Windows Weekly September 6 , 2018
Albany UU Windows Weekly
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
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
September 9, "Water Knows No Border," Rev. Sam Trumbore

This is our traditional homecoming service . Each year during the service we gather water from our travels in a common bowl to symbolize the start of our fall season together. Water also symbolizes how we all share a common humanity. We don’t fence off some water as illegal because it comes from some particular country. All water is welcomed here just as all people are welcome here.

Music: Albany UU Choir sings "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "All Through the Night"
Sunday Services
10:00 am


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 TBA


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 Sunday is THIS Sunday, September 9!
Bring water (real or virtual) gathered during your summer (at home or away) to symbolize the regathering of our community.

Plan on lunch after the service! Everyone is invited to a light lunch in Channing hall right after the service. Please bring a “finger food” to share (no utensils and no heating up needed!): sandwiches (cut in half), raw veggies, fruit, cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, or other appetizers. Drop off your contribution that morning in the kitchen. This is a nice time to catch up with friends and meet some new people after the summer’s activities. See you then!


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.

September art exhibit and upcoming 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 on Sunday Sept. 16 immediately following coffee hour.

Check it out!
Keep up with what's happening for children and families and other events by checking out Leah's e-News!

Picnic in the Park
The first day of Sunday school is 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. 
Sunday Schedule

9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation
9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open
10:00 AM
- Multigenerational Service, Community Hall
11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour and Homecoming Lunch - Channing Hall




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


Staff

Minister
Rev. Sam Trumbore, minister@albanyuu.org  

Church Administrator
Tammy Hathaway, admin@albanyuu.org

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

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

Volunteer Music Associates
Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen

Administrative Assistant
Sapphire Correa, office@albanyuu.org

Religious Education Assistant
Elizabeth Baldes, reassist@albanyuu.org

Custodian
Izzy Wright
John Cross Legacy Society member reception
Members of the John Cross Legacy Society were thanked for their participation at a wine and cheese reception in June, sponsored by Albany UU's Endowment Trust. (Not all members of the society are pictured here.) See above for information on how to join the John Cross Legacy Society.
Religious Exploration - The Power (and Potential Danger) of Story
From the Soul Matters program:

“There’s one quote we all need to remember this month. The author is unknown, but they’ve given us a great gift. Here it is: ‘What will mess you up most in life is the picture in your head of how it is supposed to be.’

But isn’t having and using a vision crucial to guide our businesses, our congregation, parenting, for those who have children; perhaps even our lives? We know that having a vision helps us weather difficult circumstances; to keep to our goals; to keep on walking our talk; to give us strength when our 12-year-old whines, “But everyone else’s mom/dad is letting them do it/have one/go!”

And we also know the value of flexibility, of being open to the possibilities that change brings. Learning more about how we are living in our white supremacy culture makes us realize that, though our motives may be good, we do not always have all the skills we need to create a worthy vision. Our colleagues in the Soul Matters program remind us, “As Unitarian Universalists, we also know that one vision isn’t enough. As clear as our perspectives may be, we all know by now that none is complete. To see the entire view, we need everyone’s vantage point…

… and holding tightly to one single vision is also just no fun! We don’t just have to see things from others’ points of view; we get to see things from others’ points of view! Learning about the visions of others isn’t just a way of making up for your flawed perspective. It’s also an invitation to see the world anew!”
We can choose to see the world as children do. Letting go of the visions we worked so hard to create and cling to can be difficult, but having an expansive horizon ahead can be exhilarating. Like children and youth, we can fill up some of that space by learning and growing.

Here’s a challenging exercise for us this month – write your own vision statement - for just this church year - in just one sentence. You could just make the exercise a matter of answering one or both of the following questions: “How do I want to be different when this church year comes to an end?” and/or “What do I want to have done when this church year ends?” in one sentence each.
For some more support, check out these videos:

And then I invite you to share your one sentence response on the graffiti board in the basement hallway. That way our upper elementary children can see it too. Maybe you’ll inspire one of them to write their own. Or maybe one of the children’s sentences will inspire you!

Here’s to a fabulous new year in our Religious Education Program and the life of our congregation!

In faithful service,

Leah

Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry


More from Our Blogs




Upcoming Learning and Discussion Opportunities with the Minister!
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. Send an email to registrations@albanyuu.org to sign up. 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 responsible 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 of 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 of Hope by Rebecca Parker and John Buerhens. Find out more here .
What is Family Ministry?
Leah Purcell’s job title has changed to include Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry. Family Ministry means building strong connections between families and the congregation; and supporting parents and caregivers in being their children’s primary religious educators. More simply put, we're going to work together to find what families need to feel equipped in fostering UU identity and our faith for children. Leah’s first offering under her new title is:

Video Games; Phones and Social Media – Workshop for Parents and Caregivers to manage your child’s screens to maximize health, connections, and values
Sunday, Sept. 30, 11:30 am
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 .

UPCOMING EVENTS
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 5:30 pm in Channing Hall. Bring your favorite dish to share and a small contribution to cover beverages. We will discuss Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. Find more information here.

Sheridan Preparatory Academy Playground Celebration
On Friday, 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 .

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. Watch for more information next week. In the meantime, contact Julie Lomoe at julielomoe@gmail.com if you're interested in attending as the group's size will be limited.

Bring the People and Pets You Love!
Sign up for a photo session at Albany UU and bring your family and friends – including the four-legged members! It’s easy to make an appointment to make sure that you are part of the new Albany UU Photo Directory:
·          Sunday after the service
·          Call a Lifetouch representative at 1.866.756.0281 and tell them you want to schedule a photo session for the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany. Find available dates/times and more information here.

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 .

Motivation for UU Weekend!
"I haven't gone to Silver Bay in a long time, but given that the speaker is William Schultz (I am especially interested in his work with refugees) and the new dining hall, I'm looking forward to getting back there."  
- Seth Edelman

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 .
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!

Gardening Volunteers
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.
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 e-News .
 
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.
Here's the link to the 2018-19 RE Calendar

Now is the time to register your child for 2018- 19 RE!  
Avoid the rush and 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.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair, email

Screening of American Socialist
Saturday, September 8, at 7:30 PM, the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District kicks off its 2018-19 film series with the screening of "American Socialist: The Life and Times of Eugene Victor Debs" (2018, 97 minutes). Find our more here .

Peace Team - Capital District Coalition Against Islamophobia Meeting
Sunday, Sept. 9, 6 PM, Community Hall
CDCAI will meet to consider issues and actions.

Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Ask a Candidate.  It’s election season, with a primary on September 13 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.)

Advanced Care Directives: The Dementia Provision. Death with Dignity Albany invites you to attend a presentation by Judith Schwartz, RN, PhD, and the Clinical Director of End of Life Choices New York, on September 12 from 11:30-1:30 at the Bethlehem Public Library . Find more information here .
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.

With concern we share that member Ed Ryman has been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Ed and his wife Lea welcome your prayers (if appropriate), positive thoughts, and well wishes. Cards are welcome. Please use the  Caring Bridge site  for details and updates. Their direct Caring Bridge link is  https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/leaandedryman
Their address is 5 Croswell St., Albany, NY 12206.

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 (1st)
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)
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