Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's source for news and updates. We have combined our Weekly Preview email and our monthly Windows newsletter into one central source for all things Albany UU! This means that instead of a monthly newsletter attachment, you will receive a weekly email newsletter. We hope you're enjoying this new way of receiving news - we welcome your feedback.
-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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September 16, "Finding Truth and Meaning on the Margins," Rev. Sam Trumbore
The tribal impulse moves “us” to reject “them.” Yet the Abrahamic religions have another message. Liberation theology teaches the road to our salvation is found through the marginalized and rejected of society. The very people who are stopped at our borders or are marginalized in our communities reveal our greed, hatred, delusion, and rejection of the vision of a Beloved Community. When we care for “us” and not “them,” there is a turning away from care for their well being. How do we respond as a congregation committed to a vision of inclusion and welcome?
Music:
Richard Porterfield with guest artist Randy Rosette, voice and flute
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Sunday Services
10:00 am
September 23, "The American Tradition of Dissent," Rev. Sam Trumbore
We are very fortunate to live in a country that permits dissent from the administration in power. We are allowed to say that we don’t agree with the policies and practices of the government. We can also criticize the culture too. It is our special role as a religious tradition to dissent from that which dehumanizes and is unjust. Our vision is to work for justice for all people.
Music:
Albany UU Choir led by Richard Porterfield
September 30, "How to Keep Our Heart
Open … In Hard Times," Rev. Sam Trumbore
Our vision of community is very important to our congregation. Yet getting along with other people we may not agree with or like can be challenging. Negotiating our relationships skillfully takes some learning and practice. One very helpful practice to help us build stronger community that comes from the Buddhist tradition is loving-kindness or metta practice. Cultivating one’s capacity for loving-kindness can help us deal with the challenges of inclusion and welcome while negotiating our differences.
Music:
Richard Porterfield with music of Edward MacDowell
Announcements
Homecoming Slideshow!
Some of you missed the lovely PowerPoint slides for our Homecoming service skillfully arranged by our Administrative Assistant, Sapphire Correa. So did Rev. Sam - he forgot to run them!
Here they are for your enjoyment!
Picnic in the Park
The first day of Sunday school is this Sunday, Sept 16. Everyone is invited to an informal picnic in Washington Park afterwards.
- We'll gather near the playground around 11:30
- Bring your own lunch, chairs, blanket and your favorite lawn games.
- We'll gather rain or shine! If it rains we'll "picnic" in the upstairs rooms.
September art exhibit and reception in Channing Hall
Visit and view oil paintings and pastels by Jacqueline Smith, a native of the capital region. Her landscapes express her connection to the natural beauty right here around us and to the ocean as well. Jacqueline invites you to a reception
this Sunday Sept. 16
immediately following coffee hour.
Have you considered putting Albany UU into your will or estate planning process?
The John Cross Legacy Society was established by the Endowment Trust in 2016 as a way to give member and friends a way to contribute to our future sustainability. A legacy gift to is a planned future donation given through a will or other form of designation. It is a decision that each person makes in their own financial planning process, taking into account various wishes and values about charitable giving.
Every legacy gift, regardless of the amount, is important and cherished. What better way to appreciate the impact of Albany UU on your life, or the life of someone you love, than by making a bequest from your estate? Please take some time to consider your options in consultation with your family, lawyer or financial and/or tax advisor.
To become a member of the John Cross Legacy Society, there is a simple application available through the church office.
Photo Appointments Going Fast!
September appointments for the Albany UU Photo Directory are nearly filled, but appointments are available on Thursday October 25 and Friday October 26 – and new appointments were just added on Saturday October 27. We want all members and friends to be part of the Photo Directory!
Sign up:
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Sunday Schedule
9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation
9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open
10:00 AM
- Service, Community Hall
- Religious Exploration for children and youth
11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall
11:30 AM
- Homecoming Picnic!
11:45 AM
- Social Responsibilities Council Meeting
12:00 N
- Artist Reception, Channing Hall
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)
Staff
Minister
Church Administrator
Director of Religious Education
Music Director
Dr. Richard Porterfield,
Music Associates (volunteer)
Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen
Administrative Assistant
Religious Education Assistant
Leah Youth Adviser
Tracey Hickey
Custodian
Izzy Wright
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Upcoming Learning and Discussion Opportunities with the Minister!
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
September 14-15, 2018
Rev. Sam will be leading a meditation workshop/practice session Friday, from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm with a light vegan potluck lunch at about noon. If these dates are not good, this workshop will be repeated on Nov. 9,10. It's not to late to sing up! Send an email to
registrations@albanyuu.org
. Find out more
here
.
The Ware Lecture 2018 with Brittany Packnett – Watch and Discuss with Rev. Trumbore
Monday, September 17, 7:00 pm, Room B-8
In her Ware Lecture Brittany challenged us saying, “‘The more you benefit from supremacy the more responsibility you have to be to dismantle it.” Join Rev. Trumbore to watch her powerful presentation then consider our response. Find out more
here
.
Metta or Loving-kindness Meditation led by Rev. Trumbore
Two sessions, October 1 and 8, 7:00 pm, Room B-8
Learn the basics of Buddhist heart-centered meditation that cultivates a non-specific love-for-all that becomes specific in caring for and serving others. Metta doesn’t require a response from others for its growth and development as it arises from an inner sense of abundance. Find out more
here
.
