EverGreene
Reverend Elizabeth Greene
Fifty years of Official UUism in Boise—don't miss the fun!
Unitarianism has been alive and in various states of wellness in the Treasure Valley since the beginning of the 20th century. However, our stalwart band of sisters and brothers made a large public move on May 15, 1961 (the very day the Unitarians and the Universalists merged): we officially incorporated in the state of Idaho, as the Boise Unitarian Fellowship. "Universalist" was added later, at institutionalist John Harm's insistence, but our incorporation date remains the same.
On the weekend of October 8 and 9, there will be two celebrations of our 50th anniversary. The Second Saturday Celebration (Oct. 8), a potluck starting at 6:00 pm, will feature fascinating vignettes of each of BUUF's ministers, from 1910 to the present.
On Sunday, I will weave words from our tradition(s) with blessings brought to us that morning from representatives of several Boise religions, celebrating 50 years of embracing religion in Boise.
Don't miss this weekend!
President's Message
Debra Smith, Board Chair
"This society will not be a bag to swing around your head, Mr. Putnam."
So says John Proctor, hero of The Crucible. It is a play set in 1692, during the Salem witchcraft trials, and Proctor here rebuts one of the wealthier members of the church, one who is bent on escalating an inquiry of suspicious behavior into a full scale witch hunt. Putnam is weary of meetings. He'd rather the minister act unilaterally rather than consult the "wardens," that deliberative body roughly equivalent to our board, I guess.
And later, acknowledging the power differential that exists between the two of them due to Putnam's wealth: "We vote by name in this society, not by acreage."
So much rancor and contention, and among a people who had settled themselves in the Massachusetts wilderness to fulfill god's command that a shining "City on a Hill" be raised up for all mankind to behold.
Sometimes I feel like I'm living in 1692.
The board is concerned with governance: how do we create structures, behaviors, and policies—basically, how do we create a culture?—that empowers everyone to give his or her best self? How do we create a way for all to give joyfully their gifts of time, talent and treasure, sure in the knowledge that those gifts will be honored and valued? How do we help you find your best fit?
This sounds easy. It is not.
We have a new draft of an organization chart that shows the structure of our church. What a lot of committees, you're probably thinking. Do we really need all of this organization? It looks awfully hierarchical, you might be thinking. Isn't that antithetical to equality and the democratic process we laud?
Well, my only answer is that it is a little hierarchical. The members are in charge—at the top—and they have endowed a minister with the responsibility of overseeing our spiritual well-being; and they have elected a board with the responsibility of overseeing our material well-being. And the two overlap. I like to say that the board and minister are jointly responsible for the assets of our congregation: its people (paid staff and volunteer), its building and grounds, its reputation, its financial resources, its history, and its mission. The board works through policies and procedures on paper; the ministry works through people.
So take a look at the organization chart. You'll notice that the Program Ministry Council consults with, and reports to, both the board and the minister. Under the PMC are all of the ways we fulfill our mission as stated in the congregation's strategic plan (2010). Some of those strands are dedicated to nurturing our internal community here at BUUF. We've grouped those under the title of "Fellowship." We distinguish this group of committees, groups, and activities from those that turn our attention outward, to the community outside. We've grouped these committees, task forces and activities under the title of "Justice Outreach." We would like to see, eventually, more parity in the number of groups. We would like to see us spend more of resources in this Justice Outreach arena, too.
Our hope is that this might be a tool to assist you in finding your way into BUUF. One day, we'd like to see it online, with the org chart "hot-linked" to a site where you would find each committee's statement of purpose, its members and its meeting times. You would find what groups are up to, and how you might get involved.
Every church struggles to find a way to balance the need to institutionalize systems and guarantee that the business gets done (alas, hierarchy), with the desire to bring in new people and new ideas, and to make a space for their gifts. It might be so much more efficient, or faster, or more energizing, or even spiritually fulfilling to a few, to act with all of the passion that comes from acting unilaterally, but we empower committees to make decisions for a reason. They provide the orderly structures through which we can achieve the mission we voted to undertake. They may be slow and deliberative; the work they do may seem like just hours of meetings, accomplishing little. But we are advancing the mission. We are methodically, ploddingly, building a strong fellowship of individuals who, nurtured by that fellowship, can focus our attention outward, and work for justice in the world. May it be so.
