Windows Weekly April 22, 2021
ALBANY UU WINDOWS WEEKLY
Greetings Friends,

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

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

Learn more about what's happening with UU Kids and Families by reading the Religious Education publication, RE Roundup.

-Blessings and Be Well
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
LIVE on ZOOM

Main Service at 10:00 AM, Children's Service at 11:30 AM

Begin your Sunday morning with Rev. Sam guiding an 8:30 Virtual Meditation session until 9:15. We then have Virtual Service beginning at 10:00 each Sunday and a chance to stay online for virtual
"Coffee Hour" followed by RE for ALL, at 11:30.

Use this link to join Sunday service:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000

April 25, “Becoming Wise,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Wisdom is different than knowledge, skills or understanding. Wisdom is knowing when to use knowledge and skills. That wisdom isn’t as easy to learn. Maybe it takes a lifetime to become wise. We’ll reflect together on the process of becoming wise.

Music provided by special guest: Tanya Hotalen, recorder; Elena Karpoff

We will be introducing our newest Albany UU members to the congregation during service!

Those wishing to access closed captioning/live transcript can turn on the function in their Zoom toolbar. To update to the latest version of Zoom, please do that within the software by finding the menu link and “check for updates”.

Use this link to join Sunday service:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


Focus Food Pantry
Please consider a contribution to the Focus Food Pantry this Sunday. Online donations can be made here or directly to Focus Churches, here, or you may send your check to the church with FOCUS on the memo line. Thank you for your help.


Join us for Family Chapel for Children and Families at 11:30 AM
We’ll wrap up the theme of the month – Becoming– and celebrate Earth Day with the story “The Day You Begin”. Family Chapel is a short worship for children, youth, their parents/caretakers and the RE guides. It includes the story for the week. Then we have break out rooms for each group in 8th grade and younger for their group sessions.
SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION






The Albany UU Service year continues through
June 13

Summer Services begin Sunday, June 20, 10:00 AM



Lighting Our Chalice
Lighting and extinguishing the chalice during our Sunday services is a meaningful and important ritual in our UU tradition. We would like to make this ritual more personal and special for our congregation by featuring congregants, i.e. you and your family! 

You are invited to record videos of lighting and extinguishing a chalice and saying a few words about what the ritual means to you. Then we can use these videos in future Zoom services.

Leah Purcell posted a lovely blog piece about chalice lighting, which you can find here. Leah writes eloquently about both the meaning and significance of the ritual – and the logistics of making/getting a chalice and recording yourself.

Check out Leah’s blog, and please consider creating a personal contribution for our Sunday services. Assistance with the logistics will gladly be provided. Thank you so much!

Joys and Concerns for Online Services
Learn about the three ways that you can share your joys and concerns.


Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!


Adult RE for ALL, Sunday Offering and other Information
For more information about Sunday service, Zoom, Adult RE for ALL, Sunday Offering, and other important Sunday morning details, check out our Sunday at a Glance page here.
WELCOME NEW ALBANY UU MEMBERS!
Join us this Sunday, April 25 as we introduce our new members to the congregation during
our virtual service.

Use this link to join:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Cynthia Johnson
 
Cynthia is 62 years old and was raised within Unitarian Universalism. She has zig-zagged North through NYS during her life and currently lives in Berne (Western Albany County). She has 2 amazing daughters (though she is sure everyone’s daughters are amazing). Cynthia has been trying to homestead since 1979, in addition to having a fulltime job. Currently she has a garden, bees, chicks and woods to steward, as well as a pond to have fun swimming in. She loves sewing, embroidery, knitting, reading, cooking and building, but has little time for any one thing. Her outdoor activities include kayaking, hiking, walking and camping.
Susan Kalia
 
Susan was born in California and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As the 2nd child, she was always fighting her dad’s authority and getting into trouble with him. He had a PhD and thought MDs were “stupid - just looked things up in a book, no original thinking!” Susan got her MD in 1979, did her residency in Internal Medicine and practiced in Detroit Receiving Hospital Emergency Dept for years. She moved to this area several times over the years, with two different husbands. Her most important accomplishment: her daughter, Tania (named after Che Guevara’s girlfriend of course) who will turn 50 next month! She has nine beautiful grandkids (Tania had two of them and the rest are from my blended family!) She is looking to meet people with liberal, loving outlooks in life
Valerie Kavanaugh

Valerie lives in Averill Park with her husband Charlie and their two springer spaniels. Her children, Shawn and Meegan, are married, and Val has three grandchildren. She taught high school English. After retirement, she taught theater and creative writing at HVCC and volunteered at USCRI and Centro Civico, teaching English as a New language. Besides family and teaching, Val writes plays and directs community theater. She loves to travel, especially if the travel involves hiking, and enjoyed walking the Inca Trail and England’s “Coast to Coast” Trail. In the past, Val has attended Albany UU occasionally; Covid pushed her to follow her beliefs, leaving a more traditional church. She’s looking forward to meeting UU members in person!
Ireta London

