NEXT Newsletter Deadline...
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at NOON
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at NOON
EverGreene: Remember November 3!
Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Actually, we don't care if you "remember" it; we care if you join other BUUFers in that Saturday of fun, celebration and looking forward. Also, this is your chance to get more information about what this ministerial transition is looking like and will look like in the months ahead.
This is a really special year, with my retirement in June, after 25 years of serving as your minister. We are all adjusting, yes—all the time, it seems—to the radical idea that we will be formally ending this relationship. It can seem overwhelming, or make us just want to avoid thinking about it, or feel like leaving the scene until the dust has settled.
At the very same time, we can all start getting excited about what the next chapter will bring. I have been working a long time (including 20+ years as a high school drama and English teacher), and look forward to more space and time, whatever I take on next. This church will be entering a brand-new ministry, with who knows what kinds of directions, nurturing, outreach, worship and fun?
How about if all we agree to be with each other as often and as thoroughly as we can this year, so we end saying that we have truly honored our long relationship?
The first step? (Besides coming to church most Sundays!) Come to "Celebration and Looking Forward" on Saturday, November 3!
President's Message: Starting the Transition
Judy Holcombe
As the first official act under our transition calendar, the Board has appointed an Interim Task Force. This group will represent BUUF in applying to the UUA for interim minister candidates, will review their qualifications and make recommendations to the Board, who will then hire an Interim Minister no later than May 2013. Elizabeth retires in June, and the Interim Minister will start in August 2013.
We have chosen members of the task force with strong roots in our congregation, representing a diversity of congregational interests, and who themselves have traits which attune them to recognizing the traits we desire in the interim candidates. One of this group has the experience of serving on an Interim Task Force at another congregation. They are above all trusted to represent us in choosing a candidate who will be our minister, in every sense of that role, for a period of up to two years.
Margaret Keip, our on-call minister during Elizabeth's period of sabbatical, provided us with a very useful tool – a description of the Modes of Ministry. From that list, the Board has identified qualities we would most wish to see in a person chosen to be our interim minister. They include:
Executive – an insightful problem solver, and a good manager of people and resources.
Teacher – reveres ideas and appeals to curious minds, informs and enlightens, blazes trails for others on their spiritual path.
Catalyst – A generator of ideas, creatively embracing the diverse interests and needs within our congregation, nurturing a wide variety of programs.
Pastor – A caregiver and insightful counselor in times of crisis, a one-on-one available and supportive presence in people's lives.
An interim minister cannot be the called minister, and when it is time for that choice, a different set of priorities may emerge. The interim candidates will have UUA certification for their particular task. They are specially trained to guide us through our period of separation and loss, the uncertainty of transition, and ultimately preparing us for the calling of our next minister.
It will be both an exciting and unsettling time. We wish this first step in our process to be open and accessible. The Task Force will be introduced at the November 3 - All Congregational Gathering and will join in the Potluck luncheon to follow. They are all in the Directory, and are regular attendees of our services.
The Interim Task Force Members are: David Clopton, Allie Gooding, Sharene Gossen, Mary Hester, Debra Smith. Jay Wechselberger, & Miriam Woito. You may address questions, concerns, and ideas about the transition to any member of the Task Force. They are in our service for this all important task.
Religious Exploration
A Community of Beating Hearts with No Borders
Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration
Traveling by plane across the country, you see big landscape changes and geographical features like rivers, mountains, and plains. What you don't see are political boundaries such as state or county lines. Those are all in our heads. On the ground, those same geographical features create borders and boundaries, but the highways and the trains just roll right through along with the people inside them.
During the last two days, I've been riding a few of those planes and trains and getting to do some much-needed reading. As the train engines rumbled and the miles rolled beneath me, three things, accompanied by the occasional train whistle, were singing in my head: beating hearts, no borders, and community. It amazes me how we put borders between us when it's all one beautiful country full of hearts beating together in the rhythms of life.
Our BUUF community is deep and wide and we all bring so much of ourselves to the good work that we do here. My hope and prayer is that we walk this journey together with love for ourselves and each other in our hearts.
A World of Wonders Await Just Beyond those Doors
Did you know that your filled out and submitted RE registration form (lovingly known as the REgistration) is your family's ticket to a whole world of wonders? Your family becomes connected to all the other REgistered families and, with the information you provide, we can let you know about upcoming events, community happenings, and classroom-specific essentials. If your child(ren) is/are interested in lighting the chalice at the beginning of our Sunday time of worship, their REgistration is required for that too. Opportunities galore await you with just a simple filled-out piece of bright blue paper.
