BUUF News – December 2011

Contents

EverGreene

Rev. Elizabeth Greene

In our church, candles figure prominently in our December services. Many of us know the Chanukkah story, of the miraculous renewing oil, and the brave Maccabbees. All of us who spend the 21st at Winter Solstice celebration understand that our candles signify new starts and light's return.

Ever wonder about our lighting Advent candles in the four Sundays before Christmas? What's the significance of Advent, especially for UUs?

In Christian churches, the emphasis is theologically a little different from ours, but the larger meaning remains, especially in the busyness of the modern holiday season: on one day in each of the four weeks, we light a symbolic candle to remind us that we are approaching the darkest time of the year, and the Divine Child will appear.

Advent candles remind us of values we always cherish, and can especially reflect on as we practice a watchful kind of waiting. The wreath is made of greens that symbolize strength, healing, immortality, victory over suffering. The candles represent prophecy of Jesus' birth, love, joy and peace.

We can, every one of us, use all the love, joy, peace and holy innocence we can find, not to mention miracles and new beginnings. Let us stop in gratitude and reflection, as we light our way toward the new year.

President's Message

Debra Smith, Board President

Scrooge: Are there no prisons?

Solicitor 1: Plenty of prisons.

Scrooge: And the union workhouses - are they still in operation?

Solicitor 1: They are. I wish I could say they were not.

Scrooge: Oh, from what you said at first I was afraid that something had happened to stop them in their useful course. I'm very glad to hear it.

Solicitor 2: I don't think you quite understand us, sir. A few of us are endeavoring to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth.

Scrooge: Why?

Solicitor 1: Because it is at Christmastime that want is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoices. Now what can I put you down for?

Scrooge: Huh! Nothing!

Solicitor 2: You wish to be anonymous?

Scrooge: [firmly, but calmly] I wish to be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish sir, that is my answer. I help to support the establishments I have named; those who are badly off must go there.

Solicitor 1: Many can't go there.

Solicitor 2: And some would rather die.

Scrooge: If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Besides — excuse me — I don't know that.

Solicitor 1: But you might know it.

Scrooge: It's not my business. It's enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen!

So. Have we come to this, again? Dickens isn't very much read anymore. When he wrote, he was paid by the word—a perverse incentive, economists would say. Consequently his sentences are long, and contain a complex subtlety that few readers today tolerate. We English teachers gave up this battle in the last 10 years or so. Alas.

And too bad, for it seems we need Dickens once again to remind us of our need for compassion. I hear compassion fatigue everywhere I turn. The Republican debates are one place. I hear it when people cheer at the idea of letting a young person die of his injuries if he had—thinking himself immortal like we do when we are young—neglected to purchase health insurance. This dire consequence will teach us to be more responsible as a society, and this is favorable to encroaching on our individual freedoms by mandating that we each purchase health insurance. As though it will be a favorable societal outcome to be a people who admit we allow people to die because they are foolish. Now that's Social Darwinism writ large. But religions and literature remind us to be humble, for, after all, if foolishness is a capital offense, who shall 'scape whipping? Dickens wrote to counter this unholy alliance between Darwin and Adam Smith, but we seem to have replaced him with Ayn Rand. Again, alas.

We have grown impatient with the seeming intractability of poverty. It is as if the electorate has said, "We have tried charity and compassion, and even empowerment and opportunity. It didn't work, and now my own economic security is threatened, and I cannot afford to care anymore." The wealthiest people on the planet, and we cannot afford compassion.

Scrooge claims that he doesn't "know" the veracity of the claim that the poor suffer. His business keeps him busy enough. And his charity fulfills his obligations. He is, after all, a job creator, not one of the leeches. He is a predestined acolyte of Ayn Rand.

But the spirits that visit him are not impressed with his moral code. Ayn Rand disliked spirituality for this very reason: it is the business of spirits to haunt us. The ghosts remind Scrooge that there is a consequence to callousness, too. "It is required of every man," the ghost returned, "that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and, if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death."

