NEXT Newsletter Deadline...
TUESDAY, June 19, 2012 at NOON
TUESDAY, June 19, 2012 at NOON
EverGreene
Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Here's something I'm finding interesting about myself this late spring: noticeably more than the last couple of years, I'm feeling creativity, excitement at what we might do next year, ideas about services and classes and stewardship and other parts of our wonderful congregation's life.
Speaking of Sunday service topics, what are you interested in hearing about? We on the Worship Committee already have ideas for some regular social-action-oriented services. Tell us what's on your mind, personally, ethically, theologically, philosophically. You can email the Worship Committee chair, Wanda Jennings, at or me at .
My summer schedule starts on June 19, when I go to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend General Assembly as Unitarian Universalist Association trustee from the Pacific Northwest District. I'll be back in the office in August, back in the pulpit just after Labor Day. I hope your summer has as much fun in it as mine looks to have, and that we all return even more energetic than we are now.
President's Message
Debra Smith, Board President
I've just said goodbye to my Advanced Placement seniors. Many of them I've taught for two years, and we've spent 135 hours in each other's company. Together we've read: The Crucible, The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Jungle, Ethan Frome, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, A Raisin in the Sun, Fahrenheit 451, Oedipus, Macbeth, Siddhartha, The Heart of Darkness, Things Fall Apart, Hamlet, Frankenstein, The Doll House, and The Stranger. Stories around a campfire. Their journey is forward; they will not come back. I will begin again.
Our lives are made up of journeys. Some are trajectories and some are looped spirals. Mike Chambers taught me this. Sometimes it feels as if our lives are one long trend line. Perhaps it follows the plot line in a narrative: exposition, rising and falling action, climax, and resolution—dénouement, the French call it. The inevitable working out. Which, of course, is death. Mike Chambers, erstwhile member and beloved friend, said that the thing about church is that it helps us transcend the plot line in favor of the spiral. With ritual, with tradition, with rites of passage celebrated each year in their season, we can revisit the past. Re-live it. Conquer time's relentless march. Achieve immortality.
Return again. Return again. Return to the home of your soul. We chant this at Winter Solstice Celebration. Year after year. Return to who you are. Return to what you are. Return to where you are, born and reborn again. We can return, and make another start. Rebirth.
The theologian, Bishop Spong, recently gave a shout out to Unitarian Universalists and our stance on the resurrection. "I can discuss the resurrection more easily with Unitarians than I can with traditionalists and once we get past resuscitation, the conversation explores resurrection easily," he responded to an acerbic email. He was making a distinction between resurrection, and the material resuscitation of Christ's body, which is an interpretation made only in Luke, the gospel furthest removed from the supposed time of Jesus. Spong's sense of the word speaks to the kind of resurrection that appeals to me. I can begin again.
Once, when I was visiting an old-fashioned stationery store, I found a box of note cards engraved with
_______________________ regrets her behavior
on the evening of ____________________.
Oh, how I could have used THAT from time to time. How can I face some people after how I have broken faith with them? In a church, we must ask for forgiveness. In society at large we get fired, or friends un-friend us. But in a church, we believe in resurrection. Even our own. Especially our own. Please forgive me. Can you find it in your heart to allow me to begin again in your presence?
We have another hymn that I love: [Though you've broken your vows a thousand times]...Come, come, whoever you are/Wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving...[Though you've broken your vows a thousand times], the descant insists. It reminds me of a former congregant, now a minister—Drew Johnston—who joined, rather than left us, when our church had broken faith with him. He figured he'd better join us and help us live up to our principles. I love his story. It is part of our lore. We recount that lore around the campfire while night closes in on us, as man has done for millennia. We rehearse our lives in story. We recognize each other in our stories. We nod to the familiar. We transcend time. Begin anew another loop of the spiral.
Religious Exploration
The Joy in the Transitions
Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration
Alan Watts – "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance."
Transitions and change abound during this season and beyond. The spring has been filled with so much of the work of my ministry here at BUUF and it has been wonderful and fulfilling and incredibly fun. I love all the goings on and happenings with our children and youth all year long, but what feels like the headlong rush from March to June is especially exhilarating as I share the journey with them and the rest of the congregation.
Our family is going through another milestone transition with Sam graduating from high school and setting off on his next grand adventure. It's truly a dance to join for Paul and me as we pull him close, swing him out, and let go, all to the changing heart-felt rhythms.
The beginning of the summer is my time to transition from the current program year and to launch the summer RE program. Wrapping up the past year and dreaming and scheming for the year to come while supporting the Summer RE Coordinator, Mary Stell. The last half of the summer is filled with planning and putting the new year's pieces into place and play. Anticipating the return of the hustle and bustle and knowing that the joyful dance will continue, I plunge in and boogie.
