BUUF News – February 2014

Contents

DINNER and AUCTION – February 8, 6 pm

APPETIZERS & BUFFET DINNER – LIVE & SILENT AUCTION

The movie Saturday Night Fever ushered in the disco craze in 1977. If you're nostalgic for those spectacular days of polyester infused gaiety (or if you're too young to have experienced it), you don't want to miss BUUF's own tribute to all things Saturday Night Fever. Enjoy an evening of food and entertainment that evokes this bygone era. In addition to our usual dinner and auction, are you ready to dance, dance, dance like it's 1977. Our own Julian Jenkins will DJ for us after the auction.

Donate an item or service, such as a meal in your home, a cake or pie for a special occasion, use of your cabin for a weekend, a gardening basket, your original artwork, babysitting services, housecleaning, garden maintenance or anything else you can come up with. Ask yourself what talents or resources you could offer to help BUUF raise funds and build bonds among its members and friends.

Volunteers will be needed to help with tasks such as set-up, decorations, ticket-taking, and clean-up.

This is the major fundraising event for the Fellowship.

Tickets are $35, available after each service, on Auction Frogs, or from a member of the auction committee: Gwyn or Bill Reid, Becky Groff, Patty Nakaoki, Nancy Harms. Also available from the BUUF office during office hours.

Visit the Auction table in the south vestibule for volunteer sign ups and to pick up donation forms, or donate on-line.

President's Message

Robyn Broyles

I have a dear friend who reminds me to find joy in chopping wood and carrying water, particularly when I am having a hard time staying above water. The work of BUUF is in full swing, from preparing to hire a new Building and Grounds Steward, to ramping up on our Annual Giving Drive, to participating in the Appreciative Inquiry Process and the Board making the calls to tally potential candidates for the new Search Committee. It's a busy time for sure!

I, with several other BUUFers, attended the Add the Words Peace Rally Saturday, January 11. There were several hundred, if not over 1,000 individuals present to campaign on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) community to advocate for non-discrimination language in the Idaho Human Rights Bill. The participation and support BUUF shows to the greater community means a great deal to me, and as BUUF's first gay President, I am proud to represent our community in this way.

Through this event, I learned of the Interfaith Equality Coalition- Idaho, which BUUF is affiliated with, along with many other religious communities in Boise. This coalition is an alliance of faith communities working together to bring equality and justice for LGBT people through welcome and support, compassionate witness and advocacy, and through efforts to educate ourselves and others. If you are interested, you can follow the Interfaith Equality Coalition on Facebook.

On January 12, Reverend Worsnop gave a sermon about creating a welcoming environment with which to invite new people in. I personally found her tips to be helpful, and even a bit of a challenge which I invite all of you to share in. No talk of "church business" for 10 minutes following service, and invite yourself to share a three minute conversation, or longer, with someone you don't know very well. What will shift in your life if you create the space to do so? Best of luck to you!

Lastly, may the arrow of Cupid's love find you and land ever so deeply in your chests; and from that arrow, may we be reminded that it is only love that allows us to make a real difference in the world around us.

Namaste

In The Interim

Rev. Dana Worsnop

The times have been changing here at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and six months into our interim ministry together, I'm beginning to hear back from folks about it.

Some people say they've noticed a few changes, and yet they had been expecting more. They want to shake things up more dramatically. Others are feeling like it's already too much and wish it would stop. I am hoping that I will hear more of your responses more directly in the weeks and months ahead.

The point of these changes are not so that everything just gets better—that you lose the bits you never liked and just add things that you like better. My great hope is that you like some of the changes and decidedly do not like others.

For the point of the change is for you to discover (after 25 years with one minister) what matters to you about this congregation. What defines who you are. In order for me to help you discover this, I have to make such changes and you have to pay attention to your responses.

The most obvious changes so far are in the Sunday morning liturgy—changing the gathering song, the way you greet one another, the order of the elements of the order of service. There are more changes to come, both on Sunday morning and throughout the week and month. The newsletter is likely to change, and sometime in February there will be the launch of a new email list-serve that should serve as a kind of community bulletin board. You will notice fewer announcements in some places and more in others.

I am intentionally making these changes relatively slowly and steadily and always in consultation with congregational leaders. I meet and talk regularly with the Board, the staff, the Worship Committee, the Program Ministry Council.

I do hope you think about how this is all hitting you. And pleasecome and talk with me about it. I suspect that for some of you, the changes feel like losing old friends. Change like that can make people feel angry or hurt. For others, I've done away with something that always really bugged you, and you feel relieved. Yet I know that such change can make some lose their bearings, wonder what is happening to their beloved church.

