BUUF News – February 2012

Contents

EverGreene

Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Some of you read my Idaho Statesman column on January 21, about Rae Ann Leach. Rae Ann is a member of our church who, in July, 1995, under the influence of improper medication for her serious mental illness, cut the throat of a 20-month-old baby, Mary Hickerson.

She was originally put on probation and house arrest, but did not keep her mandated 24-hour companion with her at all times, so was taken back to court and ordered to start her 15 years at the State Women's Prison. There is a possibility that she could be out on parole when you read this—in my opinion, an outside possibility. In any case, her sentence is up in 2014, and she will be free to go home.

We are her religious community. Whenever she is released, I hope we will welcome her with open arms. For those of us who knew her before that one "break," such a welcome will come easy. It might not, for others—having almost killed a child is terribly serious, and most of us have a deep, deep response of horror, perhaps fear.

This is a subject for prayer, discussion, compassion, discernment and hope. We have a chance, now or after I am no longer serving as your minister, to offer redemption and love to a suffering fellow journeyer. This church could walk the talk, stepping up to make a home for Rae Ann's final years. May this happen.

President's Message

Debra Smith, Board President

It's February, so the topic is (wait for it!)...LOVE.

We live in an age of Facebook relationships. Some of us are superficially connected 40 years later to people we barely knew in high school. And if their political philosophies clash with our own, we can just do what I did with my sister's posts: block 'em. We're not kidding ourselves, though. Facebook is a community of "like." It is not a community of love. We can glide on the connections made via social media like a spider on her own web.

No so a church community. Here our connections are variably sticky or prickly. Chances are we will get tangled in a web of our own making. Relationships made between and among a people who have made a commitment to stay connected—those relationships are fraught with tension. We wound each other inadvertently, clumsily, sometimes (dare I say it?) even intentionally. But I prefer to believe that we hurt each other unintentionally. We're all just like the band I enjoy so much: Clumsy Lovers.

Perhaps we should all wear the band's signature t-shirts ("Ow!" "Sorry"). Or, "Warning: Clumsy Lover Ahead!" Elizabeth did a sermon about this some time back. She was reminded of those vehicles that announce on their cars when a teen driver-in-training is behind the wheel.

The fact that we are all clumsy lovers is what makes it so important that our decision-making structures be clear and well-defined. They are not. They are evolving. So, too, we as a church community are evolving. And the fact that we are all clumsy lovers is what makes it so important that we be gentle with one another. Now it could be said that we should all know better at this point how not to be clumsy. And so it follows that we should be able to register umbrage when a seasoned old-timer continues to behave clumsily, despite requests that he or she learn grace. But isn't that what makes love hard? How to lovingly hold people accountable for their clumsiness, when each one of us is really just learning to walk deftly, and with grace?

If you haven't yet had an encounter with another soul in this church that has forced you come to terms with your own clumsiness, then this church is not doing for you what it is supposed to do. If you haven't yet had an encounter where you have had to ask someone to please be more graceful, then this church is not doing for you what it is supposed to do. There are plenty of places to have superficial relationships. Churches are not one of them. Social life is not meant to be like Teflon. But decision-making structures, and behavior protocols (we used to call them manners), and clear policies are intended to reduce the friction.

And there is consolation in a quotation from that ultimate book on social manners—Pride and Prejudice: "One does not love a place the less for having suffered in it..."

If I had room, I'd include a lovely valentine for you in the way of a poem; but you can just Google it. Or come to the Coffee House event on Saturday the 11th, when I'll read it to you. It's called Love Poem, by John Frederick Nims. It begins, "My clumsiest dear..."

Religious Exploration

Creating a Space for Spiritual Exploration and Growth

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

Families come in all shapes and sizes. They are the backbone of Religious Exploration and we honor them. We create a space here at BUUF for all to explore and grow in faith and understanding. I'm always looking for resources for families to take home so that their spiritual journeys continue throughout the week.

Recently, our own Mary Osterman shared a prayer and a blessing that her son, Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman, wrote. Rev. Osterman is the senior minister at the Mainline Unitarian Church in Devon, Pennsylvania. Unitarian Universalism is a wide and diverse faith tradition and these words provide a step on one path of many for spiritual practices at home for children of all ages. My thanks go out to Mary for sharing and to you for bringing your practices into your homes.

