BUUF News – December 2009

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Redundantly for those of you who were at church on Sunday, November 15, a recap of the "announcement" I made: June 2013, I will retire from the active Unitarian Universalist ministry.

And you can't imagine the horror and concern of my colleagues, that I am letting you all know three and a half years in advance, instead of the usual few months! Dire predictions abound, of lame duck treatment; of people suddenly deciding they never did like this ministry anyhow so why doesn't she just leave; of detachments fatal to our dynamic ministry together.

Ha, I say! This time can be one of the most fruitful, visionary, authentic, and creative periods we have ever known. Because we genuinely honor each other—in an honest and self-aware way—we can honor our parting. We can grieve together. We can redouble our efforts to live in a spiritually-grounded way, to make the sacrifices necessary to throw off our debt and become financially able to do wonderful programming, to welcome the stranger in our midst with open arms.

Let us go forth, poignantly aware at all times of who we are together, grounded in love, that sternest of all taskmasters. I'm liking the feel of things around the Fellowship these days. Seems like I often leave a meeting saying, "That meeting made me happy." (Please know that that has not been a particularly common response to meetings, over the years.)

What makes me happy is a combination of getting the work done and taking care of each other as a community.

For instance, after our Stewardship Committee chair had conferred with some other church leaders, she wrote the lovely thank-you notes all you pledgers received. She understands the need for financial stability, if we are to make our church what we want it to be-- and she understands that relationships come first. She gets it that our church will never be what we want it to be, even if we were rich as Midas himself, if we don't attend to heart, spirit and soul.

Over and over, folks are attending to business, which is of course good, since we would descend into touchy-feely chaos if all we were doing was relationship. At the same time, we are taking each other's feelings and positions into account, watching out for each other -- and that makes the business easier to do.

And how about that Living Community Symposium? Meditation, discussion, movement, food, fun, conversation, commitment -- sort of like being human together!

Thanks, everyone. If you haven't noticed or haven't joined in on the fun work, we're all glad to have you!

President's Message

Finding Our Way Back to Love—a puzzle for today

Judy Frederick

What makes you stronger?

What values shape your lives?

These were the questions Rev. Robert Balint, our partner church visiting minister from Transylvania asked last month during his sermon at BUUF. Then he further charged us to find our way back to love.

Thinking about his words, I also remembered Martin Buber's observation about prayer. He suggested that if the only prayer we ever say is 'thank you', that is sufficient. I have tumbled all of these thoughts around and see 'thank you' at the heart of it all.

We are living in interesting times; times that can too easily pull us away from being strong and expressing our values in how we live our lives. As we move into the season of ancient turning of the earth to the darkest days, then back again, let us also lean into gratitude as well.

I give thanks to this warm and caring spiritual community. Thank you is the path to love: thank you to the coffee makers, greeters, and volunteers in the larger community, thank you to the detail and protocol gurus who advise our official business and create fundraising that allows us to be present in this valley. Thank you to the parade of children who stun us with their perceptions. I am grateful for our minister, Elizabeth, and the rest of our paid staff who are our communication hub. Thanks to our Religious Education leader and choir director. Thank you to all of the guides in classrooms, leaders of groups and committees and mitten—bringers, poets, music makers, and our dear Jennifer Grush-Dale who volunteers by creating our monthly newsletter. I am especially grateful for those who remind us to always assume the best of one another's intentions. And on and on it goes.

Try it. Say thank you. Look around here and notice what we are building together. We have such potential for abundance. But here is the puzzle.

I am saying "thank you" to too few of us who are doing too much of the work. We have a challenge here. MORE of us need to be stepping up.

One rather new member commented to me after volunteering to work on several projects, that she saw us as a family where the parents have done too good of a job of doing everything for the children, and now there are too many idle family members who take it all for granted. I agree. It shows up in a lack of volunteers for even the simple things like making coffee and greeting people, and it shows up again in a lack of commitment of resources. But there is a deeper issue here.

