WINDOWS WEEKLY September 8, 2022 | |
Greetings Friends,
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates.
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-Blessings and Be Well
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MULTIPLATFORM SUNDAY SERVICE
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SUNDAY SERVICE at 10:00 AM
Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 MULTIPLATFORM
Meditation session until 9:20
Multiplatform service begins at 10:00 each Sunday
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For more information about our services, check out our website.
Masks are required
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Welcome to the new church year!
Sept. 11 “Come Home To Where You Belong”
Our fall season opens this Sunday with our “Homecoming Service.” It is a special multi-generational service that includes a photomontage of summer events, travel, and social gatherings.
We also gather water . The water source can be from your home, back yard or from your summer travels and adventures. We will gather small splashes of that water in a common bowl during the service. Each contribution can be identified with a sentence about why that water is meaningful to you. We will also remember September 11, 2001, our losses that day and continuing grief since, in the service after Joys and Sorrows.
Plan on lunch after the service! Everyone is invited to a light lunch in Channing hall right after the service. Masks are optional. Please bring a “finger food” to share if you’re willing and able!! Drop food items off in the kitchen before service.
Whether you are in person or participate virtually, let us have a joyous service to begin our fall season together in love. Please note that masks are required for service but optional for brunch.
Music: Albany UU Choir, Olga Martinez
Use this link to join the service remotely:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-SundayService
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”.
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MULTIPLATFORM
SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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WELCOME
ELIZABETH BALDES
Director of Religious Education
Elizabeth joined the staff of Albany UU in August 2018, becoming Director of Religious Education in June 2022. Along the way she served as Religious Education Program Assistant, RE Progam Coordinator, and Acting Director of RE. Elizabeth draws on her experience as an early childhood educator and child care provider, as well as her volunteer work with Albany UU (teaching teams and Religious Education Council) to help provide a supportive, engaging place for children and youth to learn, grow, and connect. She is particularly grateful for the caring and committed community involved in our Programs for Children and Youth.
A graduate of Empire State College, Elizabeth is a dedicated lifelong learner and avid reader. She and her husband Rich enjoy living in Albany with their two daughters, some super-spoiled pets, a moderately successful garden, and way too many books and records.
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WELCOME JACOB KING, Ministerial Intern
Jacob King(He/Him) is a third-year Masters of Divinity(Mdiv) student at Starr King school for the Ministry.
Jacob openly identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community (Bi-sexual).
Jacob came to UU in 2019, after having left a Christian tradition he disagreed with theologically, ethically, and morally.
Jacob currently identifies theologically as a UU-Christian.
Jacob has moved to Albany from Oregon with his spouse, Karmen; along with three cats and a dog.
Jacob is excited to meet, serve, and worship with members of the congregation over the course of the internship (Aug 2022-May 2023).
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WELCOME OLGA MARTINEZ
Director of Music Ministry
Olga Martinez is a forever Albany resident. She is a graduate of Albany High and received her Bachelors in Music Education at the College of Saint Rose. Since 2009 she has been the music director of the Capital Pride Singers, an LGBTQA+ community chorus in the capital district, where she has continuously led to the musical growth of the group that has been around since 1995. She is also the director of operations at StudioHalibey, a creative consultancy for the media industry. She brings her expertise in music, logistics, project management, 18 years of professional experience and love of the Albany City to all that she does. When not in front of a chorus, piano or computer, she spends time with her son and husband, sewing, gardening or cooking vegetarian delights and has never met a block of tofu she didn’t have plans for. She is excited, ready to share and collaborate on bringing beautiful, meaningful music to the Albany UU.
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WELCOME
SHERESE LINNEN
Congregational Life Coordinator
Sherese Linnen and her family (two adult children and her mother) have transplanted to Albany and are happy to be here where there are a lot more opportunities. She works at Catholic Charities Housing Office as well as some other areas and enjoys reading in her spare time and riding her motorcycle when the weather allows. Sherese looks forward to being apart of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany where she can grow spiritually and assist the congregation to grow exponentially by welcoming diverse seekers.
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PROGRAMS FOR
CHILDREN and YOUTH
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9/11/2022 Homecoming Service at 10AM
This annual multi-generational service brings the congregation together to celebrate our summer adventures and kick off the new church year. Please bring water from your home, back yard, rain gauge, local pool, swimming hole, far-flung locale, etc. to Community Hall or to Zoom for service, and when it is time you will have the opportunity to share your water, and a sentence about why that water is meaningful to you. The nursery/toddler room will be open for this service, stop by and meet Jennealyn, our new childcare provider.
Following service on September 11th:
- Classrooms for kids' programming will be open for you to identify which rooms your children and youth will be in, and take a look around. Guides can also check out their classrooms at this time.
