NEXT Newsletter Deadlines:
For December:
Noon Tuesday, November 19, 2013
For January:
Noon Tuesday, December 10, 2013
For December:
Noon Tuesday, November 19, 2013
For January:
Noon Tuesday, December 10, 2013
FEATURED
Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead
Cathy Carmen
Come join the Religious Exploration (RE) Team + the Festivities Committee on Saturday, November 2 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm for a potluck dinner and community celebration of this beloved Mexican holiday! On Día de los Muertos it is believed the spirits of the dead return to the world of the living to enjoy, for a few hours, all the joys and comforts left behind. To welcome the dearly departed spirits back, living family members prepare altars or ofrendas adorned with flowers, candles, favorite foods and mementos of their earthly life. Unitarian Universalists believe that death is a natural part of the cycle of life; those who die live on in our memories and our hearts. Come join together in this all-ages event to remember our ancestors (or a favorite pet) as we do some crafts, eat good food and share our memories. Please consider bringing a favorite food or dish of a departed loved one. A large group ofrendas will be created so photos, candles and small remembrances are welcome.
If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Carmen at carboibtf@cableone.net or at 338-8984.
And then Sunday morning we will celebrate Día de lose Muertos in the service with words and song and the decorations made on Saturday evening. As part of the service, we will have a Ritual of Remembrance when we light candles for those in our lives who have died. Please bring photos of those who have passed to place on the altar.
Come celebrate a Thanksgiving Communion on Sunday November 24
Rev. Dana Worsnop
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving we will have an All-Generations service of song and story and gratitude. We will celebrate our many blessings and partake in a bread communion together. Mohandes Gandhi once said, "There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread." Please bring bread in bite-sized pieces to place on the altar for our communion, and we will share in this ritual as ancient as humanity itself, and invoke the spirit and power of community. Gluten-free options are very welcome!
Holiday Silent Auction
Our 2014 Holiday Silent Auction will take place from November 3 to November 17 in the South Wing Hall. You never know what will be there—maybe a gift for someone or even for yourself!
If you have any new or slightly used items, are able to make a goodie of some sort (pie, cake, cookies, waffles, muffins, etc.), would take someone on a bird or tree walk, or give someone canoe or kayak lessons, etc, contact Patty Nakaoki ASAP. Or fill out the donation form on our website.
Note: delivery of goodies and tours will be arranged between the high bidders and the donors.
So far we have: Heavy (crystal?) candlesticks, a blue seersucker duvet, beautiful art pieces from our own Miriam Woito, a lovely framed photograph of a feeding hummingbird from 3-D Framing (located at the Albertson's shopping center, Gary and State), a pair of framed rubbings from Thailand, a cake by Dorothy Vanderpool, a gluten free/vegan pumpkin pie by Mary McGown, an apple pie by Harriett Shaklee, a pecan pie by Patty Nakaoki, a plate of the ever popular Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip pancakes by Claudia Fernsworth, some Idaho Pancake and Waffle Mix containing real potato flour—not potato starch(!), a lamp, a TV, 6 passes to the Northgate Theater, 3 haircuts or facials from Oliver Finley School, some passes from Planet Fitness, and a pass and private tour of the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey.
Be sure to mark you calendar. You never know what you will find so come browse, bid early and bid often.
President's Message
FURLOUGH... a word packed with so much feeling....
The reality of what furlough means hit me when I was told it was illegal for me to volunteer at a memorial service for a Boise wildland firefighter... Really? A federal employee is killed in the line of duty and government employees aren't allowed to respectfully honor him... wow...
The rebel in me, and my higher conscious, said "to hell with that!" So, I "volunteered." My job was to keep the media from hampering the mourning family... My other job was to bear witness to a fallen firefighter and his legacy. He was honored by a full contingent of speakers that laughed and cried about his life. We were silenced with a three gun salute and bag pipes that echoed Amazing Grace as his ashes and U.S. flags were presented to his family. I send a huge thank you to our rebel government employees!
I've seen lot of name-calling through this process of government minutia. I feel the gridlock is driven by anger, fear, frustration and power. I see the parties not taking ownership of their part of the mess, and therefore the whole of the matter is left unresolved... As Board President, I've experienced some contentious conversations this past month that, at least in the realm of relationships, don't have easy answers either.
