BUUF News – March 2010

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

OK, I have a challenge for you. A spiritual one. (And not, "Do you have a spiritual practice?" although that's always a good question.)

This fall, Mary Gleason, an excellent consultant from the Unitarian Universalist Association came to BUUF. She talked to a number of folks about their feelings about the church and about the Debt Reduction Campaign we had voted to run this spring (2010).

It was a bit of a surprise to the Board, the Stewardship Committee and other leadership to hear that there were fairly strong feelings about not doing the Debt Reduction this spring (even though everyone knows it will be good to reduce our debt!). A lot of people apparently spoke strongly about the need to have just a strong Annual Budget Drive (ABD) this spring, to strengthen the programs that support our vision and mission.

Leadership listened. We are having a beautifully-planned, inclusive ABD, with the Opening Gala on March 20.

Here's the challenge: will you, with dozens of others of our beloved community, agree to be a Visiting Steward? If we are to carry out the "people's mandate," then the people need to gather as committed community members, cheerfully—even joyfully—doing the getting acquainted and asking that is involved in an Annual Budget Drive.

Many hands really do make light work. When you receive the letter asking for your participation? Just say, "Yes!"

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Judy Frederick, President of the Board

In the fall edition of UU World, UUA President Peter Morales wrote: "The first great task for us is whether we are willing to let go of [what] no longer serves us... and learn to 'do church'... in new ways."

What exciting words to lead us into a new era of co-creating a more dynamic, congregation-wide commitment to growth and fulfillment!

Come participate in our planned monthly COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS: an exchange of information, inspiration, questions, answers and problem-solving. Everyone is needed as we move from Pastoral to Program Church and live our mission goals of religious exploration, diversity and community outreach for justice. Mark your calendars for March 14, either 8:00 am or 12:30 pm. This will be our second meeting, the first was held on February 21. In addition, watch the back of the calendar in the newsletter, as we are instituting a bulletin board format for information as well. We are listening to your expressed needs to know more and to have additional ways of interacting with your Board and committees. Also, there will be new information centers in the north vestibule for another way to keep us all better connected.

Peter Morales also said, "We must remind ourselves that we are the spiritual heirs of [those] who were willing to embrace the future... we can open our hearts... and dare to love."

And I add, "This congregation is preparing for OUR spiritual heirs." Together we will make it so.

Visiting Steward & Community Connection Opportunity

Would you like an opportunity to get to know 4 other BUUF families, one-on-one? That's what the Visiting Steward activity is all about. We need YOU to sign up to be a Visiting Steward.

We ask you to come to a 1 hour orientation

• Friday, March 5 6:00 pm at BUUF, or
• Saturday, March 6 9:30 am at BUUF, or
• Thursday, March 11 7:00 pm at BUUF or
• Additional makeup sessions as needed

Make arrangements with four assigned families or individuals to meet for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. During the meeting we'll ask you to Get to know each other better; where you came from, your interests, etc. Discuss your BUUF experiences; past, present, hopes for the future; Discuss volunteer opportunities at BUUF, your interests and skills to offer; Complete your Financial Commitment form for next year so the Board can set the budget for July, 2010 through June, 2011 Program Year.

Please contact Bob Huntley to sign up. E-mail to or phone Bob's secretary, Laurie Scott, at 388-1230.

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Long Winters Nap

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration

Like a bear, my mind seems to be hibernating. Luckily, it doesn't really completely shut down, but it definitely is taking this winter to regroup and rest up for the renewed activity of spring. I admit that I get a little worried when my mental faculties appear to be fading. Naps in the afternoon have become a necessity and, when I can't take those few minutes to turn off, I'm groggy and grumpy for the rest of the evening. I have decided to embrace this period of rest and regrouping, rather than fight through it. Naps are good and the deepened state of calm and clarity is a gift to be cherished.

In this time of clarity, I realize that my week runs in a condensed cycle of the seasons. Sunday afternoons and evenings are lazy late summer when everything moves slowly and conservation of limited energy is key. Mondays are my fall and winter where rest and regrouping is essential. Tuesday through Saturday is a time of reawakening and renewed activity much like early spring. There is also a feeling of building excitement and anticipation during this time. Sunday morning arrives and it is like high spring and summer, with all their jubilant energy, blossomings, and colors all rolled into one!