Bedtime Prayer for Children

Thanks, O Spirit, for this day,

Fill my heart with love, I pray.

In the morning, when I rise,

Let joy and beauty fill my eyes.

Blessing Before a Meal

Spirit of Holiness that dwells within each and moves among all,

God of our understanding,

we give thanks for this day and the many blessings in our lives,

chief among them our family and precious friends.

May we be ever mindful of how truly fortunate we are,

truly grateful for how much we have,

and how much we have to give,

in this world where so many have so little.

May we be grateful for the food that we are about to receive;

bless the hands that raised it,

the hands that carried it into our community,

and those that have prepared it and delivered it to our table.

Bless this food to strengthen our bodies

And this time our spirits

That we may be renewed in love

And rededicated to lives of compassion and service.

A Thousand Thanks to All of Our Guides, Advisors and Care Providers

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

February is the half way point of Religious Exploration's program year. I can't believe it. There have been amazing things happening in the classrooms. The wonderful folks who volunteer to "guide" and advise our children deserve a huge thank you for their commitment to BUUF's children and youth. There would be no Religious Exploration without them. Please join me in extending heartfelt thanks to them and their families who support them.

COMMITTEES

Clean-up on Aisle 1!

The Interiors Committee and BEC are sponsoring a cleanup and touch-up day at the Fellowship Saturday, March 3 from 10am to 3pm. If you are able to make it for part or all of the time please call Nancy at the office, 658-1710. Bring a sack lunch if you are going to stay for the whole day. Muffins and rolls will be provided in the a.m. If you have a squeegee and bucket, please bring them. Thank you, the Interiors Committee.

Needed: Hosts & Hostesses with the Most-ests!

The Hospitality Committee is co-chaired by Mary Osterman and Janette Young. The Hospitality Committee provides hot beverages and simple snacks to create an opportunity for our Fellowship to connect informally between and after services, as well as for BUUF to be a host to newcomers and visiting guests.

There are 3 key tasks to be done each week for Sunday Service and we would like to have 24 volunteers on this committee (there are already 3, only 21 more needed <smile>) so that each person will only need to volunteer for less than an hour once a month. The 3 tasks are as follows:

1. Make coffee for the 9:30 Service and clean up after the 9:30 service at~10:45, typically this coffee is enough for both services, but will need to be checked before the 11:15 service as it takes 45 minutes to brew.

2. Provide food for the time between services 10:45-11:15 and after the 11:15 service (This can be purchased or home-made).

3. Clean up after the 11:15 service, typically from 12:30 to 1:15

Training, written instructions and assistance will be provided so that you too can be the "Host with the Most" or the "Hostess with the Mostest"! Please contact Janette Young at or call 208-631-9192 and let me know what Sunday works best for you: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th and which service works best for you 9:30 or 11:15. We really need your help and appreciate your willingness to give your time, talent and resources to make BUUF known for its hospitality and good treats!

A View From The Bridge

Jolene Schow

Cathy Carmen and Karen Raese, the Bridge Event Center Event Coordinators, are busy taking reservations for spring, summer, and fall weddings. Most of these requests come from outside the Fellowship and are a great chance for us to show off BUUF and boost our general fund coffers.

Cathy and Karen are also standing by to assist you with any event you are planning here at BUUF. Because of the increase in BUUF events and the staff being stretched with other duties, BEC has been asked to coordinate anything within the Fellowship requiring more than simple meeting space. This means that BUUF Committees will receive the assistance of BEC research, procedures & experience. You don't have to reinvent the wheel!

Your BEC Coordinator will help you:

- Identify the services and logistics needed by your event

- Calculate costs and coordinate needed staff

- Reduce costs

- Communicate with everyone who will be affected by your event

- Follow policies and procedures which reduce the impact and risk to BUUF, increase safety for all, and extend courtesy to other BUUF groups and our neighbors

- Help you coordinate furniture and equipment

- Help you use check lists for consistency, communication, and efficiency

So whether you're planning an internal event, or if you know of someone from outside of BUUF requiring event space, check us out at www.bridgeeventcenter.com, become a friend on Facebook, or call 891-8081 (Cathy Carmen or Karen Raese) for more information or assistance.

