SUNDAYS

President’s Message ...... 1

Religious Education ...... 3

Committees ................... 4

Social Action ................. 6

BUUF Works! ..... Calendar

Back

BUUF Activities ............ 7

PNWD & UUA ............ 11

Wider Community ........ 11

Table of Contents

Reverend Elizabeth Greene

Reverend Greene is on Sabbaticaluntil the fall. She will return to theoffice August 1 & to the pulpitSunday, September 7.

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE

BUUF NewsEVERGREENE

Volume 29 Issue 2 -- February 2008

Sunday, Feb. 3, one service,10 am, followed by potluck“Passion,” the Rev. Deborah Raible

Passion seemed to be appropriate fora sermon taking place in this monthof Valentines, and because Deborah ispassionate about BUUF! The Rev.Deborah Raible is the MinisterAssociated at University UnitarianChurch in Seattle, WA. David Ward,service coordinator. Choir directed byCarrie Bastian, music. Sue Langley,music.

Sunday, February 10, 9 amand 11 am“Feeling Small in the Midst of itAll,” Rep. Nicole LeFavour

Boise Representative NicoleLeFavour draws on her previousexperience as a wilderness ranger inthe Frank Church Wilderness to helparticulate the humility that we oftenfeel when experiencing naturefirsthand. Tony DeAngelis, servicecoordinator. Nuralima, music.

Sunday, February 17, 9 amand 11 am“Roots Hold Me Close, Wings SetMe Free,” Debra Smith and EltonHall

In a preview of the class on Americanmysticism, Debra and Elton exposethe false dichotomy between mysti-cism and community action, unfet-tered individuality and vibrantcommunity. Carol and JayWechselberger, service coordinators.Bruce McAllister, music.

Sunday, February 24, 9 amand 11 am“People Magic” – Rev. MargaretKeip (our sabbatical anchor)

Pursuing Gandhi’s view of violenceas anything that violates the integrityof something living, Margaret willbring it home to everyday life witheach other. To achieve what we longfor, this is where best to begin. GailHaldeman, service coordinator.Coston Frederick, music.

Em-bracing theJourneyEmmie Schlobohm, Board President

Starting this month, I’ll be here onthe front page and the view is a bitaltered and absolutely electrifying!We had a rousing send off forElizabeth on her seven-monthadventure/sabbatical in January. Inturn, we’ve started our own adven-ture.

I always write about our journeyingtogether as a community and here weare bounding down a new path. I’mfeeling some real excitement build-ing! Can you feel it too? Can you seeit in the faces of your beloved fellowtravelers; hear it in their voices?There’s a buzz, an impending roardeveloping from within us and withinour community. I’m thrilled to be awitness to and participant in theamazing happenings of BUUF!

There’s so much to be excited about!Our Iraq symposium and its dynamicpanel of speakers were featured in theIdaho Statesman. We have a captivat-ing line-up of people to lead ourSunday presentations and sermonsduring Elizabeth’s absence. OurStewardship Committee is looking atthe big picture and the big ideas of

fostering and nurturing our generos-ity of spirit and resources to eachother and the greater community.Please make sure that you read theBUUF Works! insert in your order ofservice, as well as on the back of thecalendar in this newsletter. You’llfind articles about who we are, whatwe stand for and why we come toBUUF and join in the dance.

Can you tell I’m jazzed? Join withme on this wondrous journey; thismagical adventure!

ministerElizabeth Greene344-7436uurev@pobox.com

co-directors of religious educationKaren RaeseCathy Carmen658-1710

music directorCarrie Bastian658-1710

office managerGerry Morris658-1710office@boiseuu.org

newsletter editorJennifer Grush-Dale333-8976send submissions to newsletter@boiseuu.org

Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship6200 Garrett StreetGarden City, ID 83714208-658-1710office@boiseuu.orgwww.boiseuu.org

board memberspresidentEmmie Schlobohm343-3662

vice presidentSue Philley378-1714

past presidentWanda Jennings362-7563

secretaryElton Hall

323-1618

treasurerJim Geddings853-0822

at-large board membersLoren Bergeson424-5146

Dale Winke375-7726

Wendy Kirkpatrick

VACANT

CONTACT US

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Transforming ConflictEven the happiest congregations experience conflict – among members, withand within staff and leadership, between committee goals and church priori-ties, and in differing opinions about directions to go. Conflict can stimulateproductive evaluation and dynamic change – or it can grievously hurt peopleyou love and gravely damage the community you cherish. How do we navigatethe rough waters of conflict and find smooth sailing once again?

Our sabbatical minister, Rev. Margaret, will introduce us to the dynamics ofconflict, how to recognize emerging conflict before it threatens congregationallife, how to identify some destructive behaviors and patterns that commonlyarise, and, best of all, how to make a difference. She co-leads the PNWDHealthy Congregations Team and will share from its storehouse of wisdom.

All are welcome to attend Saturday, February 23, from 9 am to 12 noon inthe north wing at BUUF.

We’ve been Improving Our Facility andPrograms—Recent AccomplishmentsNew floor, new sound system, new coffee pots, monthly potlucks for Nurseryand Pre-School families, newcomer orientations on Sundays, consistently highquality music, acceptance into the Green Sanctuary process, appealingbuilding colors, visible children’s participation, new welcoming carts, a newMaintenance Committee, The Labyrinth, stimulating Adult Education classofferings, an attractive brochure for the Bridge Events Center and its ownwebsite, Iraq Symposium, on-going Board training, Dialogues with the Board,broad support for Elizabeth’s sabbatical with many volunteers who will assistduring her absence, and a reorganization of our “money” committees (inprocess).