My exhilarating Sunday mornings constantly confirms that our BUUF community is filled with wonders! Wonderful loving people who live by their hearts, saying yes to our children and youth and the religious exploration program. Wonderful children's stories that teach about friendship and finding joy and purpose from being together. It's what we're all about here at our fellowship!

Please consider helping out in the Boise UU Fellowship nursery

Did you know that our nursery has an excellent sound system that allows the people in the nursery to listen to the service? It also has puzzles and dress-up clothes , toys, and blocks. But best of all it has little ones who love to snuggle and play with those toys and you! We are honored to have a few kind souls who volunteer their time in the nursery even though their children are grown or older than nursery age.

During several Sunday services lately, we have not had anyone sign up to be in the nursery and our young parents stay with their children and listen to the service while playing, rocking, and sharing snacks. Although this is a nice time for them to build community among other young families, they miss out on the community and communion of the whole congregation and the spiritual recharge that comes with sitting quietly among fellow congregants during the service. When you're raising infants and toddlers, there's not a whole lot of quiet time for reflection and spiritual recharge.

We are a loving and caring community and we take care of each other. Please consider sharing your talents and gifts with our littlest ones and sign up to spend some time in our nursery. There are plenty of opportunities for you to play! Please contact Emmie at to sign up today!

Child Dedication

Our children are an essential and life-affirming part of our congregation. Unitarian Universalists believe that each child brings new life and hope into the world and we, here at BUUF, include a special ceremony to dedicate children during a Sunday service. If you would like to have your child(ren) dedicated please note that April 11 is the next scheduled date. The Rev. Elizabeth Greene will be performing the dedication. For more information, or to indicate your interest, please contact Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration at 658-1710 ASAP!

Bridging Sunday

Calling all high school seniors!! If you have been associated with our church in your life, we want you to be part of Bridging Sunday on May 2! Contact Director of Religious Exploration, Emmie Schlobohm, right away.

Easter Eggs! Easter Books!

We are sooo looking forward to the annual Easter egg hunt and watching the kids exchange the bunny munny they find for books!

With all those eggs to hide and books to hand out, we are also looking for Easter Volunteers! Sign up at the RE table in the north vestibule, or call Ann at 639-9450. We need at least six people for the 9 a.m. service, and at least ten for the 11 a.m. service. Thanks!

COMMITTEES

Calling All BUUF Members…

Cathy Carmen

The Nominating Committee extends an invitation to all BUUF members interested in serving on the BUUF Board of Directors beginning in June 2010. We are currently generating a list of possible nominations to be voted on at the BUUF annual meeting in May 2010. If you've ever wondered how we are governed, what types of things come before the Board or are just curious about the whole process of electing officers, please contact a Nominating committee member for information. We'd be happy to speak with you. Members are: Val Duffy (327-0023 or ), Chip Cole (336-8201 or ), Joe Wechselberger (871-2889 or ), Dick Sevier (345-7062), and Cathy Carmen (338-8984 or ) Remember – congregational polity is alive and well here at BUUF!

Fundraising News

Claudia Fernsworth

Albertson's is no longer doing the Community Partners program. They have a deal on gift cards to take it's place.

Auction Report - First of all, a big Thank You to everyone who donated to, worked on, bought a ticket to, made a bid and especially—helped clean up. You are most appreciated. More people than ever bought tickets—about 125. The auction netted about $15,000. The Fundraising Committee thanks everyone for their help.

The Special Appeal was successful—we will now be able to make a very much needed upgrade of the computers used by the staff. The frustration with passe technology will quickly become a thing of the past.

Please Leave the Thermostat Alone!

Our Wonderful Sexton, Warren Bean, has our heating and air conditioning figured out and set so that we will all be most comfortable. It comes on automatically according to Warren's instructions.

The problem arises when someone gets too hot or too cold and attempts to adjust one of the eight thermostats in the building, thinking that will help the situation.

If everyone leaves the thermostats alone, we should all be comfortable.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Whittier School Backpack Food Program to Get March Plate Donations

Besse LaBudde

The Idaho Foodbank has developed a well-working solution to supply weekend meals for hungry school children. On Friday afternoons, school-identified children take home backpacks which contain six meals and snacks for the weekend: 1 quart shelf-stable milk, 2 cereal packets, 2 canned lunches, 2 microwave dinners and 2 nutritious snacks. The cost for one child per school year is $250, exactly the amount of last year's special payment to social security recipients, so five members of the social action committee agreed to donate their bonus or the equivalent to get the backpack program started at Whittier School.

