BUUF News – August 2011

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Rev. Greene is on summer break. She will return to the pulpit in September and her column will resume in September's issue as well.

President's Message

Debra Smith, Board President

We're having a conversation here at BUUF about social justice. Following a recent spate of emails, I've noticed a couple of metaphors that I'd like to comment on. Metaphors are the shortcuts we use to telegraph ideas that are much more complex and nuanced than the metaphors themselves belie. Metaphors literally "carry meaning over" from the understandable and concrete, to the more abstract and ephemeral. They are a visual representation of an idea. As a communication tool, metaphors are efficient, but they can over-generalize. So, when one of my friends complained in an email that small actions in the economic arena are akin to "re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic," he was telegraphing the idea that localized efforts to solve small, human-scale economic justice problems were exercises in futility, or at least ineffectiveness. Another friend responded that she was busy "cultivating her garden." Now, she may have meant this literally, for I'm sure she cultivates a garden, but I was also reminded of Voltaire's Candide. After a lifetime of witnessing the horrors of 18th century man's inhumanity to man as it unfolds on at least three continents, Candide, our picaresque hero, comes home to France to "cultivate his own garden." He has learned that he cannot bend the course of history to his will. He has seen good deeds and good intentions wreck unspeakable horror; and in a perverse turn of justice, he has witnessed that good sometimes results from conscious, malicious terror. And so it goes. Candide does not "give up," so much as recognize the humble limits of his power. He will till the ground in his immediate proximity.

This dichotomy between local, hands-on endeavor, and nationalized advocacy came up in a recent thought-provoking service conducted by the Hunger Action Task Force and their invited speaker, Leo Morales of the Idaho Community Action Network (ICAN). Roger Sherman reminded us that our social justice work works best when it accomplishes two goals: "mercy work" and "justice work." He likened it to giving people food (mercy work), but simultaneously demanding of policy-makers that we challenge the paradigms and structures that perpetuate hunger (justice work). Social justice work seems to work best when advocacy grows out of, and is linked to, hands-on experience. Leo Morales is a powerful policy advocate for workers' rights because he grew up a farm worker. Which is not to say that people with more privileged upbringings cannot speak credibly for the disenfranchised.

What Mr. Morales experience gives him is the knowledge that our justice work is most effective when it empowers the disenfranchised to work for their own sustained empowerment. If the middle class is, indeed, disempowered, as our recent conversations have argued, then we must encourage each other to join together to change a multitude of small spheres within our control. Jonathan Franzen, writer of the award-winning novel Freedom, has chosen song-birds. Besides his story-telling, which is a form of advocacy, or justice work, Franzen wants to save songbirds in the backyards and meadows of mid-Atlantic and mid-West America. This has put him at odds with cat-lovers. Who knew? Our own Tigers and Muffins pose a serious threat to the species. This seems improbable, and so he knows he has to educate, and compromise, and balance the needs of song-birds against the desires of cat-owners. And he has to educate cat-owners as to the serious collective cost of their pet's propensity for the occasional song-bird snack. He knows that if he can save songbirds in one region, then he will be saving a part of an eco-system. If we save part of an eco-system, we have to address the whole eco-system. That impacts a lot of users. Everyone is implicated, and everyone has to be brought on board. This is slow, painstaking advocacy. This is the work of democracy. One backyard, one garden, or one group of deck chairs, at a time. Choose your metaphor.

The Board is wrestling with how to approach our desire to see BUUF involve more of the congregation in our social justice ministry. We know that BUUF stands for the right things, but are we moving things in the right direction?

The stalwart members who have been keeping this flame alive for years—the most notable being Rick Groff, Sheila Ames, Roger Sherman, but many, many others—have good models for programs that are sustainable and responsible, and that focus on empowering folks to build up their own communities. One of the worst models for social justice works is what some refer to as "golf club philanthropy." In that model, a group of do-gooders give charity, but don't empower the recipients. Instead, when we engage with a group to participate in social justice work, we have to realize that there is a responsibility to be collaborative "capacity builders." On both sides of the equation. The doxology we sing after the offertory provides a good model for this: "From you I receive, to you I give, together we share, and from this we live."

Religious Exploration

Wanderings, Ponderings, and Home Again

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

In my travels this summer with the Boston Bounders, I found myself paying extra attention to words, written and spoken. On the bulletin board at the Pickett and Eliot House where we stayed during our time in Boston, I read the following...

As all groups spending time together away from home's routines and support, we had our minor storms. I was humbled by the acts and words of courage of our young Boston Bounders during their UU pilgrimage. They traveled far away from home in humid heat unlike anything Boise has to offer. We walked everywhere and took planes, trains, subways, buses and ferries. We climbed rickety stairs up a narrow dusty belfry (no bats) and descended into basements where presidents are buried. Their words and deeds in the face of these challenges and adventures were an inspiration to me. You will hear their voices on October 16 when they present their thoughts and memories to the congregation during Sunday's services. They may even dance for you.

Our time in Boston is always a growing and learning experience for everyone involved and a whole lot of fun. I am eternally grateful to our congregation for your support, both monetary and with your thoughts and care.