Invocation
Angela Herrera (a UU minister)
Don't leave your broken heart at the door;
bring it to the altar of life.
Don't leave your anger behind;
it has high standards
and the world needs vision.
Bring them with you,
and your joy
and your passion.
Bring your loving,
and your courage
and your conviction.
Bring your need for healing,
and your power to heal.
There is work to do
and you have all that you need to do it
right here in this room.
Deck the Halls Celebration
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
December is just around the corner and it's time once again for merry mayhem in our midst! On the first weekend of December, while everyone is preparing for the upcoming holiday season with all the songs, decorating and merriment, we too at BUUF set aside time to celebrate. On Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, we have our congregation-wide Deck the Halls event.
On Saturday afternoon, please join us as we gather to make ornaments for the tree and munch on some holiday treats while the children and youth of Religious Exploration (RE) rehearse their parts for the Sunday worship services. Then, be sure to come back on Sunday to experience the wonder as our children and youth explore the world around them and faith traditions around the world while we celebrate WinterGreene Holidays.
Once again, we will have two services of Deck the Halls, at 9:30 and 11:15. These two services will be different, so why not kick your holiday season off with our beloved community and join us for both services! This is an all-age, community event for everyone! So, don't miss it. Mark your calendars now: Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2. More details about all the holiday happenings are on their way, so be sure to watch for details throughout November in your weekly Orders of Service.
Junior High Students Continue on Their Grand Adventure
Every other year along with Sunday RE time for Junior High youth, BUUF offers a program called "Coming of Age" followed by a trip to Boston for the students who choose to go. This is that year. Elizabeth Greene and Emmie Schlobohm facilitate Coming of Age (each student is paired with a mentor from the congregation as well), and Cathy Carmen is heading up fund raising for Boston. Bobbie Angel, Matthew Sabin, and Laura Burdette facilitate the Junior High youth Sunday classes. Sounds pretty straightforward, hmm? Let's take a closer look:
These kids a) attend a Coming of Age meeting once a month where they explore their own ideas and what their personal credo might be (thinking time outside meeting time inevitable); b) attend class on Sunday (75% attendance over the year if they plan on going to Boston); c) fund raise like crazy; d) get to know their peers Very Well; and finally d) Go To Boston for a week! Tie this in with a community-intensive curriculum focusing on world religions (every Sunday) and you have an incredibly busy crowd.
It's a great year, with great possibility. They are deepening their understanding of the dynamic, fascinating, and varied world in which they live while broadening their knowledge of humanity and strengthening their spiritual search; making connections through a fund raising practicum; having conversations with mentors about faith; and connecting with our UU history through learning about and going to Boston. PHEW!
Be on the lookout! You're surrounded by Junior High Youth Going Somewhere Cool!
Boston Bounders + Autumn = Raking Leaves
Cathy Carmen, Boston Bounders FUNdraising Chair (!)
It's that (beautiful) time of year again....cooler temperatures and trees shedding their summer coat in preparation for winter. A perfect time at BUUF for our own Boston Bounders to start FUNdraising! Who are these Bounders...? Intrepid Junior High School-aged youth who want to travel to the center of UU-world in June 2013 –that's who!
If you would like a group of these youth (+ adults to supervise) to rake up YOUR yard - please contact Linden Boice at or by phone in the evening: 338-8984 to schedule your personal appointment! Groups of Boston Bounders will be available Saturdays (all day) and Sunday afternoon through November. There is no fee for this service. However, donations are gratefully accepted and will be used to underwrite 11 youth and 5 adult chaperones to Boston. Thank you!
More Boston FUNdraising Opportunities ABound
Cathy Carmen, Boston Bounders FUNdraising Chair (!)
Don't need your yard raked? No problem; there are still plenty of ways for you, family and friends to support BUUF's own Boston Bounders. Over the course of this year they (and their ever-supportive parents) plan to:
Host a Holiday Shop with wonderful treats and gifts for giving
Create gift wrap and offer a holiday Gift Wrapping Service for busy BUUFEers during December
Provide supplies and sweet treats for Matt Sabine's Coffee Ministry following each Sunday service
Make themselves available as resident wait staff and set up/clean-up crew for all manner of BUUF special events (hint, hint – Fundraising & Stewardship Committees!)
Host on April 20 2013 (mark your calendars now!) an official Boston Dinner – complete with dessert auction!
And so much more....yet to be conceived and planned. Stay tuned!
If you have an idea to raise the roof – we mean FUNds for Boston Bounders, please contact Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration at , or Cathy Carmen, FUNdraising chair at .