- 8th/9th Parent/Guardian OWL Orientation will take place from 12-2pm in B3/B4.
- Guide Development Session for all volunteers in Programs for Children and Youth will be on Zoom from 6-7:30pm. Emails have been sent to volunteers with all necessary info.
9/18/2022 Small Groups begin + Annual Gathering in Washington Park!
Registration is open here, and you can take a look at our programming for Fall 2022 here. If you have any questions please contact Elizabeth at dre@albanyuu.org.
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Infants and toddlers can be dropped off in the Nursery/Toddler Room (22 upstairs) beginning at 9:45. Please pick up your little ones when service ends. Note that Nursery/Toddler will also be open on 9/11.
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Children in the PreK-1st Grade Group will go to service with their adults, and transition upstairs to Room 24/25 after the Wisdom Story. Sessions end at 11:15, and adults are expected to pick up their children from the classroom at that time.
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Children in the Grade 2-5 Group will go to service with their adults, and transition upstairs to Room 26 after the Wisdom Story. Sessions end at 11:15, and adults are expected to pick up their children from the classroom at that time.
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Youth in Grade 6/7 Crossing Paths will go to service with their adults, and transition downstairs to Room B1 after the Wisdom Story. Sessions end at 11:15, and youth will be released on their own to find their adults.
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Youth in Grade 8/9 OWL will go directly to B3/B4 at 10AM. Sessions end at 11:30, and youth will be released on their own to find their adults.
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High school Youth Group meets at 10AM in B8.
Picnic in the Park: after service and groups for children and youth are done, please bring whatever you'd like to eat or drink, along with a chair or blanket to sit on, to the area near the playground. You should see us set up near one of the larger trees, all ready to enjoy some good company and have a little fun!
Image by Cathleen Young for Harvard Square Library
Elizabeth Baldes
Director of Religious Education
dre@albanyuu.org
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Choir Rehearsal is back!
After a long summer of spending time enjoying upstate New York's wonderful summer weather, Autumn calls us back to sing! We will be meeting at 7:00pm in Community hall, Masks required. I look forward to seeing everyone and making beautiful music.
See we one another clearly, Do we know who we are? - Harry Belafonte
-Olga
omartinez@albanyuu.org
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Start your Sunday Morning with Multiplatform 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.
Use this link to join remotely:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Meditation
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Homecoming Sunday
10:00 AM, Sunday, Sept 11 marks the beginning of our regular service year. We will welcome you to the month of Belonging with Water Communion and a special photo montage. Masks are require for service. See above for more information.
Homecoming Brunch
Plan on lunch after the Sept. 11 Sunday service! Everyone is invited to a light lunch in Channing Hall right after the service. Masks are optional. Please bring a “finger food” to share if you’re willing and able!! Drop food items off in the kitchen before service.
Inclusivity Team meets on Sunday, Sept 11 at noon in both Room B-8 and online. All are welcome to join.
Use this link to join:
https://tinyurl.com/Albany-UU-Inclusivity
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 864 9509 1658
Passcode: 0000
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, September 11 at 6:30 pm. Join at 6:15 for additional time to socialize. We will discuss The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles.
Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
https://tinyurl.com/WalkerBookGroup
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 871 5139 8632
Passcode: 0000
Ministry and Operations Team meets on Monday, Sept 12 at 11:30 AM in both Channing Hall and online. Albany UU members are welcome to join.
Use this link to join:
https://tinyurl.com/Ministry-and-Operations
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 860 5594 7976
Passcode: 0000
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Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM every Tuesday, the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom to discuss the topic of the day. All are welcome.
Use this link to join:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Philosophy
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
Bridge Group
For information about the 1:00 PM, Tuesday Bridge Group, check with the church office.
Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8. Due to the nature of this group, there will not be an online option offered unless otherwise noted.
Finance Team meets on
Tuesday, Sept 13 at 4:00 PM in both Room B-8 and online. Albany UU members are welcome to join.
Use this link to join:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-FinanceTeam
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 860 5594 7976
Passcode: 0000
Sesquicentennial Quilt Retirement & Replacement - We need your help!
Join us on Sunday, Sept 18 at 11:30 to create a task force to strategize. Learn more here.
Fall 2022 Circle Dinners!
Are you feeling a little isolated and disconnected? Do you crave interesting conversation and good food?
What are you waiting for? Sign up now for the Circle Dinner on Friday, September 16 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Learn more here.
Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation
This course will provide you with the basics and more about mindfulness and meditation.
The course meets once a week for 1.5 hours for 4 weeks. Wednesdays, Sept 21, 28 and Oct 5, 12, 6:30-8:00 PM. We ask that you make a commitment to be at all 4 sessions. Learn more here.