Something to Think About

You've all probably heard the old proverb:

Well, consider this new proverb:

You never know the effect you have on others. But you can guess at the effect you have by not being there, because in your absence, they will never know your wisdom, never sense your energy, never experience your commitment, never glimpse your vision.

I suspect each and every one of us can remember someone who was crucial to our becoming our best selves today. Someone, without whom, we would be less than we are.

What if they had simply said, "No." Or "not this time." Or, "Oh, I have nothing to offer." Or, "Somebody else can do it better than I can."

If we find this congregation a meaningful spiritual home for ourselves, it is probably because someone else chose to be present, not absent; active not passive; engaging not avoiding; sharing not hoarding.

In this time, in this congregation, it is time for us all to step up and be that teacher, be that assistant, be that attendant. It is the least we can do for all of those who said "yes" when it mattered in our lives.

A LREDA shared-thought piece from around the UUA – created collaboratively by RE colleagues. (LREDA is the Liberal Religious Education Association, the professional organization for UU religious educators.)

Religious Exploration Registration Information

Have you ever wondered why we register our children and youth for Religious Exploration? Here's the scoop...

Our yearly registration form asks for updated contact information for family members, ages and grade level of each child and youth, any special info about each child or youth that teachers or advisors need to know.

This information is completely confidential and helps us build classes that are nurturing, dynamic and fine-tuned to the children and youth in each class.

There is always something going on in Religious Exploration and the information that families provide about their children and youth let us keep those families in the loop for class events and RE-wide events.

Don't be left out of the loop! Get your RE registration filled out and turned in so that you won't miss a single thing! Look for this year's RE registration forms later this month in your mailbox and at various events like Groovin' in the Grove.

Help Support our Religious Exploration Classrooms

When you're taking advantage of all the back to school deals in the coming weeks, please think of our Religious Exploration classrooms and buy a few extra supplies. Basic supplies we need:

• Non-acid glue sticks
• Washable color markers
• Construction paper in all colors
• Pencils

If you see some good deals on appropriate snack food, that would be great too! Need ideas? Here you go:

• Goldfish crackers
• Fruit snacks – leathers and dried
• Pretzels
• Mini rice cakes

Thank you for thinking of the children on your shopping adventures!

COMMITTEES

Congregational Care Updates

We would like to remind all CCT members that Saturday, August 13 is our annual retreat, starting at 9:30am at David Fitch's house. For the rest of you BUUFians, Congregational Care Team Sunday will be October 2, and remember to watch for our annual Life Skills Training day in November, open to all.

The BUUF food pantry is currently well stocked with vegetables and starches, but it is constantly in need of good protein food - canned tuna, chicken, Spam, peanut butter, etc., and it could use some canned fruit as well. Thanks to all who contribute, and for those of you who find yourselves behind the hunger curve, please help yourselves to whatever you like, as often as necessary.

Congregational Care Team members pictured: Kristen Cheyney, David Fitch, Elizabeth Greene, Bryan Jennings, JoAnne Minnick, Teresa Wood, Pam Woodies, Diane Schwabe, Ray and Nik Onyon, Charlotte Tompkins, Mary Nelle Whitenack, Debbie Johnson, Peggy Pulley, Sandy Layser, and Elizabeth Greene.

Team members not pictured are Mary Osterman, Sam Schlobohm, Jackie Kelly, and Renee Hatten-Montaigne.

21st Century Communications volunteers wanted.

The BUUF Board, at our July 21st meeting, recognized and affirmed that BUUF needs to get better at communication. We recognize the truth in UUA President Peter Morales words, "In our congregations and in our movement, relationships are sacred and essential. Our relationships are created and sustained by our communication. When communication breaks down, the results are not merely annoying. When communication breaks down, we falter."

The BUUF Board has asked for the formation of a Communications Advisory Task Force, to examine:

How BUUF should present ourselves on the Web, and through social media.

How BUUF can use web based technology and social media to support our programs and the volunteers who do the work of our Fellowship.

How BUUF can better train and educate ourselves in the use of communication technologies.

If you are interested in exploring these questions, and helping BUUF implement improved communications, please contact Bill Reid, , or 208-336-1536.

Security Updates Underway

Several months ago we began a research project to improve the security of our financial records, accounting processes, and building security. Most of those improvements are now in place with the final phase being installation of new locks on the north and south vestibule.

The new locks will have numeric keypads. Anyone needing building access will be issued a code that will allow access. The locks provide a number of features which we will be researching over the next few months. In the near term we will contact everyone who was issued a key to arrange a code. Our very wise BEC coordinators suggested a phased implementation so we will install the locks on one set of doors as a pilot with the second installation scheduled a few weeks later.

Thanks to members of the IT committee, the Building Maintenance committee, BEC coordinators, the Office Staff, Bill Reid, Robb Deines, and all the folks who helped with the various building upgrades! Please contact David Clopton with questions.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Feeding Hungry Children

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 that 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 around $230. This month's plate offering recipient is the Idaho Foodbank's Backpack Program. One-quarter of August's plate offering will go to this cause, and if you want your entire contribution to go to the Backpack Program, just write "Outreach" on the memo line of your check.

