BUUF News – January 2011

Contents

EverGreene

Rev. Elizabeth Greene

I am wanting to know your deepest secrets.

Sound odd? Let me explain. I have been interested in the subject of secrets for a long time: when are they are a good thing? when are they are destructive? what do people feel they must keep completely to themselves? what effect do they have on the keeper and her/his relationships?

And so, I am preaching on the subject on Sunday, February 6.

If you choose to identify yourself and send me your secret(s) by email or other signed means, confidentiality will be honored.

At the same time, I encourage you to send them anonymously (not something I usually encourage!). I suggest sending your secrets, typed, to me at home: 1140 Santa Maria Dr., Boise, 83712. You might use the church for a return address, if you want to be sure it doesn't go astray. (6200 Garrett, Boise, 83714) You might also seal it in an envelope with my name on it and put it into the slot of the wooden box attached to Gerry's desk, in the office. Put "Confidential" clearly on all envelopes.

The more secrets I receive, the more relevant and interesting will be our Sunday morning. Send yours today!

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Debra Smith

Good tidings I bring you. My faith has been redeemed. From Dictionary.com,
Redeem:

1. to buy or pay off; clear by payment: to redeem a mortgage.
2. to recover (something pledged or mortgaged) by payment or other satisfaction: to redeem a pawned watch.
3. to convert (paper money) into specie.
4. to discharge or fulfill (a pledge, promise, etc.).
5. to make up for; make amends for; offset (some fault, shortcoming, etc.)
6. to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom.
7. Theology . to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.

Judy Holcomb and Erin Logan were our uber-stewards for the recent A Redemption that Makes Sense for UUs, our campaign to reduce our mortgage debt. Lover of words that I am, I can't decide which definition fits. But by any definition, we fellow stewards, all of us, contributed $97,000 to this endeavor, with the result that our Chelan mortgage will be redeemed much sooner—in about three years hence. But we are not waiting for brighter days before we implement significant changes.

The board is working hard to create new structures and policies to help unleash the talents and the zeal of each of you. Victoria Owens chairs a task force made up of board members Bill Reid and David Clopton, and the new chair of a newly-envisioned Stewardship Committee (drum roll, please), Matt Sabin. This hard-thinking, hard-working team has created a new model for budgeting that will convert us to a mission-driven budgeting process, where the Program Ministry Council and its committees develop budgets and fund-raising goals that grow out of our collective mission and each ministry initiative. Stewardship becomes a throughout-the-year way of nurturing our zeal, rather than a month-long collection of pledges. I know this all sounds very abstract, but the goal is to empower people to be creative and to create worthwhile lives for ourselves and our community.

In all honesty, right now we don't have a lot of wealth with which to create worth. After all expenses are met, our fund for saving the world is left in a pretty meager state. But the board is planning for that day in the not too distant future, when we will be better able to leverage our wealth toward that task of transforming lives and healing our world.

As you make your New Years resolutions (What? You don't? It's some of the best fiction writing I know.)resolve to live in full awareness of the costs, not just benefits, of every decision you make during the day. Be deliberate. Make conscious choices; be conscious consumers. Put your money where your mouth is. Simplify. Consolidate. Focus. Choose with a full awareness of the ramifications of your choices. As Thoreau might have said, but didn't (this is attributed to one Charles Haddon Spurgeon—a monied name if ever I've heard one): "Economy is half the battle of life. It is not so hard to earn money as to spend it well."

Thank you, all of you, who contribute your time, talent, zeal and specie. We are a species capable of great nobility indeed.

Religious exploration

January's Gift of Time and Space

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." ~ Edith Sitwell(

In the deep of winter, everything slows down a little for me. As I go into this welcome month of slowed activity and reflection, I look back at the joys of the past months and forward to the wonders that await. In the recent past, Deck the Halls is complete thanks to the hard and heart work of a dedicated group of guides and advisors and Religious Exploration Committee members and friends. In the present and beyond, this year's batch of Coming of Age youth is a phenomenal mix of energy, wisdom, and heart. It's great to look around at the mentors' faces and reactions during our monthly gatherings when the youth speak up and share their thoughts. We're all in for a treat in May when these young people share their personal credos during our Coming of Age Sunday services. Mark your calendars now for May 8! Most of these young people will also be going to Boston in June and you can get to know them better as they reach out to our community through service projects, community activities, and FUNdraising efforts.

