Retreat Center. It is an exciting opportunity for us to learn new things and connect with other UU's.
Bridging Ceremony 2006
Jennifer Thrall-Thomas
Are you between the ages of 17 and 23? Are you aging out of the BUUF youth program? Leaving home? Going the college? Staying right where you are? There is a bridge between the world of youth groups and the world of Unitarian Universalist Young Adults. Elizabeth Greene and Jennifer Thrall-Thomas will be offering the Bridging program this year in two (or four) workshops and a Bridging Ceremony. If you are interested in taking part in BUUF's annual Bridging Ceremony, contact Karen Raese at 658-1710.
RE Snack Round-Up
The Religious Exploration Program asks BUUF members and friends to help us stock our shelves with healthy snacks for our classrooms. Please place items in the basket located just inside the doorway of the North Wing. Suggested snacks include: pretzels, fruit leathers (no roll ups, please!), healthy crackers, dried fruits (raisins, cherries, blueberries, etc.), and fresh fruit. We ask that peanuts and food items containing peanuts not be donated. The children thank you for your generosity!
PCT Report
Barry Hope
BUUF, itself, may just be the ticket you need for personal satisfaction. BUUF RE, verge groups, men's groups, covenant groups, the arts, social action, caring committees, elders' groups; presenting their stimulating plethora of topics, building design and maintenance, BUUF library, history, and, of course, the most exciting, finances and budgeting, etc. Maybe you haven't investigated your church options far enough; or did you let your mental health just slip your mind?
With exposure to variety, a balanced self may emerge that you like more than you thought you would. Let's talk about that. Depression versus harmony of being may be but a keystroke away. BUUF is a self contained unit. After a little help from our friends, we head back out to the oceans and infect others with our peace of mind.
Recent PCT projects include a logbook of life's transitions, to be placed at one of the entrances, in which one can briefly share serious life passages. Deaths, births, and other significant anniversaries would be appropriate. Michelle Coleman and Sharon Barlow have accepted the challenge of crafting this significant BUUF tool. Due to sensitivity, participation is optional, but we want you to know you're in a caring community that is sentient as well.
PCT 2006 is better than ever, a "genesis" comes to mind. Effectiveness and caring is a balance; we wish to evoke that combination within our Boise PCT.
The January meeting contained the highlight of Elizabeth Greene presenting on the subject of "Boundaries". As a quick but incomplete summary, we honor confidences. Sound easy? It's just plain skillful. I think the PhD of confidentiality is still to be acquired, but then who would know? It's an art as well as a true feat on the tightrope of love. PCT thanks it's major mentor for insight into the world of discretion.
Be advised that the PCT transportation project is "on the road again". Jack Kerouac's thumb none the wiser. It persists and is quite real! Look for sign up information. We need all of our members in order to ensure the color wheel of BUUF.
If bleakness appears in your winter spirit we remain folks to communicate with. We've put out the shingle of commitment; you're not alone. Check us out.
Partner Church News
Gwyn Reid and Charlotte Tompkins
We are happy to report that our partner church in Mészkõ, Romania, which has been without a full-time minister for about two years, has a new minister, Robert Balint. He has communicated with us by email and has shared the following information: He is 28 years old. He is married to Reka (also 28) and they have a 4 year old daughter, Dalma. We hope that his ministry will give new hope and stability to the congregation of the 400-year-old church, which is recognized as a historic treasure by our denomination. Reverend Balint and his family live in Mészkõ.
We also recently heard from Zsuzsa Bartha, former minister of the church. She sends warm greetings to our congregation from her family (husband Kari and son Kari).
Two members of our fellowship (Mary Schwartzman and Miriam Woito) are planning to visit our Partner Church this year in mid-April. They hope to travel with Enika Anderson-Young and her daughter and granddaughter. The opportunity to travel at the same time as two other people in our network made the quick turnaround necessary. There will be another trip to Mészkõ next year. We encourage anyone who is interested in traveling in 2007 to contact Gwyn Reid.
Our second annual Fesztival is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, at BUUF, and we hope to make it even more festive than last year's.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 14, at 4:30 at the fellowship. Interested persons are welcome to join us.
Whittier School Hygiene Kits
Besse LaBudde
Each March we assemble kits for the school nurse at Whittier Elementary School to distribute as she meets with classes and individuals to give personal hygiene instruction. Now is the time to bring all those small shampoo, conditioner, and lotion samples from your motel and hotel stays of the past year. In addition to these items, each kit will contain a comb, a small toy and a book. Traditionally we have put a small metal car in the kits for boys and barrettes for girls. This year, for girls, we will include barrettes OR small toys such as hand puppets, notebooks, and small stuffed animals, all available for about a dollar as are the boys' toy cars. Toothpaste and toothbrushes are provided directly to schools by manufacturers so please do not bring these items; they will be given to each student at school. We also have a large supply of books on hand. Please place toys, toiletries, combs, and barrettes in the Whittier box in the north entryway. If you have questions, please call Besse LaBudde at 424-1627.