COMMITTEES
Lifeskills Training!
The Congregational Care Team's annual Lifeskills Training will take place Saturday, November 17, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, with a break for a sandwich lunch. Our guest presenters will be Steve Flick and Rev. Jackie Kelly. We are looking for some new members for the CCT, so if you are interested in joining the team or just want to learn some new life skills, you are invited. See any CCT member for more information or to register.
A View From The Bridge
Jolene Schow
Not only does the Bridge Event Center help outside groups with their events, we are here to assist BUUF members and Committees with events requiring more than simple meeting space. Because of the increase in BUUF events and the decrease in BUUF staff hours, BEC is the new "go to" group for getting started with your group activities. So that you don't have to reinvent the wheel, you receive BEC's experience, research, and procedures. Your BEC Coordinator will help you:
- Identify the services & logistics needed by your event.
- Calculate costs & coordinate staff.
- Reduce cost by training your volunteers as Event Monitors & Parking Attendants (if applicable).
- Help you coordinate with all those within the Fellowship that are affected by your event (you'd be surprised how many people "need to know" so that mishaps don't occur.)
- Follow Policies & Procedures which: clarify expectations & tasks, reduce impact and risk to BUUF, increase safety for all, and extend courtesy to our neighbors.
- Assist with inventory of furniture and equipment.
- Provide consistence and communication by using our clean-up and other checklists.
Be sure to give us a call when it's time to start your planning. We're here to work with you and make everything easier. Check out www.bridgeeventcenter.com or call 891-8081 (Cathy Carmen or Karen Raese, Event Coordinators) for more information.
Holiday Silent Auction
November 4 to 18—South Wing Hall. Check it out before or after services or during office hours during the week
The Holiday Silent Auction is Back!
It will be held in the South Wing Hall from November 4 to 18. Check it out after services or during office hours.
Now is a good time to check your closet, basement, attic and garage for items you are no longer using and want to donate. Or perhaps you would like to make a Thanksgiving treat such as a pie, a cake, cookies or other special goodie. (We will make a certificate for those items). Fill out a donation form found on the volunteer desk in the office and at the Hospitality Table or see our online form and item listing. Items that are not sold will be returned or go to charity.
Volunteers are needed to set up and monitor the auction. Call Claudia Fernsworth if you can pitch in or sign up on the clipboard on the Hospitality Table. New members and friends of BUUF are especially invited to help in this endeavor.
BEC's MVPs for November
Jolene Schow
There are several great people helping the Bridge Event Center run smoothly. This month we feature:
Roy Montague – With the help of several volunteers, Roy has spearheaded the renovation of the Playhouse. He fixed locks, painted, and put in countless hours making it a little bit of paradise for its visitors. This joyful haven was originally donated and built by Roy and continues to be a magnet for people to our site. In addition, Roy helped BEC with past efforts to find a potential renter. Even though this project has been suspended, Roy has helped us get various projects completed to help maintain assets needed to attract paying clients. Thanks, Roy!
JUSTICE Outreach
November Social Justice Plate Collection
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is dedicated to advancing human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world.
Examples: In countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq, UUSC works with local partners to empower women to become active and engaged members of their communities. UUSC is defending and supporting workers' right to organize, especially laborers marginalized by race, language, and/or gender. The Rights in Humanitarian Crises unit works to defend the rights of marginalized groups to relief assistance, participation in reconstruction, and full recovery.
BUUF is supporting the UUSC with the November social justice plate collection and Guest at Your Table offering. The plate collection is a way to contribute to UUSC during Sunday services while Guest at Your Table is a way to engage families in supporting UUSC as a home activity. See the article about Guest at Your Table for details about this offering.
Twenty-five percent of BUUF's unpledged November plate offering will go to UUSC. If you write "Outreach" on the memo line of your check, 100% goes to UUSC.
Give a BackPack this Season
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. 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.
It's a New Year at Whittier Elementary
Whittier School has had a busy start-up year, and contributions are always much appreciated and seem to be utilized quickly. According to Nurse Adde, this year has been an unusual year for needing clothing for children who have to change clothes during the day. The most-needed sizes are generally children's 4-8. 'Gently' used children's clothes of that size are just fine, but new clothing is always preferable. Even shorts are useful for a quick trip home that day. Please, no stained or torn clothing or clothing that you wouldn't want your child to wear.
