BUUF News – September 2006

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Ever notice how the "real" New Year seems to start in the fall? (In fact, the Jewish New Year is always in September, and numerous pagan groups also honor a fall New Year.)

We've had some time off, if we're lucky. Many of us have taken vacations or gone on retreats. (I spent a week at St. Gertrude's Monastery in Cottonwood ID, and another three days at a yoga retreat in the White Cloud Mountains—heaven!) If we have kids at home, we get to spend more time with them, realizing how incredibly fast they grow up.

And now— School starts, back-to-school sales having been featured in the paper for weeks now. If there has been any relaxing in our work schedule that changes and we gear up. The dog days of this extremely hot summer are cooling down, bringing us new energy.

And the church's "regular program year" starts, with enthusiasm and joy, people of all ages glad to be back together in the fall-winter-spring rhythms. Staff and the dozens of Fellowship volunteers who run the Board and committees and other groups have been on the job all August, making ready for all the fun and work programs that fill our weeks.

What do you plan to do for your beloved UU congregation and its projects this year? Maybe join a Chalice Circle, to deepen your relationships with fellow UUs. [See related article] How about working with Social Action and Welcoming Congregation against the proposed anti-gay constitutional amendment? Have you ever taught Sunday School? There's always the possibility of helping one of our candidates (Jackie Groves, state controller; Bob Wallace, state attorney general; Ryndy Williams, state legislature; Kate Kelly, state legislature; Phyllis Hower, state legislature).

Whatever you decide your contributions will be, welcome!! Bring potluck food and water from your summer travels (small amounts, premixed!) for Mingling of the Waters on Sunday, Sept. 10, and get set for another great year.

Wanda's Wonderings

A. I stand in wonder at the dynamic, caring community of interconnected activities the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has become. I want to express my deep appreciation to all of the volunteers at BUUF. This home where people of diverse views gather in fellowship would not exist without you. You are making a wonderful difference in the lives of everyone who is touched by your actions. Keep up the great work!

We are always in need of more volunteers to help us carry out our good works. I would encourage everyone to consider the many benefits of volunteering, both to you and to BUUF. Service is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth. Communities work better when everyone is involved. YOU may be one last spark we all need to light the whole world!

At this time we especially need help with the following:

1. Membership which facilitates the integration of new friends and members into the Fellowship and does the planning for New UU classes and welcoming ceremonies for new members. Contact Mike Chambers at 323-9486 or or

2. Marketing which oversees the promotion and facilitation of BUUF as "The Bridge Events Center" both within and outside of the BUUF community, as a way to generate additional funds. Contact Emmie Schlobohm at 343-3662 or .

3. Volunteer Coordinator who would help find positions for volunteers and volunteers for positions. Contact Patti Raino at 336-2280 or .

B. The Garden City Charter School is ready to begin the school and their building is not ready. They are a new charter school who asked us if they could rent our space for a few weeks until their building is complete. The staff and committees involved agreed that this is a way to help a school which has a philosophy we can agree with, make money on a temporary basis, and this may help us determine if we want to rent to schools in the future. There are about 130 students. Please help us to make them welcome and be understanding of any inconvenience this may cause you.

C. The BUUF Board's 2006-2007 Vision (as developed at our August retreat) is to support BUUF's mission statements of:
- Making Unitarian Universalism a more vital presence
- Continuing to promote justice and compassion in human relations
We support

1. Fesztival
2. Habitat Build
3. Mozart Concert
4. Annual General Meeting in Boise
5. Idaho Votes No

enThralled with RE

Jennifer Thrall-Thomas

In August, I returned from my professional leave of absence with new ideas and new energy going forth. Some of my goals were achieved, but some had to go by the wayside. I was able to spend more time with my daughter Kamlynn before she headed out for Montana State University leaving us "empty nesters" and professionally I applied for and was granted entrance into the Religious Education Credentialing program through the Unitarian Universalist Association. But, I was not able to complete my goal of learning to knit socks. This feat proved to be too great (no pun intended).