Creative Community – AGM 2006
Port Townsend, WA, President's Day Weekend (Feb. 17–19)
This year's Pacific Northwest District Annual General Meeting is wonderful opportunity for family fun and UU connection in one of the world's most beautiful spots. Go to www.pnwd.org for all the details. If you'd like to volunteer, contact Vivian Mulligan at VLM98765 (at) yahoo.com or 360-417-5446
BUUF at the Statehouse Feb. 13
Julie Fanselow
As promised, BUUF's Social Action Team will have a Day at the Statehouse on Monday, February 13. We'll be in the Fourth Floor Rotunda, just outside the Gold Room, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Our main purpose for this day is to help people become more familiar with the state legislative process and Unitarian Universalist values. We'll have some literature (nonpartisan, of course) and information on how to find and contact your legislator on issues important to you. If you are new to Boise or simply would like to learn more about state government (and see the beautiful and quirky State Capitol building), why not use this opportunity to stop by?
If you'd like to help with this effort, we could use a few people to sign up to stop by for an hour or two and help staff the table. We'd also welcome a few plates of goodies (cookies, fruit, etc.) to help entice people to our displays. I am especially interested in talking with any BUUF youth who would like to come to the Statehouse for an hour or two to help at the table and see the legislature in action (and perhaps earn some extra credit—ask your teachers). If you would like to help or provide food, please call me at 336-8971 or email me at juliewrites (at) yahoo.com by Saturday, February 11.
The Social Action Team will also provide at least one letter-writing opportunity for BUUF members and friends to dash off a quick note to their legislators between or after Sunday services. Be on the lookout for bulletin announcements and notices on the BUUF Yahoo email list.
Access to Recovery
Delmar Stone
BUUF has received conditional approval to provide recovery support services for low-income residents of the Treasure Valley (including member and friends of our own congregation). Recovery support services include: pastoral visits, case management, marriage/family counseling, employment counseling, adolescent transitional housing, adult safe & sober housing, life skills education, etc. Learn more about the Access To Recovery (ATR) Idaho grant funding the state-wide program at www.accesstorecovery.idaho.gov or call board vice president, Delmar Stone, at 466-0511.
No matter what one's faith tradition, a Unitarian Universalist congregation can be a safe, non-dogmatic environment in which to find one's spiritual bearings in community. Recovery from addiction needs to encompass spiritual healing: a process of reconnection to true self, others, and God. Such healing always takes place in community, and a community of faith—a church—can be an ideal environment for spiritual growth toward wholeness. Perhaps for such purposes there is none better than a Unitarian Universalist church community, which professes the inherent worth and dignity of every person and acceptance of one another, and encourages spiritual growth in our congregations.
Addiction is in part a spiritual disorder, and long-term recovery is in large part a spiritual process. The spiritual component of addiction can be defined this way: Addiction causes a separation of the person (a) from her/his true self (the self that is free to exercise choice in matters of behavior and attachment); (b) from meaningful, loving, freely chosen relationships with other people; and (c) from God, however God is understood (the transcendent, ultimate meaning, the good, etc.).
If you would like to be involved with an Addiction Ministry at BUUF, please contact Delmar Stone at 466-0511.
Reaching out to BGLAD
Bill Reid
The Welcoming Congregation Committee invites you to reach out to the larger community and support BGLAD at BSU. BGLAD is a student organization whose mission is to provide Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and/or Transgender individuals a safe haven at Boise State University, where they can deal with life issues without discrimination or retribution. BGLAD is presenting a series of educational-entertaining-fundraising events in early February.
Friday, February 3, The Boise movie premier of "Heart of the Beholder", a true story of a St. Louis family nearly destroyed by the far right and how they fought back. BSU Special Events Center, 8 PM.
Sunday, February 5, Captain Smartypants, a performance group that is part comedy, part a cappella, and part vaudeville, performs at the BSU Special Events Center, 2 PM.
Through the presentation of performance acts and educational events, people are exposed to a GLBT community which is happy, positive, and makes a significant contribution to society. It is valuable for the people of Boise, and the students of BSU to experience this first hand and gain a better understanding of the GLBT community.
World Day of Prayer
Jeanette Ross
On March 4, BUUF will host a World Day of Prayer celebration led by Church Women United of Ada County. Eunice Njiraini, a case manager with Agency for New Americans and area liaison with the Bantu community, will describe her work with women and children at risk, both here and in southern Africa. Join us for a service created by women of South Africa at 2pm. Refreshments will follow. No charge: let Jeanette know, at 378-1217, if you need child care.