Summer in Religious Exploration for Children
Emmie Schlobohm
We are fortunate to have Mary Stell this summer as our Summer Religious Exploration Coordinator! Religious Exploration for children continues throughout the year and it looks a little different in the summer. Nursery care for our youngest congregants (infant–2 years old) will continue in our nursery. Starting on June 10 and continuing through September 2, we will be having some changes from the regular church year routine. All children, ages 3-11, start together in the sanctuary with their families, as we do during the regular church year. After the children say their affirmation and the congregation sings them into the RE wing, these children will meet in the Olympia Brown classroom (the second door down the north hall) for an all-ages welcome and in-gathering. Weather permitting, all elementary ages and their adult guides will go outside for their RE time. We will split into age-specific groups and continue with our RE time with age-appropriate activities. If the weather is bad we will utilize our classrooms. Additional information about our summer curricula can be found in the accompanying article in this section. Youth 12 and over, are welcome to stay in the sanctuary with their families or can come to the RE classrooms to assist our adult guides. Questions or comments? Please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710 or .
Space Camp at BUUF – not at all what you're thinking!
Emmie Schlobohm
Sacred Space Camp, that is! Did I get your attention? I hope so! This summer our children and some very lucky youth and adults will be exploring the sacred spaces of our very own grounds here at BUUF. Each week, we will be digging deeply (not literally, although that would be fun too.) into the wheres, whos, whys, and hows of the sacred spaces and places on our grounds that have been and continue to be lovingly created, maintained, and honored. The format will be as outdoor-camp-like as the weather will allow with stories, songs and activities. We'll all start out in our big classroom in the north wing where we'll enter, rejoice, and come together and meet the person or people who know all about one of our sacred spaces. They'll give us a brief introduction and then we'll all go to the specific place and explore that site with all of our senses, including our sense of wonder. Keep your eyes open for announcements in your order of service on how we will be inviting the whole congregation to come play at certain times during the summer.
You can be one of those lucky youth or adults on this adventure and find out more about our home here at BUUF! We will need several volunteer class assistants every week, so please contact me at 658-1710 or if you'd like to be a part of this grand journey of discovery this summer. You can also sign up to help on the clipboard on the table in the north vestibule. If you can't find it, come find me and we'll get you signed up to join the fun.
Follow your heart & feed your passion while creating a nurturing & welcoming place for Religious Exploration for children and youth!
Many hands make light work and that light will shine on for years to come. There are numerous opportunities available to share your gifts of time and talent within Religious Exploration for Children and Youth. Our classrooms are places of wonder and merriment, but if that's not your passion, alternatives abound. Please come talk with Emmie, our Director of Religious Exploration, and discover for yourself where you can light up the world for our future captains of our blue boat home.
... Where Children are Wise and Adults Can Play – Teachers needed for next year!
Our young people are a miraculous bunch! They bring smiles, laughter, and joy to us all every week. If you haven't spent time in one of our Religious Exploration classrooms, you're truly missing out on a whole lot of fun, wonder and awe. Religious Exploration for children and youth is looking for teams of guides and advisors to lead and follow our youth through next year's explorations, discoveries and transformations. If you would like to join in on the phenomenon that is Religious Exploration, please contact Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration at 658-1710 to find out more about teaching in our classrooms - nursery through high school.
In Gratitude to our Graduates
Emmie Schlobohm
There is a bridge between childhood and young adulthood. Here at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship we celebrate the journey over that bridge as a welcoming rite of passage. Late in April, several of our senior high youth crossed that bridge and journeyed toward exciting adventures as a part of our Bridging Ceremony. Our celebration included the gifts of two very special members of our community: Lance Pittman created the chalices that we gave to the "bridgers" as tokens of our love and esteem and Julian Jenkins provided the senior portraits that two of our seniors had displayed. Our young people are truly phenomenal and we are all blessed to have heard their voices and seen them shine. We would like to take this opportunity to once again acknowledge them and their families at this time of passages, beginnings, and endings.
Our Bridging Seniors and their families are:
- Alex Smith — son of Lisa Jarussi Smith and Howard Smith
- Jade Nissl — daughter of Jan Nissl
- Nik Onyon – son of Connie and Ray Onyon
- Sam Schlobohm – son of Emmie and Paul Schlobohm
COMMITTEES
Let's Celebrate Our Fathers
We will have a chance ot celebrate the dads in our families by getting something special—an item or a treat— at BUUF's first annual Father's Day Silent Auction. This event will take place in the South Wing Hall from May 27 to June 10. Items need to be picked up on June 10 or June 17 and treats need to be picked up on June 17 unless special arrangements are made. (Actually, anyone can bid on anything, so feel free to bid for an item for yourself!)
