Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Feedback is always welcome. Enjoy!
-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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November 11, "America: The Glorious Vision," Rev. Sam Trumbore
The beautiful vision of self-government by the people aligns with principles embedded in UUism. True patriotism, what we ask our soldiers to fight and die for, is the ground we need to claim as we resist the fascist tendencies in ascendency in our society today.
Music:
Chris Bystroff plays
Ashokan Farewell
;
Albany UU Choir sings music of Irving Berlin and Carly Simon
The hymns we will be singing are:
HYMN 1021 “Lean on Me”
HYMN 1018 “Come and Go with Me”
HYMN 1002 “Comfort Me”
HYMN 1028 “The Fire of Commitment”
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Sunday Services
10:00 am
November 18, "America: Our Responsibility," Rev. Sam Trumbore
The beautiful vision of America depends on active citizens embodying it, being involved in the political process, and defending our core values. That requires our attention, engagement, participation and our vote. This is true both in our nation and in our congregation.
This service concludes with a litany of gratitude and the enjoyment of corn mini-muffins baked that morning by Rev. Trumbore.
Music:
Albany UU Choir sings music of John Lennon and Stephen Sondheim
November 25, “The Sabbath of Humanity,” Joe Paparone
Sabbath is often understood as a time of rest, but material injustice means some people never get to rest. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus confronts the rules and rhythms of Sabbath and reframes Sabbath as a justice vision for society
Joe Paparone
is the lead organizer of the Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS, and Coordinating Committee member of the NYS Poor People’s Campaign. His work involves organizing faith communities, labor unions, and community groups in the struggles for racial, social, and economic justice. A life-long New Yorker, Joe lives in Albany with his wife Lesley and their dogs, Artax and Nym. He is currently pursuing ordination in the Mennonite Church USA.
Music
: Richard Porterfield with piano music of Leoš Janáček and Ruth Crawford Seeger
Announcements
Office Hours
On
Monday, Nov. 12
the Albany UU office will be closed. We will see you at 9:00 am on Tuesday, Nov. 13!
Albany UU hiring snow removal services!
We have the snow thrower and the shovels, now all we need is a willing and able applicant. If this isn't you, perhaps you can recommend a reliable person willing to do sidewalks? Please contact the church office 518.463.7135 with questions, recommendations, for more information, or to express interest. Thank you!
UU Partner Church Council (UUPCC) update
Check out the UUPCC
newsletter
and read Betsy Wright's article about the Albany UU Partner Church trip to Szőkefalva!
Holiday Bazaar Helpers Needed
There are several fun ways you can help to make our Dec. 2 Holiday Bazaar a success.
- Share Your Creations. Donate your handmade craft items to the sale. We are looking for holiday crafts and stocking stuffers for adults, children and pets.
- Join Our Crafting Session. For those who need a little more guidance and inspiration, join Sigrin at her house on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7 pm. for crafting as a group.
- Help with set up and sales. Help to price items and set-up on Saturday, Dec. 1 and/or to sell at the craft table on Sunday Dec. 2 or 9.
Please contact Sigrin Newell with your ideas or questions: 518-439-6705 or
sigrin.newell@gmail.com
. There will also be a sign-up sheet for Bazaar workers in Channing Hall on the next three Sundays.
Calling All AlbanyUUs of Color!
The Inclusivity Team is considering hosting a local or cluster gathering to support UUs of Color. In order to gage interest, if you identify as a Person of Color, we would love it if you would share your thoughts on whether you would be interested in attending such an event, and/or any thoughts as to topic of discussion whether focused or informal, and any other ideas for the gathering welcome. Please send email to Annika Pfluger (
annikafam@gmail.com).
Warmth for the Homeless
It's that time again to gather blankets, sleeping bags, and warm coats, etc. Please put them in the bin in the coatroom to be given to those who are homeless. Thank you for helping.
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Sunday Schedule
9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation, Sanctuary
9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open
10:00 AM
- Sunday Service, Community Hall
- Programs for Youth
11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall
5:30 PM
- Walker Book Group, Channing Hall
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
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"Moving In" - Trustee, Nancy Shay
Have you ever moved to a new community after living many years in another? After living for over 30 years in Bennington, Vermont, I moved to Delmar a little over two years ago to start a new life with my husband, Frank, after we married in June 2016. The Albany UU was a perfect connection since I had been active in the Bennington UU for years. There were so many activities to choose from! I could fill my entire week with UU activities. I tried to limit myself since I was also needing to build my new life with my husband and neighborhood.
I am not what I consider a confident person socially so connecting with people was a challenge. There were many coffee hours when I stood outside the Channing Hall door wondering if I would be able to go in when I really didn’t know anyone.
