EverGreene
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
I wonder how many of you know that I very often am asked to deliver invocations, benedictions, prayers, inspirational messages, etc. at community events? It happens often, and I am always honored and pleased to participate in this way.
Just so you can get a flavor of the kind of thing I do, here are an invocation and benediction I did recently for a large progressive dinner. Enjoy!
Invocation
God—Source of all—Mystery that rises above all creed, calling each of us to our highest selves:
May we tonight re-dedicate ourselves to all that we hold dear. In the sometimes less-than-spiritual realm of politics, help us remember that we are dedicated to the common good, a value oft forgotten in these days. May we be lifted to our highest selves, even when the words and acts of those around us call us to something less.
When we hold to the generosity of heart flowing from our own Highest Power, we can together bring forth so much:
Peace, so that those who have sacrificed life and limb and mental health and family and precious years may feel they have not sacrificed in vain;
Justice, that all races, religions, sexual orientations, genders, and ethnic origins will be embraced;
Stewardship, that we may bring about the greater good for the earth and all her creatures;
Equity and compassion, that the poor and children and all without power will find dignity, respect and a living wage.
Grant us the wisdom to stand and work together, however great the odds may seem; grant us the generosity and the strength and the courage to open our hearts. Amen; blessed be.
Benediction
We go forth in grateful praise, our hearts singing with the assurance that we are not alone. May our time together tonight give us wings of strength and courage. May we rejoice in solidarity and love, knowing that the blessings of all that is good and holy are furthered by our work, here and now, with each other on this blessed earth of ours. May it be so.
Wanda's Wonderings
Wanda Jennings
We have many reasons to be thankful and appreciative this month. The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (BUUF) continues to be a loving, caring community whose generosity is astounding.
We at BUUF have once again contributed our Fair Share to The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Annual Program Fund (APF), supporting these major priorities:
- Growing our faith, in numbers, in spiritual depth and in overall strength of our liberal religious communities
- Living our values, among ourselves and in contemporary society.
Our Social Action Team gave an impressive summary of the many contributions we have made lately to our local community and reaching out into the world. In Garden City we made contributions to Whittier School and the Garden City Dining Room. In Boise we've helped the Idaho Food Bank, the homeless, Habitat for Humanity, and gay rights. Nationally and internationally we have contributed to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Guest at our Table, tsunami victims, Hurricane Katrina hygiene kits and volunteer clean-up. Thanks to Bessie LaBudde for her tireless leadership.
Many folks at BUUF are making the world a better place by their political actions; running for offices, supporting candidates and supporting causes. Thank you!
Our Outreach dollars for November will go to support the Interfaith Sanctuary Program for the homeless in Boise as BUUF donates 25% of the plate offerings (that are not pledges). Mark your checks "Outreach" and 100% goes to Interfaith Sanctuary.
Fesztival was a wonderful community building event celebrating our partnership with a UU church in Mészkõ, Romania. Thanks to all who made this a fun day.
Other Unitarian Universalists were generous to us. We received $15,770 from the Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) Chalice Lighter Fund to help pay for the new floor in our sanctuary. In appreciation we should pay this forward to the next church that needs it by having our members and friends sign up to be PNWD Chalice Lighters. If you are not a PNWD Chalice Lighter, please find the forms on the information rack by the office desk and sign up now. Two or three times a year you will be asked to give a small or large amount to help another PNWD UU church to accomplish its goals.
Small Group Ministry is alive and well at BUUF. This fall we started six Chalice Circles with the fundamental purpose of bringing people into right relationship with each other and with the larger world. Friends come together to share, develop friendships, and serve the larger community.
Our beloved Directory of Religious Education (DRE), Jennifer Thrall-Thomas, sadly will be moving in the spring. The Board is launching a nationwide search for a full time DRE.
The Board bid farewell to our former Board President, Linda Sutherland. A friend to all, with love we recall, Linda.
YOU may be one last spark we all need to light the whole world!