We are still collecting travel-size shampoo and conditioner (no soap—we have a large boxful), combs, kid-size toothbrushes, small tubes of toothpaste, and hair accessories for Whittier. If you're staying in a hotel while traveling, consider taking your own shampoo and conditioner with you and bringing the small hotel bottles home to donate.
Please place any donations in the Whittier barrel in the north vestibule. If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Ames at . Thank you for your generosity!
CROP Walkers
Seven BUUFers enjoyed a beautiful fall walk in support of Crop Walk to help stop hunger both locally and around the world with money going to the Idaho Food Bank and to Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Thanks to generous donations from many people at BUUF we raised over $750! New BUUF member Emily Erickson stepped forward and organized the Crop Walk this year. Thanks, Emily!
Update: Be Kind Idaho, a.k.a. Ben's Bells Project
Debra Smith
From the project's brochure:
The simple kindness of strangers and friends sustained Jeannette Mare, Dean Packard and their son, Matthew, after their child, Ben, died just before his third birthday. Inspired by these gestures, they created Ben's Bells, a community art project that demonstrates and encourages kindness.The Ben's Bells Project empowers each of us to create community, inspire hope and spread joy - simply by being kind.
Ben's Bells are not for sale. Every year, thousands of Bells are hung randomly in public places. Each bell contains a note encouraging the finder to take the bell home as a reminder to be kind.
The funds donated by BUUF's plate collection last spring were sent directly to the Ben's Bells Project offices in Tucson with the specification that funds be used for supplies (bells, cord, clay and glaze) for Idaho distribution. These funds enabled the making of 500 bells, which will be hung in the next week or so. There were two open studio opportunities at the BUUF—one was the Art With Elizabeth Day—and we have also had BUUF members attend some of our sessions at Green Chutes. Rumor has it that one of our members found a bell last spring.
Be Kind Idaho began hanging bells in the Treasure Valley in October of 2011. During the past year, we hung 775 bells. We will hang 500 in about a week, bringing the total to 1275 in just 12 months.
Be Kind Idaho very much appreciates the opportunity to share the spreading of Kindness with BUUF.
Senior High Group to Motorists: "Clean Up Your Messes!"
Debra Smith, advisor
O.K. We didn't actually shout that at every car that passed, but that's what we wanted to say. On a warm September Saturday morning, 11 of us met at the Fellowship and carpooled to the BUUF designated highway trash pickup location. Two miles on Highway 55 of debris, flotsam and jetsam, banana peels and Styrofoam, and fast food trash. And cigarette butts. We drew the line at cigarette butts.
Save the Dates
We will be saying farewell to our beloved minister, Elizabeth Greene, at the end of this program year. There will be a party on Saturday evening, June 1, 2013.
The final BUUF Worship Service led by Elizabeth will be Sunday, June 2, 2013.
You will not want to miss these events!
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Hoedown's a Comin'!
Our Family Fun Hoedown and Potluck is on for the second Saturday in November, 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 .
Thanksgiving Dinner with BUUF Friends
Please join us!
Sign up on the clipboard in the North Vestibule to share a Fun Community Thanksgiving Dinner with BUUF Friends. Someone will call you to ask you to bring a dish. Questions: Ask Nancy Harms at or 375-5066 or 658-1710 or Wanda Jennings at or 362-7563.
BUUF Sages
Tom von Alten
The Sages are a loosely and self-organized, open group of long-time members and friends of the Fellowship, interested in discussions on important topics of religion, politics, art, philosophy, the environment, and the experiences of our lives. Topics are selected as ideas surface and speakers are available. We meet 22 times a year with conviviality and without ritual. Newcomers are warmly welcomed!
In November and December, we meet at 9:30am on the second Thursday (next: November 9), at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way), and enjoy a no-host breakfast along with each other's company. Contact Tom at 208 378-1217 or for more information, program suggestions, or to be added to our email announcement list.
Changes in Ministerial Luncheon Days—Don't Miss Out!
Looking for a chance to chat informally with fellow BUUFers and our minister, especially since time is getting short? Ministerial lunches are where it's at, held twice a month, no host and no restrictions on topics you might want to bring up.
We meet on first Thursdays (note change from Tuesdays) in Meridian, and fourth Fridays in Boise. This month:
Thursday, November 1, 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, November 27, 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.
Ministerial luncheons may end in December, so grab the chance while you can!
Highlights from Rocky Mountain (inter)National Parks
The National Park idea started in the Rockies with Yellowstone in 1872. Canada followed suit in 1885 with Banff. Glacier National Park's a comparative youngster, just turned 100 in 2010. Tom von Alten and Jeanette Ross made a family odyssey north and will share the highlights they saw in Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks with the Travel Bugs on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 7:00pm at BUUF. All "travelers" are welcome. Please contact Karen Raese at or Patty Nakaoki at if you have questions. See you there!
