EverGreene
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
The big excitement at the moment is the Pacific Northwest District (Unitarian Universalist) Annual General Meeting (AGM), held right here in our own town! I hope you have registered.
Hundreds of UUs from around the District will converge upon us to partake of the wonderful offerings:
- Keynote speaker William Sinkford, president of the UUA, a rare visit by him to one of our "outlying" places (that would be Boise).
- Workshops on everything from church finance to Taoism and all kinds of things in between.
- A great Saturday-evening banquet, with the Fool Squad "roasting" Unitarian Universalists—worth the price of admission itself!
- An inspirational Sunday service, open to everyone, including the general public, hoping to let more people know about our great faith.
- Fellow UUs just dying to know "what it's like to be a UU in a state like Idaho"—let's tell them, "It's great! We always know we're needed."
Our hard-working AGM Troika of Kathy Hall, Elton Hall and Suzanne Woodcock have rounded up a truly amazing team to help them do the work, and are looking forward with great enthusiasm to the fruits of their labor.
Be there or be square!
A sort-of-postscript: the national UU General Assembly will be held in Portland this year, in late June. For the first time in history, every single person attending a General Assembly will have the opportunity to participate in a gigantic process with thousands of other people, expressing our feelings about the purposes, nature and goals of Unitarian Universalism. GA can be a little expensive, so start saving now–and stay tuned!
Wanda's Wonderings
Wanda Jennings, Board President
The BUUF Board has been busy lately. We have appointed several tasks forces to help us do the work that needs to be done. We have a task force to search for our new Director of Religious Education. We have a Sabbatical task force to make Elizabeth's sabbatical in January, 2008, go smoothly. We have a task force to balance the attendance between the 9:00 and 11:00 services. We have a visioning task force looking into the future for the next 5 years to help set the direction we want to go. Our Coming of Age youth are leading the way in becoming generous people. Our Stewardship Committee is gearing up to help us become a congregation of generous people to whom charitable giving should change our lives in some way.
We are looking forward to an outstanding Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) which we are hosting right here in Boise February 16 -18. If you have not yet registered, I urge you to do so. This is an opportunity too good to miss.
Did you plant a tree in our 10 tree challenge? I am certain that as a congregation we have planted 10 trees. And there is still time to plant a tree this spring. Please let me know about trees you have planted so we can put BUUF's name on the list of those who are helping the environment in this way.
Thanks to all those who helped to clean up and spruce up BUUF. Things look much better now!
Elizabeth and I sent you a pink letter early in January asking for your generosity by helping BUUF in various ways. Thanks for filling out the pink form. If you have not yet sent it in, please fill it out and mail it to BUUF right away.
Thank you for your gifts which make this church possible!
You may be one last spark we all need to light the whole world.
What is Stewardship Again? (Or Why Do We Keep Asking You to Pledge?)
Lynne Tolk
What is stewardship, and why is it important here at BUUF? Several of us, who wanted to know more about that, met to discuss the topic, covered in Michael Durall's book, Creating Congregations of Generous People. Here are some points that occurred to me.
First of all, stewardship is not about giving some money to a church. It's about giving whatever it takes, according to our abilities and resources, to ensure not only the well-being, but the growth and health of that church.
Secondly, our values matter. They matter not only to us, but to the well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants. I personally want to do all I can to further a positive vision of being human. And so I support the community and the institution that embodies that vision. There are many worthy organizations that work to save the environment, protect/regain civil liberties, obtain justice, alleviate suffering, etc. I belong to many of these. But Unitarian Universalism, as a religious movement, represents and promotes the values that would correct all these abuses. At the same time, it reminds me to keep exploring my own values and checking to see how well my actions are in sync with them.
And so (my point!) BUUF is not just an organization deserving a donation. It is a religious community embodying important values that deserves our stewardship. So please think of what it really means to you when you are asked to contribute an annual pledge of financial support, or when you hear of a committee or task that could use your time and skills.
