Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Enjoy!
-Blessings
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W
e welcome everyone. Our Unitarian Universalist community seeks truth and deeper meaning, pursues justice through inspired action, and cultivates compassion and love for all connected by the web of life
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February 3, “Intersectionality, Trust, Community,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Intersectionality is defined as the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender that share overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. Recognizing a shared sense of oppression can build community. For that community to become a powerful force for change requires trust. This isn’t easy … but it is possible … or so we hope!
Music:
Alyssa Yeager leads hymns and songs on guitar, including favorites by Joni Mitchell and Pete Seeger
HYMN
148 “Let Freedom Span Both East and West”
HYMN 346 “Come, Sing a Song with Me”
HYMN 146 “Soon the Day Will Arrive”
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Sunday Services
10:00 am
February's theme: Trust
February 10, “A Visit to Montgomery,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
A celebration of Black History Month takes us down to Montgomery Alabama, where the Montgomery Bus Boycott energized the Civil Rights movement. Montgomery is also the home of The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Rev. Trumbore and his wife Philomena visited there in October and will bringing back their experiences discoveries and pictures
Music:
Albany UU Choir sings “Love is the Spirit of this Church” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”
February 17, “Love the Hell out of this World,” Matt Meyer
When the culture around us doesn’t encourage us to our best selves, how do we model the kind of world we want to live in? Matt will reflect on the good and bad of middle school, the time he picked the very best costume for a high-stakes 5th grade costume party, & how we find the skills for beloved community.
Matt is a musician and community organizer who has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country. He has a degree in hand drumming and has studied abroad in Cuba, Ghana and Central America. Matt serves as Director of Community Life for Sanctuary Boston and is a founding resident of the Lucy Stone Cooperative in Roxbury.
Music:
Matt Meyer’s “Rhythm Revelations” with an assist from Richard Porterfield
February 24, “Earning Trust,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
What does it take to earn someone’s trust? What kind of confidence is needed to build that trust? What kind of trust is required to invest your time, talent and treasure in a congregation like ours? Come hear how we are striving to earn yours.
Music:
Albany UU Choir sings “May Peace Dwell within our Hearts” and “Keep Your Hand on that Plow”
Announcements
High School Youth Group Soliciting Donations for “Neighborly Bags”
In the past children packed bags for people on the street asking for help. These were gallon Ziploc bags known as “Homeless Kits” or “Blessing Bags” with items such as granola bars, toiletries, and socks. This year the youth group asked to take this on. They have renamed the bags “Neighborly Bags” and are soliciting donations. Look for the donation bin in the coat room.
Suggested items: granola bars, lip balm, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and feminine hygiene products.
Call to Action!
For one more week, the Inclusivity Team is asking for donations and contributions of needed items to support Ellazar Williams, the young man who was paralyzed by an Albany police officer’s bullet in an incident in which it appears he was running away from the officer, who was cleared of wrongdoing based on his perceived threat.
Ellazar recently moved into new accessible housing, but his girlfriend had to quit both her jobs to care for him and their expenses are huge.
There is a collection box in the coatroom for needed items the couple has requested: full size bed sheets, full size blankets/comforter, towels, washcloths, lotion, paper towels, toilet paper, household cleaning products including Clorox bleach, Lemon Scented ammonia, Pine sol, Ajax/comet, Bathtub cleaner, scouring pads, Gain laundry detergent (has eczema), Dove body wash, Dove bar soap, and shampoos and conditioner (any kind). Also grocery store gift cards.
Items will be delivered to the Center for Law and Justice which has assigned a staff person to work with the couple.
Thanks as always for your generosity!
From the Religious Services Committee (RSC)
We ask everyone to be sensitive to fellow congregants and use restraint when applying perfumes, colognes, after shave, etc. It will be appreciated by those who experience an acute sensitivity to fragrances.
Planning for weather emergencies
In the event of severe weather, a decision to cancel Sunday morning RE classes will be publicized by 9:00 PM Saturday.
A decision to cancel Sunday meditation and the service will be publicized by 8:00 AM Sunday.