All signs indicate that the children and youth in our Religious Exploration program have been in capable hands and the program continues to flourish and grow. At the end of the program year, we had more then 120 children and youth registered in the RE and we expect that many and more this year. I greet the new program year with enthusiasm, and I am excited to actually work side by side with Karen this year. It should be a good year.

Along with energy and enthusiasm, I return from my leave with news I would never have predicted I'd be sharing. First of all, I found out in July that I need to have a hysterectomy, and I will be undergoing surgery September 13. I am in good health and have wonderful support from my family and friends, so I expect a reasonably speedy recovery. Secondly, it is with great regret that I announce that I am resigning my position as DRE effective March 1, 2007 due to a family transfer to Minnesota. My husband Steve is employed with Albertsons who, as many of you know, was purchased by Supervalu this past spring. The merger of the two companies will take our family to Minnesota. We do this with much sadness. It will be most difficult to leave this community and my position as DRE. Yet, it is going to be a new and exciting adventure. Steve really does love his work, and I believe that change can be good and a new and different city will be energizing.

I am very proud of the growth that we have experienced in the RE program since I started as DRE almost seven years ago. I have faith that the next religious educator who takes my place as DRE will be just the right person to take the RE program forward in our community.

Religious Exploration Start Up—Fun and Adventure Awaits

Jennifer Thrall-Thomas

The start of the Religious Exploration program year is September 10. The first Sunday will be a single service at 10:00 with full Religious Exploration (RE) and nursery.

A full RE program will be offered at the 11:00 service with nursery for infants up to age 3 as of September provided at both 9:00 and 11:00.

Register Your Children

Karen Raese, RE Elementary Program Specialist

It is time to register your children for Religious Education at BUUF. Many of you received bright orange forms way back in June. If you need a form, please find one in the information center in the north vestibule, on our website or call the BUUF office to have one mailed to you. We do need a new registration form each year for all children and youth, including those in the nursery.

Religious Exploration: It Takes a Village

Karen Raese, RE Elementary Program Specialist

We have all heard the phrase "it takes a village," referring to how all members of a community are necessary to raise, nurture and educate the children. This wonderful concept is especially true at BUUF. In our community there are many ways this can and needs to be practiced. One thing I'd love to have you consider is your role in the Religious Exploration of our children. It is that time of year when guides (classroom teachers,) classroom helpers and nursery care providers are being recruited. While we have many people who have stepped forward to fill these roles this year we really need a few more. Teams of three or four guides per class allows all adults to participate in the service. Did you know it takes over 40 dedicated guides/advisors and nursery care providers to make RE happen each semester? We'd love to have you join our team and take an active role in our village.

The following fabulous people are volunteering to be part of Religious Exploration.

Weaving 101

A year ago, Children's Religious Education launched an intergenerational project called Weaving Our Lives Together, Telling our Stories. We wanted a way to link the children to the adult congregation and increase interaction. We wanted to create a fabulous piece of congregational art - something that contained a little bit of each of us. What a great start we have made. Fortunately, this weaving project will continue this year and we look forward to even greater participation and a lot of yardage added to the loom.

During children's worship, on the first Sunday of each month, our children gather together. They have heard fascinating stories, interesting tidbits and poignant recollections from members and friends of our congregation. They have woven strips of belly dancing fabric, first day of school dresses, tissues, Halloween costumes, baby blankies, chicken feathers, threads and various other mementos on our loom.

The children are eager weavers and are excited to have new contributions to incorporate into their weaving each month. Bring us your "treasures." Let us meet you. Be a part of our weaving. For more information contact Karen Raese, RE Program Specialist or Jennifer Thrall-Thomas, Director of Religious Education. A sheet with more details is located on the information rack in the north vestibule.

Enhance Your Sex Life!

That got your attention, didn't it? Due to our success with the OWL program for Grades 7 through 9, BUUF has been chosen as a field site for the UUA's newest course, Our Whole Lives for Young Adults. We are excited to be one of the first congregations to offer this 14 week workshop and welcome individuals of any sexual orientation between the ages of 18 and 35 to participate. While recognizing that people in that broad age range can lead very different lives, the need for integrating the knowledge, values, and skills that will be presented into ones life is universal.

