Greetings,
Happy holidays! 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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December 23, “Mystery: Lessons and Carols,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Join us on an interpretive journey through lessons, readings and carols about Christmas. This approach was inspired by the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, celebrated for the past 100 years in the Chapel of King’s College in Cambridge.
Music:
Seasonal Carols
Hymn No. 254 “Sing We Now of Christmas”
Hymn No. 241 “In the Bleak Midwinter”
Hymn No. 55 “Dark of Winter”
Carol: 237 “The First Nowell”
Carol: 246 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Carol: 256 “Winter Night”
Carol: 231 “Angels We Have Heard on High”
Carol 248 “O We Believe in Christmas”
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Sunday Services
10:00 am
December's theme: Mystery
(Monday) December 24, “Mystery: Of the Song,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services (6:00 and 8:00 PM, in the Sanctuary)
This is the 200th Anniversary of the song Silent Night. The song powerfully engages the mystery of why God would choose this time, this place, and this child to be God’s agent in the world to bring a message to us. Our response will not be analysis, not be skepticism but rather wonder, awe and gratitude.
Music:
Albany UU Choir led by Richard Porterfield with Chris Jensen, associate conductor; music of Daquin, Victoria, and Vader & Rouse
December 30, "Gentle Giants on the Interdependent Web," David Weissbard
A couple of years ago I read "The Elephant Whisperer" and said to myself, "Self, there's a sermon here." That sermon had a gestation period worthy of an elephant. I look forward to sharing it with you on the 30th.
Music:
Guest artist, Virginia Reed
Announcements
Volunteers are STILL needed for our Christmas Eve Candlelight services!
We still need a lead usher for the 8:00 PM service and a greeter for the 6:00 PM service. Please sign up at
Sunday Hospitality Sign Up
or call the office as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Bring on the cookies!
Join us for a Cookie Reception, hosted by Molly and Leah Purcell, between the Candlelight services on Christmas Eve. Please bring cookies to share! You can simply bring them with you on Christmas Eve or drop them off at the church by Friday, Dec. 21. (Please note: the church office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24). If you have questions please call the office: 518.463.7135.
Holiday Albany UU Office Hours
The Albany UU office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25. The office will be open 12:00 N - 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 26. Regular hours will apply on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 27 and 28 and on Monday, Dec. 31. The office will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1. Regular hours will apply Wednesday thru Friday, Jan. 2-4. Thank you!
UU Humanists
Albany UU Humanists usually meet on the third Tuesday of the month however there will be
no meeting in December
. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 at 7 PM in Room B-8 at Albany UU. Find additional information
here
.
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 sent through Constant Contact.
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
- Multigenerational Sunday Service, Community Hall
11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall
- Holiday Music Jamboree
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
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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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Calendar of Holiday Events
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Saturday, Dec. 22
4:00 pm
Multigen Winter Solstice Celebration
, Channing
Sunday, Dec. 23
10:00 am
Multigen Christmas service
, Community Hall
11:00 am
Holiday Music Jam!
Channing
Monday, Dec. 24
6:00 pm
Candlelight Christmas Eve service
, Sanctuary
7:00 pm
Cookie Reception
, Channing
8:00 pm
Candlelight Christmas Eve service
, Sanctuary
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Budget Requests due Sunday, January 6, 2019
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Yes, it’s time once again to determine how much money your program, committee or group will need in the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2020. While it may seem far away now, planning with a group will take more time than you might think. Especially since a new form, approved by the Board, must provide a more detailed explanation and justification of amounts requested.
The budget form for submission is at:
(Please note: the link to the form in last week's
Windows Weekly
was incorrect. This is the correct link to the updated form.)
It can also be found on the Albany UU web site under Church Office, File Cabinet. If necessary, the office can supply you with a printed form.
The Finance Committee and the Board will use the fully completed form to help determine how much money will be needed to support your group’s planned activities for next year. Combining all the submissions allows us to set a realistic annual stewardship goal. If no form is submitted, it will be assumed that your group does not need any funds from the operating budget. If available, needed funds may be taken from your designated fund.
The form is self-guiding, however, if you have questions or need an alternate method of communication, please contact Steve Moskowitz at 518-439-6347 or
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Benefit Concert January 11
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Please join Alyssa Yeager at 7 pm January 11, for a concert to benefit the local US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Popular music from the fifties and sixties and originals will be featured. Monetary and toiletry/school supply donations will be gratefully accepted (suggested value $10-$15). Desserts and beverages will also be available for purchase. This is an Albany UU Choir sponsored event. Contact Randy if you have any questions, 518-783-2637.
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Solstice Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 22, 4:00 pm, Channing Hall
All are welcome - this is an event that children can join in. Bring drums and noisemakers if you have them. Bring finger food, if you're able, for our gathering afterwards.
Holiday Music Jam!
The annual Albany UU Holiday Music Jam will take place on Dec. 23 during coffee hour.
The event is multi-generational, multi-level, and multi-instrumental. Learn more
here
.
