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What Does it Mean to Be a People with Freedom?
Courtesy of Soul Matters Sharing Circle
Who of us doesn’t understand that “heavy womb”? Who of us hasn’t felt a deep hunger begin to grow in our bellies? Who of us hasn’t felt a particular new desire rise up, sure and clear? And who of us hasn’t-at some point-turned our backs on that desire, that call? Not that we wanted to. It’s just that we were stuck. Circumstances, responsibilities, constraints or assumptions made that desire seem out of reach. We felt trapped, forced to say “No” when our heart wanted to say “Yes”.
More often than not this is the true dilemma when it comes to freedom. It’s not so much about running away from something as it is about wanting to run toward something but not being able to! In other words, there is a big difference between “freedom from” and “freedom to.” Author Harriet Rubin puts it this way: “Freedom is actually a bigger game than power. Power is about what you can control. Freedom is about what you can unleash.” Indeed! The spiritually devastating piece about feeling trapped is not the cage itself, but the way that cage prevents us from unleashing our heart’s true desire.
Our Unitarian Universalist faith gets this. At its best, it never simply asks us, “What do you need to get away from?” No, it pushes us to ask the deeper question of “What is it that you want to run toward?” Mature freedom is never about the absence of all constraints; it’s about being able to commit yourself to what you truly want to commit to. It’s about constraints of our own choosing. It’s about that big difference between “freedom from” and “freedom to”.
Freedom and the Free Church
Rev. Sara LaWall
This month’s theme of freedom fits beautifully in the same month we will gather for our annual meeting. One of the foundational principles of our UU tradition is our commitment to the democratic process. This stems from our historic evolution from the Congregational Church and the practice of congregational polity, the way in which our community governs itself. Our governance structure is one that is rooted in our autonomy as self-governing congregations rather than a hierarchical or denominational authority. This means our membership has the ultimate authority through the democratic process of electing leadership, including the free election to call our own minister, to make our own decisions about what it means to be a member, our annual budget, and a whole host of other potential issues.
The same is true on our associational level. This year we get the privilege of electing a new UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) president during our summer General Assembly. Each congregation is allotted a certain number of delegate votes (based on the number of members) and it is up to us to decide how we want to apportion those votes. We will vote on this during our BUUF’s annual meeting this year. But this independence and autonomy is not without its challenges. Often we can overemphasize our independence both as individuals and as congregations instead of focusing on our interdependence to one another and to our larger UU Association of Congregations. We can challenge ourselves to consider how we connect with our fellow UUs across Idahoand the country, and how we integrate the work of our UUA on our behalf into our congregational life.
Sometimes, an overinsistence on pure democratic process allows us to avoid tending to our relationships with one another as a community. We can get attached to “having our say” and “being heard” at the expense of examining how our words will impact the whole. I am so pleased with the work of our Covenant Task Force to help us draft a Congregational Covenant (see info in later article) that expresses our promises and highest aspirations about how we want to be with one another. We will vote to adopt this covenant at our annual meeting along with a couple of social justice resolutions. Being a people devoted to freedom is vital in these times, so attending to our own understanding and practice of it internally can only buoy our efforts to support freedom in the wider world.
This month in worship, we’ll be exploring the theme of freedom and how it shows up in the lives and cultural norms around women (supporting the Women & Children’s Alliance of Boise as our May Plate Partner); the freedom of youth with our much anticipated coming of age service when our junior high youth will share their credos; the roots and wings of the free church honoring our bridging high school seniors; and the challenges of freedom as they show up in tackling difficult issues like race that arise within our own institutions. Here’s to freedom!
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Message from Your President
Lori Watsen
Greetings to all! Can you believe May is here?!? This is a busy time for the BUUF board and other BUUF leaders. I want to start this column by extending my gratitude to the many, many people who helped make our Celebration Sunday at the Stuekle Sky Center so beautiful and inspiring. Many thanks to the Stewardship and Annual Giving Drive teams for all they did to make Celebration Sunday a success – and for the diligent follow up calls they are making to folks who have not yet pledged.