I finally realized that if I wanted to make some new friends I had to take some risks and initiate invitations. “Are you interested in lunch?” “Would you like to go for a walk?” “Maybe we could have coffee.”
My point here is that risking rejection is worth the possibility of a new connection with someone. Once I quit sitting back waiting for invitations, I made some real friends. In addition to the UU, my neighbors have been more than welcoming. We have a coffee group, birthday lunch group and a book group.
I still keep in touch with my Vermont friends but I feel that I have a solid network here now, too.
If you ever move to a new community after many years of comfort in another, here are some recommendations:
* You’re responsible for making yourself feel part of the community. Reach out.
* Keep in mind that if you’re new to a community most people aren’t actively looking for new friendships. They already have their group of friends. You have to look at it from their perspective. This makes it even more important for you to let people know you’re looking for some friendships.
* Take risks when trying to meet people and initiate invitations for social connections.
* It all takes time. Give yourself a minimum of two years to make meaningful friendships.
Ten years ago, I never would have imagined my life would be where it is now at 70 years old! These last couple of years have been a wonderful adventure and I’m so happy that this UU community has been such a meaningful part of it.
More from our blogs:
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Upcoming Learning Opportunities with the Minister!
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Building a House for Hope with Rev. Trumbore
Tuesdays, Nov. 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 for Hope
by Rebecca Parker and John Buerhens. Find out more
here
.
Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
Nov. 9-10
It's not too late! 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 Feb. 8 and 9, 2019. Send an email to
registrations@albanyuu.org
to sign up. Find out more
here
.
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The Joy Library has added a special collection of over a hundred books, primarily on Buddhism and Taoism, donated by Ed Ryman.
The collection is found in its own dedicated bookcase, and the books in it are distinguished by having call numbers that start with "RY." These books may be borrowed in the same way as the other books in the library.
Listed here are a few books from this collection that we think may be of particular interest to the general reader:
Awakening from the Daydream: Reimagining the Buddha's Wheel of Life
/ by David Nichtern (2016) call# RY 294.3 NIC;
Making Friends with Death: A Buddhist Guide to Encountering Mortality
/ by Judith L. Lief (2001) call# RY 294.3 LIE;
The Mind of Clover: Essays in Zen Buddhist Ethics
/ by Robert Aitkin (1984) call# RY 294.3 AIT;
The Sanity We Are Born With: a Buddhist Approach to Psychology
/ by Chogyam Trungpa (2005) call# RY 294.3 TRU w;
The Shambhala Principle: Discovering Humanity's Hidden Treasure
/ by Sakyong Mipham (2013) call# RY 294.3 SAK;
This Is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity
/ by Susan Moon (2010) call# RY 294.3 MOO;
Zen Confidential: Confessions of a Wayward Monk
/ by Shozan Jack Haubner (2013) call# RY 294.3 HAU;
Zen in the American Grain: Discovering the Teachings at Home
/ by Kyogen Carlson (1994) call# RY 294.3 CAR
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Thanksgiving Holiday Events
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Union Thanksgiving Service - Tuesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut St.
For close to a hundred years, Trinity Methodist Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Congregation Beth Emeth, Mount Calvary Baptist Church and First Unitarian Universalist Society have gathered before Thanksgiving for a joint service. We rotate the service between our four congregations. It is our tradition to bring canned goods to donate to FOCUS food pantry.
Thanksgiving Dinner ... at Albany UU! Thursday, Nov. 22, beginning at 1:00 pm
Each year we have an open Thanksgiving Dinner in Channing Hall on Thanksgiving Day. If you and your family or friends would like to join Rev. Trumbore and his family at this dinner, please sign up in Channing Hall and let us know what you would like to bring. Set up for the dinner will begin at 1pm. Appetizers will be served at 2pm. Dinner will be served at 3pm. Games and entertainment for mutual amusement will follow the meal (bring your favorites!). Cleanup begins at 4pm.
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What would it look like...
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...for Albany UU to be a good neighbor?
The Board believes that a sharper focus and greater intentionality to our actions as a congregation will allow us to make a much greater positive difference on our community, our neighbors, and the world. The Board is eager and excited about involving the congregation in focusing the efforts of our community over the next few years.
We invite you all to a series of congregational conversation (details to follow). We will be reaching out to committees and other Albany UU groups. We intend to involve the children in our RE program in the discussions as well. There will also be a display on the wall in Channing Hall where you can place your own ideas. And there will be a service devoted to this topic at the end of January.
We encourage you to think creatively about “What would it look like for Albany UU to be a good neighbor?”, and hope that every one of you will participate.
More details are to follow. -Board of Trustees
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New art on our wall!
