BUUF News – December 2007

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Two good friends and colleagues of mine, Barbara and Bill Hamilton-Holway, minister together at the First Unitarian Church of Berkeley. Every December, they publish a list of suggested holiday activities, things we might do to encourage holiness and a sense of winter's slowing-down darkness. Here are some I hope we might consider.

1. Set aside at least one night a week during December, for fun time with family or friends. (Everyone has to agree on what's fun.)

2. Get your shopping done by Dec. 10.

3. Get a bunch of people of all ages to join you in caroling neighborhoods and retirement communities.

4. Do something genuinely silly. In public.

5. Read aloud Miracle on 34th Street. Watch the movie. Find someone to do it with if you live alone.

6. Think of a community service you've always meant to do (soup kitchen, homeless shelter, helping Salvation Army prepare baskets, etc.) and do it. If you haven't thought of one, ask your church Social Action people for ideas.

7. Attend a Winter Solstice service.

8. If you must shop at the mall, go the minute it opens and stay no more than two hours. Sit still afterwards.

9. Bundle up, find a place to sit outside, and look at a tree, with all its winter bones showing, for a half conitnhour.

10. Go to the dog park on Mountain Cove Street (accompanied or not by a dog) and observe the enthusiasm, the joie de vivre, the living-in-the-moment of those frisky critters.

11. Whatever your theology, find at least one nativity scene that appeals to you. Put it in a central place, where you can reflect without judgment on a story of good news, new life, family devotion, and hope.

12. Research the Hanukkah tradition, then "light one candle for the Maccabbee children, with thanks that their light didn't die"—every night of Hanukkah.

Rest well. Practice the Serenity Prayer. Love each other.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Em-bracing the Journey

Emmie Schlobohm, Board President

Your voices are being heard!

During the last few months, the Strategic Planning Task Force has facilitated several focus groups and your voices rang out! Many members and friends of our BUUF community participated. The Task Force has done a phenomenal job gathering your answers to the big questions, your sentiments and feelings. Now, the work continues as they work with your Board to develop a draft for a dynamic strategic plan for the next 3 to 4 years. Stay tuned for further developments and opportunities to help refine this essential living document charting our journey into the future.

On November 18, we had our first congregational dialogue with the Board. In the spirit of creating transparency in our processes and encouraging two-way communication, many issues were discussed and we even got a glimpse into our future. If you missed this opportunity dialogue with your Board, keep your eyes open for announcements about Dialogue with the Board — Part Two coming early next year.

The Board continues to seek candidates to fill Ed Davis' Board position (term through June 30 of 2008). If you are interested or would like to recommend someone, please talk with me. You can catch up with me at church or call me at home at 343-3662. Be a voice on the Board!

Time and time again I'm made aware in so many different ways of how much care and concern and energy are given to our beloved community. Thank you all for traveling along with me on this magical journey!

Have a joyous holiday season!

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Deck the Halls Celebration Weekend!

Cathy Carmen, Co Director of Religious Education

Come one; come all to our Deck the Halls weekend of celebration and fun! Starting on Saturday, December 1 from 2-4 there will be a tree to trim, crafts to do, songs to sing and snacks to be shared in the Fellowship Hall and RE classrooms. All ages are invited and welcome to take part. Then on Sunday at the single, 10 a.m. service we will usher in the winter season of lights with song and readings about the Hindu festival, Diwali, the Jewish celebration, Hanukkah, the Pagen ritual of Yule or Solstice and the Christian holiday of Christmas. Our children and youth will be front and center during this service, sharing with us their impressions and lovely voices. Finally, the celebration would not be complete without the rousing finale of The Twelve Days of Christmas. If you're wondering what that is... well come, take part and experience a BUUF tradition!

Changes in Elementary RE Schedule for December

Karen Raese, Co Director of Religious Education

We kick off the month with all of our fabulous children featured in our intergenerational service, Deck the Halls–A Season of Lights, on Sunday, December 2. December is always an incredibly busy month, especially if you have youngsters. As you go through the month my hope is that you and your loved ones find many ways to enjoy the season. Take time to celebrate and find pleasure in this wintery season of lights, while anticipating the return of light and warmth.  Let Deck the Halls provide the segue.