Ireta found Albany UU through the Deacon whose parish was located at Capital District Psychiatric Center (CDPC) Interfaith Chapel. She recently retired from CDPC after working in city and state service for 35 years as an Occupational Therapist - which included working on Sundays. At age 55, she achieved her dream of being the first in her family to obtain a doctorate degree. Ireta presently works as an adjunct professor at Russell Sage School of Health Sciences. She lives in Troy, New York with her husband. She has a 27-year-old son. Ireta's favorite hobbies are playing the Mountain Dulcimer, knitting, reading, crafting, and until last year, traveling. She is so excited about continuing her spiritual journey with Albany UU.
Chieko Reed

Chieko was born, raised and educated in Japan. 30+ years ago, she met her future husband, a visiting American, when she worked as an interpreter/translator of the same company he worked for. She moved to the USA. Since then, she and her small family moved to several domestic and international locations including Switzerland and Philippines. Her first encounter with anything to do with Unitarian Universalism happened one day in her Geneva days when she stood where Michel Servet (aka Michael Servetus) was burned alive with his books in 1553. 
She was with UUCP in Princeton for the last several years. She and her husband Bruce (a Presbyterian) are in the process of moving from New Jersey to the Capital Region; closer to her son and his family in the Berkshires. Her hobbies include word games, reading and water-coloring.
Shannon Simpson

Shannon started attending Albany UU after the death of her partner because she was seeking a community. She found the people at Albany UU were very welcoming and it didn’t take long for her to find that this is what she was looking for. Shannon is a single mom of her 3 nephews and she has 3 dogs. She is a photographer, artist and poet. She likes walking barefoot to feel the energy of the earth. Shannon also likes to garden and is a “tree hugger”. Her beliefs include many of the pagan and Buddhist principles. 
From left to right: Cynthia Johnson, Ireta London, Valerie Kavanaugh, Rev. Sam, Susan Kalia,
Shannon Simpson with Mekei (missing from the group photo: Chieko Reed)
ALBANY UU ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, May 16, 2021
 
10:00 AM   Virtual Service via Zoom
11:00 AM Virtual Annual Meeting via Zoom
 
The Albany UU Annual Meeting will be hosted via Zoom on Sunday, May 16, immediately after the service. In addition to the presentation of reports, business will include the presentation and adoption of the 2021-22 budget.

Annual Reports are due to Tammy Hathaway (admin@albanyuu.org) on Monday, April 26!
 
Ballots for all elections, both contested and uncontested, will be handled by mail. Active members eligible to vote will receive a ballot by mail, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for returning completed ballots. Learn more about the ballots and meet your candidates here.
 
Remain on Zoom after service, or use the service link to join:
 
 
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
Board of Trustees Meeting
Today, April 22, 6:30 PM the Board of Trustees holds their monthly meeting. Board meetings are open to all Albany UU members. Find the agenda here.

Use the service link to join:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


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. 

Use this link to join:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866
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:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866 
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000


Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, May 5 at 10:00 AM.

Use this link to join:

By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
A Virtual Orientation for Newcomers on Zoom
Getting to Know UU
Saturday, May 8 (note date change), is a great chance for some of us at Albany UU to get to know YOU. Learn more here.

Use this link to join:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, May 9 at 6:30 pm. Join at 6:15 for additional time to socialize. We will discuss The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Learn more here.

Use this link to join:
 
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


My Grandmother’s Hands Book group/workshop
Trauma therapist Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of trauma and body-centered psychology. Facilitated by Philomena Moriarty LCSW, a trauma therapist. May 11 - June 29, Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9pm. Learn more here.


Albany UU Sings
Join your friends and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Save these Wednesday dates at 7:00 PM for the rest of the the service year:
May 12, 26; June 9
Hope to see you there.

Use this link to join:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 979 5961 1765
Passcode: 0000
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Calling all artists
Ellen Chernoff, our Art Wall organizer, would like to call artists to get those paintbrushes painting, pencils drawing, cameras rolling, etc. and make some art! The building will not be opening any time soon, but when it does, Ellen would like you to be ready for a member art show.

Open to artists of all ages, media (watercolor, pastel, photography, etc.) skills, and styles.
Art work should be framed, wired, and ready to hang. Attach a 3x5 index card on the back of the
work with: artist name & contact information, the title of the work, and the price (if for sale).
Questions may be directed to Ellen Thea Chernoff 518-463-5503.

When we are once again able to be together in person, the show will be put together for showing in Channing Hall.


Endowment Trust Grants
Each calendar year the endowment trustees use a prescribed formula based on income from its investments to calculate the amount of money available for special project grants. The 2021 granting capacity is $20,000.

If you have an idea for a special project consistent with the congregation’s mission please apply. Applications may be submitted here.


Albany UU Library Chair needed 
Sadly, our Albany UU Librarians, Melanie and Paul Axel-Lute, have had to retire after many years of faithful service building and organizing our wonderful library.