The cancellation of all other classes, programs and meetings depends on a decision by the chairperson. We hope to receive information enabling a cancellation announcement two hours before the event start time.
Notice of cancellations will be by email, FB and a notice posted on our website.
Join the Flower Committee
Help brighten our Sunday services! No special talent needed--all instructions and vases provided. Contact Sandy Stone: (518) 489.8293 or dsalbany@nycap.rr.com.
Warmth for the Homeless
Please gather blankets, sleeping bags, and warm coats, etc. and put them in the bin in the coatroom to be given to those who are homeless. Thank you for your help!
The homeless shelter is so grateful for the donations to the blanket bin!
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Sunday Schedule
9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation, Sanctuary
9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open
10:00 AM
- Sunday Service, Community Hall
- Family Chapel, Sanctuary
- Programs for Children and Youth
- Grade 4/5 OWL Orientation, Room B-8
11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall
11:30 AM
- Childcare for OWL Orientation, Room 24/25
11:45 AM
- Inclusivity Team Meeting, Room B-7
- Monday Men's Group, Room B-5
Quick Links
Sign up for a class or event
- Sign up at the Sign Up Site in Channing Hall
OR
- Call the church office, 518.463.7135
If childcare is offered for the event, please let us know you need it when you register, including names and ages of children.
Board of Trustees 2018-2019
Officers
Trustees
Ex-officio Members
Education Council
Elected Officer
(not on Board of Trustees)
Minister
Church Administrator
Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry
Music Director
Dr. Richard Porterfield,
Music Associates (volunteer)
Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen
Administrative Assistant
Religious Education Assistant
Lead Youth Adviser
Tracey Hickey
Custodian
Izzy Wright
Snow Removal Tech
Quintain Murray
Envelopes for your cash donations
A reminder that envelopes are available on the table in the Community Hall Lobby each Sunday for cash contributions that you want to earmark toward a specific fund or pledge. You must use an envelope with your name and pledge year on it, if you wish to have your cash attributed toward your pledge. If you have any questions, an usher will be happy to assist you.
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Religious Exploration – What Does It Mean to Be a People of Trust?
Our theme of the month comes from the Soul Matters program.
In religious circles, “trust talk” most often revolves around having faith that life will look after us. For instance, some of our Christian friends sing hymns about God “watching over us” and keeping “an eye on the sparrow.” Our Jewish friends lift up the Exodus story to encourage faith that God will help us make our way even when things look bleak. Likewise, prayer practice for our Muslim friends is all about reminding oneself that you are in Allah’s safe hands. Some UUs translate similar sentiments using the language of trusting “a Love that will not let us go.”
This call to trust Life’s support comes to us as a gift. After all, it’s all too easy to convince ourselves that life is a foe, especially as we enter the second half of winter. So, we need our faith communities to restore our faith that life is ultimately a friend. We need the reassurance. We need to know that when we fall, we can count of being picked up.
One tangible expression of reassurance we give at Albany UU is sending out HUUGS – Huge UU Greetings to our “fledgling adults”, those recently bridged from our youth group. Mid-winter can be disheartening for anyone, especially if you are on your own on a new adventure - college, the military, service or travel. Even if they are living at home, fledgling adults often miss the community of high school. And Valentine’s Day can be especially painful, with all the commercialized messages out there that every adult should be partnered or have some close relationship.
So that’s when a package with goodies from one’s home UU congregation can lift those spirits. Each year, the RE program solicits donations for goodies: packets of soup, noodles, dried fruit, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc. And the program is so successful that we already have plenty of donations. Thank you! The high school youth group will be packing the items up in time for delivery before Valentine’s Day. And some of the children’s RE groups will be making valentines to go into the boxes.
But what about being pushed? Don’t we need to count on that too? A Love that won’t let us go is essential, but isn’t it just as important to have faith in a Love that won’t let us get too comfortable? ...We need a Love that promises to not let privilege remain hidden and unsettles those who have it. A Love that tells those of us who are marginalized and tired, “I won’t let your pain be ignored.”