ODE TOODE TOODE TOODE TOODE TOMARMARMARMARMARYYYYY

SCHWSCHWSCHWSCHWSCHWARARARARARTZMANTZMANTZMANTZMANTZMANLandscape ChairLandscape ChairLandscape ChairLandscape ChairLandscape ChairExtraordinaire!Extraordinaire!Extraordinaire!Extraordinaire!Extraordinaire!

Mary, Mary, extraordi-nary,How does your gardengrow?

With lilies white andiris bright

And tulips all in a row!

Mary, Mary, our digni-tary,

You’ve made our gar-den grow,

We love the flowers,thanks for the hours,

Your love has madethem grow!

Mary, Mary, quitelegendary,

Thanks for making ourgarden grow,

Now sit at home, thispuzzle tome,

Our love for you doesshow!Wanda Jennings, January 6, 2008

Our sincere thanks to MarySchwartzman as she retires aschair of the Landscape Commit-tee, a position she has held formany years. We are giving hera puzzle of a garden which shecan put together in her sparetime, so she can continue togarden indoors.

Religious Exploration

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Contributing to OurCommunityCathy Carmen, Co-Director of ReligiousExploration

As I was contemplating a topic forFebruary’s newsletter, I found myselfjuggling many things at once. Then ithit me – how do we as UU’s sortthrough the myriad things we havein our lives and decide what to do,how to do what’s really meaningfuland important? Applied to ourFellowship it might translate intoasking ourselves how do we take partin this vibrant community so that ourindividual and/or families’’ as well asBUUF’s needs are met? Let usconsider three ways of looking at thisprocess.

What is it that brings you here toBUUF? We all come for manydifferent reasons, from a variety ofbackgrounds (religious and non-religious alike). By identifying a fewof the core reasons for gathering,then more intention and focus can begiven to the time you spend here.

How much time, energy and re-sources do I and/or my family have todevote to this community? Come asyou are and take part as you are ableare very common themes here.However, the Fellowship itself thriveswith doses of regular participationgenerous donations of time andmoney. We literally need you as muchas you need us!

A part of this process involvesconsideration of where BUUF can “fitin” with the larger, sometimes busier,context of our lives. How to decidewhat makes sense in light of all ofthis and more?! It really comes downto prioritizing activities in light ofyour answers. Staying focused onwhat brings you here can help youwith what makes sense how to bestparticipate in the community.

So, let this conversation withyourself, your family, me and theBUUF community continue. It’s aworthwhile discussion to have as wecreate something together!

that the children select. What a greatcombination; children, art andstewardship!

Thank-you friends/members of BUUFFiona Montagne, 10 yrs. old (with a little helpfrom mom/RE teacher Renee)

We (the 3/4 grade 9:00 RE class)really appreciate your generosity andsupport of our tie-dye canvas bagproject. With all the help we got fromyou, we raised $175.00! Yourcontribution will be used for twochosen social action programs. Wewill be presenting a check to Inter-faith Sanctuary and the second checkwill be given to Tanya Ambler’sIdaho Pajama Project. She purchases,collects and distributes warm pajamato Idaho children who need them.Don’t forget to use your cool bags forour pot-lucks, filled with your veryown plates and silverware, or forgroceries. Since the bags were sogreat, I even bought myself one!

Mirror, Mirror – Aspecial stewardshipproject for childrenKaren Raese, Co-Director of ReligousExploration

Every other year, the children andyouth at BUUF have had the opportu-nity to participate in the Mirror,Mirror stewardship project in thespring. I am pleased to announce thatwe will offer this project again thisspring. Please see next month’snewsletter for more specific detailsabout this wonderful project.

If you are unfamiliar with Mirror,Mirror, here is how it works. Framedmirrors (approximately 10x10inches) will be provided at no cost for“check out.” When a mirror ischecked out, families agree to returnthe decorated mirror by the specifieddate. The wooden frame may bedecorated in any manner the child oryouth chooses. Some examples andsuggestions will be offered at the timemirrors are checked out. The mirrorsare then offered for sale during asilent auction which will be held on aSunday. The proceeds from thisstewardship project will go to a cause

RE Snack Round UpThe elementary RE Programrequests that BUUF membersand friends help fill our snackbasket for the second half of ourRE year. We specifically need

~ Fig Newtons (any flavor),~ Goldfish crackers and~ small boxes of raisins

in the wicker basket in the NorthHallway. The children thankyou!

COMMITTEES

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Heartfelt Thanks to OurRE “Guides” andAdvisorsKaren Raese, Co-Director of ReligousExploration

February is the half way point of ourRE program year. It seems hard tobelieve. There have been many, manywonderful things happening in theclassrooms. The amazing folks whovolunteer to “guide” and advise ourchildren deserve a huge thank you fortheir commitment to BUUF’schildren. There would be no REprogram without them. Please joinme in extending our heartfelt thanksto them.

Elementary GuidesLinden BoiceMary BormannDeanna CrowderSandy CruiseCaren DeAngelisDena DukeDiana HoldridgeLisa JohnsonKathy LeeRenee MontagneApril NoriegaSharla NgJeanette RossNimi SandhuBen SchwartzmanCathy ShermanTamra VanegasApril WardMiriam WoitoJanette Young

Junior and Senior High AdvisorsChristine HanzlikSandy JackJan NisslLance PitmanJoe Wechselberger

Nursery Care ProvidersCynthia AllemanAmy ButtsChris ChesakJulie Du BoisKit DuBoisClaudia FernsworthSally GrimesBecky GroffJanet Lawler

Nancy Riley

Children’s ReligiousExplorationCommittee:Angie Tate, RE committee chair

The Children’s RE program hassettled into mid year. The addition ofa 9AM program to our existing11AM went very smoothly! CathyCarmen and Karen Raese have done

Adult EducationCommittee Seeks NewLeadershipMike Philley

For the past six years I’ve beenblessed to serve as the chairperson ofBUUF’s Adult Education Committee.It truly has been a labor of love! I’veenjoyed leading a wonderfullycommitted team while “Adult RE”has grown to become the dynamicand exciting program it is today. Justtake a look at the offerings this springto see what I mean!

