Greetings Friends,
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates.
The Daily Reminder was not sent out this morning since there were no events to remind folks about today. Everything you need to know is right here in the Weekly. Daily Reminders will continue tomorrow morning. Thank you!
You may be seeing a "clipped" version of this. To view this entire newsletter, be sure to scroll down to the "See entire message" link and click that. To change the view and make it larger and easier to read, click on the three vertical dots on the upper right of your page to the right of your profile avatar. In the dropdown box, you'll see "zoom" and you can click the "plus sign" as many times as you like to make it as large as is comfortable for you.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please
-Blessings and Be Well
|
|
MULTIPLATFORM SUNDAY SERVICE
|
|
SUNDAY SERVICE at 10:00 AM
Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 Virtual Meditation session until 9:20 - Meditation will be online only on Sunday, April 27
MULTIPLATFORM service (both in-person and via Zoom)
begins at 10:00 each Sunday
******************
Masks are required
|
|
April 24, “Awakening Humanity to the Climate Emergency”
with Rev. Sam Trumbore
Each IPCC report get more ominous. We have till 2030 to drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. What will it take to depoliticize this issue and cause the leaders of the world to make the changes necessary? And how can we make the level of commitment necessary even if we’re feeling despair and hopeless of being effective?
Music: Maria Germain
Use this link to join the service remotely:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Those wishing to access closed captioning/live transcript can turn on the function in their Zoom toolbar. To update to the latest version of Zoom, please do that within the software by finding the menu link and “check for updates”.
|
|
APRIL MULTIPLATFORM
SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
|
|
Focus Food Pantry Sunday
Please consider a donation to the Focus Food Pantry this Sunday, April 27. If you write a check, make it payable to Albany UU with "Focus" on the memo line. Checks for your annual pledge should be made payable to Albany UU, and have "pledge" written on the memo line. As always, envelopes will be available for cash contributions that you want to earmark toward a specific fund or pledge. If you're donating online, there is a specific box to check labeled "Focus Food Pantry". Thank you for your generosity!
Albany UU Minister has mild case of Covid
Rev. Sam woke up with what he thought were cold symptoms on Monday morning. On Tuesday morning he was still not well and took an at-home Covid test that came up positive. He then went to urgent care to confirm that with a PCR test which also came back positive. As of today his health has been improving but he is quarantined until Saturday, April 23.
Use this link to join Sunday service
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
|
|
Sunday Offering
and other
service information
Sharing Joys and Concerns during Service
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Archives
|
|
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR
CHILDREN and YOUTH
|
|
This Sunday 4/24: All RE groups will meet at church. Children and youth through 8th grade should start out in service at 10 and will go to their rooms after the Wisdom Story. Youth Group meets in B8 starting at 10AM. Note that PreK-3rd grade and 4th-6th Grade groups are combined this week and meeting in 24-25. The Yolles Garden Outing for grades PreK-6th has been canceled. We are trying to put together a similar outing for May.
If you are just starting out with RE this year, please note registration is required due to COVID, it can be done online or in-person. Please do not let fees be a deterrent, what's important is the contact and medical info.
Note: Elizabeth is away until 4/25, please contact Paula Brewer at pbrewer@albanyuu.org if you have a time-sensitive matter.
Image by 2023852 @ Pixabay
Elizabeth Baldes
Acting Director of Religious Education
|
|
Music Director
The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany (Albany UU) is currently seeking a dynamic and creative part-time Music Director for 20 hours per week for 44 weeks annually. The position starts on April 11, 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. With over 325 members, Albany UU is a vibrant, theologically diverse Welcoming Congregation committed to social justice, inclusivity, and a spirit of community. The candidate should enjoy working collaboratively in a supportive environment and be enthusiastic about employing a broad range of musical genres, including UU repertoire.
|
|
UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
|
|
 |
Memorial Service -
Richard Brewer
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Apr 23 at 2:00 pm in Community Hall and on Zoom, 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.
Use this link to join remotely:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Start your Sunday Morning with Virtual Meditation
8:30 - 9:15 AM
We will sit together virtually for twenty minutes then have some conversation about the talk, meditation methods or experiences followed by a live loving kindness meditation. Meditation will be ONLINE ONLY on Sunday, April 27.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM every Tuesday, the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom to discuss the topic of the day which will be: What does it mean to love thy neighbor? All are welcome.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
Join the Ministries and Operations Team for their virtual meeting at 11:30 AM, Tuesday, April 26. MOT meetings are open to all Albany UU members.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 963 886 2931
Passcode: 2222
Bridge Group
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 PM, Room
B-8 at Albany UU. No matter how many people come, all are fitted into play. All are welcome and assumed vaccinated. Due to the nature of this group, there will not be an online
option offered.
|
|
|
|
Finance Team will be meeting in-person and online, Tuesday, April 26 at 4 PM. Albany UU members are welcome to attend.
