FEATURED THIS MONTH
Beyond Categorical Thinking
Either Service, Lunch, Workshop, October 5, 2014 (*Lunch Provided*)
The Ministerial Search Team
Think of an elephant... and then think of a minister. Chances are you can conjure a clear picture of both. In terms of a minister, what images come to mind? Elephants come in one color but ministers come in many races, different genders, sexual orientations, and a wide range of ages.
Beyond Categorical Thinking is a highly recommended part of the ministerial search process. In finding the minister who would be the best match for our congregation, we could potentially overlook or let biases keep us from recognizing that a particular person would be our best match.
What:Sunday service, Beyond Categorical Thinking, Lunch, Workshop.
When: Sunday, October 5; please attend either the 9:30 or 11:15am service and then join us for lunch (provided) and a workshop (target start time is 1:15pm) after second service. Please contact a member of the committee in advance if you need child care.
Find out more about the Ministerial Search below.
Other congregations have assumed that their ideal minister looks a certain way, and often ministers who are not white or male or heterosexual or able-bodied or of a particular age or class are discounted and seen as "less than" in some ways.
Ministers in our faith who are people of color, bisexual, gay, lesbian, female, transgender, differently-abled, young, old, ethnically different, or of a different class—all of these credentialed ministers still face discrimination as part of the ministerial search process.
In our efforts to find the best match and to expand our thinking, the Ministerial Search Committee will host a Beyond Categorical Thinking worship service and workshop on October 5, 2014. UUA trainers will meet with our search committee, lead the Sunday services, and facilitate a 3-hour conversation, starting at 1:15pm after lunch (provided), where we will examine how we can avoid letting prejudice become a part of our search process. This is yet another way for us to put our faith into lived experience and improve the odds that regardless of identity, we will find the minister who is the best match for us and who will serve us well.
This opportunity allows the entire congregation full participation in the search process. It will allow us to explore our hopes and concerns for a new minister, learn more about the search process, and see how our own history (both personal and congregational) might interfere with our efforts in this search.
So come on Sunday, October 5 to participate in either of the services provided by the UUA. Lunch will be provided immediately after second service and the workshop starts immediately after lunch. Our trainers will be Jo Victoria and Gil Guerrero.
All Congregational Meeting - October 18
Roger Sherman, Board President
Mark your calendars for October 18. On that afternoon we will have a congregational meeting to talk about some of the directions we will be going during this year. I hope the idea of a fall congregational meeting, distinct from our annual meeting in the spring will become a tradition. After the meeting we will have a potluck to share in the bounty of the season and the fellowship of our congregation.
President's Message
Roger Sherman, Board President
We are a passionate bunch when it comes to thinking about our future. No matter that Unitarians historically were caricatured as "God's frozen people," we can get up a good head of steam when it comes to debating how we are going to grow as a congregation, how our grounds will be used in the future, who are we going to call to be our next minister. I was reminded of this at the first board meeting I chaired since becoming president.
Should we build a sanctuary, start an endowment fund? Retire our mortgage? Start satellite fellowships in the Treasure Valley? What drives us, motivates us to invest in our Beloved Community with our sweat and tears and treasure? These will be the kinds of questions that you will be asked by the Ministerial Search Committee that the congregation empaneled last spring as they seek to understand what kind of a minister we BUUFers want and need. Look for a survey soon.
Calling a minister, unlike the process of hiring any other staff you may be used to, is decidedly different. There ain't no boss here. Neither the Board nor the Search Committee hires the minister; the minister is called by the congregation. She or he does not work for the board; the minister is asked to work for all of us. Imagine! Servant of oh so many masters. This is why it is critical that each of us expresses our opinion—while still recognizing that no one person could possibly fulfill all of the criteria we are likely to create. As we are reminded regularly, ministry is a shared responsibility with the minister playing just one important role.
Mark your calendars for October 18. On that afternoon we will have a congregational meeting to talk about some of the directions we will be going during this year. I hope the idea of a fall congregational meeting, distinct from our annual meeting in the spring will become a tradition. After the meeting we will have a potluck to share in the bounty of the season and the fellowship of our congregation.