Come to Channing Hall and view the art of November’s feature artist, Janet Tanguay. Her mixed media paintings include recycled items. You can meet Janet at a reception on
Sunday Nov. 25
immediately after coffee hour. Learn more
here
.
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on
Sunday, Nov. 11 at 5:30 pm
in Channing Hall. Bring your favorite dish to share and a small contribution to cover beverages. We will discuss
Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom
by Russell Shorto. Find more information
here
.
Albany UU Humanists
Thursday, Nov. 15, 7 PM, Room B-8
(note day change for Nov. only)
All interested in learning more about humanism in Unitarian Universalism are welcome to join us.
Delicious Homemade Pies and Soups
Don’t miss the annual homemade soup and pie sale following the service on
Sunday, Nov. 18
in Channing Hall. Purchase delicious apple and pumpkin pies for your Thanksgiving dinner. Stock up on your favorite
Café
soups for those cold days ahead. Learn more
here
.
Getting to Know UU: orientation to UUism
Saturday, Dec. 1, 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
.
Game Night and Potluck
The Religious Education Council will host a Game Night and Potluck on
Friday, Dec. 7
. Potluck dinner starts at 6 PM. Games start at around 6:30 PM. Find more information
here
.
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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!
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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 high school and jr high weekend “cons” in November) and resources to support parents and caretakers at home by
Check out the interactive bulletin boards
for children, youth and adults in Channing Hall and the 2nd floor and basement hallways – and make a contribution!
Nursery/Toddler Room
opens at 9:45 for children and infants under 2 years old
For their faith development this Sunday:
This is a UU's in Action Sunday
when we combine some groups for service and learning about social justice
Children in grades Pre-k through 7
th
grade will start in the service in Community Hall with their families and go to Sunday school after the story.
- The Exploring Chickens (pre-K through first grade) and Compassionate Hawks (grades 2 and 3) will meet together in room 26 (the Exploring Chickens room)
- The Kick-Butt Unicorns (grades 4 and 5) and Crossing Paths (grades 6 and 7) Groups will meet together in room B-3/4 (the Crossing Paths room)
Youth in Grade 8 and up
meet for their groups starting at 10:00
Jr High Con for Grades 7-9 – or home school equivalent:
Saturday Nov. 17, 10am to Sunday, Nov. 18, 9am -
Full day and evening of programming on Sat and overnight to build community, have fun, and give an age-appropriate experience of cons. Activities will be geared for junior high youth and with the expectation that this is a new experience for those attending. Organized and staffed by regional staff with support by high school leaders as additional staff. For jr. high conferees (and their advisors) who are participants in congregations at Albany UU and also form UU congregations within a 3-hour drive of Albany.
Dear Congregation,
We will need your help with food prep and shifts of overnight chaperoning. Contact Leah Purcell at
dre@albanyuu.org
if you are interested in helping.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
SRC Recommends the following:
SRC is collecting full-size toothpaste tubes
ASAP for Day of Simple Giving Comunity Outreach at St. Sophia's on Nov. 17. Please put in the labeled bin in the coat room.
Parole Justice Albany presents
: Close to Home: Witnessing Criminal Injustice,
Monday, Nov. 12, 6:00 PM
.
View the flyer
.
Save the Pine Bush Dinner with lecture about banning plastic bags
,
Wednesday, Nov. 14
- Tina Lieberman and Bill Reinhardt will be speaking about using some of the same techniques that successfully banned Styrofoam to work against plastic bags. At Westminster Presbyterian, 85 Chestnut St., Albany, dinner at 6 PM (there is a fee and reservations are accepted), free lecture at 7PM.
Movie Night at Bethlehem Public Library, Nov 16, 6:30 pm.
The Bethlehem Morning Voice Huddle, Capital District Alliance for Universal Healthcare, Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), and Like Minds United Capital Region presents:
Fix It: Healthcare At the Tipping Point
and
The Healthcare Movie
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
A Conversation with Senator Neil Breslin.
Death with Dignity Albany invites you to a “fireside chat” interview with Senator Breslin,
Nov. 14, 12:15-2:00, Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Rd
. The interview will cover such topics as the November election results, prospects for passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act in the 2019 legislative session, and how supporters can most effectively express their views to their state lawmakers.
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Green Sanctuary's Tip of the Week!
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Practicing Our Seventh Principle:
Only run washing machines and dish washers with full loads. Put up an outdoor clothesline and use an indoor drying rack for the air dry option. We like the Leifheit Tower 200 available on line from Target.
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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.
Following surgery for a subdural hematoma,
Julie Lomoe
is at the Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, 526 Altamont Ave, Schenectady, NY 12303 and can be contacted via phone number (518) 346-6121. She welcomes visitors, especially in late afternoon -- around 3:30 - please call first.
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.
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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 (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: 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.
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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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