Greetings Friends,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates.
Please note, the Daily Reminder was not sent out this morning since there were no events to remind folks about today. Everything you need to know is right here in the Weekly. Daily Reminders will continue tomorrow morning. Thank you!
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-Blessings and Be Well
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VIRTUAL SUMMER SUNDAY SERVICE
LIVE on ZOOM
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SUNDAY SERVICE at 10:00 AM
Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 Virtual Meditation session until 9:20. We then have Virtual Service beginning at 10:00 each Sunday and a chance to stay online for virtual "Fellowship and Conversation."
Our summer services have been coordinated by Randy Rosette.
Sunday, Sept 12 begins the regular service year.
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Sept. 5 “The Soul of the Worker,” Dan Berggren
Using songs and stories, Dan Berggren asks: What nourishes us? How can our work feed us and others in spiritual ways? Whether it's called pursuing a career, earning a living, doing a job, or answering a call, what is at the heart of work?
Dan, known as an Adirondack folk singer, is also a professor emeritus of SUNY, one of the founding members of the Unitarian Universalist fellowship in Fredonia and a current member of the UU Congregation of Saratoga Springs.
Music: Dan Berggren
This is the last summer Sunday for 2021.
Our regular service year begins on Sunday, Sept 12
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
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SEPTEMBER SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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Important Note: The upsurge in Covid cases in the Albany Metro area may delay our planned reopening for an in-person service option on Sept 12. Please stay tuned for more information after Labor Day.
Sept 12 "Homecoming and Renewal" with Rev. Trumbore & Elizabeth Baldes
While we are not able to have the kind of homecoming service we might have wanted, whether virtually or in-person, we will be able to reconnect and renew our relationships as we begin the fall season together. Please bring water from your summer adventures or local activities to join in a common vessel. Optionally, stop by at Albany UU with your water Saturday, from 1-3pm, to be video recorded pouring it into our common vessel for the service.
Music: Ann Brandon
Sept 19, "REconnection and REsilience," Dr. Michele Townsend Grove
Learning is a vital component of congregation transitions. Albany Unitarian Universalist Society has experienced a great deal of change including a transition in professional religious education leadership which means you now have the chance to embrace the opportunities embedded in these transitions. This is a great time to reflect, celebrate, converse and dream! Join Dr. Michele Townsend Grove, our worship leader and religious education consultant at we look at the possibilities and opportunities embedded in religious education transitions.
With more than 30 years of experience in Lifespan Religious Education and Program Development for the United Methodist and the Unitarian Universalist Church, Michele Grove will be our Interim RE Consultant. The interim work Dr. Grove will do with us will be three programs for September, October and November to help us reflect on the history and heritage of our RE program, clarify its current identity, and finally vision where we would like the program to go in the future.
Music: Chris Bystroff, Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen
Sept 26 "The Art of Listening" with Rev. Trumbore & Philomena Moriarty
Deep listening requires focused attention. Focused attention is open, interested and curious. It requires an external focus connected to an inner emotional sensitivity. Deep listening is a skill that will benefit all our relationships. (Note: this will be followed up by a workshop led by Philomena Saturday, October 2nd.)
Music: Ann Brandon
Community Message
On a regular basis, we’ll have a member of the congregation bring you a short, inspirational, personal message about some aspect of our congregational life. These messages will be a way to connect with our community and help us live out our mission and vision in the world. To find out more, contact Tammy Hathaway: admin@albanyuu.org.
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Use this link to join Sunday service:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Sunday Offering
and other service information
Joys and Concerns for Online Services
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Archives
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9/11 Twentieth Anniversary Memorial Gathering
Saturday, 10:00am, September 11, 2021
(via Zoom)
Use the service link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
The American evacuation from Afghanistan and its transition to Taliban control has made this twentieth anniversary emotionally difficult. So many lives were harmed or lost in what now seems like a fruitless effort at nation building. Dealing with an upsurge of the delta variant of COVID at the same time while remembering that terrible day 20 years ago adds insult to injury.
Rev. Trumbore will create an electronic space for us to be together on Zoom and share our emotions and stories. We will honor the memories of those who died for whom we had personal connections. We will mourn what the “War on Terror” has done to damage and deplete our nation and wreak havoc on the world.