BUUF Facilities Marketing Committee Meeting
Feb. 12, 2006, 10:30 am to 12:30pm
Cherie Forster and Jim Lyons have taken the reins and are beginning the implementation phases of the Facilities Marketing committee. Cherie and Jim are following in the footsteps of Jolene Schow and Mary Schwartzman, who labored long and hard putting together a comprehensive plan for this important step in BUUF's future financial prosperity, by gaining income by renting out our property for special events.
Many of our members and friends have attended reviews of Jolene and Mary's plan, and have offered your help in the implementation, and we're eliciting help from everyone else as well.
On the 12th of February, following First Service (about 10:30) and concluding by 12:30pm (we promise), Cherie and Jim will lead a meeting outlining our "Phase One" plans. These include our physical support of the Maitreya Project Heart Shrine Relic Tour (February 24-26) and our plans for the upcoming Wedding Season.
Hope to see you there!
Senior Sages News
Those who are free to meet for breakfast and intriguing presentations and discussions are welcome to join BUUF's Senior Sages at the Kopper Kitchen Pub & Grille banquet room on the second and fourth Thursdays of most months. Optional no-host breakfasts are the background for the fun, which starts around 9:30 a.m. The gatherings usually run about an hour.
Feb 9: John Harms explores Barbara Ehrenreich's "Blood Rites: Origins and History of the Passions of War," a book which notes that war after war has been predicted to be the last—so why are we still fighting?
Feb 23: Jeanette Ross presents a short history of the Basque people, including the story of "Mari in flames," a girl who falls in love with devil.
Join the UU Coaching Network!
UUCN is growing and invites you to join! This non-profit association is a community of professionally trained life coaches anchored in the UU principles of compassion, integrity and inclusion. To learn of its mission and how you can benefit from membership, please visit www.uucoachingnetwork.org. If you are considering hiring a coach, UUCN is also a resource to find the right coach for you.
Potpourri party for a UU Hero
Jeanette Ross
Darwin's birthday will be celebrated at least twice by BUUF Humanists.
Sunday, Feb 12 our regular 9am meeting in the senior high room of BUUF will be a "potpourri" gathering of favorite facts, stories or scientific studies that have evolved (pardon the expression) from the insights of Charles Darwin.
Sunday afternoon conversation will continue over a big bowl of "primordial" soup at the home of Paul and Nancy Rolig. Each attendee is asked to bring a contribution to the soup (and the rest of the groaning table). Those not on the present email list can contact list maintainer Rick Groff to stay abreast of party time and address.
Discussion of implications of evolution and its many areas of research will continue at our March meeting if interest warrants.
"Fine Lines" continues
Martin Wilke's one-person art exhibit is on view all month in BUUF's South Wing gallery. The works are exquisite pen and ink drawings produced using India ink on ph balanced paper. "My drawings are the result of 40 years of evolution," says Martin. "I work with subjects that interest me." Take the opportunity to study these pieces before or after any service this month.
You too?
Meantime, we're always looking for artists to present their solo, dual or group work at BUUF. For more information, ask for the Art Exhibition Package at the BUUF office or request the information by email from office (at) boiseuu.org
Library Notes
Janet Wyke
February is traditionally the time to honor past presidents such as Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Visit our BUUF library this month to check out volumes on our Unitarian presidents. John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Millard Fillmore, and William Howard Taft all listed their religion as Unitarian. David McCullough's book on John Adams has been donated to our library and can be found in the "pink dot" section featuring Unitarians and UU ism. We have some wonderful books of quotations in our reference section as well, where you will find the wit and wisdom of many of our past presidents. Happy reading!
Maitreya Buddhist Worldwide Relic Tour
Come see sacred relics of the Shakyamuni Buddha and his disciples, of other saints and of spiritual masters from the Chinese, Indian and Tibetan traditions. These artifacts will continue traveling the world until approximately 2010, when they will be placed permanently in a 500 ft high Maitreya Buddha statue to be constructed in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, in northern India,. The statue and surrounding temples, parks are fountains are to be a much-needed and enduring monument to spiritual values, a reminder of the benefits of creating peace at every level through practicing loving-kindness.
BUUF will host this important exhibition in our North Wing at the end of the month. It will be open to the public for two days: Saturday, February 25, from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, February 26 from 1pm to 6pm.
"Loving-kindness is the cause, peace is the result, internally and externally – peace for individuals, families, communities and for the whole word."
-Lama Zopa Rinpoch, Spiritual Director of the Maitreya Project
Relics Tour Hours and Logistics
February 24-26 will be a busy weekend at BUUF! In addition to our BUUF auction on Saturday night, we expect large numbers of Buddhist pilgrims and interested community members to visit the relics during the day on Saturday and Sunday. As a bonus, the BUUF Sunday service theme that day is Sacred Remnants including rarely seen Buddhist dances and a visit to the relics.