Our challenge is for each of us to find a way to step out of passive- recipient into active-participant. Knowing we all take our turn is how families grow strong, and shows where our values are. We say we want a just and kind world. Let us make one... here.

As Reverend Balint suggested, "Each of us is responsible for how our story moves and manifests in the world." What paragraphs are YOURS?

Starting with "Thank you"... and "Yes! I can do that."

Religious Exploration

To Our Wondrous Wings and Beyond

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

"My home is not a place, it is people." – Lois McMaster Bujold

In weeks past and everyday, I'm reminded just how blessed we are in this community. From a day-long symposium here at BUUF to connecting with my religious education colleagues across the country, I've celebrated community in many of its guises and sizes.

If you were fortunate enough to attend our Living Community symposium, you were treated to a full-blown experience of just how connected and joyous we are. I spent the day with our littlest attendees in an atmosphere of joy and celebration and silliness. Gus Tate, Jay Wechselberger and Sam Schlobohm shared their gifts of care and energy with us throughout the day. Other adults joined us for guided movement and meditation and stories, including Judy Frederick and our own minister, Elizabeth. The thought and energy that went into the planning and realization of the symposium was a beautiful group effort filled with creative forces and a caring community of connected souls. I am so grateful to you all for your loving kindness and I know I'm not alone as several parents talked with me throughout the day and thanked me for the opportunity to connect and participate.

Recently, I have participated in two webinars sponsored by our Pacific Northwest District. In these modern marvels of technology, people from all over the country gather on the phone and internet to hear wisdom and share ideas about a particular topic. The information has been useful and enlightening, but the gift of connecting with colleagues across the miles is priceless.

Whether I'm connecting with colleagues via the airwaves or seeing you all every Sunday, my community is worthy of honoring and celebrating and I'm blessed to be on this journey with you. Namaste

December Dates to Remember

for our Children's Religi us Exploration Program

Please remember the RE rehearsal and "Deck the Halls" fun activities on Saturday, December 5 from 1:00-4:00. Celebrate The Power of Community! Join the "Decking Crew" for multi-generational fun with decking the halls, craft making, singing and fellowship. All of our RE classes will rehearse on Saturday. Would you like to volunteer? Call Emmie at 658-1710.

On December 6, our annual Deck the Halls service (single service at 10:00) features our children and youth. There will be no Children's RE classes offered. All children will participate in this wonderful multi-generational service. The nursery will be staffed, as usual, for care of nursery-aged children. For those who find it difficult to remain in the service, the preschool room will be available for free play. We ask that parents supervise their own children if this option is chosen.

Due to the school holidays, only nursery care and a multi-aged winter celebration will be offered on December 28. If you will be in town and would like to join the folks in RE for some snow-themed stories and activities, please contact Emmie at 658-1710.

On January 3, regular children's RE classes will resume (don't forget we will have two services EVERY Sunday starting January 3). We look forward to welcoming the New Year with you and your children!

COMMITTEES

Fellowship switching to two services in January

David Ward

I'm sure you've noticed the wonderful atmosphere flowing through our beloved Fellowship lately. The halls are filled with love as members and friends, both old and new, share, laugh and worship together each and every Sunday morning.

As we grow in love we also grow in numbers. This is a natural result of our Unitarian Universalist values touching the hearts of spiritual seekers throughout the Treasure Valley. While exciting, this growth has resulted in crowded classrooms, a lack of parking and limited seating options, particularly during our traditional single services on the first Sunday of every month. To combat this problem, we have decided:

This was not an easy decision. But we feel it was absolutely necessary.

We are also canceling the potluck during the first Sunday of the month. We will switch instead to Second Saturday Fun Nights, which will be held on the second Saturday of each month from 6-9 pm at the Fellowship. These fun-filled events will feature a potluck dinner, games and entertainment. So mark your calendars!