The curriculum will cover such areas as:
- Respect for ourselves and the sexuality of others
- Becoming comfortable discussing and negotiating sexuality issues
- Developing, articulating, and living by our sexual values
- Increasing skills needed to develop a just sexual morality
- Acquiring skills necessary to maintain healthy sexual relationships
- Reviewing knowledge needed to avoid unintended pregnancy and STDs
- Assessing the impact of sexual messages in society

This course is based on the same assumptions as all of the OWL offerings. It recognizes that all persons at all ages are sexual, sexuality is a good part of the human experience and that a person's sexuality encompasses much more that what society typical portrays it as.

As a participant, your input will be used to further refine the course before being distributed through out the UUA. The workshops will be presented by OWL Facilitators, Robert Stevahn and Cherie Forster from 6:30 to 8:30 on Thursday evenings beginning October 5 and there will be a $20 charge per person to cover materials.

BUUF's adult education committee will coordinate the class registration. Class size will be limited to twenty participants and there is a $20 class fee. Scholarships available. Registration forms are available in this newsletter and in the communication center in north vestibule.

For questions, contact Cherie or Robert at the following addresses: , , or give either of us a call: Cherie—377-5343 and Robert—230-5940.

Pastoral Care Team Report

Barry Hope

Victory is claimed for another PCT retreat and potluck well spent. A very well attended gathering was held at the David and Catherine residence with the purpose of establishing PCT goals and objectives along with plans for their implementation. We accomplished among the latter some much needed hunkering down (I won't bore you with a detailed list of delicious dishes). Sharon Barlow led a discussion concerning the teams "congratulations" for items past and our aspirations (wish list) for future goals and projects. Although there were new items I noticed that some things merited both lists. I believe this was a team building event!

Objects on the forefront of BUUF PCT include PCT Sunday, member and friend inclusion, and the placement of the "Album of Passages". Among others our thanks go out to Pastoral Care member Amy Siedenstrang for this precious tome.

Our fall training for perspective members of the PCT is on the horizon. Although we may extend a few personal invitations, everyone is welcome to attend the "Life Skills Training" session on Saturday October 28. See if BUUF Pastoral Care Team is right for you or just enjoy the presentations and presence'.

Seasonally the winds of change are upon us. We're so aware of most of those within our fellowship who are experiencing pain and sorrow and wish you well. Please give someone on PCT a call if you feel so affected, know that we are available for a comforting presence.

Names and phone numbers are available on a poster on the church office hallway wall and on the PCT brochure. There is a request for assistance drop box in the office as well. May the experience of Autumn give rise to new hope.

BUUF Pastoral Care Team Presents

Life Skills Training

Explore the skills of Active Listening, Knowing your own limits, Recognizing Boundaries, Communication styles, and MORE.

Come join us! We are offering training both for prospective new Pastoral Care Team members and for others who are interested—the training is useful whether or not you become a member of the team. There is no obligation to join, but the training is required in order to join. There is no charge for this class.

Ask any PCT member (look for their red badges) about the PCT to see if it's a committee you'd like to join.

Please join us Saturday, October 28, at BUUF from 9 am to 4pm, including potluck lunch from 12—1. Bring a dish to share and your preferred beverage. Coffee and tea will be provided.

The agenda features top presenters from our BUUF congregation:

• Rev. Elizabeth Greene will open with "Introduction and Getting to Know You" from 9—10:30.
• Judy Frederick, longtime BUUF member and Certified Grief Educator will help us consider the various losses that life brings and the ramifications for a community.  10:40—12.
• Lise Stewart, BUUF member and frequent presenter, a specialist in strategic planning with degrees in business and psychology will present the session on "Effective Communication" from 1—2:30.
• Rev. Elizabeth Greene and the PCT will present "making Pastoral Care Real at BUUF." This session is for current and prospective PCT members. 2:40—4.

SIGN UP AT THE INFORMATION CENTER IN THE NORTH VESTIBULE OR WITH A PCT MEMBER ON PCT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24.

FESZTIVAL Returns!