On Sunday, we encourage BUUF members and friends to carpool to services and also consider attending 9:00 service to equally distribute attendance at BUUF on this very special day.
The hours for the public visits of the Relics at BUUF are:
- Saturday, February 25, 10am – 5pm
- Sunday, February 26, 1pm – 6pm
We are in need of volunteers to help with setting up, parking, hosting the relics as well as volunteers to help with setting up for the BUUF auction. Contact Jennifer Thrall-Thomas at 342-1196 to be a part of this exciting event.
For more information about the Miatreya Project Heart Shrine Relics Tour, visit the website at www.miatreyaproject.org. The local sponsor is the Eclipse Foundation, and their website has a detailed schedule of events.
"These relics are from masters who have devoted their entire lifetime to spiritual practices that are dedicated to the welfare of all. Every part of their body and relics carries positive energy to inspire goodness and reduce negativity."
— Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Maitreyea Project
Cabaret Night – Annual BUUF AUCTION
Gwyn Reid
Saturday, February 25 is a big night for BUUF. It's the Cabaret & Auction, with a red hot live auction, a silent auction, great entertainment, fabulous food and drink, and other special features. Bid on: Travel and vacation packages, outdoor adventures, dining, personal services, private parties, art and collectibles, and many more sensational items! (We're still accepting donations. Contact the Auction Committee if you have items for the auction or names of possible donors.) The premier social and entertainment event of the year is designed as an adult event. If you need help finding a babysitter or a "scholarship," call Gwyn at 336-1536. Bargain admissions! $10 apiece for tickets purchased through February 13, $15 apiece for admissions purchased after February 13. If you buy your tickets by February 13, you can get two for $18. Again this year, we'll accept most credit cards and debit cards on the night of the auction! Please help the Fellowship by inviting lots of family, friends and co-workers to attend—and to bid! Live bidding starts at 7:30, but the fun starts right when the doors open at 6pm, Saturday, February 25: the Cabaret Night & Auction—have you written that down?
BUUF Camping at Ponderosa State Park
Members and friends of BUUF are invited to join in the camping fun. We have camping sites reserved for the weekend of July 14-16 at Ponderosa State Park in McCall. This is an opportunity to spend time in McCall exploring the park, hiking nearby trails, boating, swimming, relaxing, getting acquainted with new friends or strolling through town. While group meals are planned for Saturday night and Sunday morning, the rest of your time can be spent at your leisure. For more information or to reserve your spot please contact Karen Raese at 853-3865 or craigraese (at) cs.com.
Paper, Plastic or Virtual?
Ed Davis
Would you prefer to get your BUUF News online? Every issue of the BUUF News is available on the BUUF website in HTML format for easy reading on screen and PDF format for printing on your home printer. Thanks to our volunteer webmaster Tom von Alten and our volunteer newsletter editor Jennifer Grush-Dale for their efforts to make this happen every month!
If you would like to receive an email notification when the Newsletter is available online please send an email to buufnews (at) boiseuu.org asking to subscribe to the email notification list. In your email you may also request to be removed from our paper newsletter list. Each paper newsletter subscription costs BUUF about nine dollars per year in photocopying and postage expenses.
To read the BUUF News online visit http://boiseuu.org and click on News.
Check out the New BUUF Directory
Gerry Morris
A draft copy of the BUUF Directory of Members and Friends will be available for review at the February 5 and February 12 services. Please review your entry and verify that the information is correct.
We have changed database software, and all information had to be re-entered. Please don't assume that just because it was right in the last directory, it is still correct. Mistakes happen!
If you are new to the BUUF community and are not listed in the directory, but would like to be, simply write your information in one of the draft copies, or phone the BUUF office at 658-1710.
Remember, children will only be included if they are registered for Children's RE.
What is Stewardship?
Lynne Tolk
What does it mean to be a steward? The word carries the historic sense of taking care of something (like an estate) for someone else. But if you look more deeply the concept can mean much more than that. A community is not property, but it is real. And it doesn't "belong" to any one person, but to all its parts or members. So to take care of a community, such as BUUF, is to be acting as steward for all the members of that community, including yourself.
We are stewards with our time (so many committees!), our attention (a kind word or a casserole for someone in need), and our money. Money is merely another form or symbol of our energy. We are given this symbol for energy and time we put into our work. We then can use this symbol for whatever we need and value. A volunteer hour is energy given directly. A cash donation is energy given indirectly. Both support what we value, and our community needs both. As we come to realize that we truly are a part of that whole to which we give, we come to see that we give to ourselves.
The Stewardship Committee serves to coordinate many of the tasks of stewardship, but we are all potential stewards here.