If you are interested in becoming a steward of these resources, please check out the volunteer job descriptions HERE and HERE, and contact Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway to express your interest: admin@albanyuu.org

Taking Steps for a
Better World
The CROP Hunger Walk raises funds for local food pantries and feeding programs, and for hunger and disaster relief programs around the world. Although the May 2 CROP Walk must again be a virtual “non-event” – the needs it supports are real and continuing. Find out more here.


Young Adults
There are events coming up just for you! Check the Young Adults Revival Network.




SOCIAL ACTION


The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy:
When: Saturdays,10:30-11:15 am
Where: Troy - corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets, 12180
  • physical distance, masks
  • signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
  • the vigil will automatically be canceled if the temperature is 20 or below OR if the wind chill is below 10 degrees Fahrenheit 


Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
  • April 29, 12:30-2 pm:  View Life, Death, Compassion: A Conversation about Medical Aid in Dying in New York featuring Compassion and Choices, SAGE USA and Union Theological Seminary. Register here.  
  • Contact your lawmakers about medical aid in dying. As a member of the Assembly Health Committee, local Assembly Member John MacDonald’s vote on the Medical Aid in Dying Act is critical. Urge him to vote “yes” using contact information here. Contact other lawmakers using this easy-to-use tool. Even if you have asked for their support before, please do it again this month.
  • Volunteer for advocacy this spring. From the comfort of home, attend Zoom meetings with lawmakers and help with phone banking and text banking to constituents of target lawmakers. No experience or special knowledge is required, as you will get all the support you need. Offer to volunteer in an email to ny@compassionandchoices.org.
Our Inclusivity Team Recommends

Eyes on the Prize
PBS Civil Rights Documentary Series

Film Description
"Produced by Blackside, Eyes on the Prize tells the definitive story of the civil rights era from the point of view of the ordinary men and women whose extraordinary actions launched a movement that changed the fabric of American life, and embodied a struggle whose reverberations continue to be felt today. Winner of numerous Emmy Awards, a George Foster Peabody Award, an International Documentary Award, and a Television Critics Association Award, Eyes on the Prize is the most critically acclaimed documentary on civil rights in America."

This series is currently airing on Sundays for a limited time on public television, WMHT channel 11. A description of each episode: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/eyesontheprize/
 
Already aired episodes can be viewed on: https://video.wmht.org/show/eyes-on-the-prize/
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Family Chapel this Sunday, April 25 at 11:30 AM
We’ll wrap up the theme of the month – Becoming– and celebrate Earth Day with the story “The Day You Begin”. Family Chapel is a short worship for children, youth, their parents/caretakers and the RE guides. It includes the story for the week. Then we have break out rooms for each group in 8th grade and younger for their group sessions.


Leah Purcell would like to hear from families with children and youth
Leah is checking in with families in the coming weeks. How has the online RE program been working for and your family? How about the online resources and occasional zoom supports? What do you need? How can the RE program and our family ministry make a difference in your lives? Please fill out this form now to help Leah get started with scheduling. Thanks!

The Treehouse is our own multigenerational community for Religious Education for Children and Youth. Families can find resources to practice UU-ism at home and supplementary materials for RE groups. Everyone - parents/caretakers, children and youth can share their written thoughts, pictures, videos they make. Click here to join:  https://tinyurl.com/Albany-Treehouse
-Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry (DREFM), lpurcell@albanyuu.org

-Elizabeth Baldes, Religious Education Coordinator, ebaldes@albanyuu.org


Parents/caretakers can find resources in the RE Roundup this week.

JOYS and CONCERNS

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.

Former Albany UU minister, Rev. Ernest D. Pipes, Jr. died on February 10, 2021. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 1 PM. A Zoom link for the memorial service can be received by emailing: admin@uusm.org, during the week of the service.
UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY

Prestigious Awards for the Silver Bay Conference and Family Retreat Center
 
The Silver Bay Conference and Family Retreat Center, which will host the UU Weekend from October 15-17, has received multiple accolades:
 
  • Best Resort in the Adirondacks by Adirondack Life Readers’ Poll
  • Best Venue for a Reunion by Unique Venues Magazine
  • Best Lodging on Lake George in a poll conducted by Lakegeorge.com
   
Come join us for a beautiful fall weekend in the Adirondacks! Learn more here.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Essential Building Use Guidelines:
Find more information about our Building Use Guidelines during COVID HERE.




Learn about submitting announcements to for our virtual Sunday service and how to reserve a Zoom room for meetings and events here.


Other important resources, our file cabinet, guidelines and information can be found on the Resource Page of our website, here.


If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please
CONNECTIONS






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

- Send an email to: registration@albanyuu.org

First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany



Office hours:
The Albany UU Office is closed during this time of physical distancing. Sam, Leah and Tammy have their messages forwarded to their personal cell phones and are available by email.

Our Website:
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

Zoom use
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU online meeting, contact the virtual church office (518.463.7135 or admin@albanyuu.org).

Photo credit: Rev. Sam Trumbore
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org