Building a House for Hope with Rev. Trumbore
Six sessions, Nov 6, 13, 27, Dec 4, 11, 18, 7:00 pm, Room B-8
Deepen your appreciation for our Unitarian Universalist purposes, principles, history, values, and traditions using the excellent book
House for Hope
by Rebecca Parker and John Buerhens. Find out more
here
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Leah Purcells’s
job title has changed to Director of Religious Education
and Family Ministry
.
Family Ministry
means building strong connections between families and the congregation; and equipping parents and caregivers to engage in their child’s faith development at home. Mark your calendars for
Sunday Sept 30 to participate in the following:
Parent/caretaker orientation in Channing Hall
We’ll start after the story in the service, when all the children are in Sunday school. Yes, you'll miss most of the service on Sept 30, but Rev. Sam is working on making sure a recording of the service is available on YouTube to watch later.
Video Games; Phones and Social Media –
Workshop for Parents and Caregivers to manage your child’s screens to maximize health, connections, and values
Information and discussion about child development, how additions are formed and the impact of various kinds of screen time can help parents to make decisions to manage your child’s screen time. Find our more
here
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Sheridan Preparatory Academy Playground Celebration
Tomorrow, September 14 at 3 pm, we will celebrate the contributions of donors and volunteers to building a wonderful new playground at Sheridan Preparatory Academy. We hope you will come to the playground to celebrate with us! Learn more
here
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Albany UU Women's Group
The Albany UU women's group will hold its first meeting on
Thursday, Sept. 20 at 7:00
in Room B-8. Contact Julie Lomoe at
julielomoe@gmail.com
if you're interested in attending.
Caring Network Yearly Meeting
The Albany UU Caring Network provides assistance to members of our community when they need a helping hand. Our yearly organizational meeting will be on Sunday, September 23 at 11:45 in Room B3/B4. Find more information
here
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Workshop to Practice Effective Compassionate Communication
Come learn and practice using tools for nonviolent communication with Philomena Moriarty on
September 29; 9:30am - 4:30pm
, in Channing Hall. Find more information
here
.
All Sides Considered
All Sides Considered begins
Thursday, Oct. 4 at 1:00 pm
. Find more information
here
.
Don't miss out on UU Weekend!
"There is always something to do -- or not -- as you wish, but I always look forward to the hike up Sunrise Mountain. Great exercise culminating in breathtaking views." -
David MacLeod
Join us for UU Weekend at Silver Bay from
October 12-14, 2018!
Stop by the UU Weekend table on Sunday to see the schedule of activities and fill out a registration form. Find more information
here
.
Getting to Know UU: orientation to UUism
Save the date: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8:45 am-noon
We invite you to join us for "Getting to Know UU" to learn about Unitarian Universalism and about our congregation. Learn more
here
.
Save the Date to Get Connected!
Attend the Albany UU Get Connected Activity Fair on Sunday October 21 and find out what you might be missing! Find more information
here
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Sunday Volunteers
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!
Gardening Volunteers
There's still plenty of time left in the season! Do you have two hours to contribute to maintaining the gardens surrounding Albany UU? The Gardening Committee welcomes you to
sign up here
, where you can select which week(s) you'd like to help. Volunteers often work in pairs. No experience necessary. For more information or to receive e-mail updates, please contact
Donna Meixne
r or 518-439-5947.
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RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
-Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry,
dre@albanyuu.org
Keep up with what's happening for children and families and other events by checking out
Leah's RE Newsletter, coming soon. Watch your emails!
Our teams for leaders of our Sunday morning groups are nearly complete. You can find out what small group your child will be in; what the curriculum is and who their small group leaders are at
this document.
- Are you thinking of returning to Albany UU after a hiatus? We'd love to have you back; it would be helpful if you send me an email at dre@albanyuu.org.
- Not seeing your child's name on the document as you expected it? I do make boo-boos, so send me an email about it.
There is something every Sunday for your child's faith development. There are multigenerational services and special RE sessions throughout the year.
Register your child for 2018-19 Religious Exploration!
Register your child for RE today
on line
and pay the registration fee
on line
too! You can also pick up a paper copy in the RE Office or ask the office to mail one to you. Make your check out to Albany UU and put RE Registration in the memo line or pay in cash. Call the office at 463-7135 or email Leah at dre@albanyuu.org with questions.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
Green Sanctuary Committee News!
Over the summer, the Green Sanctuary Committee elected new officers. These fine folk are Meghan Marohn, chair, with Chuck Manning co-chair, and Sandy Steubing, secretary, with Barbara Spink, co-secretary. Our first meeting will be
Sunday, September 30 at 11:45 am in Room B-3/4
.
After this first meeting on the 5th Sunday, regular meetings will continue every 4th Sunday of the month at 11:45 AM in Room B-7. Everyone is always welcome at all meetings.
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Ask a Candidate.
It’s election season, with a primary TODAY and a general election on November 6. Make sure you are registered to vote. When a candidate asks for your vote, or when you are deciding on your vote, you can ask whether a candidate supports medical aid in dying. If you
click here
to take the pledge to “Ask the Candidate,” Compassion and Choices New York will send you everything you need to be successful in your efforts. (NOTE: You are not required to make a financial pledge, regardless of where the website routes 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
5:30 PM Walker Book Group (2nd)
11:45 AM Green Sanctuary Committee (4th)
11:45 AM Social Responsibilities Council (3rd)
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)
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)
7:00 PM Board of Trustees (3rd)
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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: fuusan, password: Emerson405.
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
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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