The second annual Fesztival, BUUF's joyous celebration of Transylvanian, Hungarian and Romanian cultures, is set for Saturday, September 30 from noon to 6 p.m.—in the gardens, the courtyard and indoors. It'll be bigger and better than last year (if that's possible!), with food, music, arts and crafts, cultural displays, cooking demonstrations, folk dance lessons and lots more. It's great for all ages and admission is free. (Food, drink and craft items will be for sale.) (Read more...)

Fesztival Needs You!

Gwyn Reid

Plans are under way for BUUF's Fesztival on Saturday, September 30. Check out Eric Wallace's article about this event for all the details. Last year we had approximately 300 guests, most of whom were from the Treasure Valley community at large. This is a great opportunity for us to show off our wonderful building and grounds and to raise money to help fund our congregation's dreams and to help with the projects of our partner church in Mészkõ.

We really need all hands on deck to make this event a great success! So in addition to encouraging friends and neighbors to attend, please volunteer to fill one or more of the many Fesztival volunteer opportunities the week before, during, or after the event. We have something for everybody including some jobs that would be ideal for youth or children. Please say "Yes" when asked, or call Amy Butts at 853-5273 to volunteer. She'll help you find your perfect assignment.

We also need to borrow some equipment for Fesztival (to save on rental costs). If you have any of the following, please contact Gwyn Reid, 336-1536 by September 15:

Folding Banquet Tables (6' or 8'), free-standing propane burners, food processors, a pasta cooker, rice cookers, partitions (as for an office cubicle), free-standing heavy-duty canopies that are easy to set up (such as those used at Saturday market and art in the park), large chafing dishes.

Chalice Circles Are Forming at BUUF

Chalice Circles consist of eight to ten people who meet once or twice per month to deepen their understanding of Unitarian-Universalist principles and values, be further challenged to action and spiritual growth, to know each other better, as well as to be prompted to express, in a more consistent way, our principles and values in the community. A fundamental purpose of a Chalice Circle is to bring people into right relationship with each other and with the larger world. Friends come together to share, develop friendships, and serve the larger community.

We will be forming several Chalice Circles in September. You may be contacted by a facilitator, or clipboards will be available at the church to sign up for a circle that fits into your schedule. New groups will be formed as needed.

If you would like to know more, log on to the Small Group Ministry Network sponsored by the UUA. BUUF has joined this network and has access to the member area at www.smallgroupministry.net. Contact Jay Wechselberger at 884-3791 or for access information.

Rise Up Singing!

Tom von Alten

Our adult choir starts anew this month, with Wednesday evening rehearsals beginning September 6, 7:15 at the Fellowship. New members in all vocal parts are warmly invited to join us, and share in the fun of making music together. Our regular schedule is weekly rehearsals and monthly performance, the first Sunday of the month. For more information, contact Music Committee chair Tom von Alten at 378-1217 or , or our choir director, Carrie Bastian, at 283-4152 or .

Feed the Flame! Update

Lynne Tolk

A new fiscal year and a new program year has begun at BUUF. The great news is that we raised more money for this new year than we did for the last one. Unfortunately, expenses continue to increase faster than our dreams. So if you meant to make a pledge and have not yet done so, please contact us! Call the office (658-1710) or Lynne Tolk (376-1336) with your information.

The current pledge total is $218,646 from 175 pledges. This is compared to $215,383 raised last year from 185 pledges. Here is a breakdown by range of pledge amount:

I want to congratulate us all as a group. In spite of several retirements and many layoffs, we came through even more generously than last year. I know this Fellowship means a lot to all of us, and we rallied to support our values once again.

Thanks to everyone who worked hard on this campaign, especially Gwyn Reid, Ed Davis, Betsy Dunklin, Maggie Reid, Lorel Case, Kathy Hall, Rick Groff, Miriam Woito, Melissa Chambers and to all the many volunteers who contributed to all the necessary jobs along the way. It could not have happened without them. And it could not have happened without all of you. I am truly impressed with the levels of generosity coming to support this Fellowship. Thank you.