Back to passion. I am grateful to be working this year with such a talented and passionate crew of board members. Our new members—Sue Langley, Craig Raese, and Marcia Lyons—are no strangers to the congregation and will bring loads of experience and new perspective to an already talented crew—Robyn Broyles, Claudia Fernsworth, Bryan Jennings, Catherine Fitch, and Debbie Johnson. Let us know what you think.
And really talking about passion, we who had the chance to know Besse LaBudde know what a passionate advocate for social justice she was and how much she loved and care for the Fellowship. She has left us a bequest in her will and asked that it be used in some way that looks to the long term and "which will advance the goals of BUUF or contribute to the joy of its members." So Besse called the question: What will bring us joy as we look to the future of our beloved religious community?
In The Interim
Dear and Good People of the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship,
We've been at this interim/transition stuff together for a whole year now.
I found myself looking back at the first column I wrote to you a year ago when I had just returned from the Interim Ministry Training and we were all fresh and eager to get underway.
A year later, you have accomplished so much, and there is yet more change and transition work to do. Something I wrote in that first column really still applies – the image of how ficus and spider plants respond to change. Last August I wrote:
"A ficus is a finicky thing, move it a few inches closer to or farther from the window and it will shudder and shed its leaves alarmingly. A spider plant on the other hand thrives on change, it says, "Whee!" and sends out lots of little baby spider plants. The worst thing you can do is leave it in one place....
"Sometimes in the weeks and months ahead, you're going to feel like a spider plant, eager for what is new and changing. Yet perhaps when you least expect it, you'll turn into a ficus. Something will change, maybe even something small and you'll shudder as if something very dear is being taken from you."
Though we've come so far together – and more often than not you've responded more like a spider plant than a ficus – the image is still apt. Now most of your work as a congregation is looking ahead to the vision of a future and the minister you want to grow into that future with. And that process involves yet more change. So please continue to let me know when your inner spider plant is thriving or your inner ficus is shuddering.
A more personal update:
I have relished and used well these last weeks of vacation and study leave. It has been just the respite I have needed for my own rest, recharging and healing. As of this writing my final(!) treatment is a few days away, and I plan to start ramping back up slowly through the end of August and into September. I have spent good time sitting on my deck or in a cozy chair reading lots – from detective fiction, to Milton's Paradise Lost, to social commentary and even some study of governance and leadership issues. I've written a little, deepened my personal spiritual practices, and played plenty of computer solitaire and sudoku. I've spent some time away by the Oregon Coast and in Colorado, and usually felt well enough for good walks with the wonder dog Scout. I've slept well and eaten well (thanks to the generosity of several BUUF-ers). Though the ministry is a mantle we never fully put down, I have been taking up the ministry of rest and self-care so that I may continue to care for you. I am grateful to the many lay leaders who picked up the active ministry of the church as I had time for more personal ministry and care.
And now, here we go again. I think it will be another wild and satisfying ride.
With love,
dana
It's time to tell us
All About YoUU
for Religious Exploration for Children & Youth!
Please take time to register your children for Religious Exploration (RE) here at BUUF. Return one form per family, including nursery-aged children. Forms are available in the BUUF information rack in the north vestibule, in the classrooms or here on the BUUF website. Thank you for your quick response!
Religious Exploration
Games at the Heart of the Family
Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)
In the spirit of Full Week Faith, a strategy for engaging families at home in day-to-day faith development created through the Unitarian Universalist Association, I will be dedicating my monthly newsletter articles this year to themes based on favorite childhood games. The games will be familiar to most of you and you can play the traditional versions of them to your heart's content and enjoy the together time they create. My goal, however, is to suggest ways to go deeper with your children on your shared faith development journey using the template of a familiar game while expanding the rules and the "playground" to our community and the wider world. Throughout the year, we'll explore our spirituality through games such as a scavenger hunt, Hide and Seek, Simon Says, and Follow the Leader, just to name a few.
September is a time of new beginnings and setting goals for academic and other endeavors so let's play Hopscotch!
Post a hopscotch grid on a wall where the family gathers. It can be drawn on paper, made out of fabric squares, or whatever works best for your family.
Talking together, decide on a medium-term family goal (one that can be accomplished in 2-3 weeks) that is centered around a matter of the heart for your family. Suggestions: creating a sacred space for honoring friends and family who are sad; finding favorite graces to say at meal times; making a family chalice to light every morning and/or evening as a family ritual and finding words to go along with lighting the chalice; sponsoring a family in need for school supplies; what is calling to your family?
