Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Please stay safe and stay connected to your Albany UU Community during this uncertain time in the many ways provided online - all described below.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please
sign up here.
-Blessings and Be Well
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We 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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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE VIA ZOOM
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July 19 Wellspring Highlights
Wellspring offers a place to explore and choose for yourself what’s important for your body, mind and heart. Together we set out on a journey of deep listening and compassionate connection, along with some laughter and fun along the way. Attendees from both the Sources and Sacred Arts program will be presenting!
Music:
Elena Karpoff
NOTE NEW LINK TO JOIN SERVICE!
Use this link to join:
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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES - 10:00 AM
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We are now in summer session!
Albany UU Virtual Summer Services
Summer services continue through September 6.
8:30 a.m. Virtual Sunday Meditation continues through the summer and we will have Virtual Service at 10:00 AM each Sunday. Summer services are coordinated by Randy Rosette, with a delightful list of guests in the pulpit, including Rev. Sam.
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July 26 "A Kaleidoscope of Time and Space,”
Sigrin Newell
We Americans tend to think of time as something fixed, something from which we cannot escape, an ever-present part of our daily lives. As the pandemic shut-downs have demonstrated, we have equally strong opinions about personal spaces and public spaces. That time and space might be experienced in any other way seems unnatural and strange. Yet other cultures envision both time and space in radically different ways. In a global world, these unconscious expectations frequently clash, causing problems for tourists, business people, and politicians. Exploring differing views of time and space adds depth to our practice of UU principles: accepting one another and believing in the dignity of every person.
Dr. Sigrin Newell has been active with Albany UU for more than 30 years. She has given many sermons, sings in the choir and is the music librarian. She retired from Walden University, a distance-learning graduate school where she taught students earning their PhDs in education.
Music:
Alyssa Yeager
Joys and Concerns for Online Services
We have three ways that you can share your joys and concerns.
- One: Use the online form. If you use this form, you can indicate if you would like to have your joys and concerns shared at the Sunday service, and you can leave contact info if you would like a Pastoral Care Associate to follow up with you.
- Two: Email your joy or sorrow to joysandsorrows@albanyuu.org before Sunday morning to have them read aloud during the service
- Three: We will be giving you instructions during the Sunday service about how to share your joys and concerns then.
Sunday Offering
If you would like to make a contribution to the Sunday Offering "Plate", click
https://tinyurl.com/albanyuu-donate
or send your check, with Sunday Offering on the memo line, to the church: 405 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206. Mail is being processed while the building is closed.
Try our text to give option! Simply text the amount and fund (for example: 20 offering or 20 pledge) to
844-976-2618
. There's a
helpful video
to watch with step by step instructions and a informative
written guide
with visuals.
Sunday services will be online via Zoom at 10:00 AM EST. There will be no service, religious education or other activities in the church building until further notice.
NOTE NEW LINK TO JOIN SERVICE!
Use this link to join:
Wearing your Zoom “Name Tag”
When signing into a Zoom worship service on a Sunday morning, you can't put on your traditional name tag to be welcoming to others, but you CAN rename your screen so that it displays your full name. This is the new way to practice hospitality with everyone who is part of the online worship service.
To change your screen name, look for three white dots, usually appearing in the upper right corner of your zoom window when you hover over it with your cursor. Click the dots, and a dropdown menu will appear. One of the options in the dropdown menu is "Rename." Click that option, and a box will pop up that displays the name currently showing in your Zoom window. If it's not your full name or names, change it to your name(s) and click the "Save" button.
If you have any questions, feel free to send an Usher a message in the Chat on a Sunday or email Tammy Hathaway - admin@albanyuu.org anytime. Thanks for taking this extra step to be welcoming!
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Start your Sunday Morning with Meditation - 8:30 - 9:15 AM
Sunday morning meditation, led by Rev. Sam, begins with a ten-minute talk by Sharon Salzberg or Joseph Goldstein from their course on Insight Meditation. We will sit together for twenty minutes then have some conversation about the talk, meditation methods or experiences followed by a live loving kindness meditation.
NOTE NEW LINK TO JOIN MEDITATION!
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone call: 1-929-436-2866 and enter
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM every Tuesday
, the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom and discuss their topic of the day. All are welcome.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone, call: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
Albany UU Sings -- Dates for Summertime!
