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 in the many ways provided online - all described below.
-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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April 12, “Easter: The Spirit of the Deathless,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Easter celebrates death is limited. Winter cannot stop the spring from coming. The cycle of death and birth isn’t limited by individual deaths. The death of the great Rabbi Jesus cannot stop the transmission of this transforming and healing message to us today. Let us celebrate life’s spiritual continuity in the face of death with our fellow Christians.
Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette
Special note
: Send Rev. Sam your "signs of spring" photos for use in the Easter service this Sunday! Send to
minister@albanyuu.org
.
Use this link and password to join the service:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am -
ONLINE
Sunday Morning Meditation
(8:30 – 9:15 AM)
Sunday morning meditation is back … this time on Zoom! It will begin at 8:30 AM with a ten-minute inspirational reading about meditation, likely directly from a meditation teacher’s recording so you can hear it in their voice. We will sit together for twenty minutes then have some conversation about the reading, meditation methods or experiences followed by a live loving kindness meditation. This will be led by Rev. Sam.
April 19, “Earth Day at 50,” Rev. Sam Trumbore with the Green Sanctuary Committee
Much has happened in the last fifty years to give us hope yet much remains to be done to prevent so much environmental harm that comes from human activity. Even though the fate of humanity is beyond our individual control, we can play a role in efforts that can make a positive difference. The Green Sanctuary Committee will lead this service with Rev. Sam.
Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Bystroff, Chris Jensen, Randy Rosette
April 26, “Roots and Wings,” Dan Miyake, Intern Minister
These times, they are a’ changing … Unitarian Universalism is a Living Tradition – one whose faith is not dead and stagnant, or chained to concrete slabs of dogma or creed. Our denomination lives and breathes by its ability, its necessity, to change while holding onto its roots for stability. In our roots we find our strength and foundation, but change is the vehicle by which we move forward to new ideas, new visions, and new actions. Now, more than ever, we must hold onto our roots very tight as we prepare to fly full force into an unknown future.
Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Randy Rosette
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 Collection
If you would like to make a contribution to the Sunday Collection "Plate", click
here or send your check, with Sunday Collection on the memo line, to the church: 405 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206. Mail is being forwarded while the building is closed. The full link to make contributions, if it's easier to remember, is here:
https://tinyurl.com/albanyuu-donate
Here is the information and helpful hints to access the service online via Zoom each Sunday:
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.
Our Zoom link for the service is here:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
You do not need a camera or a microphone on your computer to join. In fact, you don't even need a computer to join!
To dial in by phone call: 1-929-436-2866 and enter
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785 and
Password: 0000
A couple of helpful hints:
-When you're coming into the meeting by computer and a window comes up with a few options, select "computer audio on".
-If you come into the meeting by computer and see a lot of little squares with people or names in them; look in the upper right hand corner of your screen; you'll see the words "speaker view" - select that. You want to be in "speaker view" and not "gallery view".
-The "Alt H" key stroke will open chat.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Important updates to Zoom security
In order to minimize the potential for any interference with our services or meetings, Zoom now requires a password for most meetings. You will see that reflected in many of the meeting links and call in information in your Daily Reminders and here in the Windows Weekly.
To add an extra layer of protection during our Sunday services, we will be implementing a Zoom Waiting Room. This is a slick feature that we will begin using this Sunday, April 12. Stay tuned to your Daily Reminders for how this might impact your login experience this Sunday. This should be exciting!
Congregation Zoom Check Ins
Let's meet together electronically to see how we're doing in these challenging times and offer mutual support.
Monday, April 13
from 7-8PM, Tuesday, April 14, 2-3PM, and Thursday, April 16 from 4-5PM.
Use this link to join:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Albany UU Sings
Do You Like to Sing? Join your friends and sing your heart out
every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM
! We will supply the music and the lyrics. Sing along in Virtual Community. Contact Randy with any questions:
rosette_jensen@juno.com
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID: 935725639
Climate Workshop
The Green Sanctuary Committee will host a Climate Solutions Zoom Workshop on
Sunday, April 19 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm
. We will be using the cutting edge simulation model En-ROADS, created by Climate Interactive and MIT.
In the workshop, participants can propose various climate solutions then test these approaches using En-ROADS so that the impact on global temperatures can be seen immediately. Climate justice implications and other factors will be discussed.
Try your hand at building a climate future using the best available research. The resulting experience is hopeful, scientifically-grounded, action-oriented, and eye-opening.
For a taste of the experience, view the one-minute video at:
https://youtu.be/tc9F3Vjevjw
If you plan on attending, it would be useful to
download this handout
illustrating the various types of policies that can be modeled.
Use this link to join:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Keep a Weather Eye...
In the near future, the Green Sanctuary Team will be presenting a survey to the congregation. They will be asking for as many responses as possible regarding our community’s efforts to combat Climate Change. The survey will be delivered in three parts; the first will focus on renewable energy and be announced soon to celebrate Earth Day. More will come later in the year, focused on travel and home energy use. Please be on the look out for the first part and respond as soon as you can. The goal is to see how we are doing and how we keep growing in this area as a community. Thank you!
Thank you!
A huge thank you to those of you who contributed toward the Focus Food Pantry collection on Sunday March 29. You donated $600.00!
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!
April is...Annual Reports writing month!
To prepare for our virtual annual congregational meeting on Sunday, May 17, we gather reports from all our active groups at Albany UU to document what we have done (and are doing!) this year.
The deadline for submitting reports is
Monday, April 27
.
Thank you to the few reports I've received so far!
An email has been sent out to committee chairs, team leaders, trustees and staff with more information. If you are in a leadership position and you did not receive this email, please let Tammy know. Likewise, if you have any questions about the annual report process, contact Church Administrator Tammy Hathaway:
admin@albanyuu.org
. Thank you!