You can help by:
**Volunteering for item input in the computer
**Help with set up Friday May 25 or Saturday May 26
**Help with clean up Sunday June 17
**Donating something a dad might like such as: tools, golf stuff, sports stuff, fishing stuff, hunting stuff, game tickets, movie tickets, books, etc.
**Donating a HOMEMADE TREAT such as a pie, cake, cheese cake, coffee cake, muffins, jam, etc.
Treats will be fully described so bidders will know what they are bidding on. They must be delivered on Sunday June 17, Father's Day, unless special arrangements are made.
Donation forms can be found in the office by the door to the South Wing Hall and on the Hospitality Table after services, or here, on our website.
Call Claudia Fernsworth, 853-1526, to help or with questions.
HELP WANTED
Coffee, Clean-Up & Snacks
Helpers are needed to make coffee before the first service, to clean up after the second service each Sunday, and to provide snacks during that nice visiting time that we all enjoy together. Please sign up via the clipboard on the snack table near the coffee and tea urns. Many hands make light work! THANK YOU from the Hospitality Committee.
JUSTICE Outreach
TransForm Idaho
Sue Philley
Help the BUUF Hunger Task Force support TransForm Idaho, a non-partisan group that educates, advocates, and supports Idaho voters on issues that matter, especially issues related to women and women's health. Volunteers are needed Saturday, June 9 to staff a TransForm Idaho Exhibit at the Annual Community Progressive sponsored by United Vision for Idaho. This family-oriented event is open to the public and highlights the many organizations in Idaho that are helping to move Idaho's culture and politics forward. It also features vendors, musicians, and artists in Julia Davis Park and is open from 10am-8pm. Sign up for a three hour shift by contacting Sue Philley at 208-340-9450 or email .
"Like Winning the Lottery"
Rick Groff
Bill Hall and I met our Paint the Town home owner. Carolynn is a lovely lady who really needs the help and appreciates that we are painting her house. She told us that BUUF has a reputation for doing a good job. She also told us that she has never won anything before and being chosen to have her house painted was like winning the lottery.
If you planned to sign up but haven't, time is short. If you hadn't planned to participate, time is still short and we need you too. If you can't paint, please donate to Paint the Town anyway.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
First Sunday Potlucks are back for the Summer!
Bring a potluck dish and join us after the Worship Service on the first Sunday of each month this summer. We'll picnic outside if the weather allows. This is a great way to get to know other BUUFers.
Come on June 3, July 1, August 5, and September 2.
Bring a potluck dish to share and your own utensils and plates. In order to address the diversity of dietary needs, think about bringing a vegetarian or vegan dish and labeling it as such.
Many hands make quick work, so plan to help with the clean up!
Contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .
Where We Fit In
Jeanette Ross
Our BUUF humanist group is one of several local organizations with an emphasis on what individuals can (and perhaps should) do in this world. Each has its own flavor and style; only two are organized as non-profits with annual dues and thus a formal membership; the rest are casually organized, fluid, without elected leadership or shared credo. We established an umbrella organization, Secular Idaho, to bring us together because we have much in common. Here's a snapshot.
The two nonprofits are Humanists of Idaho and Idaho Atheists. One of BUUF's elders, John Harms, was a foundational member of HoI. Idaho Atheists patrol the line between church and state. One of their most successful events was winning the right to hold a Day of Reason on the statehouse steps; the attorney representing them was Bernie Zaleha, long a member of BUUF.
BUUF's Huumanists affiliate with the national Huumanist organization, which is informally affiliated with the UUA (accepted but not financially supported by this national organization). Boise's Senior Sages, also found under the structure of BUUF, presently meets twice a month 'off-campus' and includes many seniors who are or have been BUUF members.
An active group of BSU students provide programs and social activities through the Boise State Secular Students Alliance. Many community humanists, atheists and unaffiliated students attend the BSU programs. A secularist Masonic Lodge contributes its own blend of ritual and free-wheeling discussions. We also have a variety of meet-ups, each with its own emphasis. We have a group specializing in humor at the expense of church-goers. The Cosmos Coffee Club regularly meets, with conversations often exploring the edges of science. Canyon County, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls meet-ups and groups have their page in the Secular Idaho newsletter.
BUUF huumanists will meet throughout the summer, third Sundays at 11:15am in the library. Join us!
Festivities Fun
Do you have some ideas about fun ways we can socialize at BUUF?
Would you like to help plan our 2nd Saturday Potlucks for next year?
Do you have some ideas of ways to celebrate Elizabeth?
Want to have another hoedown and coffee house and bunco party?
Sign up now to be part of our Festivities Committee and join us in planning for fun during the 2012-2013 year. Contact Wanda Jennings at or 362-7563.
