Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. This is an updated version of the news sent yesterday. Please use this version as there were some errors in the previous. Plus there's some fun photos, updates and information added! 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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September 29, “Rosh Hashanah and the Stinky Kishke - Expectations, Good Intentions, and Transformation,” Dan Miyake
Considered the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days. This is a time of reflection, introspection for reviewing the past year, identifying ways we have harmed others, made mistakes, not lived up to our own expectations and commitments, or other ways that we failed to live up to our best selves. As we start out our new church year, what can we learn from this tradition? What are our expectations of ourselves, of each other, and of this community?
Music:
Randy Rosette with guest musician, Olivia Karis-Nix
HYMN 400: “Shalom Havayreem”
HYMN 392: “Hineh Mah Tov”
HYMN 1011: “Return Again"
HYMN 1008: “When Our Heart Is in a Holy Place”
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SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am
October 6, “Relationship Restoration,”
Rev. Sam Trumbore
During the Jewish High Holy Days leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Jews ask forgiveness, make amends, and forgive those who ask sincerely for forgiveness. May we join with them in this beautiful tradition to renew our relationships and begin again in love.
Music:
Choir, Choir Director- Chris Jensen, Musician- Ann Brandon, piano; Guest Musicians- Debbie Reep MacLeod and Randy Rosette, flutes, and Britany Orlebeke, violin
October 13, “The Grace of Acceptance,”
Dan Miyake
Everyone has an innate need to feel accepted. When we experience the grace of acceptance, it is as if space opens up for us to live into our potential without having to live under the shadow of judgment, misunderstanding, micro-aggression, or fear. For LGBTQ people, being fully accepted (rather than just tolerated) is a critical yet often missing aspect of life. How can Albany UU become more accepting and welcoming to the LGBTQ community?
Music:
Musician- Ann Brandon, piano; Vocal Ensemble- Dick Dana, Linda Hunt, Chris Jensen, Randy Rosette
October 20, “Whose Are You?” Leah Purcell
We all know that belonging is not just about place, but people as well. Quaker teacher, Douglas Steer gets at this beautifully: “The ancient question, ‘Who am I?’ inevitably leads to a deeper one: ‘Whose am I?’ – because there is no identity outside of relationship. You cannot be a person by yourself. To ask “Whose am I” is to extend the question and wonder…”
This service for all ages is much like our regular services but more interactive, and with a shorter sermon. Childcare for children ages 7 and under will be available after the story in the service.
Music:
Musician- Ann Brandon, organ
October 27, “Wheel of Life Service:
A Jack-o-lantern’s Heart”
Each year, when some religious traditions believe the veil is thin between the worlds of the living and dead, we honor major life transitions. Please bring a picture, memento or object that remembers a birth, a life transition such as gender identity, maturity, graduation, marriage, employment, ability changes, retirement, loss or death. We will collect them on an altar for recognition and appreciation during our service. The theme of the service this year will be guided by Peter Mayer’s song “John’s Garden” which illustrates the wheel of life through the spiritual journey of some little pumpkins.
Music:
Choir, Choir Director- Chris Jensen, Musician- Ann Brandon, piano; Guest Musician-- John Sherman, guitar
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Memorial service for Teddy Archer
A memorial service will be held for Teddy on
Sunday, Sept. 29 at 1:30 pm
in Community Hall followed by a reception in Channing Hall. Contributions of finger foods for the reception are welcomed. We do have permission to use the UAlbany Hawley Lot for this event.
The date of the service has been set to also honor Teddy's 100th birthday, and there will be cake to celebrate a vibrant life well lived!
Second chance! Calling all artists -again!
Albany UU members and friends of all ages & stages, due to requests from artists, our member show is extended into October. Original artwork in any medium is welcome. Artwork must be framed, wired and ready to hang. Canvas may be unframed. Please attach a 3x5 card to the back of the work with the artist’s name, phone#, title and sale price or NFS (if not selling). Drop off dates for artwork are: Sunday, Sept. 29 11am-1pm, and Monday Sept. 30 9am-10am at Albany UU. Questions? Contact Ellen Thea Chernoff: 518-463-5503
Would you be willing?