Write that goal in the last square of your posted hopscotch grid.
Decide on intermediate steps toward that goal and write them in the squares of the hopscotch with the first one at the square farthest from the goal and progressive steps closer and closer to the goal.
As you accomplish each step, celebrate in some way that is meaningful to your family.
Have a congratulations party when you've accomplished your goal!
As we play these games throughout the year, I hope that you'll share stories of your family's experiences with me and others in our Religious Exploration community. I'm looking forward to hearing all about the fun and the opening hearts!
Welcoming the New Year in Religious Exploration for Children & Youth
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
On September 7, our services will return to the 9:30 and 11:15 times with two all-generational services including worship for all ages for the entire service incorporating our beloved Mingling of the Waters Ceremony. The following week, Sunday, September 14, will be the first day of religious exploration for children and youth for our new program year. Children and youth will begin their time in the sanctuary with their families. When the children and youth recess to their classrooms, Emmie Schlobohm, your Director of Religious Exploration, and members of the Religious Exploration Team will be available to help children and families find their appropriate classrooms and meet their new adult guides for their continuing spiritual journey. We look forward to being together!
Follow your heart & feed your passion...
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
while creating a nurturing & welcoming place for Religious Exploration for children and youth!
Many hands make light work and that light will shine on for years to come. There are numerous opportunities available to share your gifts of time and talent within Religious Exploration for Children and Youth. Our classrooms are places of wonder and merriment, but if that's not your passion, alternatives abound. Please come talk with Emmie, our Director of Religious Exploration, and discover for yourself where you can light up the world for the future captains of our blue boat home.
Summer Religious Exploration Wraps Up
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
I would like to thank the dedicated and amazing summer coordinator and phenomenal volunteer teachers who shared their gifts of time and talent with our children this summer through exploring the wonders of being a part of the global family as they gained a deeper appreciation of the ways in which we can help people, animals and plants live in harmony. My heart-felt appreciation and gratitude go out to Jade Duffy, our Summer RE Coordinator, and to our most excellent Supply Wizard, Kristin Bergeson, and to our corps of volunteer teachers.
Many thanks also to all the adult volunteer assistants who joined in the fun and to our nursery volunteers who also give from the heart every week. We couldn't offer such a great summer of discovery without you. Thank you!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! We're Boston Bound Once Again!
Emmie Schlobohm, Boston Bounder Boss
Ahoy young future Bounders and your most excellent families! It's time again for the youth of BUUF to embark on our spiritual, physical, and financial journey to discover our Boston roots. All youth entering 7th through 9th grades and their parents or guardians, who are emphatically encouraged to attend, are invited to an informational meeting about the proposed trip to Boston, MA in the summer of 2015. This most edifying meeting will be held Sunday, September 28 at 12:30 following the 11:15 service.
This trip was created as a way for UUs here in the Treasure Valley to explore the larger Unitarian Universalist movement and connect with UUs in other parts of the country. This special project takes the full program year, September – June, to plan, organize and raise funds, so come on September 28 ready to fill your sails, minds and hearts with a vision of how to make it all happen. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710.
Calling all youth entering 7th-9th grades...
Junior High Coming of Age Program Begins This Fall
Emmie Schlobohm, DRE
This year, Religious Exploration is offering the Coming of Age program as a rite of passage for junior high school youth into young adulthood. In our Unitarian Universalist tradition, we ask young people to consider our shared seven principles, how they apply to their lives and what they believe. From September through May, youth are paired with an adult mentor to sort out their questions and perform a community service project together with all the mentoring pairs. The group participates in monthly seminars and three retreats with Emmie Schlobohm, the Director of Religious Exploration. Our interim minister, Dana Worsnop, will also be involved in several of the monthly gatherings. The program culminates in the creation of a personal credo or statement of faith that is shared with the BUUF community at the Coming of Age worship service on May 10, 2015. If you or your child are interested in taking part or if you have any questions, please contact Emmie Schlobohm at 658-1710 at your earliest convenience. Seminars and retreats will begin in mid-September!
