Greetings,
Happy New Year! 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
.
|
|
|
|
January 6, “The Evidence of Things Unseen,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
The Biblical verse “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1) can give us a way to examine what is and isn’t possible. Sometimes what is true cannot be seen. Sometimes our hopes and dreams become visible through our faith, our confidence. Our imagination and will can create a way to connect the possible to the actual.
Music:
Richard Porterfield plays music of Scarlatti
HYMN 1000 “Morning Has Come”
HYMN 1029 “Love Knocks and Waits for Us to Hear”
HYMN 1011 “Return Again”
HYMN 1028 “The Fire of Commitment”
|
|
Sunday Services
10:00 am
January's theme: Possibility
January 13, “#metoo: Stand Up, Fight Back,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
“Stand up, fight back” is a familiar chant to anyone who spends much time marching and protesting. The election of a President with a history of sexual harassment and the confirmation of a new Supreme Court justice who denied multiple acts of sexual abuse have women fired up and poised to march again January 19. Let’s demand a change in our culture to protect women from sexual violence.
Music:
Richard Porterfield with singer- songwriter, Emily Pinkerton
January 20, “Love and Power,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Brittany Packnett used this expression “the divine union of love and power” in her Ware Lecture last summer at General Assembly. The reference came from the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many of us know about Dr. King’s commitment to non-violence. What we may be less familiar with is his understanding of the holy power of love to change hearts and minds.
Music:
TBA
January 27,
“How Can Albany UU Be a Good Neighbor?” Albany UU Board of Trustees
Central to Unitarian Universalism is striving to make our world more livable for people, plants and animals so we all might fulfill our greatest potential. As finite beings with limited resources, what is that potential for our congregation right now for this place and this time? Who are the neighbors we wish to serve?
Music:
Albany UU choir directed by Richard Porterfield
Announcements
Thank you!
A huge thank you to all who donated to Focus Food Pantry and Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood during our Christmas Eve candlelight services. You donated a total of $815 to Focus and $745 to Planned Parenthood. Thank you for your generosity!
Recycling needed for Sunday School Workshops in January
Help us explore our theme for January – Possibility! In January, we have UU Jams - a set of workshops for children in grades pre-k thru 5. One of our workshops is on the possibility of creativity and reusing. We’ll be creating “sculptures” out of recycled materials like
paper towel rolls, shoe boxes and other recycled cardboard
.
We’ll also look at possibility of what’s inside by taking apart old (safe) appliances and electronics like
broken or unusable vacuums, radios, VCR’s or DVD players
. Bring materials to the box outside Leah’s door in the workroom starting
Jan. 6 until Jan. 27
. Donations of duct tape is also appreciated!
Sending out HUUGs –
H
uge
UU
G
reetings
We're gathering donations for packages for our fledgling young adults.
Whether they are now working or volunteering, serving in the military or in college, those who have recently left senior high group so appreciate a package around Valentine’s Day with notes and goodies from us at Albany UU!
Bring donations to the bin in the Work Room (where the photocopier is) by
Sunday, Feb. 3.
Suggested items: packets of soup, noodles, dried fruit, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, candy, gum, popcorn, granola bars, lip balm, a Valentine or a note with your good wishes
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.
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!
|
|
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
11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall
11:30 AM
- Nominating Committee, Library
11:45 AM
- Inclusivity Team, Room B-7
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
|
|
Introducing our 2019-20 Ministerial Intern!
|
Hello Albany UU!
My name is Dan Miyake, and I am both thrilled and honored to be joining you in August as your next ministerial intern! I look forward to a wonderful church year with you, full of growth, learning, sharing, and caring.
No doubt, you are probably wondering about who I am and what I bring to the congregation, so I wanted to offer you a brief introduction. Who is Dan Miyake? I am a 54 year old white guy with a beard who loves fishing, writing, cats, and binge watching re-runs of Everybody Loves Raymond. In addition to my Master of Divinity degree, I also hold a master’s degree in music. My primary instrument is French horn, and I enjoy teaching private students and performing when I can. I am partnered with the love of my life, Erica Blanford, and through her I have a 24 year old “step” daughter and 3 year old granddaughter, both of whom I adore. Erica and I will be bringing our two tripod cats, Nova and Frankie, with us to Albany.