Don't forget to Vote on November 7th!
enThralled with RE
Jennifer Thrall-Thomas
As my time as DRE grows shorter and I am planning the year's events, I find myself reflecting on the past seven years with every project that we organize in Religious Exploration. Currently, we are in the midst of Deck the Halls planning, and I am reminded of all the successes and a few failures that we have had as we have greeted the winter holidays. Mainly, it has been success. Deck the Halls is truly a BUUF tradition. We have showcased winters holidays, folded thousands of cranes, sung at least 14 rounds of the Twelve Days of Christmas and fed birds over these past seven years. It is sometimes poignant, sometimes chaotic and always fun. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate with the RE program. Deck the Halls is always memorable.
This year, the RE program will celebrate Deck the Halls on December 2nd and 3rd. We will be keeping with the BUUF Sunday services theme of Journeys and lots of activities are in the works. This topic is a little different than past Deck the Halls, but we have the opportunity to take the celebration and make it uniquely UU.
The celebration will begin on Saturday, December 2 at 2pm with rehearsal for the Deck the Halls program. After rehearsal, we will make ornaments for our holiday tree and share in a cookie potluck. Please bring holiday cookies to share.
Sunday morning at the 10:00 single service on December 3, each class will have a chance to present their Journey to the entire congregation intermixed with a good dose of music, followed by the always rousing singing of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
You won't want to miss taking part in this BUUF tradition, so please be sure to bring your children and youth to Sunday school during the month of November for planning, rehearsing and creating. Mark your calendars on December 2 and 3 to participate in the Deck the Halls celebration.
Deck the Halls
Saturday, December 2, 2006, 2–4:30pm at BUUF
Rehearsal, ornament making and cookie potluck.
Bring a dozen of your favorite cookies to share
Sunday, December 3, 10am Deck the Halls Celebration
Child Dedication
Each year at BUUF, the minister and DRE welcome new children into the congregation at a special event known as a child dedication. November 12 is the next scheduled dedication.
This special event takes place two times during the year. Families bring their child or children before the congregation to commit to raising the child to express mutual commitment to bringing up the child in the highest spirit of UU values.
Contact Jennifer Thrall-Thomas for more information and to arrange for the dedication.
Coming of Age
The Coming of Age program for Jr. High youth will begin on November 8 at BUUF at 7pm We now have 15 youth participating and 15 adult mentors. This program is a seven months long and culminates in June with a trip to Boston. The Coming of Age service will be May 13.
BUUF Family Hoedown
Get out your dancin' shoes. Round up your family and friends. Save the date. Saturday, November 11 we will celebrate the return of the BUUF hoedown and enjoy a fun evening together! The festivities, sponsored by the Membership committee and the Children's RE program, will run from 7–9pm at BUUF. Live music will be provided by ContraBand and a wide variety of dances will be called by Donna Cowen. Donna promises that you need not have any prior experience; she will teach as she goes along! She is used to teaching children so this will be fun for all ages. The Junior High Boston Bounders will offer refreshments for sale. Come on down for a fun time. Admission at the door is $5 for adults and $2 for children.
SNACK ROUND-UP
The Religious Exploration Program asks BUUF members and friends to help us stock our shelves with healthy snacks for our classrooms. During the month of November please drop off items in the Director of Religious Exploration's (DRE's) office, located in the South Wing. Suggested snacks include: pretzels, fruit leathers (no fruit roll ups, please!), healthy crackers, dried fruit (raisins, cherries, etc), fresh fruit and animal crackers. We ask that peanuts and food items containing peanuts not be donated. The children thank you for your generosity!
Garden City Community School Update
In the past month, much has happened with regards to our ongoing relationship with the Garden City Community School. This is the newest local charter school that has temporarily rented our Religious Exploration classrooms since August 24. They have approximately 100 students and 15 staff in grades K–8.
In September the BUUF Board approved an extension of their lease through December, with an accompanying reduction in rental fees. This allows the school's parent board to take the time to fully explore their short and long term options for growth and development as a school community. In the past month, they have been busy doing just that! In mid-October the GCCS Board notified us they are currently in lease negotiations for another rental facility in Garden City better suited for their future. They hope to do some renovation of that space in December and move into it during the holiday break between Christmas and New Years. In the meantime, they continue to work, play and share our lovely buildings and grounds.