TRANSITION
Searching for a New Minister: Finding the Right Fit
Ministerial Search Committee
The Ministerial Search Committee invites you to participate in our upcoming Ministerial Search focus group sessions. Focus groups have been designed for discussion of who we are as a faith community, who we want to be, and to share ideas about and discuss how we can call a new minister who will be the best fit for Boise UU. Focus group sessions will last from 45 minutes-one hour. Your input is highly valued and extremely important. Please join us!
Focus Group Schedule:
Sundays, after the single service on August 24 and 31 (Balazs Room)
Sundays, after second service in September (7,14,21,28, Balazs Room)
Friday, September 5 - 7 pm Channing Room
Tuesday, September 16 - 7 pm Raible Room
Hear Ye, Hear Ye, We Want to Hear You!
Ministerial Search Committee
The Ministerial Search Committee wants to hear your ideas about the future of Boise UU (and other things). Our survey is available now, and we'll be collecting responses through September. You can find it on paper at the Fellowship, or (most convenient for us, and we hope for you as well) online: BUUF Ministerial Search Congregational Survey. ( This requires a password which will be announced, or can be ) The results of the survey will be used to inform prospective ministerial candidates, the Ministerial Search Committee, and the congregation about who we are and what we expect of a minister, so we succeed in getting the best match possible of a new minister and Boise UU. More details will be available at Boise UU services, in the vestibules, and in the focus groups described above.
You May Have Wondered...
Ministerial Search Committee
Q: Why not call Reverend Dana Worsnop to be our minister?
A: The intended role of an interim minister is very different from a called minister. Reverend Worsnop accepted the interim role and has committed to the two-year interim time frame. The UUA has strict guidelines about the purpose of the interim minister and we're trusting their vast experience in designing the transition process. Reverend Dana concurs. (We like her, too, and will be sad when she leaves!)
Q: What's this about "Calling" a new minister?
A: Church staff members are usually hired. The relationship between the minister and congregation has special meaning, and special terminology. We, as the Boise UU congregation, will "call" a minister to lead us on a spiritual journey.
Q: Why does it take so long?
A: The Search Committee has a list of duties to complete before we can begin interviewing candidates. Some candidates have active ministries that will require notice and transportation and interview logistics are complicated. Most importantly, the Search Committee will be working to gather input and feedback from the Boise congregation to look for the best fit; all in the effort to make the best match possible between the congregation and the new minister.
Q: What's next?
A: A survey for the Boise Congregation to provide feedback about what will make the best fit for our new minister. Also, the Search Committee is beginning work compiling two packets of information for prospective candidates about the Boise community and the Boise UU congregation.
COMMITTEES
Building and Grounds Steward – Greg Duffy
As many of you heard at the July 27 service, BUUF has approved a paid position of a Building and Grounds Steward to coordinate and troubleshoot maintenance tasks that arise here, replacing the efforts of several long-time volunteers and helping us learn how to accomplish this work in the future. We recently filled the vacancy in this position with our very own Greg Duffy. Please help us welcome Greg to this position.
Thank you for taking Pride In Our Building
Nancy Harms
Saturday, August 23 our fellowship building was a-flurry in readying it for the new program year. Bill Hall had cleaned the chair bottoms on Friday. Ann McClanahan, Lorel Case, and Aletha Lundblad cleaned the chair feet and replaced broken ones in the Sanctuary. Barry Hope, and Loren Case washed windows on the outside of the building while Elaine Daly did the inside windows. Sue Stadler cleaned the courtyard cement. Nancy Harms touched up paint throughout the building and cleaned windows on the inside and outside. Greg Duffy did handyman things. Cathy Carmen for cleaning the nursery.
Then we sat down and had a small lunch. Thank you all for your time and energy. You make a difference! Hope you can make it to the next cleaning party in April.
Fundraising News
Claudia Fernsworth
The July 27 concert by "Four Shillings Short" was a great success. Thanks to all who helped and attended. About 100 people (!) filled the double room in the North Wing. BUUF's budget was enriched by $344.
There will be a Pancake Supper in October.
Our next All Silent Auction will be in November. It is always a good time to set aside items you want to donate.