While I watch our government struggle with agreement, I am deeply thankful the congregation I serve functions, and values how we get things done. On multiple occasions, I have seen individuals struggle with their higher selves to put the relationships of each person first, look inward and seek the path that spirit leads them through. The result is that individuals are practicing doing what is best for the relationship and therefore, what is best for BUUF - even when it is damn difficult.
My father always told me that if it's worth doing, it is probably not going to be easy. Perhaps that means having the courage to be a rule breaker. It may mean holding a hot temper until the storm breaks. It may just look like taking the time to listen, and then do nothing...
It takes each of us to make a difference for us all. Perhaps that's what I will think about this Thanksgiving...
Namaste ~
Robyn
In The Interim
Well, it's been a couple of months and we're starting to understand each other's rhythms better and better. And still there are a few things I wanted to share with you about how I work best, when I am available to you, and what you can expect of me.
I am trying to model for you (and honestly for myself) what a sustainable ministry can look like. I do this not just for clarity for the congregation but also because we live in a world that feels like it simply demands more and more of our time. Technology lets us blur the lines between work and play, family life and career. There are many blessings in this, and there are some very real challenges. I can't do a creditable job of asking you all to be a bit counter-cultural and take as good care of your spirit as your career if I am not doing the same.
The truth is that ministry is potentially a 24/7 occupation. I am essentially on call all the time. That said, I ask you not to call before 9 am or after 9 pm, unless your call has a real urgency. When it reaches the level of emergency, calls at 2 in the morning are well within bounds. I trust you to gauge the level of urgency/emergency. Please do not hesitate to call because you don't want to bother such a busy person. I do often have many things to attend to, and it is you in the congregation that I serve. You are allowed to be among the things I attend to.
And yes, please do call me on my cell. It is the best way to reach me. Texts are also good. If my Oregon number - 503-312-0401 - is a long-distance call from your land line, let me know and I'll call you back.
Most weeks I am also trying to take two days off - Mondays and Fridays. This is simply not always going to be possible, and I will work some Mondays and Fridays. Yet I would prefer not to get calls (except the urgent ones). On my days off, I find it best to not engage with people from the Fellowship. For as fun and social an occasion might be, I am always the minister when I am with you. It's part of that 24/7 thing. In order to be fully present when I am needed, I take the time to recharge when I have it.
My office hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 1-5 pm. Yet those are by no means the only times I am available. Just call or email me - Dana.Worsnopxtf@boiseuu.org - and we'll set up an appointment. Usually I can meet with you within a week of your request.
People have very kindly asked me how best they can support me in this ministry. I have a good friends and mentors (not to mention Scout, the wonder dog). The most supportive thing is to encourage and understand the boundaries of my work schedule.
I am so very much enjoying getting to know you and serving this congregation so brimming with good people, good nature, good energy.
Warmly,
dana
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
Across the Generations: Caring Connections that can Change the World
Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)
Have you ever seen grandparents playing with grandchildren on a playground, or sharing time walking together in a park, or enjoying time together in other ways? There is a light and a lightness of spirit that is present, a sharing of wisdom, memories, and stories back and forth between them. Wonder and magic happens in our own sanctuary and class rooms! We have members of our older generations guiding discoveries and explorations in our class rooms each week and grandparents caring for our nursery-aged children.
Connections outside of blood lines and across generations are all the more precious because they are by choice and intention. We, of all generations, can change the world one person-to-person connection at a time. In our own beloved community, I challenge you to reach out across the generations, younger or older, to someone not related to you and start to build a caring connection or relationship that will forever change your lives and our beloved community for the better.
Fellowship Fun and Potluck
Wanda Jennings
On November the Festivities Committee will join the RE Committee in presenting the Día de los Muertos activities and potluck on Saturday, November 2. Please join us.
On December 14 join us for a potluck with a holiday theme. We'll make some evergreen decorations for your home and maybe sing some carols.
First Fridays Board & Card Games for adults, teens and kids!