Religious Exploration
Weaving Dreams for Religious Exploration
Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration
We all have our own life to pursue,
our own kind of dream to be weaving.
And we all have some power to make wishes come true,
as long as we keep believing.
- Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott, a 19th century Unitarian from the transcendentalist movement, wrote of weaving dreams and the power to make them come true. This year, we're forming religious exploration dream teams to do the good work for and with our children and youth, and the congregation. These dream teams are weaving together our hopes and desires and vision for our beloved community. The work of growing and transforming into our full potential is life-changing, affirming, and exciting. Wonderful opportunities abound for tasks of all sizes and time/energy commitments! Come explore adventures in transformation within the framework of the three main teams: Our BUUF Home, Connections and Communications, and Living Our Principles. Are you a visionary or a doer? Do you have a dream or passion you'd like to make happen? Come talk with me and we'll explore the possibilities just waiting to find you in religious exploration for children and youth!
Seven Principle Sundays in Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
News from a Religious Exploration Living Our Principles Dream Team
Starting this month, one of your Religious Exploration Dream Teams will coordinate lessons on our Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles in our classrooms at both services. With the idea of living our principles, our classes will explore each principle with stories, activities, faith in action projects, and more. On the first Sunday of October, November, January, February, March, April, and May, during our class time, volunteers from our congregation will come into class and explore our principles along with the children and youth. Do you have a passion for human dignity, justice and compassion, spiritual growth, or a free and responsible search for truth and meaning? How about the democratic process, world community, or our interdependent web of all existence? If you would like to join in the adventure with these exciting and important happenings, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710 or .
Children's 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 ourselves to the spiritual growth of our children during a Sunday service. If you would like to have your child(ren) dedicated, please note that October 16 is our 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.
Stand Up and Be Counted in Religious Exploration! It's never too late!
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
Religious Exploration registration forms are available and due back!
It is time to turn in your registration form for Religious Exploration for Children and Youth. You can pick one up in the Religious Exploration section of the Information Center in the north vestibule or in the fellowship office or in any of the class rooms. Please return your registration forms – either by mail or directly to the Director of Religious Exploration, Emmie Schlobohm. We are launching into our fall classes and would love to hear from you. Your response and information will allow us to include you in important communications and better serve your children. If you have any questions, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710 or .
News from your Children's Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
With our program year launched, here are some things to keep in mind...
Our classrooms are filled with amazing learning and exploring every Sunday morning! Please sign up outside our class room doors to assist our outstanding classroom guides as often as you'd like to experience the wonder that is going on.
Flu season is fast approaching! Please be aware of some simple preventative steps we will all be taking in the RE classrooms to keep our community healthy: all classroom surfaces will be disinfected before class; children will wash or sanitize their hands upon entering the classroom and before snack; all classroom surfaces will be disinfected after class. If your child has any of the classic flu-like symptoms, please keep them home and we will welcome them with open arms when they're symptom-free and feeling better. For more info, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710.
The 2011-2012 Religious Exploration Program Prospectus is now available for your edification and reading pleasure! Come pick up a copy and find out all there is to know about our programs for children and youth.
Something New on First Sundays!
Stating this October 2, we will be having our offertory when the children and youth are in the sanctuary with their families on the first Sunday of every month. We receive support, insight, love, and a place to be ourselves here at our Fellowship and, as our BUUF community gives to us, we in turn give our own gifts of energy in many forms, among them love, time, and money. Our children and youth are vital members of our community who receive loving teachers/guides and a caring community supporting their spiritual growth and development as human beings. As members of our community, our children and youth will have an opportunity every month to participate in the offertory as a part of the Sunday services before they head out to their classes.
Parents and family members, please talk with your child(ren) over the upcoming months and help them collect some money and talk with them about stewardship, shared community and gifts we give to help those we love. Thank you for all that you do for your children and for our beloved community.