So many Whittier School children qualified for free lunches that everyone was given free lunch this year, and some get free breakfast also, yet the school was not receiving backpacks. Social Action members approached Nurse Adde, and the school-needs team decided to "give it a try" with our funds for five. Gradually, the number increased to 15 whereupon the Foodbank had depleted their backpack budget. In February four additional needy students were identified and the Foodbank managed to fund those also.

With one-quarter of the undesignated plate offerings from March, along with designated outreach donations and the seed money from Christmas time, the Social Action Committee hopes to have a significant amount to apply to backpack expenses next September. This is BUUF's latest way to make a difference in Garden City as we agreed when we moved to our present site.

Lattes or a Backpack?

Ever have a grande latte at Moxie Java? How much is that ? About three bucks? So over the year how many do you really have? 40? 60? 80? If you have one twice a week you have at least 104, costing you about $312 , right? Ok, so what else could you do with that money? Sure you could buy something great to wear or a new techy toy but take a minute to consider an alternative.

For $250 you can ensure a needy Whittier student has enough food to keep them full every weekend for a year. The Idaho Foodbank's Backpack for Kids Program provides backpacks filled with nutritious, easy to prepare food which is sent home each Friday with children who might otherwise go hungry.

At the beginning of the year, Whittier had 15 children who qualified; it has since grown to 19. Next year, the need will be greater. In September, several members of BUUF each donated $250 to sponsor a Whittier child for the year. It is now time to think about next year and how we can continue our efforts at Whittier.

What can you do? Well, think about the lattes you drink.

Please contact Nancy Rice ( ), Sheila Ames ( ), or Bessie LaBudde ( ), for more information.

Thanks for your Generosity!

BUUF's November offertory recipient, The Community Center (TCC) and The Welcoming Congregation Committee extend their heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of BUUF's members and friends, who donated $1,271.64 to support TCC's operations. TCC is the only facility in southeastern Idaho dedicated as a place where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations, people and their allies can gather free from concern of harassment. For more information about TCC, go to www.tccidaho.org.

Guest At Your Table Donations

Becky Groff

I wanted to let everyone in the congregation know we collected the Guest at Your Table boxes. I had the help of the kids in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade R.E. classes to count the money and I will be sending off checks totaling $410.49 to UUSC.

Sharing our blessings through Guest at Your Table ensures that the UUSC's human-rights work continues and builds its membership. Membership is vitally important because UUSC receives no Unitarian Universalist Association or government support.

Thank you for all your support.

Thank You to BUUF

Thank you BUUF for your generous contributions to Interfaith Sanctuary. Your donations will be instrumental in supporting the many folks who find themselves homeless and alone. Thank you. If you would like more information on the shelter, please visit the website at interfaithsanctuary.wordpress.com or contact Nancy Rice at .

Voices from the Shelter

Nancy Rice

Tina walked into the shelter with her two young daughters and a boyfriend during one of my first shifts. A large, out-spoken woman, Tina had family in town but still no place to stay. Her two girls, towhead and tiny were 4 and 6 with big eyes staring up at me as I took the families information.

Living in a shelter is not easy for families. Soon the boyfriend was gone and the girls were running through the halls unattended as mom sat outside smoking. Especially Brooke, the 4 year old.. Brooke needed constant watching as she grabbed toys, pushed babies and hit adults. Meanwhile Tina could be heard throughout the shelter screaming at her youngest. It felt like a no win. Brooke had been dealt a bad hand, with an out of control mom and a personality that needed much more stability than could be found at a shelter.

Everyone who worked at Sanctuary was frustrated with Tina, with Brooke and with the feeling of futility. This child had no future. Until Fawn.

Fawn is the Social Worker at Sanctuary. She initiated counseling session with Tina to help her deal with her children and slowly, her parenting changed. The yelling diminished and Brooke's behavior improved. Last week, I walked into the Family Lounge and there was Tina and the girls eating the microwave dinners Tina had purchased. Tina asked Brooke to share how many stars for good behavior she had earned that week. Brooke giggled. What felt like a miracle was just another day at the shelter.

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Ministerial Lunches!