EnThralled With RE
Jennifer Thrall-Thomas
The New Year is off to a busy start for all of us at BUUF, and there are so many positive things happening in our congregation and in RE. I hope everyone will read the "Pay it Forward" insert (pg. 13-20 of the printer-friendly newsletter) about the challenge that the Coming of Age group completed last month. And, I hope you will continue to support the effort of our Boston Bounders who will continue to fundraise at full throttle In February. Airline costs have increased dramatically and they are working very hard to insure that everyone who wants to go on the trip can and won't be left out for financial reasons.
Update on my move status. I am going to be staying in my position as DRE for the remainder of the program year which ends June 30, 2007. This is not a change in plans for my move. We are still expecting to move sometime in June, but since I had already decided to complete the work with the Coming of Age group and take the Boston Bounders to Boston, Elizabeth encouraged me to stay with the rest of the program too. This will be a difficult parting for me, so I am grateful to postpone the inevitable.
There is a lot going on in February for RE! First of all the posting for the DRE search will begin. Please see the BUUF website for details on the job posting. You will also notice that the RE committee and the DRE search committee is making a marked attempt at highlighting the RE program at BUUF as we work to find a replacement DRE for BUUF.
February 11 is the official RE Guide/Teacher Appreciation day. I hope that all of our dedicated volunteer guides will be on hand to be honored at the 11:00 service. And I hope that all families will make a point of to acknowledging the work of our guides.
REflections
The DRE Search committee is coordinating the RE REflections portion of the service for the next month. These are moments to briefly present thoughts, ideas, memories of our Religious Exploration Program in an effort to highlight the importance of RE in the life of this Fellowship. If anyone wishes to participate, please contact Roger Sherman, Wendy Kirkpatrick or Cathy Carmen.
No RE on February 18, 2007
In February the BUUF will be hosting Pacific Northwest Unitarian Universalists at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) February 16—18. Please note that there will not be any Sunday service or religious exploration at the Fellowship on February 18. All services will be taking place at the AGM site at The Grove Hotel. Nursery and childcare for children infant to age 8 will be provided. All other children and youth are invited to attend this intergenerational service led by Rev. Alex Holt from Woodinville, WA. See you there!
The Search for a New DRE Goes Public
Cathy Carmen, DRE Search Committee Chair
Beginning January 31 the DRE Search Committee will post the job description/listing for our next Director of Religious Exploration! This is a huge step in the process as we continue to envision what the future will be. For the past seven years our current DRE, Jennifer Thrall Thomas has inspired, nurtured and guided us in building an impressive program that serves youth - infant through high school. Now what is next as we prepare to say good bye while setting our sights on who and what the future may hold? Advertising the position invites interested applicants to check us out. It also allows us to evaluate what we have and highlight how far we have come. So the DRE Search Committee is busy working on many fronts. We expect to field inquiries, sharing who we are and what we're about. We will also ask all BUUF members and friends to reflect upon the importance of the youth RE Program in the life of the Fellowship by offering RE Reflections during the 9 and 11 a.m. services through the month of February. Finally, we will join in the honoring of our wonderful classroom RE Guides on February 11. So please, open your mind, your eyes and ears and be more aware of what our children are saying and doing on Sunday morning Take a moment to reflect upon the richness that our youth RE Program brings to the life of the Fellowship—even if you don't have a children enrolled in the program! Then, if you're really motivated, take the time to say thank you to Jennifer, her able assistant Karen Raese or any of the 35 + volunteer guides/youth advisors or nursery care givers who share their talents with us.
Our website has the DRE job posting in electronic form (with the link also publicized with other Liberal Religious Educators' Association (LREDA) employment opportunities. Check it out and let us know what you think!
Call to Young Artists!
Melissa Chambers
If you are a child registered in BUUF's RE Program (Pre-K - 12th) and would like to show a piece of your art at the PNWD Annual General Meeting Feb. 16-18, then listen up!
I will be collecting work on Sunday Feb. 11 at BUUF. Choose your ONE favorite, best, most wonderful piece. If it is on paper it needs to be framed and ready to hang. If it is a painting on canvas it needs a frame if the edge of the canvas is unfinished. If it is a sculpture and requires a special stand then be sure to include that as well. I'll also need to know your name, age and the title of your artwork.
I'm setting up a display in the big room at the Grove Hotel where all the main events will take place, so lots of people will have the chance to admire your art. Call me if you have questions. Melissa Chambers 323-9486.
