Windows Weekly August 15, 2019
Albany UU Windows Weekly
Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. 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
August 18 “Eldering: A Way of Growing Older,” Rev. Tom Chulak

Last September, Rev. Dr. Tom Chulak turned 70. As a way of celebrating this milestone, he decided to become more intentional about this stage of life. In this service, Tom will celebrate and share with you my discoveries on the path to not just being elderly but becoming an elder.

Tom Chulak is a life long UU, retired UU minister, and member of Albany UU who together with his wife Nicole, owns the Chatham Bookstore.

Music: Al DeSalvo
SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am


Summer at Albany UU
Our summer services continue through Sunday, September 1.

How is a summer Sunday at Albany UU different from other Sundays?

--The 9:00 AM Meditation continues.
--We have Service at 10:00 AM . Summer services are coordinated by Randy Rosette, with a delightful list of guests in the pulpit.
-- Children are invited to meet for activities in Room 24/25, youth are invited to help or attend service. The nursery/toddler room will still be open at 9:45 with paid childcare staff.
-- Coffee Hour becomes Iced Tea and Lemonade (in Community Hall Alcove.)
-- The people you’ve enjoyed all year are still here, plus it’s a time we often have visitors who are on their summer voyages from elsewhere.
-- Contributions of flowers from your garden, a florist or a crack in the sidewalk for the service are welcome!
-- If you can volunteer to help on a Sunday, we have openings for Greeters and Ushers. Call the office, 518-463-7135, or sign up here !


Aug. 25 “The Experience of Wellspring”

Our congregation supported nineteen people through Wellspring journeys this year. Come and hear what sources of inspiration they found.





ANNOUNCEMENTS


Community Breakfast - don’t miss out!
Our next community breakfast is this Saturday, Aug. 17! If you would like to contribute some fruit or other tasty food item to the breakfast such as coffee cake, muffins, banana bread, etc., please label it, “community breakfast” and leave it in the kitchen by 8:00 AM Saturday, Aug. 17. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to help with this important community event here at Albany UU! For more information, contact Carol Butt: 518.439.6629.

A reminder that this outreach opportunity was put into action as a result of the Albany UU Board asking the congregation the open question, “What would it look like for Albany UU to be a good neighbor?” A proposal from Carol Butt was approved by the Board to provide a free public community breakfast once a month in Channing Hall.

Calling all artists!
Albany UU members and friends of all ages & stages -
join the September Art Show in Channing Gallery - Opening, Sunday, September 8.

Original artwork in any medium (e.g. watercolor, pencil, photography, oil, etc.) is welcome. Artwork should 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 of the work and sale price or NFS, if not selling.

Drop off dates for artwork: Sunday 8/25 10:00-noon, 8/26 9am-11am, 8/28 9-11am. For questions please call Ellen Thea Chernoff at 518-463-5503.

Albany UU Humanists
There will be no meeting in August. Find more information about the September meeting here .

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 .
Sunday Schedule

9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation, Sanctuary

9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open

10:00 AM
- Summer Service, Community Hall

11:00 AM
- Fellowship, Community Hall Alcove




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.
 
WE'RE HIRING - TWO POSITIONS!
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). 
·          Able to stoop and sit at children’s level.
·          Punctual and reliable.
·          Displays a genuine enthusiasm and compassion for infants and toddlers
·          Able to relate to parents and volunteers.
·          Comfortable working in a congregation with the values of Unitarian Universalism
·          At least 18 yrs old.
·          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

Snow Removal Tech Position open
Albany UU is seeking a seasonal employee to move snow using equipment owned by the churc h. The Snow Removal Technician is responsible for working independently de-icing and clearing snow from walks, ramps, stairs, access points and porticos in a safe and efficient manner. Pay is $20.00/hour with a two hour minimum. Read full job description here . Contact Tammy Hathaway for more information or to express interest: 518.463.7135 or admin@albanyuu.org
HOMECOMING - SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS!
Homecoming Sunday - September 8

Bring water (real or virtual) gathered during your summer (at home or away) to symbolize the regathering of our community. 

