BUUF News – February 2013

Contents

EverGreene

Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Valentine's Day!

Love, that ever-present, oft-problematical human concern. (Obsession?) In this world, surrounded by advertising's promises of sex, romantic love is what we think of first when the word "love" is mentioned.

I am suggesting this February that we focus all month on love, but not on the Valentine's-Day kind. Our ministerial transition is flowing along as we have planned, and I will celebrate my last service on June 2. We as a congregation with a long history together have been intentional and very conscious about marking this important time.

All transitions are well served by people who keep a focus on the love in their hearts. In the midst of major change, we can feel confused, chaotic, fearful, angry and/or depressed. We can address against these so-human feelings by finding and remembering the deep affection so many of us have for each other, and by letting others know.

How about if each of us resolves to send a half dozen valentines this year? Let's think about the people who mean the most to us, buy or make those special cards, and let them we love know we love them. How much it can mean, to get an actual card (especially homemade!) in our mailbox.

Happy Valentine's Day, all you lovers—of life and hope and each other!

President's Message: UU Monopoly

That is a game devised by Miriam Woito, which we played at our November 3rd Celebration, to illustrate the principles of Stewardship. Each player had a pile of pebbles that represented their disposable income. Each player received a card, which on the face-up side described a BUUF activity or mission. We went around the table, each player becoming an advocate for the stated purpose of their card. Players then spent their pebbles based on how they rated the priority of each item. The face-down side of the card was revealed after the pebbles were spent and it stated an actual BUUF budget category that funded that activity or mission. The spending of pebbles was then compared to a pie chart of the actual year's budget showing how BUUF funds were allocated.

Something repeatedly happened in each of the three game sessions. The pebble spending showed a high level of support for the programs, ministries and outreach represented in the many BUUF volunteer activities. People described these purposes as creating connectedness with the fellowship through working with fellow BUUFers on activities that made a difference, either internally or supportive of the larger community.

Here is the bad news. Players consistently underestimated the proportion of "fixed" costs in our budget – the amounts expended for building and maintenance including mortgages, staff costs and UUA dues. The thinnest slice of the budget pie was the category of discretionary funds available to support our committees, programs and lay ministries – those purposes that the pebbles indicated were of high value to the participants.

We discussed ways that we could reduce fixed costs. The one most frequently mentioned was debt reduction – an activity that has been regularly occurring. We have in fact reduced our mortgage debt since its high point after the wings were constructed, by $500,000 plus. We have through debt reduction campaigns and the Douglas bequest, paid off our Chelan mortgage, reducing the monthly mortgage payments. This has been an infusion to our operating budget and created a pool of discretionary funds.

But this still leaves a thin slice of our pie for our "mission and vision" activities. There are several possibilities, the current being that these missions self fund, which to a great degree they already do. We could further support them by growing our pie. We are moving to a mission based style of budgeting. Committee and program budgets will initially be presented through the Program Ministry Council, with description of how an appropriation will further their own vision and missions.

What can we do better? As were our game players, we can be better advocates of mission - both in our Annual Giving Drive, and through other fund raising appeals. We are in the process of forming a year round Stewardship Council, which among other tasks will consider how we can be good advocates of mission. If we describe meaningful activities which you value, you will vote with your "pebbles"!

Religious Exploration

REsources for the Families of our Community

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration

A child's spiritual and religious growth doesn't just happen on Sundays. For a person to have a rich and lasting grounding in the wonder and awe of the world around them and the wisdom of many through the ages, their life needs to be filled with moments that take their breath away, "aha" moments, and peace and quiet times when they can just be. Parents and guardians are the primary religious educators of their children and it can be a difficult path to navigate at times. In support of our families and all who wish to be important teachers in the life of a child, we are redesigning our children's library and adding a family resource center. These plans are in their adolescence so while these dreams develop into reality, here are a few things you can bring into your life to enrich the life of your family as you travel down this most important path together.

Three smart phone apps to check out...

illuminations: a unitarian universalist app

This app connects you instantly with inspirational words, our seven principles and six sources, and several virtual chalices that you can light right on the screen

Quest

This app, developed and maintained by the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) includes a section for sharing joys and concerns, a daily reading, access to CLF podcasts, and an archive of daily sermons.