Ready? Set! Draw!!
Pastoral Care Team Report
Despite the recent bout of cold weather, BUUF PCT remains a cheerful bunch. I'm sure this frigid weather brings out strength of character; however, if you feel some waning, give a PCT member a call. At our January meeting, Frank Shuff took the yearly group photo in which you can see the changes in membership. Our thanks go out to Frank for this and all of his great photography throughout the years. Joan Bellamy, Joanie Bear Otero, and Dena Duke will provide their contribution of wisdom and caring expertise to the 2007 team. Their dedication and service is much appreciated. The team picture plus phone numbers of members is placed in the church office across from Gerry Morris' desk for your information.
Cold and flu season continues and seasonal affective disorder is on the prowl. Even small tasks seem formidable. BUUF PCT is available; we can listen, care and perhaps provide some emotional support in a time of need. You may either call a team member of drop a note in the request for assistance box located in the office.
I notice the days are brightening, the lyrics to a new song are filling my heart. Take care and enjoy the rest of winter; it, too, is a beautiful season.
In Memory of Linda Sutherland
Linda's partner, Eric Wallace, and her sons, Dan Perry and John Perry, thank all those who sent memorial gifts in Linda's name to BUUF and to national and international human rights and service organizations. The family plans to further honor Linda Sutherland this spring by placing a memorial bench in the BUUF courtyard. "The bench will be both attractive and comfortable," says Eric, "and when people rest on it, perhaps they will feel Linda' s bountiful love and grace surrounding them."
Mészkõ Partner Church News
Cynthia Alleman
Thank you, thank you for your generous December social outreach collection that went to Mészkõ. We are sending $1510.00 to contribute to the parish house renovation. If you are getting the BUUF newsletter on line, see these before and after photos. We are working on posting the photos to the BUUF website, so stay tuned.
The partner church committee and Deb Smith are presenting "Letters from Christine" at AGM, early Saturday evening, February 17. This one-woman play tells of life in Mészkõ, Transylvania in the 1930's through the eyes of Christine Fredericksen Balazs, the wife of Unitarian minister Francis Balazs. We are excited to share this story with you and other UUs!
Boise UU pilgrims traveling to Mészkõ this summer are beginning to dream of their travels and book flights and hotels. It's not too late to include you! Contact Cynthia Alleman if you realize that this is something you always wanted to do (344-8253 or ). Travel grants are still available for first time travelers.
I close with holiday greetings and a photo from our friends in Mészkõ:
Dear Friends,
In the name of the Mészkõ people and in the name of my family I wish you all a Merry Christmas. May all your dreams be fulfilled, may all of you meet the silence, friendship and love at this tiem of the year.
With warm greetings,
Reka, Dalma, Måtyås, Robert and the
Mészkõ Congregation
Whittier School Projects
Besse LaBudde
The cap and glove drive for Whittier Elementary School amassed 84 caps, 80 pairs of gloves or mittens and 12 sets of cap and gloves (with sometimes a scarf too). We are moving directly into our next Whittier project with the collection of items for the spring hygiene kits. This project is popular because it allows us to put to good use all those small hotel/motel toiletries we brought home over the past year. (As a charter member of the magpies, I brought a great cache of combs from the hotel in Spain!)
We plan for each kit to contain the following items: Small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion; comb; book (grades K through 6) and a small toy or hair-care ornament. CAUTIONS: do not bring toothpaste or brushes: these items are sent directly to the school by the manufacturers and will be added by the school nurse. We have on hand a large number of books for older children, so please concentrate on books for younger readers. Small metal cars are great for boys, and hair ornaments come in myriad forms. NO FULL SIZE BOTTLES, PLEASE, AND NO BIG TOYS.
Fight hunger in February
Julie Fanselow
Did you know that Idaho ranks among the hungriest states in America? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, between 2002 and 2004, about 15 percent of Idaho families worried they could not afford food, and nearly 4 percent of families had members actually go hungry. This made Idaho the 8th hungriest state in the country during that period.
