Windows Weekly November 1, 2018
Albany UU Windows Weekly
Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Feedback is always welcome. Enjoy!
-Blessings
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 .
Sunday Service 10:00 AM
November 4, "America: The Minority Report," Rev. Sam Trumbore

White supremacy is deeply imbedded in American history and governing. It wasn’t what has made our country great and not what we want to return to. Whether we regress to more racism, sexism, homophobia and ableism is up to you.

Music: Helderberg Madrigal Singers with Randy Rosette, piano


The hymns we will be singing are:

Hymn No. 170 We are a Gentle, Angry People
Hymn No. 391 Voice Still and Small
Closing Song: This Land Is Your Land, by Woody Guthrie

Here is a place you might find the words to our hymns.
Sunday Services
10:00 am



November 11, "America: The Glorious Vision," Rev. Sam Trumbore

The beautiful vision of self-government by the people aligns with principles embedded in UUism. True patriotism, what we ask our soldiers to fight and die for, is the ground we need to claim as we resist the fascist tendencies in ascendency in our society today.

Music: Chris Bystroff plays Ashokan Farewell ; Albany UU Choir sings music of Irving Berlin and Carly Simon


November 18, "America: Our Responsibility," Rev. Sam Trumbore
The beautiful vision of America depends on active citizens embodying it, being involved in the political process, and defending our core values. That requires our attention, engagement, participation and our vote. This is true both in our nation and in our congregation.

This service concludes with a litany of gratitude and the enjoyment of corn mini-muffins baked that morning by Rev. Trumbore.

Music: Albany UU Choir sings music of John Lennon and Stephen Sondheim


November 25, “The Sabbath of Humanity,” Joe Paparone

Sabbath is often understood as a time of rest, but material injustice means some people never get to rest. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus confronts the rules and rhythms of Sabbath and reframes Sabbath as a justice vision for society

Joe Paparone is the lead organizer of the Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS, and Coordinating Committee member of the NYS Poor People’s Campaign. His work involves organizing faith communities, labor unions, and community groups in the struggles for racial, social, and economic justice. A life-long New Yorker, Joe lives in Albany with his wife Lesley and their dogs, Artax and Nym. He is currently pursuing ordination in the Mennonite Church USA.

Music : Richard Porterfield with piano music of Leoš Janáček and Ruth Crawford Seeger



Announcements



Albany UU snow removal needed!
Do you yearn for winter and snow? Do you like playing with equipment and shovels? If you answered yes, then you might be excited to learn that Albany UU is now looking for reliable volunteers to provide snow removal services for the church this season. This requires physical capability, flexibility and a sense of humor! If we cannot find a willing volunteer, we will have to find the money to pay for professional services. Perhaps one of you can recommend a good contractor who is willing to do sidewalks? Please contact the church office 518.463.7135 with questions, recommendations, for more information, or to express interest. Thank you!


UU Partner Church Council (UUPCC) update
Check out the UUPCC newsletter and read Betsy Wright's article about the Albany UU Partner Church trip to Szőkefalva!


Last Chance! Send in Your Photo for the New Directory by November 4
We know that some members and friends just could not make it to a photo appointment. We still want you to be part of the new Albany UU photo directory! E-mail your photo (at least 250 dpi and preferably in horizontal format) to Peggy Sherman by Sunday, Nov. 4. If your photo was taken by a professional, Peggy will send you a release that the photographer needs to sign.
 

Calling on your creativity!  
Would you like to display your creative talents by donating a hand crafted item(s) to Albany UU’s Dec. 2 craft fair? We are looking for items that would make great small gifts, stocking stuffers, tree ornaments or whatever you enjoy making. For more information, please contact Sigrin Newell: 518-439-6705 or sigrin.newell@gmail.com


Coming Soon – Scrumptious Homemade Pies and Soups!
Mark your calendars for the annual homemade soup and pie sale following the service on Sunday, November 18 in Channing Hall. Your favorite Café soups will be available for takeout by the quart and pint, including meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Featured soups include Moosewood Gypsy, Carrot Ginger, Butternut Squash, Chili, Corn or Clam Chowder, and many more! Delicious apple and pumpkin pies will be offered for purchase too. Just in time for Thanksgiving!


