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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November 17, “Transgender Day of Remembrance,” Dan Miyake
This service is in recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, or TDOR, which was first held in 1999. That initial observance was a vigil held in response to the tragic 1998 murder of Rita Hester, an outspoken transgender woman from Boston. It also commemorated all those who were killed due to anti-transgender violence and those transgender individuals who committed suicide that year. Now an annual observance, TDOR has become an international event, with services of remembrance happening around the globe.
Music:
Choir, Ann Brandon,
piano
Hymn 347:
Gather the Spirit
Hymn 151:
I Wish I Knew How
Hymn 388:
Dona Nobis Pacem (Round)
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SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am
November 24, “Thanksgiving and the Platinum Rule,” Dan Miyake, Rev. Sam Trumbore
What would have happened if the Pilgrims had been able to learn enough about the Wampanoag to treat them as they wished to be treated? The Pilgrims got a powerful lesson in hospitality and generosity from these indigenous folks as they celebrated that first harvest together. This is the special Sunday when Rev. Sam makes mini-corn muffins to share Sunday morning during the service. We will also be celebrating New Members this Sunday.
Music:
Helderberg Madrigals with Randy Rosette,
piano
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mouse Makers Needed
Catnip mice are best sellers at the Holiday Bazaar. Before we can sell them, we must make them. Come to Sigrin Newell’s house at 7pm on
Monday, Nov. 18 and Tuesday, Nov. 19
to help assemble mice. If you can use a needle and thread, you can join the fun. Call Sigrin for directions: 518-439-6705
Unleash Your Creativity!
Would you like to display your creative talents by donating a hand crafted item(s) to Albany UU’s Dec. 8 Holiday Bazaar? We are looking for items that would make great small gifts, stocking stuffers, tree ornaments, pet toys or whatever you enjoy making. For more information, please contact Sigrin Newell at 518-439-6705 or
sigrin.newell@gmail.com
.
Albany UU Safety
A reminder that the West St. door will remain locked on Sunday mornings. The Washington Ave. lobby doors will be locked 15 minutes after service begins and reopened again from 11-noon. A Welcome Table or Greeter volunteer will remain in the Lobby for the duration of the morning to monitor doors. We continue to appreciate your patience as we make this transition. If you have questions, please call the church office.
Understudy Needed
If you like to observe and record during a fast-paced event, we have just the one night volunteer job for you! The Auction Committee needs a person willing to learn the task of recording bids during the live auction on next March 21st. You would learn the ropes from our expert recorder, Kathy Harris.
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!
Planning for weather emergencies
In the event of severe weather, a decision to cancel Sunday morning RE classes will be publicized by 9:00 PM Saturday.
A decision to cancel Sunday meditation and the service will be publicized by 8:00 AM Sunday.
The cancellation of all other classes, programs and meetings depends on a decision by the chairperson. We hope to receive information enabling a cancellation announcement two hours before the event start time.
Notice of cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook, by email sent through Constant Contact, and announced on local TV and radio stations through the “School Closing Network”.
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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
- Artist Reception, Channing Hall
11:15 AM
- Rainbow Pride Flag procession and dedication, Community Hall
11:45 AM
- Social Responsibilities Council, Room B-8
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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Join us this Saturday, Nov.16 for our Community Breakfast!
Volunteers are always needed to make this a good experience for our neighbors and community members. Contact Carol Butt for more details: 518-439-6629 or catzen1944@gmail.com.
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RAINBOW PRIDE FLAG DEDICATION
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As part of Albany UU’s Welcoming Congregation Renewal process, we are happy to announce that we have purchased a new Rainbow Pride flag that will be hung outside our building. After the service this Sunday, all are invited to join us in dedicating our new flag! We will gather in Community Hall at 11:15 and process outside to the front steps where we will have a short ceremony with inspirational words and songs as we hang the flag.
For those families with children in RE, please check out
the Religious Exploration section below
about when and where to meet your children
.