JUSTICE OUTREACH
Plate Partner for September: IRU
Debra Smith
In conjunction with our annual tradition of the "mingling of the waters" ritual, the Plate Partner for the month of September is Idaho Rivers United (IRU). The mission of Idaho Rivers United is to protect and restore the rivers of Idaho, and the method for achieving this end is through citizen involvement. IRU operates many programs that both educate the public and advocate for conservation policies. As we think about the water we have brought from our summers of adventure abroad or at home, let us reflect on how fundamental water is to our very lives. Perhaps this will be the year that we resolve to respect water by modifying our habits of use. Please visit the Idaho Rivers United website to learn about ways each of us can improve our conservation habits.
From their website: "Idaho Rivers United is taking the lead in educating the public on the need to conserve water. Water is Idaho's most precious resource, and Idahoans are beginning to wake up to the fact that action is needed to conserve our limited supply."
As is our tradition, 25% of the month's offering will go to this cause. If you would like to designate this organization for an additional donation, please indicate this on the memo line of your check, or use an envelope provided on the chair-backs. Each year our fellowship contributes approximately $12,000 to vital non-profit organizations in our community. Thank you for your generosity.
First Annual TransForm Idaho Yard Sale!
Susan C. Philley
Volunteers are needed to donate, pick up and transport, sort, price and sell items at the first Annual TransFormIdaho Yard Sale Saturday, September 27 where TFI will be part of the well-advertised Mesa Neighborhood Association's yard sales.
Workers will be invited to a party and preview opportunity prior to the sale. Most drop-offs will start September 13. If you can volunteer a few hours to help before or during the sale or have items to be picked now, please call Jeanette Ross at 378-1217 or email jross2014@fortboise.org and she will arrange this.
Proceeds from the Sale will help TransForm Idaho purchase Board and organization liability insurance and contract with their first BSU Intern (an experienced senior, majoring in political science).
Save the Date: October 19!
Debra Smith
CROP WALK is back this year! ...and we're going to participate in a BIG way. Plan now to get a group together to support this fun fall event that addresses hunger in the valley. The day will be Sunday, October 19. Let us show up in great numbers and show the world how we UUs live our values.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Potlucks at BUUF
Karen Raese
Come share a potluck meal at BUUF this fall and meet old and new friends. There will be no potluck in September but plan to join us on Saturday, October 11 at 6:00 for the first one of the fall where we hope to have a sing along. Watch for more details next month. We strive to have a family friendly activity each evening. Please bring a dish to share (possibly a vegetarian/vegan dish) and if you choose to bring your own plates and flatware, there is less clean up to do and more fun to have.
Locating the Sacred
Jeanette Ross
What will we speak of this coming year? We began the August meeting with self-introductions that revealed something remarkable and exciting. We are no neatly trimmed classical garden, with separate, tidy labels and hedges, clipped to a fare-thee-well, marking the divisions. With several freshly planted newcomers we look forward to subjects of discussion from the secrets bound up in our DNA to consideration of those places sacred to the diverse cultures that are part of our state. And we will dig into those labels so often attached to us. What is implied in the word 'atheist?' What about a 'militant' atheist? What about our own spiritual lives, and what's actually in those humanist manifestos? Are they as meaningful to us today as they were to the Unitarian ministers who wrote them seventy years ago? Join us in the library at BUUF for one of our fascinating conversations. We meet each third Sunday of the month; the next will be September 21.
For our September 21 meeting our guest, Search Committee member Linden Boise will ask what we would like to see in a new BUUF minister. What role would we like this congregation and its friends to take in our community, our region? As usual meet in the liberary, 11:15am.
Fall Chalice Circles Forming
Miriam Woito
Chalice Circles are a small group ministry in which people are invited to meet with one another regularly to discuss topics of spiritual, theological, cultural, and philosophical interest. The circles create deeper ties and connections between people. Reverend Dana has created an inspiring curriculum of questions and ideas meant to challenge us and stimulate discussion and sharing. Each circle will have 8 -10 members and will meet every other week. The circles will begin the week of September 8 with 6 weeks sessions going until Thanksgiving and 8 week sessions going until mid-December. There will be several times to choose from.
This will be a fun and interesting way to meet new people, share your wisdom and ideas with others, and form lasting bonds with the BUUF community.