Calling All AlbanyUUs of Color!
The Inclusivity Team is considering hosting a local or cluster gathering to support UUs of Color. In order to gage interest, if you identify as a Person of Color, we would love it if you would share your thoughts on whether you would be interested in attending such an event, and/or any thoughts as to topic of discussion whether focused or informal, and any other ideas for the gathering welcome. Please send email to Annika Pfluger ( annikafam@gmail.com).


Warmth for the Homeless
It's that time again to gather blankets, sleeping bags, and warm coats, etc. Please put them in the bin in the coatroom to be given to those who are homeless. Thank you for helping.
Sunday Schedule

9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation, Sanctuary

9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open

10:00 AM
- Sunday Service, Community Hall
- Family Chapel, grades Pre-k-7, Sanctuary
- Programs for Youth

11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall
- New Member Reception, Community Hall

12:00 N
- Growth thru Service Brunch & Conversation, Room B-8







Quick Links


Sign up for a class or event

- Send and email to: registration@albanyuu.org
- 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
Sam Trumbore, Minister
Jim Hutchins, Chair, Religious
Education Council
Matt Lesniak, Chair, Social Responsibilities Council

Elected Officer (not on Board of Trustees)
Seth Edelman, Assistant Treasurer



Minister
Rev. Sam Trumbore, minister@albanyuu.org  

Church Administrator
Tammy Hathaway, admin@albanyuu.org

Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry
Leah Purcell, dre@albanyuu.org

Music Director
Dr. Richard Porterfield,
            music.director@albanyuu.org

Music Associates (volunteer)
Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen

Administrative Assistant
Sapphire Correa, office@albanyuu.org

Religious Education Assistant
Elizabeth Baldes, reassist@albanyuu.org

Lead Youth Adviser
Tracey Hickey

Custodian
Izzy Wright
Leah's Blog
Religious Exploration - Embodying Sankofa

From our colleagues in Soul Matters program:

In our Family Chapel this month we’ll learn about the African “Sankofa” (san-KOH-fah) symbol. It is a goose with its feet planted forward and its head facing backwards. It means “Go Back and Get It” to many West African peoples. It is called an Adinkra (ah-DIN-krah) symbol. Each symbol has a special meaning. Sankofa is also used by some African American people to symbolize the importance of going back and telling the missing stories of African American people so that we can move into a better future.

One of the ways our Unitarian Universalist religion is embodying Sankofa is to go back and do an honest, even painful retelling of our UU history. We are reminded that retrieving gifts from the past can be painful, but to not do it causes pain for others and it's a reminder that all of history, the painful and the joyful, needs to be included for us to be whole. One particular example is being led by the Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, who is challenging us to learn and share the story of Joseph Jordan, the first African-American Universalist minister.

J oseph Jordan, First African-American Universalist minister

from Tapestry of Faith, Virtue Ethics, Respect


“Joseph Jordan” adapted from the Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, 2017 Minns Lecture “Historical and Future Trajectories of Black Lives Matter and Unitarian Universalism”

The Universalist denomination helped support the Norfolk, VA school and congregation. However, Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed completes the story by telling the painful and important parts of the story have been left out.


In 1892, Joseph Jordan founded an African-American congregation in Norfolk, Va. Then, he wanted to found a Universalist theological school to train African-American ministers. He needed $6,000.00 for this endeavor. He traveled the Northeast, raising funds but only was able to collect $1,500.00.

To put this in perspective, in 1890, Universalists began their mission in Japan. In contrast to the reluctance to fund a theological school for coloreds, they contributed $6,000.00 per year to the Japanese mission and up to $275,000.00 at one point. This sad tale points out the systemic racism which existed in Universalist and Unitarian denominations. Morrison asks, “What would we be like now if there had been Black Universalist preachers preaching about God’s enduring love? What would our music be like if Black UU preachers sang with their congregations about freedom?”