Alas, as the Buddhist teachings say,all things are impermanent. In May Iwill step down as the committeechair. My fondest hope is that a newleader will step up to chair the adulteducation committee and take theprogram to even greater accomplish-ments. There is so much goodexperience to build upon! Not onlythe successful classes and workshopsthat have been offered in recent years,but also the special events andinspiring speakers such as Fred AllenWolf, Sharon Ellison, Craig Barnes,Richard Tarnas, David Korten, DrewDellinger, and (coming next fall)James Hollis.

If you know of someone at BUUF(including yourself!) who may beinterested in taking on this importantleadership role, please let me know. Iwould love to talk about the rewardsof chairing the committee. I will alsobe most willing to provide guidanceas needed or desired to whoeverbecomes the next chairperson.

Fulghum Kicks OffAnnual Pledge DriveThe Stewardship Committee ispleased to announce that RobertFulghum, noted Unitarian minister,author and public speaker, will kickoff BUUF’s annual pledge drive onMarch 2. Mark your calendars to besure you don’t miss hearing this most

Cathy Carmen andKaren Raese havedone a wonderfuljob along with all ofour valued guides!

a wonderful job along with all of ourvalued guides! As a result of twoprograms, the committee has doubledour Children’s Sunday Servicecoordination. This has been achallenge for our small but mightygroup. The coordinator makes surethere are snacks (from the hamper)and a congregational helper in eachclass, as well as greets the childrenand assists with newcomers. WithDia de los Muertos and Deck theHalls behind us we are lookingforward to our remaining events, TheEaster Egg Hunt, Teacher Apprecia-tion and help with Earth Dayactivities. We will welcome addi-tional committee members to assistwith Sunday coordination and theevents and celebrations we sponsor.We have a vibrant committee thatshares friendship and fellowship!Come join us. Our February 13meeting will take place at BUUF at6:00. Call for further information,Angie 336-0738 orTateappraisal@msn.com.

great, I even bought myself one!

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entertaining and inspiring speaker.

Most people know Fulghum as theauthor of the best-seller, All I ReallyNeed to Know I Learned inKindgergarten, one of seven popularbooks he has written. Fulghum hasperformed in two television adapta-tions of his work for PBS, and is aGrammy nominee for the spokenword award. Born in 1937, he grewup in Waco, Texas. In his youth heworked as a ditch-digger, newspapercarrier, ranch hand, and singingcowboy. For 22 years he served as aparish minister of Unitarian churchesin the Pacific Northwest. Fulghumalso is an accomplished painter,sculptor and musician. He lives inSeattle, Washington, and on theGreek island of Crete. There isextensive information on Fulghumand samples of his writing on hiswebsite, http://www.robertfulghum.com.

The Stewardship Committee encour-ages you to begin thinking about therole of BUUF in your and yourfamily’s life and imagining all thatwe as a community can do in thefuture if we had enough resources.Your annual pledge to BUUF is areflection of the value you place onour congregation and the faith youhave in our continued good works.

(Correction: In last month’s article,we highlighted Charlotte Tompkinsas an example of one of our generousmembers for her work in raisingfunds for Crop Walk. She remains anexcellent example, having raisedmore than any other BUUF partici-pant, but she pointed out that wecredited her alone with raising thetotal amount by BUUF walkers.)

Gracious AmenitiesUpdateAttendees at the January 15 meetingrecommended forming two newcommittees—

A new Hospitality Committee isforming! Members will considerambiance, aesthetics, safety, andcleanliness and will make coffee andclean up once every month or two.They will seek additional volunteersto bring consistent nutritious snacksfor Sunday mornings. As many astwenty volunteers would be perfect! Ifyou could make coffee and/or cleanup or bring an occasional snack,please join the Committee and helpus make BUUF more welcoming!

A Flower Committee will arrangeand/or procure flowers for SundayServices. Individuals and familiesmay also arrange in advance toprovide an attractive floral arrange-ment (can be purchased) in“memory” of a special person,occasion, or milestone (weddinganniversary, college graduation, etc).Information about the donation“event” will be included in the Orderof Service for the selected Sunday. Ifyou would enjoy arranging orobtaining or cutting flowers from theBUUF cutting garden, please join thiscommittee.

Please contact Sue Philley,sphilley@cableone.net, 378-1714 orsign up on the Gracious Amenitiessign-up sheet in the communicationrack in the North vestibule.

Committee on Ministry(CoM)Linden Boice, chair

Allow me to introduce the CoM: AlanSchwartzman, Christine Hanzlik,Elton Hall, Linden Boice, NedBrewer & Sheryl Dowlin.

In Elizabeth’s absence and beyond,the BUUF Committee on Ministryaims to act as a conduit and clearinghouse for information, and tofacilitate constructive communicationamong the congregation, individuals,staff and committees. Our role is to,“keep our ears to the ground”, andmonitor the pulse of the congrega-tion. We want to assure that whatneeds to be communicated - is, in theappropriate context, to the properperson or group. Any member, staff,or friend of BUUF may bring aconcern or feedback to the CoM. Weare all available to listen confiden-tially and handle informationappropriately. As a committee, wehave no authority, other than that ofproviding constructive communica-tion and, perhaps, recommendationsfor positive resolutions.

In addition, Christine Hanzlik will bearranging Margaret Kiep’s scheduleof Saturday meetings with commit-tees, staff, etc., during her monthlyweekends in the pulpit. If there is aneed, committee chairs shouldcontact Christine well ahead of timeto schedule face-to-face time with ourprimary visiting minister.