We will also appreciate the service of those who have quietly protected us from another such attack. Airline travel is safer. Our borders are more secure. Yet we pay a hefty price for this security system that needs to be limited. Our nation is moving toward becoming a surveillance state just as China has become. That tightening will only take one more 9/11 style attack to become much more repressive. As we saw on January 6th, the greatest threats to democracy will not come from Jihadists. It will come from within.
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Plans are underway for 2021-22 RE at Albany UU to start in October. Mark your calendars for the annual RE Washington Park Meetup just after service on 9/19, around 11:30.
Supportive thoughts to everyone caught up in back to school activity this week and next...here is a blessing for this time of year by Maureen Killoran:
Spirit of Life and Hope and Love, for many of us, school starts this week. Some of us are excited about new beginnings. We are eager to start a new school year, or get a new classroom, or maybe even move to a new school. Some of us are home-schooled and we have new beginnings too, just not in the same way. A new year means new subjects, new levels of things we’ll be expected to do. Some of us are excited about new beginnings. Holy spirit, be with everyone who is looking forward to what lies ahead
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Some of us are nervous about what’s coming. Some of us are scared. Some of us try hard to be big and brave, and that’s not always easy. For some of us, school is a place where we really don’t want to be. Spirit of Life, be with everyone who is nervous about what lies ahead. May each person’s backpack be their friend, reminding that they are unique and special and very okay. May their backpack hold special things to help them remember how strong they are, and remind them of the people who believe in them and will love them always.
Holy spirit, be with these young people. Help them remember their values, and let their lives be guided by the principles of our shared faith. May this new year be for each one filled with fun adventures and special joys. And may love be with these young people, this day and every day. May they always know that here in this Fellowship they can find the hands of friends.
Elizabeth Baldes
She/her/hers
Acting Director of Religious Education
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Meaning Matters is a small group discussion, growth and development program at Albany UU led by Rev. Sam.
Before the beginning of the month, Rev. Sam sends out a short packet of materials containing essays, deepening exercises, quotes, poems, music, video clips, podcasts, articles, books, movies, all related to the “theme for the month.” Towards the end of the month, the Meaning Matters groups gather to reflect on the theme using the materials, sermons from that month, and activities that can stimulate growth and development. Participants are free to use as much or as little of these materials as they wish. The focus is personal sharing, reflection and conversation exploring the theme together.
The program meets once a month from September through June for two hours. There are currently three groups (could be more) that meet the third Monday at 1:30pm, the third Tuesday at 5pm and the fourth Monday at 7pm.
The themes for the next 10 months are:
September: Embracing Possibility
October: Cultivating Relationship
November: Holding History
December: Opening to Joy
January: Living with Intention
February: Widening the Circle
March: Renewing Faith
April: Awakening
May: Nurturing Beauty
June: Celebrating Blessings
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After fending off several maladies for several years, member, Lee Newberg's mother, Babette Josephs, died in her sleep early morning August 27, 2021. She was a progressive powerhouse in Philadelphia politics, including 28 years in the Pennsylvania State House, and she kept up that fighting spirit until her last days. She will be missed. |
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Start your Sunday Morning with Meditation 8:30 - 9:15 AM
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 to discuss the 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
Bridge Group
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 PM, Room B-8 at Albany UU. No matter how many people come, all are fitted into play. All are welcome and assumed vaccinated. Due to the nature of this group, there will not be an online option offered.
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Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM each Wednesday, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8 at Albany UU.
To join remotely, use this link:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Albany UU Sings
Join your friends on these fall Wednesdays at 7:00 PM and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Sept 8, 22
Oct 6, 20
Nov 3, 17
Dec 1, 15
Hope to see you there.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 979 5961 1765
Passcode: 0000
Walker Book Group
Sunday, Sept 12, 5:30 PM the Walker Book Group meets to discuss Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo da Vinci Learn more here.
Racial Healing Monthly Group
Next meets Monday, Sept 13. Specifically for BIPOC members for discussion and connection. We meet on the second Monday of the month from 7:00 to 8:00 pm via Zoom. If interested or to get more info, please reach out to Jaye Holly jholly63@gmail.com.
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
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Wellspring Sources is now available for registration!