Are you interested in helping with the Craft Fair in December? We are looking for a couple of people to help organize it. We have a lot of experience but need some new and creative ideas. There is a meeting at Sandy Stone's home on Monday evening, Sept. 30 at 7:00. Please contact her at 518-489-8293 if interested.
Can You Help Us?
The Albany UU Auction Committee wants you! In particular, we need assistance with organizing/setting up food to serve at the annual event to be held on Saturday, March 21. We have lots of fun prepping for and running the biggest fundraiser event for our Albany UU Community. New committee members encouraged to join in. Please come to the meeting on
Sunday, Oct. 6, at 11:45 am in Room 23.
Or for more information, contact Randy Rosette at
rosette_jensen@juno.com
or 518-783-2637. Thank YOU!
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray at the NY Universalists
Our UUA president, Rev. Susan Frederic-Gray, will speak at the 193rd annual meeting of the NYS Convention of Universalists, October 25-26 in Rochester. More information at
www.nyscu.org
.
Warmth for the Homeless
It is time again to gather blankets, sleeping bags, warm coats, etc. for those experiencing homelessness. Please put them in the bin in the coatroom. Thanks you!
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Sunday Schedule
9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation, Sanctuary
9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open
10:00 AM
- Service, Community Hall
- Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall
1:30 PM
- Teddy Archer Memorial Service, Community Hall
Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
Helpful Local 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.
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.
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UPCOMING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WITH OUR MINISTER
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop Schedule
October 11-12, 2019, November 8-9, 2019, January 3-4, 2020, March 27-28, 2020, April 10-11, 2020
This meditation training and practice workshop will be led by Rev. Trumbore, on Friday 6:00pm to 9:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am to 3:00pm. It gives the participants an opportunity to learn Buddhist mindfulness meditation techniques and/or refresh and deepen their meditation practice. All are welcome from first timers to experts. There will be a vegan potluck lunch on Saturday and all are encouraged to bring something to share. Please register with the office (call 463-7135) if you would like to participate. (A voluntary donation can be offered at the end) Mark your calendars NOW!
Rev. Trumbore has practiced Buddhist
Vipassana
or insight meditation for over 35 years and is Past President of the Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship. This meditation technique is one of the best for Unitarian Universalists. It helps people train their minds to strengthen concentration and intensify moment-to-moment awareness. Regular practice of this technique quiets and sharpens the mind, opens the heart and can improve one's physical and mental health.
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Where Do I Belong?
I
n October of 1977 under the influence of the urge to “find myself,” I decided to buy a 14 day rail pass and go west. That meant taking a leave of absence from my junior year at the University of Delaware. That meant leaving my job at the university computer center. That meant saying goodbye to my family not knowing when I might see them again. I was set for adventure as I boarded the train to Chicago suitcase in hand.
The end of that trip across the country, a trip that stopped in Athens, Ohio; Madison, Wisconsin; Wenatchee and Seattle Washington; and Corvallis, Oregon, was Palo Alto, California. I had worked as an electronic technician summer hire for Hewlett Packard in Avondale, Pennsylvania. I thought I’d have a chance at working full-time for HP in Silicon Valley where their headquarters was.
My first night there, though, staying in a seedy, rundown hotel, (Palo Alto was a little different back then) I wondered if I’d made a big mistake. Did I belong in this new place where I didn’t know anyone? Could I find a job and make a life for myself here?
On Sunday, I figured out where the Palo Alto Unitarian Church was by looking them up in the telephone book (this big book was how we figured out where things were before the Internet). Then I got on the bus that ran once an hour and showed up very early. It was so different with an open air courtyard for coffee hour and single story modern buildings spread out on the property surrounded by tropical plants. As I sat in the service, singing familiar hymns and listing to the minister giving a message that resonated with me, I immediately felt at home. From their bookstore, to the friendly woman sitting at the welcome card table, to the interesting folks I met during coffee hour, I discovered so many similarities with my home congregation in Newark, Delaware where I grew up. These were my people and I immediately felt like I belonged here. I felt confident that as part of this community, I’d have the courage and connections to make a new life here.