Did you know..... in fall of 1993 a postcard, posted by who knows who, on the bulletin boardin the hall adjoining the Sanctuary, in the building on Pierce Park Lane,inspired three BUUFers to attend a season of classes with the Ada CountyPastoral Care Givers, then the establishment, in the fall of 1994, of ourPastoral Care Team, now called the Congregational Care Team?

— History Keepers

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SOCIAL ACTION

donated one million pounds; and in2006, 4.8 million pounds of foodwere distributed from its threewarehouse sites in Boise, Lewiston,and Pocatello.

The food is distributed through avariety of agencies such as seniorcitizen programs, family serviceagencies, and food pantries, whichmay be in churches. The food may bedelivered as a box of groceries or as aprepared meal such as Picnic in thePark. Picnic in the Park is a way forchildren who depend on free orreduced-price school lunches to getnutritious lunches at their neighbor-hood park during summer vacation.

If you’d like to nominate a cause forconsideration as a future recipient ofBUUF’s monthly social actionoutreach offering, contact SocialAction chair Rick Groff(rbgroff@cableone.net).

Support the IdahoFoodbank – Two moregreat ways to help!BUUF Food DriveThe Social Action Committee, alongwith the RE Programs, are sponsor-ing a food drive. The Idaho

What is BUUF’sOmbuds Team?Ombudsman-it’s a Swedish word thatmeans, “agent of the people.” Alongwith our growth and commitment toright relationship, BUUF is assem-bling an ombudsman team to ensurethat all members of our communityreceive fair and equitable treatment.Standards for BUUF’s ombudsmenteams include:

Respect for diversity,Excellence in ombudmanship,Professionalism,Confidentiality,Impartiality andIndependence

A BUUF ombuds teams will functionas an independent reviewer of factswith ombuds activities ranging from;receiving and investigating com-plaints in a timely and responsivemanner, making referrals whereappropriate, using best practices,conducting outreach to raise aware-ness and developing communicationtools. Additionally, the ombuds teamwill issue reports noting trends andbroader systemic challenges. Ourintention is to provide a safe,respectful and confidential place

where members of our communitycan make complaints and be heardand to provide an environment wherepeaceful resolutions can be reached.This is in keeping with our goal of ahealthy congregation. We will behearing more about healthy congre-gations and the role of an ombudsteam from the Rev. Margaret Keip. Ifyou are interested in the Ombudsteam, please contact Lisa Johnson at484-1797 orlisajohnsonlcpc@yahoo.com

Idaho FoodbankOfferingRick Groff

The congregation will be feedinghungry people in Idaho through thesocial justice plate offering duringFebruary. Twenty-five percent of thenon-designated plate offering will goto the Idaho Foodbank. For everydollar that our congregation contrib-utes, the Foodbank will be able to buythe equivalent of $10.57 worth ofgroceries.

In 1985, the Foodbank supplied200,000 pounds of food; in 1989, it

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revenue if the sales tax on grocerieswas eliminated. Many social activistsare concerned that this loss ofrevenue would be balanced byreducing spending on social servicesand/or education.

Members of the Idaho InterfaithRoundtable Against Hunger (IIRAH)support the Governor’s proposal forincreasing the grocery tax credit tothose most in need to $90 perindividual, which would cost the state$29 million in revenue, and doingaway with the minimum incomerequirement for receiving the grocery

Idaho who qualify as working poor.

~ Idaho was graded as an “F” forhaving the worst post-welfare reformsocial safety net (tied with Indianaand Wyoming) among the 50 states.

~ Charity Navigator, an independentmonitoring firm, has named theIdaho Foodbank as the most efficientnon-profit in Idaho.?

(Copied fromwww.idahofoodbank.org/)

the hungry ... arenot the homelessbut working-poorfamilies

Idaho is one of justseven states thatapply their full salestax to groceries.

Foodbank relies on food drives toensure a wide variety of foods areavailable to distribute. The BUUFFood Drive will be held during bothservices on:

Sun., Feb. 10 & Sun., Feb. 17

To encourage participation, we havedecided to setup a friendly competi-tion pitting the “North” against the“South”; the ultimate winners will bethe hungry people in Idaho.

The North Team includes the REclasses in the North wing (pre-Kthrough 6ht grade) and anyone whoenters through the North vestibule.

The South Team includes RE classesin the South wing (Jr and Sr High)and anyone who enters through theSouth vestibule.

People that enter through the door onGarret can join to the team of theirchoice by bringing their contributionsto either vestibule.

Please see the list of acceptable fooddonations.

Let’s fill the vestibules with food!

BUUF – Idaho Foodbank Work DaysThe Idaho Foodbank relies onvolunteers to help with a variety oftasks including sorting and labelingfood. We have arranged two workdays to assist with these tasks:

Saturday, February 9th from 9:00 amto noon

Tuesday, February 26 from 6:30 pmto 8:30 pm

This is a great multi-generationalactivity; children 7 years and olderare encouraged to participate (7-10year olds must work with an adult).Contact Carol Sevier if you’d like tosign up (Pubsevier@cableone.net or345-7062).

Hunger Statistics~ 21.24% of all Idaho children –more than one in five – lived in food-insecure households during 2003-05.This is the sixth worst ranking in thecountry and means 79,183 Idahochildren do not always know wherethey will find their next meal.

~ Increasingly, the hungry in

tax credit, which would cost the state$2.4 million in revenue.

To keep track of this and otherlegislative issues, go to http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/ and clickon “Legislation” or your favoritenewspaper.

America and Idaho are not thehomeless but working-poor familieswho skimp on food to pay theirmonthly bills, children, and theelderly. There are 68,400 people in

Learn what’s up at theIdaho LegislatureJulie Fanselow

The Idaho Legislature is now insession right here in Boise. Join usduring the potluck on Sunday,February 3, to discuss key issuespending before the lawmakers thisyear. We’ll meet for about an hour, sograb your food and come back to theChanning Room (the Junior HighHQ, in the south wing) to learn whatyou can do to advocate for legislationthat reflects UU values.

