Hans York

The Gem State

Posted on September 25, 2015 Updated on September 26, 2015

Pulling into Boise, Idaho, we found a true gem settled in a green valley, the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. While Boise is the state capital, it is also home to the largest UU church in the state, and to an ecologically forward thinking community full of bike trails and green spaces. BUUF itself does not let one down either, its park space is full of hidden surprises and peaceful walkways fitting for all ages.

At the pulpit was the Rev. Sara LaWall, offering her first full service to the members of BUUF as their newly seated minister. With honesty and compassion, Rev. LaWall presented herself to the congregation as an imperfect leader in an imperfect world. A person with love, knowledge, and the desire to give of herself to the fellowship but also holding the modesty of a true learned scholar. A message wonderfully balanced with the soulful sounds and music of Hans York.

Rev. LaWall referenced Irish writer John O’Donohue’s book, “To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings.” In it, O’Donohue teaches that not only are blessings needed and desired, but that anyone can give a blessing. LaWall continued to explain that our lives hold these special moments, these times “often crying out for a blessing.” But, most important within her message, was that we as individuals, we can be the ones to bring the special blessings into our everyday lives and into simple, everyday moments.

At a time of beginning, Rev. LaWall asked that she and the congregation, together, “make risk [their] greatest ally,” and give change a warm welcome, knowing that “this moment is bigger than any individual self.”

I felt this sentiment strongly within because with this stop, with Boise, and with Rev. LaWall, Austin and I are again on our trail and on our path to explore the true identity of modern Unitarian Universalism.