Our high school youth group is also soliciting donations for “Neighborly Bags”. These are plastic gallon storage bags with items for people often seen on street corners asking for help. The youth are asking you to bring in items like toiletries, feminine sanitary supplies, socks, gloves and hats. At our last Family Chapel, younger children were invited to write notes affirming “you matter” to be included in these bags. Once the youth have a supply of bags ready to go, they will start distributing them during Coffee Hour on a Sunday morning. You can take a few bags to keep in your car so you have them at the ready to give away.
Our 8th/9th grade group has been learning about the issues of hunger and homelessness. They have created welcome bags for children and youth at the Equinox shelters. And they are working to make a connection at Joseph’s House and Shelter in Troy. And on March 8th-9th they will be traveling to NYC to participate in the Youth Services Opportunities Program (
YSOP
). YSOP uses trained facilitators to help groups of youth learn about the issues of hunger and homelessness, provide direct service to people in the community, and integrate their experiences of serving and learning. Through YSOP, our youth will have opportunities to connect with other volunteers and with the people they are serving.
The 8th/9th grades are having several fundraisers to pay for their travel to and from NYC and for the YSOP program. The congregation has already been generous with their first bake sale. They raised just over $200. Look for a second bake sale during Coffee Hour – with sweet and savory treats – on February 10th.
And for adults, the group leaders for the 8th/9th graders and I are organizing a
“Paint ‘N’ Sip” on Saturday, February 23 at 7:00 PM.
Nadine Angelotti-Polo will lead us in a group painting lesson and we’ll enjoy some wine and other beverages and snacks – and great company! No art skills required. We’ll supply the art materials and aprons. $40 per person.
If you’re not into baked goods or the paint ‘n’ sip, and you’d still like to support the trip and make a donation, let me know at
dre@albanyuu.org.
In Faith,
Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry
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Upcoming Learning Opportunity with the Minister!
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
Feb. 8 and 9
Led by Rev. Sam Trumbore, these meditation training and practice workshops will be on
Friday 6:00 pm
to 9:00 pm, and
Saturday 8:00 am
to 3:00 pm. It gives the participants an opportunity to learn Buddhist mindfulness meditation techniques and/or refresh and deepen their meditation practice. All are welcome from first timers to experts. There will be a vegan potluck lunch on Saturday and all are encouraged to bring something to share. (A voluntary donation can be offered at the end.) Learn more
here
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Back by popular demand - Pot Luck and Game Night, THIS Friday, Feb. 1!
Bring your favorite dish, game and a friend! If you can, sign up ahead in Channing Hall, by sending an email to
registration@albanyuu.org
or just come - "walk-ins" are welcome.
Dinner starts at 6:00 PM
; games will be played after dinner until about 8:00 PM; toddler-friendly activities too! Sponsored by the Religious Education Council
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All Sides Considered
Thursday, Feb. 7, 1:00-2:30 pm in Room B-7
This group seeks to explore liberal and conservative viewpoints in considering current social and political issues. All are welcome to join the discussion.
Open Question Congregational Conversation
Sunday, Feb. 10, 11:45 in Room B-8
,
Join us for a Congregational Conversation on the “Open Question” posed by the Board of Trustees: “What would it look like for Albany UU to be a good neighbor?” Find more info
here
.
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on
Sunday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 pm
in Channing Hall. We will discuss Less, by Andrew Sean Greer. Learn more
here.
Circle Dinner
The next Circle Dinner will be held on
Saturday, Feb. 23
. Sign up
online
by Sunday, Feb. 10 to join the fun! For more information about Circle Dinners,
click
here.
“In Rhythm and Song”
--
Workshop with Matt Meyer
Matt Meyer of Rhythm Revelations will present our Sunday service on
February 17th
and will stay to lead a drumming workshop starting at 1 PM. Learn more
here.
Getting to Know UU: orientation to UUism - NEW DATE
We are changing the date for our UU Orientation from this Saturday, Feb. 2 to Saturday, April 6 from 8:45 AM-noon - hopefully it will be a bit warmer in April!