Mindfulness Bell

This simple app rings a beautiful tone on a schedule of your choosing. A wise colleague of mine sets it to go off at a regular interval during the day. As part of her daily spiritual practice, when the bell chimes, she stops what she's doing and takes a moment to be mindful and intentional in acknowledging the beauty of that particular moment and what she is grateful for. Her three children, aged from 4-21, have taken up this practice too.

Finally, a reading from the "illuminations" app that would be lovely to incorporate into your family's dinner-time or bedtime rituals, or at any time when you either find everyone together in a quiet space or you want to create a quiet space to be together.

Let there be a quiet time among us.

by Barbara Hamilton-Holway

Let there be a quiet time among us.

Spirit of life, in us and around us, here is our chance — once again — to live like we wish the world would live. May we find within ourselves the courage to be who we are. May we know when it is time to listen and when it is time to speak. May we trust ourselves to be the ones to find the words that need to be said or to do what needs to be done. May we trust one another and know there are many ways to go through life. May we know that though we cannot change some of what life gives to us, we can choose how we deal with what we are given.

We are coming into our power, and together we can make possible justice and love. We are all connected; we depend upon one another more than we know.

We are one body. So be it. Blessed be. Amen.

Creating a Path for Seekers to the Holy

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

The Religious Exploration Committee at our Fellowship is in an intriguing state. We are about to set out on a creative journey of discovery and development. On Saturday, February 16th, Lynne Bacon, a retired religious educator living in Portland, Oregon with extensive experience as a Director of Religious Exploration (DRE) and as an interim DRE, will be here in Boise facilitating a 4-hour retreat at the home of Emmie Schlobohm, our Director of Religious Exploration. During this time, we will be creating a vision of what we'd like our religious exploration community to look like and exploring how we can get there working and playing and creating together. A sumptuous feast and splendid fun will be had by all. If you'd like to join us on this journey and help create a beautiful and wondrous place where children of all ages can quest towards the holy within and without, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710 or .

Religious Exploration Prospectus Now Available!

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

Announcing the arrival of the source of comprehensive information about our Religious Exploration programs! These bright green gems can be found in the Information Center in the north vestibule, in every classroom, and in the information cubbies by Ed's desk in the main office. Enjoy! Any questions? Contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710 or .

A Thousand Thanks to All of Our Guides, Advisors, Nursery Care Providers, and Coming of Age Mentors

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

February is the half-way point in our Religious Exploration program year and the month when the greater community celebrates love. Time flies and I can't believe we're on the second half of our year. There have been amazing things happening in our classrooms. The wonderful folks who volunteer to accompany our children and youth deserve a huge thank you and much love for their commitment. There would be no Religious Exploration without them. Please join me in extending heartfelt thanks to them and their families who support them.

Transitions

Interim Minister/ Transition Task Force Update

Debra Smith

The task force met for another of its monthly meetings on January 16, and reviewed our progress on the application and the marketing packet for prospective interim minister candidates. The application is due to be submitted electronically on April 12. The task force is busy compiling answers to specific questions required by the form. One of those tasks requires that we answer four questions about the perceived culture and priorities of our Fellowship. Rather than operating in isolation, the task force elected to survey the congregation before answering. To that end, we sent the questions to a number of folks who serve in leadership positions within the congregation. After the responses came in, Mary Hester, Miriam Woito and Jay Wechselberger identified recurring themes, and grouped them into categories. YOU, the congregation, will have an opportunity to register your priorities with a "dot vote" at the Fellowship on February 17th and 24th before and after both services. Those themes with the most dot/votes will be used to answer key questions on the application.

We are also compiling a marketing packet to give to candidates. The names of candidates will be released to us on or around the 23rd of April. We are so proud of the unique programs and features at our Fellowship that we have decided to do an addendum to the required material. The next update will focus on this topic, so watch for it after our next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 20th at 7 p.m. at the Fellowship. Meanwhile, we are also coordinating with the Board and the very proactive Personnel Committee to agree on issues pertaining to ministerial pay and benefits.

