Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's email news and updates. We're trying something new! We are combining our Weekly Preview email and our monthly Windows newsletter into a central source for all things Albany UU! This means that instead of a monthly newsletter, you will receive a weekly email newsletter. We ask for your patience as we make this transition and we welcome your feedback.
-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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August 5, "A Ritual to Read to Each Other," Philomena Moriarty
How can we live with honesty and integrity? How can we live in compassion and love? There often feels like there is a tension between these values. It is by living with this tension that Love becomes the fierce force it needs to be. It is how we can live in community as whole people.
In this service we will explore the poem A Ritual to Read to Each Other by William Stafford and what it has to teach us about authenticity, love and the ability to live together in community.
Philomena Moriarty is a psychotherapist in private practice and a poet who has written the book,
My Moon Self - A Spiritual Memoir through Poetry.
Music:
The Beverwyck Madrigal Singers with Ann Brandon on piano
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Summer Sundays
August 12, "Reclaiming My Time," Rev. Kimberly Debus
Over the past year, we have seen women and more than a few men say "enough" to misogyny, sexual violence, and a culture that devalues half the population. What does it mean to not only have, but promote a new vision of a world that no longer needs #metoo?
Rev. Debus works as a community minister; she inspires congregations to more artful and art-filled worship, congregational life, and public witness.
Music:
Randy Rosette
August 19, "What kind of person is a prophet," Joe Paparone
The prophetic tradition, transformation, justice, and Sanctuary.
Joe Paparone earned a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He volunteers with New Sanctuary for Immigrants, ICE-Free Capital District, and Capital Area Against Mass Incarceration.
Music:
Al DeSalvo
August 26, "I know something you don't know," Rev. Lynn Ashley
This singsong taunt that may haunt us from the playgrounds of our childhoods may serve to remind us of the power associated with knowing secrets. It may serve as well to remind us there could be a price associated with knowing those secrets. The lessons associated with price and power, connected with some of the most powerful secrets of our families and associations (some of them carried throughout the generations); and the sense of being ‘in’ or ‘out’ (depending), are likely to influence the course of our lives.
Rev. Ashley is a longtime friend of Albany UU where she was ordained. Recently retired, she lives in Voorheesville with her husband and their cat.
Music:
Ann Brandon
September 2, "A Dark Night of the Soul - In Which You Take an Exquisite Risk," Diane Cameron
A new year begins at Labor Day, and we look around our lives and ask, “What comes next?” and “What should go?”, and we welcome the inevitable invitation to take a risk.
Diane is passionate about advocacy for people living in poverty and for family caregivers. She is a director at Unity House in Troy and is also a spiritual coach and retreat leader.
Music:
Randy Rosette
Summer at Albany UU
Our summer services continue through September 2.
How is a summer Sunday at Albany UU different from other Sundays?
--The 9:00 am
Meditation
continues.
--We have
Service
at 10:00 am. Summer services are coordinated by Randy Rosette, with a delightful list of guests in the pulpit.
--Rather than offering programming for children this summer, we are offering child care for children ages 7 and younger. One room will be for infants and toddlers, the other for ages 3 to 7. Children and youth ages 8 and up attend the service with their families.
--
Coffee Hour
becomes Iced Tea and Lemonade (in Community Hall Alcove.)
--The
people
you've enjoyed all year are still here, plus it's a time we often have visitors who are on their summer voyages from elsewhere.
--Contributions of
flowers from your garden
for the service are welcome!
--
If you can volunteer to help
on a Sunday, we have openings for Greeters and Ushers. Sign up
here
anytime! You can also call the office, 518-463-7135, or sign up at
members.albanyuu.org
under Volunteer Opportunities.
--For more information about Summer Sundays, click
here.
--Note that office hours for August are: 9:00-1:00 M-Th.
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Summer Sunday Schedule
9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation
9:45 AM
- Childcare rooms open (ages 7 and younger)
10:00 AM
- Service, Community Hall
11:00 AM
- Fellowship Hour - Community Hall Alcove
Leah's weekly RE Newsletter
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)
Staff
Minister
Church Administrator
Director of Religious Education
Music Director
Dr. Richard Porterfield,
Administrative Assistant
Religious Education Assistant
Custodian
Izzy Wright
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Pondering the Ethics of Dissent
Philomena, our adult son Andrew and I just returned from a week at the Chautauqua Institute on the western banks of Lake Chautauqua in far western New York near the border with Pennsylvania. This was our third visit in as many years. The first year I went as the UU minister of the week, staying at the UU house on the grounds, one of 22 denominational houses among up to five to seven thousand guests during the summer. Last year, my father and sister joined us in a house we rented together as we did again this year. Chautauqua is a lovely place to have a family reunion for a week.
There are few places in the world quite like Chautauqua. It started in 1874 as a Methodist Sunday School camp meeting that had immediate popularity. Almost immediately the leaders started building buildings and participants began building houses. Over the years it evolved into a 9 week summer program starting at the end of June and going through August. Each week has a theme with a featured speaker each day in the newly renovated Amphitheater that seats up to 4400 people. There are afternoon speakers as well in the outdoor Hall of Philosophy. In the evening there are entertaining performances that include their own orchestra. We heard a delightful Beethoven festival with three concerts this past week along with an acrobatic group from China. This is mixed in with opportunities for worship, meditation and yoga in different spiritual and religious venues.