Again, if there are questions and concerns about the school and/or BUUF members and friends have needs that may overlap with the school's schedule, please talk to me, Cathy Carmen. I continue to be available to work through any/all questions or situations that may arise in the next two months.
Caring Corner, Pastoral Care Team Report
Barry Hope
Pastoral Care Team Sunday indicated that we have a diverse community of individuals at BUUF, who really aren't too afraid of going outside their comfort zones. Many people shared the experience of speaking to someone they didn't know. Reaching out is a bit difficult, but always so worth it.
Did you know we have a library section dedicated to Pastoral Care? Check it out some time. It may have some wise advice or be a shot in the arm for what "ails ya." PCT thanks Charlotte and our other library folk for the maintenance of this collection.
Newcomer greeters are needed for our services. This position was originally set up by Roy Montague and has been quite successful. A newcomer greeter works side by side with the greeters and specifically looks for people who are tenderfoots in the wiles of the BUUF. The job is basically to spot first time or new folk who either aren't wearing name tags or look a little lost and extend a warm welcome. Please contact Sandra Layser or any PCT member if you can do this. It can be as little as 15 minutes per month and provides such a nice touch.
Speaking of comfort zones, we hope everyone feels comfortable enough to confide in a PCT member if you're so inclined. Team members can listen and do our best to provide an appropriate sounding board for your thoughts and concerns. If you feel anxious or disturbed call a PCT member or place a note in the request for assistance box across from Gerry's desk in the office. Know that a strict policy of confidentiality is observed. May the remainder of autumn provide some contemplative solace for you and yours.
Linda Sutherland, 1943 - 2006
Linda Sutherland passed away on October 19, after a valiant struggle with cancer. Linda was a charming and intelligent woman, and a good friend. She served on the BUUF Board as vice-president, president and past president from 2003–2005. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to Eric, her sons Dan and John and the rest of her family and friends. She will be missed greatly.
Mészkõ Partner Church News
Cynthia Alleman
News from Fesztival: Did you get a chance to meet Enika Young Anderson at Fesztival or at the service the next morning? She was born in Mészkõ, the daughter of Frances Balazs and Christine Morgan. Enika graciously offered stories and history at our information booth. We were happy that she came to Fesztival. Thank you Enika!
News from Mészkõ: Robertâ Balint, the Mészkõ minister writes of good news and not so good news. They are making progress in the renovation of the parsonage in that the electrical system and central heating are almost done. However as renovations often go, one project uncovers another. They have discovered that some foundation work and wall beams need replacing. They report all this optimistically and the villagers pitch in to do some of the work. We learn so much and are grateful to be partnered with them. Exciting news from the village is that Reka Balint, Robertâ's wife, is expecting a baby in February or March.
News from BUUF: The next meeting of the Partner Church Committee will be Tuesday, November 7, 4:30 in the BUUF library. You are welcome. Also welcome are any interested pilgrims to Mészkõ in summer 2007. Travel plans are in the works!
Fesztival 2006
Gwyn Reid
Thanks to the over 100 volunteers who helped make BUUF's second Fesztival a great event on Saturday, September 30. It was a gorgeous fall day. BUUF members and friends helped welcome many people from the larger Boise community including several native Hungarians, Romanians, and others from eastern European countries. This year's event had additional offerings including the fabulous Jomoka Tanchaz band from Salt Lake City and a special egg dyeing demonstration.
We encourage anyone who took part in this year's event to give the organizers feedback regarding what worked well and what could be improved. Contact Gwyn Reid 336-1536. We will be meeting soon to make plans for next year.
Honor a "Guest at Your Table"
and Support UUSC's Efforts in Helping Justice Flow Throughout the World
On Sunday, November 19th we will be honoring and celebrating the work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) with the kick off of our 2006 Guest at Your Table Program. BUUF will join over 700 congregations around the country to support the UUSCs work for social justice and human rights. Last year our congregation donated the most it ever has for Guest at Your Table!
To celebrate Guest at Your Table, get a box and brochure at our service on November 19th. Put the box on your dining table during the "giving season" of November and December. Place a little money in the box at each meal. A total donation of $25 or more for adults, and $10 for students and seniors (65 years or older) also gives you a membership to the UUSC. Also, contributions of $75 or more are matched by the Unitarian Universalist Church at Shelter Rock.
