Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Albany UU summer services have come to an end and our regular service year is just beginning. Join us for our Homecoming Service this Sunday, Sept. 8 at 10:00 am. You will find more information about that service and much more below. 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 8, “Homecoming Service”
As drops of water merge into a larger pool, so we regather in September to begin our fall season together. Please remember to bring your water from near and far!
Music:
Alan Thomson
Note:
Plan to stay after service for our Homecoming Lunch. Please bring a finger food to share if you're willing and able!
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SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am
Welcome back to the regular service year schedule!
September 15, “Stop Human Extinction,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Greta Thunberg has captured the attention of the planet to the issue of climate change. So has the “Extinction Rebellion.” Now, more than ever before, climate change mitigation has to become our first priority. Let us join the worldwide Climate Strike, Friday, September 20
th
in Albany and demand radical change from ourselves, from government and world leaders, and from multi-national corporations.
Music:
Alyssa Yeager
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
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
Memorial Service for Linda Munro
A memorial service will be held for Linda on
Sunday, Sept. 15 at 2:00 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.
Cards may be sent to Linda's husband, Hanns Meissner: 308 Shaver Road, West Sand Lake, NY 12196 and her brother and sister-in-law, Dave Munro and Eileen Hoffman: 48 Carstead Drive, Slingerlands, NY 12159
Community Breakfast
Our next community breakfast is
September 21, 9:00 to 11:00 am
. Please sign up in Channing Hall to help create a friendly, nourishing breakfast. Our guests have been so happy to get our attention. If you would like to contribute muffins, fruit, etc. please have that in the kitchen labeled for the “community breakfast” by 8:30 AM Sept. 21. We would even welcome musicians who might like to play a bit of music for our guests. Contact Carol Butt with questions or to express interest. 518-439-6629,
catzen1944@gmail.com.
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!
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:
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 and Homecoming Lunch, Channing Hall
11:30 AM
- OWL Orientation (grades 7/8), Room B-8
5:30 PM
- Walker Book Group, Channing 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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WE'RE
STILL
HIRING -
THREE
POSITIONS!
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Sexton position 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 yardwork.
Read full job description
here
.
Start date: October 6, 2019 - Pay: $15/hr.
Contact Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway for more information or to express interest: 518.463.7135 or admin@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 Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway for more information or to express interest: 518.463.7135 or admin@albanyuu.org
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.
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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
·
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
.
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HOMECOMING - DON'T FORGET TO BRING "FINGER FOOD" TO SHARE!
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Homecoming Sunday - September 8
Bring water
(real or virtual) gathered during your summer (at home or away) to symbolize the regathering of our community.
Plan on lunch after the service!
Everyone is invited to a light lunch in Channing Hall right after the service.
Please bring a “finger food” (no utensils and no heating up needed!) to share:
sandwiches (cut in half), raw veggies, fruit, cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, or other appetizers. Drop off your contribution that morning in the kitchen. Drop your contribution off in the kitchen before service. This is a nice time to catch up with friends and meet some new people after the summer’s activities. See you then!
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITY WITH OUR MINISTER
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Meaning Matters – Meaning Matters is a small group discussion, growth and development program at Albany UU.
Before the beginning of the month, Rev. Sam sends out a packet of materials containing essays, deepening exercises, quotes, poems, music, video clips, podcasts, articles, books, movies, all on the theme for the month.
Towards the end of the month, the Meaning Matters groups gather to reflect on the theme using the materials, sermons from that month, and activities that can stimulate growth and development.
The program meets once a month from September through June.
If this program interests you, please contact Rev. Sam at
minister@albanyuu.org . He is especially interested in people who would be willing to join the “third Tuesday” group that meets from 5 to 7pm.
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What I Learned While I Was on Sabbatical - Another Way of Doing Sunday Morning
I'm hearing some buzz from my presentation in the service Aug 4th on what I learned on my sabbatical. Of particular interest was how the UU congregation in Marietta, GA (outside Atlanta) does their Sunday mornings. There, they have a "Two Hour Model" with the worship service and "RE for All" separate every Sunday morning. It does make for a long morning - if you go to both - but they have choices built in to make it accessible to all (like childcare for young children after the story). I held a discussion after the service on Aug 4, and both parents and adults without children at home were excited about the possibilities this model would create - RE guides would have the opportunity to go to the service every week; in the RE for All time, children and youth could partner with adults on projects.
What do you think about the Two-Hour Model? Maybe we'll give it a try here.
YoUUrs,
Leah
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.
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.
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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.
The first class is Friday, September 6
. 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
.
Albany UU Humanists
The Albany UU Humanists meet
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 PM
in Room B-8 and will start the discussion with the question: "Are there things sacred to humanists?" Learn more
here
.
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
.
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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RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
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.
RE sessions start next week 9/15.
At our website,
albanyuu.org
, you’ll see updated pages for children, youth and families.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
SRC Recommends:
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Medical aid in dying is now available in nine states. It was most recently adopted by New Jersey and Maine. Could New York be the tenth? The Governor supports the bill that was introduced last January, and advocates have been hard at work this summer to strengthen support among voters and key lawmakers. Contact Nancy Willie-Schiff if you would like to be added to the Albany UU e-group for End of Life Choice to get the most up-to-date information on opportunities for education and advocacy.
Save the date: 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.
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Green Sanctuary's Tip of the Week
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Living our 7th Principle
CRITICAL CLIMATE MARCH AND RALLY - 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. For further information contact any member of the Albany UU Green Sanctuary Committee.
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Two Wellspring programs
are being offered this year, starting at the end of September. People new to Wellspring may join the
Sources
group (see more info below), and “veterans” of Wellspring are invited to participate in
Sacred Arts
. Times will be determined once commitments are made. “Intention to Participate” forms are available through the main office or
here
. More information about both programs can also be accessed
here
. Each program will include 20 sessions taking place September - June. Please contact Sharon Babala at 518-312-8973 or Jan McCracken at 518-275-8709 for more information or to talk about how Wellspring might serve your spiritual needs.
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ALL ABOARD THE LEADERSHIP TRAIN!
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Are you in a Leadership position at Albany UU? Are you interested in leadership? 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!
All new leaders are encouraged to attend, along with anyone else interested in (1) an overview of Albany UU and how it is organized; (2) how staff and volunteers work together, and (3) many useful handouts. Rest assured, the orientation will last only 45 minutes, though Tammy and Dick will stick around until all questions are answered. If you need child care, call the office ahead of time and let them know. Talk with Tammy (518-463-7135) or Dick (518-813-2992) if you have any questions
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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!
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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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)
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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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