Listen up, legislators: Walk abroad among your fellow-man. Not lobbyists, not contributors, not your loyal base of voters. Walk among all of your fellow-men. 99% of them. Alms-giving from a distance is not enough. Not even policy-making, however well intentioned, can be done without experiencing with compassion the hardships of "the least among us." This is why it is important to do "mercy work," along with "justice work." Justice work (policy-making) is hard-hearted if not informed by the experience of working in the soup kitchen, the lay-away counter at Walmart, the mortgage desk at a credit union, the classroom. Don't try to convince yourselves, legislators, that in some sort of impulse towards market utopian tough love you "must be cruel, only to be kind." That's Hamlet's line. In that play, everybody dies.

Stay tuned for information about this summer's Justice G. A. (General Assembly). We need to prepare to send delegates!!!

And, Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays! If you'll permit me: God bless us, every one.

Religious Exploration

Tis The Season...for Stories

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

Last fall, I gave a presentation here at our Fellowship about deepening connections with people through sharing stories together. After the presentation, I heard from folks that my message was one that we all needed to hear at this time of year. Well, it's this time of year again and I'm getting the message from the wonderful teacher/guides in our religious exploration classrooms as our classes prepare for Deck the Halls. Since our Fellowship's overall theme this year is "Telling Our Stories – Living Our Principles," our theme for Deck the Halls is "Stories of the Season" and our guides and children have been choosing stories to tell throughout the last month or so. The stories that they are finding are varied and touching and they all tie in with our UU Principles and our hearts in wondrous ways. It is a profound pleasure and nourishing to the soul to watch the Deck the Halls program for this year grow from seeds of an idea to a bountiful spiritual garden during this season which can easily be all about buy!-buy!-buy! Our Deck the Halls program and all the joy and love that go into making it happen are a deep breath of fresh crisp fall air! May our Deck the Halls program be a heartfelt kick-off to a holiday season full of delight and deeper connections for you and yours!

Deck the Halls for both services!

This is our second year of two Deck the Halls services. Our 9:30 and 11:15 Religious Exploration classes are preparing unique programs that will be different each service. The only overlap will be our junior high school and senior high school youth presentations and there are cookies involved! Come join us for both services and kick off your holiday season with our joyful version of merry mayhem!

Attention all Families in Religious Education! Deck the Halls Rehearsal Schedule is Here!

On Saturday, December 3, we will hold our mandatory and very important final rehearsal for our Deck the Halls extravaganza. Crafts and activities will be happening in the north wing class rooms from noon to 4:00 pm, so come play and create with us before and/or after your rehearsal! The following is the rehearsal schedule for the various classes. Please make sure you and your child(ren) are here for their scheduled time! Our dedicated guide/teachers, musicians, and Emmie will be here to guide this last chance to pull it all together. Rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary.

• Noon – 1:00pm 9:30 service:
• Preschool-1st grade
• 2nd through 6th grades
• 1:00 – 2:00pm 11:15 service:
• Preschool
• Kindergarten & 1st grade
• 2:00 – 3:00pm 11:15 service:
• 2nd & 3rd grades
• 4th through 6th grades
• 3:00 – 4:00pm 11:15 service:
• Junior High
• Senior High

December Dates to Remember

for Religious Exploration for Children and Youth

On Saturday, December 3 from 12:00-4:00, the merriment will commence with our RE rehearsal and "Deck the Halls" seasonal kick-off activities. Prepare to celebrate "Stories of the Season"! Everyone, whether you have children in RE or not, is invited to join in the fun for all ages with decking the halls, craft and ornament making, singing and fellowship! All of our Religious Exploration classes will have our final rehearsal on Saturday afternoon. See below for specific rehearsal schedule. Would you like to help make this all happen? Please call Emmie at 658-1710.

On Sunday, December 4, we will have two services, at 9:30 and 11:15, with all of our annual Deck the Halls merry mayhem featuring our children and youth. Everyone will be included in the sanctuary so there will be no Children's RE classes offered. All children will participate in this wonderful multi-generational service. The nursery will be staffed, as usual, for care of nursery-aged children. For those who find it difficult to remain in the service, the preschool room will be available for free play. We ask that parents supervise their own children if this option is chosen.

On Sunday, December 25, only nursery care and a multi-aged winter celebration will be offered in the RE class room. If you will be in town and would like to join the folks in RE for some snow-themed stories and activities, please contact Emmie at 658-1710.

On January 1, we will have another multi-age celebration on the theme of "The Quiltmakers Gift". If you will be in town and would like to join the folks in RE for some stories and activities built around the spirit of generosity, please contact Emmie at 658-1710. We look forward to welcoming the New Year with you and all of our children!