Wellspring Sources
We are looking for participants in the Wellspring program this year.UU Wellspring is a spiritual deepening course for Unitarian Universalists meeting twice a month from the end of September to June. Learn more here.
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Important Reminders
A Rich and Rewarding Experience Awaits You at UU Weekend at
Silver Bay
Join us at the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 14-16, 2022.
Here are some highlights from the schedule of events for the weekend:
- Keynote speaker, Pastor David Trayham, leading a discussion on building better racial and community relationships
- Workshop topics including a proposal to bring the Hudson River into Albany, getting off fossil fuels, book discussions, and an opportunity to create art
- Several hikes, a bird walk, a presentation by a wildlife rehabilitator including her five live raptors, a discussion of the islands and bays of Lake George, a presentation about a trek across Northern Spain, and boat tours
- A full children’s program including movies, kite and bead making and games
- Several live musical events
- The annual auction (Bring and purchase gently used items.)
Remember – the cost is all-inclusive for room and board, activities and entertainment - including all meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Children under 6 are free, with substantial discounts for older children and youth.
Access additional information about Silver Bay and the UU weekend, including a preliminary schedule of events and a registration form at http://albanyuu.org/uu-weekend-at-silver-bay/
Note: Adaptions will be made to accommodate the status of the pandemic, if needed.
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SOCIAL ACTION and INCLUSIVITY
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From left to right:
Karen K., Jean P., Mitch C., Elizabeth B., Chuck M., Michael C., Guest, Deborah V., Marty H., Sam T.
Present but not in the photo are Lucy H., Lea R., Anne Marie H., and Archie.
Photo courtesy of Anne Marie Haber
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Stand Against Racism Vigil in Delmar
Join Albany UUs each Saturday to Stand Against Racism, in front of the Delmar Farmers Market at the middle school, 332 Kenwood Avenue, from 9:30 to 10 AM. Welcoming all - whether you live in Delmar, Albany, or anywhere nearby!
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
Learn more here.
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
The campaign to pass New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act is continuing! In partnership with Compassion and Choices New York, Death with Dignity – Albany and New York UU Justice (NYUUJ), Albany UUs will not stop advocating until terminally ill New Yorkers have all the same options for end-of-life care as those in other states, including the right to seek medication for a peaceful death. We hope you will join us as the campaign prepares for the 2023 legislative session that begins in January. There is so much you can do in the next few months, and beyond. Here is a sample. More will follow. –- Nancy Willie-Schiff and Dave Munro
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JOIN ALBANY UU E-GROUP. To get the latest information on educational and advocacy opportunities, email (admin@albanyuu.org) or call (518-463-7135) the office to ask to be added to the End of Life Choice e-group.
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GET VOLUNTEER TRAINING. Watch a recording of recent Volunteer Training here. Contact Nancy at n.willie.schiff@gmail.com to get PowerPoint slides from that training session. Join volunteer training on August 31 and each month after that by emailing Amanda Cavanaugh at acavanaugh@malkinross.com with a request to get on her volunteer mailing list.
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IDENTIFY YOUR INTERESTS. Complete a Volunteer Interest Form here to let the campaign leaders know how you would like to help.
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CONTACT YOUR CURRENT LAWMAKERS. You can use a form found here. Assembly Member Phil Steck is the only lawmaker from the Capital Region who has consistently been a co-sponsor of the bill. Although some others have said that they would vote for the bill when it comes to the floor, it needs more co-sponsors to get to the floor for a vote. Assembly Members John McDonald and Jake Ashby are on the Assembly Health Committee, so their co-sponsorship is especially important.
- ASK THE CANDIDATES. August 23 is the primary for State Senate candidates; November 8 is the general election. When candidates ask for your vote, ask them where they stand on Medical Aid in Dying and tell them you care about the issue.
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SAVE THE DATES. Mark your calendar for the week of January 9-13, 2023, when special campaign events will focus on capital region lawmakers, and for Lobby Day on January 17 at the Capitol.
Inclusivity recommends the following book:
For children and youth:
Out of My Heart, by Sharon Draper. (2021). In this exciting sequel to Out of My Mind, we join Melody for her first overnight camp experience. Draper's writing, from the first-person perspectives, gives us beautiful insight into Melody's hopes, fears, and moments of exhilaration. Sharon Draper is the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King awards. Available in the Upper Hudson Library System in hard copy, CD audiobook, and downloadable e- and audiobook formats. Not available in braille at this time (The National Library Service has others of Draper's books in braille format, including the following: The Battle of Jericho, Copper Sun, Darkness Before Dawn, and Forged By Fire).
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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:
General: www.AlbanyUU.org
Resources: http://albanyuu.org/albany-uu-resources/
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).
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Photo credit: Rev. Sam Trumbore
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135 | 518.463.1429 Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org | | | | | |