How are you taking care of your spirit these days? Given the ups and downs and unpredictable nature of our lives, how are you doing? Come to Wellspring and be listened to with open hearts and minds. Come to Wellspring to explore and discover what supports your spiritual wellbeing, what grounds you in our faith, what brings solace to your life. Registration Form. (This is not a fillable form, it needs to be printed and filled out. Thank you!)
Love to Sing??
We are going to have two outside choir rehearsals at Randy Rosette and Chris Jensen's home in the Fall. September 15 and October 13 at 6:30pm
Interested and want more information? Please contact Randy at rosette_jensen@juno.com (All current choir members will get an announcement through the choir email.)
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Flowers for Sunday Services
When we are able to safely hold our Sunday services in our building again, we will be looking for folks to sign up to provide the flowers. Look for a link to an online form coming soon! If you are interested in being a part of the wonderful Flower Team here at Albany UU, please contact Sandy Stone.
Gardening Volunteers
Do you have two hours to contribute to maintaining the Albany UU gardens? The Gardening Team welcomes you to sign up here. No experience necessary. For more information, contact Donna Meixner or 518/439-5947.
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Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Learning Opportunity. On September 13, from 3:30-5:00, there will be an online panel discussion about an established medical practice. The webinar is titled Perspectives on Medical Aid in Dying: Personal and Professional. Register here. Panelists will include Rochester, NY, native Joanne Kelly, whose husband utilized Colorado's medical aid in dying law and who is writing a book about the experience; Rev. Richard Gilbert, retired Unitarian Universalist minister from Rochester, NY; Dr. Benzi Kluger, professor of neurology and medicine and founding director of the Palliative Care Research Center and Neuropalliative Care Division of the University of Rochester Medical Center; and Dr. David Pratt, former Commissioner of Public Health Services for Schenectady County.
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
- pandemic concerns: It's important to remember that vaccines protect the vaccinated. Even as restrictions are lifted in New York State, some may choose to take precautions because of inability to be vaccinated (e.g., age, illness, compromised immune system). Please remember that if you are vaccinated, you are still susceptible to being an asymptomatic carrier of Covid-19. Those who wish to take precautions are invited to. If you are no longer taking precautions, please respect the decisions of those who do. Only an individual knows their full risk. It can be perceived as confrontational to ask vaccine-status of others.
- signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
- the vigil will automatically be canceled due to threat of thunderstorms or other severe weather
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The Inclusivity Team Book Recommendations:
For All:
Out of Wonder: Poems celebrating poets, by Kwame Alexander, with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth. Illustrated by Ekua Holmes. Honoring poets (including Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Rumi, e.e. cummings, Pablo Neruda, Chief Dan George, Sandra Cisneros, Gwendolyn Brooks, Emily Dickenson, and Nikki Giovanni, among others) by writing in their style, Alexander, Colderley, and Wentworth have created a work that can be enjoyed over and over. With a section of summary biographies on the author poets and honored poets, this is a resource to behold and explore. Don't be surprised if this book leads you on further journeys to explore the honored poets and the author poets! Available in hard copy and CD- and downloadable-audiobook format from the Upper Hudson Library System.
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UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY
October 15-17
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Renew, Refresh and Relax at Silver Bay
Do 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 15-17, 2021 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.
After a year’s hiatus, the Silent Auction will return!! New or almost new items, including gift certificates, hardcover books, art, collectibles, nice quality jewelry, bottles of wine, homemade jams, jellies, honey and high-quality crafts, will be gladly accepted. The children’s auction will accept toys, puzzles, and stuffed animals in good condition.
Remember – the cost is all-inclusive for room and board, activities and entertainment - including all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.
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Important Note: The upsurge in Covid cases in the Albany Metro area may delay our planned reopening for an in-person service option on Sept 12. Please stay tuned for more information after Labor Day.
Learn about submitting announcements to for our virtual Sunday service and how to reserve a Zoom room for meetings and events here.
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Quick Links
Denominational Affairs 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 Albany UU class or event
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany |
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:
Staff are transitioning from working almost exclusively from home to a combination of working from home and at the church office. Right now, office hours are by appointment until a routine is established.
Our Website:
Zoom use:
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU meeting, contact the church office (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).
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 Patience Pechette (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).
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Photo credit: Rev. Sam Trumbore
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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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