Committees

BEC's MVP for December

The Bridge Event Center would not exist without all the great people within the Fellowship that help make things run smoothly. This month we feature:

Nancy Harms – for helping us with many, many communication and administration items. She keeps the Fellowship calendar which allows us to rent space in the open times, and she helps us keep track of many building & inventory items. Thanks Nancy!

Fundraising News

Silent Auction

The Silent Auction will continue until December 11 in the South Wing Hall. Be sure to stop by any time after November 27th to peruse the great offerings. There is sure to be something for everyone:

* adults

* children

* artists

* readers

* Tee shirt wearers—Barak O and Joe B + Boise Weekly Fans....

* watch wearers

* party people

* bargain hunters

* camel riders

* people who like a nice, sharp pencil

* chocolate dessert recipe collectors

* people who like food

* plants and garden lovers

* home decor

* work out fans (reluctant and enthusiastic...)

Just to name a few categories. Be there or be square........

Clothing Consignment

Elaine Daly-Kerr will consign your garments if you are willing to donate the profit to BUUF. Contact her at 297-0141 or .

A View From The Bridge

Jolene Schow

Looking for creative ways to use the facility and bring in extra income without imposing on the regular activities of BUUF, Bridge Event Center started pursuing a possible long-term, low-impact renter that could use available space during low-use times. You may have seen the article featuring Judy Holcombe and Mary Schwartzman in the Idaho Statesman on June 8: "BUUF Seeks Roommate to Help Pay Bills." We've had some "bites" so far, but nothing definite. We're still looking.

In preparing for a possible renter, a thorough re-organizing and cleaning was done this summer and the results were:

A North Office has emerged from the North Sanctuary Storage Room: It is now a multipurpose office and storage space for any potential long-term renters.

The South Sanctuary Storage Room now houses our Lost & Found, Food Bank and items used on a regular basis or requiring inside storage.

The Pink Storage Shed in South Parking Lot contains seasonal or once-a-year items and a garden cart for hauling things back and forth as needed. A list of items in the storage shed is posted in the South Storage Room near the Lost and Found.

The Mechanical Room by the Kitchen: Warren is sorting and reorganizing.

In addition, touch-up painting and maintenance was done throughout the building benefiting all who use BUUF.

Much goes into maintaining this building and the grounds, most of which is done by volunteers from the Fellowship. We salute all of you and extend our appreciation for this behind-the-scenes work.

Check out www.bridgeeventcenter.com, become a friend on Facebook, or call 891-8081 for more information.

Financial Corner

Financial Committee

Welcome to the BUUF Financial Corner. As you all know, we are a "pay as you go" congregation. We have assets and financial reserve accounts but we only have a small amount of operating cash and we pay our monthly bills from that fund. To keep paying our bills, we need to take in as much money as we pay out each month. Currently we are 1/3 of the way through the fellowship year and we have not taken in 1/3 of the year's pledges. Please consider making a payment against your pledge or if you have not pledged, making an addition donation. Also keep in mind that as the 2011 calendar year comes to an end, that now is an opportunity to maximize your 2011 tax deductions.

Justice Outreach

Sullivan to Speak on Refugee Organization

Sue Philley

On December 4, Keziah Sullivan, a representative of The International Refugee Committee (IRC/a refugee resettlement agency) will speak briefly at the two services. The IRC is the recipient of our special December Social Justice plate collection. Twenty-five percent of the non-designated plate offering and 100% of checks that are marked ³outreach² in the memo field will go to IRC to support immediate needs of sponsored refugees. For more information, please contact Mike or Sue Philley at 208-378-1714 or email .

Clothing Drive for Whittier School

Nurse Adde at Whittier mentioned that she's seen more extreme poverty at Whittier this year than in previous years. Often kids come to school in clothing that's too large and shoes that are inappropriate for the weather. Instead of our usual mitten and cap drive this fall and winter, hopefully, the BUUF congregation can help with some of Whittier's clothing needs as follows:

* T-shirts for girls (sizes 4, 5 and 6)

* T-shirts for boys (sizes 6 through 10)

* Pants for boys and girls (sizes 6 through 12)

* Belts (for sizes 6 through 8)

* Shoes for boys and girls (any kids' sizes)

* Sweatpants (sizes 6 through 12)

* Lightweight fleece hoodies (various sizes)

While the kids would love new clothes, gently used clothing (no stains, rips, tears, holes, etc.) and shoes (again, no holes, stains, etc.) are acceptable. But if your kid wouldn't want to wear it, then please don't donate it to the kids at Whittier. Last year a few of us put together a large order of sweatpants from Hanes and received free shipping and a cheaper price. If you're interested in doing that, please contact Sheila Ames at . All donations can be put in the Whittier barrel in the north vestibule.