Fundraising News

Claudia Fernsworth

Thank you to all who ordered poinsettias. They can be picked up after the service Sunday December 6.

And thank you to everyone who donated items to, or bought items at, our first All Silent Auction. And thanks also to those who helped set up, monitor and clean up. You all are most appreciated.

Mark your calendar now for our wonderful, elegant, Live Auction—Saturday February 5. Be thinking about what you would like to donate to that one—or if a business you frequent would be willing to donate. Donation request letters can be found on the rack in the North Vestibule. We will be looking for volunteers, so check the North Vestibule for the sign up sheet as well.

Landscape Committee Sale

Need a nice Birthday or Christmas gift for friends or family? The Landscape Committee is selling beautiful fused glass jewelry to raise funds for the "Walk through Time" pathways and project. We now have 2 wonderful new bicycle racks thanks to your past jewelry purchases! Thank you.

We hope you'll stop by our table and look at our pendants, earrings, pins, key chains, rings, and more. You'll be helping our grounds and giving someone a lovely handmade object. We'll be selling every Sunday until Christmas!

O Little Town of Bethlehem... Surrounded & Isolated

situation. Please join us this Christmas season to learn more about life under occupation. Our guests will share their first-hand experiences from Palestine, giving us a glimpse of what our Holy Land has become.

Boise natives Anne Gough and Jesse Long spent close to a year traveling and working throughout Palestine. They will share their experiences from the Occupied Territories.

As a displaced Palestinian, Reem Anani will share her personal experiences of day to day life in Occupied Palestine.

This UUJME meeting (UUs for Justice in the Middle East) is open to all interested, Saturday Dec. 12, 4pm-6pm, Jr Hi Room, BUUF. (Stay for the Potluck and Game Night afterward!).

HELP WANTED

Committee Members Needed

The Festivities Committee who puts on the Second Saturday Fellowship Fun Night and other whole church celebrations needs a chair or 2 co-chairs and members. Please contact Miriam Woito ( ) if you are interested or have questions.

SOCIAL ACTION

Voices from the Shelter

Rick Groff

The first time I met Jim was late in the month about two years ago. He sat near my desk and began to make a humming sound. It had a very pleasant resonance. Every so often, this humming sound was punctuated by a much louder and sharper vocalization. We believe he has Tourette syndrome.

The volume of his vocalizations varies night to night. When he is too loud on a night when I am there, I gently tap him on the shoulder and quietly ask him to quiet down. He sort of apologizes and then tries to tone it down.

What sounds like a hum to me, others say is Jim talking very rapidly. One person says that he speaks mathematical or engineering terms.

When he is loud and can't control his volume, I ask him to step outside for a little while. He quietly goes outside where he can vocalize as loud as he needs to. Eventually, he is able to quiet down and then he comes back inside to sleep.

I am frustrated that our societal safety net has failed Jim. However, I am glad that Interfaith Sanctuary provides a warm and secure place for him to spend the night when he runs out of money.

The BUUF team could use your help! Call me at 336-4921 for a no-commitment trial evening at the shelter.

Christmas All School Year Long

Rick Groff

Since September, BUUF volunteers have been delivering and paying for five food backpacks per week for Whittier School. They are for chronically hungry students to eat on weekends.

Sue Tennant, Whittier School Counselor, ask three students in the program some questions about the program.

Responses in Sue's words:

What do you like about the food backpack program?

Student 1: They can make it themselves.

Student 2: Shows support of other people. They like to help their families. Like the good brands, EZ-MAC.

Student 3: It helps his family since before they had no food at all sometimes. They had to eat cold rice.

What is different about the weekends now that you take the food home?

Student 1: They eat more and don't run out of food. They had to ask grandma before.

Student 3: Don't run out of food as much.

What else should the people who are helping to send this food know about this?

Student 3: The whole family feels like other people care about them. They appreciate it so much.