COMMITTEES
Office Administrator Hired
Dear BUUF Friend:
After an exhaustive and intense search process (over thirty applicants; a half dozen finalists) our search team is very happy to announce that we have hired Ed Davis, a member of our church, as our new office administrator, replacing long-term administrator Gerry Morris and excellent interim Janette Young. Ed has volunteered in the office many times over the years, and is familiar with the various quirks and quiddities of our bookkeeping system, and also with our data base(s). If he can wrap up his current employment in a timely way, he will begin the position on Tuesday, September 13, the following week at the latest. He will be spending tomorrow morning with us, as he has the day off, and will attend staff meeting and confer with Janette about transition issues. We are very happy to welcome Ed to our staff team, and look forward very much to working with him.
Faithfully, Elizabeth, Minister and Staff Supervisor
Newcomer Chat Sign ups!
You don't have to be an old timer or know everything, a friendly smile will do we have lots of handouts and contact information to give out.
The Newcomer chats are an important way to welcome people who have found the courage to walk through our doors. It is really an important part of who we are as a welcoming and friendly community.
It is my job to make sure there is a person available to say hello in a more intimate setting, to hand out information, and answer whatever questions we can in the welcome chats. It is easy and fun. I will do my best to come sit in with you for your first chat and I have a handout on how to do it.
When I facilitate a chat I am reminded how important we are in the Treasure Valley community and why I keep coming back. The brief stories people tell you as to how they got to us are heartwarming.
Please contact me! Miriam Woito or 890-6074.
Fundraising News
Claudia Fernsworth
Hot Air Balloon ride, anyone? Be sure to get your raffle ticket for a hot air balloon ride for 2 people (value $400). Look for the helium balloon to find your ticket sales person. Tickets are only $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets are available after each service—or contact Claudia Fernsworth. If you want to sell some to your friends, neighbors and co-workers, just ask the ticket seller for an envelope of tickets. The closest launch site is Lewiston, Idaho but there are 200 other locations throughout the continental US. A full list is at the sales area. A hot air balloon ride would also make a great gift. All proceeds benefit the BUUF General Fund. Drawing will be Sunday November 20 at 1:00 pm.
Silent Auction—November 13 to 20. (Note: this is a new time frame) Bring your new or gently used items to BUUF starting Sunday November 6 or contact Claudia Fernsworth if you need other arrangements.
Poinsettia order time! Yes, it's true. Poinsettia orders are due by 1:00 pm Sunday October 23. See the order form on page 7 of the print newsletter, in the Sunday order of service or in the box near the Book Nook. These poinsettias are top quality and locally grown by Edwards Greenhouse.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Tell Us Your Story!
Our theme for our Worship Services this year is "Our Living Stories, Living Our Principles" and we would like to hear your story!
During Worship Services this year we will be hearing 2-minute stories from people in our congregation. If you would like to tell your story of living our principles, please contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
Help RE Be Strong for Our Kids – Volunteer!
Julie Fanselow
My family moved to Boise in 2003 in part because of the strong religious education (now exploration!) program at BUUF. We've been very pleased with the opportunities Natalie has had in our fellowship. Now, as she enters her senior year, it's tempting to think that my work is almost over.
I remember how wonderful it was to be able to sit in services when we were new to BUUF, only occasionally needing to volunteer in a classroom. That's why I was alarmed when I heard at last spring's annual meeting that many new-to-BUUF parents are being pulled into volunteer duty in RE classrooms rather than being able to sit in the service.
We all know that parents – especially parents of young children – need BUUF's worship services just as much as their children need our fabulous RE program. Parents shouldn't be expected to repeatedly step up as last-minute classroom volunteers when they are looking forward to a precious hour enjoying the music, meditation, and words of wisdom of our Sunday worship.
That's why – even though my daughter is nearing the end of high school – I intend to volunteer in an RE classroom several times this coming RE year. Look for sign-up sheets outside the class room doors in the north wing. Let's fill them up weeks ahead of time so Emmie and our teachers don't need to find last-minute volunteers.
