BUUF News – April 2013

Contents

EverGreene

President's Message

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Change, Transition, Transformation

Child Dedication

Senior High Bridging and Coming of Age Youth

Save the Date! Play date for all ages!

Summer RE Coordinator Needed

Come Join the Cleaning CrUU on April 6

Boston Bounder Dinner Ticket Sales!

Boston Bounders + Spring = Clean-up

Sign Up with SignUpGenius!

COMMITTEES

Nominees for Program Ministry Council Co-Chair Wanted!

Take Pride in Our Building?

Fundraising News

A View From The Bridge

Volunteers Needed: photo scanning

Soliciting Sermon Ideas for BUUF's Summer Season

 

JUSTICE OUTREACH

April plate: Help Keep Boise Green!

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Water Wars, Pollution, Infrastructure...

Staff Sponsored Potluck, April 13

Quest Deadline Approaching

Where do Humanists Come From...

Roadmap to Apartheid

Sages Tours and Tradition

The Other Book Club

Travel Group visits Greece on April 26

Elizabeth Greene's Retirement JUUbilee

Suggestions...

Mother Earth and Me

WIDER COMMUNITY

First Ever Regional Assembly

Elsewhere on the site:

ADULT EDUCATION

QUEST is COMING!

NEXT Newsletter Deadline:
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at NOON

EverGreene

Rev. Elizabeth Greene

April is the month we start believing spring's really here.

March? Well, you know:a little snow here, a little sun there, nice warm day whoops it's 30 degrees this morning. But April? More than crocuses, more than hints, pretty much the real thing.

How's your own spring? As I write this column, with only two more to write before I retire, I am thinking more than usual about the seasons of our lives, and how participation in community can be such an inspiration, such a source of learning and joy and challenge.

I am thinking about how I've heard a few people falter because our community is going to have a big change really soon—to them, spring is cold comfort.

Have faith, BUUFers (most do!), and know that our stalwart Fellowship is a shining source of spring in our larger community. Have faith and remember our congregation is stronger and more important than any one individual.

Have faith! Spring always comes. Spring is here.


President's Message: "Big Faith with No Borders"

Judy Holcombe, Board President

The Pacific Western Regional Assembly is a first-ever event inviting the four districts of Pacific Northwest, Pacific Central, Pacific Southwest, and Mountain Desert into community to explore and celebrate our "Big Faith with No Borders". It is an exceptional opportunity to join forces with other UU's for exuberant expression, deep discovery and fast friendships.

Big Faith No Borders logo

The April 26-28 gathering in San Jose, CA will be a time for workshops and worship, connection and collaboration. On Saturday afternoon, each district will hold their annual business meeting. Event details and registration are on the web. We have five delegate slots, two of which are now filled by Jay & Carol Wechselberger. Others having an interest in serving as a delegate, please contact Judy Holcombe.

Now is also an an intensely busy time within our congregation. Our Interim Minister Task Force has made a dedicated effort to obtain congregational input on our priorities, assembling a great deal of information to support our application for candidates, preparing to review their resumes and schedule interviews. We have also had a vigorous response of congregants willing to serve on the Transition Team that will be in place to assist the Interim Minister throughout their tenure. We are near to concluding our Annual Giving Drive, finalizing a 2013-14 budget, concluding details relating to Elizabeth's retirement, preparations for what will be her final Annual Meeting with us, and ceremonies to mark her retirement.

As important as these preparations, and their inward focus, are there is also a need in to reground ourselves in the broader purposes - why we do what we do, and why it matters. Several recent exchanges have helped me to look beyond the current business and reground my perspective. One occurred while I was reading a book recommended by Jay Wechselberger, Salted with Fire....Unitarian Universalist Strategies for sharing Faith and Growing Congregations edited by Scott W. Alexander. It is an inspiring series of essays which I also recommend, urging return to our "evangelical" roots of spreading our own "good news".

Another such a moment occurred when a guest speaker from another denomination, Reverend John Thornton , spoke of our seven UU principles, and that if we individually practiced them, we would "benefit 85 other lives". Our opportunity is to multiply that exponentially through the power of community.

A recent moment occurred when Liz Ratcliff made a presentation to our Board, telling the story of someone who felt very alone in his beliefs until he heard a radio broadcast of a Unitarian sermon. He knew then that he was not alone and became an early joiner of our congregation - and others are out there still, waiting to be "not alone" and needing to hear our message.