Grocery Sales TaxCreditRick Groff

The grocery tax credit was created tooffset sales tax paid on groceries. Inorder to qualify for the grocery taxcredit in Idaho, a person or familymust have sufficient income to meetIdaho’s minimum income tax filingrequirements unless the person isover 62, blind or a disabled veteran.An individual must earn at least$8,750 per year and a married couplemust earn at least $17,500 a year toqualify for the grocery tax credit.

Idaho is one of just seven states thatapply their full sales tax to groceries.Five of these seven states providecredits or rebates to offset the tax.Idaho’s current grocery tax creditis the only one of these that ex-cludes low-income families.

The state would loose $190 million in

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BUUF ACTIVITIES& EVENTS

but our mouths (post conversation)are zipped.

Special appreciation goes out to AmyButts for agreeing to head up theCCT’s Transportation Project.Charlotte has done a splendid jobsince its inception, but was ready topass the torch along. It will have suchvalue throughout the years. (Nopressure, Amy.)

If immediate assistance is required,our team coordinators are SandyLayser (376-8579) and MaryOsterman (385-9950). The seeminglybleak winter is but a prelude of thingsto come. It in itself contains the lightof the soul. Take care.

Thrashing Over Evil..the subject anyway. And what aboutthose evil-doers? Problematic. Nowthat the humanists of BUUF haveassembled their own useful definitionof worship, and have considered thevarious names we call ourselves (andthe names others call us) we areready for deeper waters.

When next we meet, 11am February10, in the middle room of the northwing of our building, we will wadeinto murky pools of evil. As a subject,like I said. Those who considerjoining us are encouraged to muck

Drum roll please!The new membersof BUUFCongregationalCare Team are:Joanne Minnick,Susan Kelley, PamWoodies, Amy Butts,Jane Bunker, andMason Morfit.

Congregational CareTeam ReportBarry Hope

Drum roll please! The new membersof BUUF Congregational Care Teamare: Joanne Minnick, Susan Kelley,Pam Woodies, Amy Butts, JaneBunker, and Mason Morfit. Atalented and sensitive group ofindividuals, who can be tough if thegoing gets rough. CCT is so thankfulthey’re on board during this impor-tant juncture of the BUUF. We’vediscussed it, trained for it, and evenagonized about it. Now it’s here:SABBATICAL! We’ve actuallygained a lot of church unity duringsabbatical meanderings. Rightrelationships and getting along withone another should present develop-mental challenges that are proactivefor the Fellowship.

Your Congregational Care Team ishappy to step up to challenges of theinterpersonal nature and beyond.There is a new team poster on the

Please check theDollar Stores fordomestictoothpastes and forhealth reasonsavoid those madein China.

Whittier SchoolHygiene KitsBesse LaBudde

We are now entering a very activephase of collecting for the hygienekits which will be selectively distrib-uted by the school nurse as sheundertakes personal hygiene instruc-tion in her office and the classrooms.Each kit assembled at BUUF willcontain soap, shampoo, conditioner, acomb, a book (never miss a chance toput a book in a child’s hands), and a

the need still exists. Instead ofpreparing a box or bag for an agency,why not drop good, CLEAN clothingand shoes in the Whittier box in thenorth entryway.

There are now two preschool classesso clothing is needed for childrenages 3 to 12 . The most needed shoesand sneakers are size 13, but someolder boys wear up to size 9 men’sshoes. Please make sure that theyhave good shoe strings. Underwearand socks are always in demand andso are child-size belts to hold updeliberately oversize or passed downpants. Donation of clothing toWhittier is a quick way to meet theneeds of children. Please placeclothing in the Whittier box in thenorth entryway, or, if you desire, takeclothing directly to Whittier and get areceipt for tax purposes. Happy closetcleaning!

small toy or possibly a hair care itemfor the girls. THIS YEAR WE HAVEBEEN ASKED TO INCLUDE ATUBE OF TOOTHPASTE. Pleasecheck the Dollar Stores for domestictoothpastes and for health reasonsavoid those made in China. Schoolsstill receive free toothbrushes, andthese will be added to the kits oncethey reach Whittier. Full size sham-poo and toothpaste are also needed bythe nurse for family distribution.

We have amassed an impressivecollection of travel toiletries fromhotels/motels around the world and agreat store of books for older readers.We lack COMBS (the $ stores havepackets of 6 to 8 for $1.00), books foryounger readers, small toys andbarrettes. Please place donations inthe Whittier box in the northentryway. We will assemble these kitsat the end of February.

Whittier Kids NeedClothingBesse LaBudde

In the past we have taken stacks ofclothing to Whittier School, but thosecollections have fallen off although

wall across from Gerry’s desk in theoffice with our names and phonenumbers. There is also a request forassistance drop box close by. Pleasefeel free to contact any one of us ifyou’re lacking supportive presence inyour lives. Our ears are substantial,

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Come to OurAnniversary DanceLet’s dance to celebrateLet’s dance to have some fun,Let it be a dance we do,Come on, the music’s just begun.

It’s time for an anniversary danceTo celebrate anniversaries, oneand all,Request your songs from our DJ,Come on, we’ll have a ball.

You say that you can’t dance?You don’t have a partner or two?Come socialize with your BUUFfriends,It’s party time, come, come,please do!

What? A Dance at BUUFWhen? Saturday, March 8 at 7:00Admission Fee: A donation toBUUFWear? Your finest or come casualSponsored: By Bryan and WandaJenningsWhy: They are celebrating their40 anniversary!