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. Youth are encouraged to participate, we will also have a film for the younger crowd. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Harms at either or 658-1710. This will be the 2nd Saturday Fellowship Fun Night, December 8, 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. This will be held in the North Wing.
Traditional Norwegian Christmas Eve Dinner
This dinner has been passed down through the generations to the John Munsen family. The dinner will take place on Saturday, December 15 at the Star home of John and Mary Munsen. They will prepare this feast of Cod Fish and Potato Lefse, Agurksafat (cucumber salad), Rice Porridge, Frugtsuppe, Kringler (dessert bread), Krumkaka with frozen berries, Gjetost Cheese and Akvavit (caraway liquor).
Up to 20 people can be accommodated. Price is $25 each—with the total revenue going toward the operating budget of the church.
To register, sign up on the clipboard on the Hospitality Table or call Nancy at BUUF.
The Other Book Club
Come join us for a lively discussion on books and other topics. We generally meet on the second Sunday of the month from 7 to 8:30pm.
On November 11 we will discuss The Snow Child by Ivey Eowyn. Join the group at the home of Roy and Susan Montague, 199 W. Rooster Dr. Eagle, ID 83616. 938-0256.
On December 9 we will discuss Evidence of Things Unseen by Marianne Wiggins. Meet us at Benita Coleman's home, 8169 W. Beckton Ln, Garden City, 375-9082.
On January 13 we will discuss The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje. Gathering place to be determined.
February's book is Mean Little Deaf Queer by Terri Galloway (a memoir). For March we will be reading Red Sorghum, by Mo Yan.
If you would like to be on our email list send your address to Erin Logan at .
Happy Reading!
Palestinian-American and Jewish-American
Artists: Sixteen incredible Spoken-Word, Hip-Hop, and Folk Music performances
Film directed by Moses Seenarine, Featuring Tahani Salah, Remi Kanazi, Ragtop, Saria Idana, and David Rovics.
Free. Thursday November 29, 7 PM Channing Room, South Wing, BUUF
Sponsored by UUJME, Boise Chapter (UUs for Justice in the Middle East)
If you could take a pill to erase bad memories, would you? Should you?
Scientists are already developing such a drug. What would you erase if you could? How would it change you? Would you be happier? Is there anything beneficial about bad memories? Lets talk about it at the Fringe Topics Discussion
Thursday November 15, 7 PM Channing Room, South Wing, BUUF
The Shamanic Experiences of Odin: A Symbolic Re-enactment
Come experience a moving spiritual understanding of, and gifting of Runes from, the Northern European God of Inspiration and Wisdom.
Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality Thursday November 8, 7 PM Channing Room, South Wing, BUUF
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 12, 2013 6:00pm
Dancing Bear or Dog in Tutu? Preparations are underway for the
ELIZABETHAN TWELFTH NIGHT CELEBRATION
In Honor of Elizabeth's retirement
In medieval times the Twelfth Night marked the end of winter festivals. It was a celebration of feasting and fun. Whoever finds the bean in the twelfth night cake becomes the king and the king becomes a peasant the world is turned upside down. Our topsy-turvy celebration will include: music, skits, buskers, wassail, lots of food and more! Join the fun.
We need entertainers, revelers, decorators, cooks, seteruppers, and takerdowners!
Check out the list below and let me know if there is something fun you could do!
Musician, minstrel, troubadour, bards – gather a troupe or do a solo
Buskers for Boston – can you juggle, tumble, do magic, read cards, sing, dance, be a statue, dance with a dog, how about a monkey in a hat...have you ever wanted to do something on a street corner? Let's see how many tips we can make for the Boston Bounders
Decorators to transform our space to Medieval times – rushes on the floor, evergreens, holly – does anyone have lavender or smelly dried herbs?
Yea old sign makers and writers to help spread the word
Actors to tell tales
Servants to haul stuff about
Cooks to prepare the swill and put an apple in the pig's mouth
Do you know someone who could help or has a medieval talent?? Let me know.
Invitation stuffing
Donate red candles, wide red ribbon, or gold strands of Christmas beads
Write up medieval recipes digitally (I have them in books)
Let us borrow red or dark green rectangular table cloths
If we all work together the work will get done then we will have an evening of frolicking fun.
So mark your calendars now you don't want to miss or be missed!
Email Miriam at: or call, 890-6074.