Whittier Hygiene Kits

Whittier School need help with hygiene kits again this year. While we have enough small soap bars, we do need to gather more travel-size toothpaste [I get these from my dentist—you can, too], shampoo and conditioner. If you're planning on traveling over the holidays or any time next year, save those unopened shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotels. Put your donations in a bag and place them in the Whittier barrel in the north vestibule. Also, we'd like to put a book in each kit again this year. If you have a children's book that will fit in a gallon ziploc bag, we'd love to have those, too. Thank you!

Give the Gift of Weekend Food

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the people on your list that have everything? Why not consider a gift that supports a child in need?

The Hunger/Food Supply Task Force will be seeking donations to support the Idaho Foodbank's BackPack Program. This program provides weekend nutrition for children that have been identified as being chronically hungry. In many cases, there is no food at home; these children return to school Monday not having eaten since their school lunch on Friday.

Through the BackPack program students take home enough easy-to-prepare, nutritious food for 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 snacks. This food provides them nourishment over the weekend so they can return to school on Monday, ready to learn.

BUUF has been a long-time supporter of Whittier Elementary School, where more than 85% of the students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. Twenty-three students have been identified as needing weekend food assistance; we need your support to fund BackPacks for these students.

Contributions to support the BackPack Program can be made at a variety of levels. For your donation, you will receive a card designed by Anthony that you can give as a gift to anyone on your list. We will be in the south vestibule the first three Sundays in December. Last year we collected over $3,000 for this wonderful program—let's exceed that goal this year.

Volunteers Needed

The Hunger/Food Supply Task Force is looking for people to help prepare and serve food at the Boys and Girls Club in Garden City during the holiday break, December 19 – 30. Take a few hours out of your busy schedule, make some new friends, and help out a great cause. Contact Sheila Ames at or leave a message at 629-0321 for more information.

Hunger/Food Supply Task Force

Interested in finding solutions for hunger issues in the Treasure Valley? Join the Hunger/Food Supply Task Force at our meeting, Monday, December 5, in the Channing Room at 6:30 pm. Everyone welcome!

Events & Activities

International Holiday Potluck Dinner December 17

Gift cards and donations of food will be presented in gift baskets to six refugee families at the International Holiday Potluck on Saturday, December 17 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. All are welcome at this all-BUUF event! Gift tags with guidelines for the refugee children will be hung on the BUUF Holiday Giving Tree in the north vestibule on December starting November 27! Please deliver all donations by December 13. Please pre-register for the potluck and plan to bring an international (or not) dish to share, interact with the refugee families, and sing carols! Phone Sue Philley 208-340-9450 or email to pre-register or if you have any questions.

Reaching In and Reaching Out – the BUUF Holiday Giving Tree

Starting November 27, visit the BUUF Holiday Giving Tree in the north vestibule! This wonderful tree is co-sponsored by the senior high youth, the Congregational Care Team, and various BUUF folks hosting our International Holiday Potluck. Silver and gold stars are labeled with giving opportunities. Silver stars describe opportunities for giving to our BUUF community members (reaching in) and gold stars describe opportunities for reaching out to refugee families we're hosting at our International Holiday Potluck. Please consider reaching in AND reaching out as you choose stars from our Giving Tree. Your generous donations will reach in and support our BUUF community members with gift cards for food and other support, while reaching out to the refugee families will provide a joyful holiday for new families in the greater Boise community! Our refugee families are sponsored by the International Rescue Committee which will be our special offering recipient for December.

Fellowship Night to Thank Our Volunteers

Please come one and all to celebrate our volunteers. Saturday, December 10 is the 2nd Satruday Fellowship fun Night which is being hosted by the staff. Turkeys and hams are being provided, you bring a vegetarian dish, a side dish, dessert, or beverages. The festivities begin at 6pm. We hope you will join us. Please RSVP to Nancy at 658-1710.

