Windows Weekly October 29, 2020
Albany UU Windows Weekly
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.

Learn more about what's happening with UU Kids and Families by reading the Religious Education publication, RE Roundup.

-Blessings and Be Well
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.
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00 am
LIVE VIA ZOOM


Nov 1, “Wheel of Life: Healing Remembrance,” Rev. Sam Trumbore & Leah Purcell
Pandemic or no pandemic, the wheel of life continues to turn. People continue to be born, have major life transitions and die. Yet because of the pandemic, our rituals honoring these transitions have been disrupted. This service is our chance to honor those transitions and grieve the ways we haven’t been able to honor them.

Music provided by Elena Karpoff and Randy Rosette

Our Multigenerational Wheel of Life Service will Include a Ritual of Grieving and Release

The past year has been like no other in our lifetimes because we have been living with the COVID pandemic since March 2020. Rev Sam and Leah are planning a way for everyone in the service to participate to honor your personal milestones of the past year and to offer a way to grieve for the ways the pandemic of the past nine months have affected us.

This year we’ll be including a ritual of grieving and release. For this, please bring with you to the service an object to have blessed and are then willing to let go of. Something from nature like a stone or a leaf, or a scrap of paper and pencil. We’ll invite you to "release" it into nature after the service by burying it, putting it in or on a wall, or casting it into water as a way of letting go of the grief that we haven’t been able to celebrate our transitions in the ways we would like due to the pandemic.  

Families, look for resources for helping children to grieve the pandemic in upcoming RE Roundups and in The Treehouse. There will be no Family Chapel or RE sessions for children and youth this Sunday.

A reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov 1. Remember to set your clocks BACK one hour before retiring on Halloween night!


Use this link to join the service:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
JOIN US FOR VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES M
Albany UU Virtual Services - Live via Zoom
Main Service at 10:00 AM, Children's Service at 11:30 AM


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.

Use this link to join Sunday service:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Nov 8, “Healing our Nation,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Writing this ahead of the election, may the election be done by the time this service starts. Whether it is or isn’t, it will be time to work on healing the divisions tearing our country apart. We’ll explore some groups who are working to do just that.

Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Family Chapel for children and youth in 8th grade and younger at 11:30. The story in the 10:00 service and in Family Chapel is the story of the writing of our UU hymn “Spirit of Life”(our 2nd and 4th UU Principles). Email Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org for the link to Family Chapel


Nov 15, “Healing our Planet,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Planet Earth is suffering greatly from destructive human activity. Where are we now and what will it take to turn humanity from a disease agent into a healing balm for our Mother. What are some next steps to be taken now?

Music featuring our Albany UU Virtual Choir with Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Family Chapel for children and youth in 8th grade and younger at 11:30. The story in the 10:00 service and in Family Chapel is about remembering “The Platinum Rule” (our  3rd UU Principle). Email Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org for the link to Family Chapel


Nov 22, “Gratitude for Healing, Listening and Renewal,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Many of us will not be celebrating Thanksgiving the way we would like. We will not be able to have our Thanksgiving meal in Channing Hall. We will not have our Union Thanksgiving Service. But we will have corn muffins! Pick one up Saturday, November 21st when the soups, and pies are being distributed. Pick one up at a neighbor’s house (soliciting volunteers – you’ll get to keep the extra!). Make your own batch with the recipe provided. 

Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Family Chapel for children and youth in 8th grade and younger at 11:30. The story in the 10:00 service and in Family Chapel is about gratitude using the book “Fry Bread” (our 7th UU Principle). Email Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org for the link to Family Chapel


Nov 29, “What is Becoming,” Rev. Beth Dana
On this first Sunday of Advent, we will explore what is becoming in our lives, this congregation, and the world as we enter this anticipatory holiday season.

Rev. Beth Dana is Minister of Faith Development at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX where she has served since 2014. She grew up at Albany UU, earned her MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and now lives in Dallas with her wife Erin and their 3-year-old twins Ellery and MD.

Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Family Chapel for children and youth in 8th grade and younger at 11:30. The story in the 10:00 service and in Family Chapel is about finding sources of comfort using the story “Chicken Soup with Rice” (our 2nd UU Principle). Email Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org for the link to Family Chapel



Sunday Service information

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 - Updated
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. Attire and backgrounds should be appropriate for all ages. If what's happening in your video is distracting or potentially embarrassing, an usher may turn it off. For example, if someone falls asleep during service, that could be embarrassing so that person's video will be turned off. 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 be mindful and 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!
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
-RE FOR ALL-

Every Sunday beginning at 11:30 AM

Note: The Adult RE for ALL offerings will be found by 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 onscreen and in the Zoom Group Chat after 11:15 am.

Use this link to join any Adult RE for ALL offerings (we use breakout rooms for more than one):
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.

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.
UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT


Congregational Conversation about the proposed Congregational Covenant 
A conversation regarding our proposed Congregational Covenant
The second of two conversations to discuss our proposed Congregational Covenant
7:00 PM on Thursday (THAT'S TONIGHT!) October 29. Find more info here or below.

Use this link for Thursday, Oct 29

By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


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


Ordination of Dan Miyake
Former ministerial intern, Dan Miyake, will be ordained as a UU minister on Sunday, Nov 1 at 2:00 by his new congregation in Michigan. Dan stated that he would be honored to have Albany UU members and friends share in his joy of this important milestone by attending the ceremony via Zoom. All are welcome to attend.

Zoom info in link below:


Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM every Tuesday, the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom and discuss their topic of the day, which this Tuesday (Election Day) will be "how democracies die".
All are welcome.

Use this link to join:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866 
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000


Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 10:00 AM.
Save these Wednesday dates at 10:00 AM for the remainder of this fall.
Nov 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 the remainder of this fall.
Nov 4, 18
Dec 2, 16
Hope to see you there.

Use this link to join:

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, November 8 at 6:30 pm. We will discuss Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. 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


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.

Join us on these dates in November:
Tuesday, Nov 10 from 7:30-8:30pm
Wednesday, Nov 18 from 4:30-5:30pm
Tuesday, Nov 24 from 7:30-8:30pm

No reservations required, just show up! 

Use this link to join:

By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
PIES AND SOUPS FUNDRAISER
ORDER YOURS TODAY
THE DEADLINE IS COMING UP FAST!

Our famous Albany UU pies and soups fundraiser will persevere! 

You have the opportunity to order your soups, chili, hot fudge and pies from the order form links below. Choose how many of each that you would like to purchase, select a date to pick them up at Albany UU and submit your order. 

On Saturday, Nov 21st and Sunday, December 6th, from 1-4pm, you can pick up your order at Albany UU. A few distanced, mask-wearing and safety conscious volunteers will be there to give you your order and take your money (cash or check only, please).

All items must be pre-ordered so don’t wait! Order now! The deadline to order ALL PIES and the Nov 21 pick up of Soups is this Sunday, November 1

Order deadline is Sunday, November 1 for all pie orders (regardless of the pickup date you choose) and for the Nov 21st pick up of soups. 

Order deadline is Sunday, November 15 for the Dec 6th pick up of soups.

All pies are $15.00 each
Soup/Chili - $9.00 per quart, $5.00 per pint
Hot Fudge - $10.00 per container

Please note that those folks who live out of town, we apologize, but we will not be able to ship items at this time.



Questions? Call or email Sandy Stone (518-489-8293 or dsalbany@nycap.rr.com) or Barb Manning (518-439-4226 or BarbaraCManning@hotmail.com) for the pies or Randy Rosette (518-630-6930 or rosette_jensen@juno.com) for the soups.

Thank you for your support! AND check out how you can order Albany UU Masks, Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate and what's next for Holiday Bazaar Crafts in the Announcement section below!
SAM'S OUTLOOK

Healing Through Pain and Pleasure

Wounding and healing are not opposites. They’re part of the same thing. It is our wounds that enable us to be compassionate with the wounds of others. It is our limitations that make us kind to the limitations of other people. It is our loneliness that helps us to find other people or to even know they’re alone with an illness. I think I have served people perfectly with parts of myself I used to be ashamed of. - Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen

Pleasure—embodied, connected pleasure—is one of the ways we know when we are free. That we are always free. That we always have the power to co-create the world. Pleasure helps us move through the times that are unfair, through grief and loneliness, through the terror of genocide, or days when the demands are just overwhelming. Pleasure heals the places where our hearts and spirit get wounded. Pleasure reminds us that even in the dark, we are alive. Pleasure is a medicine for the suffering that is absolutely promised in life. - Adrienne Maree Brown

Here are a few reflections on pleasure and pain in the healing process from my life experience.