December, with its many holidays and days off school and work, brings a few changes in the children's RE schedule. We have some great plans in the classroom and don't want anyone to miss out. Here is what is going on.

December 2, Deck the Halls. All children and youth in the 10:00 single service. Preschool and Kindergarten released to class following their special performance.

December 9, both 9:00 and 11:00 elementary classes will focus on Hanukkah.

December 16, both 9:00 and 11:00 elementary classes will be held as usual.

December 23, both 9:00 and 11:00 elementary children will be in an all-ages class.

December 30, both 9:00 and 11:00 elementary children will be in an all-ages class.

January 6, children's RE classes resume as usual at the 10:00 service.

Children's Religious Exploration Committee

Angie Tate

Deck the Halls weekend begins on Saturday, December 1, from 2-4 PM. Everyone is invited to this kick off event of the holiday season. Join in the crafts, singing, snacking and fellowship. Some of our RE classes will rehearse on Saturday. Parents will be informed if their child's class will rehearse.

A big THANK YOU to all who have volunteered thus far in out elementary classes! We would like to keep adult helpers in classes voluntary. We need the congregations help to do this. According to our Safe Congregation Policy, we require two adults every week in every elementary class. Sign up and see what our children are learning. We have amazing kids in our mist, not to mention our teacher/guides! They need our support for all the fun they are having. Don't miss out. Sign up sheets are located outside the classroom doors.

Thank you to committee member, Barbara Morledge who coordinated the Dia de los Muertos celebration. It was an intimate celebration filled with music and memories.

RE Wish List

- adults to assist in elementary classrooms (sign up outside classrooms)

- one CD player for RE classroom

- one DVD player for north wing

Children's Dedication

Karen Raese

Children are an important part of our congregation. Unitarian Universalists believe that each child brings new life and hope into the world and we include a special ceremony to dedicate children during a Sunday service. If you would like to have your child(ren) dedicated please note that December 9 is the next, and only, scheduled date for this year. For more information, or to indicate your interest, please contact Karen Raese, Co Director of Religious Education at 658-1710.

Social Action and Children's Religious Education

Karen Raese

Last month, I reported that children's religious education was working to create more ways to involve our children in social action. This month I am excited to report that our children and youth have been involved in a number of social action opportunities coordinated, in part, by the BUUF social action committee. Members of the fourth, fifth and sixth grade class participated in distributing energy efficient light bulbs in the community. They also formed a team to participate in Rake up Boise. A wide range of children, youth and their families joined the CROP walk. And most recently, our Junior and Senior High youth created bowls for the Idaho Foodbank's Empty Bowls event. Congratulations to all in our BUUF community who take the time to make the world a better place. Look for more great things from our children and youth in the months to come.

On the Road to Professional Development

Cathy Carmen

The life of a Director of Religious Exploration (DRE) is packed full of experiences. In order for our Sunday morning RE classes to run smoothly, Karen and I coordinate many things during the week or behind the scenes with teachers, youth advisors, other committees, Elizabeth and one another to create the very best RE program. Knowing what this entails takes training and professional development that is offered by the Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). So, Karen and I "took to the road" Nov. 10-11, to participate in one of eight Renaissance Modules offered for DREs. We gathered in Tacoma, WA, at the Tahoma UU Congregation with a dozen colleagues to be trained in the administrative aspects of our job.

Our facilitators were seasoned DREs, Cathy Cartwright from First Church Portland, OR and Pat Ellenwood from Wellesley Hills UU Society in Massachusetts. We discussed, laughed, commiserated and envisioned our respective congregations both in pictures and organizational charts. In other words, we all had the precious opportunity to sit back and think about our congregations and the valuable work we do! We learned some things; we already have many of the organizational systems and players in place to run a dynamic RE Program for children and youth 0 -18 years. Yeah!

Our former DREs have established a great foundation from which to build upon. Alas, we share some of the real challenges that many UU congregations face with our all-volunteer workforce — attracting, orienting and appreciating the many talented folks who carry the weight of our program. We also came away so very grateful for what we have here at BUUF; a glorious facility that offers us plenty of space to work with our children and youth plus, the financial support to employ two people for this important work. Thank you!

