Of course, life is always beginning anew every day. But humans take certain times to reflect on what has gone before, and what we hope will happen. Mark Zimmerer, service coordinator. Connor von Huene, music.
On the weekend of January 23rd and 24th, we will all join in asking questions like Who are we? What makes us unique? What is our purpose? Elizabeth reflects a bit, in a preliminary way. Carol and Jay Wechselberger, service coordinators. Bonnie Bastian, music.
Martin Luther King, Jr., transcended his own religious tradition, learned from Mahatma Gandhi, and set a course that led to the election of Barack Obama as president. We will explore what he knew and how it applies to our nation, our expectations and ourselves. Beverly Harley, service coordinator. BUUF Band Project, music. Wanda Jennings, celebrant.
Sharing more of her six-month sabbatical, Elizabeth will focus on the 30 days she spent on retreat at St. Gertrude's Monastery in Cottonwood, Idaho. Things arise, when you live with just yourself for that long. Tony de Angelis, service coordinator. Jo Douglas and Patti Raino, music.
Are there any patterns in your life you don't want and don't seem to be able to rise above? After a Saturday-night viewing of the movie "Groundhog Day," Elizabeth will talk about how we do and don't change. Debbie Espen, service coordinator. Choir and Carrie Bastian, music.
Norbert Capek, best known as the creator of the Flower Communion, had a fascinating history, moving from a conservative religion into Unitarianism. He was a man of inspiration and integrity, and paid for his principles. Nick Cesare and Carrie Bastian, music; Nancy Harms, service coordinator.
How might things have been different if I hadn't felt the need to deny my own uniqueness and imitate the other "normal" kids around me as I grew up? Following his musical revue, Just Married, the Musical! on Valentine's Day at BUUF, James Mack will be the speaker at our Sunday Service. He will tell his personal journey as a gay man in America today. being hUUman (the BUUF Band) with Jon Arterton & James Mack, music; Wanda Jennings, service coordinator.
Come join Dale as he explores how the themes of science fiction can plumb the depths of humanity's spiritual and transcended yearnings. Dale Winke and Carrie Bastian, music; Tony DeAngelis, service coordinator.
After spending exciting time together on Friday and Saturday, we will have the chance to hear our presenters share worship with us, reflecting on the spiritual path of justice and service. Bev Harley, service coordinator. BUUF Choir, music; Carrie Bastian, Director, Sue Langley, Accompanist.
Most of us are haunted by the "ghosts" from our past. Times in our lives wrought with embarrassment or regret. David recently returned to Pocatello for a little "ghost-busting" from his college days. Armed with the healing power of love, David sought to silence his ghosts once and for all. Come to BUUF, and together we'll embark on a thorough ghost-busting of the soul. Nancy Harms, service coordinator. April Ward (voice) & Carrie Bastian (piano,) music.
On this new-member-joining Sunday, Elizabeth will explore what it means to commit one's self: to another person, an organization, a particular course of events. Mark Zimmerer, service coordinator. Boise Highlanders (bagpipes), music.
So many of us are "news junkies," a habit that can be detrimental to our health. How do we stay aware of our world, and also maintain our sense of hope, let alone optimism? Wanda Jennings, service coordinator. being hUUman (BUUF's house band), music.
What do you suppose the world would be like if everyone spoke honestly but non-judgmentally, without "whining." Elizabeth will share her odyssey of trying to achieve this, with the help of a book. Carol Wechselberger, service coordinator. Michael Stevenson (violin) & Carrie Bastian (piano,) music.
Elizabeth holds the position that laughing is a religious activity. Or maybe she just likes to tell jokes. Come find out! Nancy Harms, service coordinator. Patti Raino & Jo Douglas, music.
It's Easter, the day we celebrate emerging from the nurturing and mysterious dark. Wear your Easter bonnet, your John Harms tie, and celebrate in community. Tony de Angelis, service coordinator; BUUF Choir, music; Carrie Bastian, director; Susan Langley, accompanist.
Earth Day is about two environments, yes it is about raising awareness on environmental issues and promoting environmental action; but it is also about the human environment, the inner life that directs us. It is what we think about the Earth as well as our actions and behavior toward the Earth that is at the heart of religion. UUs believe our faith tradition makes a difference and that distinction is what we pass on to our children. Wanda Jennings, Service Coordinator; David Ward, Celebrant; Carrie Bastian, and recorded Music.
As the "church year" is moving toward its busy close (in June, but it happens fast!), Elizabeth will reflect one final time on her sabbatical experiences last week. Bev Harley, service coordinator; being hUUman (church house band), music.
A Sunday always awaited eagerly by our congregation, this is the Sunday we hear words of wisdom from our high school seniors, about to "go out into the big world." Nancy Harms, service coordinator; BUUF Choir, directed by Carrie Bastian, with Will Smith on guitar, music.
This Sunday is an every-other-year favorite. Our Coming of Age youth, after spending fun-filled and action-packed months with their mentors, Cathy Carmen and Elizabeth, will share their credos with us. Mark Zimmerer, service coordinator; Hans York, singer/songwriter, music.
