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Albany
Unitarian
Universalist
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WINDOWS WEEKLY February 9, 2024 | |
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In the pulpit
Sunday, February 11
"Leading from the Heart," Rev. Dr. Tom Chulak
We all are leaders but how we lead makes all the difference. On the day before Lincoln’s Birthday and a few days before Valentine’s Day, let us explore how we can lead from the heart. How can we enter life undefended so the heart can be open? How can we create space where our uniqueness is nurtured in the presence of others who are different from us. How can we stay open in the midst of change?
Sunday, February 18
"Why Can't We All Just Get Along," Nellson Jacobs-Moore
Systemic racism presents in many forms. It presents to all people in many different ways. The BIPOC Racial Healing Group, in cooperation with the Religious Services Committee and the Council for Children and Youth Programs, invite you to a service on racial healing, and to engage with essays written by members of the Albany UU Congregation.
The BIPOC Racial Healing Group is going to lead service using these essays as its foundation. (Please understand that due to the confines of our service time not all essays will be used, and some may be edited.)
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Programs for Children and Youth | |
Image by 5598375 from Pixabay | |
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Programs for Children and Youth
Sunday, February 11- our theme this month is Justice & Equity. Pick up a copy of Soulful Home in Channing Hall or the upper and lower hallways for ways to bring the theme alive at home.
- Three & Under Nursery/Toddler Room 22 opens at 9:45 for dropoff
- PreK-Grade 3 starts in Community Hall for service at 10AM, then meets in Room 24/25 until 11:15AM.
- Grade 4-6 OWL starts downstairs in Room B1 at 10AM until 11:15AM.
- Coming of Age starts in B7 at 10AM until 12PM.
- 8th Grade Our Whole Lives starts in Room B3/B4 at 10AM until 11:30AM
- High School Youth Group starts in Room B8 at 10AM until 11:15AM
-- Elizabeth Baldes, Director of Programs for Children & Youth
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Still time to sign up for a Transition Listening Circle (TLC)
The Albany UU Transition Team invites you to join a TLC, online or in-person, to share your thoughts on our congregation and its future. TLCs are structured 90 minute sessions that will provide important input for our congregation to consider in our interim period, as well as during the search for, and transition to, a new minister. Participants will gain a better understanding of, and appreciation for, each other’s perspectives.
Sessions are scheduled through February 22, so please sign up promptly. Child care can be arranged for the in person TLCs.
Use the following link to register for your session.
https://fuusa.breezechms.com/form/a10f658942
For questions about the Transition Listening Circles, please reach out to Betsey Miller (bmiller15@nycap.rr.com) or any member of the Transition Team (they will be wearing buttons to identify themselves on Sundays).
For questions about registration or, if you need to change your registration, please contact the Albany UU office (518-463-7135) or (adminassistant@albanyUU.org).
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Announcements and Upcoming Events
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KUDOS
...to the Transition Team for hosting Transition Listening Circles and managing 85 sign-ups so far!
How Will We Do Joys & Sorrows Now?
Our trial period for a new approach to our Joys & Sorrows ritual begins this coming Sunday, February 11, and will continue for six Sunday services. There will be no open mic for Joys & Sorrows during the trial. If you wish to share your joy or sorrow, you can submit online, or fill out a blue card on Sunday morning. Here’s how it will work:
- The stone-moving ritual will continue unchanged.
- Blue cards will be located on the round high-top table in the Community Hall lobby.
- Write your joy or sorrow on the card, and check whether you want it to be read out loud in the service, and/or whether you would like to have follow-up from a Pastoral Care Associate or Rev. Lynn.
- Blue cards must be placed in the tray on the lobby table by the time the service begins, if you want it to be read at that service.
- The Pastoral Care Associate will collect the cards from the tray as the service is beginning.
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You can instead submit your joy or sorrow online, at this link: http://tinyurl.com/JoysAndSorrows Online submissions must be in by noon on Friday. These will be printed and provided to the Pastoral Care Associate.
- The online link can also be found in each weekly Windows, in the box below the description of upcoming services.
- If you’re planning to attend the service on Zoom and wish to share a joy or sorrow, you will need to submit online by Friday, 12PM.
Thanks for your understanding and patience as we try a new way. You are welcome to provide comments and feedback to the Religious Services Committee by emailing Dawn Dana at dawn.dana56@gmail.com, or at 518-495-8282.
Celebrations of Life
Sadly, we share news of the death of another beloved longtime member and friend, Anita Patka. Anita died Tuesday afternoon, February 6. Friends from Albany UU will be welcome at the service in her memory, Monday, February 12, at 1:00 pm, at New Comer Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to her son, Carl Patka, at 2 Glenwood St., Albany, NY 12203.