Yours in fellowship,

The Interim Minister/ Transition Task Force

From the Committee on Ministry to BUUF Congregants:

This note is to let you know that the Committee on Ministry, overseeing the "emotional and psychological processes" of BUUF's transition to an interim minister, is recommending that Elizabeth reduce her involvement in the organizational activities of the church in the last several months of her tenure. Though she will reduce her committee activities, she will maintain her worship service schedule, hold office hours on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and, of course, she will always be available for pastoral emergencies. Elizabeth's gradual backing away will allow for a less abrupt change upon her departure and will strengthen the identity and autonomy of the congregation.

It is the hope of this Committee that each person in the fellowship will embrace this opportunity to make our community an even stronger, more vital force as we move in new directions, well-launched by the years of Elizabeth's heart-filled, skillful and dynamic leadership.

Senior High Religious Exploration Class Announces a Special Gift for Elizabeth!

We are creating a parting gift, to give to Elizabeth at her last service on June 2nd, 2014. Elizabeth loves poetry, so we are going to compile, edit, illustrate and publish a BUUF poetry anthology made up of poems that you select!

Our vision is to create an inclusive poetry artifact to honor Elizabeth, and to serve as a symbol of our appreciation for what she has contributed to our spiritual community. We are requesting that every "family unit" who is so inclined, submit two poems—a first choice and an alternate. You may either select a favorite poem you would like to share with her, or else write an original poem of your own. During the months of January and February, please send your poems, along with your name, and a brief statement about why you chose the poem, or the circumstances for your having written a poem for her.

Please send your submissions in a .doc or .docx format to . We are requesting a $1 dollar contribution from each family unit to cover the costs of two copies. DEADLINE: MARCH 1.

While we are not making a profit off of the anthology, we intend to get permission from the copyright holders. Poems older than 100 years are probably in the public domain.

Using the popular ShutterFly on-line book creation company, we will produce two hardbound artifacts: one for Elizabeth, and one for our library. You may be able to purchase a copy for your family through the ShutterFly service. More information to follow.

So, think about what poem you will choose (or write!) for Elizabeth, and send it our way! Submit poems to , or place in the designated box in the sanctuary, along with your $1.00. We're using the honor system to avoid having to do record-keeping.

COMMITTEES

BUUF Gift Acceptance Process including a "Walker"

The Board of Directors has approved a process for gift acceptance at BUUF. This process is documented in the updated "Policy on Giving" linked with our governance documents on this site. This news article explains only the new process for gift acceptance or rejection described in the Policy.

The process is managed by the Program Ministry Council (PMC). The PMC will review what committees and other BUUF entities will be affected by the gift. The PMC will establish a "Walker" to help the Donor "walk through" the acceptance steps. The Walker and Donor will arrange the discussions with the affected BUUF groups, and the Walker will report the recommendation in writing to the PMC. If the recommendation is to reject the proposed gift, the Donor can request the PMC to have the Board review the proposal. If the Donor wishes to alter the proposal after the discussions, the Walker and PMC will help the Donor.

BUUF would like to accept all proposed gifts; however, if a gift is too expensive to maintain or does not fit into the strategic plan or puts a burden on committees and staff, BUUF has to make the difficult decision to say "No thank you" to the potential donor or suggest an alternate or similar gift. The Gift Acceptance Process clarifies the steps to determine whether a proposed gift will be accepted. This process is used for gifts with a value over $2,000 or for any size gift if there are restrictions.

At any time, a Member or Friend who wishes to consider a Planned Gift may work with the Planned Giving Committee to vet the gift through the PMC and Gift Acceptance Process if the Member or Friend wishes to have a gift pre-approved.

To gain more information, please contact Cathy Carmen or Paul Schlobohm, the two leaders of the Program Ministry Council, or contact Jane Breckenridge (208-841-4889 or ).

A View From The Bridge

What is the Bridge Event Center (BEC)? A basic question many of you may not know the answer to, so here's a quick primer.

BEC is an arm of the Fellowship that administers the rental of the facility and grounds within BUUF and within the community.