Robert Balint, the minister in Meszkohas created a website telling of thehappenings with our partner church:http://uninaplo.unitarius-halo.net/angol/alabaster/. This is a great wayto stay connected with our friends.

You are welcome to join us in theBUUF library at 4:30 p.m., thesecond Tuesday of each month.

Albertsons Gives BUUFMoney (with yourhelp!)Pick up an Albertsons CommunityPartners Card from the clipboard inthe North Vestibule. Next time youshop at Albertsons give them theCommunity Partners Card along withyour Albertsons Preferred Card.Albertsons will do the rest. Everytime you shop and use your

around in their own life experiences,dictionaries and resources forcontributions to the subject.

Questions? Ask Jeanettejross@fortboise.org 378-1217 or Rickrbgroff@cableone.net

BUUF Buddhists -Meditation for the NewYearBUUF Buddhists are alive and welland meeting every Tuesday eveningfrom 7 to 8:30 pm. An ongoinggroup, we share both sitting andwalking meditation, and discuss theBuddhist path. We welcome anyoneinterested in these pursuits, fromexperienced seekers to those new tothe whole idea. If you would like tocome, but need childcare, please letus know in advance and we will try toarrange for that. We do providechairs, but if you prefer a cushion andhave your own, feel free to bring it.Warm socks are also a good idea forwalking meditation. Contact MikePhilley (378-1714) or Lynne Tolk(376-1336) for more information.

Meszko PartnerChurch NewsCynthia Alleman

Classes on our Transylvanianheritage are being offered by adultRE in March. Three evening sessionsand Saturday cooking and artworkshops will be offered. If youwant to learn more about Meszko,Unitarian history, and past historyand current issues affecting theTransylvanian region of Romania,think about joining us this spring.The highlight of these events will bea performance of “Letters fromChristine” by Deb Smith on theevening of March 15, complementedby delicious desserts.

Look for Miriam Woito’s article inthis newsletter with an excitingitinerary for the May 2008 pilgrim-age to Transylvania and Romania. Ascholarship of $500 for a new travelerto Meszko is offered again this year.

An Evening inCasablanca

Annual BUUF AUCTION

Gwyn Reid

MARK YOUR CALENDARNOW! Saturday, February 9 is justaround the corner. It’s time forBUUF’s fabulous “Evening inCasablanca”, featuring live and silentauctions, great entertainment, andwonderful Moroccan hors d’oeuvres.Some of the great items to beauctioned this year include: 3Nights/4 Days at a Manzanita,Oregon Beach House and works byBUUF artists Jane Bunker, MartinWilke, and Sheryce Davis. Thepremier social and entertainmentevent of the year is designed as anadult event. Admission is $20. Againthis year, we’ll accept most creditcards on the night of the auction!Please help the Fellowship byinviting lots of family, friends and co-workers to attend—and to bid! Livebidding starts at 8 pm., but the funstarts right when the doors open at6:00 pm., Saturday, February 9: AnEvening in Casablanca & Auction—Of all the gin joints in theworld…….the place to be is BUUF.

Pilgrimage ProgressPlease join the Pilgrimage to ourpartner church in Transylvania May30 – June 7. We have a $500 scholar-ship for a first time traveler! See thedetails on the BUUf website:www.boiseuu.org. If you havequestions contact Miriam Woito 8906074 or mwoito@att.net. It is awonderful adventure!!

Albertsons Preferred Card, they willdonate a tiny portion to BUUF. Thosetiny portions add up and bringincome to BUUF.

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The Other BookclubJoin the Other Bookclub for a greatforum to discuss recent literature:

The next gathering is on February 10at 7pm at the home of Erin Logan,1702 Ridenbaugh Street, when wewill discuss The Curious Incident ofthe Dog in the Night-Time by MarkHaddon. Contact Erin at 336-4960or erins4960@msn.com for directionsor questions.

The following month we meet onMarch 9 at7pm at Eric Wallace’shouse, 1387 E. Monterey Drive todiscuss Midwives, by ChrisBohjalian. For directions or ques-tions, you can reach Eric at 433-0706or ericewallace@gmail.com.

BUUF Mom’s Night Outon Tues., Feb. 12, 6pm

other BUUF moms, especially thosewith small children, join us for thefirst BUUF Mom’s Night Out onTuesday, February 12, 6pm, at the 8thSt. Wine Company in Boise. RSVP toSally Grimes at 860-6370 orsgrimes@cableone.net. If there isenough interest, we will make this aregular event, so even if you can’tmake it to the first dinner let us knowif you’d like to be added to the emaillist for future dinners.

Senior Sages WantsYouTom von Alten

The Senior Sages meet at 9:30 on thesecond and fourth Thursday morn-ings of the month, at the KopperKitchen (2661 Airport Way) for a no-host breakfast, with lively presenta-tions and discussion. We don’t checkIDs or inspect briefcases – all arewelcome. February’s programs (onThursday the 14th and the 28th) arestill “in the works,” but watch theSunday announcements (or the BUUFweb page) for details.

All are welcome. Call Tom vonAlten, 378-1217, for more informa-tion, or to be added to our email ortelephone reminder list. Do you havea presentation you might like toshare? Something political, philo-sophical, pedagogical? Or perhaps atravelogue from an exotic locale?Surprise us! Join us!

Green Homes/HealthyHomesOn February 23, the class Not UnderMy Roof: Green Homes and HealthyHome Environments will focus onhow we can all start moving toward

Calling all Moms: Areyou going crazy?OK, maybe crazy isn’t the right word,but if you feel like you need a breakfrom your kids and a chance to laugh,dine, imbibe and enjoy time with

greening our living spaces. PatriciaKoleini will report on a recent tourshe made of a green remodel in SanFrancisco (the Sunset Magazine 2007Idea House), and will lead a tour of agreen home in Hidden Springs thatwas the first Gold-level LEEDcertified home in Boise. (LEEDstands for Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design, a nationalstandard for green building.)