The overall experience is a feast for the mind, the senses, and the spirit. It feels like participating in a utopian interfaith spiritual community I wouldn’t mind living in all year around. Sadly the price of admission to this delightful experience isn’t cheap when the cost of accommodations is factored in. Still, I find it a wonderful experience each year in a beautiful setting (find out more at chq.org).
Our theme of “week five” was the “Ethics of Dissent.” We heard from historian Ralph Young who reminded us that the United States was born of dissent and hasn’t stopped dissenting. In fact the freedom to dissent has been one of the marks of our civil society. I was very interested to learn from Rev. Dr. Otis Moss how Marvel Comics have voiced dissent through their characters from the beginning. I hadn’t realized the back story for the X-Men was civil rights era racism. And I learned about new characters to check out like Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. As someone who never read comic books, I regret the education in dissent I’ve been missing.
We learned about an organization called PEN America from its executive director Susanne Nossel that defends writers around the world and here at home against censorship. We heard contemporary Black voices of dissent Edwin Lindo, Tamika Mallory and Sean King and a controversial columnist for the New York Times, Bari Weiss, discussing seven “dirty” words for the progressive world today (teaser alert).
Some of what I gleaned and the books they wrote and referenced all went in to my digital assistant’s memory for future use in a sermon series I’m planning for November on the state of America today, what’s wrong, what’s good, and what needs transformation (with our help). I enjoy Chautauqua even more knowing I can bring some of it back to share with you on Sunday.
Rev. Sam
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There have been some changes in Religious Education staffing here at Albany UU. At her request, Leah Purcell is moving to three quarter time, so that she can pursue interests outside of her work at Albany UU. And her job title has changed to 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.
After a very competitive hiring process, Elizabeth Baldes was offered and has accepted the new role as part time RE Program Assistant. Elizabeth is a long-time member and volunteer at Albany UU. She is a graduate of Empire State College and is also currently a preschool teacher at New Covenant Nursery School.
Elizabeth will take on administrative and clerical tasks for the RE program and the routine support for the Sunday morning RE volunteers; and work with Leah to plan events like training sessions. She will also substitute for Leah in her Sunday morning duties once a month.
Welcome Elizabeth!
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14
th
Anniversary of Arrests of Albany Muslims - Aref and Hossain
On this
Saturday, Aug. 4
, the Muslim Solidarity Committee will sponsor events to mark the 14
th
anniversary of the arrests in 2004 of Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain, two Albany Muslims later convicted in 2006 on spurious terrorism charges in a shameful "sting" trial. The events are free and open to all.
Starting at
5:30 pm on Aug. 4
, supporters will gather outside the Masjid As-Salam, 280 Central Ave., for a rally. Aref was the imam there at the time of his arrest; Hossain was a co-founder of the mosque. Supporters will then march a few blocks to the First Unitarian Universalist Society, 405 Washington Ave., where dinner will be served at 6 pm. At 7 pm, the Project SALAM Players will perform a short play written by Steve Downs, "To Catch a Muslim."
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September 9
Bring water
(real or virtual) gathered during your summer (at home or away) to symbolize the regathering of our community.
Send a couple photos
by Sept. 1
of your summer for inclusion in the slideshow to:
photos@albanyuu.org
.
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!
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Memorial Service - Evan Wrightington
A memorial service for Evan Wrightington, Lucy Wrightington's son, will be held this
Sunday, August 5 at 1:00 pm in the Sanctuary
. Light refreshments will follow in Channing Hall. We have permission to park in the UAlbany Hawley Lot for this event.
Green Sanctuary Committee planning potluck
Sunday, August 5, 5:00 pm
, at the home of Kathy Harris at 96 Homestead Avenue, Albany. Bring your good ideas for the next year, a dish to share, and be prepared to have fun.
Congregational Conversation
The 175th Anniversary Environmental Committee, in answer to their charge from the Board, recommended a number of improvements to our Lobby and the Community Hall Corridor. Funds have been made available to undertake the initial phase of these improvements. There will be a Congregational Conversation on
Wednesday evening, August 8 at 7:00 pm in Channing Hall
. Members of the Committee will be present to explain the scope of the improvements.
Memorial Service - Stephen Dolben
A memorial service will be held for Stephen Dolben, Linda Way's son, on
Sunday, August 19 at 1:30 pm in the Sanctuary
, followed by a reception in Channing Hall. Contributions of finger foods for the reception are welcomed and encouraged. We have permission to park in the UAlbany Hawley Lot for this event.
Walker Book Club
Get ready for the
September 9, 5:30 pm
discussion of the Walker Book Group by reading the longer, summer book,
Pachinko
by Min Jin Lee. This book was selected as one of The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2017. Bring your favorite dish to share and a small contribution to cover beverages. Find more information
here
!
Albany UU Photo Directory – Connecting Our Congregation!