At this time Whittier School is receiving 15 backpacks - 5 from BUUF and 10 from the Idaho Foodbank. Whittier will need at least nine more backpacks when the program has identified all the children in need. The foodbank is at its limit of support. Cost: $6.20 per week or $241 per school year.

Please make a Christmas contribution and help to feed a hungry child all school year long.

Hunger/Food Supply Task Force Happenings

Rick Groff

Here are activities planned so far for the Hunger/Food Supply task foce. We invite your participation.

Food Backpack Program at Whittier school: see the article in this newsletter.

Continued Waiving of the Food Stamp Asset Test: It is irresponsible for individuals and families to spend all resources and assets to put food on the table for a few months. The requirement was waived for one year beginning June 1, 2009 and we are seeking to continue this waiver.

Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization: There is a cluster of child nutrition laws that will be reauthorized this spring. Team members plan to organize a visit by one of our federal legislators or their staff to Whittier School to see one of these nutrition programs in progress and talk with staff about their value. We may do a letter writing campaign at BUUF also.

Food Stamp Usage at the Capital City Market: Individuals receiving food stamps are provided with a debit card, which electronically accesses their purchasing benefits. Volunteers from BUUF will perform the transaction at the market that converts electronic purchasing benefits to tokens that will be accepted throughout the market. This will allow people to use food stamps to purchase fresh produce and other food products at the market.

Food Sorting Idaho Food Bank: Sign up for our sorts or other service projects for the Idaho Foodbank. They are worthwhile and lots of fun. Families can participate together.

Bird's Eye View at Habitat for Humanity

Anna Cheyney (age 19)

On a beautiful fall day like only Boise can have I found myself with a bird's eye view of a horse, several chickens, and a rooster (who refused to stop crowing). That day I learned the art of tar papering. This was the second time I had helped with part of the roofing for a Habitat for Humanity project. Last year I helped with putting the shingles on. As that was the first time I had ever done some type of roofing, let alone worked all day with a hammer, well let's just say my fingers hurt by the end of the day and leave it at that. When putting shingles on a roof I learned that you have to worry about ruining the shingles with your shoes. However, you don't have to do that when putting tar paper on a roof. The only given in the case of tar papering a roof is that your shoes will get very dirty from the tar. The other thing that I did that was very exciting (ok, really scary) was helping with putting in the beams between the roofing supports. I did learn that hammering nails is a lot harder when you're not swinging the hammer straight up and down. The one part that I liked the most was working the table power saw. Overall, working at this Habitat for Humanity build was a fun and learning experience made even more so by all the nice people I met.

Make it a Merry Christmas for The Interfaith Sanctuary

The holidays are hard times for the homeless. Please help us make this year a bit more comfortable for those not as lucky as we are. This is what is needed.

• Instant Dry Creamer
• Sugar
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Bread (we use 80+ loaves per wk)
• Coffee (in cans, caffeinated)
• Honey
• Paper Towels
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Plates
• Hot Cups (paper 10 oz not Styrofoam)
• Cold Cups (10 oz.)
• PaperBowls (16 oz)
• Plastic forks, spoons, knives
• Stir sticks (for coffee)
• Air Disinfectant/Freshener (spray)
• Hygiene items (smaller sized to fit in backpacks when possible, especially deodorant, foot powder, disposable razors, nail clippers, tweezers, feminine hygiene items, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
• Cough/throatdrops
• Cleaning Supplies (dish soap, liquid floor cleaner, bleach, window cleaner, sponges)
• Clothing Items: socks, underwear (male/female), sweat pants/shirts only.
• Trashbags (55 gal., 33 gal. clear & 13 gal.)
• Laundry detergent (for front loading machines)
• Liquid antibacterial handsoap (refill size)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Standard string mop heads
• Baby items -- baby wipes, small sized diapers and clothing (newborn to 6 months)
• 18 gal. plastic tubs (containers) with lids (for personal storage)
• Fabric mattress covers (twin sized)
• Twin-sized blankets (washable, ideally lighter colors or white)

Please purchase one or two items for the homeless shelter. We'll begin collecting donations at the December potluck and continue throughout the month.