Each year, our minister Elizabeth Greene delivers a "state-of-the-church" sermon on Annual Meeting day, sharing her take on the significance of the almost-finished program year. Carol Wechselberger, service coordinator; Mark Givens, music
This Memorial Day Sunday explore the resiliency of people during conflict. Daniel Wright has been in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Central America and Africa with the Army and as a contractor rebuilding the countries' infrastructure. Nancy Harms, service coordinator; Lisa Johnson Celebrant; Carrie Bastian, music.
Celebrating the successful end of the Annual Stewardship Drive, Elizabeth reflects on the many gifts that we are given and that we give, creating dynamic, challenging community. Tony de Angelis, service coordinator; being hUUman, BUUF's house band, music.
We share our much-loved Flower Communion, based on Czech Unitarian minister Norbert Capek's brilliant concept: we'll bring flowers to church, put them in riotous bouquets in front of the chancel, then when the time comes, we come forward and each person takes away a flower that someone else has brought. Nancy Harms, service coordinator.
Compiled by John Harms to explore what Universalism is. Come hear this popular presentation back by popular request. Unlike Unitarianism, Universalism was a spiritual movement that reached the common people. The message of Universalism is that all of humanity is saved." The Universalists believe that God is too good to damn man, while the Unitarians believe that man is too good to be damned by God." -- Thomas Starr King, mid 19th century Unitarian and Universalist minister. Harms, Service Coordinator/Presenter.
David spent the majority of his life conveniently ignoring the big questions. Is there a God? What happens when we die? Why are we here? It wasn't like he was afraid to face them or anything. Certainly not! Leave it to his 4-year-old son, Michael, to bring these issues front and center in the most interesting of ways. Ah, the joys of fatherhood. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator. Cees Hoefnagels, hymns.
In the practice of yoga, doing poses is only the beginning of the work. More importantly, yoga focuses on the breath and its effect on our bodies, minds and spirits. Mark Zimmerer will discuss the act of breathing with stories from Thich Nhat Hanh, BKS Iyengar, Al Gore and his own experience that help us to understand its importance to a balanced life in the world. Beverly Harley, service coordinator.
Graduate of University of Oregon in folklore, Dan Peterson speaks on noting three historical stages of food ways. Join Dan on his international travels his stories relate. His concept of "excess" has nothing to do with calories. Like James Beard, Dan feels a day is incomplete without learning something new about food. Wanda Jennings, Service Coordinator/Celebrant.
What is this thing called love? Maybe it's something more than in the music. Maybe it's something more than we've ever been aware. Coston Frederick, Presenter. Nancy Harms. Service Coordinator. Judy Frederick, Celebrant. Charlotte Tompkins, music.
BUUF is hosting the Buddhist Relic Tour, though UU's are not known for their appreciation of relics. Why do some people find relics meaningful, while others are indifferent and some even repulsed by them? Can relics cause epiphanies? We will explore these questions as well as the closely related phenomenon of idolatry, looking at the idolatries every human being confronts. Elton Hall, celebrant/presenter. Mark Zimmerer, service coordinator
Examining the overarching theme of Battlestar Galactica, Dale Winke looks at the connections, meanings, and melodies from one individual UU's viewpoint. David Ward, service coordinator and celebrant.
Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS) students explore the question, "Where does our food come from?" and reconnect to nature in a hands-on learning environment. Come join BUGS students and Becky Morgan, BUGS executive director, as they share their adventures in dirt, water, weeds, and wonder! Mark Zimmerer, service coordinator; Nancy Harms, celebrant.
The confidence that we humans can, and must, take responsibility for ourselves and each other, is one shared by humanists both theistic and non-theistic. What sets us apart from UUs, if anything? Several members of BUUF's humanist group will speak to our philosophy, our ethics, our strength in times of crisis. Jeanette Ross, celebrant. Service Coordinator Beverly Harley
Noted pastor Rick Warren writes extensively about the importance of giving your time and energy to your loved ones. He states that the way you spell love is "T-I-M-E." David agrees wholeheartedly, and is asking you to spend some time with him this Sunday to help spread the love. Nancy Harms, service coordinator. Cees Hoefnagels, music.
Come hear six different impressions of the Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA) General Assembly (GA) held in June in Salt Lake City where we stood on the side of love on several issues. We elected a new UUA president, Peter Morales; and BUUF was recognized for having earned our Green Sanctuary Certification. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator. Gwyn Reid, celebrant.
Here we are on Labor Day Weekend Sunday, the official end of summer before the start of our program year. All summer long did you realize you've been preaching to the world around us? We said it with our t-shirts, our actions and our lives. Now at Labor Day we rest, and think about how we spent our summer, our yesterdays, our present, and a glimpse into tomorrow. Summer has ended, everything has its season; there is a time for every purpose under heaven. Wear your favorite t-shirt. Nancy Harms, Presenter and Service Coordinator; Deb Smith, Celebrant; Mike Lemieux, Music.