Sing along in Virtual Community on the following Wednesdays for the Summertime:
July 22
August 5 and August 19
At 7:00 PM,
join your friends and sing your heart out! We will supply the music and the lyrics. Hope to see you there.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID: 935725639
Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on
Wednesday, July 29 at 10:00 AM.
(Apologies for having the next date incorrect in the last round of publications!)
Use this link to join:
To dial by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 970 3238 2631
Password: 0000
Note:
We are taking a break from Congregational Checkins at this point. Stay tuned for more info.
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Our Inclusivity Team is offering resources for our ongoing education and reflection to address white supremacy culture at Albany UU. Are you finding that you have some time for reading and watching videos these days? Consider settling in with this book.
For adults and youth
(with guidance, as needed):
White Fragility: Why it's so hard for white people to talk about racism, by Robin DiAngelo (2018). In our culture, with its legacy of slavery, we have continued de facto segregation and gross disparities. Covid-19 and the murder of George Floyd and others has made those disparities more obvious than ever. Why do white people have difficulty talking about it? How does that difficulty manifest in our human relations? How can we talk about racism in a more effective way?
There are currently 30 members of SRC, Inclusivity Team, the Board of Trustees, RE Council, and Ministries and Operations Team engaged in discussion groups to work through White Fragility together with a facilitator from outside the congregation. There may be future discussion groups open to the whole congregation. Digital, audio, and hard copies from the library have a long wait, so make your request now. Market Block Books (518.328.0045), in Troy, has many copies of the book available in the store at the time of this writing. Mention Albany UU for a group discount on the book during July and August. The audio book is available for download purchase via Audible.
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT...
...about 405 Washington Avenue
Patti Jo Newell, President of the First UU Society of Albany
Recent news items concerning houses of worship may make it seem like Albany UU will soon reopen for limited use. And we’ve been getting inquiries about rentals. But, at this point in time, our physical plant remains closed for use outside of maintenance. The Board of Trustees has begun discernment over factors that need to be considered and requirements that must be met in determining a timetable and procedures for reopening. While we will not be opening the building in the near future, we are heartened by the strength of our congregation and the community we’ve maintained outside of our building. Many thanks to each of you for the life you breathe into our congregation.
Though we know we will not be opening our building in the near future, the Board has appointed a Task Force to begin discernment and communications regarding the reopening process.
Photo credit: Jeannie Thompson
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Scheduling Zoom Meetings
We currently have two zoom accounts that we can use for meetings. To request a Zoom meeting, please do so just as you would when requesting a room to use in our building - using Church Database. When you choose your resources, or "room", choose between Zoom 1 and Zoom 3. There are links to instructions below. This is the preferred method but requests can also be sent via email to Sapphire: office@albanyuu.org.
When you send an email, please have a few dates and times that will work for your meeting to minimize a lot of time consuming negotiating. Thank you!
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Albany UU Chill Summer Camp!
We still can’t be together in person, but Leah’s creating some fun ways for families and guides to stay connected this summer. The first session of Chill Summer Camp is four evenings a week and runs through Thursday, July 30. We’ll have evening gatherings Monday – Thursday starting at 7:00 pm for about 45 minutes.
Password 4051842
AND families and guides can connect anytime on a new Chill Summer Camp platform.
Leah has created an online space using a new platform called Mighty Networks. It’s like our own private Facebook with no ads and no algorithms. You can participate on this platform whether you come to the evening sessions or not. So little kids can contribute too! Sign up now and check out topic prompts.
https://tinyurl.com/ChillSummerCamp
Middle School Summer Camp Registration is Live!
From Shannon Harper, UUA staff who works with youth in our region:
Mark your calendars:
The next Church Brunch for RE community is Aug 2nd at 11:30!
Story Time with Tracey is wrapping up
: They are finishing A Good Kind of Trouble this Friday, July 16 with an extended session.
When and how will the RE program start up?
Details are in Leah’s summer newsletter, the Summer Sizzler!
This is for all the adults involved in Religious Education – parents and caretakers, guides and RE Council members.
https://mailchi.mp/4d8f98583cd9/updated-info-5012222
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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.
Join us in keeping our members and friends in your thoughts as they share their joys and concerns.
Member, Michael Hornsby
shares a sorrow: "My Aunt Helen H. Martin, age 94, the last of my father's 12 siblings, recently passed away. We could not have the funeral she deserved in Louisiana due to Covid 19."