I had out-patient double inguinal laparoscopic hernia surgery in the beginning of August. I was experiencing some discomfort and pain immediately after the surgery so I decided to take an oxycodone pill expecting the ride home in the car might be rough. The immediate discomfort after this kind of surgery is the carbon dioxide gas still in the abdomen that hasn’t been absorbed yet. After I got home, I was doing well enough that I could cook my own dinner and rest with some comfort. I took another pain pill to get a good night’s sleep. I still had some pain and discomfort the next morning but that was the end of the oxycodone for me. One of the side effects of narcotics is slowing large intestine activity. Getting the bowels moving again after surgery was more important than having pain. And by the time my elimination system was operational, the pain was manageable with Tylenol.

Managing pain is one of the great advances in Western medicine. In my early 40’s I started having some joint pain with osteoarthritis. As we get older, the damage we do to our joints in our younger years starts catching up with us. Being hit by a car and thrown across an eight-lane intersection when I was twenty had some negative consequences for some of my finger joints and my right wrist that I landed on. Not right away thankfully, but 20 years later. That was when I started taking Glucosamine Chondroitin. Today I take GNC Tri-Flex. The huge, hard to swallow pills don’t eliminate all the pain but the remaining discomfort doesn’t interfere much with my daily life.

I’m grateful those pills, a multivitamin, and a D3 supplement are the only pills I take daily. Maybe once a week or so I’ll take a Tylenol for a headache or tension in my back or neck. If I’ve worked hard doing some extra work or have accomplished a significant task, I might have a beer or a dish of salted caramel (lactose free) ice cream. Each pain or pleasure modifier helps me maintain my homeostasis. Maintaining a sense of well-being is enhanced by balancing the levels of pleasure and pain we encounter.

And sometimes more action is needed to get back in balance. The emotional pain that arises in relationship, for example, can’t be resolved by taking a pill or having an extra serving of dessert. I’ve learned over the years the healing choice is to move toward the people that I’m experiencing conflict with rather than away. I’ve learned many communication skills in listening, reflecting what I’m hearing, asking honest questions, revealing myself appropriately and at times pushing into painful areas that can help resolve the conflict and reestablish care, compassion and trust. I find each such engagement both scary and sacred as I work to hold my heart open to my suffering and to theirs.

The most profound learning I’ve experienced finding healing through pain and pleasure has happened on meditation retreats. Sitting, walking, standing, lying down and eating in silence while being minutely attentive to body sensations moment by moment is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. Sitting completely still for an hour or two brings attention to every chronically tight muscle or imbalance in posture or movement. For some people this is easy. For most it can be very painful, even agonizing at times.

I remember well one of those agonizing moments. I was pushing myself hard to sit late into the night after everyone had gone to bed. I was in a hurry. I wanted to become a meditation super star like the masters I’d read about who didn’t need to sleep because they were so accomplished. I sat with a pain in my shoulder I just couldn’t manipulate to make it go away. Exhausted and defeated I gave up and decided to follow the meditation instructions exactly instead of modifying them to suit my preferences. As I let go and accepted the discomfort without needing to fix it or push it away, it released. The words point to the experience but the experience itself felt like a taste of the liberated mind. Finally, after years of practice, I knew where I was going.

Pleasure and pain are facts of life, sensations that can teach us and help us in the healing process. May we strive to learn from them honoring both as important and necessary for us to restore our inner balance.
                      -  Rev. Sam


More from Our Blogs

INCLUSIVITY RECOMMENDS

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 these titles by authors of color to help you become familiar with a diversity of human experiences.

For adults and youth (with guidance, as needed):
James Baldwin Collected Essays, edited by Toni Morrison. (1998). Although Baldwin's essays were written decades and decades ago, they are as timely now as ever. Available in the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS), and in stock at Market Block Books in Troy and The Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza. Some portions of the book are available on audiobook from the UHLS, including: Notes of a Native Son; Nobody Knows My Name; The Fire Next Time; No Name in the Street; and The Devil Finds Work.

For children and others:
Kamala Harris: Rooted in justice, by Nikki Grimes and Laura Freeman. (2020). Find out about Kamala's growing up years: what she liked to do when she was little, to where she emigrated, and the experiences that guided her in her later education and career path. Multiple copies are available in the UHLS. Also available at Market Block Books.