I invite all parents of older children – as well as adults without children – to take our turns in the RE classrooms so our parents of young children can enjoy and benefit from all that BUUF has to offer. Please join me and do your part. If we each sign up for two or three Sundays a year, the need will be met, and BUUF will be a more inviting place for newcomers of all ages.
Humanists Respond to Conflict
Jeanette Ross
Our September meeting considered a humanist response to the 9/11/2001, or to say it another way, how can thoughtful, humane people respond to the unthinkable? Should we reconsider our assumptions about the role of religion in a conflict-filled world? What affect did it have to label our response to the attack as a 'war'? Should we reconsider our own confidence (or assumptions, or even 'faith') in the capacities of humans to resolve differences peacefully? Paul Rolig prepared our starter list of questions (I've paraphrased Paul's questions to reflect our actual discussion).. As often happens in our informal group, the talk was lively and nothing was entirely settled, although we did seem to agree that the Islamic community center proposed for downtown Manhattan did not deserve the furor that it received. Conscientious as usual, Paul included useful references.
A separate subcommittee is finishing plans for "Safe to Learn," bringing together counselors, teachers, non-profits, State of Idaho officials, including at a prominent legislator, to discuss ways to reduce conflict and harassment between students in public schools. "Safe to Learn: in support of Idaho Education" is Saturday October 29, 1-5:30pm at BUUF. No charge.
Next month we will gather perspectives on the United Nations seventy years after its founding. What works, what needs improving? Join us at 11:15am, Sunday October 9 in the BUUF library.
Fellowship Fun Night on 2nd Saturday Nights
Beginning October 8 Second Saturday Potlucks will return as Fellowship Fun Nights. We'll begin the evening at 5:30 with a tour of the grounds, ending in the Grove where we will have a Mortgage Burning Ceremony. Thanks to the generosity of the David and Jo Douglas estate BUUF was able to pay off the mortgage on the acre of property just east of the Fellowship.
Join us at 6:00 for a potluck and our UU Story, Story Night celebrating 2011 as the 50th Anniversary of Unitarians and Universalists merging, as well as the Anniversary of BUUF's Charter in the State of Idaho. Both these events took place on May 15, 1961!
People will be telling stories of the ministers who have served the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. You don't want to miss this!
In order to address the diversity of dietary needs, think about bringing a vegetarian or vegan dish and labeling it as such. Bring your own utensils and plates. Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
Safe to Learn
sponsored by BUUF Humanists of Idaho
Supporting Idaho Schools and Students
October 29, 2011 1:00 to 5:30 pm at Boise Unitarian Fellowship.
Speakers include: Judith Herman, Meridian Schools, Jessica Swider and Dan Fusselman, Dax Chizum, Krista Perry, Kim Kane, Pat Stewart, Jean Gonzales
Education is essential to promote our shared well being. The learning environment matters. Giving students a way, a choice in resolving conflicts and preventing bullying gives students a better environment for learning. Safe schools make a better future possible.
Come to educate yourself by listening to professionals explain choices and perhaps we can change our school environments giving our young people a better learning atmosphere.
Call 658-1710 to preregister. No Charge for programs.
Sage Comedy
Tom von Alten
Dr. Chuck Lauterbach continues guiding the BUUF Sages through a tour of the history of drama, with the October 13h installment featuring Molière, the French playwright and actor and master of comedy. Join us for a few good laughs and fellowship over a no-host breakfast at the Kopper Kitchen, 2661 Airport Way, 9:30am on October's 2nd and 4th Thursdays. Our program for the 27 is to be determined, but interesting? Count on it. Watch the announcements, or just come and join us; newcomers are welcome. Contact Tom at 378-1217 or for more information.
Celebrant Training
At BUUF the person who conducts the service is called the Celebrant and usually Elizabeth Greene is the celebrant. However, when Elizabeth is not in the pulpit we need someone to conduct the service allowing the presenter to give the presentation. You could be a Celebrant!
Elizabeth Greene will be conducting Celebrant Training on Saturday, October 15th from 10:00-12:00. This is one of your last times to learn this from Elizabeth.