We learn about UU racism in order to learn how to move forward into wholeness and into a more just and anti-racist society. The story continues below in the efforts of Joseph Jordan’s daughter, Annie B. Jordan Willis, to keep the school open despite the white, Universalist board decisions.

In our religious education program we are careful not to promote Unitarian Universalist “exceptionalism” and instead to work to tell a full history of our movement. 

I have just started to share with others that my mother found a KKK hood in my great uncle’s attic after he died. When you tell stories about your family, how might you include stories those of family members who did not always uphold your values? 



More from our blogs:




Upcoming Learning Opportunities with the Minister!
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 .

Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
Nov. 9-10
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 Feb. 8 and 9, 2019. Send an email to  registrations@albanyuu.org  to sign up. Find out more  here .
Thank you!
Thank you for your generous donations of $419.00 to the fire relief collection for the effected Sheridan Prep families!

One family has found a new house but has nothing to put in it. Donations of gently used household goods would be appreciated. Drop donations in the labeled bin in the coatroom. Call Lois Griffin with questions (518.506.3843).Thank you!

Thank you also for your generous donations to FOCUS Food Pantry. YOU gave a total of $944.00!


Thanksgiving Holiday Events
Union Thanksgiving Service - Tuesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 262 State St.
For close to a hundred years, Trinity Methodist Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Congregation Beth Emeth, Mount Calvary Baptist Church and First Unitarian Universalist Society have gathered before Thanksgiving for a joint service. We rotate the service between our four congregations. It is our tradition to bring canned goods to donate to FOCUS food pantry.

Thanksgiving Dinner ... at Albany UU! Thursday, Nov. 22, beginning at 1:00 pm
Each year we have an open Thanksgiving Dinner in Channing Hall on Thanksgiving Day. If you and your family or friends would like to join Rev. Trumbore and his family at this dinner, please sign up in Channing Hall and let us know what you would like to bring. Set up for the dinner will begin at 1pm. Appetizers will be served at 2pm. Dinner will be served at 3pm. Games and entertainment for mutual amusement will follow the meal (bring your favorites!). Cleanup begins at 4pm.
About Us
Nine Albany UU members (pictured right) enjoyed a Thacher Park hike and picnic on October 20 as an auction event. All enjoyed an adventurous, scenic hike and tasty lunch.


UU member, Tina Haq is singing in this Peace Concert at SUNY Performing Arts Cente r Sunday afternoon, November 4.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Brunch and Conversation
Over 120 members of our Albany UU community have had a conversation with one of our Growth through Service conversation leaders. If you have not yet had your conversation, the conversation leaders invite you to come for “Brunch and Conversation on Sunday, Nov. 4 right after coffee hour.  Find more information here .

It’s Time to Make the Pies!   
Bring your favorite peeling knife and help peel and cut apples on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 9:00 AM in Channing Hall for our annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale to be held on Sunday, Nov. 18. Join Sandy Stone and Dorry Campano as they carry on this lovely and fun tradition. Find more information here.

Practice Group for Nonviolent Communication
Begins Nov. 8, 2nd and 4th Thursdays thru March 14, at 6:45 pm 
This practice group will offer an environment of mutual learning and support in the practice of nonviolent communication. Basic understanding of Marshall Rosenberg's framework for nonviolent communication is requested of participants. Find more information here .

Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 5:30 pm in Channing Hall. Bring your favorite dish to share and a small contribution to cover beverages. We will discuss Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom by Russell Shorto. Find more information here .

Albany UU Humanists
Thursday, Nov. 15, 7 PM, Room B-8 (note day change for Nov. only)
All interested in learning more about humanism in Unitarian Universalism are welcome to join us.