Committees

Congregational Care Team Report

Barry Hope

CCT training is complete for 2007. A new roster of members is on the horizon. Many thanks go out to those old and new who made this year's session such a success. We of the CCT can be identified by our purple shirts; however we are now in the process of changing our heretofore PCT nametags to our new CCT pins! Maybe we could just wear our street clothes pinned and you'll still know who we are?

Charlotte Tompkins has been the brains and a good deal of the muscle behind the CCT Transportation Project. Several people from BUUF have provided transport services since the beginning of this project. At present you know who you are; in future you may be exposed for public admiration. This effort can't work without givers and receivers. The results thus far have been excellent so please join in on both sides of the equation. The CCT extends it's gratitude to everyone involved in this moving endeavor.

Call a CCT member if you need a good listener. Do you wish to converse during the season?

The names and numbers of CCT members are on a poster in the church office, there is also a referral drop box on a table close by. Confidentiality is always of the utmost importance.

The holidays are here along with the celebration of the human spirit. Enjoy the quietude of being yourself. Being able to share joy is our good fortune. Peace be with you and yours.

Meszko Partner Church News

Cynthia Alleman

The Partner Church Committee is planning adult RE classes for March. These classes will offer education, art, drama, and cooking (which means eating, too)! If you want to learn more about Meszko, Eastern Europe and Unitarian history, think about joining us this spring.

If you really want to know more about these subjects, you can live them too. Look for Miriam Woito's article in this newsletter with information about a travel itinerary for May / June 2007 to Transylvania and Romania.

Above the nursery window, on the back wall of the sanctuary, you can see a beautiful wall hanging, embroidered by the women of our partner church. In the style of a friendship quilt, each square was embroidered by a different woman in Meszko and is offered to us as a symbol of the friendship between our congregations.

You are welcome to join us in the BUUF library at 4:30 p.m., the second Tuesday of each month.

Boise Partner Church Pilgrimage May 2008

Meszko + Maramures & Bucovina
(Wooden Churches & Painted Monasteries)

Hidden away in these remote regions along the Romania/Ukraine border are some of the most spectacular scenery and picturesque religious treasures to be found anywhere. You will experience the unique culture and architecture of Maramures and tour 4 of the most famous painted monasteries (Voronet, Humor, Moldovita & Suceavita—all UNESCO world heritage sites) with a knowledgeable guide. This 9 -day tour begins and ends in Kolozsvar/Cluj and includes a 3 night/2 day stay in Meszko.

All friends and members of BUUF are invited to join this pilgrimage to our partner church in Transylvania from May 30—June 7.

For more details pleas contact Miriam Woito at .

New Committee Wants to Hear from YOU!

The recently-formed Building Maintenance Committee is ready to hear from you. If you see a building-related condition that needs correcting, complete a Maintenance Need form. (Find it in the "Community" section of the information caddies in the north vestibule). Put the completed form in the Maintenance Committee mailbox.

Social Action

Social Action Happenings

Rick Groff

The Social Action Team has been busy this fall. We joined many other faiths walking to combat hunger through CROP Walk in October. On November 17, we raked and collected leaves from four yards as part of Rake Up Boise. Hats and mittens are collecting on strings in both entryways for Whittier School—Nurse Adde is always grateful for our help in protecting Whittier students from the cold. In early December, families and individuals will begin putting their change into collection boxes for Guest at Your Table. The funds raised support Unitarian Universalist Service Committee social justice programs. BUUF is supplying the volunteers for the Sunday evening shift at Interfaith Sanctuary, which opened November 1. The team is settling in, but could use a few more members. Sanctuary is desperate for volunteers and you could work nearly any evening or morning that you choose on whatever schedule you choose. The facility is much more woman friendly this year and women are needed to monitor both women and families. Call me for more information at 336-4921.

Have you been thinking that it is time to get involved with the Social Action Team? We meet the first Sunday of the month in the library at 8:30 AM and end our meetings before the service at 10:00.

Social Action Outreach will benefit Mészkõ Unitarian Church

Gwyn Reid

25% of each Sunday's offertory (excluding funds designated for pledges) for the month of December will go to BUUF's partner congregation in Mészkõ, Transylvania.