Another way I’ve experienced belonging is living communally. My first year in California, I rented a one bedroom apartment that had a balcony that overlooked the complex garbage bins. The price was right at $200 dollars a month. After living there a year the rent went up to $240. I was outraged, gave them notice and rented a room from Peggy, an elementary school teacher who greeted me at the membership table the first day I visited the Palo Alto Unitarian Church. When I moved to Berkeley to finish my engineering degree, I shared a room with a social work student ($82 dollars a month!) and several other people in a three bedroom flat. Every time I moved, it was to move in with at least one other person.
As I was preparing to enter seminary at Starr King School for the Ministry, it was time to move again. I had been living with the family of the co-ministers of the Oakland Unitarian Church, renting a room from them in a large, beautiful home in the Oakland Hills along with two other non-family members. The household had to break up because they lost their lease.
There was an opening in a house near the Rockridge BART stop in North Oakland in an attractive neighborhood. This large home had been a communal space for a Buddhist oriented collective. One meditation teacher and his wife lived there and taught in a large meditation room in the basement. I had taken classes there and come to meditation on Monday nights. The seven other residents in the large six-bedroom home were all older than I was which felt intimidating but we shared a common meditation practice that connected us.
I remember the transition process from being an outsider to this little community to feeling of belonging. It didn’t take a long time. What facilitated that connection process was eating breakfast together in the morning in our shared kitchen. We shared an evening meal together once a week. We had house meetings once a month. We shared chores. We soaked in their redwood hot tub that I maintained and cleaned. By being together we eased into belonging together.
All this communal living has set me up well to be a minister. Albany UU doesn’t belong to any one person. It belongs to all of us. We share it together. Some of us have special responsibilities for its upkeep, cleaning and maintenance. Some of us organize a lot of the activities that happen. All this effort is done for the community, both members, friends, and the larger community. You’ll sense that if you come on the third Saturday when we make a free breakfast. You’ll feel it here on Sunday morning.
In a time when our President is sending a strong message to those outside our borders that he doesn’t want them here; we are creating here a place where people can feel they belong.
We are imperfect in our hospitality. We can inadvertently send non-welcoming messages. Yet central to our message is one of welcome. Core to our values is the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
If you identify with Unitarian Universalism, you belong here too.
Rev. Sam
More from our Blogs
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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.
It is with deep sorrow we announce that member,
Kathy Lloyd, unexpectedly lost her partner, Don Holmes.
Cards may be sent to Kathy at:
48 Holmes Court, Albany, NY 12209
UPDATE:
We light a candle of joy for member,
Barb Manning, who will be released from the hospital today!
Contact Chuck before visiting.
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 Erick 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.
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Getting to Know UU
We invite you to join us
Saturday, Oct. 5 at 8:45 AM
for “Getting to Know UU,” an orientation for newcomers. Learn more
here
.
Albany UU Young Adults (AUUYA) Meetup!
The Albany UU Young Adults will be meeting after the service on Sunday, Oct. 6. We will be walking over to Washington Park for a cider and donuts social and all are welcome! Learn more
here
.
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on
Sunday, October 13 at 5:30 pm
in Channing Hall. We will discuss
Manhattan Beach
by Jennifer Egan. Learn more
here
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UU Weekend: Don't miss out!
Have you registered for UU Weekend at Silver Bay from
October 18-20
? First-timers will receive an additional 10% discount! Children under 6 are free and there are substantial discounts for older children and youth.
Learn more
here
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New Year, New Opportunities - Get Connected Activity Fair!!!
Attend the Albany UU Get Connected Activity Fair on
Sunday, October 27
and find out about new opportunities to both get involved and meet more fabulous Albany UU members and friends! Learn more
here
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RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
For the Faith Development of the children and youth this Sunday
- The nursery/toddler room opens at 9:45
- Children in pre-k through 6th grade start the morning in the service in Community Hall at 10:00 with their families. Instead of having a story we will have a small ceremony to install Dan Miyake (mee-AHH-key) as our intern minister; and our guest will blow the shofar to welcome the Jewish New Year.
- 7th/8th Grade OWL starts at 10:00 in their room (B-3/4)
- High School YoUUth Group starts at 10:00 in room B-8 - We're trying this room out for size for a while
Infants, children and youth are always welcome in the service with their families.
Register in RE
By registering your child in our Sunday school program, you’ll
- Have an opportunity to let the RE guides know the best ways they can be supportive of your child
- Make a small monetary contribution to support the RE program.