Our mission is to protect the facility and equipment, augment income to the Fellowship from outside sources, making sure costs are covered and a profit made when appropriate. In the process of giving tours, talking about what we have to offer, BEC has also provided outreach to people unfamiliar with BUUF. We have gotten much very positive feedback. They love our beautiful grounds and are so glad we offer this service. Thanks to everyone who works so hard and show off what we have so well.

We market the facility using our website (see below), Craig's List, and Google. We are also listed in the Boise Convention & Visitor's Bureau website. Word of mouth is our best source of reaching people so we hope that you'll suggest us to anyone you know planning an event.

Last fiscal year BEC brought in substantial income for the general fund by sharing our beautiful grounds with people wishing to use it for weddings, birthday parties, meetings, and events of all types.

Our two Event Coordinators, Karen Raese and Cathy Carmen, are the ones to talk with if you have any questions. And check out www.bridgeeventcenter.com or call 891-8081 for more information.

Financial Corner

David Woito

Welcome to the restart of the BUUF Financial Corner. As of the end of December we are already ½ way through the 2012-2013 program and budgetary year. Thus the finance team thought it would be a good time to start giving updates again. Since we are 50% of the way through the year, you would think that we should be 50% of the way through pledge collection and 50% of the way through our spending. The money in BUUF doesn't quite flow like that and our budget actually predicts that we should be 60% of the way through our pledges and 50% of the way through our spending. I am happy to report that we are doing quite a good job this year as we are 61% of the way through our pledges and 50% of the way through spending. There have been no terribly big surprises so far- we have had to write off a few more pledges than expected so far and our electricity is running quite high due to the hot July, August, and September but everything is pretty well on track so keep things going! As a background we are operating currently to a plan of $257K in net pledge income and $309K in income and $313K in expenses after spending was added to the budget to cover ministerial transition costs and celebrations. We are hopeful that this small deficit will balance out by the end of the year. We have also started the 2013-2014 budgeting process (requests from committees were due Feb 1) and this years AGD team has had its first meeting to plan the March annual giving drive. Keep up the good work BUUF!

BEC's MVPs for February

There are several great people helping the Bridge Event Center run smoothly. This month we feature:

Debbie Johnson–With her professional expertise and generous donation, the Fellowship's building has a much more comfortable and efficient climate control system. This has been a tremendous help to BEC as we show our facility to prospective clients. In addition, Debbie provided invaluable assistance in getting the BEC financial reporting system coordinated so our committee had accurate numbers with which to work.

JUSTICE Outreach

March Plate: Idaho Black History Museum

Jan Salisbury

Throughout the month of February, twenty-five percent of the non-designated plate offering and 100% of checks that are marked "outreach" in the memo field will go to the Idaho Black History Museum.

The Idaho Black History museum presents exhibits and provides educational and community outreach programs including lectures, films, workshops, literacy programs and musical performances. Each year hundreds of school children and visitors enter the historic St. Paul Baptist Church Building located in Julia Davis Park to experience national speakers and authors and thought provoking exhibits such as The Myth of Race, The Invisible Idahoan—200 years of Blacks in Idaho and From Slavery to President. Admission is free, thanks to donations and support from organizations like BUUF!

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Symposium re Pros & Cons of Enacting Statutes Regulating Possession of Assault Weapons and Magazines

Sponsored by:
Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
ACLU of Idaho
The Interfaith Alliance

Sunday, February 17, 2013, 2:00 p.m.
BUUF at 6200 Garrett St., Garden City

The topic: "Should the Congress of the United States, and/or the Legislatures of the several states, enact statutes which limit private citizen possession of assault weapons and magazines or clips with a capacity of more than ten rounds?"

The symposium panel will include:

• Dr. James Weatherby, PhD. BSU Professor emeritus as moderator;
• Gun control advocate, Attorney James Runsvold;
• ACLU representative, Ritchie Eppink, Esq.;
• Episcopal Bishop, John Thornton, ret.;
• United Methodist Minister, Jon Brown;
• Exec. Director, ID Sheriff's Association, Vaughn Killeen;

and others. All are urged to attend the discussion of this vital issue.