Use the service link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM on Wednesday, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8.
Albany UU Sings
Join your friends on the following Wednesdays for the rest of the service year at 7:00 PM and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Hope to see you there.
Apr 27
May 11, 25
June 8
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 979 5961 1765
Passcode: 0000
Board of Trustees
Meets in-person and online, Thursday, April 28, 6:30 PM. Albany UU members are welcome to attend.
Use this link to join (Note: this is a unique link, not the same as the service link)
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 988 1049 6531
Passcode: 0000
Memorial Service -
Tom Hotalen
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Apr 30 at 1:00 pm in Community Hall and on Zoom, 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.
Use this link to join remotely:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, May 8 at 6:30 pm. Join at 6:15 for additional time to socialize. We will discuss Willa Cather’s novel, Death Comes for the Archbishop. Learn more here.
|
|
|
|
Albany UU Minister has mild case of Covid
Rev. Sam woke up with what he thought were cold symptoms on Monday morning. On Tuesday morning he was still not well and took an at-home Covid test that came up positive. He then went to urgent care to confirm that with a PCR test which also came back positive. As of today his health has been improving but he is quarantined until Saturday, April 23.
April 29 Circle Dinner
Let’s get together in real life for Circle Dinners! Albany UU members host small groups in their homes for these collaborative dinners. You must be vaccinated and boosted to participate. Everyone brings part of the meal - make your favorite dish, or pick up your contribution at your favorite grocery store. Sign up now for the Circle Dinner on Friday April 29 from 6 to 9 PM by emailing John Sherman at johnssherman@gmail.com by Sunday April 24.
Can’t make it this time? Mark your calendar for future Circle Dinners on Saturday May 21, Friday June 10 and Saturday July 23, or join us from your home for a Virtual Circle Dinner on Friday May 13.
Important Staff Notes
Elizabeth Baldes, Acting Director of Religious Education will be out of town until April 25.
17th Annual Guided Wine and Cheese Tasting
In-person, Saturday, May 14, 7:00 PM in Channing Hall
Your UU Wineaux team is back for year 17! And we’re back in Channing Hall!
$30 per person. Sign up on Sunday mornings, send a check to the church with "wine and cheese" on the memo line or sign up and pay online: registration form here. Deadline to register: May 8.
Masks will be optional; social distancing will not be possible; covid vaccines and boosters or acquired immunity will be expected of attendees.
Annual reports due May 9!
It's been ANOTHER challenging year for all of us, but we have adapted and done wonderful things this year despite the crazy. Let's celebrate those. Bring on your reports! If your team did not meet due to the pandemic, that's ok, just let Tammy know.
Our Annual Meeting will be both in-person and online, May 22 (NOTE DATE).
The deadline for reports is Monday, May 9. If you have any questions about the annual report process, contact Church Administrator Tammy Goddard: admin@albanyuu.org.
CROP Hunger Walk – Taking Steps for a Better World
The CROP Hunger Walk raises funds for local food pantries, and for hunger and disaster relief programs around the world. Team UU has been active in the Albany Walk for more than 20 years, and in some years has been its biggest team! There WILL once again be a community CROP Walk, on May 1, and Team UU will be there.
We still can’t lure you to the CROP Walk table at coffee hour to make a pledge – but we do urge your support for this good cause. The needs that the CROP Walk supports are real and continuing. You can click here to make an online pledge to Team UU. You can give a check (payable to CWS/CROP) to Dawn or Dick Dana at church on Sunday. Or, email Dawn at dawn.dana56@gmail.com for information on other ways to contribute. Thanks so much for your support!
Don’t Miss UU Weekend at Silver Bay!
Spectacular autumn leaves are the perfect background for deep conversations with UU friends. Sigrin Newell
The UU Weekend at Silver Bay is a weekend not to be missed! Join us from October 14-16, 2022 for a weekend filled with fun events for the whole family. For nature lovers - hikes, bird walks, campfires, a porch with lake views, an outdoor labyrinth, and boat rides are among the activities that await you!