Volunteers are wanted to help with the cleanup. Thank you, the staff.

December Friendship Dinners

We will combine the December Friendship dinner with the dinner group being held at the fellowship on Dec. 10 at 6pm. Call Nancy at 658-1710 to let her know you are coming. Turkeys and ham is being furnished by the church. Attendees will be asked to bring a side dish or dessert.

The regular Friendship dinner groups will begin meeting in people's homes on January. Watch for sigh-up sheets during December.

Greeters and Readers Needed

Would you like to be a reader at a Sunday Service?

Would you like to be a greeter? Or make the coffee?

Ever wonder how to sign up to be a reader or a greeter?

There is a sign-up sheet by the coffee pots. Sign up and someone on the Worship Committee will call you to read or greet.

Ministerial Luncheons!!

Committee on Ministry & Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Have you been missing your chance to chat with the minister and fellow BUUFers? Have Ministerial Luncheons not gotten on your calendar? Change that, and you won't be sorry!

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

Tuesday, December 13, 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, December 23 (yes), 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.

As a congregation gets bigger, there are fewer opportunities for this kind of spontaneous conversation, and we have a good time. Join us!

Sages Best Christmas Ever Air Quotes

Tom von Alten

December's another single-meeting month for the BUUF Sages. Christmas is upon us; bring a story to share for a potpourri of your most fun, least fun, most surprising, or most unusual holiday experience. Newcomers are always welcome! Join us 9:30am Thursday, December 8 at the Kopper Kitchen at 2661 Airport Way for a no-host breakfast topped with entertaining banter. Contact Tom (378-1217 or ) for more information, or if you have program ideas.

Third Thursday Discussion

Exploring topics from the fringe, odd & unusual, to serious things you wondered about but were afraid to bring up!

Dec. 15, 7PM, Channing Room, South Wing

This time the topic is: Afterlife?

All are welcome to come and explore this topic, and feel free to share your stories, your thoughts, and feelings.

Tell Us Your Story!

The Worship Team

How interesting, touching, connecting have been the stories we have heard during worship this year! Our narrators have done the seemingly-impossible. They have told us something significant about themselves—in two minutes, relating it to the morning's theme.

How about signing up to be a Sunday-morning story sharer? Here are some of the themes of upcoming Sundays:

Creation of God—pioneers—hunger—partner church—immigration—change and transition—love and charity—rescuing St. Paul—time—covenants—generosity—the light that burns within—places that scare you (spiritually)—April Fool—Easter—change—Earth Day and spiritual practices—bridging—song of the soul—our kids—state of the Fellowship—to complain or not complain.

Be brave!! Contact one of our story coordinators Bev Harley, or Val Duffy, if you would like to contribute to our loving community/

Second Thursday

Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality "7&7": The Seventh Principle and the Seventh Source of UU Anyone is welcome to come and explore with us! Dec. 8, 7pm, Channing Room, South Wing

When Those We Love Need Help

Jeanette Ross

We had chosen a difficult subject, that of mental illness in Idaho. Our knowledgeable guide, Dan Kerr, provided statistics suggesting the seriousness of the situation- and the inadequacy of Idaho's collective response. Two examples: only an estimated third of those who need help receive the services needed. And even those who receive an assessment and a prescription for treatment too often fail to follow up. Should- can- treatment be required and enforced, despite the side effects and costs involved?

Conversation shifted into personal and professional stories, all of them poignant. One individual who has the discipline and commitment to follow medical advice reminded us of the labeling that enters media reports when someone with a serious mental disorder commits a crime. Labels are misleading and ignore the many who live productive lives with a disorder. And our state under-funds treatment options; a retired counselor reminded us that state law prioritizes those who are in mental treatment hospitals under court orders and those who have sought treatment on their own may not receive it.

Our time was up and we had barely started. We agreed to continue discussion next month, this time with focus on what works, or at least helps. Dan will look for a guest speaker representing NAMI, a grassroots organization that promotes research and advocates for those with mental illness. Join us at our next meeting, 11:15am in the library of BUUF, December 11.

CCT Outreach

The Congregational Care Team would like to connect home-bounders with potential visitors. Would you like to visit and talk with a BUUF friend or member who isn't able to get out much or attend services regularly? Or are you a BUUF friend or member who would like to have someone come visit you every once in a while? Please contact Debbie Johnson and specify whether you would like to welcome visitors to your home, or whether you are able to visit someone in their home. Cell phone: 440-2972, or email .

