Windows Weekly December 19, 2019
Albany UU Windows Weekly


Greetings,

Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Wishing you all a safe and joyous holiday. Enjoy!

-Blessings
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 .
Sunday Service 10:00 AM
December 22, “An Awesome Story,” Leah Purcell, Dan Miyake, Rev. Sam Trumbore
Multigenerational Service and Pageant, Community Hall

Each year we have a pageant for our children to reenact the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth. This year we’ve got a new version Rev. Sam, Leah and Dan hope you enjoy. We’ll sing familiar Christmas Carols during the service and enjoy Albany UU musicians holiday jam during coffee hour. This is a great service to charge up your Christmas Spirit.

Music: Albany UU Choir, Ann Brandon, piano

Hymn 235:  Deck the Hall with Boughs of Holly
Hymn 253:  O Come All Ye Faithful
Hymn 243:  Jesus, Our Brother
Hymn 246:  O Little Town of Bethlehem
Hymn 231:  Angels We Have Heard on High
Hymn 237:  The First Noel
Hymn 259:  We Three Kings of Orient Are
Hymn 239:  Go Tell It on the Mountain

Here is a place you might find the words to our hymns.










SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am


 
( Tuesday ) December 24, “An Awesome Night,” Rev. Sam Trumbore, Dan Miyake
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services (6:00 and 8:00 PM, in the Sanctuary)

This is the night the Christian world pauses in anticipation of a holy birth. Somehow the story told two thousand times doesn’t get old or lose its power. The magic of candlelight and the sound of the beautiful song, Silent Night, can still bring tears to the eyes. Hope for new light and love arises eternally in the human heart. When it does, awe will not be far away.

Music: Albany UU Choir, Ann Brandon, piano
 
December 29, “Doing the Hokey Pokey,” Dan Miyake

With all of the troubles in the world today, the stress, the uncertainties about what the future holds, we can forget to laugh or even smile when we feel as if we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. Humor is the great antidote (or anecdote?). Join us as we explore the role of humor in our lives, poke some gentle fun at our UU quirks, and try to answer the question, “Is the Hokey Pokey really what it’s all about?”.

Music: Ann Brandon



ANNOUNCEMENTS


Thank you!
A big thank you to Cindee Herrick and all those who pitched in to help hand-wash dishes during Terry Way’s memorial reception and Coffee Hour on Sunday while the dishwasher was on the fritz. Cindee’s hard work and others’ willingness to lend a hand did not go unnoticed! The dishwasher is now fixed so hopefully we’ll be good to go for a while.

Acolytes for Christmas Eve Services
We need just a few more young people – middle schoolers and high school youth – to serve as acolytes at our Christmas Eve services. Acolytes carry the tapers that the people at the end of the pews use to light their candles and pass the flame to the next person. If your child would like to be an acolyte at either the 6:00 or 8:00 Christmas Eve service, please contact Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org or call the office at 518.463.7135.

Yoga Class Changes
Friday Yoga with Leslie here at Albany UU at 12:15 will be happening tomorrow, Dec. 20 but will not be meeting on Friday, Dec. 27. Classes will continue into the new year beginning again on Friday, Jan. 3.

Community Breakfast
THIS Saturday, Dec. 21, 9-11AM . Volunteers are always needed to make this a good experience for our neighbors and community members. Contact Carol Butt for more details: 518-439-6629 or catzen1944@gmail.com . Remember, there is now a contribution box is in the coat room for gloves, mittens, hats, scarves and socks to share with our Community Breakfast guests. Some folks come in with minimal outerwear and would be grateful for some additional items to keep warm.

New art on our walls
Come to the Channing Hall Gallery to view enchanting, seasonal, watercolors by Sheryl Galinski and amazing, dazzling holiday art by Marjorie Ward (all very affordable for giving or keeping). Also, continue enjoying the art of our cherished Terry Way.

Albany UU holiday office hours
-The office will be open but minimally staffed from 9-3 on Monday, Dec. 23, Thursday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 27
-The office will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 25
-The office will be open and fully staffed the week of Dec. 30, except for Wednesday, Jan. 1, when the office will be closed.
Please plan accordingly and call ahead. Happy Holidays!

Bring on the cookies!
Join us for a Cookie Reception, hosted by Amie Jamieson and Rick Piet, at 7:00 pm between the Candlelight services on Christmas Eve. Please bring cookies to share! (Please note: the church office will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24).  

Attention Committee Chairs
If your team, program or group needs funds in the next fiscal year, your request must be filed by Sunday, Jan. 12. Budget requests forms can be found here in Word and here in PDF . Word is preferred. For those who don't have Word on their computer, the free LibreOffice suite ( https://www.libreoffice.org ) provides a compatible substitute; it's available for both Windows and MacOS. Contact Steve Moskowitz with questions: 518.439.6347 or budget-request@albanyuu.org.