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UPCOMING THANKSGIVING EVENTS!
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Union Thanksgiving Service
-
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 7:30 pm
at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd.
This joint service is a longstanding tradition that connects Congregation Beth Emeth, Trinity Methodist Church, The First UU Society of Albany and Westminster Presbyterian Church. It is our tradition to bring canned goods to donate to FOCUS food pantry.
Thanksgiving Dinner ... at Albany UU! Thursday, Nov. 28
Each year we have an open Thanksgiving Dinner in Channing Hall on Thanksgiving Day. If you and your family or friends would like to join Rev. Trumbore and his family at this dinner, please sign up in Channing Hall and let us know what you would like to bring. Set up for the dinner will begin at 1pm. Appetizers will be served at 2pm. Dinner will be served at 3pm. Games and entertainment for mutual amusement will follow the meal (bring your favorites!). Cleanup begins at 4pm.
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ALL CAN PARTICIPATE - DON'T MISS OUT!
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Transforming Hearts: Transgender Inclusion in Congregations
Options for participating in the Transforming Hearts class.
The authors of the Transforming Hearts class invite everyone in our congregation to participate! Albany UU purchased the full congregation package and all the materials and lectures are available online to members and friends.
This course is for those who want to increase their knowledge and skills to help our congregation become fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity Though the class that Rev. Sam and Dan are leading will have the opportunity for rich discussion and exchange that will be very valuable, we recognized that not everyone is able to attend when the class is being offered.
If you can’t attend the class in person on
Tuesdays: 11/19, 12/3 & 17, 1/14 at 7:00 pm
and would like to take it on your own, please call the church office for information on how to do that.
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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 lighting candles of joy and concern for our members and friends:
Judy Gallagher
died of brain cancer a week ago. She was a member at Albany UU in the 1970’s and recently returned to the Capital Region. There will be a memorial service for her at the Meyers Funeral Home, 741 Delaware Ave, Delmar, on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2pm. Randy Rosette will be playing music and Rev. Trumbore will be speaking. Her daughter Betsy will be giving the Eulogy.
Pong Chan and Marietta Angelotti
were recently engaged and would also like to share that they have closed on their new home in Slingerlands/Guilderland.
Former members,
Marilyn and Arden Dockter
were both in the hospital with pneumonia. Marilyn is now home, but Arden is still in the hospital. Cards may be sent to:
37 Grizzley Bear Path
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
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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Poinsettia Sale this Sunday!
A benefit for the Rite of Passage trip next spring. Brighten your home for the holidays and help send our youth and mentors on their UU heritage trip! Learn more
here
.
Artist Reception
There is new art on our walls! Come to Channing Hall during Coffee Hour this
Sunday, Nov. 17
to enjoy the art and meet the artist, Danielle Schaff.
East of Hudson Potluck
If you live east of the Hudson River, join us
Friday, Dec. 6 at 6pm
at Sharon and Mike Babala's. Let's gather to keep each other in warm friendship as we enter the cold together. Learn more
here
.
Getting to Know UU
Join us on
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8:45 am
if you're thinking of membership, or wondering just what Unitarian Universalism can bring to your life. Learn more
here.
Delicious Homemade Pie and Soup Sale!
Don’t miss the annual homemade soup and pie sale following the service on
Sunday, Nov. 24
in Channing Hall. Learn more
here
.
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a potluck and discussion on
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 pm
in Channing Hall. We will discuss
The Friend: A Novel
by Sigrid Nunez
.
Learn more
here
.
Join us for the Holiday Music Jam!
The annual Albany UU Holiday Music Jam will take place on
Sunday, Dec. 22
during coffee hour. Learn more
here
.
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RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
For the Faith Development of children and youth this Sunday
Children in Pre-K through 6th grade
start the morning in Community Hall at 10:00 with their families. The story in the service this week is
I Am Jazz
.
After the story (at about 10:20) the children leave for their Sunday school groups. Parents/caretakers are welcome to escort them to their rooms and also to visit the groups.