I am hopeful we will reach our budget goal so we can continue to grow our programming and build the staff and infrastructure we need to continue to become who we are called to be as a community. There is so much we can do when we come together in common purpose. Thanks to each of you who made and/or increased your pledges to support our upcoming 2017-2018 program year. If you have not yet made a pledge – I hope you will consider supporting the work of BUUF with a pledge. You can find the online pledge form here:
At our April board meeting, we confirmed the agenda for the upcoming Annual Congregational Meeting, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 21st at 4:00 PM.
We have a full and engaging agenda planned and hope you will participate in this democratic meeting that is vital to the life of our fellowship. We will vote on important matters including a new slate of BUUF Board officers, Nominating and Endowment committee members, the 2017-2018 budget, a Congregational Covenant, this summer’s UUA Presidential Election, and Resolutions for Commitment for Justice. You need to be a member to vote, but all friends of BUUF are welcome and encouraged to attend.
We are hopeful that all members will take the time to learn about the three candidates running for UUA President. Please read the section of this newsletter about the election (below) and visit the candidate websites and forums to learn more about each candidate so you can cast an educated vote at our Annual Meeting.
The board is also looking ahead to General Assembly (GA) – June 21st – 25th in New Orleans, LA and making plans to ensure our congregation is represented both in the UUA Presidential Election and other matters that will be voted upon at the Annual Business Meeting. If you are planning to attend GA – or if you are interested in participating remotely and serving as a delegate for our congregation – please contact me at president@lists.boiseuu.org. To learn more about the responsibilities and costs for delegates, click HERE. This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Association and its governance process.
I want to end with an expression of gratitude for the many, many BUUF leaders and members to give their time, talent, and treasure to build and support our important work and beloved community. I’ve learned more over the course of this past year about all of the moving pieces and tremendous leaders who are among us. Many thanks to each of you for the ways you contribute to our fellowship.
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Joys and Sorrows Changes
A message from your Worship Team
For more than a year and a half, the Worship Team has been reflecting on the various elements and flow of worship using several guiding questions. How is worship welcoming to newcomers? How does worship embody the multigenerational and multicultural community we aspire to be and to serve? How does worship engage a variety of interests and learning modalities, offering an opportunity for transformative experience to as many people as possible? What is the purpose of communal worship and how does our liturgy reflect that purpose?
One of those places of reflection and exploration has been with Joys and Sorrows. While we recognize that its current form of spoken sharing is meaningful for some, it also poses some challenges of time, content, and maintaining the feeling of worship. Over the past several months, the Worship Team has been reflecting upon joys and sorrows through these important questions, “What is its purpose? Who does it include and who does it exclude? What need does it fill in the context and purpose of worship?” If one goal is to offer care and comfort to our membership in times of joy and sorrow, what about those who choose not to share? Spoken joys and sorrows cannot contain all the pastoral issues of those present and often it can easily become individually focused and feel insider-centered, instead of connecting the whole community. We have also been limited by time constraints as our community has grown. It is often not possible to hear from everyone with a raised hand.
The first of the year we introduced Joys and Sorrows cards in written form. As our summer services begin June 11th and going forward the cards will be our primary form of Joys and Sorrows, read aloud by the minister or celebrant during the service. Joys and sorrows will need to be submitted to the office no later than Friday at noon to be included in that Sunday’s service. You may fill out a card and drop it in the office, fill out an online form found in the worship section of our website (click HERE), or email Nancy directly. Any requests or cards we receive after Friday will be shared the following week. Both the blue cards and the online form have several choices for sharing your joys and sorrows. You may always use a card to share directly and confidentially with Rev. Sara and/or our Congregational Care Team (CCT). We will continue to use our Stones of Community ritual once a month.
With this change, we feel we will reach more congregants, inviting people to share what is happening in their lives and seek additional support without having to speak aloud.The Worship Team understands that this is a shift of a long-term practice of this beloved community. Our hope is that you will understand our goal to continue to be mindful of our traditions but move forward as we grow and change.
Your Worship Team
Susie Hardy, Chair, David Scott, Bill Reid, Mark Zimmerer, Nona Driscoll, Carrie Bastian, Emmie Schlobohm, Rev. Sara
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BUUF’s Annual Congregational Meeting
You are invited to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday May 21st at 4:00pm followed by a potluck at 6:00pm. Childcare will be provided.
As a church community governed by the congregation, this meeting is the chance for members to uphold our 5th principle: “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Friends and members are encouraged to attend and participate; only members can vote, we want to make a special invitation to new members to join us to exercise your vote.