We invite you to join us for “Getting to Know UU”. We’ll start with bagels and coffee. You’ll learn about Unitarian Universalism and about our congregation! Learn more
here
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UUA Common Read - Justice on Earth - Discussion Group
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Three Sessions - February 6, 13, and 20, 7:00pm, Room B-7
Please join us for this Inclusivity Team sponsored discussion group for the 2018 UUA Common Read book: Justice on Earth: People of Faith Working at the Intersections of Race, Class, and Environment, edited by Manish Mishra-Marzetti and Jennifer Nordstrom (Skinner House Books, 2018). Copies of the book are available to check out from the Albany UU library, for purchase at the Albany UU office, or from
inSpirit: UUA Book and Gift Shop
($18 paperback, $9.99 ebook).
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COMING SOON!!!-
CURE CABIN FEVER
AUCTION 2019
Feeling antsy after the long winter? Emerge from your winter hibernation! Come to the annual Albany UU
Cure Cabin Fever Auction
! The auction, our largest FUNdraiser, will be held on the evening of Saturday, March 16. The fun begins at 6:15 pm.
What would enhance your life? A sailboat ride, a games night, a pool party and barbecue, a fondue party, decluttering help, a weekend away or tasty treats? Great items like these and many more will be available for you to bid on. Parents: Make this a night out…
Free
child care will be offered for auction attendees.
Of course, in addition to bidders, we also need donors. Let your imagination go wild!! You can offer modestly priced items like canned jams, trail mix or baked goods or more high-end offerings such as dinners or the use of your vacation home. Co-hosting of events is encouraged! We welcome all kinds of donations!
Donation forms can be found below and printed copies are in the lobby or in Channing Hall. Please place completed forms in the auction basket.
It’s time to bust out of your house and fill your calendar with spring, summer and fall activities.
Whether you offer an item, attend the auction and purchase items, or bid on fixed price items, we greatly appreciate your support the mission of our UU community. Note: You can bid on fixed price items even if you cannot attend the auction.
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Sunday Volunteers - Make it a New Year's Resolution!
Would you like to be involved in the Sunday service in a more meaningful way?
Visit
Sunday Hospitality Sign Up
to find out about the ways you can volunteer on Sunday morning. We thank you and could not do what we do without YOU!
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RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
-Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education (RE) and Family Ministry,
dre@albanyuu.org
Keep up with what's happening for children and youth
, including resources to support parents and caretakers at home by checking out
Leah's RE Newsletter!
Nursery/Toddler Room
opens at 9:45 for children and infants under 2 years old
Faith formation of children and youth this Sunday, Feb. 3:
The Exploring Chickens, Compassionate Hawks, and Crossing Paths will attend Family Chapel
in the Sanctuary at 10: 00 AM, since it's the first Sunday of the month. UU Jams are done so this Family Chapel will be shorter.
Family Support Group
meets with Leah after Family Chapel until 11:15. All parents and caretakers with school-aged children are welcome.
Kick-Butt Unicorns
(4th/5th) will have an orientation for Our Whole Lives for parent/caretakers and children from 10:00 to noon.
8th/9th grade (YSOP)
will meet as a group at 10:00 in their room
High School Youth Group
will meet in their room (23) starting at 10:00
RE Volunteer Brunch
Saturday, Feb. 16, 9:30 - Noon in Channing Hall
Our Sunday morning programming runs on our volunteers – like you! This brunch is an appreciation for current volunteers with an open invitation to those who want to learn more about volunteering. Everyone will have an opportunity to learn something new about how to run an effective RE group. And we’ll have lots of time for good food and fellowship.
Please RSVP by Feb 10
so we can plan food and childcare.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
SRC Recommends the following:
Neighborhood dinner and a performance of “To Catch a Muslim
”
At Albany UU,
Saturday Feb. 2, 6 PM - free dinner, 7 PM - play
. The play dramatizes the sting operation that put a local imam from Central Avenue in federal prison. A discussion will follow. These are our neighbors, and all are encouraged to attend. Sponsored by the Capital District Coalition Against Islamophobia. Find m
ore info
here
.