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Deck the Walks with Luminarias on Christmas Eve!

Be part of the crew which lines the entryways, walkways and The Courtyard with real luminaries on Christmas Eve. We start fixing the brown paper bags with sand and candles at 4 pm and start the lighting process at 5 pm, creating a wondrous, welcoming magical glow to BUUF preceding our evening service. Luminarias or farolitas were intended to guide the infant Jesus, symbolizing new hope to a weary world. This is a family event, fun for all ages, with music, warmed spiced cider and other goodies as special treats. We will be finished by 5:30 pm. If you intend to be part of this extraordinary experience, please contact Mary Anne at 336-0179 or . We need to know who many of us will be participating.

The Intuitive Factor, A Jungian Perspective

Presented by the Idaho Friends of Jung at BUUF
Salon: Friday, December 11, 7-9 PM (refreshments served prior)
Workshop: Saturday, December 12, 10 am - 1 pm
Donations gladly accepted at the door

Susan Ozimkiewicz, MA NCC LPC, a depth psychotherapist and medical intuitive, is a recognized teacher, trainer, and speaker, whose work focuses on the emotional understanding of physiological problems. Her Friday presentation will be on intuition from a Jungian perspective, showing how this function can be an invaluable aid when feeling blocked and unable to move forward in life.

At an experiential workshop on Saturday, discover how to use your own intuitive factor as a personal transformational tool in your daily environment. Learn to recognize and use new possibilities which arise in the mind and can be perceived through symbol, image, and metaphor, and interpreted in the light of your own experience.

For more information on Ms. Ozimkiewicz, visit her Creative Process Counseling website.

Come One Come All

Second Saturday Fellowship Fun Night Dec. 12 6-9 pm

Everyone is invited to a potluck dinner followed by entertainment and fun. We will sing seasonal songs and decorate sugar cookies in December, there might even be a movie. Bring along some holiday cheer, a candle, potluck dish to share, and tableware. If you can, come at 5:30 to help set up and we will all do the clean up at the end of the evening. This is a wonderful opportunity to have some fun together.

Singles Xmas Party

Frank Shuff

I'll be hosting a singles Xmas Party on Friday, December 11 at 7:00 in my condominium clubhouse. It will include a potluck and optional gift exchange. I'm expecting about 40 people and BUUF singles are welcome to attend. Bring a friend if you'd like. Call for details. Frank Shuff 631-0953.

Ministerial Luncheons

One ministerial luncheon in December!

Join the minister (Elizabeth Greene), a Committee on Ministry member or two, Cal Peterson (who never misses!), and others for a no-host lunch at the Chinese restaurant in the Glenwood-and-Chinden shopping center, west of the now-defunct International Chinese, 11:30.

No agenda, just discussion, stories, getting acquainted, and fun.

Sage Fervor

Tom von Alten

Chuck Lauterbach reminds us that when a blond, curly-haired stranger comes to town and says he is a God, "bow down and worship me," we should pay attention. He'll present The Bacchae of Euripides with their lesson about the destructiveness of religious fervor at our one and only meeting of the Senior Sages this month, Thursday, Dec. 10, 9:30am, at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way). Join us for a no-host breakfast and an interesting discussion.

In January, we'll be back to our regular 2nd and 4th Thursdays, with more interesting topics and guests. Will you be there? Are you willing to tell us about your inspiration, your travels, your political passion? Let us know, by telephone (378-1217), email ( ), or in person. All are welcome, regardless of seniority.