May your January be filled with comfort, good food, talks with friends and family, and the warmth of a loving community surrounding you. Blessings and namaste.

Happy January!

This month we on the Religious Exploration committee want to take a moment and say Thank You to all who participate in RE. From infants to students to adult facilitators, to the Remarkable Emmie Schlobohm, none of what we do would be worth it!

In the spirit of giving, the RE Committee is implementing Service Project Sundays. The first Sunday of every month will be dedicated to lessons and projects that contribute to our communities. The Junior High class will assist in services, from greeting to reading. Preschool to 6th grade with be together learning about service and actively making a difference. We have some in the hopper, such as promoting awareness of world hunger, and the living conditions of children around the world. We'd love to involve local organizations, especially the Idaho Humane Society and programs that help local school age children. If you have a service project idea for this range of ages, or want to volunteer on these days, please contact Ann Sabin at 639-9450 or . Thanks!

COMMITTEES

Stand Up and Be Counted

February will be sweeps month at BUUF. The Fellowship Connections Team will be taking a CONFIDENTIAL census survey of who does what and who attends what at BUUF. This is an effort to better understand the workings of our community and to make sure the needs of our congregation are being met.

This concentrated effort will take a lot of coordination and cooperation. We will have a clearly organized system set up to maximize our efforts. We will need volunteers at each Sunday Service, data entry help, and attendance reports from each activity that meets in the name of BUUF, be these committee, social, or voluntary services.

The Fellowship Connections Team wants to make sure that each and every person who wants to be involved in our fellowship can find their niche and know how important they are.

Look for sign-up sheets or call Miriam Woito at 890 6074 or e mail if you would like to help. Thank You!

"How does the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship remember special people and events?"

After moving to our present site in 1998, BUUF was finally able to create a permanent home. Our History Keepers Committee was formed in 2001 to archive BUUF's institutional memory. In 2003, the Memorial Brick Project was conceived by Martin Wilke and Alan Schwartzman just as construction began on two new classroom wings and the Courtyard.

The Memorial Brick Project is designed to provide family and friends an opportunity to remember a loved one, an event, or anything significant in their lives——joy or sorrow. The Courtyard location was chosen in order to create a close and ever present memory. Since 2004 bricks have been inscribed, placed and dedicated for people, pets, weddings and other significant life events.

Memorial Bricks are sold only upon request. The Courtyard is already built and blank bricks are in place.

Newly engraved bricks can be purchased for $50. Orders are filled and dedicated one to two times per year.

Feel free to visit the Memorial Bricks in our beautiful Courtyard or contact the BUUF Office for order forms.

Sincerely, The BUUF Memorial Brick Committee

Fundraising News

Claudia Fernsworth

The Auction is coming! The Auction is coming!

* Mark your calendar for Saturday February 5, 2011 and prepare to celebrate "Hollywood—an Evening in Tinseltown" with the traditional Live and Silent auctions, dinner and entertainment.

* If you have an item or a service to donate contact Claudia at 853-1526 or fill out a donation form on the clipboard in the North Vestibule.

* If you would like to volunteer before, during or after "Hollywood—an Evening in Tinseltown," sign up on the clipboard in the North Vestibule.

"Faith and Justice Series," March 4, 5, 6

Mark your calendar and plan to attend one, two, or all three shows on Friday March 4, Saturday March 5, and Sunday March 6. Gary Anderson, our lauded and renowned portrayer of Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, will present two one-man shows each day:

Clarence Darrow Revealed is an intimate portrait exploring Darrow in his decling years. He was America's most celebrated lawyer— both hated and admired. What price did he pay for standing up for what is right instead of what is popular—issues such as racism, social injustice and the death penalty?