You’re invited to watch the BBC special USS Liberty documentary "Dead in the Water,” Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:00 pm
, Albany Public Library, main branch, 161 Washington Ave and to talk with survivor Bryce Lockwood. Presented by area peace groups. Find more info
here
.
UAlbany’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 7:00 pm
, featuring keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. William Barber II at the Campus Center Ballroom on the Uptown Campus. Free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. More information and registration at the University Tickets web page. Click on "log in" at the bottom of the event information page, then select the tab for "General Public".
Residents of Albany County
- Advocate for Albany County Sanctuary Resolution. ICE-Free Capital District is trying to get a Sanctuary Resolution out of Albany County’s legislative committees. There will be instructions on paper at the SRC table after Sunday's service, with a suggested script and an internet link so the group can track who was called, etc. Find more information
here
.
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Spokane in 2019, Providence in 2020
Looking for a meaningful experience in an interesting location with programs that will challenge and uplift you – all in the company of thousands of other Unitarian Universalists? Consider General Assembly, the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association!
In 2019, GA will be held in Spokane, Washington from June 19-23. Closer to home, in 2020, GA will take place in Providence, Rhode Island from June 24-28. Learn more
here
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Green Sanctuary's Tip of the Week!
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Practicing Our Seventh Principle:
Carpooling is a green living strategy that is great anytime of year. Considering how harsh winter is on motor vehicles, carpooling is especially sensible during the cooler months. To ensure the burden associated with winter-related wear and tear is evenly distribute, rotate driving days with two or three coworkers or friends who work near you.
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To share your Joy or Sorrow
with our Albany UU community, you may submit it on a yellow card during the service or by using our
online form.
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Our Pastoral Care Associates have been trained in compassionate listening skills and are available to all members and friends of our congregation. To contact a Pastoral Care Associate, email:
listeners@albanyuu.org
, contact
Rev. Sam Trumbore
, the Albany UU office at 518.463.7135, or one of them personally. They are: Chuck Manning, Phil Rich, Randy Rosette, Sandy Stone, Lisa Barron, Donna Meixner, Dee VanRiper and Sharon Babala.
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Regular events and meetings
Check Windows Weekly for changes to date, time and location.
Sundays
11:45 AM Inclusivity Team (1st)
5:30 PM Walker Book Group (2nd)
11:45 AM Social Responsibilities Council (3rd)
11:45 AM Green Sanctuary Committee (4th)
Mondays
6:15 PM Religious Education Council (1st)
Tuesdays
10:00 AM Philosophy Discussion (weekly)
1:00 PM Bridge (weekly)
7:00 PM UU Humanists (3rd) - Nov. only
Wednesdays
10:00 AM Projects & Quilts (weekly)
7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal (almost weekly)
Thursdays
1:00 PM All Sides Considered (1st & 3rd)
7:00 PM Program Coordinating Council (2nd)
6:15 PM Board of Trustees (4th)
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Going to miss a Sunday?
You can listen to the entire Albany UU Sunday service at home or on your mobile device. The two most recent services are available as MP3 files on the Albany UU member resource website. Here is how to access:
username: AlbanyUU
password: EEthelredBrown405
Our sermon archive (select Ministry/Sermon Archive on the left website menu) has pdf files of sermons texts (when available) and audio files of sermons. You can also request the office put a service on a CD.
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
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Parking:
Parking is available on the street. On Sundays (and for some special events) Albany UU has permission to use the University at Albany’s Hawley Parking Lot on Robin Street at Washington Avenue.
Office hours (unless otherwise posted)
September-June:
Monday-Friday, 9:00-3:00
July-August:
Monday–Thursday 9:00-1:00
Websites
Building use
To
reserve a room
for an Albany UU activity
or to rent a hall or classroom space
, for a personal or non-Albany UU activity, contact Administrative Assistant Sapphire Correa (518.463.7135 or
office@albanyuu.org
).
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org
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