If you would like to be trained as a Celebrant, and even if you have had Celebrant training in the past, we would encourage you to join us. Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
Travel Group
What is a kissing gate? Is British food as bland as some people say? Do farmers really let anyone tramp across their fields? Come to the BUUF Travel Group on October 21 at 7:00 pm at BUUF to hear the answers to those questions as Sheila Ames and Jim Bigelow share photos and talk about their walking adventure along the Cotswold Way. All are welcome.
November Travel Bugs Needed
November's Travel Bugs Theme will be "My Favorite Day-Trips" We are looking for several people who would be willing do give a short (5-10 minute) presentation on their favorite day-trips from Boise. Your favorite trip can either be a place or an activity. If you'd be willing to share your favorite, contact Patty Nakaoki, 409-0807. November's meeting date is still to be determined.
The Other Book Club
Come join us for a lively discussion on books and other topics. We meet on the second Sunday of the month from 7 to 8:30 pm.
On October 9 our book is Man Walks into a Room by Nicole Krauss (who will speak in Boise for the Log Cabin in November). We will meet at the home of Kathleen McGown, 3496 Holl Dr., Eagle, ID 939-7215.
Our November 13 book is Double Bind by Chris Bohjalin. We will meet at the home of Eric Wallace, 1387 E. Monterey, Boise, ID
Our December 11 book is Run with the Horseman by Farrell Sams. We will meet at the home of Benita Coleman.
If you would like to be on our email list send your address to .
Happy Reading!
Partner Church News
Gwyn Reid
Since 1993, BUUF has partnered with the Unitarian congregation in Mészkõ, Transylvania. The Partner Church committee coordinates activities that help to sustain this relationship.
Scholarship
The Partner Church Committee and the Mészkõ Board are close to finalizing the rules around scholarships that will be used to help ensure the Mészkõ Unitarian youth have the opportunity of a university education. Contact Gwyn Reid if you would like to make a contribution to this fund.
New Meeting House
The Mészkõ congregation is making progress on the new meeting house which will replace the small building used by the congregation to for winter services and for other activities. We'll provide updates in future articles.
Spring Classes
Look for classes featuring Transylvanian cooking, Easter egg dying, and perhaps the wines of Transylvania. Stay tuned for details.
Travel to Meszko
Please contact Gwyn Reid if you're interested in traveling to Mészkõ next year.
History Keeper's Notes
Elaine Durbin
Jo Hamill, chairman of the commitee that raised funds for buying BUUFS's first real home at 5008 Pierce Park Lane, wrote an open letter to the congregation in BUUF's September 1971 newsletter:
"The response to our building fund plea has been most heartwarming. Forty-one families have pledged a total of $15,495. Most of it has been collected. Of this amount $7, 295 has been gifts. The other $8,200 is in loans from our members, to be repaid in ten years. With the $1, 138.89 from the Building and Memorial Fund and a bank-trust loan of $5,000, we are only $866.11 short of total goal of $22,500.
"We have signed the papers and the building is in our keeping.
"Now starts the hard part for each of us – the long process of building a real fellowship within the framework of a stable home base.
"The building can be a joy or a millstone. If we work as hard to keep and use it as we have this summer to buy it, I can see only great times ahead.
"Thanks sincerely — and I love you all."
Jo Hamill
Poinsettia Order Form
The poinsettias are high quality, large plants from LOCAL GROWER Edwards Greenhouse. Poinsettias will be delivered to BUUF on Saturday December 3rd. Your poinsettia will have your name taped on the gold foil. They can be picked up on or after Sunday December 4.
Complete the order form (available at the church, or print page 7 of the print version of this month's newsletter), attach payment (checks made out to BUUF) and send it to BUUF or leave it in the box by the Book Nook. Orders must be received by 1pm Sunday, October 23.
Flower colors: Red, White, Pink, Burgundy and "ICE PUNCH" (Cranberry pink with frosty center over dark foliage—only available in 6")
All proceeds from the Poinsettia Sale support BUUF's operating budget. Questions? Call Claudia Fernsworth,
853-1526 or email at .