We are 55 to 60% water; our blood is 95% water. We depend on water for our very existence. Connie Barlow will explain how much deeper our water connection is—all the way back to the stars! Beverly Harley, Service Coordinator. Music by Carrie Bastian and the being hUUman Band.
Elizabeth will reflect on spirituality "from Emerson to Oprah," to quote from the book Restless Souls. Starting Oct. 7, she and Elton Hall will teach a class on this book. (See Adult Education offerings for this fall.) Wanda Jennings, service coordinator.
Our young people's Religious Exploration program is an extraordinary place where you can find your inner whimsy, wonder and awe! People of all ages grow and learn in our RE wings during any given Sunday. Your Director of Religious Exploration, Emmie Schlobohm, invites you on a journey of discovery where play is transformative. David Ward, Service Coordinator.
Elizabeth and Lisa will reflect on how we can get our own needs met by paying better attention to the communities we care about. The Committee on Ministry will be part of this, and Congregational Care Team will be encouraging you to join them in their community-building activities. Ed Rush, service coordinator. BUUF Choir, music.
Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, in which gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are encouraged to express their true selves. What can allies do to "come out" in support? Besse LaBudde, service coordinator. Jeff Korfanta, music.
BUUF Music Director Carrie Bastian will relate her musical and spiritual journey, explore our human impulse to make music, examine music as spiritual practice and discuss how we can create a stronger religious community through musical experience. Tony DeAngelis, service coordinator. being hUUman, music.
Our Junior High youth once again journeyed to Boston this past summer on their semi-annual pilgrimage. Come hear from this crop of Boston Bounders about their adventures in Beantown and beyond. Nancy Harms, service coordinator. Bruce Dowlin, music.
If Unitarian Universalism is to be a genuine religious community, UUs need to have regular centering & transcending practices. Elizabeth will offer examples & ideas. Bev Harley, service coordinator. BUUF Choir with Carrie Bastian conducting, music.
The Minister of our partner church in Mészkõ brings blessings and greetings from Transylvania to Boise, connecting the struggle for religious freedom in central Europe with the principles and purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our shared inspiration is the love in our hearts, expressed in the respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. Nancy Harms, service coordinator. Charlotte Tompkins, music
All our life, we are in change & transition. A change may happen quickly—but how do we handle the longer process of transition? Elizabeth has an important announcement. Besse LaBudde, service coordinator. being hUUman, music.
Our congregation has been a part of the Treasure Valley community for many decades. Elizabeth will speak about some of the high (and low!) spots. Don Schutte, service coordinator. Jack Brown, music.
On May 7, 1824, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony received its premier in Vienna, Austria. During its 185-year history the "Ode to Joy" Symphony has provided audiences throughout the world spiritual inspiration and jubilation. In Japan massed choral groups and orchestras come together in December of each year to give performances of Daiku —"The Big Nine". We will explore elements in the finale of this monumental work that may account for its universal appeal and immortality. Rev. Elizabeth Greene, celebrant. David Ward, service coordinator. Dr. Lawrence Huntley, music.
May the merry mayhem continue! Join the fun while our children and youth of all ages present plays, songs, poems and more exploring the power of community for the conclusion of our annual Deck the Halls celebration weekend. Service coordinator is Mark Zimmerer and music by Cees Hoefnagels, Mike Lemieux, and Children & Youth RE.
Amidst dark Winter nights, we find the lights of the December holidays, bringing us healing, wholeness and peace. This mostly music service will feature the choir, Natalie Whiting (alto), Mark Zimmerer (baritone), Michael Stevenson (violinist) & Janelle Brown (cellist).
It is almost Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, turning then toward more and more light. To reach the lightest day of the year, turning then toward more and more dark. How does this echo our lives? Nancy Harms, service coordinator. Music by being hUUman (BUUF band)
This annual favorite is a reflective service celebrating light's return and pondering what we want to leave in the darkness and what bring into the light. About an hour long, it very appropriate for children who can sit relatively quietly for that long. The nursery will be available for parents who find it necessary to be with their children somewhere besides the service itself. BRING HOLIDAY GOODIES FOR THE FESTIVE PARTY AFTERWARD! Mark Zimmerer, service coordinator.
What must Mary have been going through, as she "pondered all these things in her heart?" Here she is, a teenager, holding the light-filled blessing of new life -- which seems to have invited a whole array of amazing visitors. She had been warned beforehand, of course, but must she not have felt that age-old human question: is this mostly a blessing, or will it be mostly a burden? The night will be capped by the lovely tradition of going outside, lighting candles, singing "Silent Night." This is a one-hour family service, appropriate for all ages. The nursery will be available for parents who find it necessary to be with their children somewhere besides the service itself. Nancy Harms, service coordinator.
The early Quakers considered silence to be a direct path to God. This was a radical idea in its time. Silence remains a radical idea today. In our culture of Blackberries, cell phones, the Internet, high-definition television and continual bombardment of advertising, cultivating silence - as opposed to consuming products - is a radical idea. But it can connect us to - and keep us on - the path we're supposed to be on. Celebrant, Nancy Harms and Service Coordinator, Bev Harley.
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