Library Committee

We've all enjoyed another summer of Sunday programs filled with interesting and mind-expanding subjects presented by our own BUUF members. You can explore our Fellowship's library and increase your knowledge of some of these fascinating topics. Our library has a variety of categories which you won't find on the shelves of other libraries. Here at BUUF you can peruse areas of interest such as Paganism and Wicca, Social Justice, Life Passages, Pastoral Care, Native Americans, Storytelling, and of course, information about the UUA and our place in the larger organization of churches and fellowships. Keep up your interest in the myriad summer topics we've heard about, explore our library shelves, and READ A BOOK! The library is open before and after services on Sundays and anytime during the week when the building is open and no meeting have been scheduled in the library.

Do you have questions about Unitarian Universalism?

Steve Thomas

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

Do some UUs have different beliefs than other UUs?

Which values do you hold highest?

If you are new to our fellowship and would like to learn more about what it means to be a UU then sign up for the New UU Class.

The New UU Class begins Wednesday September 27 at 7:00 PM and runs for four consecutive Wednesdays (September 27, October 4, 11, and 18) here at the Fellowship (childcare provided if arranged in advance). Please call Steve Thomas to sign up (home 342-1196 work 395-5349) or email Steve at and put New UU in the subject line.

Spiritual Cinema Group

Nuralima

The Spiritual Cinema Groups meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7 pm in the Junior High room to watch and discuss inspiring, thought provoking,and educational movies and documentaries. All are welcome. A donation of $2 for the church is requested for each session.

Sept. 19: Indigo Evolution This documentary explores the Indigo children phenomenon. These many, currently children were born with special talents; a deep commitment to achieving world peace, a profound and wonderful understanding of God, and many other remarkable talents.

Oct. 3: The Hired Heart This light comedy is about a woman in the midst of getting on with her life two years after the death of her husband.

Oct. 17: Four short films:
The Tea Cup This cinematic haiku tells the story of the life, death, and rebirth of a teacup.
Gabriel This short film asks the questions "where do we go when we die?" from the innocent perspective of a child whose ant dies.
Passengers A subway car in New York, where no one will look anyone else in the eye, is the last place on earth you'd expect a connection to take place between people, but miracles happen.
Celamy The child, Nelly, has an imaginary friend who leads her through tough moments with priceless advice and encouragement.

From the Interiors Committee—a Flooring Update

As the summer comes to an end many of us are awaiting the installation of flooring in the Sanctuary. The Interiors Committee is completing the process of taking bids, and finalizing the project budget relative to the Chalice Lighter's Grant moneys we received from other UU's in the Pacific Northwest District. Given current estimates of labor and material costs and the status of the grant, we will need extra funds as well as additional labor from members with the aptitude and/or experience.

We are excited that a finished floor is in site; now as a congregation, we need to come together to finish this project. Interiors will present a final package—quotes/estimates, recommendations, and an action plan — to the Board on Thursday, September 21. If you can lend a hand, physically or financially, and are willing to make a commitment to finish the job, please contact one of us:

Erin Logan—

Maggie Reid—

Sarah Bratley—

Dale Winke—

Please refer to the membership directory for further contact information.Thank you!

Green Sanctuary

Bryan Jennings

Some of us are looking into what it will take for BUUF to be recognized as a "Green Sanctuary" by the UUA. If you are interested, please join us for an initial Green Sanctuary meeting on Sunday, September 10 at 12:30 PM, following the single service and potluck lunch that kick off BUUF's program year. If there is enough interest, we will form an ongoing Green Sanctuary group or committee as appropriate.

The UUA's Green Sanctuary manual provides the following basic explanation:

Green Sanctuary is a congregation-based program designed as a framework for an ongoing process of education, theological reflection, spiritual growth, and social activism. The program ultimately leads the congregation to certification as a Green Sanctuary, recognizing your ongoing work and commitment toward healing the Earth.

More information will be available at the meeting.