Chinese New Year Celebration at BUUF on February 9

Join us at 6:00 for our second Saturday potluck and our celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake, which begins the next day. Everyone is encouraged to wear red and/or gold. Bring an Oriental potluck dish. We will be having fun Chinese New Year activities including Debbie Espen leading a couple of interactive (with the audience) Chinese stories - expect fun! Bring your Chinese checkers and other oriental games.

In order to address the diversity of dietary needs, think about bringing a vegetarian or vegan dish and labeling it as such. Bring your own utensils and plates.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

February Chat With Elizabeth

Interested in asking Elizabeth questions about her retirement? Or just spending time in a small group with her and Committee on Ministry and Transition Task Force people? In each month of February, March and April, there will be an hour and a half informal chat session, for "just talking."

This month:

Sunday, February 10, 6:00 pm, Channing Room

Don't miss it!

"Last Chance Chats" Fast Approaching!

Committee on Ministry

Your Committee on Ministry and Elizabeth will be holding four Sunday-evening "salons" at the church, February through May.

These will be great opportunities to talk to Elizabeth, ask her questions, enjoy time to just chat. There will also be representatives of the Committee on Ministry and the Transition Team Task Force, able to answer almost any question you might have, about the logistics of our transition.

All gatherings will be from 6:00-8:30 pm, at the church. Dates are:

• February 10
• March 10
• April 14
• May 19

Hope to see lots of you there!

"Sabores de Argentina" – Flavors of Argentina

Gwyn Reid

Appetizers and Buffet Dinner – Live and Silent Auction

There will be no crying on Saturday, February 16. Please join us for a fabulous evening of delicious food and great entertainment. Tickets $30 ($35 after Feb. 10)

Tickets are available in the south vestibule after each service through February 10th. Or see a member of the auction committee: Gwyn or Bill Reid, Becky Groff, Claudia Fernsworth, Patty Nakaoki, Nancy Harms. Tickets are also available from the BUUF office during office hours.

Auction items include travel and vacation packages, outdoor adventures, dining, personal services, private parties, art and collectibles, and many more sensational items! See the latest list of auction items: http://boiseuu.org/special-auction.html

We will accept auction donations through February 5. Donation forms are in the north vestibule, or you can donate on-line.

We could also use volunteers for the event. Please contact Becky Groff.

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.

News from Mészkõ

Emke Novák, one of the students supported by the Boise/Mészkõ Annual Scholarship Fund, is the correspondent regarding news from Mészkõ. She wrote recently to our committee regarding recent news of the congregation. The new Community House has had a lot of activity since it was dedicated this fall. Elders Day was celebrated in November with elders of the Mészkõ congregation and of the sister congregation in Csegez. Also Emke and Reverend Bálint have started teaching English lessons to the community's youth each Sunday. The youth group has been re-invigorated and meets every Saturday afternoon. Also, the women's group of the village bought a stove for the kitchen of the community house and installed it the last week of 2013. Emke ended her email by saying that she hoped we had "a great Christmas filled with love, happiness, joy, and faith" and wished us a very Happy New Year.

Travel Bugs

Look for the Travel Bugs article in this newsletter to learn about the special presentation regarding travel to Transylvania and our partner village.

Fesztivál and 20th Anniversary Celebration

Mark your calendars for this special celebration of our 20 years of partnership with MészkQ – Saturday, May 11.

Boise/Mészkõ Annual Scholarship Fund

This fall we approved three continuing college scholarships for youth of the Mészkõ congregation.

Next Meeting:

February 4, 4:30pm

Where do we fit into the new BUUF?

Jeanette Ross

The humanists who meet at BUUF are looking at themselves in a new way lately. What can we contribute to the larger congregation? In preparation for an interim minister we are working toward a format, a structure that works for those less comfortable in a ritually-organized service. Our first speaker on this subject is Bill Reid, who says, "Four distinct Spiritualities can be found beginning in early religious writings and practices. At the dawn of the 21st century, many now recognize that the Four Spiritualities are part and parcel of four major human personality temperaments. This body of insight, study, and theory primarily flows from the pioneering work of Carl Jung and Katherine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers. The four spiritual temperaments related to the major personality types are often referred to as the journeys of Unity, Devotion, Works, and Harmony. If we wish to welcome everyone, we will need to be intentionally inclusive of all spiritual temperaments. If we wish to transform the world, we must honor the special gifts and diverse strengths of everyone; those who are practical, those who are helpful, those who are hopeful, and those who are prophetic. Honoring the Four Spiritualities will hopefully, allow our ministries to transcend categories of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, theology, and class."