I bring many skills with me to this internship. I fancy myself to be a good writer, and I enjoy preaching. I'm one of those strange people who actually likes committee work, and I am a pretty good planner and teacher. I have a gentle nature, am a good listener, but I can also be intense and “fired up” if the situation demands it. My greatest strengths include courage, resiliency, faith, integrity, dedication, loyalty, intelligence, compassion, and an off-beat and sometimes irreverent sense of humor. On the flip side, I can be stubborn as an ox, self-doubting, and overly self-critical. I can be a bit of a perfectionist, though I have been working hard on getting better!
Theologically, I identify as a Theist with a rather interesting mix of Buddhist, Pagan, and Process Theology elements. I love ritual and ceremony, and I find deep meaning and fulfillment in being connected to the Sacred. I am also a Reiki practitioner.
My call to ministry is born out of a deep need to bear witness to the human condition, to work collaboratively to heal the wounds of injustice and oppression, and to give back to this denomination the love, support, and compassion that was so generously and unconditionally given to me. My call compels me to accompany others through all the aspects of their life journeys – celebrations, milestones, and losses, and to serve as a beacon of hope where the light is dim.
Finally, I want to share with you that I identify as a transgender man, having transitioned about eight years ago. This decision was life-changing and life-giving, and has allowed me to grow into the person I always knew myself to be. I am sure that the prospect of having a transgender minister may generate some questions, and I welcome the opportunity to have healthy conversations with you during our time together. I believe that education about transgender issues is an important step in reducing the discomfort some people may have. With that said, I do not wish for this aspect of myself to define who I am both as an individual and as a minister, as I am much more than that label. I have other passions, hobbies, and interests. As we get to know each other over the internship year, I hope that you will come to see me as just Dan, a really cool guy.
In the Spirit,
Dan Miyake
|
|
Religious Exploration on Theme of Possibility
From Soul Matters:
Of all our Soul Matters topics this year, possibility is arguably most central to our faith. It has distinguished Unitarian Universalists from the start. Historically, when others saw depravity and sin at the core of human identity, we saw potential. When many were preaching that this world was fallen, and we should look instead to the hope of an afterlife, we found ourselves falling in love with the possibility of heaven on earth. Theologically, you might say that we were the people that believed that God hadn’t given up on any of us and so we shouldn’t give up on each other or this world. Whatever your own beliefs, our history has led to us being a people of “why not?” Why not give people another chance? Why not fight what seems a losing battle? Why not risk a little failure?
So that’s our religion. But what about us personally? How open have you been recently to “Why not?” How’s your faith in possibility doing? Trusting possibility isn’t so easy for many of us…
…We tell ourselves so many small things about who we and others are. And we know that’s not really because we’re pessimistic. More often than not, it’s about protecting ourselves. There’s comfort in convincing yourself that the work is hopeless; that way you don’t have to try and risk failure, hurt or disappointment yet again.
All of which is to say that maybe being a people of possibility has more to do with being a people of vulnerability and courage than we’ve thought. The work isn’t just about believing in possibility. It’s about being willing to endure a few wounds along the way. It can hurt to be hopeful. Especially with all that is going on in our world and society right now, we need to make room for that.
So maybe the question this month isn’t “Are you ready to lean into possibility?” but “Who’s beside you and who are you bringing along?” “Who have you gathered to patch and pick you up when the path gets bumpy?” After all, no one makes it down the road of possibility alone.
And perhaps that’s the real secret: remembering that “Why not?” is something we all have to say together.
At least we adults need to come together to be open to possibility. As many parents and caretakers can attest, “Why not?” can be a child’s ceaseless question. Our RE program is a unique opportunity for us to come together in our religious community to support the yearnings of our children and youth.
January is a time to start anew in our Sunday school groups.
- Our 3 groups that comprise grades pre-k through 5 will have UU Jams in three upstairs classrooms. The focus for stories and Jams (workshops) is “I Can Make a Difference”, inspired by the Soul Matters theme and the book of the same title by Marion Wright Edelman
- Crossing Paths (grades 6 and 7) will be learning about the Black Baptist church. I’m re-writing the unit from the old Neighboring Faiths curriculum to be more culturally sensitive.
