Windows Weekly November 21, 2019
Albany UU Windows Weekly
Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Enjoy!

-Blessings
W e welcome everyone. Our Unitarian Universalist community seeks truth and deeper meaning, pursues justice through inspired action, and cultivates compassion and love for all connected by the web of life .
Sunday Service 10:00 AM
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

Hymn 67:  We Sing Now Together
Hymn 21:   For the Beauty of the Earth

Here is a place you might find the words to our hymns.










SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am

December 1, “If the Shoe Fits…,” Dan Miyake

As UUs, we often find religious language uncomfortable. Because many of us have rejected the theology and religious dogma of our youth and early adulthood, we have a tendency to squirm when someone mentions “prayer”, the G word, and words like "holy" and "sacred". Are we able to reclaim a "language of reverence"? 
 
Music: Alyssa Yeager


 

ANNOUNCEMENTS


Holiday Office Hours
The Albany UU Office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29. Also, the Weekly will be dropping into your email a day early, on Wednesday, Nov. 27 so keep an eye out for that. Thank you!

Crafters, please bring in your completed crafts
There is a box on the top right shelf of the coatroom where you can leave what you’ve made. Please be sure to put your name on it. Contact Sigrin Newell at 518-439-6705 or  sigrin.newell@gmail.com for further information.

Save the Dates - GA 2020 in Providence
Next year, General Assembly will take place in Providence, RI from June 24-28.  The annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association is a whirlwind of workshops, worship, music, speakers, networking and social witness, all in the company of thousands of UUs of all ages from across the nation.  Mark your calendar now and check out  uua.org/ga  for more info!

Albany UU Safety
A reminder that the West St. door will remain locked on Sunday mornings. Though it will be locked from the outside, the West St. door may still be used to exit the building at any time. 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.
Please contact Chair Randy Rosette at  rosette_jensen@juno.com  or 518-783-2637 for more details.

Warmth for the Homeless
Please gather blankets, sleeping bags, warm coats, etc. for those experiencing homelessness and 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 all cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook and by email sent through Constant Contact. Sunday service and programs will also be announced on local TV and radio stations through the “School Closing Network”.
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
- Soup and Pie Sale, Channing Hall
- New Member Reception (for new members and their families), Community Hall

11:30 AM
- Building Assessment Meeting, Library

11:45 AM
- Green Sanctuary Committee, Room B-7





Quick Links



Denominational Affairs Links



Helpful Local Links



Sign up for a class or event

- Send and email to: registration@albanyuu.org
- Sign up at the Sign Up Site in Channing Hall
OR
- Call the church office, 518.463.7135
If childcare is offered for the event, please let us know you need it when you register, including names and ages of children.






Offering envelopes

We appreciate donations of cash during the offering that occurs as part of our Sunday service. If you would like to have cash contributions recorded and acknowledged in writing for tax purposes at the end of the calendar year, please use and write your name on one of the envelopes that are available on the table in the Community Hall lobby. Thank you very much for your generosity.
 
SEXTON POSITION
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 yard work. 
Read full job description  here .
Pay: $15/hr.
Contact Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway for more information or to express interest: 518.463.7135 or admin@albanyuu.org
UPCOMING THANKSGIVING EVENTS!
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.
ALL CAN PARTICIPATE - DON'T MISS OUT!
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: 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.
FROM OUR BLOGS
JOYS and CARING CORNER

With deep sadness, we must announce that member, Terry Way died unexpectedly Wednesday morning.

Linda plans to be at home for the next few days and welcomes visitors, please call ahead: 518-456-8199.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4:00 pm at Albany UU 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 at:
6003 Johnston Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159

This is an enormous loss to our congregation as Terry has been an active member since 1960 and he will be greatly missed.

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.  

Member Martha Musser shares a joy: Through our annual budget, we are helping to fund field trips for Sheridan Prep students. Kindergartners expressed gratitude in a thank you card posted in Channing Hall.

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 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 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Poinsettia Sale this Sunday - Last Chance!
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 .

Delicious Homemade Pie and Soup Sale - This Sunday!
Don’t miss the annual homemade soup and pie sale following the service this Sunday, Nov. 24 in Channing Hall. Learn more here .

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.

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



For the Faith Development of children and youth this Sunday

The Nursery/Toddler  Room opens at 9:45

Children in Pre-K through 6th grade  start the morning in Community Hall at 10:00 with their families. Instead of a story, we’ll have a ceremony to welcome new members to our congregation. Then (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. The sessions for the Pre-k through 4th grade groups will be on gratitude and for snack all the children will have corn muffins made by Rev Sam.

7th/8th Grade OWL  starts at 10:00 in their room (B-3/4)

High School YoUUth Group has a service project this week preparing for the Equinox Thanksgiving Dinner.

Sunday school ends at 11:20. At that time children in grades 3 and younger are to be picked up by parents/caretakers or an older sibling; older children and youth are dismissed at 11:20 to find their families

Infants, children and youth are always welcome in the service with their families.

Updated info for the coming weeks and for the year are at the Our Learning Community for Children and Youth page, http://albanyuu.org/religious-exploration/sunday-morning/
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair, email

SRC Recommends:


This Sunday, Nov. 24, we will again 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 Event and Inclusivity Recommends sections below!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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:
EVENT SPONSORED BY ALBANY UU

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 .
INCLUSIVITY RECOMMENDS
"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 .
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)
Going to miss a Sunday?

You can listen to the entire Albany UU Sunday service at home or on your mobile device. The two most recent services are available as MP3 files on the Albany UU member resource website. Here is how to access:

username: AlbanyUU
password: EEthelredBrown405

Our sermon archive (select Ministry/Sermon Archive on the left website menu) has pdf files of sermons texts (when available) and audio files of sermons. You can also request the office put a service on a CD.
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
Parking: Parking is available on the street. On Sundays (and for some special events) Albany UU has permission to use the University at Albany’s Hawley Parking Lot on Robin Street at Washington Avenue.

Office hours (unless otherwise posted)
September-June: Monday-Friday, 9:00-3:00
July-August: Monday–Thursday 9:00-1:00

Websites
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

Building use
To reserve a room for an Albany UU activity or to rent a hall or classroom space , for a personal or non-Albany UU activity, contact Administrative Assistant Sapphire Correa (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org ).

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