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: Sharon Babala, Chuck Manning, Donna Meixner, Dan Miyake, Phil Rich, Randy Rosette, Dee VanRiper and Erik F. vonHausen.
Albany UU Caring Network
The Caring Network (CN) reflects the words of the Albany UU chalice lighting - “to sustain a vital and nurturing religious community.” The CN provides encouragement and short term support to Albany UU members who, due to hospitalization, sickness, loss, or isolation, need assistance. Services typically include transportation to medical appointments, meals and shopping during recovery, and friendly “check in’s” from Caring Network members. Please reach out to the
Caring Network
.
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A big THANK YOU to Eileen Hoffman for refinishing our Paul and Abigail Jones memorial benches. They look wonderful!
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Renew, Refresh and Relax at Silver Bay
D
o you feel as though the summer is moving too fast? Keep the good times rolling! Come to the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from
October 16-18, 2020
to build and strengthen relationships and nurture spirit, mind and body. Learn, play and hang out with your fellow UU’s before winter sets in.
Join us for this annual celebration! First-timers will receive an additional 10% discount! Children under 6 are free and there are substantial discounts for older children and youth.
If you find yourself cleaning out your house, don’t forget to save gently used items for young and old alike for the annual auction.
Fill out a registration form
here
and follow the mailing instructions.
Note:
We are currently experiencing a time of social distancing and cancellations of group gatherings due to Covid-19.
Silver Bay staff has assured us that the facility is and will continue to follow all appropriate local, state and federal guidelines and protocols related to COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all staff and guests. Updates on those guidelines and protocols will be provided in our publicity. The most current guidance in effect will be shared with attendees just prior to the weekend.
Registered particpants who decide not to attend will be able to request a full refund up to two weeks prior to the start date of the UU Weekend. If the Weekend is cancelled altogether abecause of continued or reinstated social restrictions, all registered participants will receive a full refund.
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Virtual Service Ushers
This is a great opportunity to volunteer on a Sunday morning!
Ushers are needed on Sunday mornings to help provide a welcoming, safe and enjoyable virtual experience.
W
e need folks who would be willing to volunteer to help. Tammy will provide a quick and simple training. PLEASE contact her if you'd like to learn more:
admin@albanyuu.org.
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.
YOU can make a difference!
We at Albany UU are making an effort to increase our visibility and connectivity online. YOU can help, and it's quick and easy! Simply like, follow and share pages and posts on any of our social media platforms, or leave a positive Facebook or Google review. Google Albany UU or find us here:
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Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
Helpful Local Links
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Publication deadlines
This is an important reminder that the news and article deadline for Windows Weekly is
9:00 AM on Monday.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sign up for an online class
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Regular events and meetings
Some of these events and meetings will continue online, however dates and times may vary,
especially during the summer months.
Please contact the Team or Group Leader or email
admin@albanyuu.org
if you have questions.
Sundays
11:45 AM Inclusivity Team (2nd)
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, Nov., Feb., May)
Tuesdays
10:00 AM Philosophy Discussion (weekly)
Wednesdays
10:00 AM Ps and Qs (July 15, 29)
Thursdays
1:00 PM All Sides Considered
(1st & 3rd - except during the summer months)
6:30 PM Board of Trustees (4th)
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Going to miss a Sunday?
Online service is generally recorded
"Religion, Sex and Politics: A Conversation for Polite Company" with Rabbi Dennis Ross
watch it here.
Building Justice, Equity and Compassion in Human Relations: A Trauma-Informed Perspective with Jaye Holly and Danisha Burnett-Bonner, May 17,
watch it here
HMUU Join Service with Paula Cole Jones, Sunday, April 5,
watch it here
Community of Communities workshop with Paula Cole Jones,
watch it here
For previous services, before quarantine:
You can listen to the entire Albany UU Sunday service at home or on your mobile device. March 1 and 8 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 (
http://members.albanyuu.org/wp/ -
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 - when the building reopens:
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:
The Albany UU Office is closed during this time of physical distancing. Sam, Leah, Tammy and Sapphire have their messages forwarded to their personal cell phones and are available by email.
Websites
Zoom use
To
reserve Zoom
for an Albany UU online meeting, contact Administrative Assistant Sapphire Correa (518.463.7135 or
office@albanyuu.org
).
Photo credit: Jeannie Thompson
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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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