Game Night and Potluck
The Religious Education Council will host a Game Night and Potluck on Friday, Dec. 7 . Potluck dinner starts at 6 PM. Games start at around 6:30 PM. Bring your favorite game and a friend. Sign up in Channing Hall or by emailing  registration@albanyuu.org . Questions? Contact Amy Jesaitis (518-364-9066, amyj1@nycap.rr.com)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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!
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 high school and jr high weekend “cons” in November) and resources to support parents and caretakers at home by
checking out Leah's RE Newsletter!

Check out the interactive bulletin boards for children, youth and adults in Channing Hall and the 2nd floor and basement hallways – and make a contribution!

Nursery/Toddler Room opens at 9:45 for children and infants under 2 years old

For their faith development this Sunday

Family Chapel for children in 7 th grade and younger and their families, though older children often like to attend without their parents/caregivers. In this service we will learn about “Sankofa”, a word in the Twi language of Ghana that translates to "Go back and get it". The symbol is represented either with a stylized heart shape or by a bird with its head turned backwards while its feet face forward carrying a precious egg in its mouth. The service is held in the Sanctuary starting at 10:00. Afterward, children will go to their groups. 

Youth in Grade 8 and u p meet for their groups starting at 10:00

Parent/Caretaker Support Group , led by Jan McCracken meets after Family Chapel, at about 10:30 in room B-8. All adults with children/youth at home are invited.

Jr High Con for Grades 7-9 – or home school equivalent:
Saturday Nov. 17, 10am to Sunday, Nov. 18, 9am - Full day and evening of programming on Sat and overnight to build community, have fun, and give an age-appropriate experience of cons. Activities will be geared for junior high youth and with the expectation that this is a new experience for those attending. Organized and staffed by regional staff with support by high school leaders as additional staff. For jr. high conferees (and their advisors) who are participants in congregations at Albany UU and also form UU congregations within a 3-hour drive of Albany.


Dear Congregation,
We will need your help with food prep and shifts of overnight chaperoning. Contact Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org if you are interested in helping.  
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair, email

SRC Recommends the following:
 
SRC is collecting full-size toothpaste tubes ASAP for Day of Simple Giving Comunity Outreach at St. Sophia's on Nov. 17. Please put in the labeled bin in the coat room.

Post Election decompression. Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6:00 pm in Channing Hall. The election will be over and you will have voted! Come, bring your feelings and food to share. We'll gather, break bread and decompress together.

Parole Justice Albany presents : Close to Home: Witnessing Criminal Injustice, Monday, Nov. 12, 6:00 PM . View the flyer .

Movie Night at Bethlehem Public Library, Nov 16, 6:30 pm. The Bethlehem Morning Voice Huddle, Capital District Alliance for Universal Healthcare, Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), and Like Minds United Capital Region presents: Fix It: Healthcare At the Tipping Point and The Healthcare Movie  

Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Ask a Candidate.  It’s election season, with a general election on November 6. When a candidate asks for your vote, ask whether that candidate supports medical aid in dying.  Click here to take the pledge to “Ask the Candidate.”  NOTE: You are not required to make a financial pledge, regardless of where the website routes you.

A Conversation with Senator Neil Breslin.  Death with Dignity Albany invites you to a “fireside chat” interview with Senator Breslin, Nov. 14, 12:15-2:00, Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Rd . The interview will cover such topics as the November election results, prospects for passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act in the 2019 legislative session, and how supporters can most effectively express their views to their state lawmakers.
Green Sanctuary's Tip of the Week!
Practicing Our Seventh Principle:
Consider trying to buy more local products by going to farmer's markets and the Honest Weight Food Coop. These organizations support our values and principles
JOYS and CARING CORNER
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.

Please keep member Julie Lomoe in your thoughts as she recovers from emergency (successful!) brain surgery due to a blood clot. Julie is currently in the hospital and will likely move to a rehab facility at some point. Email Robb Smit h for more information.

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.
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) - 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)
7:00 PM       Board of Trustees (3rd)
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.
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
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
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

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 ).
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org