Each month, the Committee on Ministry and our minister, Elizabeth, sponsor two no-host lunches, so that people can just gather and have some relaxed time with the minister. (It doesn't happen as a matter of course too often these days, alas!) We hold the West Lunch on first Tuesdays, and the East Lunch on fourth Fridays. Here are the facts:

Tuesday, March 2, Miss Tami's Cottage and Tea Room, 1031 North Main Street, Meridian, 11:30. (It's always possible just to have coffee here, too.)

Friday, March 26, the cafeteria in the URS Building (formerly Washington Mutual, even more formerly M-K) on Park, across Broadway on the inbound Extender, 11:30. Go in the double doors behind the big fountain.

Join us!

Friendship Dinners are Back!

Would you like to spend an enjoyable evening visiting and dining with 6-8 other people, in the intimacy of a friend or new friends home?

Be prepared to have an uplifting experience.

Our first dinner will be March 13, 2010.

Please contact Bill or Peggy Pulley: , Bill: 208-880-4199 or Peggy: 208-739-370. The sign-up sheet will be in the North Vestibule.

Partner Church News

Gwyn Reid

And then there were six....

We were delighted to learn that Irene and Ed Rush have decided to join Mary and Alan Schwartzman and Bryan and Wanda Jennings on this summer's "pilgrimage" to Mészkõ. At this writing, we are planning a get together with old and new travelers for a question and answer session regarding travel to Transylvania. Reverend Balint and family will return to Mészkõ from their one year stay in the U.S. in time to welcome the Boise travelers.

A New Community House

The major plans for the coming year are to expand the community house in Mészkõ so it can accommodate worship services in the winter. The current structure is about 400 square feet, so it's a tight squeeze to get all the congregation in.

Csegez and Lynchburg

Rev. Balint serves another congregation in Transylvania. The village of Csegez has a mostly elderly population. Their partner church is in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Balint family visited Lynchburg over the holidays. The partner church committee in Lynchburg is getting re-energized. We hope to be able to help with ideas and in other ways to help them strengthen their partnership.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Partner Church Committee is scheduled for Monday, March 1 at 5:45 pm. After the Partner Church meeting, we join the Social Justice Council meeting to learn about other activities and opportunities for involvement in Social Justice.

Someone Will Explain Everything

Jeanette Ross

We seem to accumulate experts in direct relationship to our doubts and fears. How much of what we experience can be tidied up, organized, labeled, tabled? How do we understand the subjective areas of our lives, of feelings, intuitions? Old school logic drew a line between the testable and the felt, between that which we can measure and that which we guess about, grock, believe in. Sociology has its merits, but doesn't try to guide us.

The subject of our discussion at our February meeting, Ken Wilbur, not only erases the dividing line between fact-based inquiry and the mystic— he grants privileged value to that which incorporates the spiritual dimensions, particularly the learning that comes from spiritual practice. To carry this further, he suggests that a culture can know more than any single individual. Do we agree? Under what conditions? What does this suggest about our obligation to enter the world's troubled areas, doing good as we understand it? For Wilbur, only the thoroughly enlightened should try to do good. Those who know us suspect that we have our own, perhaps tentative responses to these questions. We meet again March 21, 11am in the BUUF library. Newcomers are always welcome. Ask Jeanette or Rick Groff, who can put you on our HUUmanist email list.

Sages: Drama, and History

Tom von Alten

We all live through history, sometimes at a distance, and sometimes up close and personal. On Thursday, March 11, Chuck Lauterbach will complete his trilogy of Greek dramatis personae with a look at the Father of Comedy, Aristophanes.

Have you had your own brush with capital H History? Jean Gonzales and you, coming to the Senior Sages on Thursday, March 25, will share personal stories that connect us to larger events.

We meet 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the Kopper Kitchen, 2661 Airport Way, at 9:30 am (or maybe a little earlier, to get your order in) for lively discussions and a no-host breakfast. Contact Tom von Alten (378-1217 or ) for more information, or just show up! No reservation needed.

Interested in Dream Work?

If you'd like to learn more about Dream Analysis and would like to join other BUUF dream group enthusiasts at upcoming Jeremy Taylor workshops which will be held at BUUF, please contact Sue Philley 208-340-9450 or email .

Other Book Club

Mark you calendars for the following book club discussions. March 14 we will be discussing The Help by Kathryn Stockett. We will be meeting at the home of Verna Robinson, 7012 Tamarindo, Boise, 83714. Her phone number is 853-2808 for directions.