From the Albany Public Library:

Taina Asili: Who I Am
Monday, November 9
7 to 9pm 
Online via Zoom
"In this film screening and conversation we will watch Who I Am (10 min.), a documentary short by Taína Asili about Puerto Rican performing artist (and Capital Region resident) Paola Gonzalez, and her journey to find liberation and joy as a trans woman in the professional wrestling arenas of upstate NY. Community discussion on art and trans liberation to follow the film. Participants are also invited (but not required) to read Janet Mock's book Redefining Realness. Copies of this book can be requested for curbside pickup through the library's catalog here and as an online audibook here. The film has been selected to screen at The International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival and The Sardinia Queer Film Expo and Pride Arts Chicago."
Registration is required, to register please visit our website here


Antiracism Book Club: November and December
Second Tuesday of each month
7 to 8pm
Online via Google Meet
"Every month, join us to read a nonfiction book focused on antiracism and then gather together to discuss it.  Suggested additional readings/viewings/actions will also be provided. We'll read a title, then have our discussion online using Google Meet - you can call in over the phone, or join us through video chat. Be sure to include your email address when you register, and we'll send you instructions on how to join.
Our November book will be So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo. You can request a print copy for curbside pickup through our online catalog here. It is available as a digital audiobook through Hoopla here, and on ebook and digital audio from our Overdrive collection here.
Our December book will be Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde. You can request a print copy for curbside pickup through our online catalog here. It is available through Hoopla here, and our Overdrive collection here.
For more information or for help downloading the book, call us at (518) 217-8554 or email askalibrarian@albanypubliclibrary.org 
Registration is required, to register please visit our website here
ANNOUNCEMENTS


We now have Albany UU Masks for sale!
These are adult-sized masks that cover both nose and mouth.

Now you can go anywhere and proudly display Albany UU's logo and name for all to see, plus be safe and keep the spread of germs to a minimum.

Don't wait, order several! ONLY $12.00 EACH!


Please note that those folks who live out of town, we apologize, but we will not be able to ship items at this time.

If you have any questions, contact Tammy Hathaway (admin@albanyuu.org) or Elizabeth Baldes (elizabethbaldes@yahoo.com)


Coffee and Chocolate - What could be better? Order yours today!
Do you miss the great Fair Trade Coffee you drank during Coffee Hour at Albany UU? Do you miss owning your own or have you thought you might like to? Now's your chance! Stock up now!

All Coffee: $7.00/bag

Do you also miss having the opportunity to buys a Fair Trade melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Bar at the Social Responsibilities Council Table in Channing Hall? Wait no longer - we've got you covered. There's a limited number and once they're gone, they're gone!

All Chocolate Bars: $3.00/bar

Pick up dates will be the same as Pies and Soups and Crafts and anything else! Bonus - you'll only need to write one check or lump sum cash for it all!
Saturday, Nov 21, 1-4 PM or
Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-4 PM

Use this form to place your order now, first come, first served.

Please note that those folks who live out of town, we apologize, but we will not be able to ship items at this time.

If you have any questions, contact Kathy Harris, harr70@nycap.rr.com.


Hooray, crafts are back!
There will be crafts this year, in addition to soups and pies. Our crafters are busily making things for the annual Holiday Bazaar. We will persevere! Soon there will be an order form with photographs of each item and you will be able to choose what you would like to pre-order. 

One week before the sale, a few volunteers will bag up your order with your name on it. The bags will sit there for a week untouched, so everyone will know that you will be safe. 

On November 21st, when you come for curbside pick up, we'll have your order forms together so you can pay for soups, pies and crafts all at once. Please bring cash or check.

The crafts order form is almost ready. Watch for it next week!


The Holy Corn Muffin Recipe
There are three options to get a corn muffin for our November 22 service. The first is to pick one up Saturday, November 21st when the soups, and pies are being distributed. The second is to pick one up at a neighbor’s house (as yet to be determined – Rev. Sam is soliciting volunteers – you’ll get to keep the extra!). Option three is to make your own batch with the recipe below.