A memorial service for Earl Zimmerman will be held in Community Hall at 2:00 PM, Saturday, Feb. 10, followed by a reception. Folks may also join via zoom using the link https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Memorial. Contributions of finger food will be appreciated for the reception.
Wonder-fullness: Call for Albany UU Stories
From Rev. Linda Hoddy: Have you got a story about something wonderful, or wonder-full, that you were part of, or that happened to you at AUU? If so, I hope you'll share it.
We will launch this year's Stewardship Campaign on Sunday, March 3. Since I don't know the congregation well, I am looking for stories about something wonderful, or even wonder-full, that happened to you at AUU, or maybe it was a project in service to the larger community. What do you remember about AUU that you treasure?
I will weave the stories together for a sermon or reflection for that Sunday. It could be something recent or something a while ago. It could involve children or old folks or in between. All that's required is that you share the story with me. You can email it to me, or if you'd like to tell it to me, I can transcribe it. You can reach me at AUU on Wednesdays and Fridays.
I need to receive the stories by Wednesday, Feb 28. You may email them to RevLindaHoddy@albanyuu.org, or call the office at (518) 463-7135.
I look forward to being uplifted by the wonderful things that have happened here through the years. Don't hide this light under a bushel. Let it Shine!
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Circle Dinners: on Feb 17, RSVP by Feb 11
Circle Dinners are an easy and fun way to make new friends at Albany UU. Albany UU members host collaborative dinners. Guests bring part of the meal - make your favorite dish, or pick up your contribution at your favorite grocery store. The individual hosts coordinate each guest’s contribution.
Attending a circle dinner is a great way to connect with people! Share and enjoy more evenings and great food with Albany UU friends! Sign up now for the Circle Dinner on Saturday, Feb 17. Circle Dinners At Home will be hosted by Albany UU members for 6 to 10 people, typically adults only, from 6 to 9 PM. E-mail John Sherman at johnssherman@gmail.com to sign up and/or be a host.
Sign up by Sunday Feb 11. You must be vaccinated and boosted to participate.
Can’t make it this time? Mark your calendar for future Circle Dinners the third Saturday of each month.
Albany UU Wineaux
If you enjoy wine and cheese, the Albany UU Wineaux would love to have you join us on February 15 at 7:00 pm as we meet to taste and select wines for the Wine and Cheese Tasting event on Saturday, April 13. For details about when and where we are meeting contact John Sherman at johnssherman@gmail.com
Important Present on Middle East Peacekeeping
Albany UU is the proud lead sponsor of a dramatic and moving event called "Two Truths in One Heart; Two Peoples in One Land" that will be held twice on Feb 28 and 29. West Bank Orthodox Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Palestinian activist Noor A'wad are touring the U.S. representing Roots/Shorashim/Judur (www.friendsofroots.net), an Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative for understanding and transformation located in the West Bank. They will share a message of justice, peace and freedom based on human understanding and trust.
Feb 28, 7:30 PM at St. Vincent dePaul, 900 Madison Ave.
Feb 29, 10 AM at the Muslim Community Center, 21 N. Lansing Rd. Schenectady
Made possible by our own Nigel Wright Peace Fund. Free and open to all.
Extend Your Stay at Silver Bay!
UU Weekend at Silver Bay on Lake George, the eagerly awaited highlight of the fall season, will be held over Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend from October 11-13, 2024 (with an option of an extended stay until 10/14/24.) For the first time, attendees will have the choice of staying 2 or 3 nights while enjoying stimulating workshops, campfires, hikes, live music, cozy conversations by the fireplace, archery, tennis, kayaking and more.
The registration form and a sample schedule of events from the 2023 weekend are available on the Albany UU web site at https://albanyuu.org/blog/silver-bay-weekend-2024/
Completed forms received by June 2, 2024 qualify for an “early bird” discount. Children under 6 are free, with substantial discounts for older children and youth. Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis when the completed registration form and deposit are received.
Call for Nominations
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Are you looking for a way to be more involved in the Albany UU community? The Nominating Committee is issuing a call for nominations for the following positions to be elected at the Annual Meeting on May 19, 2024. These positions offer members of our community an opportunity to shape our collective future and ensure our congregation’s strength through service to AlbanyUU.
Open Positions Term
Board President One position, two years
Board Vice-President One position, two years
Board Trustee Two positions, two years
Nominating Committee Four positions, two years
Endowment Trust One position for five years.