January Jams Are Coming
In January we like to shake things up a bit. Each year Leah Purcell plans special activities around the theme of the month and ask volunteers in the congregation to share their talents by leading 30-minute workshops while the regular RE volunteers help their groups each week. 

This year the theme is Integrity. Let’s help the children connect with their own inner voice and to put their ideas into action. It’s a chance for you to volunteer with support for just a few weeks.

Potential skills or areas for workshops : Yoga, Science, Storytelling, Music making, Drama, Special crafts, Maker Space –giving children an opportunity to use materials and real tools (from staplers to hammers to 3-D pens) to solve problems.

Do you have a skill or talent to share with children? I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Leah Purcell -  dre@albanyuu.org 463-7135.

Sexton Position STILL open!
The Sexton works on Sunday (4-6 hours) and Monday (4-6 hours, flexible days possible) and is responsible for Sunday morning operations and taking care of the church property.

Sunday tasks include preparation and clean up for the service, coffee hour, and other scheduled activities, and for taking care of the church property.

Maintenance entails responsibility for performing tasks on the monthly maintenance schedule, minor repairs and replacements, reporting larger repair and replacement needs, keeping the building tidy by returning items to storage locations, and yard work. 
Read full job description  here .
Pay: $15/hr.
Contact Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway for more information or to express interest: 518.463.7135 or admin@albanyuu.org.
Sunday Schedule

9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation, Sanctuary

9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open

10:00 AM
- Multigen Service with Pageant, Community Hall

11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall

11:45 AM
- Green Sanctuary Committee, Room B-7

1:00 PM
- Holiday Caroling, meet in Channing Hall




Quick Links



Denominational Affairs Links



Helpful Local Links



Sign up for a class or event

- Send and email to: registration@albanyuu.org
- 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.






Offering envelopes
We appreciate donations of cash during the offering that occurs as part of our Sunday service. If you would like to have cash contributions recorded and acknowledged in writing for tax purposes at the end of the calendar year, please use and write your name on one of the envelopes that are available on the table in the Community Hall lobby. Thank you very much for your generosity.


Albany UU Safety
A reminder that the West St. door will remain locked on Sunday mornings. Though it will be locked from the outside, the West St. door may still be used to exit the building at any time. The Washington Ave. lobby doors will be locked 15 minutes after service begins and reopened again from 11-noon. A Welcome Table or Greeter volunteer will remain in the Lobby for the duration of the morning to monitor doors. We continue to appreciate your patience as we make this transition. If you have questions, please call the church office .


Warmth for the Homeless
Please gather blankets, sleeping bags, warm coats, etc. for those experiencing homelessness and put them in the bin in the coatroom. Thanks you!


Planning for weather emergencies
In the event of severe weather, a decision to cancel Sunday morning RE classes will be publicized by 9:00 PM Saturday.

A decision to cancel Sunday meditation and the service will be publicized by 8:00 AM Sunday.

The cancellation of all other classes, programs and meetings depends on a decision by the chairperson. We hope to receive information enabling a cancellation announcement two hours before the event start time.

Notice of all cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook and by email sent through Constant Contact. Sunday service and programs will also be announced on local TV and radio stations through the “School Closing Network”.
 
ALBANY UU PILLAR CHALLENGE

Pillar Fund Update – Final Push

Thank you to the 40 members and friends who have contributed to the Pillar Fund so far. We are over 2/3 of the way to our goal of matching the $25,000 challenge. 

Please bring in your contributions soon or mail them to the office so that we can finish before the end of the year.  Here is a link to the form.

If you have any questions about the Fund, contact Chuck Manning at chuckmanning@hotmail.com

Thank you for your support.
CELEBRATE SAM'S 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Join us in a joyful celebration of Sam's 20 years of ministry at Albany UU with a catered luncheon and other festivities after Sunday service from  11:45 to 1:30 on January 5, 2020  in Community Hall.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend by emailing office@albanyuu.org so we'll be sure to have enough food.

If you wish to make a donation for gift for Sam, please see Karen Kaufmann after services on December 22 or you can give her or Patti Jo Newell your donation anytime before Christmas.
CALENDAR OF HOLIDAY EVENTS
Saturday, Dec. 21
4:00 pm  Winter Solstice Celebration , Channing Hall

Sunday, Dec. 22
10:00 am  Christmas Service w/Pageant , Community Hall
11:00 am  Music Jam at Coffee Hour
*1:00 pm  Caroling (*time may change)

Tuesday, Dec. 24
6:00 pm  Candlelight Christmas Eve service , Sanctuary
7:00 pm  Cookie Reception Hosted by Amie Jamieson & Rick Piet , Channing Hall
8:00 pm  Candlelight Christmas Eve service, Sanctuary


JOIN THE ALBANY UU WORLD CAF É
World Café: Visioning for our Future
Sunday, January 12, 11:45 – 1:45

The Board of Trustees is hosting a World Café to facilitate a dialogue among the congregation on creating a vision for our future, and you’re invited and encouraged to attend. As we’ve highlighted at different junctures, the Board’s foundational role under the new governance model is to discern the congregation’s mission and vision. Also as previously highlighted, your participation in that discernment is essential, and the Board is committed to exploring ways to get feedback and input from the congregation on an ongoing basis. The first of these is the World Café we’re hosting in January.

