Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Please stay safe and stay connected to your Albany UU Community during this uncertain time in the many ways provided online - all described below.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please sign up here.
-Blessings and Be Well
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MISSION STATEMENT
We 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.
VISION STATEMENT
Albany UU will be an inclusive, welcoming congregation. Our sacred work is to lift hearts, broaden minds and do justice in the world, in service of building beloved community.
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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00 am
LIVE VIA ZOOM
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Sept 27, "Return to Love … Again,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
The Jewish High Holy Days begin to end tonight with Yom Kippur. These Days of Awe, a time of repentance and renewal come to a focus during these last twenty-four hours. Unitarian Universalists can join in by reflecting on where we have fallen short and caused harm, reconcile and make amends, renew and restore relationships and return to love … again … for another year.
Music provided by featured artist, Olivia Karis-Nix in addition to Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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JOIN US FOR VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES M
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Albany UU Virtual Services - Live via Zoom
Begin your Sunday morning with Rev. Sam guiding an 8:30 Virtual Meditation session until 9:15 (see below under Upcoming Ways to Connect for more info). We then have Virtual Service beginning at 10:00 each Sunday and a chance to stay online for virtual "Coffee Hour" followed by RE for ALL, at 11:30. Look for more info about RE for ALL below.
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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Oct 4, “Listen Within for Beyond.” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Religion promises to connect the seeker with the source. This is a bit of a challenge in Unitarian Universalism because we don’t make exclusive claims to a source or a way to plug into a source. We can help you find your own path that works for you.
Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette
Oct 11, “Listen to the Ancestors: Indigenous People's Day,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
The land we walk upon in the Capital District wasn’t just empty, fallow dirt just waiting to be “discovered.” Indigenous peoples were here first. They still retain the wisdom of this land that is precious. We need to listen to the Ancestors.
Music Provided by special guest, Matt Meyer with Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette
Oct 18, “Democracy Under Threat,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
The divisions in our country are undermining our system of government, the checks and balances that keep one side from completely dominating the other. Under those divisions are different systems of belief. A system designed over 200 years ago may not be able to keep up with the ways the world has changed, especially the way we communicate.
Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette
Oct 25, “What Democracy Looks Like,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Given the inherent flaws in the design of our Constitution and our Government in the eighteenth century, what is required for democracy to thrive today? How does our faith tradition and our fifth principle guide us?
Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette
Joys and Concerns for Online Services
We have three ways that you can share your joys and concerns.
- One: Use the online form. If you use this form, you can indicate if you would like to have your joys and concerns shared at the Sunday service, and you can leave contact info if you would like a Pastoral Care Associate to follow up with you.
- Two: Email your joy or sorrow to joysandsorrows@albanyuu.org before Sunday morning to have them read aloud during the service
- Three: We will be giving you instructions during the Sunday service about how to share your joys and concerns then.
Sunday Offering
If you would like to make a contribution to the Sunday Offering "Plate", click https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Contribute or send your check, with Sunday Offering on the memo line, to the church: 405 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206. Mail is being processed while the building is closed.
Try our text to give option! Simply text the amount and fund (for example: 20 offering or 20 pledge) to 844-976-2618. There's a helpful video to watch with step by step instructions and an informative written guide with visuals.
Sunday services will be online via Zoom at 10:00 AM EST. There will be no service, religious education or other activities in the church building until further notice. Not familiar with Zoom? Our minister, Rev. Sam Trumbore will give you a brief tutorial.
Use this link to join the Sunday service:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Zoom Etiquette - NEW
Participation in a Zoom Sunday Service needs everyone’s cooperation for it to be successful. By being careful about your video and audio while attending a UU Zoom Sunday service, you can help can make the service a pleasant, welcoming, inspiring and meaningful experience for everyone.
If your video is on, please be attentive to what others are seeing. If what's happening in your video is distracting or potentially embarrassing or appears disrespectful, an usher may turn it off. For example, if someone falls asleep during service, that could be embarrassing so we'll turn off that person's video. If an usher turns off your video, they will let you know via private chat. If you notice that your audio is on, please mute it, and be aware that if you are accidentally un-muted, anything you say could be broadcast to everyone and disrupt the service.
It is wise to treat entering a Zoom Sunday service as if you had just walked into Community Hall during a silent meditation or service.
Wearing your Zoom “Name Tag”
When signing into a Zoom worship service on a Sunday morning, you can't put on your traditional name tag to be welcoming to others, but you CAN rename your screen so that it displays your full name. This is the new way to practice hospitality with everyone who is part of the online worship service.