Whether it be Zombies, Catopoly, Sorry, Kismet, Pit... Bring your favorite games and lets play! Friday, November 1, 7pm in the Balazs Room, South Wing, BUUF
A World of Wonders Await Just Beyond those Classroom Doors
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
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 deep purple paper. REgistrations are available at the Information Center in the north vestibule and from Emmie.
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 second 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 7 and 8, 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.
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 7 and Sunday, December 8. 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.
COMMITTEES
Program Ministry Council (PMC) Update
Cathy Carmen
What is the Program Ministry Council anyway? We are a small (but mighty) group of BUUF leaders who support all of the many and varied programs that make up our church community. What are the programs, you may ask? They are the groups, committees and teams that do many of the activities both at BUUF and throughout the valley. For example; Adult Education classes (Education Strand), the Worship Committee (Fellowship strand), Landscape Committee (Our Home Strand), Interfaith Sanctuary volunteers (Justice Outreach Ministries) and so much more! Consult the BUUF organizational chart on our website in the governance archive for a visual. The PMC makes sure that ALL of the ministries have what they need to operate and know what's going on with each other to build community and great support in and outside of BUUF.
One of the big efforts on the horizon is guiding the allocation of each and every group, committee and teams' budget request for the future. New this year is an effort to better align our "program year" (on an August-May schedule) with BUUF's fiscal year (July 1-June 30) so that our ministries have a chance to plan well, do their good works, evaluate their progress and fully report back to the Fellowship how well it's all gone. To jumpstart this process and get us on track, the PMC is advocating for committees/groups and teams to plan a full two years out when making their budget requests in January 2014 and we may not need the standard annual reports for BUUF's Annual Meeting, the third Sunday in May... (imagine that!).What might make more sense is for all the ministries to consider hosting planning retreats during summer 2014 to evaluate what has worked/not worked AND then continue to plan for the coming 2014-15 program year. So, change is 'a coming and the PMC wants to be here to support it.
Questions? Please see one of our wonderful PMC members:
- David Fitch, Co-Chair (dalanbtx@hotmail.com)
- Cathy Carmen, Co-Chair (cathycarmengtf@cableone.net)
- Mary Hester, Worship Strand Leader (maryuu123ytf@gmail.com)
- Janet Wyke, Education Strand Leader (jewykeutf@cableone.net)
- Paul Schlobohm, Our Home Strand Leader (paulschlobohmotf@icloud.com)
Or better yet - contact all of us at buufpmcntf@gmail.com!
A View From The Bridge
Jolene Schow
The Bridge Event Center was organized to help BUUF bring in additional income from the rental of our facilities when the Fellowship isn't using it. Not only are we contributing a significant amount to the General Fund, but we'd like to let you know about these additional "intangibles" that BEC is providing.
– Employs 9 members of the Fellowship on a part-time basis.
– Gives continuing attention to the maintenance and upkeep of the building, making sure that things are "company ready" at all times (including the kitchen). BEC works with the Landscape Committee on outside issues, and fixes equipment and furniture that needs attention.
– Oversees an inventory of property and equipment, which includes continual monitoring of usage and storage. BEC has organized and maintained a system for the storage closets and sheds.
– Helped develop Policies & Procedures for internal and external usage of the site which insure safety and care of property, improved financial reporting and accounting systems, a system of forms and contracts which provide continuity and professionalism.
– Offers a great deal of community outreach to many who would otherwise not know of BUUF. Via tours, event rental, our website, Facebook, advertising, and other methods, we are expanding BUUF's presence in the community.
– Does Monitor and Parking Attendant training to committee members of the Fellowship and affiliated outside groups. This includes safety training, security procedures, property care and use of building and grounds. To date, we have trained 32 people.
– Assists internal BUUF committees and groups with planning and organizing their events and activities.
Please give Karen Raese or Cathy Carmen a call (891-8081) if you have any questions. Our website, bridgeeventcenter.com has lots of helpful information.
BEC's MVPs for November
Many thanks to the Interiors Committee – Nancy Harms, Gwyn Reid, and Elaine Kerr. They and others are constantly looking after things in the building to make it look great for anyone visiting our site. Bill Hall and Rick Groff clean chairs in the Great Hall on a regular basis. Others wash windows, touch-up paint, and do all the behind-the-scenes activities to keep the aesthetics of the Fellowship a welcoming place. When BEC provides tours to potential clients, we are constantly getting compliments on our building and grounds. These people deserve a pat on the back!