Requirements for Elected Positions
Any person holding an elected position must be an active member of FUUSA for at least 30 days prior to being elected and must not have a pledge in arrears. Candidates for the Endowment Trust must be members for at least 3 years.
Nomination Procedure
Society members are encouraged to contact anyone on the Nominating Committee to let them know of their interest in serving or to suggest someone else you feel would be qualified. Expressions of interest in running for any position must be made known to the Nominating Committee by March 3, 2024. To express interest or if you have questions, please contact any of the Nominating Committee members: Kathy Hodges, Nellson Jacobs-Moore, Jon Newell, Kelly Smith, or Reese Satin (reesesatin@gmail.com)
To learn about the responsibilities of each position, go to AlbanyUU.org, choose Resources | File Cabinet. Under Governance you will see Elected Office Job Descriptions. Any Nominating Committee member can also send a position description to you. The Nominating Committee hopes that you will consider stepping forward into a leadership position by contacting a Nominating Committee member or, if asked, responding with a “Yes, I will serve!”
UUA Announces 2024 Distinguished Award to Jacqui Williams
The Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism is one of the most prestigious awards given by the UUA. Recipients of this award have strengthened the institutions of our Association, clarified our message in extraordinary ways, and exemplified what Unitarian Universalism stands for.
Your UUA Board of Trustees is proud to announce the recipient of the 2024 Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism: Jacqui C. Williams. Jacqui was a member of the First Unitarian Society of Albany, NY. Her footprint in our national UU movement was noteworthy, serving on the General Assembly Planning Committee, Presidential Search Committee, Commission on Appraisal, DRUUM, and BLUU. Jacqui was also a facilitator for Beyond Categorical Thinking for more than 20 years. She dedicated her life to combating racism as an educator, trainer, and community activist.
Although Jacqui (1953-2023) will posthumously receive this honor, we invite you to join us in celebrating her life and the profound legacy she bestowed upon Unitarian Universalism.
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Virtual GA 2024: Love Unites, Stories Ignite
General Assembly, or GA, is the annual gathering of UUs from across the country, where delegates from member congregations vote on the business of the Unitarian Universalist Association. GA also is an energizing and inspirational experience of workshops, worship and connecting.
This year, GA is fully online, from June 20 to June 23. The theme of "Love Unites, Stories Ignite" celebrates the profound impact of love as a binding force that transcends boundaries. Delegates will vote on the proposed revision to Article II of the UUA Bylaws, now available online.
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Interested in participating? Find more information at www.uua.org/ga and look for the call for delegates to represent Albany UU, coming soon! | | | |
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Board of Trustees
The next BOT meeting is 6:30PM on Thursday, Feb. 22 in Channing Hall and via Zoom.
Zoom link here: https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-BoardOfTrustess
Green Sanctuary Team
The next meeting of the Green Sanctuary Team is on Feb. 25 at 11:45 in room B-7. We are planning NYS Legislature environmental lobbying days and expansion of EV charging stations. Everyone is welcome.
Ministry and Operations Team
The next MOT meeting is Wed. March 6 at 5:30PM.
Online only: https://tinyurl.com/Ministry-and-Operations
Meeting ID: 860 5594 7976 Password: 0000
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Use this (new link) Ministry & Operations Communication Form to get on the agenda at the next meeting.
Calendar and Building Use Update
Please help us keep track and share church events and meetings within our new calendar. To reserve a room, or a zoom room, and get your event on our church calendar, please use the form here: http://tinyurl.com/CalendarReservation
Please see our calendar at https://albanyuu.org/resources/calendar/
Committee leaders: Please take a few moments to see if your previously scheduled meetings/events are in the calendar. If they are not, please contact the church office at adminassistant@albanyuu.org.
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Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group online on Sunday, February 11, 6:15 for time to socialize and a discussion of Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky beginning at 6:30. Learn more at https://albanyuu.org/walker-book-group/.
Online: 6:15 for the book discussion. Use this link to join: https://tinyurl.com/WalkerBookGroup
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 871 5139 8632
Passcode: 0000
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Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM Tuesday 2/6/24 the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom to discuss the topic of the day. The topic is Vigilantism: Driveway shooters and their enabling ideas. Email AdminAssistant@albanyuu.org
to get put on the Philosophy group email list!
Online: https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Philosophy
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
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Bridge Group
For information about the 1:00 PM, Tuesday Bridge Group, check with the church office. All levels welcome.
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Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) meets in Room B-8. Bring a project you're working on, or just your lunch!
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Social Justice Team
meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at 6:45pm on Zoom. All are welcome to join. (Please note this is a change from our previous 3rd Tuesday of the month).