By the time you read this, We will have pondered Bill's thoughts and picked something equally provocative for February. Join us the third Sunday of February,17, 11:15am in the library. Questions? ask Jeanette or Rick at .

Thanks, Bill.

Keeping Up with History

History Keepers is writing a history of the Fellowship. Right now we are a small group. WE have the history divided into different time periods and are ready to start gathering the raw material, especially doing interviews of people in the church now concerning the period from about 1955 to 1975 when we got our first paid minister. We need people who can do oral history, write and edit. Call Janelle Wintersteen at 891-6236 or Lorel Case at 376-3188. Currently History keepers meets at 10;30 AM the third Thursday of the month but we may set a second, working meeting in the evening if necessary.

Sage Resources

Tom von Alten

Join the friendly gaggle of BUUF Sages who meet for a no-host breakfast and lively discussions twice a month; newcomers are welcome! On Thursday, February 14, Dennis Owsley of the Idaho Department of Water Resources will give us an overview of the Treasure Valley aquifer system. On February 28, Dr, Chuck Lauterbach will take us on another theatrical tour, this time to the Romanticism and melodrama of the 19th century. We meet at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way), 9:30am second and fourth Thursdays. Contact Tom von Alten (378-1217 or ) for more information.

Travel Bugs visits Transylvania

Gwyn Reid

There is a rich history of Unitarianism in Transylvania, and Boise's partner church in MészkQ has been part of that history. Since 2001, 23 individuals have traveled to MészkQ as representatives of our fellowship. Most of the trips were arranged by the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Committee (UUPCC) tours program, and ranged from the minimalist (transportation from the Koloszvar train station to the village for a two person visit with a translator) to the highly-structured (guided tours starting in Budapest or Bucharest with visits to historic, cultural, or entertaining sites). Each of these visitors can attest that a visit to this land, and our partner congregation, is a life-affirming experience. On Friday, February 22, at 7 pm several BUUF members who have traveled to our partner village will share their experiences with Travel Bugs. We hope to be able to have representatives visit MészkQ this summer or fall. If you are interested in being part of this visit, or in just learning more about the potential for future travel, don't miss this Travel Bugs presentation. Questions about the presentation: Contact Karen Raese. Need more information about traveling to MészkQ? Contact Gwyn Reid.

FringeTalk: Time Travel

If you could go back in time, when and where would you go? What is your favorite time-travel story, book, film or TV show? Is time travel possible? If yes, should it be done?

Fringe Topics Discussion, Thursday, Feb 21, 7 PM, BUUF, Channing Room. All Welcome!

Israelis helping Palestinians to resist and protest?

"Israel vs Israel", the one-hour documentary film will be shown at BUUF on Thursday, Feb 28 at 7PM in the Channing Room, with Q &A and Discussion following.

Sponsored by UUs for Justice in the Middle East. FREE.

The Other Book Club

Come join us for lively discussion on books and other topics. We generally meet on the second Sunday of the month from 7 to 8:30 PM.

February's 10 book is Mean Little Deaf Queer, by Terri Galloway (a memoir). We will meet at the home of Kathleen McGown and Eric Wallace, 3496 Holl Drive, Eagle. 939-7215.

March 10 we will be reading Red Sorghum, by Mo Yan. We will meet at the home of Erin Logan, 2116 N. 17th, Boise. 336-4960.

Bring your suggestions for books to read to our February meeting. We will pick a few more books for the coming months at that time.

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

Happy Reading!

BUUF Camping 2013

We have made reservations for BUUF camping 2013! Mark July 26-28 on your calendars and join us at Ponderosa State Park in McCall. This year we added several camping sites to accommodate increased interest. Make plans to join in the fun! The fees per couple/family are about $38.00. Please let Eileen Geddings (853-0822 or ) or Karen Raese (853-3865 or ) know if you are interested in reserving a space or if you need additional information.