The point of this interim time is for you all to talk about it. Talk to me and talk to each other. I just have a few requests about how you do this talking. Please talk openly and directly. I much prefer to hear concerns directly than through a second or third party. And please be respectful in your responses—even if you absolutely cannot stand one of the changes. Sniping and complaining behind the scenes really doesn't advance the conversation (as tempting as is sometimes is). Direct, clear and respectful exchange will help you all. And it will help your next settled minister.

Please do not hesitate to talk to me. I want to hear from you. I don't promise to change something back, yet I do hope to help you articulate what's important to you. It's one of the reasons that interim ministries are deliberately limited. I am pre-fired, so to speak. You don't have to live with me forever. And for that reason, I hope you will also keep an open mind and try a few new things on for a while.

And talk with one another—again respectfully and directly. You may find that the change you despise is a great relief to someone else, and vice versa. This will all help you re-discover who you are as a congregation. So talk about what is important to you, what matters most about this congregation.

This is our most important work together.

Fondly,

dana

Religious Exploration

Our Heretical Past and its Future Implications in our Congregation

Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

Starting in mid-January, I have been participating in an online series of workshops for religious educators on the subject of Unitarian Universalist history. If the first session is any indication of how the rest of the workshops will go, I'm thrilled! The first session was a study of heresy from very early Christianity to the late eighteenth century. Our Unitarian and Universalist heritage of free thinkers, or heretics, can be traced all the way back to Origen of Alexandria (2nd century CE) and Arius of Alexandria (4th century CE). What struck me was that, although many people think we are a young movement with new-fangled ideas, our roots go deep and the concepts of the unity of god and universal salvation, along with religious tolerance and questioning orthodoxy, have been around for a very long time. I'm planning on incorporating my new-found knowledge and appreciation for our profound roots into next year's Coming of Age program with the junior high youth. Meanwhile, I'd be very interested to know what your ideas might be for incorporating our heretical past into our present and future here at BUUF.

Meanwhile, my study will continue through mid-April and I have purchased several books that are required reading for the course. I will keep them in the collection of books in my office and you are welcome and encouraged to check them out and join me on this journey of discovery. There is also a DVD series entitled Long Strange Trip by Ron Cordes and I'm thinking that this would make an excellent basis for a series of discussions for anyone interested from about 10 years old to adult. Food for thought and for future conversations.

Gratitude to All of Our Guides, Advisors, and Nursery Care Providers

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.

First Fridays Game Night

Last time we saved the world in the teamwork game "Pandemic" by eradicating diseases - quite a challenge! Next time we may fight off zombies in the game "Oh No! Zombies!" and/or tackle a challenge in "Heroquest." Come play with us, or bring your own favorite board games - the more the merrier! All ages! Friday, Feb 7, 7pm, Belasz room, South Wing, BUUF.

Flu season is here!

Please be aware of some simple preventative steps we will all be taking in the RE classrooms to keep our community healthy: all classroom surfaces will be disinfected before class; children will wash their hands upon entering the classroom and before snack; all classroom surfaces will be disinfected after class; if your child has any of the classic flu-like symptoms, please keep them home and we will welcome them with open arms when they're symptom-free and feeling better. For more info, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710.

Transitions

After sharing our hopes for the Future

Interim Ministry Team update from Jeanette Ross

What do we cherish and what do we change? Our last workshop isn't really over. The stories of highlights here will blend into dreams for the future as a follow-up task team pores over the results of our January workshop. Once we know where we want to go we begin the step-wise process of planning how to get there. This will benefit from ongoing involvement of everyone, beginning with a process for selecting members of the new minister Search Committee. All of you can expect to be asked to contribute names of those you believe can help us make a choice for next minister.

All of those who value BUUF are part of living our vision, of course. But as we know from experience, we benefit from a minister who knows where we want to go, then nudges us along. Our interim minister, Rev. Dana Worsnop, will work with us to continue the process of selecting a settled minister.

Committees

Helpers for Sunday Services! There's a New Way to Sign Up!

Wanda Jennings

It is wonderful that people volunteer to help make our Sunday Services run smoothly. The Worship Committee appreciates YOU!

Now there is a new way to sign up for helping with Sunday Services. Look on the coffee table for signup sheets and choose the date you want to help. Families can choose to work together on a Sunday; greeting, lighting the chalice, and reading.

Keep Signing Up!

OUR LARGER UU COMMUNITY

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY in SPOKANE – Early Registration, Youth Program, Etc.!