Keeping the Faith: The Life of William Jennings Bryan features one of the most passionately honored and reviled politicians in American history. Bryan was much loved for his beliefs. He fought for issues such as teaching Creationism in public schools, voting by women and arguing against all war. He was the Democratic Party's candidate for president three times. He was "The Great Commoner—The Prince of the Pulpit."

This well researched series should prove most interesting. Spread the word, especially to lawyers, history buffs, and history dolts as well as any actors you know.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Shelter

Rick Groff

The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has supplied a volunteer team to the homeless shelter each Sunday night for four years. All three volunteers start at 5:30 PM . Two volunteers work until 9:30 to 10:00 PM and the third works until midnight. Each new volunteer goes through a one night orientation at the shelter before deciding whether to join the team. Volunteers work approximately every fourth Sunday. The team always needs new volunteers. Please call me at 208-794-2505 or email me at if you have questions or want to do a no-commitment orientation.

General Supplies Needs

• Instant Dry Creamer
• Sugar
• Coffee (in cans – caffeinated)
• Paper Towels
• Toilet Paper
• Hot Cups (paper – 10 oz.; not Styrofoam)
• Cold Cups (9-10 oz.)
• Hygiene items (small sizes – deodorant, foot powder, disposable razors, nail clippers, tweezers, feminine hygiene items, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
• Cough drops (especially in the winter!)
• Laundry detergent (for front loading machines)
• Trash bags (55 gal., 33 gal. clear & 13 gal.)
• Liquid antibacterial hand soap (refill size), hand sanitizer (pump bottle)
• Cleaning Supplies (dish soap, bleach, sponges, antibacterial surface wipes)
• Boxes of Tissues
• Baby items (baby wipes, small sized diapers and clothing – newborn to 6 months)
• Bedding – twin sized sheets (flat and fitted – white or light colors only), twin sized blankets, pillow cases.

Where are You From?

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship's Social Action Committee is hosting Exodus 1947, by Elizabeth Rodgers & Robby Henson.

The film tells the story of the secret American involvement in "illegal" immigration to Palestine following WWII. The documentary runs one hour is narrated by Morley Safer.

Saturday, January 15, 7–9 pm

Panel discussion to follow focusing on the question "Where are you from?, the refugee story from Boise and beyond..."

Treats and beverages top be provided by Junior High Youth. Donations to be accepted for Whittier Elementary School.

To be held in the Sanctuary of the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 6200 Garrett St. Boise, Idaho 83714 . For more information please call Cathy Sherman 387-0478 or 794-6277.

Local Hunger Issues

Are you concerned about the increasing number of hungry children and adults in our community? If so, we invite you to join us for our monthly Hunger/Food Supply Task Force meeting on January 10 at 6:30 pm in the Raible room. You can learn about how our faith community is addressing this pressing social justice issue and decide whether or not you'd like to be part of our team. Questions? Contact Sheila Ames at or call 629-0321.

Social Justice and the Government

Both the federal and state governments this year are facing the issues of large deficits and distrust of government. At the state level this may result in large cuts in services especially in services to the most vulnerable.

On January 6, at 7:00 – 9:00 PM, in the north wing of our Fellowship, the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger (IIRAH) will provide a basis for reframing these issues in ways that over time that may reduce their impact. We will be looking at such things as the role of government, the state and federal budgets and current revenue sources. Sounds really boring right? If there are government sponsored social justice programs that you care about such as education, Medicaid, the Human Rights Commission, etc. then you need this information. Please call Rick Groff at 208-794-2505 or email at if you have questions.

Whittier School Update

Thank you to everyone who has donated items for Whittier School! We had an outstanding number of gloves, hats, and mittens donated. If you're cleaning out closets to start the new year off right, be sure to set aside those gently used sweatpants (or perhaps find a great sale and get some new) for the students. We're still gathering donations for the hygiene kits. While we have enough soap, toothbrushes, conditioner and shampoo, we need combs, pencils, hair accessories, toothpaste, small toys and books for elementary school kids. All items must fit in a quart-size Ziploc bag. The Whittier School donation barrel is located in the north vestibule. Thank you for your continuing generosity. If you have questions, please contact Sheila Ames at or call 629-0321.