Please contact Nancy Harms nancy2014@boiseuu.org to sign up or if you don't see a time you like consider starting your own circle (contact Nancy or Miriam).
If you have questions you can contact Miriam Woito at miriamwoito2014@gmail.com.
Quest update August 2014
Mark Zimmer
Spiritual realization is the aim that exists in each one of us to seek our divine core. That core, though never absent from anyone, remains latent within us. It is not an outward quest for a Holy Grail that lies beyond, but an Inward Journey to allow the inner core to reveal itself. B.K.S. Iyengar
In August of 2013, sixteen members of BUUF attended their first Quest participant's orientation. They knew that the Quest program was meant to help them establish themselves in one of three spiritual practices- mindfulness meditation, centering prayer, or yoga asana, each helping the individual to seek their inner core, as Iyengar states.
They had all turned in a fairly extensive application about what their goals were and why they were interested in Quest. But what would it really involve, and in what ways might it change their lives?
Since that time, they have each
- attended a class on Unitarian Universalist history,
- created faith development life maps,
- met with a spiritual companion monthly,
- attended a monthly potluck/integration group - meeting for all Quest participants,
- attended three weekend retreats with the other Quest participants, and
- begun a daily spiritual practice.
At this point, Quest participants are one year into a 22-month journey. They have three more weekend long retreats- one coming up in September, the final coming up in April of 2015. If you have any questions about Quest, check out the Quest pages on our website.
Sage Journeys
Tom von Alten
Last month's potpourri of our personal religious journeys was an interesting start, but it seems there are more stories left to tell. For our first meeting of the month, Thursday, September 11, another opportunity to tell yours and hear from others. What path brought you to the religion you hold today?
At our second meeting, September 25, author Eric Wallace will discuss how the stories in his head came to be, and how some of them turned into his recently published collection, Undertow.
Newcomers are welcome! We meet second and fourth Thursdays, 9:30am at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way) over a no-host breakfast for friendly conversation. Contact Tom von Alten, 208 378-1217 or tva2014@fortboise.org for more information, or to be added to our email reminder list.
Anna Karenina Discussion
Lorel Case
BUUF Classicists will analyze Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy on September 24 at 7:00 at Lorel Case's.
Call Lorel (376-3188) for more information.
Travel Group Shares Musical Destinations
Karen Raese
Do you have a favorite music festival that you have attended? Have you been to the Sun Valley Jazz festival? What about The Summer Music Festival at Roseberry? SXSW? We want to hear about the wonderful music festivals you have discovered in Idaho and beyond. Join us on Friday, September 19 at 7:00 in the Channing room at BUUF. This evenings' format will not feature one presenter but rather everyone will have an opportunity to share. We hope that you will join us. Light refreshments will be served.
The BUUF Travel Group meets once a month to hear about adventures, both near and far. If you have an travel experience you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Patty Nakaoki (409-0807) or Karen Raese (853-3865) for more information.
Calling from the Q-UU-ilters
Nancy Harms
Calling all seamstresses and seamsters: The Q-UU-ilters are launching their quilt project for the 2015 raffle and want to invite others who sew to join them. We're a great group to work with and it's an easy way to expand your quilting skills. We'll meet at BUUF in the Brown room on September 17 from 7-9:30. Please let us know if you can come so we can lay out enough work space for all and we can let you know what to bring – contact Harriet at hshaklee2014@cableone.net or 371-3634.
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.
September 14, we will be discussing Diana Gabaldon's, Outlander. We will meet at the home of Kathy McGown and Eric Wallace, 3496 Holl Drive, Eagle, 939-7215
October 12, we will be discussing Sherman Alexie's Absolute True Diary of a Part Time Indian. We will meet in the BUUF Library.
November 9, we will be discussing Charles Portis's, The Dog of the South.
December 14, we will be discussing our own Eric Wallace's Undertow.
If you'd like to receive our emails, let me know at erins49602014@msn.com.
Happy Reading.
Exploring Pagan/Nature Spirituality
Debbie Espen
I have a new found deep respect for Australian Aborigines, their culture and their religion from our last meeting. It was just as meaningful as our exploration of Hawaiian spirituality (and that luau!) Thank you to everyone who shared of their research, knowledge and experience! Pamela, thank you for the wonderful guided meditation. And thanx to all for the food - ever since we added a potluck it makes for a wonderful closing social time!