Be part of the Albany UU photo directory, coming this fall! Help us build a tool that will enable all of us to put names with faces. Bring your family to a photo session at Albany UU, and you will receive a complimentary 8x10 photograph as well as the opportunity to purchase additional photos, if you choose. Every family will receive a printed and mobile Albany UU photo directory. Find more information
here
!
UU Weekend’s Silver Anniversary at Silver Bay: Great Line-up!
Friends, fun, fellowship and fall foliage await you at a fantastic setting on Lake George! Please join us at the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from
October 12-14, 2018
.
Dr. William Schulz, former director of both Amnesty International and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), will address "Is Dignity Obsolete?" as this year’s featured Jeanne Blank Memorial speaker. Find more information
here
!
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Job opening at Albany UU
We are accepting applications for a Lead Youth Adviser. Complete information can be found at
albanyuu.org/employment
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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 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.
See also - volunteer opportunity under the SRC heading below.
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RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
Keep up with what's happening for children and families and other events by checking out
Leah's e-News
.
On Sunday, the childcare rooms
open starting at 9:45 AM (ages 7 and under)
Summer calendar at a glance:
- The Nursery/Toddler Room
is open each week from 9:45 to 11:20
- Summer Session of Religious Services and Childcare through Sept. 2:
*Childcare for infants through age 7 will be in the Nursery and in Room 24/25
*Children and youth ages 8 and up will attend the service with their families
- September 9
- Multigenerational Homecoming and Water Ceremony Service
- September 16
- Sunday School Resumes
Summer Meet Up in Washington Park Sunday, Aug. 19
Join families and other adults from Albany UU to picnic and play in Washington Park after the service (around 11:30). Bring your own lunch, chairs, blanket and your favorite lawn games. We’ll meet near the playground. Bring a friend! It's a great time to invite families you know who are interested in our community!
RE Volunteers – mark your calendars for a development session on Saturday, Sept 8, 9:00-noon
This is an important meeting for those of you volunteering in RE this fall – Sunday morning group leaders, nursery/toddler volunteers, and youth advisers – to get a refresher on our safety policy and learn signs of child abuse and neglect. You’ll get some pointers on how to use the curriculum to meet the needs of your group and ways to make your Sunday morning sessions run more smoothly.
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.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
Volunteers requested
PAUSE (People of Albany United for Safe Energy) has partnered with the city of Albany to turn the Albany Jazz Festival into a zero waste event. On
Saturday, Sept. 8, 1:00-9:00 pm
they will attempt to redirect vendors and the public alike from throwing their food waste into the trash. They will provide compostable buckets and bags for the refuse instead.
PAUSE is asking for help.
Please see the
flyer
for details. The most important thing you can do is to let Sandy Steubing know that you can help on Sept. 8 by devoting an hour or two of your time.
Sandy Steubing 518-268-7045 or ssteub@gmail.com.
ANNUAL MEETING ELECTION
RESULTS
NOTE
- A correction has been made in the Social Responsibilities Council.
Asterisk (*) denotes incumbent continuing in their position.
President: Dick Dana
Vice-President: Patti Jo Newell
Secretary: Linda Hunt
Treasurer: Reese Satin
Ass’t. Treasurer: Seth Edelman
Religious Education Chair: Jim Hutchins
Social Responsibilities Chair: Matt Lesniak
Board of Trustees
Annika Pfluger*, Lee Newberg*, Nancy Shay*, Molly Daniels*, Meredith Andrews (3 yrs.), Frederick Eames (3 yrs.)
Endowment Trust
Jan McCracken*, John Cooley*, Tom Mercer*, Jeff English (2 yrs), Jon Newell (5 yrs.)
Nominating Committee
Kathy Hodges*, Bob Franklin*, Mary Applegate*, Al DeSalvo*, Sharon Babala (3 yrs.), Pat Bailey (3 yrs.)
Social Responsibilities Council
Carol Butt*, Elena Reynolds*, Jean Poppei *, Ann Von Linden *, Zach Cunningham (1 yr), Michael Braunstein (3 yrs.), Karen Kaufmann (3 yrs.)
Religious Education Council
Amy Jesaitis, Becky Edvalson*, Elizabeth Baldes*, Tracie Tilgner*, Paula Brewer*, Michele Desrosiers*, Sheila Gray*, Liz Halvorsen*, Leah Akins (3 yrs.), Mike Myers (3 yrs.), Ela Kessel (3 yrs.)
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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.
Dockters Move to Florida Permanently
Marilyn and Arden Dockter have decided to make Florida their permanent home and would love to hear from people at Albany UU! Their new address is: 37 Grizzley Bear Path, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Marilyn's Cell Phone: 518.281.1704; Arden's Cell Phone: 518.369.8266
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: Dave Munro, Chuck Manning, Phil Rich, Randy Rosette, Sandy Stone, and Lisa Barron.
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Regular events and meetings
Exceptions: It’s summer! Many of the “regular" activities listed below don’t take place in the summer. Call the church office if you want to find out if an event or meeting will take place.
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)
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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: 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.
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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
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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