Welcome to the BUUF Financial Corner

Financial Committee

With the big push at the end of December, we have improved the linearity of pledged income collection- thank you to everyone. If everyone pays their remaining pledges linearly during the second half of the year, we will be ok. This month our attention turns to the budgeting process for next year. This year we have a budget of approximately $311,000 and are looking at a budget for next year of $316,000. A $316,000 budget allows us to give much needed raises to our staff and fund a little bit extra program and committee work. The challenge to achieving this budget comes from where we are starting. This year to reinstate staff hours, the congregation voted in a deficit budget which we are working to balance by accessing $18,000 from the Jo Douglas fund and by counting on $11,000 in increased plate giving. Thus, just to duplicate this year's budget, we need to increase our pledging by $18,000 plus $7000 of the $11,000 or $25,000. This is just to stay even with this year. To give our staff much needed small raises we need to increase pledges by an additional $4000. We think that as the economy starts improving and we continue to grow that this is an achievable goal- it is certainly what we need to execute on our mission. So as the annual giving drive comes around in March, please consider the goals and mission of BUUF, please assess your financial situation, and please consider increasing your pledge to BUUF to support our mission and activities. If you would like to see the proposed budget, please contact the office at .

BEC's MVP for February

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:

Patrick Schow – Most of you won't know Patrick unless you see him working in Jeremiah's Adventure Garden, on the irrigation system or the landscape equipment. The grounds are a big part of what attracts weddings to our beautiful site and Patrick helps keep them looking great. With his numerous trips with garden waste to the landfill, or to get fuel for all the equipment, or his mowing, trimming, hoeing keeping the waterfall clean and working.... you get the picture! Lots of sweat equity is invested by this long-time member.

JUSTICE Outreach

This Month's Plate Collection recipient: ICAN

The Idaho Community Action Network (ICAN) is the recipient of the February Plate collection. ICAN takes seriously its role in doing both mercy work AND justice work. ICAN's roots go back 30 years and they have been a voice for people with low incomes throughout the state that whole time. Some of you may have been familiar with Idaho Fair Share, Idaho Citizen's Network, Idaho Neighbors Network or Idaho Hunger Action Council. Over the years those organizations merged together to become ICAN. ICAN has been a steady voice for affordable and accessible health care, workers rights, immigration rights, disability rights and other issues impacting people with low incomes. ICAN is about empowerment and building leadership in the community so that the people who face the issues are the people deciding how they will be resolved. ICAN is leading efforts to restore Medicaid cuts. A representative from ICAN will be at the Fellowship on the first Sunday in February to tell us a little more about their current issues.

News from the Rainbow Outreach Committee (ROC)

The Rainbow Outreach Committee is excited to have many new people join us this year. Note that we welcome any and all persons who are interested in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and related issues. Many of our members are those who are curious and questioning where they may fit on the wide spectrum of human sexuality. Many of us are straight allies who have been involved with associations such as GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) in the past.

On President's Day, Monday, February 20, the Idaho State Legislature is hosting their annual Lobby Day. This is an opportunity to educate and engage in respectful discussions with our state senators and representatives. Google "Idaho State Lobby Day" or similar words for more information. Events will run on 2/21 and 2/22 as well. There is also detailed information on State Senator Nicole LeFavour's FaceBook page.

ROC will be hosting the second Saturday Family Fun nights on March 10 and April 14. Please see the BUUF calendar or ROC's co-chairs, Bobbie Angel, Pam Rouda, or Bill Hall, for more information and/or if you would like to volunteer.

Whittier Hygience Kits

We still need travel-size toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner as well as children's books (in good condition) that will fit into a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Donated items can be placed in the Whittier School barrel in the north vestibule. We have a deadline of the end of February so please donate as soon as possible. Thank you!

Thank You!

To the 12 people who volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club during the holidays. The staff was impressed with our willingness to help.

To Susie Hardy, Carol Sevier, Sherry Hamilton, Becky Groff and Nancy Harms for sewing the mini backpacks used in our Foodbank donation program. The Hunger/Food Supply Task Force raised about $1,800 for the backpack program. Thank you to everyone who donated to this worthy cause.