Coffeehouse Beat

Nancy Harms

Thanks to all participants and attendees to make the first "Beat" a success! Mike Lemieux's music and accompaniment on the bongos was great, as was Jeff Korfanta. The poems and prose shared by Claudia Fernsworth, Greg Duffy, and Gwyn Reid was whimsical. We had great interpretation on the Beat Generation by Blake Olson. Wonderful desserts were shared by all. Hope to see you when we do it again.

Partner Church News

Gwyn Reid

November 5-8 was a busy weekend for the Balint family and the congregation of the Boise UU Fellowship. Rev. Robert Balint and his family (wife Reka, and children Dalma and Matyas) arrived Thursday morning, met at the airport by Rev. Elizabeth Greene, and their host, Bill Reid. They spent a whirlwind weekend, being whisked all over Boise by Elizabeth and members of the Partner Church committee. On Saturday night, they attended BUUF's first Fesztivál, Transylvanian Banquet, and Robert preached on Sunday. Robert, minister of the Unitarian Church in Mészkõ, Transylvania (our partner church), is the Balazs Ferenc scholar this year at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA.

In December BUUF's social action plate offering will go toward the Ferenc Balazs heritage trust. The trust is a joint venture between BUUF and the congregation of Mészkõ to help preserve the historical church and parsonage and the legacy of Unitarian minister Ferenc Balazs. 25% of the non-designated plate offering and 100% of checks marked "outreach" in the memo field will go to this outreach. Looking for last minute Christmas gifts? On November 29 and December 13, the partner church committee will be offering handicrafts from Transylvania for sale in the south vestibule.

Plans have been finalized for the 2010 "pilgrimage" to Mészkõ in July. See Mary Schwartzman's article in this newsletter (below) and more information on BUUF's website.

Boise Pilgrimage 2010 to Transylvania – July 6 to 15

The Boise Partner Church Committee is planning a pilgrimage to Transylvania & Budapest for this summer 2010 to experience the historic roots of Unitarianism, and reconnect with our partner church. There is a special section of our BUUF website dedicated to the pilgrimage.

Contact Mary Schwartzman or Cynthia Alleman for more information.

Mark Your Calendars

January 9 - Beat Night sponsored by Nancy Harms

February 13 - Hoe Down sponsored by Wanda Jennings

March 13 - Bunko Night sponsored by Wanda Jennings

If you or a group you are in would like to sponsor a fellowship fun night please contact Miriam Woito ( ) and I will send you an easy check list to follow to make your evening a success. We still have April 10 and May 8 open so let me know!

More Like Us

Jeanette Ross

At our October 18 gathering, BUUF Humanists considered two recent studies of changes in public attitudes and choices. One poll identified, a shift from religious belonging or affiliation to a personal connection to all existence. This was accompanied by greater tolerance of and acceptance of the religious beliefs and practices of others.

Another, a Colorado study of attitudes related to both religious and political affiliation, suggests profound, age-related shifts rippling through society. Older voters and churchgoers are loyalists who relate being and doing 'good' to belonging to organizations including churches and political parties. Younger voters and spiritual seekers are more like college students, women and Latino voters—oriented around personal questing and choice, networking and nonjudgmental, pragmatic decisions. They are more interested with consequences and less concerned with labels. They are ready to learn, to try something new, and relish sharing this with friends.

We humanists consider these two perspectives and find much of interest. Upcoming citizens are ready to look for new solutions and information, as they consult with friends as well as scientific findings. They consider but aren't obligated by 'experts.' They sound like potential humanists.

November 15 will provide another provocative perspective, on how humans can actively improve human functioning. Join us any 3rd Sunday at 11am in the BUUF library.

The Other Book Club

On December 13 we will be discussing The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai. We will gather at the home of Marie Francis, 5650 N. Lilybrook Way, Meridian. Call 559-6859 for directions. A book exchange is planned, no limit.

On January 10 we will be discussing the Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. We will gather at the home of Kathy McGowan, 3496 Holl Dr, Eagle. Call 939-7215 for directions. Bring book ideas for future meetings.