We would like to thank all who contributed to the Pay It Forward Fund in the October plate offering, but we're kind of like Idaho Public TV - the campaign might be over, but we still welcome donations to PIFF, anytime you feel a desire to give. And if you find yourself with too much month at the end of the money, we can provide a one-time-per-year grant of up to $350 to help you get over the hump.

Our BUUF food pantry, behind the coat closet door off the south vestibule, remains well-stocked due to the sharing nature of our community, but we can always use more protein - canned meat, peanut butter, but please, no beans! We have plenty of beans for now. We could also use more canned green vegetables and canned or dried fruit. And again, if you're hungry and payday is a long way off, please help yourself to whatever you might need.

Partner Church News

Gwyn Reid

Since 1993, BUUF has partnered with the Unitarian congregation in Mészkõ, Transylvania. Our committee coordinates activities that help to sustain this relationship

Boise/Mészkõ Annual Scholarship Fund

The scholarship fund was founded this year. Its purpose is to provide monetary scholarships to enable children who are members of the Mészkõ Unitarian Congregation to attend university. The scholarship is designated for a student or students who would not otherwise be able to attend a university without financial assistance. We hope to be able to sustain this program through donations from members and friends of BUUF. Four students have been recommended and approved for the first scholarships.

New Meeting House

The Mészkõ congregation hoped to be able to move in to the new Francis Balázs Community House. Although progress has been made, the interior and exterior plastering will need to wait until warmer weather, so the community house will not be usable this winter.

Spring Classes

The following classes will be offered under the Adult Religious Education program:

Wines of the region - date TBD

Traditional Transylvanian egg dyeing and Chimney Bread – April 1

Cooking Class – May 12

Partner Church travel

Please contact Gwyn Reid if you're interested in traveling to Mészkõ next year.

Also, the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council is sponsoring several international trips next year including pre- and post-event extensions for the International Convocation of UU Women (ICUUW) in Transylvania (late September to early October); and a pilgrimage to North East India and the Khasi Hills.

Travel Bugs

Patty Nakaoki

Have you lived here a long time? Do you have a favorite "Day Trip from Boise" that you'd be willing to share? Have you just moved to Boise, and need some ideas on places to visit? The travel bugs will meet on December 5 (yes, a Monday) at 7pm at BUUF. Contact Patty Nakaoki if you can do a 10 minute presentation 409-0807.

UUs for Justice in the Middle East*

This holiday season we think about the Holy Land and what is happening there, how WE are actually contributing to the unrest there, and what we can do about it!

Come join the Discussion: All viewpoints, questions and concerns are welcome to discuss!

Second Saturday Dec. 10, 7pm, Channing Room, South Wing. (Stay for the Potluck Fellowship afterward!)

*UUJME is headquarted in Massachusetts, is not affiliated with BUUF or the UUA, but is recognized by the UUA as a related organization. The Boise chapter is composed of UUs, BUUFers and guests.

History Keeper's Note

Elaine Durbin

Tradition happens in various ways. Consider the Pendley music memorial at Whittier School:

Donna Pendley and her husband Andy came to BUUF around l990: Andy a computer engineer and guitarist, Donna with a distinctive giggle and a remarkable recall of early popular songs. They settled in easily. Soon,though, there was subdued, ominous news of the return of a cancer and another go-round of treatment. But the songs continued and the giggles didn't stop. They introduced BUUF to square dancing. She led a pre-holiday songfest with "Here Comes Santa Claus" and she flashed fluorescent molars at a ladies-night-out.

Donna left us at age 33. In a eulogy published in the Nov. l8-24, l993 Boise Weekly Jeanette Ross said "We ... thought of what we'd gained from Donna. A reminder to find friends and hug them To indulge in silliness when the impulse strikes..."

The congregation's need to remember Donna as her spirit required coincided with a nascent desire to work for social justice as a congregation. Some educators believe access to activities such as music-making or football often is the element that determines whether some students continue the hard work of school. And improving access to education works for social justice. This struck a chord with BUUF's Christmas Eves donation for the Pendley music memorial at Whittier, and a tradition, came to be.

Donna might have giggled again.

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 7pm to 8:30pm.