- Learn the many ways you can serve to support our community and our program
- Fill out an RE Registration now. Paper forms available in the brochure rack in the lobby and at the RE Office Window in the lobby. Or you can print one out from this link Or register on line
- Don’t let the fee be a barrier to registering; contact me at dre@albanyuu.org or 518-463-7135 if you need more time, a reduction or a waiver.
Family Support Group meets next Sunday, Oct. 6
We'll meet in Room B-5 (in the basement) after Family Chapel (starting about 10:30) until 11:15. We'll talk about parenting with UU values. The theme will be belonging. Everyone with children/youth at home are welcome.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
SRC Recommends:
26th Anniversary Ceremony of the Grafton Peace Pagoda - Saturday, Sept. 28, 11am,
87 Crandall Rd, Petersburg. A potluck will follow the ceremony. Bring your favorite food to share. More info - call the Peace Pagoda - 8am-4:30pm, (518) 658-9301
Climate Change Crisis:
Please come to an interfaith prayer and discussion on Climate Change at The Chapel + Cultural Center at RPI at 2125 Burdett Avenue, Troy on Wednesday, October 2nd at 7 PM.
Reversing Runaway Inequality Training by Capital District Demand Justice Saturday October 5, 10:30 – 3:00
, 94 Central Avenue, Albany – This FREE training to address the increasing inequality in our society is designed to help us better understand the problems we see in our city and community. Includes lunch. Register with Citizen Action of the Capital District.
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice - Save the Date: Conversation Sabbath.
On November 3, Albany UU will join
hundreds of congregations taking part in Conversation Sabbath, sponsored by The Conversation Project, an organization founded by former Boston Globe columnist Ellen Goodman. Our Sunday service will reflect UU thinking about end of life issues and inspire you to have “the conversation” with your loved ones and your doctor(s) about your wishes for living well until the end, to make sure they are known and honored. Rev. Sam says,
“We think that if we don’t talk about it, it won’t happen. The reality is that it always feels too soon to have the conversation--until it is too late.”
After the service, from 11:30-2:00, Bonnie Edelstein, founding director of Death with Dignity – Albany, will lead a free Conversation Workshop in Community Hall. The workshop will be open to the public and begin with a light lunch. As a workshop participant, you will prepare for having “the conversation” about what matters most to you, and leave with your notes in a workbook.
REGISTRATION:
To ensure adequate space, materials and child care, register by November 1
here
or at 518-463-7135.
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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!
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:
Gardening Volunteers
Do you have two hours to contribute to maintaining the gardens surrounding Albany UU? The Gardening Committee welcomes you to
sign up here
, where you can select which week(s) you'd like to help. Volunteers often work in pairs. No experience necessary. For more information or to receive e-mail updates, please contact
Donna Meixne
r or 518/439-5947.
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UNLIKELY PARTNERS FOR PEACE
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Monday, November 4
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Congregation Ohav Shalom
113 New Krumkill Road, Albany 12208
In the West Bank, Palestinians and Israelis live in separate universes without real human contact. Roots/Shorashim/Judur is changing that reality, fostering a grassroots movement of understanding, nonviolence and transformation.
Come hear firsthand the personal stories of Shadi Abu Awwad, a Palestinian activist, and Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi and passionate Zionist settler, who came together – with painful hope – to build dialogue and cooperation.
Questions: roots@albanyuu.org
Our speakers do not come with blueprinted peace plans in hand, but with the deep conviction that human understanding and trust are the prerequisites for lasting justice, freedom, and peace in the land they both call home. Come to learn and be inspired! In these times of increased polarization – nationally and internationally – we have much to learn about how to listen, to open our hearts and minds and support peace.
For more information about Roots visit www.Friendsofroots.net
This presentation is sponsored by the:
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany Nigel Wright Fund
and Congregation Ohav Shalom.
Supporters: Capital District Board of Rabbis
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UUs ON STRIKE! #CLIMATESTRIKE
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Check out UU youth, members and staff during the climate march and rally on Friday, Sept. 20!
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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)
7:00 PM UU Humanists (3rd)
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)
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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 (unless otherwise posted)
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
).
Photo credit: Kathy Hodges
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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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