Sages Sailing into Summer
Tom von Alten
Growing up is all about setting a good example. Jim and Marcia Lyons did it, and are prepared to share what they found about people, history, culture, and why cruising doesn't have to be politically incorrect. (Bingo, eight meals a day, and chaise-lounging; what's not to like?) Join the BUUF Sages on Thursday, June 14, 9:30 am at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way), to share inspiration and a no-host breakfast. Our June 28 program is TBD, but you know it'll be interesting. You should come! Newcomers are welcome. Contact Tom (at 378-1217 or ) for more information or to be added to our reminder list.
Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality: Sigrblot
This time Debbie will lead the group in a Sigrblot, a time of reflection and discovery leading to success, accomplishment and victory for the coming season and the year. Come experience the wonder and spiritual gifts of the Sigrblot!
Second Thursday June 14, 7 PM, South Wing, Channing Room.
The Other Book Club
Come join us for a lively discussion on books and other topics. We generally on the second Sunday of the month from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.
On June 10 we will be discussing Cutting for Stone by Verghese Abraham. We will gather at Kathy McGowan home, 3496 Holl Dr., Eagle, ID. 939-7215.
In July we will not meet But, will return August 12 with Wallace Stegner's Crossing to Safety. Meeting place is not yet determined.
On September 9, we will discuss Possession by A.S. Byatt. Meeting place to be determined.
If you would like to be on our email list send your address to .
Happy Reading!
Fringe Topics Discussion: Ghosts!
Have you ever seen a ghost? Come share your story! Come hear others' stories.
Third Thursday June 21, 7 PM, South Wing, Channing Room
UUs for Justice in the Middle East:: Discussion and Sharing
Discussion and Sharing: What do you want to know? What do you want to share? Ever been to Israel/Palestine? How are Palestinians portrayed in our media and culture? How is Israel portrayed?
How do American and Israeli Jews feel about Palestinians? How do you feel?
Come join the Discussion! Saturday June 9, 4 PM, South Wing, Channing Room
Beltane and the Mother Tree
At the last meeting of the Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality chalice circle, Morgaine led us in a Beltane ritual. We chose the Mother Tree in the BUUF Grove as our focal point, surrounding her with a ring of decorations and our wishes, prayers, blessings and love. We discovered the Mother's secret center, and placed our heart there.
UUJME 2012 Sermon Contest Awards Jill Baker and our own Debbie Espen
UUJME congratulates Jill Baker for her winning sermon on this year's topic, What actions do UU principles, history and values call us to take in the movement to end the occupation and human rights abuses in Israel/Palestine?
Jill is a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, Michigan and co-chair of her local UUJME chapter. The focus of her activism, she says, is to "educate Americans about the deleterious effects of American foreign policy in the Middle East and about economic and political factors that drive it. If we can change the role of the United States in this region, its peoples will be better able to exercise self-determination in building a just peace."
Jill's sermon, entitled "Staying Awake and Overcoming: A Unitarian Universalist Response to the Israel-Palestine Conflict," was delivered at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Marquette, Michigan in April 2012 where it was quite well received. Jill welcomes opportunities to bring her sermon to other UU congregations around the country. Please contact her directly at for details.
UUJME also congratulates runner-up Debbie Espen for her sermon entitled "How My World Was Turned Upside Down," delivered in February 2012 at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Boise Idaho. Her sermon is the story of her own "journey of cognitive discordance" related to Palestine.
"I felt that if others could understand my process, then they, too, might go through [a similar] process," says Debbie. "I thought it might ignite something in the minds of those on the fence, or even on the other side of the fence. That was the intent of sharing my story. I hope to disseminate it as widely as possible." Please contact Debbie at for more details.
Congratulations to both women!
Justice General Assembly in Idaho!
Can't go to the UUA General Assembly (GA) in Phoenix June 20-24? You can be there virtually! It's free and no travel is involved. Go to the UUA website and log onto many of the sessions.
The Unitarian Universalist General Assembly 2012 will be a gathering with multiple ways of engaging in justice work for people of all ages. Joining with the people of Arizona, we will worship, witness, learn and work together. We will leave General Assembly grounded in our faith, energized for justice and with resources to bring this work home to our congregations.
Start preparing now by visiting UUA.org.
Check out the immigration justice resources for stories of engaged congregations.
Follow the weekly posts at the UUA immigration justice blog, Cooking Together.
Read The Death of Josseline by Margaret Regan and use the discussion guide for reflection.
Join community partners and interfaith groups committed to immigration justice.
Organize a congregational conversation about the Doctrine of Discovery using the discussion guide.
Let your delegates, Bryan and Wanda Jennings, know how you want them to vote, at or 362-7563. In Arizona, 208-409-3079 for Bryan and 208-283-2405 for Wanda.