Plate Offering Requests

The Social Action Committees are looking for a few good organizations that would like to receive 25% of the congregation's plate offerings in 2011. If you have any suggestions for worthy causes, please forward them to Sheila Ames at by January 14. If your suggestion is chosen, please be prepared to speak about your cause at the two services the first Sunday of the month or to invite a speaker from the organization for a brief speech.

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

CCT at the Doorway

The month of January is named for the Roman god Janus, the god of doorways, gates, beginnings, and endings. He is usually pictured with two faces, looking back at the old and forward at the new. As the Congregational Care Team looks back, we see a year during which we were called upon many times to meet the needs of BUUF members and friends who had experienced the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job or business in the troubled economy, or other difficult situations. At the same time, we have lost a few of our team members to job moves or other activities in their lives.

We can also look back on a very successful Life Skills Training session in November, with more people attending than any time in our collective memory. Several of these people came to our regular December meeting as well and expressed their intention to join our team, so we are looking forward to a replenished and revitalized CCT for the new year! Those who joined us include Diane Schwabe, Debbie Johnson, Mary Nell Whitenack, Ray Onyon, Nik Onyon, Renee Hatten-Montagne, Peggy Pulley and the Rev. Jackie Kelly. We are delighted to have these fine people aboard and can hardly wait for 2011 to begin.

At the same time, we know that the world's realities show no sign of easing in the next year, so our Pay It Forward Fund has also been replenished, through the generosity of many BUUFians. If you have bills that must be paid, we can help with a one-time grant of up to $350. If it's just an empty spot in your stomach that needs to be filled, the BUUF food bank is always available in the coat closet in the south vestibule. Take what you need, or if you're one of the lucky ones, contribute what you can. There always seems to be a need for good protein food - tuna, chicken, peanut butter, etc. And happy New Year to everyone!

The Times They are A'Changin'

Beginning February 6 and for the rest of this program year we will begin our first service at 9:30. We will begin the second service at 11:15. Don't be early and don't be late!

Hollywood: A Tribute to Tinseltown

Gwyn Reid

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Saturday, February 5 is just around the corner. It's time for BUUF's fabulous annual auction. This year the theme is "Hollywood: A Tribute to Tinseltown". The evening features live and silent auctions, great entertainment, and a wonderful dinner fit for an Oscar winner. The premier social and entertainment event of the year is designed as an adult event. Admission is $20 if tickets are purchased by January 31 - $25 after January 31. Again this year, we'll accept most credit cards on the night of the auction! Please help the Fellowship by inviting lots of family, friends and co-workers to attend—and to bid! Live bidding starts at 8 pm, but the fun starts right when the doors open at 6:00 pm, Saturday, February 5. If you have an item or service to donate, please see Claudia Fernsworth. Tickets can be purchased at the BUUF office or from a member of the auction committee: Patty Nakaoki, Gwyn Reid, Bill Reid, Nancy Harms, Becky Groff, Claudia Fernsworth.

Ministerial Luncheons!!

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 and each other. We hold the West Lunch on first Tuesdays, and the East Lunch on fourth Fridays. Here are the facts:

Tuesday, January 11, 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, January 28, 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!

Inspiration and Reflection

Jeanette Ross

December humanists have ended the calendar year as you read this— in conversation with a little goofiness tossed in. Literally, although not in the BUUF library, where December conversation began with a sharing of words to live by. One recalled much treasured words of wisdom from a religious leader. Another has memorized satirical poetry written while meeting an onerous— and boring— work obligation. Then we shifted to our hopes for the coming year. We want new ways to explain ourselves, to take responsibility for our fate and our place. Or, to paraphrase what one of us said, we are here to live as best we can in the largest abstraction we can truly understand, that of community.

The silliness I mentioned? That came a few days later, in a paper airplane throwing contest that celebrated two dates, the solstice and an anniversary of the first human flight. Takeaway lesson: not only can paper fly, but paper airplane-making equalizes vast differences in age, strength and dexterity.