Circle Dinner - Save the date!
Saturday, Jan 12, 6:00 pm
Circle Dinners are "coordinated potluck" dinners shared by 6 - 9 Albany UU newcomers and old timers, friends and acquaintances of all ages, single or with partners. Our objective is to strengthen our Albany UU family by getting to know each other better while sharing conversation and food in a relaxed atmosphere. Find more info
here
.
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on
Sunday, Jan. 13 at 5:30 pm
in Channing Hall. Bring your favorite dish to share and a small contribution to cover beverages. We will discuss Less, by Andrew Sean Greer. Learn more
here.
Governance Meetings
The Governance Working Group will hold two more meetings in January to introduce changes in Albany UU’s governance that are under consideration: Sunday, Jan. 13, 11:30 to 12:30 and Wednesday, Jan. 16, 5:45 to 6:45 PM, both in B-8. Learn more
here
.
East of Hudson Potluck
Let's gather on
January 25 at 6:00 pm
at the home of Sharon and Mike Babala for our next potluck. If there is snow adventurous spirits are invited to come early and snowshoe or cross country ski! Learn more
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 need volunteers for our Christmas Eve Candlelight services at 6:00 and 8:00, too! We thank you and could not do what we do without YOU!
Volunteers are STILL needed for our Christmas Eve Candlelight services!
We still need a lead usher for the 8:00 PM service and a greeter for the 6:00 PM service. Please sign up at
Sunday Hospitality Sign Up
or call the office as soon as possible.
Thank 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
Includes
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, Dec. 23
· no Sunday school
· Children and youth attend the informal, multigen Christmas service with their families in Community Hall, starting at 10:00 AM.
Players needed at the Solstice Service Saturday, Dec. 22, 4:00, Channing Hall
As part of the service, I’ll tell the story of the
Rebirth of the Sun
as part of our Solstice celebration. We’ll all be enacting it and it would be fun if 2 children or youth enacted the roles of the Sun and the Night. No need to say any lines, just act it out as I tell it. I'll have a simple costume for each role. You'd need to come at about 3:30 to go over the story and practice enacting it. Please let me know if your child or youth is interested.
Everyone, bring drums and noisemakers for our dance; and also bring a plate of finger food if you can for our celebration afterwards.
A child or youth reader needed for the service this week
Rev Sam, Rick and I have created our own UU version of a lessons and carols service for this Sunday. As is the tradition in these types of services, the lessons are read by different people. We'd like to have a child or youth read the Christmas story from the book of Luke in the Christian bible. Let Leah know if your child or youth in interested,
dre@albanyuu.org
Would your child or youth like to be an acolyte at a Christmas Eve service?
It has been our tradition to sing Silent Night with everyone holding a lit candle at the Christmas Eve services. And young people - children in grade 4 and up - to carry the tapers that the people at the end of the pews use to light their candles and pass the flame to the next -person. If your child or youth would like to be an acolyte at either the 6:00 or 8:00 Christmas Eve service, call the church office: 518.463.7135 as soon as possible.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
SRC Recommends the following:
Please bring personal care items
including empty toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes, water filters, tyvek envelopes, hearing aid batteries, corks, paper egg cartons, cell phones, winter garments including coats, hats, scarves, gloves and usable blankets to the recycle center in the Albany UU cloak room. Recycling like this is an easy way to reduce, reuse, and re-purpose. Right now, the company that we send water filters and personal care items is offering a bonus. Albany UU's points and last bonus was used to have 10 trees planted in an American forest.
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Prospects for passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York have never been better, thanks to the Senate Health Committee’s incoming chairperson, Democrat Gustavo Rivera, a co-sponsor of the bill. This would be a good time to contact your own lawmakers about the bill, even if you have done so before. Advocacy opportunities at the Capitol starting in mid-January will be announced soon. In the meantime, join us on
January 15 at the Colonie Town Library from 12:15-2:00
when Death with Dignity Albany will present “Funeral Arrangements – What to Know and How to Plan” featuring John Cannon and Glenn Ward, co-owners of Cannon Funeral Home.
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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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UUA Board announces resignation of Christina Rivera
“For the past four and a half years I have had just about every experience you can imagine on the Board,” said Ms. Rivera. “I have put the best of my abilities to work for our faith, serving with a deep and abiding love for Unitarian Universalism. Some of my proudest moments as a UU are intertwined with my Board service, and it is with deep sadness that I tender my resignation.” UUA Co-Moderators Elandria Williams and Mr. Barb Greve issued the following statement, acknowledging the recent receipt of threatening messages directed to Ms. Rivera and her family: Read more at
https://bit.ly/2C7FKa5
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Green Sanctuary's Tip of the Week!
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Practicing Our Seventh Principle:
Did you know that just by using a lid to cover a pot on the stove top, you can reduce your energy use by up to two-thirds? It also allows you to heat food faster, saving you both time and effort.
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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 PM 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)
7:00 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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