10 Tree Challenge

Unitarian Universalist Faith in Action

UU Ministry to Earth challenges our congregation to participate in this national effort to provide trees for the next generation. The word is going out, and UU congregations are accepting the challenge to plant and adopt ten new trees this year. Population growth and urban sprawl have resulted in tremendous tree loss, and cumulative harmful effects upon our environment. Join us in leading the way to reverse the trend and replenish our planet's tree population. If every UU congregations will plant 10 trees, the result will be 10,500 new trees. Most churches could easily plant and adopt 10 every year. Trees heal our environment in many ways. They slow global warming, improve air quality, and provide shade, beauty, and much-needed infrastructure for wildlife.

Planting the trees

This is where your creativity can come in. There are many ways to accomplish your goal; memorials, demonstrations, educational or youth action events, tree planting ceremonies. Trees may be planted wherever it's legal; on members' properties, or as community service in a park, inner-city neighborhood, in yards of elderly or people with disabilities, or on a school yard with permission.

Members adopt individual trees, water and care for them until the trees are well established. The roots of newly planted trees must be kept relatively moist.

BUUF's Green Sanctuary

Look elsewhere in this newsletter for an article about BUUF's Green Sanctuary movement. Planting trees will help us meet Green Sanctuary goals.

BUUF Landscape has extra trees for sale that can be planted off BUUF grounds:

Currently, there isn't room for more trees on BUUF grounds so we would love to see our extra trees go to good homes. The following trees are six feet. tall and available for $17 to $20 dollars each:

4 Hedge Maples will grow to 30' X 30' with yellow fall color.

2 Jacquemontii Birch will grow to 40' X 30' with yellow fall color

3 Paper Birch will grow to 50' X 35' with yellow fall color

Call Mary Schwartzman 853-3313 for more information.

Counting the Trees

When you have planted your trees, please contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or so we'll know when we have met or exceeded our goal.

Breakthrough Congregations/Video Stories

The Unitarian Universalist Association Growth Team chose four. Breakthrough Congregations in 2005 which overcame obstacles that had prevented them from growing either in numbers or in spirit. Share the stories about congregations who are enjoying success and reaching their goals. Some of you were inspired by watching these stories in a series this summer. The DVD is available for checkout in our library.

Senior Sages News

This august group meets twice monthly in the banquet room of the Kopper Kitchen on Airport Way for no-host breakfasts and informative presentations and discussions. Sessions start around 9:30 am. Newcomers always welcome—just show up.

Thursday, Sept 14: Judith Quattrone presents a retrospective China travelogue from the time when the Chinese were still "more Commie than Capitalist."

Thursday, Sept 28: a Pot Pourri of the best and (brief) contributions—a mix of serious, informative and humorous— from all those who attend.

Book Club News

7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10: The Other Book Club resumes its monthly meetings with a discussion of Local Wonders: Seasons in the Bohemian Alps, by Ted Kooser. The session is at the home of Carol Wilke, 5186 E. Trailwind Drive (Southeast Boise). Open to all readers. Please call 338-1038 to advise if you're attending and to get directions. (October's book: Nervous Conditions.)

7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 19: The Classics Literary Group starts its fall season with Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop at the home of Jo Douglas, 5184 Castle Hill Way. New members are very welcome. RSVP Jo at 384-5819. (December's work: Robinson Crusoe.)

Thoughts and Prayers Needed for Baby

Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Amber Reynoldssmith, daughter of BUUF member Cynthia Alleman, is with her premature baby daughter, Hope, in a Salt Lake City hospital. Hope is still in neo-natal intensive care, with the prognosis changing from day to day. You may drop her a much-appreciated note atAmber Reynoldssmith, c/o Ronald McDonald House, 1135 S. Temple, Rm. 6, Salt Lake City, UT  84102.

Also, Cynthia and her husband Cees Hoefnagels are very happy to receive expressions of affection and concern.

"Like Father Like Son—An Evening of Mozart Under the Stars"

Come to BUUF to hear the Boise Master Chorale, Castlerock Strings and soloists Leslie and John Mauldin perform marvelous choral and operatic works by Wolfgang Mozart and his father Leopold. This grand concert begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, September 17, in BUUF's garden courtyard. Comfortable seating will be provided. It's $15 at the door or you can order advance tickets from www.boisemasterchorale.org.