To change your screen name, look for three white dots, usually appearing in the upper right corner of your zoom window when you hover over it with your cursor. Click the dots, and a dropdown menu will appear. One of the options in the dropdown menu is "Rename." Click that option, and a box will pop up that displays the name currently showing in your Zoom window. If it's not your full name or names, change it to your name(s) and click the "Save" button.
If you have any questions, feel free to send an Usher a message in the Chat during service or email Tammy Hathaway - admin@albanyuu.org anytime. Thanks for taking this extra step to be welcoming!
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ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
-RE FOR ALL-
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Every Sunday at 11:30 AM
Note: all Adult RE for All offerings will be found leaving the Albany UU Zoom #1 where the Sunday service can be seen and heard and moving to Rev. Sam’s Zoom #2. The link will be visible in the Zoom Group Chat after 11:15am as well.
Use this link to join:
Meeting ID: 518-366-4532
Password: 4051842
Conversational Response – This is your opportunity to reflect with the Sunday service presenter on what the service has elicited from you and listen to the responses of others. The purpose isn’t to debate the rightness or wrongness of the service, though references, anecdotes, and stories might be further explored, and fact checked. The goal is for people to go deeper with the service through the process of mutual reflection and response. The first meeting will be after the September 20th service at 11:30am until noon.
Planned for the future:
- Forums – Social Responsibilities Council or Green Sanctuary or Inclusivity Team will have a guest presenter (not every Sunday) or an announced discussion topic of general interest.
- Adult Education Classes – UU History, UU Theology, other topics to stimulate growth and development.
- Learn About Albany UU – Meet with a person from the Membership Committee who can answer your questions about Albany UU and give you information about ways to get more involved in our congregation.
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A Virtual Orientation for Newcomers on Zoom - There's still time!
Getting to Know UU
Saturday, September 26th, is a great chance for some of us at Albany UU to get to know YOU -- but it's also a perfect opportunity for you to learn about this Unitarian Universalist congregation, explore the roots of "UUism," and begin to figure out how participating in congregational life can enhance your personal journey.
Please join us:
10:00 AM to noon
Saturday, Sept 26
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Signing up is preferred, but logins the day of are welcome, come as you are!
Start your Sunday Morning with Meditation - 8:30 - 9:15 AM
Sunday morning meditation, led by Rev. Sam, begins with a ten-minute talk by Sharon Salzberg or Joseph Goldstein from their course on Insight Meditation. 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 and discuss their 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
A NEW chance to Connect and Build Community!
Connect with Three
The best way to feel connected in our congregation is to meet people and get to know them. Connect With Three randomly matches you with another person for a 15 minute conversation three times. The conversation can be free form or guided by questions centered on our theme of the month, “deep listening” in October, depending on each pairing’s desires. At the end of an hour, you’ll have had three interesting conversations and met or renewed connections with three people.
For October, these will be scheduled on two Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30pm, Oct 14 and 28, and two Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30pm, Oct 6 and 20. No reservations required, just show up! (Note that if you arrive late you might be required to wait – so come a little early!).
Plus, we still have one left on September's theme of "renewal"!
Tuesday, Sept 29 from 7-8pm
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
No reservations required, just show up! (Note that if you arrive late you might be required to wait in the waiting room before being admitted – so come a little early!)
Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, Oct 7 at 10:00 AM.
Save these Wednesday dates at 10:00 AM for this fall.
Oct 21
Nov 4, 18
Dec 2, 16
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Albany UU Sings
Join your friends and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Save these Wednesday dates at 7:00 PM for this fall.
Oct 7, 21
Nov 4, 18
Dec 2, 16
Hope to see you there.
Use this link to join: (Note new Zoom link and meeting ID)
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 979 5961 1765
Passcode: 0000
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, Oct 11 at 6:30 pm. We will discuss The Dutch House: A Novel by Ann Patchett. Directions for joining the meeting will be placed in the Daily Reminders. Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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The Still Small Voice
The expression “still small voice” has its origins in Hebrew scripture. The prophet Elijah was on the run from Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, fearing for his life. He escaped to the mountain of God in Horeb where he waited for communication with God in a cave. Elijah sought to know God’s will for him and stood at the mouth of the cave. In the often-quoted King James Translation (1 Kings 19:11-12):
"… And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
Hearing God’s voice inwardly (still small voice) wasn’t God’s normal way to send a message. Usually God would speak in a declarative voice that could shake the ground – one interpretation of the meaning of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and mighty storms with punishing thunder and lightning – all external experiences of God’s greatness and power. This novelty that God could communicate with prophets inside their heads opened a new realm of inner rather than outer God/human communication.