Holy Corn Muffin Recipe:

1 cup cornmeal (#1374 Honest Weight bulk)
1 cup all-purpose flour (#1711 or gluten free flour #1625 Honest Weight bulk)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey (#1311 Honest Weight bulk)
1 egg
1/4 cup oil (canola #1305 Honest Weight bulk or other oil)
1 cup milk (or soy or lactose free milk)

Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt in large mixing bowl. In separate mixing bowl, beat egg, add oil and honey, whisk together, add milk and mix. Add wet to dry ingredients and mix quickly until no longer lumpy but not smooth. Try not to over mix. Immediately move into muffin pan ¾ full for each one. Cook 375 degrees for 13 minutes – makes 24 mini muffins and a dozen regular size ones.


A small group of kids needs YOU!
If you are someone who has served others in one of our congregation’s justice projects, and have ever made the mistake of assuming you knew what others needed, we have an opportunity for you to speak about that experience and what you learned from it with a small group of our 2nd-5th graders on Sunday 11/15 at 11:30 AM over Zoom. Please email Elizabeth Baldes, RE Program Coordinator at reassist@albanyuu.org to share your hard-won wisdom with our young people!
SOCIAL ACTION

The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Delmar Black Lives Matter Vigil
Similar to the Black Lives Matter vigil that is taking place every Saturday morning in Troy, several Albany UUs are participating in a vigil in Delmar every Saturday. We meet 9:30 - 10:00 AM, in front of the Delmar Farmers Market, which takes place in the Middle School on Kenwood Avenue. Come join us any Saturday, then shop at the market! Last vigil and market day is November 21.


The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy:
When: Saturday, 10/31/20, 10:30-11:00 am
Where: Troy, corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets
  • physical distance, masks
  • signs only, no chanting
  • all weather

The purpose is two-fold:
  1. to express that Black Lives Matter
  2. to embolden white people to act against racism

To ensure safety as much as we can, we are working under these agreements as a provisionary covenant:
  • We carry signs with the same message: "Black Lives Matter," or "Stand Against Racism."
  • We limit our positive responses to a thumbs-up or a wave.
  • We do not respond to any negative reactions, such as heckling.
  • The police officers at the farmers market (across the street) will be notified that there is a gathering.
  • One person, not holding a sign, will be designated to take photos of license plates of anyone who is inappropriate.
  • We all leave at the end of the vigil, and people leave together.
  • If friends join us, we advise them of the measures above.

If you can’t or don’t want to join standing, you are invited to drive by and wave or honk encouragement.


NY AG Seeks Volunteers
NY Attorney General Letitia James is looking for volunteers who can help ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot during early voting and on election day. Use the link below to learn more and sign up:
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION


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

-Elizabeth Baldes, Religious Education Coordinator, elizabethbaldes@yahoo.com

This week the entire 10:00 service is for everyone.

Message for the families this week
This year’s annual Wheel of Life service will have a special component. Along with honoring the milestones of births, transitions and deaths, Rev. Sam and I have created a ritual to grieve all the losses and disappointments caused by the CORONA virus. All our feelings resulting from the virus are significant and worthy of recognition. Our ritual is a chance for children and youth to lift up whatever feelings they have and join in a common experience with everyone in the congregation. Remember to bring something to the service which you will later place in nature. It could be something from nature like a leaf, a stone, or nut, or piece of paper you have written on.

We won’t have Family Chapel at 11:30 or RE sessions this week.

Parents/caretakers can find resources on grieving and handling strong emotions in the RE Roundup this week and also at The Tree House, our online platform for the RE community. Click here to join.  
CONGREGATIONAL COVENTANT

Tonight at 7 PM via Zoom – A conversation regarding our proposed Congregational Covenant

The second of two conversations to discuss our proposed Congregational Covenant is tonight at 7 PM via zoom. 
Use this link for to join:

By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
 
The proposed Covenant was first presented to the congregation in the March 22, 2020 service. Shortly after that, due to the Coronavirus, presentation to the congregation was put on hold. Now we are back on track. 
 
What is a covenant? It’s a statement of identity, intended to remind us who we are collectively. A covenant grows from an affirmation of the needs, values, and principles we share, and the Vision that guides us into our future as a congregation. 
 
Our proposed congregational covenant begins with this Introduction.
 