Access additional information about Silver Bay and the UU weekend, including a registration form, at http://albanyuu.org/uu-weekend-at-silver-bay/ A preliminary schedule will be posted in the coming weeks. Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on receipt of the completed registration form and accompanying deposit.
Note: Adaptions will be made to accommodate the status of the pandemic, if needed.
This June, Get Inspired at General Assembly!
General Assembly is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association. It’s an immersive, inspirational experience that is open to everyone, whether you are a lifelong UU or just getting to know our congregation. GA will take place in Portland, OR from June 22-26, as well as online. Our congregation is entitled to 7 delegates who vote on business matters, but our participation has often exceeded that.
If you'd like to participate virtually or in Portland, please fill out this interest form. Registration and housing reservations are open now at uua.org/ga, and delegate registration fees will be reimbursed by Albany UU. Contact Peggy Sherman with questions, pegmcgsherman@gmail.com.
|
|
Registration is required, and attendance is expected at all sessions as this is a continuing series. Zoom links will be emailed to you after registration.
|
|
SOCIAL ACTION and INCLUSIVITY
|
|
BLM Vigil in Troy - Left to right are:
Elizabeth Berberian, Karen Kaufman, Jean Poppei, Deborah Vogel, Jora Cohen, Jean Bolgatz, Mitch Cohen, Sam Trumbore, and Marty Hotvet. Present at the vigil but absent from the photo are: Archie, Chuck Manning, and Anne Marie Haber.
Photo: courtesy of Anne Marie Haber
|
|
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Did you know that New York UU Justice (NYUUJ), our statewide advocacy organization, has made New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act one of its legislative priorities for this year? Join committed UUs in Albany and other congregations to make this the year the bill will pass!
-
ADVOCATE AT THE CAPITOL: Definitely plan to be at the Capitol on April 27, 10:00-4:00 for an in-person rally to advance New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. Register here.
-
CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS: Let your lawmakers know you want them to support medical aid in dying as an end-of-life option for New Yorkers. If you are in Assembly Member John T. McDonald’s district, it is especially important to reach out to him, since he is on the Assembly Health Committee and his vote is essential. This link makes it easy for you, and allows you to personalize your message.
-
LEARN ABOUT ADVANCED HEALTH CARE PLANNING: If you missed the webinar on April 5, you can go here to learn about medical interventions (thanks to David Pratt, MD) and legal documents (thanks to Rev. David Munro, Esq.) to help you make decisions about your wishes and ensure your wishes are honored.
Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy
When: Saturdays,10:30-11:15 am
Where: Troy - corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets, 12180
The Inclusivity Team recommends the following book:
For All:
My Heart is Not Blind: On blindness and perception, by Michael Nye. (2019). This is an extraordinary compilation of stories from people who are visually impaired. Each story is accompanied by a beautiful portrait. The range of experiences and perspectives is rich and compelling, and the experience of reading it will likely move boundaries. Availability is extremely limited (not available in the Upper Hudson Library System, the New York State Library, or Libro.fm at this time). Available through the National Library Service in talking book and braille formats. A hard copy is now available in the Albany UU Joy Library (many thanks to Tammy Goddard and Melanie Axel-Lute for collaborating to make it available).
|
|
Green Sanctuary Earth Month Activities
April 22 – Climate Can’t Wait Earth Day Demonstration starting at Pine and Broadway in Albany at 11:00 with march to State Capital. Sign up here.
April 23 – Hudson River Clean-up starting at 10:00 (NOTE TIME CHANGE) Corning Preserve Park. Sign up here. Call Kathy Harris for details.
April 30 – Rally “We all Breathe What They Burn – Close Norlite Now demonstration at the Governor’s Mansion 11:30. Sign up here.
May 1 - Sacred Ground Outside Your Door--a multi-faith gathering in awareness of the environment, its marvelous beauty and its disruption. May 1 from 2-4 PM at Kingston Point Park. More information and registration here. Contact Barb Spink to car pool.
|
|
Learn about submitting announcements to for Sunday service and how to reserve a Zoom room for meetings and events here.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please
|
|
|
Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
|
|
|
|
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 Albany UU class or event
|
|
|
|
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:
By appointment
Our Website:
Zoom use:
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU meeting, contact the church office (518.463.7135 or office@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 Patience Pechette (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).
|
|
Photo credit: Rev. Sam Trumbore
|
|
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135 | 518.463.1429 Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