In addition, Heidi Caye from GreenFoundations Building Center willpresent, with hands on examples,healthier choices for the indoorenvironment.

The DVD, Not Under My Roof,created by Healthy Child/HealthyWorld will highlight steps that can betaken in the home to keep childrensafe. This organization includes ErinBrockovich Ellis as a member of theboard of directors. Ms. Koleini willalso explain how she used remodel-ing with safe non-toxic buildingsupplies to recover from environmen-tal illness.

BUUF Using Safe, Non-Toxic CleaningProductsIf you look in the kitchen, you’llnotice that we’re using non-toxiccleaning products as part of ourcommitment to the health of our-selves and our planet. Also, the bookNaturally Clean: The SeventhGeneration Guide to Safe andHealthy, Non-Toxic Cleaning hasbeen donated to the BUUF library. Itcontains lots of useful information onthe ingredients in standard cleaningproducts that are dangerous as well asrecommended alternatives. Inaddition, a list of ingredients neededfor mixing up our/your own safe andhealthy non-toxic cleaners as well asrecipes to do so are included.

New UU ClassWhether you are brand new orhave been visiting awhile:

Would you like to learn moreabout Unitarian Universalism?Would you like to meet othersand make connections?

Are you looking for ways to getinvolved?

Then the “New UU” classis for you!

The next “New UU” coursebegins Sunday, Feb. 3, at noon,following the Potluck. Theclasses continue on Feb. 10, 17and 24, following the 11:00service.

For information, to sign up, andto request child care during thecourse, call Jay Wechselbergerat 871-3765 or email him atjay_wex@hotmail.com.

PNWD & UUA WIDERCOMMUNITY

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UUA Web ResourcesProvided by Betsy Dunklin

The InterConnections newsletterpublishes tips and stories about vitalcongregations for lay leaders and theprofessional staff who work withthem. Published quarterly,InterConnections is mailed free tocongregational board members.Current and archived stories areavailable to everyone online. Formore information contact intercon-nections @ uua.org.

Title: Who Should ReceiveInterConnections

URL: http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/leaderslibrary/intercon-nections/59189.shtml

Want the latest Unitarian Universalistnews on your desktop?

Sign on to UUA.org’s RSS feed:http://www.uua.org/rss/

Email to a Friend is a courtesy of theUnitarian Universalist Association.

Representing over 1,000 liberalreligious congregations.

Unitarian Unversalist Association25 Beacon StreetBoston, MA 02128

http://www.uua.org

info@uua.org

Copyright 2007 Unitarian UniversalistAssociation

Several BUUFersHonored for Their WorkJennifer Grush-Dale

Idaho’s Tenth Annual ProgressiveCelebration and Awards Dinner washeld January 11, 2008. As in manyyears past, several BUUFers werehonored for their work. This year, wehad two individuals: SuzanneWoodcock for Administrator of theYear and Julie Fanselow for Progres-sive Blogger of the Year. Both womencontribute to social justice throughtheir work and volunteer efforts.

Another recipient, Interfaith Sanctu-ary Housing Services, was namedGrassroots Leader of the Year. BUUF,and many of our members, have beenstrong supporters of InterfaithSanctuary and have greatly contrib-uted to its success.

To read more about all of the honor-ees, visit www.uvidaho.org.

Congratulations everyone! Thank youfor your hard work and continueddedication.

You Picked a FineTime To Leave Us, LizBeth

Parody to Lucille by KennyRogersBy Wanda Jennings

In a church in BoiseYour board of trusteesWe wanted to give you a break,Not knowin’ what to doWhen the phone call’s for youWe may have to let the phone ring.When the sabbatical hits herShe said she’s not quitterBut she finally quit livin’ on dreamsYou’re hungry for laughterAnd here ever afterYou’re after whatever the other lifebrings.

You picked a fine time to leave us LizBeth.With the Iraq question and we’refreezin’ to death,We’ve had some bad times, livedthrough some sad times,But this tragedy’s as bad as McBeth,You picked a fine time to leave us LizBeth.

When you have left usWe’ll refrain from applause thus,We wanted to give you a break,Stewardship campaign,There’ll be no champagne,We may have to let the phone ring.No rhubarb for Easter,We’ll land on our keister,But she finally quit livin’ on dreamsYou’re hungry for laughterAnd here ever afterYou’re after whatever the other lifebrings.

You picked a fine time to leave us LizBeth.With the Iraq question and we’refreezin’ to death,We’ve had some bad times, livedthrough some sad times,But this tragedy’s as bad as McBeth,You picked a fine time to leave us LizBeth.

Non-ProfitOrganization

PostagePAID

Boise, IDPERMIT NO. 523

Boise Unitarian UniversalistFellowship6200 Garrett St.Garden City, ID 837141.208.658.1710

AAAAANNNNN E E E E EVENINGVENINGVENINGVENINGVENING INININININ C C C C CASABLANCAASABLANCAASABLANCAASABLANCAASABLANCA

Annual BUUF Auction

Saturday, February 9, 6 o’clock

Includes a red hot live auction, a silent auction, great entertainment (including belly dancing),Moroccan appetizers, and other special features. Bid on: Travel and vacation packages, outdooradventures, dining, personal services, private parties, art and collectibles, and many moresensational items! For more details, see article inside.

BUUF volunteers Rick Groff and Jeanette Ross with FawnPettit, Director of social services for the Sanctuary (center), atthe Sanctuary entrance on a cold and snowy January night.

BUUF in Action:The super volunteers of Interfaith Sanctuary

The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has played a key role at InterfaithSanctuary, and we currently have more than a dozen people who regularlyvolunteer at the homeless shelter, now in its permanent location at 1620 W. RiverStreet in downtown Boise. But special kudos are due to two BUUF people whohave gone “above and beyond” at Sanctuary since its inception three winters ago.