“COVENANT INTRODUCTION: Our ‘living tradition’ calls us to be in covenant. For Unitarian Universalists, a congregational covenant reflects our aspirations and commitments to one another and to ourselves. In a covenantal community, each of us is empowered and has the responsibility to help one another as we seek to create a loving, supportive, and affirming community in which to grow in spirit and service.
 
COVENANT: As a congregation with respect for our past and commitment to the future,
we draw from the depth and power of our hearts and minds,
guided by our Unitarian Universalist principles, to serve our mission and vision.
We celebrate the diversity of our identities and experiences,
and foster a culture of appreciation, inspiration, and kindness.
We honor both the strength of the collective and uniqueness of the individual,
willing to support and challenge each other with love and compassion.
We entrust ourselves to each other in beloved community,
to embolden personal and congregational growth and transformation.”
 
A covenant is a commitment that we make to ourselves as individuals, and to each other. A covenant helps us as a congregation to understand what our tradition calls us to be, and how to move into the future with shared purpose. A covenant speaks to how “We’re all in this together, building a better world.”
 
Before putting pen to paper, this team spent more than two years on a journey of discernment, doing our best to express what the heart and soul of our community consists of.  
 
The writing was an iterative process. After a draft was put together, we went back and checked it against all the comments received in the three congregational conversations and in the survey responses we received to keep on track with the desires of the congregation.
 
We are hoping that our proposed covenant can be taken for what it is: the work of a dedicated team who feels that what we have put together reflects who we are as a congregation, as well as who we aspire to be. 
 
The members of the Team are Dick Dana, Brian Frank, Jan McCracken, Patti Jo Newell, Leah Purcell, Kelly Smith, and Sam Trumbore. We also want to lift up others who helped us with this process: Reese Satin, Zack Metzger, and Jacqui Williams. 
JOYS and CONCERNS
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.

Member, Phil Rich shares a joy: I am happy to tell you that as a result of a grant from a blindness organization in Little Rock Arkansas, I am getting 25 hours of free computer training. This will give me more flexibility and more competence. I like my trainer and the training is going well.

We are sad to announce that Albany UU Friend, Joe Lemmond, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 27. Read about Joe in his obituary in the Times Union here.

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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Essential Building Use Guidelines - Updated
First, our building is still not being used for most events. Only events which have a compelling reason for building use will be considered going forward. Events which can be held via Zoom or in other ways, should not use the building.

The Albany UU Board has provided guidance to the Ministries and Operations Team to consider very limited use of the building under controlled, specific circumstances. An application form and process has been developed to determine if the activity will be considered.

Please continue to follow the guidelines outlined below.

These guidelines govern building use deemed necessary to the work of the congregation. The procedure is as follows:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. All members, friends and staff must wear a mask while in the building.
  4. 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".

  • 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 - Updated
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 2 - Sam, we no longer have 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!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Virtual Service Ushers - It's never too late to volunteer!
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:
CONNECTIONS







Publication deadlines
This is an important reminder that the news and article deadline for Windows Weekly is 9:00 AM on Monday. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sign up for an online class

- Send an email to: registration@albanyuu.org
Regular events and meetings

Most of these events and meetings continue online, however dates and times may vary. Please contact the Team or Group Leader or email admin@albanyuu.org if you have questions.

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      
10:15 AM      Philosophy Discussion (weekly)

Wednesdays
10:00 AM     Ps and Qs (alternating)
7:00 PM     Albany UU Sings (alternating)

Thursdays    
1:00 PM       All Sides Considered - stay tuned for more details
6:30 PM       Board of Trustees (4th)
Going to miss a Sunday?

Online service is generally recorded

Sunday, Oct 25 watch it here.

Sunday, Oct 18 watch it here.

Sunday, Oct 11 watch it here.

Sunday, Oct 4 watch it here.

Sunday, Sept 27 watch it here.

Sunday, Sept 20 watch it here.

Sunday, Sept 6 watch it here.

For previous services, pre-pandemic:
You can listen to the entire Albany UU Sunday service at home or on your mobile device. March 1 and 8 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 (http://members.albanyuu.org/wp/ - 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 - when the building reopens: 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:
The Albany UU Office is closed during this time of physical distancing. Sam, Leah, Tammy and Sapphire have their messages forwarded to their personal cell phones and are available by email.

Websites
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

Zoom use
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU online meeting, contact Administrative Assistant Sapphire Correa (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).

Photo credit: Jeannie Thompson
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org