The World Café methodology is a simple and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue, based on seven design principles:

1.       Set the Context
2.       Create Hospitable Space
3.       Explore Questions that Matter
4.       Encourage Everyone’s Contribution
5.       Connect Diverse Perspective
6.       Listen Together for Patterns and Insights
7.       Share Collective Discoveries

Small groups of participants will engage in rounds of conversations centered on specific questions. At the end of the first round, each participant moves to a different table to engage in another question. After a couple more repetitions, we will participate in a full group session to share insights and synthesize results.

Please join us for this exciting opportunity to engage in an energetic and focused dialogue with the congregation. The fuller the participation, the better. We look forward to seeing you there!
FROM OUR BLOGS
JOYS and CARING CORNER
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.

We are sad to announce that member, Diana Shear died on December 12. A memorial service will be announced at a later time toward spring. Cards may be sent to George Shear at:
387 Third Ave. #405, Troy, NY 12182

Member, Phil Rich shares that someone took from his bank account money for a subscription to Xbox. Thankfully Phil caught it, and has a new card.

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 provide 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 friendly visits and “check in’s” from Caring Network members. Please reach out to the Caring Network if you need.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Solstice Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 21, 4:00 pm, Channing Hall
All are welcome on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 4:00 pm in Channing Hall - this is an event that children can join in. Learn more here .

Join us for the Holiday Music Jam!
The annual Albany UU Holiday Music Jam will take place on  Sunday, Dec. 22  during coffee hour. Learn more here .

Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 5:30 pm in Channing Hall. We will discuss  The Awakening  by Kate Chopin. Learn more here .

Circle Dinners
Circle Dinners are a great way to get to know other UUsl take place in the homes of Albany UUs on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 6 PM , and hosts are needed. Sign up online by Sunday, Jan. 5 . Learn more here .
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
-Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry (DREFM), lpurcell@albanyuu.org



For the Faith Development of children and youth this Sunday

December 22 is our multi-generational Christmas service with the pageant. No Sunday school this week; the Nursery/Toddler Room opens at 9:45 - though the littlest ones might even enjoy the service. We all gather in Community Hall at 10:00.

For the pageant, people of all ages are welcome to participate!
Those who already have roles assigned, arrive in Community Hall to find your seat, receive any last-minute directions and prepare to have fun! During the service the congregation will be invited to join in with roles in the pageant
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair, email


A reminder that the Green Sanctuary Committee  of the First UU Society of Albany is dedicated to being an inclusive group with polyvalent approaches to addressing the reality of the climate crisis. Members of this committee work to petition legislators to vote in the interests of the planet and humans.

We also strive to have an intersectional outlook when considering the pollution of the planet--the need to step back and lift up voices from communities that have, historically and in the present, been the most impacted by the rapacious nature of resource plundering in Western civilization.

If you would like to join, please contact chair, Meghan Marohn at  meghan.marohn@gmail.com . We meet every fourth Sunday of the month in Room B-7. Please come!  

Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Send a note to Governor Cuomo before 12/31/19 to thank him for his support and ask him to make passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act a priority in 2020. You can do this by clicking the link here . The goal is to send 1,000 messages by the end of this year, so send the link to family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues and ask them to reach out to the Governor too.

Come to the Capitol on January 8 and 9 to mix and mingle with lawmakers in a series of welcome receptions as they return for the 2020 legislative session. Contact Amanda Cavanaugh at acavanaugh@compassionandchoices.org for details.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Understudy Needed
If you like to observe and record during a past-paced event, we have just the one night volunteer job for you! The Auction Committee needs a person willing to learn the task of recording bids during the live auction next March 21st. You would learn the ropes from our expert, Kathy Harris. Please contact Chair, Randy Rosette at rosette_jensen@juno.com or 518-783-2637 for more details.

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!

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:
Regular events and meetings
Many of these events and meetings take a hiatus in the summer, check with the church office before coming in.

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)
1:00 PM        Bridge (weekly)
Wednesdays
10:00 AM      Projects & Quilts (weekly)
7:00 PM        Choir Rehearsal (almost weekly)
Thursdays     
1:00 PM       All Sides Considered (1st & 3rd)
6:30 PM       Board of Trustees (4th)
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.
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 (unless otherwise posted)
September-June: Monday-Friday, 9:00-3:00
July-August: Monday–Thursday 9:00-1:00

Websites
General: www.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 Sapphire Correa (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org ).

Photo credit: Kathy Hodges (promise of spring!)
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org