Election Rule: Promote Issues, Not Candidates To Retain Tax-free Status

From InterConnections, Summer 2006

In this election year many congregations are getting involved in the political process. Here are the political activities that are permitted without risking loss of tax-free status:

Generally speaking, congregations can support issues, but not candidates or political parties. It's generally OK to work publicly on moral and political issues such as poverty, abortion, or the death penalty, and to educate and register voters in a nonpartisan manner.

The Internal Revenue Service says congregations and their representatives can do nothing that advocates for or against candidates for public office or political parties. This includes endorsing specific candidates, fundraising on behalf of candidates, or donating meeting space. Candidate forums are acceptable as long as all candidates are invited. Distribution of biased voter guides or partisan campaign literature violates the IRS Code.

The IRS prohibitions do not pertain to individuals. Pastors may put candidates' bumper stickers on their cars. They may work on behalf of a candidate during their free time. However, a minister who endorses a candidate at an official church function or publication has run afoul of the tax code. Religious leaders may not endorse candidates from the pulpit claiming "personal opinion," nor may selected candidates be invited to speak from the pulpit without inviting all to speak.

Rules about what congregations can and cannot do concerning lobbying, elections, and supporting candidates and issues are on the website of the UUA's Washington Office: The Real Rules: Congregations and IRS Guidelines on Advocacy, Lobbying, and Elections.

For more information see the Americans United for Separation of Church and State website, or the IRS website.

Personal Sharing Still Works at UUCA

From InterConnections, Summer 2006

Although many larger congregations have moved away from the practice, personal sharing of joys and concerns continues to be an important part of services at the UU Church of Annapolis. Also, during the offertory people can silently light a candle at a table at the side of the sanctuary. "There are a lot of people who will not come forward and speak," says the Rev. Fredric Muir, "but who would like to light a candle." Muir says these sharing times are important: "It's the time when the congregation owns the service—a time of community building, of connecting with each other."

Muir works hard to educate people about sharing appropriately, that it's not a time "for announcements or baseball scores." At Annapolis, joys and concerns are called Passages, Transitions, and Homecomings.

Improved Beacon Press Website Now Online

From InterConnections, Summer 2006

Beacon Press, the nonprofit independent book publisher that is part of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, has revamped its website, beacon.org, allowing congregational leaders to easily get what they need from the UUA's trade publisher.

The site is now fully searchable by title, author, ISBN number, and category. The site also has a point of entry especially for UUs, with books on antiracism, on bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender issues, and on the environment, democracy, and worship.

Beacon.org also has teachers' guides, reading group guides, suggestions for reading programs, congregational discussion guides, first chapters, and a history of the press. The new website is built on Beacon's database, making it easier to keep it updated.

Mingling of the Waters September 10, 2006

Wanda Jennings

BUUF's annual tradition of mingling waters from our summer travels will be held on Sunday, September 10. Please bring a small sample (couple of tablespoons) of water from your trips this summer. If you forgot to collect actual samples, you can bring water from your home to symbolize your travels. This annual ritual reminds us of how connected we are and how much of the world we touch by our presence in it. There will be a single service at 10am followed by a potluck.

It's Suppertime!

It's Suppertime! Come join your BUUF friends for an intimate dinner in someone's home on Saturday, September 16. It is a great way to get to know people better. Sign up on the clipboard and someone will call you to bring a dish and enjoy lively conversation. Try it, you'll like it. Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-756 or .

Lunch Bunch

Nuralima

The Lunch Bunch will meet after the service in the lobby of Shari's Restaurant on Chinden Blvd. on Sunday, 8/27 11:45 am, Sunday, 9/24 12:45 pm. All are welcome! Please join us!

Where is our Banner?

If you have BUUF's Banner, please return it to the Fellowship!

Your Artwork Wanted

BUUF wants to continue exhibiting original art by members, friends and community artists. The exhibits—solo, dual or group—generally are up for a month in our South Wing "gallery'. If you'd like to participate—or to nudge artist friends to exhibit—you'll find information and application blanks in the Art Exhibition Package, which you can obtain from the BUUF office or by email from .