Our January meeting should be good for another laugh. Our topic is humor. Bring your own to share, Sunday, January 9, at 11am, in the BUUF library. Questions? Contact Rick Groff or Jeanette Ross.

Rainbow Spirituality Discussion Group To Form

A discussion group focusing on spirituality and how it relates to sexuality and gender identity will meet for the first time on Sunday, Jan. 23, at 12:30 p.m. at BUUF. The purpose of the group is to assist in more fully meeting the spiritual needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and ally members of the congregation. Individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome to participate.

This discussion group is sponsored by BUUF's Rainbow Outreach Committee, which is the Fellowship's liaison to the LGBT community.

If you have questions about the discussion group, please contact Michael Stevenson at or 562-7053 or Louise Jacobsen at or 378-1085.

What happened in 1948?

What are the roots of today's situation in Israel and Palestine?

From the beginnings to today's "Jews for Peace & Justice for Palestinians" movement, using rarely seen archival footage, and interviews with various experts and scholars, Tragedy in the Holy Land will be shown on the big wall screen in the north wing of Buuf on Saturday, January 8, at 4 PM.

Free. All are welcome. Sponsored by the Boise chapter of UU's for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME).

Women on the Verge

Yes, ladies, originally it was "on the verge of insanity" and some women¹s groups that formed at BUUF more than 10 years ago are still going strong! If you would like to learn more about forming or joining a women¹s group that meets at BUUF and/or in members¹ homes on the first Tuesday of each month or other times, please call Sue at 340-9450 or email .

The Other Book Club

Come join us the 2nd Sunday of the month for lively discussion on books and other topics.

January 9 – Our read is Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. We will meet at the home of Eric Wallace, 1387 E. Monterey Dr., Boise, 433-0706.

February's book is The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall. We will meet at the home of Erin Logan, 2116 N. 17th St., Boise, 336-4960.

March's Book is The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz and April's Book is Freedom by Jonathon Franzen

Happy Reading!

Sage Living Together

Tom von Alten

Is cohousing coming to Boise? Cohousing is a place where lives are simplified, the earth is respected, diversity is welcomed, children play together in safety, and living in community with neighbors comes naturally. The idea originated in Denmark, and has spread to hundreds of cohousing communities worldwide, many in the Northwest. Jay Wechselberger will tell us more about the idea, and planning in our neighborhood on Thursday, January 13, 9:30am at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way).

On the fourth Thursday of the month, Jan. 27, we'll see how Swedish professor of global health (and co-founder of Doctors without Borders) Hans Rosling makes good on his motto of "no more boring data!" and how his nonprofit Gapminder is making a difference for the U.N. Millennium Development goals.

We meet twice a month for a no-host breakfast and interesting discussion. Join us! Newcomers are always welcome. Is there something you have to say? Or want to hear about? Contact Tom at 378-1217 or for more information.

Feeling Lucky???

The BUUF QUU-ilters will be selling raffle tickets for this year's gorgeous quilt soon. They have generously offered to let the total proceeds go to the Landscape Committee to help raise funds to offset their budget cut. Your odds of winning are MUCH better than the lottery, and you can reap the rewards even if you don't win the quilt by enjoying our wonderful church grounds!

Watch for it to happen sometime soon during church services at the Landscape Committee table.

BUUF camping 2011!

Karen Raese

It is that time again! Eileen Geddings and I have reserved camping sites at Ponderosa State Park in McCall for a BUUF camping weekend August 12-14. We'd love to know if you want to be there! We have 8 sites (if two "families" share a site we have spots for 16 "families.") Based on your speedy response to us, we will know if we have enough sites for this year's camping fun. We may or may not be able to get more. So now is the time to act. You don't want to miss out. Let us know of your interest by contacting Karen Raese at or 853-3865 or Eileen Geddings at or 853-0822. It is helpful if you indicate how many people are in your group and if you will use a tent, trailer or RV. Hope to hear from you soon.