The sixth principle of the Unitarian Universalist purposes and principles is "the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all." Being a partner with the congregation in Mészkõ has helped our fellowship realize this goal. It has been the bridge that connects our congregation to the world. Our fourteen-year partnership with Mészkõ has helped our congregation to grow in understanding of the impact of social action.

The Reverend David Keyes notes: "Churches involved in global political and economic concerns become more involved in local political and economic concerns. An opening-up occurs in congregation after congregation; ... Global action often results in correlated local action, as a global partner ...increased its commitment to fund social justice projects, or forms a new committee to provide local services to those less fortunate."

One of the major current goals of the congregation in Mészkõ is to help preserve the legacy of Ferenc Balazs, the young minister who served the congregation in the 1930s. Balazs' vision of community building is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. His legacy includes his teachings and the historic church and parsonage which the congregation hopes can be used for youth camps for Unitarian youth from Transylvania. Our relationship and our financial assistance can help the Mészkõ congregation realize their goals.

If you'd like to nominate a cause for consideration as a future recipient of BUUF's monthly social action outreach offering, contact Social Justice chair Rick Groff ( ).

Fill Up the Lines!

Besse LaBudde

The caps, gloves, mittens and scarves brought in for Whittier Elementary School students give our entryways a welcoming and cheery feel. Please continue bringing your selections to pin to the lines under the name tag racks. Remember to select garments that are machine washable and need no special care. When you read this we may have already emptied the lines as is customary for an early delivery. Another will be made before our schools recess for Christmas.

UUSC's "Guest at Your Table" Promotes Justice Throughout the World

On Sunday, December 2, we will be honoring and celebrating the work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) with the kick off of our 2007 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.

To celebrate Guest at Your Table, get a box and brochure at the December 2 service. Put the box on your dining table during the "giving season" of December. Place a little money in the box at each meal. A total donation of $10 for students, $20 for seniors, $40 for 1 adult, $75 for 2 adults, also gives you a membership in the UUSC. Contributions of $100 or more are matched by the Unitarian Universalist Church at Shelter Rock.

Pick up a Guest at Your Table box in the foyers before or after the service. Any questions call Rhonda or Howard Schaff (338-3270), coordinators.

BUUF Activities and Events

Let Me Explain

Jeanette Ross

How do we say what we believe (or don't) to those who find our convictions disturbing, perhaps alarming? Worse yet, how deal with their pity? This fascinating subject led to discussion from diverse perspectives at BUUF's November humanist meeting.

We meet again December 9 at our new time, 11am, in our new room, the 3rd/4th grade classroom in the north wing. If more of you independent-minded sleepy heads show up we'll open another table. We'll continue our free-wheeling style on the subject of what ‘worship' means to us, individually and collectively.

For more information contact Jeanette (378-1217, ) or Rick (336-4921, ). Call Rick to get on the email reminder list.

Y'all Come to the Hallelujah Hootenanny!

We're plannin' a real fun entertainment for the evening of Saddiday night, January 12, beginnin' at 6 o'clock. That's the night before that right honorable Elizabeth plans her "git out of Dodge" sermon that marks the beginning of a long-deserved what they call sabbatical. We'll git the bar-b-que loaded up with ribs and chicken, and ya'll can plan on bringin' yer best baked beans, or slaw, or cornbread. We're fixin' to have a saloon, and the place will be fixed up real pretty-like, with tablecloths and shiny spittoons. Dusty and Lefty will regale us with their humor, and we'll be singin' around the campfire all the good ol' songs we all knowed from the trail. Some our best singers, yodelers, and musicians ‘ll be on hand to show off their talents, too. The sheriff will be there, just in case anyone is thinkin' of tiein' the knot, or if things get out of hand with the pokes. Take yer weekly bath, and git into yer finery, but ya hafta check yer guns at the cloak room, cuz we don't want no trouble.

We'll need plenty a hands to hep us with the heavy liftin' so if you're itchin' fer a job to do, why don't you give that right fine gentleman, Bruce Dowlin a jingle at 375-1137, or that sweet little lady, Debra Smith at 724-7262. We aim to send Elizabeth off in a style befitting a proud, upstanding group of cultured folks such as yerselves.