There are several action items planned for the meeting that will require you to do some homework in advance of the meeting.
Please click HERE for the agenda and supporting documents. Printed copies of all materials will also be available from the BUUF office on Sundays and during normal office hours.
This year, the congregation will be voting to provide instructions to the delegates to the 2017 Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly on who to vote for as President of the UUA. The UUA President will serve as chief executive officer and chief spokesperson of our association during the next six years. During the congregational meeting, BUUF members will determine how to portion the congregational vote and members will vote for their preferred candidate.
Please go to the UUA website to learn about the candidates and their platforms.
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Did you know it is an election year for us UUs? It is time to elect a new President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This summer, delegates will vote for one of three candidates for UUA President who serves as chief executive officer, is responsible to the UUA Board of Trustees for the administrative policies and programs of the Association, and is the chief spokesperson for the UUA.
BUUF is allotted 6 member delegates and all UU clergy are automatically given individual delegate status. Once delegates are certified by their congregation, voting will happen in three ways: by voting online, by sending delegates to vote in person at General Assembly on Saturday, June 25th, or by requesting and completing paper absentee ballots. Congregations have wide discretion in determining whether and how to instruct their delegates.
At our annual meeting on Sunday, May 21, we will discuss how we want to use our delegate votes and take a congregational vote for UUA president. We want all of you to be informed voters and encourage you to look through the links below to acquaint yourselves with each of the candidates and then come to the annual meeting ready to discuss our process and vote!
If you are curious about the process or interested in serving as a delegate, we will have delegate applications available shortly. In the meantime, please talk to Lori Watsen, Board President, Rev Sara, or any board member.
Candidates for UUA President – Click to visit their websites
(In alphabetical order):
Election Information:
General UUA election info HERE
Watch Candidates Forum from General Assembly 2016
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Creating Our Covenant
Last fall, the Board initiated a Covenant of Right Relations process to help create a congregational covenant for our fellowship. A covenant is an opportunity for us as a congregation to put into words our promises and commitments to one another about how we will be together as we continue to nurture and build this beloved community. It is a clear statement of how we intend to treat one another and interact, especially when tensions or emotions rise. The practice of Right Relationship is a deeply spiritual one. It invites us to examine our assumptions about others, the role this religious community plays in our lives and our commitment to community.
Our Covenant Task Force began with a congregational gathering back in November as we shared stories of successes and challenges in our relationships and communication as a community. They then reviewed many different samples from other UU congregations and drafted language which they shared in an open forum in March, soliciting your feedback.
This covenant will be part of our annual meeting agenda this year (May 21st at 4pm), and we will invite the congregation to adopt it officially. To help get you acquainted and offer one more opportunity for feedback please read the final draft of the covenant HERE.
There are a few important things to remember about this document and the vote. First, this is meant to be a living document, one we can and should review regularly to adjust as our community grows and changes. This process was intended to be a first step, a beginning, a structured space for us to put our highest aspirations and promises to one another into words.
A Covenant of Right Relations then becomes a touchstone, a place to which we can return and ask ourselves: “Am I actually trying to live the principles and values of Unitarian Universalism by acting with compassion, respect and a high value of our interdependence? Am I willing to be an active participant and to work in good faith to clear up issues? Am I willing not to be right? Am I willing to be changed? Can I remember to ask the question, What is the most loving thing I can do or say right now?” (excerpted from the work of Rev. David Miller).
A covenant asks us to anticipate the best intentions from one another as we live into our principles, knowing we will mess up and that we can be invited back into right relationship. I look forward to bringing this covenant to life in our community-together!
If you have feedback you would like to share with the Covenant Task Force, please email Matthew Sabin. Special thanks to the task force for the efforts this year: Matthew Sabin, Louise Jacobsen, Allie Gooding, Lee Stigile, and Jess McGinnis.
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Tarpage Artpiece by Melissa “Sasi” Chambers. See Melissa’s artwork www.melissasasichambers.com |
May’s Plate Partner:
Women’s and Children’s Alliance
The mission of the Women’s and Children’s Alliance is “to foster a community where individuals thrive in safe, healthy relationships.” They do this through a variety of methods, including:
Through these core values the WCA hopes to provide security, hope, and empowerment, and to break the cycle of violence.