On April 11, we will be discussing the Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows. Benita Coleman will host.

On May 16 we will be discussing the non-fiction The Good Life by Helen & Scott Nearings. The book is about living self-sufficiently. Eric Wallace will host.

Our June selection is To Kill a Mockingbird.

Happy Reading.

Camping with BUUF

It is time to think about your summer plans. Each summer BUUF members and friends gather at Ponderosa State Park in Mc Call, Idaho to camp together. We are currently in the process of selecting a weekend date and hope to get one in late July or early August. Please consider joining us. We will need to finalize reservations soon and it helps to know who wants to go. Please contact Eileen Geddings (853-0822 or ) or Karen Raese (853-3865 or ) to reserve a spot or for more information.

History Keepers

From the earliest known of BUUF newsletter "Summer Jottings June 1950"

"One of the most prominent developments in Unitarianism is recent years has been the sudden sprouting of Fellowship Units all over the map. All agree that this signifies an awakening to need for liberal churches or fellowship groups where like-minded folks may come together, freely, without fear of condemnation, talk over their ideals and religious faith and build for the future.

"In charge of this work from the beginning has been Munroe Husbands, who came to the American Unitarian Association headquarters at Boston two years ago.

"Mr. Husbands played with the Moroni Olsen Repertoire Company over twenty years ago. Boise was always one of the stops and Mr. Husbands visited here on many occasions..."

(Ed. Note: Nell Tregaskis, a member of the Boise Unitarian Church, circa 1910 and a founding member of BUUF in 1948, also spoke of traveling with this repertoire group. During BUUF's early years Nell delighted and inspired another generation with her presence and strength.)

Save the Date!

On Saturday evening, April 17, BUUF will be the site of an exciting and eclectic variety show put on by a traveling performance group called the "Tranny Roadshow." The Tranny Roadshow is comprised of poets, filmmakers, storytellers, rock bands, comedians, opera singers, puppeteers, and more – all for a modest price of $10.

Although the members of the Tranny Roadshow all identify as transgender, the show is not exclusively for transpeople. It provides a raucous evening of entertainment, open and accessible to people of all backgrounds.

This program is sponsored by BUUF's Welcoming Congregation Committee. For more information about the performers, go to www.trannyroadshow.com.

Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East Presents:

Remembering Rachel Corrie, American Hero and Martyr, bulldozed to death by Israeli soldier while protecting the home of a Palestinian family. Focusing on Home and Orchard Demolitions: What is going on? Why? Come learn and discuss.

This UUJME meeting is open to everyone. BUUF, North Wing, Saturday, March 27, 4-6 pm.

Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza

Saturday April 17—1:00 to 4:00

Sign up in the North Vestibule to help and/or to make the chocolate dessert of your choice—from scratch, please— or call Claudia at 853-1526.

The Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza is open to the public, so tell or e-mail your friends and family.

Tickets are $10 for 3 desserts and 1 raffle ticket—take home available

Extra desserts are $3 and extra raffle tickets are $2

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Join us for our 2nd Community Conversation. Sunday March 14th at 8 AM and 12:30 PM in the South Hall Channing Room. What IS a Program Church anyway? Pastoral? Are we having an identity crisis? Come join the conversation. Snacks and Childcare provided (Call Janet Wyke with ages and number of children at 939-3853, or )

Bunco and Potluck

A Social Evening at our "Spring Into Community" Fun Fair

Saturday, March 13th, 6:00pm at BUUF
Bunco is a fun dice game of chance.
It is easy to learn and takes no skill!
Come to our monthly 2nd Saturday potluck
Play the game of Bunco.
Prizes will be awarded!

Social groups and committees will feature information and opportunities for you to get involved in our Living Community. Child care will be available. For more information contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

Attention BUUF Social Group Leaders and Committee Chairs

The "Spring Into Community Fun Fair" included with our Bunco Social and 2nd Saturday potluck is sponsored by the Chalice Circle Leaders, BUUF Social groups and committees to make everyone aware of the many activities in which they could get involved. Newcomers will be especially invited to attend. We are inviting your group to share your activity with others by providing information, handouts, sign-up sheets, signs at a table, and having someone there to explain your group. We are asking each group to help with the set up and the clean up.

Please contact Wanda Jennings @ 362-7563 or to confirm a table for your group.