Messages have a way of coming at the times we need them. In our transition, it is important to have our own ears to hear them. As we strengthen ourselves for our future, it is especially important that our own walls not be the borders of our concerns, but rather a lighthouse to support our beacon - our saving message of "tolerance, social justice, reason, service, and caring connection" (from Salted with Fire). There is also room for that evangelical trait - "Hope" that such a message could heal the world.

Religious Exploration

Change, Transition, Transformation

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

With the shifting of the seasons, the lengthening of the days, and impending changes in our congregation, I've been thinking about three words a lot lately: change, transition, and transformation. You might think they mean the same thing, but not the way my mind has been meditating on them.

Change is inevitable, sometimes outside our control, scary or disturbing at times, but also exciting. It's akin to standing by a train track and feeling the rumble and hearing the approaching train's whistle, knowing that there's something big coming right at you.

Transition is a process with many steps, twists, and turns. It's right in the middle of change where you work together on the details "down in the weeds" striving towards a "light at the end of the tunnel". And just to assure those of you who might be concerned, the light at the end of the tunnel is not the oncoming train of change. It's the glowing future filled with the light of transformation.

Transformation is living in the new paradigm. It's spiritual and community growth and transcendence. Where and who we've always known we could be together. Living our questions and ready for what's next.

We are in a good place now after many years living the cycles of change, transition, and transformation. With joyful anticipation, I'm looking forward to our oncoming time exploring, working and learning together in the next cycle and to our future transcendent transformation.


Child Dedication

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

Our children are an essential and life-affirming part of our congregation. Unitarian Universalists believe that each child brings new life and hope into the world and we, here at BUUF, include a special ceremony to dedicate children during a Sunday service. If you would like to have your child(ren) dedicated please note that April 14 is the next scheduled date. The Rev. Elizabeth Greene will be performing the dedication, her last here at our congregation. For more information, or to indicate your interest, please contact Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration at 658-1710.


Young People Nowadays... Senior High Bridging and Coming of Age Youth

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend two of our most poignant and amazing Sunday services!

On April 14, our graduating seniors will share their journeys and vision for their futures. Come celebrate their bridging from youth to young adulthood!

On May 12, our Coming of Age youth will share their statements of faith that they have developed over the years and through the journey of discovery that has been our Coming of Age program for the last eight months.

See our next crop of community leaders and be amazed!


Save the Date! Play date for all ages!

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

Are you a friend of religious exploration? Do your children, grandchildren, or a young person you care about participate in religious exploration here at BUUF? Would you like to know more about the extraordinary happenings going on in those hallways on a Sunday morning and beyond?

If so, mark your calendar for an all-age play date on the afternoon of Saturday, May 18. We will be gathering in the grove for fun and fellowship before the Second Saturday potluck. Good times will be had by all!


Summer RE Coordinator Needed

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

Summer brings a different look to Religious Exploration for children currently in preschool through sixth grade. Starting June 9, children in kindergarten through sixth grade will meet together and explore the world around them, while the preschoolers will enjoy their own special program. The Religious Exploration program is looking for an individual to coordinate these two important programs. The coordinators' primary responsibilities include scheduling and confirming volunteers, obtaining necessary class supplies and facilitating the in-class chalice lighting and opening ritual for each Sunday during the summer. If you are interested in learning more about this very part-time paid position, please contact Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration, at 658-1710 by May 5.


Come Join the Cleaning CrUU on April 6

Emmie Schlobohm, DRE

Come join the fun! In conjunction with our most excellent Interiors Committee, your Religious Exploration Committee is sponsoring a day to clean out, inventory, and generally prepare the class rooms for the remainder of the program year and our summer happenings.

We'll be here at BUUF from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on April 6. There will be food, cool beverages, and goodies to share while we clean, disinfect, restock and organize our shelves!

Please join us when you can! Many hands make light work! See you there!


Hear Yea; Hear Yea – Boston Bounder Dinner Ticket Sales!

Cathy Carmen

On Saturday, April 20 our Jr. High Boston Bound youth will host a dinner with scrumptious Boston fare served in the style of the famous "Quincy Market". From corned beef and cabbage to baked bean and cod, from eggplant lasagna to the standard hot dog.....Come enjoy food, fun and celebrate this merry band of youth in their pursuit of funds to make their June 2013 pilgrimage. All proceeds will benefit their trip. The menu includes a wide variety of gastric option; meat, fish, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan items will be available. Bring your check book for the dessert auction to top off the night! Tables bid against one another for the most delicious offerings.....you won't want to miss it.