If you can't attend the service on November 19th, pick up your Guest at Your Table box in the foyer at the social action table. Any questions call Rhonda or Howard Schaff (338-3270), coordinators. By participating in Guest at Your Table, we help create a world community with justice for all. Let us build on that tradition again this year.
Social Action Projects From the Past Four Years
During a recent planning session the Social Action Team compiled a list of past projects. The variety recalls past successes and confirms that BUUF is indeed "working for change and making a difference."
GARDEN CITY
- Whittier Elementary School hygiene kits
- Donna Pendley Trust Fund for music department at Whittier School
- New and used clothing for Whittier
- Gift cards for needy families distributed by Whittier nurse
- Beginning reader reward books for first graders at Whittier
- Books for nurse's sick bay at Whittier
- Winter Cap Drive for Whittier
- Mitten Tree (and sometimes Socks) for Whittier
- Serve food at Garden City Dining Room
- Outreach donation to Garden City Dining Room
- BUUF grounds used for "Mama Fair"
IDAHO FOODBANK
- Donation barrel for monthly food donations
- Can-and-$10 food drives
- Sorting at foodbank
- Participation in CROP walk
SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS
- Outreach donation to Corpus Christi House
- Clothing to Corpus Christi
- Christmas Cookies for Corpus Christi
- Organizational participation in Sanctuary
- Outreach donation to Sanctuary
- Nighttime volunteers at Sanctuary quarters
- Volunteers to serve meals for Sanctuary
OTHER BOISE AND IDAHO PROJECTS
- Protein and fresh food supplements for Booth Home residents for 8 months
- Rake up Boise (with social service mini fair in 2005)
- Paint Boise
- Outreach donation to Women and Childrens Services
- Habitat donation from Social Action Committee
- Outreach Donations held for Habitat Building Partnership
- Books for juvenile residential home north of Emmett
- Donation to Valley Family Health Care by Social Action Committee
- BUUF members at gay rights day speech and parade
- Welcoming Congregation designation earned
- Continuing gay rights activities
- Served meals at Community House
- Cup drive for Community House kitchen
- Donated toaster for Community House kitchen
- BUUF presence at peace demonstrations
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL
- UU Service Committee donations and memberships
- Guest at our table annual project
- Tsunami relief fund special collection justice Sundays
- Southern Poverty Law Center membership by Social Action Committee
- Donations sent to Indonesia with our exchange student
- Hygiene kits for Katrina victims
- Volunteers for New Orleans post-Katrina cleanup
- SAC members at Interfaith Alliance-sponsored US budget demonstration
- Donation to national Interfaith Alliance Foundation by Social Action Committee
BUUF Camping Summer 2007
Karen Raese
It's not a typo! It is time to reserve camping sites for our annual members and friends camping trip to Ponderosa State Park in McCall next July. Ponderosa will allow us to reserve sites in the new group campground beginning sometime in November.
Because I have to pay for all sites at the time of the reservation and attach an occupant's name, I'd like to know who is interested (and willing to provide payment now.) I hope to reserve either the weekend of July 13-15 or July 27-29. Please let me know of your interest ASAP. I will let you know the exact date and cost. As always, there will be room for folks who can't commit right now so watch for details in the late spring. Please contact Karen Raese at 853-3865 or to indicate your interest or if you have questions.
Library Lines
Library Committee
We've had some wonderful new acquisitions through generous donations to our library lately. We hope you'll stop by and look over some of these great books. Carol MacGregor's book about memories of Boise can be found in the UU section (pink dot) and mentions some interesting information about early Unitarians in Boise. There are some great new and current books in the Science and Nature section (white dot) and in Life Passages (yellow dot.) Life Passages could be subtitled Self-Help, and if you are looking for ideas and programs in certain areas, this is a good shelf to explore. Happy autumn and happy reading—fall into a good book!
Car Pooling Needed
Warren Bean
More people attending the second (11am) service means more automobiles. During last month (October), vehicles filled all the spaces in both parking lots, all the space beside the sidewalk on Garrett Street, with 4 to 6 cars along the curb in the northward residential area.