This month, we at BUUF have an opportunity to help. The Idaho Foodbank is February's recipient of our congregation's social outreach offering, meaning that 25 percent of this month's non-pledged collection plate donations will go to help the Foodbank. In addition, on Sunday, February 11, we are asking everyone to bring at least one can of food (or boxed non-perishable food item) to help replenish the food bank's supplies. If you like, write a check to the Idaho Foodbank, wrap it around your can with a rubber band, and 100 percent will go to the cause.
Since 1984, through community partnerships, the Idaho Foodbank has distributed 50 million pounds of food. The food bank serves a network of more than 200 smaller agencies, including church pantries, kitchens, and senior centers, all of which distribute food to those in need at no cost to the recipient.
Two of every three people who rely on the food bank are either children too young to work or seniors who have already worked all their lives. More than 40% of households that receive food from the food bank currently have at least one person working, half of them in full-time jobs.
Food pantries often run low in late winter, after the holiday outpouring of gifts runs out. Let's help them restock their shelves and combat food insecurity in Idaho. Thanks for your donations — and remember to bring your can of food on February 11.
What's up at the Statehouse?
Julie Fanselow
The Idaho State Legislature is now meeting in its 2007 session. Here are a few social justice issues of possible interest to the BUUF community:
Grocery tax — There is bipartisan support for cutting the tax on groceries. Gov. Butch Otter has proposed a grocery tax rebate aimed at lower-income families, while Democrats have proposed eliminating the tax on groceries outright.
Local option taxing authority — Idaho communities do not have the authority to ask voters for a local option tax to fund better public transportation to counter worsening air quality and traffic. Boise-based legislators are solidly behind this idea. If you live in western Ada County or Canyon County, tell your legislators how you feel about giving local communities the right to vote on transportation needs.
Community colleges — The Governor has expressed support for allowing localities to vote on whether to fund a community college and for lowering the approval rate to 60 percent. Ours is the largest metro area in the U.S. without a community college. Tell your legislator your opinion about funding new community college districts.
Minimum wage — Although the U.S. House has passed legislation raising the federal minimum wage for the first time in 10 years, Idaho needs to act as well. Let your legislators know how an increase in Idaho's minimum wage that is indexed to inflation and includes changes for workers earning tips and young employees will affect you.
The Idaho State Legislature website at has tools to help you track legislation and contact your senator and representatives. You can also follow the action from a progressive point of view via United Vision for Idaho's weekly "Eye Opener" newsletter, written by BUUF's own Roger Sherman, on the United Vision for Idaho website.
BUUF Annual Auction
Harriet Shaklee
BUUF Auction: Mark your social calendar for Cabaret on April 21, BUUF's night of food, auction, and entertainment. Now is a good time to start thinking of a donation you can make for fellow BUUFers to bid on. A candlelight dinner? A picnic in the foothills? An afternoon of yardwork? A weekend at your cabin? Forms will be available soon for your donations.
March Forth with the One Hour Choir
Tom von Alten
Last month, I told you the best time to join the BUUF choir is "at our next rehearsal," Wednesday evening at 7:15pm in the Sanctuary. That's still true, but the next best time will be Sunday, March 4. We're going to try something special, an idea that came to us from the UU Musicians Network mailing list.
We're offering a one-time, self-contained, show-up-that morning, open-to-all experience of singing in the choir. Join us at 8:45am on March 4th to learn one song on the spot, and perform it at the 10:00 service with the "regular" choir. No excuses, just the pleasure of making music together. If you've been wanting to try us out without the Big Commitment, this is your chance. CAUTION: you may like it so much you'll need to clear your Wednesday evening calendar after all.
Contact our Choir Director, Carrie Bastian, at 283-4152 or or Music Committee chairman Tom von Alten at 378-1217 or for more information.
Pacific Northwest District Hosts the UUA General Assembly
The UUA General Assembly (otherwise referred to as GA) comes to our District this year and with it the opportunity for more of us than ever to join as many as 5000 UUs in celebration of our community. GA will be in Portland at the Convention Center from, June 21-24. If you think you might like to attend, talk now to someone who has been before. And then consider volunteering. If you volunteer to work for 24 hours, or 16 in the children's program, you will receive free registration.
Volunteer applications will be available by March 1 and must be sent to Rosie Hamilton ( ), in Portland, between March 1-31.
What do General Assembly Volunteers do?