To the volunteers who showed up to the Idaho Foodbank on January 16 to assemble backpack food for the children who get food backpacks every Friday. We put together 1,386 backpacks during our shift.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Time for the Coffeehouse Again!

Here's an opportunity for members and friends to share their talents in a popular "potpourri" format of entertainment, and for listeners to enjoy an intimate evening of music, poetry, dance, comedy, or storytelling. You provide the entertainment. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Harms at either or 658-1710. This will be the second Saturday Fellowship Fun Night, February 11, 6 pm.

Listeners, mark your calendars now and plan to bring friends along with a potluck dish to share at the beginning of the evening. We'll have a movie for the younger crowd. The only bread you'll need is donation for drinks. We'll have music by members and friends. This will be held in the North Wing.

Hoedown's a Comin'!

Our Family Fun Hoedown and Potluck is on for the second Saturday in March, the 10 at 6:00. This is an inter-generational event and everyone is invited. Bring your friends, a potluck dish to share, and your plates and utensils.

A hoedown is a time when the farmers set their hoe down and go whoop it up. A caller tells you the steps to take, everyone dances in lines and squares and has a good time. No experience needed. Expect lots of fun and laughter. Dancing starts at 7:00. Activities for all ages.

The purpose of our Second Saturday Potlucks is to build community. We can't do that without you. So put your hoe down and don't miss the "funnest" event of the year!

Questions? Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

Time to Plan for BUUF Camping

It is that time again. Get out your calendar and put BUUF camping on it for the weekend of August 17 -19 at Ponderosa State Park in McCall. This annual event is a fun way to gather with fellow BUUFers for a weekend of camping. Costs are shared ($35/family or couple) as are cooking and clean up responsibilities for a few communal meals. Contact Eileen Geddings (at or 853-0822) or Karen Raese (at or 853-3865) for more information and to reserve your spot!

Friendship Dinners

Dinner groups will be on the fourth weekend of each month. The next one will be Saturday, January 25. Please sign up on the sheets by the name tags. The dinners are a great way to meet people in the fellowship and are excellent for integrating new people in the fellowship. We need hosts, so if you can seat 6-8 people at your table, please sign up to host a group. For more information, contact Mary Munson 898-4147, . Please join us!

Ritual for Humanists?

Jeanette Ross

Our guest Krispen Hartung described an organization at the intersection of humanism, Unitarian thought and the craft guilds of Europe. He is an organizer of Praxis Lodge, a branch of the Masonic Order that honors the freedom of conscience that came out of ideals of Europe's Enlightenment.

Kris provided a fascinating short history of fraternal lodges, their benefits and practices. His lodge admits women and nontheists as full members and does not emphasize monotheistic belief in ritual. Kris made a case for the use of ritual performance as a way to act out their guiding principles and build bonds between members. Costuming and adherence to rules of silence regarding certain practices were explained in terms of benefits and opportunity for emotional expression. Kris also compared the principles of our UU Fellowship and found many commonalities, including the explicit expression of shared values as well as the values themselves.

At our next meeting, February 12, Rick Groff will explore a new book on religious humanism by William R. Murry. Curious about how science and the philosophy of naturalism fit into humanism? Join us in the BUUF library at 11:15am. Questions? Ask Rick Groff or Jeanette.

Ever seen a Cryptid?

Fringe Topic Discussion - Thurs Feb 16, 7pm, South Wing, Channing Room. (Cryptozoology - critters like Nessie, Champ, Beast of Bray Road, Shapeshifters/Skinwalkers etc.)

Ministerial Lunch

The Minister's Lunch for January 27 is at the URS building's cafeteria. The URS building is off Park, the old MK Building, catty corner from the Ram Pub. Enter the glass doors behind the fountain. 11:30 am Elizabeth will see you there.

Classics Book Club

On February 14 at 7:00 the Classics Book Club will convene at Lorel Case's to discuss Pere Goriot by Honoré Balzac. All readers are welcome to attend. Contact Lorel Case (376-3188) for details.

New UU Class Reunion

Have you taken the new UU class in the last few years? We would love to invite you to a potluck reunion on Feb. 18 from 6-9pm in the Sanctuary. Let's get together and reconnect for some fun and food. If you have questions please contact Miriam Woito at or 890-6074. Friends and family are welcome as well.