Bryan Jennings

Pacific Northwest District Assembly will be in Spokane this year, March 14 – 16. The theme is “Love Beyond Belief,” and the presenter is Rev. Dr. Thandeka, a widely known UU minister, theologian, writer, and speaker. Her name was given to her by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and means “beloved” in !Xhosa. She is the founder of Affect Theology, the study of human emotions and affective states that guide our beliefs and our institutions.

Assembly starts with sign-in at 4 pm on Friday, March 14 and continues until noon Sunday, March 16. There will be programs for all ages, including a kids’ camp for children. High school students will be included in the multi-generational main program and will have special activities on Friday and Saturday nights.

Early registration for adults, online or by mail, ends Feb. 26. The early registration fee is $190 with meals (3 meals Sat. plus Sun. breakfast) or $115 without meals. From Feb. 27 until Mar. 7, the fee increases by $15. Walk-ins will be accepted the 14th and 15th for another $15. Registration for children and youth is only $85, including meals. High school students must register by Feb. 19. Registration scholarships might be available for BUUF adults and youth who would like to attend.

More information, including special room rates at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, the Assembly venue, is available from the Pacific Northwest District website.

If you have questions about being a BUUF delegate, scholarships, or shared transportation to Spokane with others, contact Bryan Jennings at bryan_j_boise2014@yahoo.com or see me at church.

JUSTICE Outreach

February's Plate Partner: Boys and Girls Club of Ada Co.

Debra Smith

February's "Plate Partner" is the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County and their Nutrition program.

Every month, BUUF donates 25% of its offertory to a social justice cause outside of our Fellowship. Members and friends are welcome to make additional donations by stipulating this on the memo line of their checks, or by designating this on the printed envelopes we provide.

According to their publications, this foodservice program "serves over 200,000 free, nutritious meals and snacks every year." Children who attend their after school program receive a free snack and dinner daily. During the summer, all members receive a snack and lunch. The program also offers health education and "strives to help our youth understand the value of choosing healthy food and the impact this choice has on their health and quality of life."

Here are some things you may not know about the Nutrition program:

1. Unlike many programs that provide food to our children and who rely on packaged, or over-processed foods, the Nutrition program offers homemade meals using local foods whenever they are available.

2. BUUF has a long-standing relationship with the Boys and Girls Club in general, and the food program in particular.

3. We last donated funds to the program in 2011, and the money was used to supplement the food allowance budget so that more locally produced foods could be purchased.

4. Will Smith of our congregation manages this program.

Your generous donation this month will go towards the purchase of a professional ice-maker for the Meridian site (retail $1200—1900). This will ensure that the freshly prepared foods remain cold and safe for our community's children.

BUUF's Amazing Outreach

Wanda Jennings

Have you noticed how much good we at BUUF are doing for our community? We are spreading our love and our resources to help our fellow men, women, and children.

Each month we give several hundred dollars to good causes in our community through our Social Justice Plate Collection.

Each year we raise money and walk in the Crop Walk to feed the world. We fill our barrels with food for the Idaho Food Bank, and we fill our shelves with food for our own BUUF Food Bank. We help the Idaho Food Bank with tasks that need to be done, such as sorting food, filling backpacks, harvesting and canning donated foods. We participate in Paint the Town and Rake Up Boise, helping our neighbors. We stand on the capitol steps in protests and in support of causes we believe in, such as Add the Words, the Boise City Council homeless solution, the annual Pride Parade, and many more.

We give money to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee through our Guest at Your Table donations. We support the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Pacific Northwest District by giving our fair share each year. We give to the Donna Pendley Music Program at Whittier School, and we also support Whittier School with other donations.

We give money to Habitat for Humanity and we help to build efficient, "green" homes for those less fortunate.

We help out one night a month at the Interfaith Homeless Shelter.

We participate in the Interfaith Healing Our Future Events.

We help other UU churches with their projects through donations to the Pacific Northwest District Chalice Lighter program.

Those are just a few of the many ways that we are making a difference as a church in our community. Not to mention all of the good works and money that we each donate on our own.

Aren't you proud of us? I am!

Spread the Love!

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Like to Sing? Join the BUUF Choir

Tom von Alten

Whether you're a choir veteran or just love to sing and have been thinking about giving choir a try, you're welcome to join our regularly scheduled choir rehearsals held each Wednesday from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. We enjoy each other's company, and the process of embodying music as part of Sunday services. If you have any questions regarding choir participation, please contact our music director, Carrie Bastian at cariesu214@yahoo.com.

What's so special about Humanism?

Jeanette Ross

Sharing the history of our names, at a recent meeting, revealed much more than our connections to tradition. Several people spoke about changing a name, from a more agreeable pronunciation to a preferred nickname, to discarding a birth name in normal usage. We are people who determine our own identity. And this isn't new: family names have modified, even changed outright. We save the story, if not the spelling.