Jeanette Ross has been working with Sanctuary since its very beginning, whenthe shelter had no permanent home. She remembers using her van to shuttle foodand boxes between locations and getting up early to pick up milk for coffee on theway to her 5:30 a.m. shifts. Jeanette says that volunteering at Sanctuary is “muchlike a few hours with the relatives you barely remember. Misunderstandings,mistakes, miseries, then an unexpected connection, a joke in passing, a word ofthanks, a flare of irritation - we’re all family (One) Sunday night, three of theSanctuary teens hung around to chat with me as I sat in a little puddle of light atthe intake desk. I had to send them off to bed, finally, using that almost-forgottenMom voice, so the adults could sleep.”

Rick Groff worked more than 100 hours at the shelter last winter, and this seasonhe has pulled together a team to work at Sanctuary every Sunday night. (He andJeanette co-lead the team, each working every other Sunday.) Rick says volun-teering at Sanctuary allows him to “give back to the community for the peace,prosperity, and freedom that I enjoy. Interfaith Sanctuary represents my values byits caring and interfaith but not overtly religious environment and its acceptanceof guests regardless of sex, race, religious affiliation, or state of sobriety.” Ricksays he’s had his share of sad moments at Sanctuary, meeting women who’vebeen physically abused and people who are struggling with physical addictions.But, he adds, “I am always amazed by the compassion of our community when

Volunteer OpportunitiesA group from BUUF will join theMartin Luther King-Human RightsDay march on Monday, January 21.The procession starts at 10:45 amoutside the Student Union Building onthe BSU campus. Look for the BUUFbanner!

BUUF fields a team every Sundaynight to work at the Interfaith Sanctu-ary homeless shelter. Team co-coordinator Rick Groff says, “We coulduse more volunteers, especiallywomen. The women would be fire-watchers in the women’s/family areaonce every few weeks from 5:30 p.m.until about 10 p.m. If someone wantedto schedule volunteers, but not actuallywork, and then remind the teammembers by phone, that would be greatalso.” Sanctuary also badly needsvolunteers for Friday and Saturdaynights. Contact Rick Groff atrbgroff@cableone.net to learn moreand sign up to help.

exposed to the needs of the lessprivileged.”

Rick and Jeanette report that moreBUUF members and friends havestepped up to help at Sanctuary thiswinter, but that additional help is stillneeded. (See the “Volunteer Opportu-nities” section for more details.)Prospective volunteers are welcome tovisit Sanctuary for an hour or two on aSunday night to see how it operates.Please let Rick or Jeanette know ifyou’d like to stop by. For moreinformation and directions to theshelter, which is just off River Street atthe I-184 Connector (near the skate-board park), seewww.interfaithsanctuary.org.

Boise Unitarian Universalist FellowshipHome | Calendar | Sunday | News | Announcements | Exploration | Board | Archive

February 2008

Events are at BUUF unless notedSun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

01 029:30am» Congregationall CareTeam

03 (Week 06)8:30am» Social Action Comm. 8:30am» OWL 10am» "Passion" 11:15am» NewcomersOrientation 11:30am» New UU Class 11:30am» Potluck luncheon 12pm» Legislaitve Update 12:30pm» Curious ExplorersChalice Circle 12:45pm» Music Committee 5pm» Landscape Committee

047pm» Stewardship Committee 7pm» Green sanctuary

057pm» Buddhist Meditationpractice group 7pm» Men's Chalice Circle

065pm» Personnel Committee 6pm» Sr. Hi Dream Group 7pm» Sabbatical Task Force 7pm» Committee on Ministry 7:15pm» Choir rehearsal

076:30am» Bldg & Grnds

08 096pm» "An Evining inCasablanca" auction

10 (Week 07)9am» "Feeling Small in theMidst of it All" 9am» OWL 11am» "Feeling Small in theMidst of it All" 11am» Humanists 12:30pm» New UU Class 12:30pm» Single ParentsChalice Circle 1pm» The Cool Group ChaliceCircle

117pm» Interiors Committee 7:30pm» Welcoming CongrCmte

124:30pm» Partner ChurchCommittee 7pm» Buddhist Meditationpractice group

137pm» RE Cmte 7:15pm» Choir rehearsal

149:30am» Sr Sages (KopperKitchen) 7pm» Sunday Services Cmte

15 16

17 (Week 08)9am» "Roots Hold Me Close,Wings Set Me Free" 9am» OWL 11am» “Roots Hold MeClose, Wings Set Me Free” 12:30pm» Single ParentsChalice Circle 12:30pm» New UU Class 1pm» Phoenix Rising ChaliceCircle

1810am» Library Committee 7pm» Tai Chi for Beginners 7pm» Bridge Event CenterCommittee

197pm» Buddhist Meditationpractice group 7pm» Men's Chalice Circle

206pm» Sr. Hi Dream Group 7:15pm» Choir rehearsal

2110am» History Keepers 12pm» BUUF News deadline7pm» BUUF Board 7pm» Membership Committee

227pm» Idaho Friends of Jung

239am» "Transforming Conflict"workshop 1pm» Not Under My Roof:Green Homes and Healthy Home Environments

24 (Week 09)9am» "People Magic" 9am» OWL 11am» "People Magic" 12:30pm» New UU Class 1pm» "The Cool Group"chalice Circle

257pm» Global Warming:Changing Co2urse 7pm» Leadership Council 7pm» Tai Chi for Beginners

267pm» Buddhist Meditationpractice group

279:30am» Newsletter assembly 7pm» Small group ministrycouncil 7:15pm» Choir rehearsal

289:30am» Sr Sages (KopperKitchen) 7pm» Adult RE cmte

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