- greet people arriving at the GA site
- provide information about the local area
- assist UUs with mobility difficulties and other needs
- care for young children or help with field trips for older ones
- staff the local GA office
- register attendees
- act as ushers at events
- count votes at plenary sessions and mini-assemblies
- have a great time welcoming UUs to our district
Please contact Rosie Hamilton — 503-293-5453 or for more information. Hope to see you at GA.
All You Wanted to Know About Humanists
Jeanette Ross
Final preparations for our workshop at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of UUs will continue at our regular meeting February 11, 9am in the senior high room. Ever wonder what Tim LaHaye and John Dewey might say to each other? Bertrand Russell facing off with Ayn Rand? Want a turn of your own on our genuine soap box? Join us. Contact Rick Groff or Jeanette Ross with any questions.
The Other Book Club
The Other Book Club meets on February 11 at 7 pm to discuss Mountains Beyond the Mountains, by Tracy Kidder, the inspiring story of one man's medical dedication. February's book club meeting is at the home of Mary Osterman, 4991 Contour Way in Boise — call Mary at 385-9950 to RSVP or for directions. The author of the book will be speaking at BSU at the end of February. The March meeting of the Other Book Club features The Beet Queen by Louise Erdrich, if you'd like to read ahead.
Do you know?
History Keepers
That Unitarians and Universalists in this country, merged in 1961? Hence our 15-syllable name.
Join Us at the Grove!
On Sunday, Feb. 18, BUUF members and friends will gather for worship with Unitarian Universalists from all over the Pacific Northwest District at the Grove Hotel in downtown Boise, the site of this year's Annual General Meeting. There will be no Sunday service at our fellowship that morning.
Please join us for an inspiring service conducted by the Reverend Alex Holt, "Affirming Faith: When Opposites Drop Away." We hear fervent voices say humans are inherently sinful. We hear hopeful voices say humans are inherently good. Are these the only choices? Is there a way to affirm faith in such a way that our knowledge and our love can transcend opposing sides?
The service begins at 9:30am and is open to all, whether you are participating in the conference or not. Children of all ages are invited to this intergenerational Sunday service. The Planning Committee would like to encourage Middle-schoolers to sit with their parents. Senior High Youth will sit together. Nursery care will be provided in the AGM Nursery Suite for infants and toddlers through age 3. Four to seven year-olds and their parents may visit the Childcare Suite for snacks and guided activities. Additional details will be included in the Order of Service.
Parking is available in the hotel's garage (come early!), in the garage across Front St., or on the street (free).
Still Time to Be Part of AGM
Registration is open, but must be postmarked by Feb. 3 if you mail it in. Register online at the PNWD website until Feb. 7. (Adults can also register on-site at the conference for a higher price, but children/youth must be registered in advance.) Contact our registrar for the Annual General Meeting, Ed Davis at or 378-8326 if you have questions.
Volunteers for Childcare at the Annual General Meeting
Sue Philley
BUUF Volunteers Support Childcare at Annual General Meeting (AGM) Many thanks to Kristen Cheyney and Dick Sevier, Claudia Fernsworth, and Lina Chambers who have taken the lead organizing childcare for middle school, elementary, and nursery age children, respectively, at this year's AGM. We are fortunate to have two expert youth leaders from Oregon (an adult, Jack Brand and a youth, Allison Krause) who will advise the Senior High Youth and help them prepare their highly anticipated Youth Service Saturday evening.
Lots of fun activities are planned including making and parading a Chinese Dragon through the Grove Hotel and touring some of Boise's many nearby educational sites using a walking tour prepared by BUUF writer and resident travel expert Julie Fanselow. Becky and Rick Groff, Cathy Carmen, Steve Thomas, Barbara Morledge, Sandy Cruise, Deanna Smith, Ellen Morfitt, Sue Stadler, and Sue Philley are supporting the program. Their roles include coordinating, chaperoning, helping, buying supplies and transporting toys and tables. Other volunteers will be signing on—we still need helpers, but too late for mention in this edition of the newsletter. For more information, contact Sue Philley 340-9450 or email .
What Membership Means to Me
Becoming a Buufer
Debbie Espen
I am cautious. I have felt burned before by bad church experiences. But this "UU" denomination sounds different. I am curious. I visit.
