Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. 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 22, “Across Impossible Divisions,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Jews and Palestinians who live on the West Bank do not talk to each other. There are laws against visiting each other’s communities. They live in fear of harm from the other. Yet in one small area there is a peace center dedicated to Jews and Palestinians meeting each other and developing relationships. Two leaders associated with this center, a Jewish Rabbi and a young Palestinian, will be in Albany (at Ohav Shalom) November 4th to talk about their relationship, the organization and the potential of the work they have been doing for the last five years.
Music:
Albany UU Choir, Ann Brandon, Randy Rosette
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SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LATE ADDITION!!
The next East Of Hudson potluck is
THIS Friday, Sept. 20, 6pm
at the home of Jean & Bob Poppei, 57 indian Pipe Dr., Wynantskill. Please RSVP as soon as you are able to Jean:
poppej@sage.edu
or 518-928-4123.
Community Breakfast
September 21, 9:00 to 11:00 am
It's not to late to help!
Contact Carol Butt with questions or to express interest. 518-439-6629,
catzen1944@gmail.com.
To contribute muffins, fruit, etc. to the breakfast, please have that in the Albany UU kitchen labeled for the “community breakfast” by 8:30 AM Sept. 21. Thank you!
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!
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 21st. 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!
Thank you!
Thank you for your donations toward our plate give-away last Sunday to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Dorian Crisis Response Fund. YOU donated $1540.00!
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
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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
11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall
- Artist Reception, Channing Hall
11:45 AM
- Green Sanctuary Committee, Room B-7
- New Leader Orientation, Room B-8
- Social Responsibilities Council Meeting, Room 26
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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WE ARE
STILL
HIRING ONE POSITION!
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Nursery and Toddler Room Child Care Worker position
open
Our program is seeking a childcare worker to provide a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for children aged newborn to three years of age during Sunday morning church activities and also for meetings on mutually agreed upon dates. This person will work with a volunteer of the congregation each Sunday or meeting time.
S
kills and attributes sought:
·
Able to lift up to 30 pounds (picking up children from floor or crib or seat, and changing diapers on changing table).
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Able to stoop and sit at children’s level.
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Punctual and reliable.
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Displays a genuine enthusiasm and compassion for infants and toddlers
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Able to relate to parents and volunteers.
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Comfortable working in a congregation with the values of Unitarian Universalism
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At least 18 yrs old.
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Successful completion of a background check
Start date September 8, 2019. Pay: $15/hr.
Please pass this along to folks you know who might be interested. Also open to congregants. Send a cover letter and resume or list of previous experiences to
dre@albanyuu.org
.
Sexton and Snow Removal Tech positions are now filled!
As Izzy Wright leaves us to move on to bigger things, we would like to welcome Izzy's brother, Justin Wright to our team as BOTH Sexton and Snow Removal Tech! Justin will begin on Izzy's last day - this Sunday, Sept. 22. He'll have a lot to learn, including names, so be sure to introduce yourself!
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CRITICAL CLIMATE MARCH AND RALLY - Friday, September 20 - 11:00 AM
Please join us for a March to Wake up Albany to the climate crises and the need for immediate action. The March will start at 79 Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant and will go from there to the West Capital Park where it will link up with student marchers from area schools. This is an opportunity to demand the state take action now. We plan on meeting at Sheridan Ave and not the church. For further information contact any member of the Albany UU Green Sanctuary Committee
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Beginnings and Endings
T.S. Eliot wrote, "What we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from". I love this quote. It reminds me that life is a series of interconnected changes that allow us to flow from one phase to another. Life is not stagnant, and change is inevitable. I am also reminded of the Circle of Life - birth, growth, death, and rebirth. The end of each phase makes the next one possible to begin, and so the circle keeps going around.
Change, however, is never easy - even positive change. Stress and anxiety come part and parcel with it. When faced with a new beginning or an ending, the one certainty is that there will be change and stress. And so it was with me a few months ago when I began to experience a bit of anxiety over beginning my internship here. You know how it goes - that internal self-talk that makes you feel like you're 16 again starts to bubble to the surface even though you know you are competent and capable!
During one of my many conversations this summer with a trusted colleague, I shared some of my anxiety. They responded to with some words of wisdom that were given to them by their mentor. They said, "Start as you wish to finish". Their words were profoundly life-giving for me, and I began to visualize myself as a professional minister, not as just a student. I suppose you could call it an internal paradigm shift. I committed myself to starting as I wished to finish, and much of my anxiety dissipated. The end is where we start from, indeed. Yet, even as I strive to begin as I wish to end - to BE a minister - my hope is that I will also maintain a "beginners mind", and remain open to new learning, new possibilities, and to new growth and insights.