Holidays a Good Time to Gather Family Stories

Families typically have their own collection of memories that can be the basis for good stories. Holiday times and family visits are especially likely times to collect these stories. You can prepare yourself by making a list of what you would like to hear and from whom.

In spring 2010, Jeanette Ross will teach a "Writing Life Stories" class on four Thursdays, Feb 11-March 4 (see Adult Education spring offerings insert in January newsletter to register). This class will start you on the work of exploring and shaping the raw material of memories: your own or those of others. A story can turn into something bigger—a short story or a novel—but it doesn't have to.

If you are considering enrolling in this class, contact Jeanette at 378-1217 or for a single-page handout of interview questions to use during December get-togethers.

How to Make Holiday Gift Giving Greener

From your BUUF Green Sanctuary Team

This Holiday Season we hope you will consider giving donations to favorite charities in the names of your loved ones that you usually give gifts to. Many charities now have websites and forms for gift donations along with e-cards or paper cards saying you've donated in someone's name. Give your friends and relatives a card telling them that a donation has been made in their names to this charity. You get a tax deduction, the charity benefits, and your friends will be pleased that their charity has been helped. Sounds like a win-win. No gift wrapping, no package mailing, no mall shopping, no useless gifts being exchanged. What could be easier and greener? Encourage your friends and relatives to do the same for you. Tell them your favorite charities.

BUUF Awarded National Wildlife Federation Certification

Kam Thomas, Erin McGown and Landscape Committee Master Gardener Barb Alexander made application to the National Wildlife Federation to become a NWF Certified Natural Habitat. This was no small challenge, considering the requirements for such certification. Natural Habitats must provide a food source (such as native plants, seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, nectar), water sources (such as a bird bath, pond, water garden or stream), places to raise young (eg, dense shrubs, vegetation, nesting boxes, or pond), utilize sustainable gardening (with mulch, compost, rain garden, chemical-free fertilizers, etc), and lastly, places for cover, such as thickets, rock piles or birdhouses. These stalwart three made certain that BUUF met the requirements and were successful in being awarded the coveted certification. Copies of that plaque will be proudly displayed on each of our two new kiosks.

Mark Your Calendars – Richard Tarnas Returns!

Prof. Richard Tarnas, well-known author of The Passion of the Western Mind and Cosmos and Psyche is returning to BUUF for an evening presentation and all day workshop. Mark your calendars for April 23, 7-9 pm, April 24, 9-12 noon & 1:30-4:00 pm.

Two years ago, Prof. Tarnas presented an overview of Western social history on Friday night. At the Saturday workshop, he shared his stimulating view that human consciousness is now undergoing a profound transformation.

In April, he will update us on some of the broad predictions he made for this period in history to see how they have held up, and he will elaborate on the previous night's themes, using examples from art and music. As always, he will take questions from the participants -- an energizing process that invariably leads to fascinating insights and understanding.

If you missed Prof. Tarnas' last visit, this is the time to catch up on what those who attended have been talking about. And if you were there, you will want to see where his thinking has been taking him.

PNWD & UUA

PNWD District Assembly

An Invaluable Resource for You and Your Congregation

February 19-21, 2010
Hilton Hotel, Bellevue, WA
Register soon at www.pnwd.org.

Come to the annual gathering of UUs from throughout the Northwest. Be educated and inspired to walk out into the world shining the message that our lives matter and our actions make a difference!

• See and hear Grammy award-winning entertainer Bill Harley
• Meet Rev. Peter Morales, the new UUA President
• Meet with hundreds of other Northwest UUs
• Share knowledge, experience, and resources
• Learn new skills and expand your understanding of UUism at stimulating workshops
• Be a delegate and participate in making district decisions at PNWD Annual Meeting

Above all have fun learning, laughing, and worshiping with new UU friends. For more details and on-line registration, visit the Pacific Northwest District website.