BUUF Helps Habitat for Humanity Build Green Homes

BUUF has had a good relationship with the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity for several years, helping to provide money and labor for building homes that are environmentally friendly. In April the Green Sanctuary Team sponsored BUUF's Offering Outreach which collected almost $600 for Habitat for Humanity. This picture shows Bryan and Wanda Jennings presenting the check to Pat Haas (left) and Tom Lay (right).

There will be an opportunity for you to help build a house at the Western Idaho Fair on Saturday, August 27th from 11:45-4:30. If you can help please contact Wanda Jennings at or 362-7563.

BUUF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Summer Schedule

BUUF begins it's summer schedule on June 5 and runs through September 5. During the summer there will be only one service starting at 10:00 AM. These services will be lay led by members and friends of our congregation. Elizabeth Greene is a part time minister and does not preach during the summer. The children will begin each Sunday in the sanctuary with their parents. Then they will go to their Religious Exploration classes as the congregation sings them out.

The Festivities Committee is planning a 1st Sunday Potluck for each first Sunday this summer: June 5, July 3, August 7 and September 4. We hope you will bring a potluck to share, your utensils and plates and your willingness to help clean up each of these weeks.

First annual Funday Sunday (with chocolate sprinkles)

On Sunday Sept 4 at 11:45am-12:00pm BUUF with have its first Funday Sunday.

What is Funday Sunday? Its a day where you can share any activity you consider fun and can share with at least one other person and just enjoy.

What are some activities that can be shared? Playing music, watching movies, bubble blowing, group walks, cooking, birdwatching and just about any other group activity.

Who's involved? Any BUUF friend, member, families, friends and any strangers on the street that can be dragged in.

How long? As long as people are having fun it will keep on going.

Where? Outside BUUF, Inside BUUF and anywhere else people agree to go to have fun.

Agenda? Forget that.

September is back to services and back to business. But before that happens let enjoy a time where people can have fun, learn new things (if you want) and enjoy the company of old friends and new. So bring a sharable fun activity, or a mind willing to try something out. See you there.

Living Humanely

Jeanette Ross

On a June Sunday morning, in our own temple of knowledge (aka the BUUF library) our humanists considered our ultimate goal and how to get there. What would a non-violent culture look like? Do we have any models for this? The first thoughts to emerge were negative examples, alas. We come out of a religious tradition that mixes noble aspirations with ignoble examples, starting with a deity who purportedly condemns all humankind not once but twice, and the first time what seems, in retrospect, to be a minor infraction. After all, the most we would do is send the disobedient one from the table. And even then, not for nibbling an apple of knowledge.

Are humans wired for violence, or just for giving more attention to bad behavior than to good? A former therapist and retired school counselor weighed in; references to fictional dystopias were tossed out on the table. In the end we threw up our hands and made plans to meet again and decide simply what more we needed to know on the subject.

Our next meeting, July 20 at 6:30, BUUF room to be determined, we will sort into work teams to develop the program this fall. Two members of our group will attend the regional gay youth conference in Meridian in mid July. One faithful person will stay in contact with the Meridian school counselors who have already developed programs to counter bullying among school children. The humanists will all gather again August 14, ll:15am in the BUUF library.

Sage Art and Energy

Tom von Alten

Join the BUUF Sages for our semi-monthly meetings featuring good food, good company and interesting topics. We meet at the Kopper Kitchen, 2661 Airport Way, on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 9:30 am. On August 11, Paul Taylor will pique our aesthetic with "Geometric Art." And on August 25, we're working to line up a speaker on the topic of mining natural gas and hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") in Idaho.

Newcomers are welcome! Contact Tom at 378-1217 or for more information.

Partner Church News

Gwyn Reid

News from Mészkõ

As I write this, the Unitarian youth of Mészkõ and their minister, Robert Bálint, are involved in a several day "diaspora" camp in Kolozs (a Unitarian village close to Kolozsvar). It was startling to me to read Robert's use of the word, diaspora. But it is a fitting depiction of a dispersion or exile of people of a national origin or culture. It reminds us that Hungarian Unitarians are a very small minority in Romania. I hope that the camp provided the youth with a great opportunity to explore their cultural and religious heritage and for making new friends.

Construction has begun on a new community house that will provide opportunities for the community to gather, and a place for them to hold services in the winter.

Scholarship

The Partner Church Committee and the Mészkõ Board are in the process of finalizing an annual scholarship that will be used to help ensure the Mészkõ Unitarian youth have the opportunity of a university education.

Travel

Jeanette Ross and Tom von Alten travel to Transylvania this summer as part of a UU choir. They will visit Mészkõ for a tour and lunch. They are the only visitors from BUUF for this year.

Interested in traveling to Transylvania? Please ask Gwyn Reid about the many offerings from the UU Partner Church Council, or about the possibility of a BUUF tour for 2012.

Next Meeting

Monday, August 1, 4:30pm

Help Wanted: Bookkeeper and Office Administrator

The Fellowship is hiring a part-time (25 hours/wk) bookkeeper and office administrator. Please see the job posting for the position description, essential and desirable skills, benefits and requirements, and how to apply if you're interested.