Jesus advanced this even further. Many of Jesus’ ideas were about the internalization of the law of Moses rather than conforming to it with outward display. What mattered wasn’t just what you did, but why you did it, your inner motivation. Matthew 5:27-8 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus would turn aside to pray. He communicated with God in prayer inwardly and directly not through interpretation of outer revelations in the Torah.
This is all well and good for the Prophets of God – what about us regular human beings. Can we turn inward and listen for the still small voice? Is that still small voice God communicating with us … or could it be … maybe Freud’s Superego? Is it a construct of our social conditioning of what the good and right thing to do is? Maybe it is a connection to something larger than us, a collective unconscious that Jung identified? Or is it just a vane fiction of our imagination projecting itself into the voice of God? Or something more elemental and/or more mysterious?
The Quaker worshipful practice of sitting together in silence is an attunement process to that still small voice. They call it the inner light and the inner teacher. George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends, believed he could take direction from Christ by listening within for that still small voice. Many Quakers today might have a more secular take on its source but still listen inwardly for its consolation and inspiration as well as challenge and reproof.
Whatever this inner source might be, many of us take it very seriously. Some of us have made life changing decisions based on this inner sense of what the right thing to do or not do is. What confirms the choice can be a strong emotional sense of its rightness, a sense of certainty that inspires confidence.
And yet there isn’t anything substantial to back up the decision beside that inner sense of confidence.
In the abstract, the concept of the still small voice or the inner light are difficult to work with. Yet through personal experience, the meaning and the way are discerned – in a sense it can be no other way.
Three momentous decisions in my life were made this way. I didn’t decide to start practicing mindfulness meditation through a rational, analytical process. The first meeting of the meditation class I attended I immediately knew this practice could lead me to the answers I was seeking. I knew this practice is what I would do for the rest of my life. The call to follow the path of ministry felt like being chosen through an inner clarity that happened at one discrete moment and has unfolded ever since. My attraction and decision to marry Philomena got an inner “yes” of confirmation.
Not that every inner sense has been right. The inner attraction to Sarvodaya and Sri Lanka didn’t bear the fruit I expected. ARISE didn’t become the community organizing project I imagined it would be. Following one’s still small voice involves risk. It may involve some misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
Our self-interest can be a confusing factor in discerning this inner sense accurately. Carl Jung put it this way: Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune.
The practice of deep listening is one way to seek out that small voice and that inner light. May this be a month for us to explore inwardly and perhaps connect with a higher power.
- Rev. Sam
More from our Blogs:
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Our Inclusivity Team is offering resources for our ongoing education and reflection to address white supremacy culture at Albany UU. Are you finding that you have some time for reading and watching videos these days? Consider settling in with authors of color to help you become familiar with a diversity of human experiences.
For adults:
Giovanni's Room, by James Baldwin. (1956). What is it to be at the intersection of being Black, gay, a young expatriate? What happens when identity is denied? James Baldwin brings us to Paris and paints the picture for us. Available from the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) in hard copy, digital and audio download.
For children:
Equality's Call: The story of voting rights in America, by Deborah Diesen and Magdelena Mora. (2020). This spectacularly illustrated book explains the how and why of voting. Available for purchase at Market Block Books.
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Focus Food Pantry
Please consider a contribution to the Focus Food Pantry this Sunday. Online donations can be made here or you may send your check to the church with FOCUS on the memo line. Thank you for your help.
Remember to UU the Vote!
Are you worried about voter suppression distorting the upcoming critical elections?
Here's an opportunity to make an impact from the safety and comfort of home!
We are partnering with Reclaim Our Vote to send thousands of postcards to voters of color in states with voter suppression problems to make sure they know how to take advantage of early voting. ROV campaigns have a proven record of making an impact on voter turnout.
This is a nonpartisan effort, but we firmly believe that the more people vote, the better it will be for candidates who share our values!
Packets of postcards with instructions will be available continuing into October. Please contact Karen Kaufmann at karenkaufmann64@gmail.com if you are interested and to get the details of how to join up.
And spread the word! Non-UUs are welcome to participate!
UU the Vote reminds us that to help lead in the fight against voter suppression and authoritarianism, this work requires all of us to act. Take the Vote Love Pledge today!
Essential Building Use Guidelines - NEW
First, our building is still closed.
