It is with humility, gratitude and excitement that I write this first message to you all. I’ll admit, stepping into the role of Board President feels a bit intimidating and daunting. I am relatively new to BUUF (my wife Sharene and I joined about six years ago) and  I continue to learn new things about our governance and history.  On any given Sunday at BUUF, I know I walk among giants – those of you who have been members and leaders in this congregation for literally decades.  As we embark on this program year together, I ask for your continued guidance and support and for your engagement, enthusiasm and input about what matters most.

I am an introvert at heart and realize many of you may not know much about me.  I came to Unitarian Universalism after many years of needed time away from organized religion. I was raised in the LDS faith and while I appreciate many of the values and lessons I learned there, I also experienced spiritual harm and isolation.  When I came out as a lesbian in 1993, the LDS church was not a place where I felt safe or welcomed. Fortunately, I have an amazing family and parents who always chose love over dogma. My parents have been activists for LGBT rights in my childhood home of Utah for nearly 30 years and fierce supporters and defenders of my family and me.

BUUF had provided me the space, ritual, and support I need to reclaim and redefine my own spirituality among supportive, loving, generous and hard-working people.  Becoming a member was my way of acknowledging this incredible gift – and of making a commitment to give back and do what I can to support BUUF and help ensure we will be here for all who need us.

There is so much that I value about BUUF. I appreciate the guidance of our Seven Principles and the push they give me to be a better person.  I love the community BUUF provides – especially for our kids, Conley (age 3) and Greta (1), who don’t have many other opportunities to interact with people from multiple generations. I am proud of the actions and statements the UUA takes and makes that help shape a better world and for the work BUUF leaders, members and friends do at the local level to work for social change.

I am thrilled to be working closely with our own (so happy we can say that these days!) Rev. Sara LaWall. I had the privilege of serving on BUUF’s Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) and am grateful for the leadership, passion, and commitment Rev. Sara has provided to us over the past year.

Some say the first year with a new Minister can be a “honeymoon” of sorts – and that years two and three can prove more challenging as members, leaders, and Minister work to sort out the best ways of working together to create beloved community. From my point of view we are in a moment of tremendous possibility. We have a devoted and skilled Minister who can energize us, encourage us to take risks and try new things, and provide us with feedback and perspective.  We have made great strides in our evolution toward Policy Governance, and will continue with that work over the coming year. We have increased our presence on social media and visibility in the greater Treasure Valley and are in a prime place to touch more lives and to speak out as a people on issues of social justice.  We are growing – almost exponentially, which will mean both opportunities and challenges ahead.

Again, thank you for trusting me in this role of President  – and my talented and committed 2016-2017 Board members.   I look forward to getting to know more of you better and doing all I can to serve you well.

With respect and love,

Lori Watsen