The message? Consider car pooling or alternate forms of transportation. Or, the 9am service is usually lightly attended (see article, below).
Not the most convenient thing to do, but it will become more necessary as the church year continues, and attendance continues to grow.
Class Cancelled
Jeanette Ross sadly announces that not enough UUs are ready to dance out the sacred. Last class was October 10.
Habitat for Humanity Update
Steve Thomas
On Thursday October 12th Howard Shaff, Matt Shaff and Steve Thomas attended the monthly meeting of the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity Faith Relations Committee. This committee is made up of members from different denominations throughout Boise. The committee is in the early planning stages of developing an Interfaith Build for 2007. There are three churches that have shown interest in participating in an Interfaith Build but an additional ten to twelve churches or faith groups will be needed. Matt, Howard and Steve will continue attending the monthly meetings and work to get other churches and faith groups signed up. Look for additional updates in the coming months.
BUUF Bookclubs
The Other Book Club meets on November 12 at 7pm at the home of Benita Coleman, 8169 W. Beckton Lane. Join fellow BUUF members and friends for refreshments and discussion of In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson's take on the land down under. Call Benita at 375-9082 to RSVP. You may want to get a head start on the December selection, A Black Englishman, by Carolyn Slaughter.
If your tastes run to the classical, come to The Classics Book Club on December 6 at 7pm to discuss Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. Location to be announced. Call Lorel Case for questions, 376-3188.
Humanists Gather Clues about their Fate!
Jeanette Ross
First the good news: we are working toward our workshop, now officially accepted for AGM in February. The also-good news: next month's program (9am November 5 in the senior high room), on scientists as our new philosophers, will be part of our research and worthy in itself.
The bad news? What role will or can humanists play in the future? Larry Standley had some sobering thoughts about that for our October meeting.
Thanksgiving Dinner With Friends
Share a Community Thanksgiving Dinner with BUUF friends. Sign up at the Kiosk in the North Vestibule. Fix your favorite dish or stop by the store and buy one. We are looking for a host and a dinner location.
Date: November 23
Time: To be determined
Questions: Ask Wanda Jennings at
or
362-7563.
Do Something Different - Try Out the First Service
Think about coming to the first service. Often the 11am service is crowded, but there are plenty of open seats at 9am. The Leadership Council would like to see more balance in our two services and suggest if you don't have children in RE that you attend the early service. If 20 people move to the early service both services will benefit.
At 9 you hear the same great sermon but it will seem more intimate. Besides, it is often nice to get a start on the day and have the rest of your Sunday for other activities. If you come as early as 8:30 there may be quiet opportunities to talk with Elizabeth and others in the Fellowship.
Perhaps you would like to share a coffee cake, and for those of you who may need coffee that early we can brew a small pot. Are you an RE teacher? Try coming at 9am so you can share in the spiritual joys of the Sunday service, hear wonderful music and take some needed time for yourself. Perhaps your spouse or partner can bring the kids to the second service while you kick back and recharge your spiritual life.
Join us at 9, it could be addicting.
Stewardship Means All of Us
Lynne Tolk
Your Stewardship Committee is getting ready for another exciting year! Why so soon, when the annual pledge drive isn't until spring? Because "stewardship" is about much more than raising money for the church (important as that is!) Stewardship is about the relationship each of us has with this community we call BUUF. Our job, as your Stewardship Committee, is to propose this concept in its many forms so that all of us can get a chance to look at it more closely.
What does it mean to have a relationship with BUUF? Every relationship involves some degree of commitment and some give and take. Looking at approximately 300 different relationships here, there will be many different degrees of commitment, and many shades of meaning, all the way from still undecided to fully involved.
Basically, stewardship is about relationship, a spiritual, moral and ethical issue, as well as practical. It's about receiving from and giving to one another. Let's all be thinking and talking about what that means in terms of our religious journey!
Senior Sages Around the World
Tom von Alten
Thanks to Thanksgiving, we have but one meeting next month, but a good one: on Thursday, November 9th, Bob Olson will share tales and photographs from Southeast Asia. We gather at 9:30am for a no-host breakfast and camaraderie at the Kopper Kitchen, 2661 Airport Way. All are welcome, even Junior Senior Sages.