These guidelines govern building use deemed necessary to the work of the congregation. The new procedure is as follows:
- All members and friends must receive pre-clearance from staff (at this point, Tammy: admin@albanyuu.org) before entering the building. This will enable staff to schedule those who need to enter the building so that there is minimal overlap among individuals. The assumption is that these visits will be brief.
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Each individual (including staff) needs to fill out a short health survey prior to or immediately upon entry of the building, each time they enter. The survey is available online (preferred) and will be in paper form at the membership desk if needed.
- All members, friends and staff must wear a mask while in the building.
- Members and friends will please limit the duration and frequency of time spent in the building.
Submitting announcements for the "Announcement Slide" or to be read during virtual Sunday service
Announcements pertaining to Albany UU activities can be read by either Rev. Sam, the Sunday Service Associate, or the person submitting the announcement. Announcements can ALSO be added to the Sunday service "Announcement Slide".
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Submit your announcement to Tammy Hathaway, Church Administrator (admin@albanyuu.org), by Friday, 9:00 AM, to be incorporated into the announcement portion of the upcoming Sunday service. Please specify how you would like your announcement handled - to be read aloud and by who, added to the Announcement Slide or BOTH
- Announcements must be submitted ahead, even if the person submitting will be reading their own announcement.
- Please write out in words the name of your committee. Too many initials result in confusion and is not welcoming: SRC = Social Responsibilities Council RSC = Religious Services Committee
- Include contact information if folks should have questions or would like more information.
If you have questions, please contact Tammy. Thank you so much!
Scheduling Zoom Meetings
We understand that during these challenging times, things can get chaotic but please try and remember to request your Zoom meeting several days in advance. If we receive a request on a Saturday for a Zoom meeting the next day, Sunday, that request will not be processed in time and you and your team may be disappointed.
We currently have two zoom accounts that we can use for meetings. To request a Zoom meeting, please do so just as you would when requesting a room to use in our building - using Church Database. When you choose your resources, or "room", choose between Zoom 1 and Zoom 3. There are links to instructions below. This is the preferred method but requests can also be sent via email to Sapphire: office@albanyuu.org.
When you send an email, please have a few dates and times that will work for your meeting to minimize a lot of time consuming negotiating. Thank you!
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The Social Responsibilities Council is looking forward to a lively discussion of the first of the two Actions of Immediate Witness from this year’s General Assembly: Amen to Uprising! We will be using the new RE for ALL which will begin after the “coffee break-out rooms” following the service. To be clear, it’s our understanding that if you choose to go into the “coffee” session and then want to participate in the AIW discussion, you will have to leave that to then enter RE for ALL at 11:30am. Happily, we will all get lots of directions to facilitate that.
As a frame for our beginning discussion, SRC would like you to think about what particularly resonated for you in the AIW. Was there a particular action or actions you would like to see AlbanyUU embrace? How might it line up with our new Vision Statement: AlbanyUU will be an inclusive, welcoming congregation. Our sacred work is to lift hearts, broaden minds and do justice in the world, in service of building beloved community.
Then, let’s consider these two questions:
1. As a mostly white congregation, how can we amplify the voices of Black people in our congregation and in our wider community?
2. How might we advocate in the wider community for police reform, including such things as: re-allocating some funds assigned to the police, creating more transparency, de-militarizing training, removing police from schools?
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RE Registration
It's especially important for parents/caretakers to register their children this year. This way we will know how to plan for each group, and ensure you have the passwords to our online events. Correct contact information is vital for communication this year as we are meeting virtually and won’t see each other in the halls or at coffee hour. We’ve shortened up the form to make it as quick and easy as possible. Click here to register
Families with children in 5th grade and younger and guides of these groups
Have you picked up your packet of materials for online Sunday morning activities for this fall? If not, come pick yours up THIS SATURDAY from 9:00 – 11:00 am. Elizabeth and Leah will be happy to see you in person if you can come! If you can’t come, contact Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org for other arrangements.
The RE Roundup – the Newsletter for the RE community for children and youth.
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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.
Join us in keeping our members and friends in your thoughts as they share their joys and concerns.
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, Phil Rich, Randy Rosette, Sandy Stone, 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 provides 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 “check in’s” from Caring Network members. Please reach out to the Caring Network.
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UU WEEKEND at SILVER BAY
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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Virtual Service Ushers - We need more volunteers!
This is a great opportunity to volunteer on a Sunday morning! Ushers are needed on Sunday mornings to help provide a welcoming, safe and enjoyable virtual experience. We need folks who would be willing to volunteer to help. Tammy will provide a quick and simple training. PLEASE contact her if you'd like to learn more: admin@albanyuu.org.
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:
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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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