Euphoria!
But I have to be sure. I'll wait out this "honeymoon" period to see if it has staying power. I keep attending.
A year passes. I begin to get involved. Another six months pass. I am making connections, getting even more involved. I become a Participant, not just an Attendee. This is definitely "it." When is the next Joining Day?
Another six months pass. Joining Day arrives! I am ready to make the commitment, to help nurture our Fellowship and to help it grow.
This is what membership means to me.
Senior Sages Want YOU
We want you to join us that is, on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. We have lively discussion of a variety of topics over a no-host breakfast at the Kopper Kitchen on Airport Way. On Thursday, Feb. 8, 9:30am, Coston Frederick presents "Music Hath Charms... or not." On Feb. 22, BSU Adjunct Professor of Spanish Fatima Cornwall will describe "The Role of the Court Interpreter." For more information, or if you have a topic you'd like to present or hear, contact Tom von Alten at 378-1217 or .
Thanks for Your Help
Dale Winke
The Interiors Committee would like to thank all those who have worked to make the ever evolving Vestibule (& Sanctuary) use policy an on going success. Individual congregants and various committees have been signing up as requested for use of space, setting up and tearing down tables, and keeping traffic areas open and free from clutter and mess. Many people have commented how well things look, and this is the result of everyone's effort to work together towards a common purpose and goal.
On Saturday January 13, a single box of the Teragren Synergy bamboo flooring material was installed in front of the lectern in the Fellowship Hall. This is the material that the Interior Committee recommended to, and which the Board accepted. The Committee hopes that this glimpse of what the future holds for the space will encourage overwhelming participation by the congregation at the Auction this spring, when a special call will be made to finish the financing of the floor project. Again, with everyone contributing to a common goal, success is achievable! The demo floor will remain in place for several weeks, and an information board in located nearby to aid in answering questions. The Committee welcomes your feedback, so feel free to contact Erin Logan, Sarah Bratley, or Dale Winke with any additional questions, comments, and the like.
"These are my People"
Debra Smith for the Membership Committee
You have come to visit the Boise UU Fellowship because something is missing in your life. You are weary of the incessant materialism in our culture and you hunger for more significance. You want this hunger acknowledged, yet you have not been nourished by the simple answers you've received elsewhere. Perhaps this place will nurture the quiet confidence you have that doubt and questions are as important to the religious experience as faith and intuition.
Or, you have come to visit the Boise UU Fellowship because you want your children to grow up both tolerant and principled in a world that will depend mightily upon those qualities as they mature.
Perhaps you have come to visit the Boise UU Fellowship because you have run "smack dab" into the realization that you need other people in a way that you have underestimated until now. Maybe it was the death of someone near, or an illness that robbed you of your security. You awoke one morning well before the alarm went off and discovered that you were, after all, vulnerable: a mortal, and therefore fragile, human being. And so you began the slow journey to rediscover your need to be with people who agree to be with you in mutual need.
You have come to visit the Boise UU Fellowship because it is a place where people put their faith and their works in this world, now. It is a place where redemption is not limited to the Son of God, but remains a responsibility for each of us, and that redemption is possible whenever a person chooses to act out of love and forgiveness rather than pettiness and revenge.
If you feel you have found, in the words of a cherished poem hanging on the wall of our sanctuary, that "these are my people," then perhaps it is time to become a member of this fellowship of doubters, lovers and seekers, and to make a commitment of your time and resources.
Adult RE Spring Program
Check out the exciting line-up of classes, workshops, and special events planned for our Adult Religious Education program for this spring. For your convenience, there is a "drop box" for depositing registration forms and fees (checks are preferred, made out to BUUF). Register early to reserve your space!
Sanctuary Flooring
Whereas it is desirable to have better flooring in our sanctuary
and
we need a floor with smooth transitions
we need a floor that has strength and durability
we desire an environmentally green bamboo flooring
we desire beautiful flooring
the Interiors Committee has researched and investigated
thoroughly;
Therefore the BUUF Board accepts Teregren Bamboo as the product for our
sanctuary flooring and
we are asking you to help choose the look.
Watch for your chance to select your preference.