Send a couple photos of your summer for inclusion in the slideshow to office@albanyuu.org by Sunday, Sept. 1.

Plan on lunch after the service! Everyone is invited to a light lunch in Channing hall right after the service and bring a “finger food” if you're willing and able. Check out our Homecoming spread from last year - and our wonderful Reception Volunteers!
MUSIC DIRECTION TEAM ANNOUNCED
Without a music director for September, the Board has approved this plan. Chris Jensen will direct the choir this fall and Ann Brandon will be their accompanist. Randy Rosette will serve in an organizing and management capacity for the choir and the Sundays the choir does not sing. Chris, Ann and Randy will be called the “Music Direction Team.” The choir, under Chris’ direction, will perform through December, including Christmas Eve.
 
Beginning in September, the Board will take responsibility for assessing our music program and what our congregation wants. The results of that assessment will guide the formation of a search team to identify a person or multiple people to lead our music program. It will also guide the formation of a Music Team to facilitate the congregation’s part of the vision for our music program.
 
The goal is to have a new musical staff hired and ready to begin in the beginning of February, or earlier.
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.  

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, Sandy Stone, Lisa Barron, 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.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OPEN HOUSE

Join us on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 AM – 12 PM for an Open House for participating families to register for 2019-2020 RE, find out what's being planned in their child(ren)'s groups this year, and reconnect with Albany UU friends. Also open to the public for prospective families to check us out. Bring a friend!
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Albany UU Young Adults (UUYA) Summer Event
The Albany UU Young Adults (UUYA) will be having their summer event on Sunday, Aug. 25 immediately following the service at the Grafton Peace Pagoda for meditation and a picnic. Learn more here .


Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 pm in Channing Hall. We will discuss  The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai . Learn more  here .


UU Weekend: Don't miss out!
Have you registered for UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 18-20, 2019? 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 .
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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!

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.
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
-Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry (DREFM), lpurcell@albanyuu.org

Summer Session of RE!

Childcare for children starts at 9:45 AM. Please pick up your children immediately following the service.

Children and youth are welcome to stay with their families for the service. Or they can come upstairs for childcare. Volunteers and our childcare workers staff the nursery/toddler room for our youngest ones; and room 24/25 with activities for those in preschool and older. Middle school and high schoolers are welcome to help out. We start shortly before 10:00; pick up directly after the service. Please be sure to sign your child in and out with one of the staff. Everyone is invited for cookies and lemonade in the back of Community Hall after the service. 
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair, email

SRC Recommends:


Kateri Peace Conference on August 16 and 17 in Fonda, NY. Learn more here.

Zero Waste Ambassadors needed for Saturday, Sept 7 Riverside Jazz Fest in Albany.  Please email tlieberm1@gmail.com  with your availability. We will set up an information table, multiple Zero Waste Stations and collect compost from vendors. Volunteer shifts: morning shift 12 to 4 pm; (training 12-12:30), evening shift 3:30 to 8 pm; (training 3:30-4), Clean up Crew 8-9 pm, Table help: Volunteers needed anytime from 11:30 am to 6 pm.
Green Sanctuary's Tip of the Week
Living our 7th Principle

Zero Waste Ambassadors needed for Saturday, Sept 7 Riverside Jazz Fest in Albany.  Please email tlieberm1@gmail.com  with your availability. We will set up an information table, multiple Zero Waste Stations and collect compost from vendors. Volunteer shifts: morning shift 12 to 4 pm; (training 12-12:30), evening shift 3:30 to 8 pm; (training 3:30-4), Clean up Crew 8-9 pm, Table help: Volunteers needed anytime from 11:30 am to 6 pm.

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)
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)
7:00 PM       Program Coordinating Council (2nd)
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
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org