- Our group in grade 8 and 9 will get down to work to prepare for their service trip in March in NYC through YSOP.
- Our high school youth group will be looking outings and service opportunities and also at how create procedures to be accountable for following the covenant and better communications with youth and with parents and caretakers.
In Faith,
Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry
More from our blogs:
|
|
Upcoming Learning Opportunity with the Minister!
|
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
.
|
|
Budget Requests due this Sunday, January 6!
|
Only a few more days to complete your budget requests!
The budget form for submission is at:
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
|
|
Benefit Concert, January 11
|
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.
|
|
Circle Dinner
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
.
UU Humanists
Tuesday, Jan. 15, 7 PM, Room B-8
All interested in learning more about humanism in Unitarian Universalism are welcome to join us.
Find additional information
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
.
|
|
Volunteers needed to work with current RE Group Leaders in January
In January each year we mix things up a bit in RE by offering some groups workshops instead of regular curriculum. We call it UU Jams!
This year's theme is Possibility. Here’s how it works: the children in grades pre-k thru 5 pick which workshop they would like to do each week. We cap the number of kids in each workshop at 8 and each Sunday there will be a regular RE teacher in the room. We'll start our month of Jams on Jan. 6 with Family Chapel on the theme of Possibility; then we’ll have the workshops the following three weeks.
Here are the plans for the Jams:
- Room 24/25: The possibility of nurturing and growing: group art projects or planting bulbs or other kinds of indoor gardening (along with free play in the block area)
- Room 26: The possibility of creativity and reusing – creating “sculptures” out of recycled materials like paper towel rolls, shoe boxes and other recycled cardboard
- Room 21 – the possibility of what’s inside: taking apart old (safe) household appliances – I’ll be asking for broken vacuums, radios, etc.
If one of these sounds like something you’d be willing to help children with any or all of the last 3 Sundays of January, let Leah know at
dre@albanyuu.org
or call or text her cell: 518-487-1536.
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 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!
|
|
 |
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, Jan. 6:
This Sunday is Family Chapel for kids in Pre-K thru grade 7 and their families.
Family Chapel begins at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary and is our monthly family-friendly service. After Family Chapel the kids will go to their classrooms and parents/caretakers are invited to Parent Support Group led by Leah in Room B-8.
Youth group and 8th and 9th grade
will meet in their classrooms at 10:00 AM.
Please see the Announcement and Volunteer sections
above for more opportunities to help with Religious Exploration here at Albany UU!
Guest at Your Table boxes
should be in by Sunday, Jan. 20.
|
|
|
|
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
SRC Recommends the following:
Film: Citizen Clark: A Life of Principle, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 7 - 9 pm, Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar
This film is a 95 minute documentary by Joseph C. Stillman. For the past fifty years, former U.S. Attorney General and Human Rights activist Ramsey Clark has challenged the abuses of U.S. power and championed numerous causes that have affected humanity. He examines his lifetime commitment to movements from Civil Rights, to U.S. wars, to incidents like the Parkland, Florida shooting. As a participant who helped to write some of our country's greatest legislation (The Civil Rights Acts of 1964 & 1968 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 among others), Ramsey Clark's life has been a steadfast example of a truth seeker on a mission to expose the facts. The film stars starring Martin Sheen, Frank Serpico and Ralph Nader. Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Information:518-466-1192.
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.
The Justice Singers of the Capital Region
will lead singing and chanting during the Women's Empowerment March on
Saturday, Jan. 19
, and we welcome your participation. If you have any questions, contact Mark Abendroth at
markabendroth@gmail.com
. Paula Brewer and Liliana Abendroth are also members of the Justice Singers.
|
|
|
|
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:
|
|
|
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.
Judy Gallagher
, a recently "renewed' member who had moved away and has now returned to the area, has been in a car accident. She will need support such as meals and dog walking for starters. Please reach out to the Caring Network for details or contact Sigrin Newell at 518.439.6705.
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 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)
|
|
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
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