Providing safe places for women to live has been at the core of the WCA’s mission for over 100 years. The WCA started in 1910 as the Boise YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association). It was established to provide a safe place for young single women to live, eat, and socialize. In addition to room, board, and other basic services, the YWCA offered classes, camps, and community service opportunities to Boise women for decades.
In the early 1980s, the YWCA began transforming into the organization that we have today. During this time, the Rape Crisis Alliance and domestic violence Crisis Center were established to continue embodying the mission to provide a safe place for women in new ways. In 1996, They officially became the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.
One in four women will be abused in her lifetime; and one in six men. It doesn’t matter whether they live in Boise or anywhere else. While the problem isn’t any worse here than the rest of the nation, it’s still a problem that the WCA is working every day to change.
The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is a proud partner of the WCA and its mission to create a safer community and end sexual violence. This month, 25% of our plate offering will be donated to the WCA, as well as a tarpage artpiece by our own Melissa ‘Sasi’ Chambers. If you would like to learn more about the WCA, please visit their website.
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BUUF Volunteers Help Those on Food Stamps
Spring is on the air and both the Capitol City Market and the Boise Farmers’ Market are in full swing. For several years BUUF volunteers have staffed the EBT (aka food stamp) booth at both Saturday markets. EBT customers receive tokens to use at the different farmers’ booths like they would when spending from their cards at a grocery store. They also receive additional tokens good for fruits and vegetables.
We currently need a few more volunteers. This is an easy volunteer activity. There are no committee meetings and you only volunteer when you want. If you can volunteer at least one 2-hour block of time on a Saturday morning please contact Gary Wyke or Patty Nakaoki
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The Inquirers Series is a series of 7 classes that run throughout the year. The classes cover a variety of topics, including “Membership 101” and “UU History” and are taught by lay members of our congregation. Coffee and tea are provided, and conversation is strongly encouraged! Newcomers, friends and members who just want to know a bit more about our faith and our community are invited to attend. Classes will be held every week*, starting May 14. Join the series at any point!
The first cycle of Inquirers finished on April 30. It was a resounding success, with each subject attracting an average of 20 attendees! We reached newcomers, folks who have been attending off and on, and some people already interested in membership. A few existing members showed up too! We started our first session with over 30 attendees and had to move classrooms twice to find a space that would house the whole class. What a problem to have! We are currently settled in the Balazs room, and working on sharing that space with the other regular classes and events.
The Inquirers Series was created by the First UU Church of Dallas as a way to share our UU faith, church and community with newcomers. The program also helps newcomers learn more about membership, community service and stewardship at our fellowship. Participants can start the series at any point – we run it back to back so that people can easily pick up missed sessions – and can attend as many (or as few) classes as they want.
We had presenters and hosts volunteer from almost every facet of BUUF life: board members, long-time members, new members, friends, staff and BEC coordinators. BUUF members and friends are invited to pop in and attend a class or two (or more!), and anyone can volunteer! It is a great way to meet our newcomers and demonstrate the welcoming community that we have worked so hard to cultivate. Contact Sarah Olson if you are interested in participating.
*We will skip class on New Member Sundays so that our Inquirers can attend a class potluck.
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Questions to Wrestle With on Freedom
from Soul Matters Sharing Circle
As always, treat these questions and an opportunity to reflect on your own spiritual life. You do not need to engage with every single one, find the one that hooks you and spend time with it. Write it on a few post-it notes and hang them around your house or office, spend some time journaling, then let it take you on a ride. Allow it to regularly break into–and break open–your ordinary thoughts. These are some of the questions our Chalice Circles (small group ministry) use in their monthly gatherings.
1. What have you used your freedom to unleash? Harriet Rubin writes, “Freedom is actually a bigger game than power. Power is about what you can control. Freedom is about what you can unleash.” Is freedom still waiting for you to use it to release something in the world? Or are you somehow stuck in the smaller game of pursuing power and control?
2. Eckhart Tolle writes, “As long as you make an identity for yourself out of pain, you cannot be free of it.” Have you trapped yourself in your wounded-ness and victimhood?
3. Has freedom for you been in one big leap or a slow and steady process? Are you trying to make it one big leap when it needs to be slow and steady? Or are you trying to be slow and steady, when you really need to take the leap?
4. Would living more simply bring you more freedom?
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