Winter Eliot, a New Year's Eve Opportunity
December 28–January 1
The folks at Eliot Institute want to know, "What are you doing for New Year's?" It's really not too early to think about it. Winter Eliot has become a New Year tradition for many UUs. Relaxing in front of a cozy fire and sharing stories with friends is a peaceful antidote to the mania and stress of the holidays. Read, knit, nap. Be inspired by music and worship. Welcome 2007 with an intergenerational dance followed by a delectable midnight feast.
The Rev. Patrick O'Neill, long-time friend of Pacific Northwest UUs, will lead us in considering the implications of living a "reasonable ethical life" in an age of religious extremism and intolerance.
Children and youth programs too. Seabeck Conference Center on beautiful Hood Canal in Washington. Registration and information at www.EliotInstitute.org, (206) 374-2497 and .
Mind-Science and Living in Balance Workshops
Joel and Michelle Levey will offer workshops of interest to UUs, November 10-12. They are founders of Seattle-based InnerWork Technologies (www.wisdomatwork.com), specializing in developing and renewing organizational cultures in which team spirit, community, creative intelligence, life-work balance, and inspired leadership can thrive. Workshops have a suggested offering, with a sliding scale to allow each person to pay what they can afford within this range. Your generosity is most appreciated. Contact Ariel Blair at for more information.
Mastery, Mystery, Meditation and the Mind Science Frontier
Friday, Nov. 10, 7:30-9:30
Drawing insights from over 35 years of intensive research and practice on the Mind-Science frontier, Joel & Michelle will share from the experience of working and studying with many respected mind-science researchers, including the Dalai Lama, Krishnamurti, Thich Nhat Hanh and Sogyal Rinpoche. Suggested offering $10–25.
Living in Balance
Saturday, Nov. 11, 10am-4:30pm
Practical wisdom, skills and perspectives from the leading edge of the human performance sciences will inspire you to discover ways to live in greater balance in today's rapidly changing world. The program is designed to support you in living with greater balance, deeper wisdom, wonder, creativity, and awareness in your life. Suggested Offering $50–175.
A Deeper Exploration of Mastery, Mystery, Meditation and Inner Science
Sunday Nov. 12, 10am-4:30pm
These complex times remind us how profoundly our lives are interwoven with "all our relations," and call us to deepen the peace, wisdom, courage, reverence, and compassion that we weave into the fabric of our lives and relationships. The Leveys offer a deeper exploration of teachings and treasury of time-honored practices for finding our place in the circle of life, expanding our sense of interbeing, awakening deeper intuition, and opening to a greater sense of the sacred Mystery of all creation. Suggested Offering $50–175.
AGM is ComingTo Boise!
Elton Hall
The Annual General Meeting of the Pacific Northwest District of the UUA is coming to Boise, Friday afternoon through noon Sunday, February 16-18, 2007. Mark the dates and watch for mailings and announcements!
The AGM is our annual chance to connect with UUs across the northwest (Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Idaho) to share ideas, companionship and tips on improving ourselves and our congregations, and our Fellowship hosts the gathering this year.
We're excited to have the Rev. William (Bill) Sinkford, second-term UUA President, known for his ability to generate enthusiasm and inspiration as our keynote speaker. The Rev. Alex Holt, minister at the dynamic Woodinville UU Church, will deliver the Sunday morning sermon on the meeting's theme: "Knowledge, Compassion, Commitment," each leading to the next as we strive to improve our world.
Friday and Saturday evening will bring conviviality, entertainment, a dance and a banquet. Twenty workshops and three special events will cover topics from understanding Taoism to enhancing church finances-a great mixture of ideas and nuts-and-bolts activities, as well as a play, a quilting experience and a chance to meet UUA and PNWD leaders in intimate settings. Youth and young adult programs will abound, and youth will lead the traditional banner parade.
PNWD and attendees pay the expenses and our volunteers supply the blood, sweat and tears. This meeting will place BUUF squarely on the PNWD map and highlight BUUF throughout the UUA. Be sure to attend the November 12 Sunday service to hear more about AGM, what is planned and what it all means. And plan to attend the closest AGM we can ever have.