Tickets will be sold by the Bounders themselves and their ever-supportive families in the vestibules April 7 and 14 between and after the second services. Adult tickets are $10, while children 11 and younger are $5. Seating is limited, so be sure to purchase tickets soon! Questions? Please contact Cathy Carmen at 338-8984 (home) or at . Thank you!


Boston Bounders + Spring = Clean-up, raking (old) leaves, garden prep and rototilling

Linden Boice

The Spring Solstice has passed. Warmer temperatures, greenery and flowers are born or reborn, along with another opportunity for our own BUUF Boston Bounders to FUNdraise! 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 clean up YOUR yard and garden, including rototilling, please contact Linden Boice at , or at 338-8984 in the evening, to schedule your appointment! Boston Bounders will be available some Saturdays (all day) and Sunday afternoons. There is no fee for this service. Donations are gratefully accepted. Thank you!


SignUp Genius logo

Sign Up with SignUpGenius!

Jen Grush-Dale

The RE Team is trying something new! You know those sign up sheets outside your child's... this is just like that only electronic! Here's the scoop:

  1. Go to www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4EA8AA28AA8-classroom
  2. Click "Sign Up" for the time slot you would like to volunteer for.
  3. Asks if you are a SignUp Genius member. If you are, great! Just sign in. If not, all it asks for is your Name and Email address.

There are a couple of check boxes as well; please be certain to click the box next to "Create an account."

Nervous about "signing up" for yet another website? Me too! This website does NOT send out advertisements or other unsolicited emails. You will only get emails from the BUUF RE Team asking for volunteers.

COMMITTEES

Program Ministry Council –Nominees for New Co-Chair Wanted!

Cathy Carmen

The Program Ministry Council (PMC) is 4 years young (!) and will need a new Co-Chair beginning in June 2013. Paul Schlobohm is moving on and Cathy Carmen will remain to work with committees, groups and the BUUF Board on the PMC for another year. If you've ever considered a leadership position that is at the "hub" of the programs of this Fellowship, please speak to a current PMC member for more information about this Co-Chair opening. The BUUF Board will make the final selection and announce it at the Annual Meeting, May 19.

The Program Ministry Council includes the following members: Janet Wyke (Worship and Education Strand Leader), , Miriam Woito & Deb Eisinger (Stewardship Strand Leaders), , , Debra Smith (Social Justice Strand Leader) .


Take Pride in Our Building?

Nancy Harms

The Interiors Committee, RE and BEC are sponsoring a cleanup and touch-up day at the Fellowship Saturday, April 6 from 10am to 2pm. If you are able to make it for part or all of the time please come. Bring a sack lunch if you are going to stay for the whole day. Muffins and rolls will be provided in the morning. If you have a squeegee and bucket, please bring them.

We will be sponging the chairs in the Sanctuary, touch up paint in the hallways and classrooms, washing the windows: inside and out.

Thank you, the Interiors Committee


Fundraising News

Claudia Fernsworth

Delicious food and a good time was had by all at the "Sabores de Argentina" (Flavors of Argentina) themed Live and Silent auction. The BUUF General Fund is enriched by over $7,000. Many thanks to all the donors and bidders. Again—THANK YOU!

How long has it been since you have gone on a CARRIAGE RIDE? How about a HORSEBACK RIDE for your child? (With a Make-your-own sundae ICE CREAM SOCIAL thrown in for good measure?) Mark your calendars for Saturday June 8 or Sunday June 9 from 2-4 at the Star home of the very generous John and Mary Munson. Tickets available after each service—$15 for adults and $7 for children. (Note: children must bring and wear helmets for either ride.) All proceeds go to the BUUF General Fund.


A View From The Bridge

Jolene Schow

These times they are a changin'! Along with preparing for Elizabeth's retirement, BUUF is continually evolving. Our culture is changing.

OLD way: No need to schedule your activity or group meeting with anyone... just show up.

NEW way: All activities need to be scheduled and calendared by Nancy Harms in the office.

WHY:

There are so many groups currently requiring space that it is becoming a complex juggling process to accommodate all the needs. Nancy Harms coordinates the BUUF Master Calendar.

If there is "leftover" space, then BEC attempts to sell that space to interested renters. BUUF activities take priority over outside renters but if your activities aren't on the calendar it is impossible to avoid conflicts.