Online:
https://tinyurl.com/SocialJusticeTeam
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 894 5821 4256
Passcode: 0000
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🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ GROUP
The LGBTQ Group at UU Schenectady would like to invite all LGBTQ-identified UU Albany members to our monthly meeting at UUSS.
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Albany UU Music Ministry offers many opportunities for you to participate in music during Sunday Services. Our offerings include:
--Albany UU Choir - an adult community choir, singing a variety of choral music during Sunday services. (Rehearsals Required)
--Solos and Small Ensembles : You can share your musical talents during Sunday services as a soloist or small ensemble.
Choir Rehearsal: Wednesday nights at 7:00pm, Masking optional. For more information please contact
For more information email Olga Martinez, Director of Music Ministry, omartinez@albanyuu.org
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Social Justice and Inclusivity | |
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From the Inclusivity Team: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, Maryland (UUCC) is a UU congregation that currently has a reparations royalties program in place.
From the UUCC website:
Why Reparations for Negro Spirituals?
The creators of Negro Spirituals did not receive compensation for their works, adding to the many other acts of trans-generational economic marginalization heaped on them and their communities.
Additionally, when majority-white congregations perform Spirituals, it can be an act of “cultural misappropriation.” Virtually all modern music is a blend of many cultures, but if music is wrested from members of marginalized cultures, and if the original meanings of the music are casually ignored or mocked, these blends take on a hurtful, oppressive element. Paying reparations for the performance of these Spirituals is a drop in the bucket, but it’s a start to rectifying the harm.
Paying reparations for the destructive legacy of enslavement is a controversial topic in the USA, but it shouldn’t be. We need to make whole what we, as a nation, broke. Only then can we move forward in right relationship with each other. Reparations are not charity – they are the repayment of a moral and humanitarian debt that human beings and institutions owe to one another, enabling us to move forward together.
The Underground Railroad Education Center presents: FreedomCon 2024: Agents of Change, Voices of Freedom
Join us for a full schedule of amazing presentation workshops, to be held the 4th Saturday of every month from January to October, via Zoom, from 2pm-3pm. Presenters will cover a wide range of topics including, CRT and the Battle Over Curriculum, the Rapp Road Community - Flight to Freedom, redlining and urban renewal, racist conservation, the Adirondacks, reparations and more For more information and to register: https://undergroundrailroadhistory.org/freedomcon-2024/
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Do you believe that mentally capable, terminally ill adults have the right to a peaceful death? If you do, join our campaign to pass New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act in 2024! We are closer than ever to success and every voice helps.
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Come to Advocacy Days on Tuesdays. Register here for the Tuesdays when you can be at the Capitol to meet with lawmakers, hold up signs, and more. New dates will be added, so go to the registration site more than once.
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Send a handwritten note to the district office of your New York State Assembly Member and Senator urging them to co-sponsor the Medical Aid in Dying Act. (Or thank Phil Steck for being a steadfast co-sponsor.) Use your own words and experience to tell them why the bill is important to you. Assembly contact information is here; Senate information is here.
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Send a handwritten note to the Assembly Speaker, Senate Majority Leader, and the Governor urging them to bring the Medical Aid in Dying Act to the floor for a vote. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is at 1446 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is at 28 Well Avenue, Building #3, 5th Floor, Yonkers, NY 10701. Governor Kathy Hochul is at the State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224.
--Nancy Willie-Schiff, representing the Albany UU End of Life Choice Task Force
The Albany UU Social Justice Team (SJT) recommends an antiracism vigil in Troy:
When: Saturdays, 10:30-11:15 am.The vigil will automatically be canceled for severe weather conditions, including when the temperature or wind chill is below 25.
Where: Troy, corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets, 12180
How: signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
The purpose of the vigil is two-fold: to express that Black Lives Matter and to inspire passersby to act against racism.
Black Lives Matter Vigil in Delmar
Join us on Saturdays as we stand at the Four Corners from 9:30AM to 10AM. Residents of Delmar, Albany or everywhere are welcome!
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Albany Unitarian Universalist | |
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:
9:00-3:00 Monday-Friday
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 adminassistant@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 our Administrative Assistant (518.463.7135 or adminassistant@albanyuu.org) or use this form link: http://tinyurl.com/CalendarReservation
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It is with gratitude and humility that we acknowledge that we are learning, speaking and gathering on the ancestral homelands of the Mohican people who are the indigenous peoples of this land. Despite tremendous hardship in being forced from here, today their community resides in Wisconsin and is known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present as we commit to building a more inclusive and equitable space for all. | |
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135 | 518.463.1429 Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org
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