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
The Other Book Club
Erin Logan
Come join us for lively discussion on books and other topics. We meet on the second Sunday of the month from 7 to 8:30 pm.
November 10 we will be discussing Behind the Beautiful Forever by Katherine Boo. We will meet at the home of Erin Logan, 2116 N. 17th, Boise 336-4960. This book is a narrative non fiction selection.
December 8 we will be discussing Blood, Bones and Butter, the inadvertent education of a reluctant chef by Gabrielle Hamilton. We will meet at the home of Benita Coleman, 8169 W. Beckton Ln, Garden City. 375-9082. This is a memoir, nonfiction.
We will not gather in January due to the anticipated icy, snowy and generally horrid road conditions at this time of year.
February 9 we will be discussing A Street Cat Named Bob, by James Bowen. We will meet at the home of Mindy Arnold.
March 9 we will be discussing Notes from the Sand, by Jeffrey Neil Simon. Place to be determined.
If you'd like to receive our emails, let me know at erins4960tyo@msn.com
Happy Reading.
BUUF's Labyrinth
Wanda Jennings
Did you know that BUUF has a Labyrinth? Have you ever walked it? You might want to give it a try. We are very privileged that Jay Wechselberger and friends created this labyrinth for us.
A labyrinth is a journey to the center of one's deepest self and back out into the world. It has an unambiguous route to the center and back and is not designed to be difficult to navigate. A labyrinth takes us out of our ego to "that which is within". Walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind.
Beginning a walk with a clear intention while at the same time keeping an open mind and a soft heart for whatever unfolds on the walk teaches us to do the same in the larger walk of our own lives.
History Keepers
Elaine Durbin
At some time during Armida Alexander's ministry (l98l-86), in a message to "teachers, parents, interested others", she addressed a topic which had recently become a wonderment to quite a few in the congregation: "Children's prayer (and yours too!)
"First some liberal laundry—that is, reinterpretation of old words.
"Prayer is that activity of the mind,/heart/spirit reaching for energy,power, security hope, acceptance, love, challenge, peace, whatever it is that people need to live. It is a reach for some quality or presence that transcends the self. Prayer seeks to align a person with the movement or harmony of the world/universe/Spirit.
"Prayer is useful as a means to deepen our appreciation of the mystery of existence and the connections that support us... Prayer is not occult, naive, superstitious or wasted. On the contrary, through focused attention, the articulation of our highest aspirations, the mental discipline which prayer requires, we discover strength and resources within and outside ourselves that are vital to a religious life. In prayer, we celebrate the spirit and dedicate ourselves."
Armida goes on to talk about some of the elements of prayer: beginning (the hardest part), centering, praise, confession (!), petition, silence, closing.
If you want to know more, I'll be delighted to show you how to find it in History Keeper's files in the library.
What's Your Name?
Wanda Jennings
We have new people at BUUF all the time who do not know your name. Also, our new Interim Minister, Dana Worsnop is trying to learn your name.
You can help by ALWAYS wearing your name tag! If you forget your name tag, make a temporary one at the Newcomer Cart.
You can also help by stating your name when you speak into the microphone when introducing folks during the welcoming and when you speak during joys and sorrows.
Everyone thanks you for your effort in helping us to learn "What's Your Name"!
Where are They Now?
Webb Van Winkle is now in Oak Ridge Tennessee. You can write to him at
790 Emory Valley Road, Apt #410
Oak Ridge TN 37830
Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality
Debbie Espen
We will be exploring and experiencing Shinto, the practice of Nature Religion which evolved in Japan, but available to everyone. All are welcome!
Friday, November 8, 7 pm, Channing Room, South Wing, BUUF
November Sages
Tom von Alten
The BUUF Sages meet just once in November, giving up our 4th Thursday to Thanksgiving. Join us for friendly conversation, a no-host breakfast, and a topic to be determined on Thursday, November 14. We meet at the Kopper Kitchen, 2661 Airport Way, with the program starting at 9:30 am. (Most folks arrive a little early, to order what—if anything—they'd like, and settle in before we start.) Newcomers are welcome! Let us know if you'd like more information, have a topic you'd like to hear, or present, or be added to our reminder list: tvanix@fortboise.org, or 208 378-1217.