Our December 11 book is Run with the Horseman by Farrell Sams. We will meet at the home of Benita Coleman, 8169 W. Beckton Ln., Garden City, ID 83714 375.9082.

Our January 8 book is Five Quarters of an Orange by Joanne Harris. We will meet at the home of Erin Logan, 2116 N. 17th St., Boise. 83702 336.4960.

Our February book is Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Varga LLosa. Meeting place to be determined.

If you would like to be on our email list send your address to .

Happy Reading!

This One Will Knock Your Socks Off!

Barb Alexander

Here's a tiny preview peek at the next BUUF quilt which will be raffled off this spring to raise much-needed funds. The quilt committee decided to do applique this time! These are some of their squares; presently they measure about 60 x 60 inches and are VERY colorful! There will be bands of color surrounding each square and a border yet to go, so it will be a large wall quilt or a coverlet top nearly Queen size. It's amazing what these women can accomplish when they decide to work with a new technique! Get ready to buy raffle tickets; this is a real show-stopper!

The BUUF Library has just added quite a few new books to the shelves:

Ed Rush

• Are We Born Racist?: New Insights from Neuroscience and Positive Psychology—Marsh, Jason; Mendoza-Denton, Rodolfo; Smith, Jeremy Adam
• Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs: A Treasury of Islamic Wisdom for Children and Parents—Conover, Sara; Crane, Freda
• Buffalo Woman Comes Singing;the spirit song of a rainbow medicine woman—Medicine Eagle, Brooke
• Celebrate the Earth: A Year of Holidays in the Pagan Tradition—Cabot, Laurie
• Falcon Feather & Valkyrie Sword: Feminine Shamanism, Witchcraft & Magick (Llewellyn's Women's Spirituality Series)—Conway, D.J.
• The Fifth Sacred Thing—Starhawk
• The Grandmother of Time: A Woman's Book of Celebrations, Spells, and Sacred Objects for Every Month of the Year—Budapest, Zsuzsanna E.
• A House for Hope: The Promise of Progressive Religion for the Twenty-First Century—Buehrens, John; Parker, Rebecca Ann
• It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living—Savage, Dan; Miller, Terry
• It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It—Fulghum, Robert
• Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings—Borg, Marcus J.
• Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why—Ehrman, Bart D.
• Questions for the Religious Journey—Beach, George Kimmich
• Roller-Skating As a Spiritual Discipline: Meditations—Buice, Christopher
• The Sabbats; A New Approach To Living The Old Ways (Llewellyn's World Religion And Magick)—McCoy, Edain
• Spirits of the Earth: A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies—Lake-Thom, Robert
• The Sustainable Soul: Eco-Spiritual Reflections and Practices—Hecking, Rebecca James
• Unitarians and India: a study in encounter and response—Lavan, Spencer
• Walking to Mercury—Starhawk
• Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life—Campanelli, Pauline

Books in our library are available for members and friends to read here or to check out and read at home. Our library catalog is online; you can sort that listing by any column, simply by clicking on the column header.

How to Make Holiday Gift Giving Greener

From your BUUF Green Sanctuary Team

This Holiday Season we hope you will consider giving donations to favorite charities in the names of your loved ones that you usually give gifts to.

No gift wrapping, no package mailing, no mall shopping, no useless gifts being exchanged. What could be easier and greener?

You get a tax deduction, the charity benefits, and your friends will be pleased that their charity has been helped. Sounds like a win-win.

Many charities now have websites and forms for gift donations along with e-cards or paper cards saying you've donated in someone's name.

Give your friends and relatives a card telling them that a donation has been made in their names to this charity.

Encourage your friends and relatives to do the same for you. Tell them your favorite charities.

PNWD & UUA

WhaleCoast Alaska 2012

Dave Frey, Co-director

Have you always dreamed of visiting Alaska? Are you curious about the lifestyles of Alaskan UUs? Do you enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers? If so, WhaleCoast Alaska 2012 is for you! Four Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer as we celebrate our 15th year! See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka with friendly home-stays and unique tour activities. See wildlife, including moose, bear, whales, bald eagles, seals, and caribou. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture. Enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer. Programs led by Dave Frey, member of the farthest north UU congregation. To find out more about your Alaskan trip of a lifetime, visit www.WhaleCoastAK.org, email , or call 907-322-4966. We would love to share our Alaska with you!