Our upcoming meeting will take a fresh look at humanism in the time of an increasing number of those who insist their religion is 'none of the above.' I will be sharing the provocative words of philosopher Howard B. Radest, a contributor to the revised Humanist Manifesto. He reminds us that humanism, with its trust in our capacity to improve our own lives and our culture, is still working on the twin pillars of the Enlightenment, our rights to freedom and equality. We can be the conscience of our times, which obligates us to a radical inclusiveness. As Rev. Dana Worsnop reminded the congregation in January, being hospitable commits us to adjusting, changing as we incorporate those with experiences and needs different from our own. We are committing to making ourselves better and at the same time more uncomfortable as we move over a bit.

Join us for our February meeting, Sunday the 16th, 11:15am in the library. Contact me at 378-1217 or jross214@fortboise.org with any questions or to get on the reminder list.

Monday evening meditation group

Jay Wechselberger

The BUUF meditation group has been meeting for well over a year now, and has a number of regular attendees. While we have experimented with a variety of meditation techniques, we are moving toward a quiet and reflective mindfulness meditation practice interspersed with gentle movement meditations. If you have never had a regular meditation practice this might be just the opportunity for you to start. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to relieve stress, have a positive influence our health, and even help control pain. We would love to have you join us.

Toward the end of January the Quest participants will be introduced to a number of spiritual practices, including mindfulness meditation and then be asked to pick one and start a daily practice, supported by at least once-weekly group practice. The BUUF meditation group is one of a number of groups around the valley that will be made available to those in the Quest program. But, you don't have to be in Quest to come to the group – all are welcome. Even if you have never meditated before this is an easy and welcoming group to get you started. We meet every Monday evening from 6-7:00pm in the pre-school room. Join us!

Travel Group visits Wales In February

Karen Raese

In the 8th century, King Offa of Mercia built, or rather conscripted his subjects to build, an earthwork along much of the border between present day England and Wales. The assumption is that it was meant to keep the Welsh out of Mercia. In 1971 the Offa's Dyke Footpath was opened, the fourth of at least 15 national foot trails in England and Wales. Mary McGown walked the entire path from the Irish Sea to the Bristol Channel. On Friday, February 28 at 7pm at BUUF, Mary will share pictures and stories about her walk through the wind swept moors, grassy pastures and picturesque villages. One of the highlights was learning how to pronounce Welsh place names – can you pronounce Llangollen?

We look forward to having you join us for fellowship and a fun adventure on Offa's Dyke Footpath. Contact Karen Raese (853-3865) if you have questions or to share your travels near or far.

Sage Time and Place

Tom von Alten

Did you know George Bernard Shaw was a co-founder of the London School of Economics? Me neither, but Wikipedia says so. Dr. Chuck Lauterbach is a virtual walking Wikipedia when it comes to playwrights though and he'll give us his take on GBS' voluminous work in drama, at the first meeting of the Sages in February. (And some economics? Not sure; come hear.)

For our second meeting, a potpourri of home towns, as we share stories of where we came from, and where we have lived. We'll be at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way), 9:30 am on second and fourth Thursdays: Lauterbach on Shaw February 13, all of us on "home" on February 27. Contact Tom von Alten at 378-1217 or tva214@fortboise.org for more information or to be added to our reminder list.

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 8:30pm.

February 9 we will be discussing Notes from the Sand by Jeffrey Neil Simon. We will meet at the home of Mindy Arnold, 7790 West Devonwood Dr., Boise, ID 83714. RSVP at 853-2337.

March 9 we will be discussing A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen. We will meet at the home of Carol Wilke, 5186 E Trail Wind Dr., Boise, 761-1769. Please bring book proposals for the next 4-5 months.

April 13 we will be discussing Delta Wedding by Eudora Welty. This is a joint meeting with The Classics Book Group. We will meet at BUUF in the Junior High Room (Channing).

If you'd like to receive our emails, let me know at erins4960214@msn.com

Happy Reading.

Gaming Affinity Group

Morgaine O'Hern

Have you ever wanted to try Fantasy Role-Playing? If so, then the BUUF Gaming Affinity Group needs you! Welcome to Harn - a rough, hazy, forested island known for its foul weather, murky politics, barbarian tribes, mages and mysterious ruins of long-vanished peoples. Oh, and let's not forget the monsters created by the god Ilvir, who is said to live on the Isle, creating them for reasons that are his own. Finally, there are the many races on Harn - the Khuzan (Dwarves), Sindarin (Elves), Humans, the various Gargun (Orc) species...and others. Harn is not an easy place to live. Can you not only live there, but become a Hero? Join us and find out.

