Windows Weekly February 7, 2019
Albany UU Windows Weekly
Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. 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
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”

HYMN 129 “Let Love Continue Long”
HYMN 168 “One More Step”
HYMN 95 “There Is More Love Somewhere”
HYMN 151 “I Wish I Knew How”
HYMN 169 “We Shall Overcome”

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

February's theme: Trust


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


Office Hours
Please be advised the both Sapphire and Tammy will be out of the office tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 8. Rev. Sam and Leah will be here to answer any pertinent questions. Sapphire and Tammy will return to the office at 9:00 on Monday morning, Feb. 11. Thank you!


Call to Action!
Volunteer to help refugees  – The Refugee Welcome Center in West Hill is expanding its English learning program for stay-at-home moms and is in need of volunteers to help with child care during the lessons (two hours one morning a week). If you are able to help, please contact Karen Kaufmann at (518) 477-9034,  kkaufman@nycap.rr.com


Bake Sale during Coffee Hour this Sunday, Feb. 10
Savory and sweet items - get a bite before you head to a meeting or your next adventure! All proceeds benefit the YSOP trip to NYC.


Looking for a little income?
Are you--or a friend--looking to make some money occasionally? And, are you able to work on Sundays?

Albany UU needs a ‘backup’ Sunday custodian . The job is from 8:00-1:00 on Sunday mornings and entails a multitude of small tasks that enable our service and classes to go smoothly. Some lifting is required. The pay is $15 per hour.

If you are interested in finding out more, contact Tammy Hathaway, Church Administrator at 518-463-7135 or admin@albanyuu.org . And pass this on to anyone who might be interested!


High School Youth Group 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. Look for the donation bin in the Coat Room.

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. Then you can take a few bags to keep in your car so you have them at the ready to give away. 


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!
Sunday Schedule

9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation, Sanctuary

9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open

10:00 AM
- Sunday Service, Community Hall
- Programs for Children and Youth

11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall

11:30 AM
- Annual Dinner skit rehearsal

11:45 AM
- Open Question Conversation, Room B-8
- Monday Men's Group, Room B-5

12:30 PM
- Social Responsibilities Meeting, Channing Hall

5:30 PM
- Walker Book Group, Channing Hall

6:00 PM
- Peace Team - Anti-Islamophobia, Library




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

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. 
A Reminder.....
From our blogs
Upcoming Learning Opportunity with the Minister!
Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
Feb. 8 and 9 - Led by Rev. Sam Trumbore

It's not too late to sign up - simply call the church office, 518.463.7135 to let us know you're coming!

This meditation training and practice workshop 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 .
Paint 'n' Sip
Saturday, February 23 at 7:00 PM

Have fun creating a Spring themed painting, while helping teens fund their trip to serve people experiencing hunger and homelessness.

•Any and all ages and talent levels welcome.
•You will be led by local artist Nadine Angelotti-Polo.
•$40 per person registration pays for all supplies, wine and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks while helping our youth go on their service trip.
•RSVP soon to reserve your spot and pre-pay: Email to registration@albanyuu.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.

14th Annual Wine and Cheese Tasting Fundraiser 
Mark your calendars for our 14th Annual Wine and Cheese Tasting Fundraiser, coming up fast on March 2 at 7:00 pm ! Learn more here .
UUA Common Read - Justice on Earth - Discussion Group
Wednesdays, Feb. 13, and 20, 7:00 pm, Room B-7

Please join us in Room B-7 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.

 Attendance on all dates is not mandatory, join the discussion at any time! There are still a few copies of the book available for purchase at the Albany UU office.
 
Cure Cabin Fever Auction
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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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!
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. 10:          

Children in Pre-K through Grade 5 will begin in Community Hall with their families until after the story in the service. They then go to their groups until 11:20.

The Crossing Paths Group (Grade 6/7) will have their visit to the Islamic Center in Latham – meet at Albany UU at 11:30 to carpool or meet at 11:45 at the Islamic Center in Latham. Let Leah know by Thursday if you plan to come.

Youth in Grades 8-12 will meet in their groups at 10:00 AM.

Meeting for Parents/caretakers of current youth group members and this year’s 8th graders will be Tuesday, Feb 12 at 7:00 pm in Room 23 – the youth group room. We can use other upstairs rooms if we need more space. This meeting, presented by Tracey Hickey and Leah Purcell, is to help you understand more about the high school youth group and is for parents/caretakers only, not youth.

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.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair, email


SRC Recommends the following:
 

SRC meeting this Sunday, Feb. 10 at 12:30 in Channing Hall. All those interested in social action issues are welcome to join!

Be sure to stop by the SRC Table during Coffee Hour for your Fair Trade coffee, cocoa and chocolate, and to learn more about our social action and "green" initiatives.

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".
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 .
Green Sanctuary's Tip of the Week!
Practicing Our Seventh Principle:
Manage your heat efficiently by turning off registers or radiators in rooms you don't use. At night turn the thermostat down to 58 degrees or lower and put on an extra blanket or comforter. Keep the thermostat low and use a portable heater only in the room you use.
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.

The father of member, Barb Manning and favorite father-in-law of member, Chuck Manning died peacefully last Sunday (2/3) afternoon at the age of 93. They were able to be at his side when he died. Barb & Chuck want to thank all of the people who have been so supportive through these last few weeks of Jim's life. This is truly a caring community.

Former member, many years ago, Grace White died this past Saturday. We have no information about next of kin or memorial service for her at this time.

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        
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)
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.
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 (unless otherwise posted)
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