The functions of the Fellowship are now complex enough that one action causes ripple effects in many areas.

By coordinating your activities with Nancy, you are doing everyone a favor.

A "Culture of Calendaring" is the new standard. Thanks for your help.

When needed, Nancy will connect you with the Bridge Event Center for assistance. BEC has many tools and processes that help planners of activities to make coordination easier and save time and energy by not having to "reinvent the wheel". These tools also help keep the building maintained, insure safety measures are considered and prevent damage and liability exposure for BUUF.

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.

BEC's MVPs for April

Jolene Schow

We love to acknowledge people who help BEC function and improve BUUF systems that contribute the overall good of our building, grounds and add revenue to the coffers. This month we feature:

Barbara Alexander – As a long-time member of BUUF, there are countless ways Barb has contributed to our history. Without her idea to use our grounds for weddings and events, there would be no Bridge Event Center. As a volunteer at the Idaho Botanical Gardens, she saw the need for additional event venues in the valley – especially ones with beautiful outdoor offering like we have here. She assisted with the research for the initial business plan and is one of the stalwarts in keeping the grounds "company ready" so we can continue to attract paying clients. Thank you, Barb, for your vision!

Volunteers Needed: photo scanning

Volunteers are needed to help scan photos to make a slide show. If you can help contact Jane Rohling at 938-3529 or .


Soliciting Sermon Ideas for BUUF's Summer Season!

The Worship Committee is soliciting sermon ideas for the BUUF 2013 Summer Season. Building on the formula of past successful summer seasons, the committee is requesting that members of the congregation submit compelling personal stories to scaffold summer programs around. As opposed to a straight dry lecture format, services truly come alive when coupled with the narrator's personal experience. The most successful lay programs use the speaker's personal experience and passion as a springboard to explore issues that have transcendent meaning to both the speaker and the congregation. If you have the passion and a personal story, or an idea for someone else to develop, please contact Wanda Jennings, Chair of the Worship Committee, to begin the process!

JUSTICE Outreach

By Giving Your Green, You Can Help Keep Boise Green!

Wanda Jennings

Each April, in conjunction with Earth Day, the Social Justice Outreach and Green Sanctuary committees earmark twenty-five per cent of the money you put into the offering basket for Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity. Habitat's volunteers, including many from BUUF, build environmentally-friendly houses for families that could not otherwise afford them. Please keep this in mind as you contribute, and if you want your entire contribution to go to Habitat, just write "Outreach" on the memo line of your check.

If you are interested in working in the Habitat Re-Store or on a build this year contact Wanda Jennings at 362-7563 or .

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Water Wars, Water Pollution, Water Infrastructure, and "Conscious" Water, Oh My!

Debbie Espen

Join us in discussing drought, aquifers, outdated infrastructure, clean and polluted water, the discoveries of Masuro Emoto (The Hidden Messages of Water) and everything having to do with water, a necessity of life!

Fringe Topics Discussion, Thursday April 18, 7 PM, Channing Room, BUUF


Staff Sponsored Potluck, April 13

Nancy Harms

Please join us for the Second Saturday Potluck Fellowship Fun Night, Saturday, April 13, 6 – 8 p.m. The staff will provide the main dish, you bring a side dish or dessert. Come celebrate the Spring with activities for all ages.


Quest logo

Quest Deadline Approaching

Lynne Tolk

Quest applications are available now! If you do not have one, you can download a copy from the Quest section of our website.

Please read the application and the brochure carefully to be sure you can commit to all of the retreats, the two Fall classes, and the Monday night monthly Integration Group meetings. There will also be two required Participant Orientations scheduled for August 10 from noon to 3pm and August 19 from 7 to 9pm. You must be a pledging member or pledging affiliate to apply.

Deadline for submitting your application is April 30. We have limited places, so be sure to get yours in as soon as possible!

Quest Steering Committee Members will again be staffing foyer tables on April 14, and there will be a final round of Q&A sessions that day as well, after each service.

If you have questions and cannot make the April 14 service, you may call Jackie Groves at 340-8654 or email her at .


Where do Humanists Come From...

Jeanette Ross

...and where are we going with BUUF's big changes? This is an exciting question for our humanist group. This month we used several feature essays on this subject in the most recent issue of Religious Humanism journal, the periodical supported by present and emeritus UU clergy.