Another Senior Sages Middle East Adventure

Tom von Alten

Just one meeting of the Senior Sages again this month, as we roll into the Solstice and other winter holidays. Chuck Hansen will report on three recent articles and spark our discussion: "The New Anti-Semitism," by Bernard Lewis, describes the history of anti-Semitism, especially in the 20th century, and was published in the American Scholar, Winter 2006; "Why the Silence?" by Rabbi Arthur Waskow (The Nation, Oct. 1) discusses a problem some Unitarians may find familiar: "progressives" trying to get their religious leaders to join them in speaking out against the war in Iraq; and Rabbi Dan Fink's Nov. 10 column in the Statesman, "Liberal Israel-bashing sounds like 21st century anti-Semitism."

Join us for a no-host breakfast and lively conversation, at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way), Thursday, Dec. 13, 9:30am. All are welcome.

The Other Book Club

Join the Other Bookclub for some great discussions of recent literature:

December 9 at 7pm, discussion of Sunflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See at Mary Osterman's house, 4991 N. Contour Way in Boise, 385-9950.

January 13 at 7pm, discussion of Eat, Pray, Love: One woman's search for everything across Italy, India and Malaysia by Elizabeth Gilbert at Harriet Shaklee's house, 906 Marshall Street in Boise, 371-3634.

Calling All Geeks!

Help! Our BUUF office needs people with geekitude! We need several folks who can be available to help with computer issues for in the office. If you are able to help us, please give your name to Gerry in the office and also contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or desertfox4@cableone.net.

PNWD & UUA

Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Blessing The World

February 29 - March 2, Hotel Murano Tacoma, Tacoma, WA

Join your fellow Unitarian Universalists from the Pacific Northwest District, who will gather in late winter to consider the choices we all confront in our daily lives: how can we bless the world with our shared and individual gifts? How do our choices bless, or curse, the world we all share?

The setting is downtown Tacoma, Washington, in a part of the city that has seen a renaissance over the past few years. Our featured speaker will be the Reverend Rebecca Parker, who serves as president of the Starr King School for the Ministry (Elizabeth Greene's alma mater) and is the author of several noted books.

There will be conversation, fellowship, and inspiration available to all. We hope you can join us. Find out more from the PNWD website.

BUUF Needs Delegates to the Annual General Meeting in Tacoma

The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship hosted the Annual General Meeting in February, 2007 and if you were lucky enough to attend you know what an inspiring meeting it was. BUUF needs delegates to represent us at this important meeting in Tacoma February 29-March 2nd. If you would like to be a delegate please contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or before December 10.

Next Newsletter Deadline – Dec. 13

Your newsletter editor is going out of town, so if you want your article in the January issue, get it in early! Due to the upcoming holiday season it became necessary to change this deadline. Please plan accordingly. Items submitted on December 20 will be way too late!

Auction Coming

Our biggest fundraiser of the year, THE AUCTION, is scheduled for Saturday February 9— JUST A LITTLE OVER TWO (2) MONTHS FROM NOW! Put it on your calendar and invite your friends.

This year's theme is: Mardi Gras!

We will be having a costume competition, so be thinking of what you will wear....

Also be thinking of what you can donate. Products, experiences and services with a value of over $20 will be accepted.

Parking Lot Sale

Sometime in the spring, we will divide our parking lot up for a parking lot sale—$10 per 2 spaces. Start saving your used goodies and plan to rent a spot.

Help Needed with Poinsettias

Our order for over 150 beautiful poinsettias will be delivered to BUUF at 10am, Friday November 30.

Your help is needed to take them off the truck and sort them by buyer. Many hands make light work....

If you can help with this project, please give me a call or just show up! Thanks ahead of time.

Used Book Sale

The Library Committee will be holding sales once a month on Sundays in the vestibules featuring a selected number of recent book donations. Our December sale will be on the 9th in the south vestibule. Look for the library cart, and buy some great bargain books for stocking stuffers or reading on the plane during your holiday travels! Proceeds from sales go to new book purchases for our BUUF library.