What one moment has changed you?
Jeanette Ross
Our theme for October's Humanist meeting was left open, intended to be a more expansive version of the "joys and sorrows" part of fellowship worship services. It became a thoughtful sharing of life events with serious, ongoing consequences. Health emergencies, a pile-up of major life changes all entered the conversation. A long-awaited job opportunity came at the same time of a family health crisis for one of us. The end of a long-time relationship has been a chance to make positive life changes for another. We listened and then shared our own stories.
Next month we head for blue sky conjecture: What is your idea of the Good Life? We won't ask, just this once, how far you have advanced lately. Join us in the BUUF library, 11:15am, Sunday November 17. Contact Jeanette at jrossuyt@fortboise.org for more information.
Greetings Earthlings!
Debbie Espen
We are thrilled to report that we will have a guest speaker at our next Fringe Topics Discussion: a martian geologist, author of a novella about terraforming Mars for humans, will tell us all about the geology of Mars!
All Welcome. Third Thursday, November 21, 7 pm, Channing Room, South Wing, BUUF
Thanksgiving Dinner with BUUF Friends – Please join us!
Nancy Harms
Sign up on the clipboard on the snack table 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 nancytuq@boiseuu.org or 375-5066 or Wanda Jennings at desertfox4t6n@cableone.net or 362-7563.
Auction News – Saturday Night Fever
Gwyn Reid
That's right baby! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 8. Put away your Birkenstocks and dig those platform shoes out from the back of your closet. We're going to be creating the most fun evening you've ever had with a mirror ball.
We're looking for auction donations now. So if you can offer a unique experience, a dinner, or any other item or service you think will work, please talk to anyone on the Auction committee: Gwyn Reid, Becky Groff, Claudia Fernsworth, Patty Nakaoki, or Nancy Harms.
Share the Ride
Amy Stinnett
Are you in need of a ride to BUUF?
Do you regularly attend and have room in your car for an extra person or two?
Please email and let us know! We will try to match up those who need rides with a fellow BUUF'er who lives close by and is willing to share the ride.
Email your name, phone, and address, along with which service you attend to Ridesharenxt@boiseuu.org or contact the BUUF office at 658-1710.
WIDER COMMUNITY
Travel to Mészkő
We hope to be able to arrange for a group of BUUF members/friends to travel to Mészkő next summer. Look for more information in coming newsletters.
Spring Classes
We're in the process of planning classes for this spring and will be coordinating with the Adult RE Committee.
Partner Church News
Gwyn Reid
Since 1993, BUUF has partnered with the Unitarian congregation in Mészkő, Transylvania. Our committee coordinates activities that help to sustain this relationship.
The BUUF Partner Church Committee meets the first Monday of each month. Our next meeting is November 4 at 4:30 pm.
Boise/Mészkő Annual Scholarship Fund
In 2011 the Boise Partner Church Committee created the Boise/Mészkő Annual Scholarship Fund to help the youth of the congregation fund their college educations. We hope to be able to subsidize half of each qualifying student's expenses. A scholarship committee consisting of three members from Boise and three board members from Mészkő collaborate to determine who has met the eligibility requirements of the scholarship. Over the next few weeks we will be working with the Mészkő counterparts of our Scholarship committee to determine applicants for this year's scholarship.
Travel Bugs Visit Other UU Churches
Patty Nakaoki
As the old saying goes, "If you've been to one UU church, you've been to one UU church." Have you ever been a member of another UU congregation, or visited another UU church while on vacation? Whether it was this summer, or 30 years ago, bring your stories and mementos from another Unitarian Universalist fellowship and be prepared to give a 5-10 minute talk. We want to know what you found interesting about their service, the congregation, the music, their facilities, and anything else that made an impression on you. Everyone welcome. We will meet at BUUF in the Channing Room on Friday, November 15, 7 pm. For questions, Patty Nakaoki, 409-0807.