Mother Earth & the Gaia Hypothesis

Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality - Thurs Feb 9, 7PM, South Wing, Channing Room. Honoring the 7th Principle and 7th Source of Uuism.

Why in the world does Debbie care so much about the Palestinians, Palestine, and Israel?

On Sat Feb 11, 4pm in the South Wing, Channing Room, Debbie will take the event of her birthday to share her personal story, what happened, why she started the Boise chapter of UUs for Justice in the Middle East and what keeps her going despite no budget and little open support.

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 February 12 book is Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Varga LLosa. We will meet at the home of Dorothy Vanderpool, 5129 N. Riverfront Dr, Garden City, ID 83714. 853-1598

Our March 11 book is In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. We will meet at the home of Eric Wallace, 1387 E. Monterey Dr., Boise, ID 83706.

Our April 8 book is Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively. We will meet at the home of Carol Wilke.

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

Happy Reading in 2012!

One Day Quilt Retreat, March 10

Quilters or want-to-be quilters mark your calendars for March 10 from 9am to 1 pm for a day of quilting. Our project is a simple jelly roll table runner or bring your own project. We will meet in the 5th-6th grade classroom. Bring food to share.

BUUF Quilters have made some awesome quilts over the last few years. We have some great ideas for 2012 to share.

If you can join us or would like to get specific information about the fabric requirements of the table runner contact Erin Logan at .

Happy quilting.

Recording BUUF's History

Elaine Durbin

BUUF's recent celebration of our 50-plus years along with the end of Elizabeth's 24-year tenure is the beginning of a new era. Which has made History Keepers realize that we here today and the Uni's in Boise before us are a prologue for the Uni-Uni's who will come after us, and come they will. We need to compile the bits and pieces of history into a book. So we will do that, for ourselves and for those who will come after us.

We need your help. We need your help by your sharing your memories of important events, people and transitions in the life of the Fellowship. For example , in the development of the childrens religious education program, especially in the very early years; in the evolution of the music program; in the long, slow transition from individual action in public/social affairs to the current community actions for social justice; and in BUUF's role and profile in the community. We also would appreciate some assistance in organization and editing.

Another need for help is in the technicalities of publishing. We hope to offer some copies for sale pre-publication to help with costs. Currently we're thinking of 35-50 pages, text and pics. People who have some expertise in publishing and would like to offer it should contact History Keepers photographer Frank Shuff at 63l-0953 or .

For other offerings, Lorel Case is our communication link, at or 376-3l88. Other team members are Charlotte Tompkins, Janelle Wintersteen, and myself. Incidentally, we are always open to additional members of the team, and longevity is not a criterion.

We plan the history to be classy; to be fun to read; to tell stories of people, places and programs; to be accurate and objective to the best of our ability; to contain great photos; to give a sense of the shifts or trends in congregational thinking and practices; and to publish in fall of 20l2.

We look forward to all your responses with pleasure and thank you for your thoughtfulness.

BUUF Food Pantry Suggestions

If you are donating to the BUUF Food Pantry, in the closet off the south vestibule, here are a few specifics you might consider. We would like to suggest that you check the shelves before you go shopping, to see what is actually needed. For instance, we have had more than enough beans of every kind for several weeks now.

• Juice: 100% fruit juice, V8, vegetable juice
• Hot cereal: oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Maltomeal, etc.
• Breakfast bars: Nutri-Grain, etc. (incl. non-crunchy for those without good teeth)
• Boxed milk: soy, rice, almond, hemp, oat
• Tea, coffee, cocoa
• Canned foods: fruit, vegetables, tuna, salmon, chicken, chili, soup, etc. (with lift-off lids when possible)
• Mayo and salad oil to mix with tuna, chicken, etc.
• Boxed or bagged soups
• Staples, condiments: salt, pepper, sugar, spices, flour, baking soda, sugar, etc.
• Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, tissues
• Cleaning supplies: dishwasher powder, vinegar, laundry detergent, household cleaners (preferably "green," unscented)
• Personal care products: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, lotions, tampons, sanitary pads, diapers

Awesome Season of Giving

The people of Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship have been extremely generous this holiday season! Thanks so much for supporting our community. This chart reflects contributions from October through December 2011.