As we talked, a sheet of paper was passed around the room to save thoughts that weren't necessarily captured in our discussion. Here are some of the additional ideas: "What can be our contribution to the community?" "We recognize the need for inquiry and an open mind, testing and modifying what are accepted as 'facts.' We can encourage inquisitive behavior, support science-based interaction with the world, cultivate the humility that precedes open-mindedness, support social justice work and "the successful integration of young adults."

We will continue this conversation next month. Join us with your ideas on April 21, 11:15 am in the library. Contact Rick at to be on the reminder list.


Narrated by Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple

Debbie Espen

Come see the FREE film Roadmap to Apartheid, comparing South Africa to Israel/Palestine, heartbreaking and important. Discussion following.

Thursday, April 25, 7pm Channing Room, BUUF

Sponsored by UUJME (UUs for Justice in the Middle East)


Sages Tours and Tradition

Tom von Alten

April brings more pleasant weather, and we're planning an above-freezing reception for Mike Weiss and Catherine Emard this time; most of us were wise enough to stay off the road in January's ice storm. They've graciously agreed to reprise the presentation of their experience serving in the Peace Corps in Albania for the Sages on Thursday, April 11. On the fourth Thursday, April 25, Jeanette Ross will describe the origins and construction of our current hymnal, "Singing the Living Tradition," which turns 20 next year. We meet at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way), gathering a little ahead of time to order a no-host breakfast, and the presentation and discussion start at 9:30am. Contact Tom von Alten (378-1217 or ) for more information or to be on our reminder list.


The Other Book Club

Erin Logan

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.

April 14 we will be reading Winter's Bones by Daniel Woodrell. We will meet at the home of Benita Coleman, 8169 W. Beckton Ln., Garden City 375-9082.

May 19 we will be reading the Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. We will meet at the home of Mindy Arnold.

June 9 we will be discussing the Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. We will meet at the home of Carol Wilke.

We will take a hiatus in July and return in August with Wild by Cheryl Strayed. In September we will read A Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (A 2011 Booker Prize Winner).

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

Happy Reading!


Travel Group visits Greece on April 26

In April 2012 George and Patti Raino spent almost a month in Greece. For George, it was a quest to develop theories on the location of Odysseus's palace in Homer's Odyssey. For Patti it was just great fun. Hear about their travels to Athens, through the Peloponnese and to the islands of Kefalonia and Corfu and on to Delphi and a wonderful and totally surprising community celebration in the small village of Arachova. Join the BUUF travel group for this fun adventure on Friday, April 26 at 7:00pm at BUUF. Contact Karen Raese ( ) or Patty Nakaoaki ( ) for more information.

Elizabeth Greene's Retirement JUUbilee

You are cordiality invited to
a joyoUUs celebration for all ages
A Come and Go event at
Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
6200 Garrett
3:00-6:00 on Saturday, June 1, 2013

Suggestions...

Would you like to do something special for Elizabeth as she retires? Gift suggestions:

Bring a small, pretty rock or stone for Elizabeth's patio. You might want to write a fortune or note to Elizabeth and wrap it around the rock. Or write the date 6/2/13 on the rock.

Bring canned food to donate to the Idaho Food Bank in Elizabeth's name

Elizabeth loves to receive restaurant, coffee shop, and movie gift cards.


Mother Earth and Me

Debbie Espen

Come join us in Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality and Eco-Shamanism, with an emphasis on the 7th Principle and 7th Source of UUism.

Thursday April 11, 7pm, in the Channing Room

PNWD & UUA

Big Faith No Borders logo

First Ever Regional Assembly

The Pacific Western Regional Assembly is a first-ever event inviting the four districts of Pacific Northwest, Pacific Central, Pacific Southwest, and Mountain Desert into community to explore and celebrate Big Faith * No Borders. The April 26-28 gathering in San Jose, CA will be a time for workshops and worship, as well as connection and collaboration. On Saturday afternoon, each district will hold their annual business meeting. Event details and registration are on the web.

Reduced registration fees are available through April 10, and the Doubletree by Hilton is offering reduced room rates through April 1. For 2014, PNWD and all the other Pacific Western districts will return to presenting their district meetings separately. But this spring, we're joining forces, celebrating our Big Faith with No Borders, and expecting exuberant expression, deep discovery, and fast friendships.

A Welcoming Congregation
All the colors of the rainbow
BUUF facilities are available for your event
Link to find BUUF on Facebook

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