May this church year bring all of us learning, growth, and experiences beyond our expectations and imaginations, and may we all start as we wish to finish.
In the Spirit,
Dan Miyake
Albany UU Ministerial Intern
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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.
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, Donna Meixner, Dee VanRiper and Sharon Babala.
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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Lunchtime Yoga with Leslie Eisele
Lifespan Learning is offering a FREE one hour lunchtime yoga for our members and the community on Fridays in September, 12:15 to 1:15 in Room B-8. Learn more
here
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Artists Reception!
Come to Channing Hall this
Sunday, Sept. 22 d
uring Coffee Hour for an artist reception to celebrate artwork by Albany UUs. Take in the talent that is us!
All Aboard the Leadership Train!
It's not too late to join Tammy Hathaway and Dick Dana for a New Leader Orientation on
Sunday, Sept. 22 at 11:45 in Room B-8.
Yes, there will be food! Learn more
here
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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
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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 until after the story
(
Mullah Nasruddin Feeds His Coat)
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 tying this room out for size for a while
Infants, children and youth
are always welcome in the service with their families
Families, check out some printed resources for you!
- Soulful Home -Ways for you to make meaning and engage in spiritual practices at home using the theme of the month. Also available in the protected page of our website. Contact the office for how to log on. office@albanyuu.org
- RE Families Handbook – A handy print out of pages from our website Family Responsibilities
- Monthly Messenger (for families and for other adults)– Ways for you to engage with message of the service and go deeper at home
You’ll find these in holders on the shelves of the second floor and basement hallways and in the RE Office
Parents and caretakers
,
now is the time to register your child in RE, if you haven’t already. Paper forms available in the brochure rack in the lobby and at the RE Office Window in the lobby.
You can also
print
a registration form or register
online
.
Don’t let the fee be a barrier to registering; contact Leah at
dre@albanyuu.org
or 518-463-7135 if you need more time, a reduction or a waiver.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
SRC Recommends:
SEE
"CALL TO ACTION"
ABOVE FOR INFORMATION ON THE CRITICAL CLIMATE MARCH AND RALLY - September 20 - 11:00 AM
Film “RBG” screening- Friday, Sept. 20,12:15 PM
, UAlbany Downtown Campus, 135 Western Ave., Husted Hall 214 - a documentary exploring the exceptional life and career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her legal legacy and her journey to becoming an unexpected pop culture icon.
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
On
September 25 at 12:15-2:00
at the Colonie Library, Death with Dignity – Albany presents Jane-Marie Schaeffer, Esq., a principal of the Herzog Law Firm, to discuss
housing options for seniors in the capital region
, their costs and benefits, and how to pay for them.
Book Club: BLK FMNST Loaner Library Thursday, Sept. 26, 5-6pm
, MassMOCA, North Adams, MA. This month’s book is
Parable of the Sower,
Octavia Butler’s 1993 sci-fi novel told through the eyes of a fifteen-year-old African-American girl. Its dystopian vision is eerily prescient.
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
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A SECOND ENDOWMENT TRUST NOW ESTABLISHED
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There are now two choices for contributing to the Albany UU Endowment. The original Endowment Trust provides funds for special congregational projects beyond the reach of the operating budget. A new separate Trust has been established by the Board of Trustees for the purpose of supplementing the operating budget with its investment income. It is intended to meet the needs of donors who wish to extend their support for ongoing activities beyond their annual pledges.
Both Trusts will be overseen by the same five trustees elected by members of our Society. However the funds will be kept separate and distinct. The original endowment will remain intact. When making gifts or bequests to the Endowment you can now specify either the original Special Projects Endowment or the new Operations Endowment. If no specification is made, gifts and bequests will go, by default, into the original Special Projects endowment.
Because it is newly established the Operations Endowment currently has no funds in it. But, as always, you are invited to commemorate life’s wondrous milestones and memories, joys and sorrows by making a gift to either of the endowments. Just submit a Greater Gifts form along with your tax-deductible contribution. The form is posted on Albany UU’s member resource site
here
.
Members may also choose to support either (or both) of the endowments with planned giving by a bequest in their Wills. By doing so, you will join other members of the John Cross Legacy Society. In appreciation, each June, you would be invited to a wine and cheese reception celebrating your legacy.
For further information contact one of the Endowment Trustees: Jon Newell, Jeff English, Tom Mercer, Paula Moskowitz, or Peter Schaeffing.
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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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Thank you
to all who participated in making our Homecoming service so special. A big thank you to our wonderful
Reception Volunteers
who organized our Homecoming Lunch, and to everyone who brought food to share!
Photos taken by one of our Albany UU photographers, Jan McCracken!
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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 (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, 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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