7th/8th Grade OWL
starts at 10:00 in their room (B-3/4) The workshop this week is Workshop 8 – Gender Expressing, Roles and Stereotypes
High School YoUUth Group
starts at 10:00 in Room B-8. This week the youth will discuss the theme of the month - Attention.
Notes to Parents/caretakers about the flag dedication ceremony
Children grades 6 and under
: Parents/caretakers of are invited to pick up their children from their classrooms at 11:10. Then make your way outside by the steps of the lobby entrance with the rest of the congregation. The teachers will stay in the classroom until 11:20 with any children who don't get picked early. If you want to stay for the ceremony, please pick your child up beforehand. Children will be under parent/caretaker supervision starting at 11:20, as usual.
7th/8th grade OWL:
The facilitators will end the class at 11:15 and go with the kids out to the sidewalk to join the rest of the congregation. Meet your child outside at the ceremony. For families who need to scoot out right away, your child will meet you in Channing Hall at 11:15.
The high school YoUUth group
will decide about participating the morning of and the youth can either go out for the ceremony with their advisors, or meet you on their own.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair,
email
SRC Recommends:
This Sunday, Nov. 17, we will be collecting items for FOCUS Churches' Holiday Bags -
We have been teamed with a few other congregations (Trinity Methodist, Delmar Reformed, and St. Andrews Episcopal) to collect microwave popcorn (bags), hot chocolate, and crackers (any crackers but not saltines). Volunteers will use these items in the holiday bags which are given liberally to the community. The volunteers will assemble the bags the week after Thanksgiving. There will be a box at Sunday's service at the SRC table - please bring some popcorn, chocolate, and crackers!
Please also check out the Albany UU Sponsored Events and Inclusivity Recommends sections below!
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Ushers needed
Are you looking for a way to be more involved in what happens on Sunday mornings? Now is your chance! We are looking to deepen our Usher pool and would love for YOU to join. It’s a very simple but very necessary volunteer opportunity. If you’re interested in learning more about being an Usher on Sunday mornings, please contact Dawn Dana:
ddana1@nycap.rr.com
. Thank you!
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:
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EVENTS SPONSORED BY ALBANY UU
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Nowhere to Go:
New Barriers to Asylum and the Refugee Crisis in Mexico
Please join Capital District Border Watch on
Monday, Nov. 18, 7 - 9pm
in Community Hall for a community forum to learn about the rapidly-changing asylum and humanitarian crisis on the southern border and inside Mexico. Sponsored in part by our Social Responsibilities Council. Learn more
here
.
Engineering the Anthropocene
Please join us for a community-centered discussion about how our society interacts with food systems and about reimagining those systems in the face of a changing climate. The discussion will feature a panel of experts on food and environmental justice, food-human systems, urban farming, and the science of agricultural systems and climate change mitigation.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6-7:30pm
in Community Hall. Sponsored in part by our Green Sanctuary Committee. Learn more
here
and
here
.
Dances of Universal Peace
Join us to celebrate the season of returning light by combining sacred phrases and chants from many different spiritual traditions with live music, simple melodies, and guided movement. Learn more
here
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Changing the Conversation: Home is Where the Heart Is
, presentation by Matthew Desmond, Pulitzer Prize winning author of
EVICTED: Poverty and Profit in the American City
.
Thursday, Nov. 14, 7:30 pm
, University at Albany, Page Hall (downtown campus, across from Albany UU) - free but registration is required. Learn more
here
.
"Deeper Than the Skin"
- The Eighth Step presents a musical performance about race in America on
Friday, Nov. 22, 7:30 pm
, at the Addy at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. Singer-songwriters Greg Greenway and Reggie Harris team up for an electrifying and poignant musical exploration of their unique histories as a White man from the capital of the Confederacy and a Black man whose maternal ancestor was a slave on a plantation just outside of Richmond. Learn more
here
.
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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)
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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