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BUILDING BELOVED COMMUNITY
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Even though we've passed our April 1st benchmark, the stewardship campaign continues and we need all of you now more than ever! Many thanks to all those who have already pledged.
An email was sent on Tuesday to folks who had not yet pledged and we received many responses. Thank you!
If you haven't returned your 2020-21 pledge, you can still do so in these ways:
-
Mail your pledge to the Albany UU office. (Mail is being forwarded)
LET'S GET GROWING!
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Bringing awareness to the history, perspectives and concerns of people who are not in the majority, to “de-center” the views of those who are white, straight, cisgender, able-bodied, etc., and make room for others’ experiences, talents and voices….
New York Times interview with Monique W. Morris - author of the book Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools
(
also a documentary). “For years, a small band of female organizers and researchers has been gathering
evidence
that young black girls are among the most harshly disciplined and over-criminalized student groups in the country. But…in the national dialogue around school discipline, young black girls have remained largely unseen and unheard.”
The documentary, Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, “takes
viewers
into the journeys of five black female students who have confronted, and overcome, the school “pushout” phenomenon, which is most often associated with black boys…young black women…explain how their treatment in school pushed them to the edge.”
Can be accessed for free on PBS until April 13 - 56 minutes
Colonize This!: Young Women of Color on Today’s Feminism
, edited by Daisy Hernandez and Bushra Rehman a deep dive into th
“It has been decades since women of color first turned feminism upside down, exposing the ‘70s feminist movement as exclusive, white, and unaware of the concerns and issues of women of color… Now a new generation of brilliant, outspoken women of color is speaking to the concerns of a new feminism, and to their place in it… This impressive array of first-person accounts adds a much-needed fresh dimension to the ongoing dialogue between race and gender…”
Brown Girl Dreaming
by Jacqueline Woodson
“In moving verse, Woodson shares the story her coming of age during the civil rights movement. Her perspectives on God, family, and the world around her depict her love of words and story, and masterfully reveal her place as a young girl in the beautiful space of becoming.”
Ages 8-12
I Am Enough
by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah Bobo.
A poetic picture book featuring “an African American girl who celebrates herself by perceiving the ways she resembles beautiful things in the world around her -- including people who look different.” Messages include loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another.
Age 4+
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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.
Scott Bassinson
died on April 5 after a year long battle with cancer. Scott, his wife Meg, and sons Paul and Max were members of Albany UU in the 1990s, and Meg was our music director for several years. Scott was a talented attorney and very gifted musician.
See obit in today's Times
Members Tammy and Tim Hathaway
express deep gratitude for the many cards and notes from members of our Albany UU community regarding Tim's dad's passing. We are truly blessed.
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 friendsly “check in’s” from Caring Network members. Please reach out to the
Caring Network
if you need.
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One Thing for Families
In the midst of all this advice you are getting, the voice of religion can sound a bit odd. Here’s its answer: “In times of trouble, be extra sure to keep the Sabbath.” In other words, “Be sure to set aside time and a space for worship, rest and connection.” Our partners at Soul Matters want to help families carve out “sabbath space” in their homes and weekly schedules. Check out
Creating Sabbath Space.
Story Time
Tracey Hickey is reading the chapter book. It's a great time for your child to jump on line with other children from Albany UU and start listening. Tracey will begin with an opportunity for the children to check-in about how things are going for them; that has been really nice for the children too.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
by Louis Sacher
Chapter books with Tracey:
7:00 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - geared for children in 2nd-6th grade. Open to people of all ages. Supervise your kids as you would at Coffee Hours; keep an eye on them, but you don't have to be right there all the time.
Use this link to join:
Meeting ID: 801 480 305
Password: 0000
By phone:
+1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 801 480 305
Password: 0000
Picture Book Story Time
has run its course, so we’re taking it off the schedule for now, at least. Check out the Dance Party!
Dance Party Friday April 17, starting at 5:30
Grab your teddy bear or stuffed animal if you want and put on your dancing shoes! We’ll have some time to greet each other and then Leah will start playing the tunes – like “Happy” from Despicable Me 2 and “Faith” by Stevie Wonder. We’ll go until we run out of steam!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 231 765 622
Password: 0000
By phone:
+1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 231 765 622
Password: 0000
7th and 8th Grade Check In
This will be an informal time for the youth with 2 OWL facilitators (or 1 facilitator and me). No OWL content is being offered online. Sundays at noon.
Use this link to join:
Meeting ID: 183 771 517
Password: 0000
By phone:
+1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 183 771 517
Password: 0000
YoUUth Group Check Ins
Tracey Hickey and Leah host: ALBANY YOUUTH GROUP VIDEO CHATS. We are live around 8pm or 8:30pm each Thursday and Sunday. If you have a Youth, please ask them to check their GMail and tune in! The group is starting to plan their worship service and everyone’s input is being sought.
Volunteer Tutoring Among Our Albany UU Community
Would your child benefit from someone else helping them with their homework? Or do you have the ability to tutor a child or high school youth? The Caring Network is partnering with RE staff to find volunteer adult and teen tutors to work with children on line and to pair them with interested families. Email Elizabeth at
reassist@albanyuu.org if you’re interested in this for your child or if your teen is interested in tutoring. We’ll start with tutors in 7th grade and up and see how that works out.
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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
Many of these events and meetings will continue online, however dates and times may vary. 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)
Thursdays
1:00 PM All Sides Considered (1st & 3rd)
6:30 PM Board of Trustees (4th)
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Going to miss a Sunday?
Online service will be recorded
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:
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 - 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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