Harn runs every Monday at 6pm. Please call or e-mail Hawk Silverthorn for details - 208-639-9812 or daelda214@cableone.net.

History Note

Janelle Wintersteen

History Keepers is starting a scrapbook to catch history on the fly , so to speak, instead of trying to research or hunt it down afterwards. So this is a fly note about the January History Keepers meeting which included Jennifer Grush-Dale who is an expert scrapbooker. She was giving us good information on paper, fasteners, fonts, and how to make the scrapbook look professional. Then she decided, somewhat nervously, to inform us that the reason why we had been worrying so about about pictures falling out was because we had the scrapbook upside down! She was not unprepared for the gales of laughter that followed her comment as the rest of us looked at the scrapbook-and suddenly saw it the way it should be, instead of how we were trying to make it. Whose going to remember how hard we laughed at ourselves except for you who have read this note? History Keepers meets at 10:30 the third Thursday of each month in the library. Interested people are always welcome.

Fellowship Fun and Saturday Potluck resumes in March

Karen Raese

There will be no Fellowship potluck in February. Instead, everyone is encouraged and invited to participate in the annual BUUF auction. The monthly fellowship potlucks will resume on March 8 with an event sponsored by our BUUF staff.

Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality

In January Morgaine presented a lovely song to the Goddess Brigid, a short video of a Brigid celebration, and led us in making Brigid crosses.

In February Debbie will tell us about the meaning of February, and about Gods and Goddesses of Love, and perhaps we will have a craft and celebratory ritual, too. Anyone interested is welcome to come and participate - bring your Significant Other, and any poems, objects or info you have, too! Friday, Feb 14, 7pm, Channing Room, South Wing, BUUF

Knitting and Crochet group

Morgaine O'Herne

The BUUF Knitting and Crochet group will be meeting at 7pm, the first Tuesday of each month at Salt, which is located at the Collister Shopping Center near the library, inside the Green Chutes Art Gallery. Come learn, share, and enjoy. All skill levels welcome.

Dowsing/Sensing: Does it work? How?

Fringe Topics Discussion will be exploring dowsing/sensing for water, minerals, auras, etc at the next meeting, Thursday Feb 20, 7pm, in the Channing Room, South Wing, BUUF. Have you ever tried it? Come tell your stories, and/or show us how!

UUs for Justice in the Middle East Boise chapter

Why is the situation in Israel/Palestine so important? Why should we care? How is the U.S. involved? How are our taxes involved? What can we do to make a difference? The Boise chapter of the Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) sometimes presents an informational film, sometimes a speaker, and always a discussion. Got questions? Got concerns? Bring them! Next meeting is Saturday, Feb 22, 7pm, Channing Room, South Wing, BUUF.

Two Who Dared Film

Wanda Jennings

Two Who Dared: The Sharps’ War is the never-before-told American, World War II and Holocaust story of Waitstill Sharp, a Unitarian minister, and Martha Sharp, a trained social worker, who, in February 1939, boldly committed to a life-threatening mission in Europe to assist refugees. Over the course of two missions: in Prague (1939), and in Southern France (1940), the Sharps, and their underground confederates, played a vital role in saving hundreds from persecution. This award-winning film reveals a timeless lesson of personal sacrifice and courage to be shared with future generations.

Mark your calendar now to attend one of the two separate screenings, on Sunday, March 2, 2-4 pm, or Tuesday, March 11, 7-9 pm. Discussion and potluck refreshments to follow.

Help Wanted

Part-time Building and Grounds Coordinator - Now Hiring

BUUF will be hiring a part-time building and grounds coordinator beginning this March and lasting through June 2015. The person hired would work approximately seven hours a week using a flexible work schedule. A background check is required. Pay is $13.50 an hour.

Several volunteers who have provided this needed service will be retiring or have cut back on work done for the Fellowship. A generous donation from a member of the Fellowship will allow BUUF to hire the position through June of 2015 and over that time period determine how the needed services will be provided.

The job oversees and coordinates volunteer and contracted building and grounds services and requires some physical and mechanical capabilities. The job has been posted with the Idaho Department of Labor. A full job posting is also available to pick up just inside the BUUF office door on the right hanging file.

BUUF is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals will be hired on the basis of ability, experience, and character without discrimination in regard to age, gender, affectional orientation, race, creed, national origin, marital status, gender identification or physical disability, so long as he/she is able to perform the necessary functions of the position.

If you know of a person that would be a good fit for this position or are interested in applying for this position email a resume (work history), contact information and three names of reference to: nancy214@boiseuu.org.

Submittal deadline is February 10, 2014

Please no phone calls