In September (the Second Friday as always, at 7pm in the South Wing, BUUF) we will be starting an exploration of the four elements mainly led by Morgaine, but of course as always everyone and anyone is encouraged to bring something of themselves to the experience! Morgaine will clue us in to which element we will be starting with in September, so that we can all prepare. It makes for a richer experience when we each prepare and bring something to the table (be it books, stories, info, rituals, meditations, items-always items!, and of course food!)
For information email debbieespen2014@yahoo.com with Pagan in the subject line. Anyone and everyone is welcome, pagan or not!
Intergenerational Board Game Night
Debbie Espen
We had a nice big group of mixed ages: kids, teens, adults and seniors! Games included Dungeon!, Seven Wonders, Castle, and Apples to Apples.
Come join us for another fun night, the First Friday (as always), September 5, 7pm, South Wing, BUUF.
Trek Talk!
Debbie Espen
Join us for another meaningful, and fun, too, discussion following another viewing of a remastered original Star Trek episode (on a big screen!). We had a nice big group the first time! Next showing: fourth Friday, September 26, 7pm, Belazs room, South Wing, BUUF.
OUR WIDER UU COMMUNITY
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East
Debbie Espen
Our involvement is needed now more than ever! Come to a meeting on Saturday, September 20 at 7pm in the South Wing at BUUF for information and planning! Questions? email debbieespen2014@yahoo.com with UUJME in the subject line.
Want to strengthen Unitarian Universalism in the Pacific Northwest?
There are many good reasons to become a Chalice Lighter, a congregations-helping-congregations program. Being a Chalice Lighter brings you the joy of watching your modest contribution multiply to a grant of $20,000 or more to support the growth of our liberal religion in the Pacific Northwest. And, by being a Chalice Lighter, you will help BUUF qualify for a Chalice Lighter grant. The more of us who take the Chalice Lighter pledge, the more the program will have to offer to ours and other growing congregations.
When you become a Chalice Lighter, each church year you will receive up to three call letters. The letter will explain the purpose of the call and ask for your donation of at least $15. The grant must be used for those purposes, so you will know exactly where your money is going.
BUUF was a recipient of $9,125 in 1998 for improvements to our hearing-assisted sound system and for signage, and again in 2006 we were granted $16,000 for sanctuary flooring. To receive a grant 30% of the congregation must be involved in the Chalice Lighter program as donors. We are close to that 30%, but we are a growing congregation and need a buffer.
Please consider joining now to help BUUF and other PNWD congregations. Fill out the form available in the office, or enroll online on the PNWD website. Questions about Chalice Lighters? Ask Chalice Lighter Ambassador, Jay Wechselberger (871-3765 or meridianwex2014@gmail.com).
Family Resources
As UUs, we practice our faith in our actions and so we truly live in the world around us and our children are world citizens right along with us. With the events of the last few weeks, the world seems to be sadder and scarier than usual. The UUA has several resources to help families talk with their children and navigate through these scary times. Remember that we are all in this together and our community is a place to bring your sorrows and to share this journey through both good times and bad.
Supporting Children in the Face of Disaster or Trauma
and for other great resources...
Submissions Guidelines for BUUF News
Jen Grush-Dale, BUUF News Editor
- Article length: please, no longer than 250 words. A few exceptions will be made, but only with prior approval of the editor. Sunday sermon descriptions should be, at the most, 100 words.
- Only send plain text; do not format. If you have specific formatting requests, please put them at the beginning of the article in brackets []. The editor will do her best to accommodate you. Consider using bold and italics to attract the readers' eye.
- Include your contact information in case we need to clarify content. Bylines will be added to all articles.
- All articles must be submitted to the newsletter editor, Jen Grush-Dale by noon on the third Tuesday of the month. (Some months it will be the 2nd Tuesday. Check the calendar!) Articles submitted after the deadline will be held for the next issue. Articles must be submitted to newsletter.id@boiseuu.org.
- Inserts will be at a minimum. Additional inserts will not be accepted in the months of September & January when the Adult Religious Education insert is published.
We reserve the right to reject any article that is not in a Unitarian Universalist spirit or otherwise directly connected to our Fellowship.
