Greetings Friends,
Good morning everyone and welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. I apologize that this did not drop into your inboxes yesterday at 4:00 PM when I set it up to go. I do not have an explanation for this but here it is for you now! What an interesting week it's been!
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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 a VIRTUAL 8:30 Meditation session until 9:20
MULTIPLATFORM service begins at 10:00 each Sunday
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Masks are required and distanced seating available.
These protocols will remain in place on Sundays for March 2022.
Your Covid Response Team will reconvene on March 29 to reassess and make any updates to protocols based on science and guidance.
Thank you for your patience.
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March 13 "The Voices in my Head" with Erik F. vonHausen
One of the sources of Unitarian Universalist inspiration is: Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love. These are the prophets who continually whisper to me.
Erik F. vonHausen is a member of this congregation involved in Wellspring as a facilitator and as a Pastoral Care Associate. He continues to attempt to live his best life with his husband Todd and is always available to talk to anyone who needs and ear to listen.
Music: Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen and AUU Virtual Choir
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”.
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Daylight saving time 2022 officially begins Sunday, March 13 at
2 AM. Don't forget to move your clocks AHEAD one hour
before going to bed on Saturday night!
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MARCH MULTIPLATFORM
SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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March 20 “The Kirk’s Alarm” with
The Rev. Stan Sears
As a bagpiper, one of my surprises during graduate school was stumbling upon a book on Scottish Unitarianism, and discovering a chapter on "Robert Burns and the Ayrshire Heretics." Throughout my ministerial career, I have preached a sermon on Burns or one of his poems almost every year. This one is based on "The Kirk's Alarm," if you would like to read ahead. The Wisdom Story will be a lesson in how a bagpipe actually works.
The Rev. Dr. Stan Sears is a retired UU minister who holds degrees from the University of South Carolina, the University of Chicago, and Meadville/Lombard Theological School. He has served congregations in California, British Columbia, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New York State, and Vermont. He is in the process of moving to Ottawa, Ontario where, after 14 years of a commuting relationship, he and his wife, Carolyn Christie, retired Second Flute in the Montreal Symphony and professor at McGill, will finally consolidate into one home.
Music: Elena Karpoff
March 27 This I Believe
This is the Sunday Service when we hear from members of the congregation who will share their own personal religious perspective. Our presenters this year we will be Sarah Hickman (she/her), Molly Daniels, and Fred Eames. This has been a perennially popular service. We appreciate our presenters' willingness to participate this year and look forward to hearing from them.
Music: Randy Rosette
Use this link to join Sunday service
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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Sunday Offering and other
service information
Brighten up Community Hall with a
flower donation!
There are plenty of open Sundays waiting for your dedication. Contact the office or Sandy Stone (dsalbany@nycap.rr.com) if you would like to see flowers at our Sunday service.
Sharing Joys and Concerns during Service
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Archives
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR
CHILDREN and YOUTH
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Sunday 3/13: RE groups will meet in the building, following the same COVID-19 protocols as we've had all year- please wear a mask, give the people around you some space, sign in when you arrive at the building, and no food or drinks. Please note that clocks "spring ahead" one hour at 2AM on Sunday this week!
Children and youth through 8th grade should start out in service at 10 and will go to groups after the Wisdom Story. High school Youth Group meets at 10 without going to service first. 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.
Book List: Albany UU's Inclusivity Team suggested reading list for all ages just keeps growing- check out their list here!
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Supporting Ukrainian Refugees
Donations supporting refugees (cash or check) are being accepted at Albany UU. Put ‘Partner Church’ or ‘Refugee Support’ on the memo line of your check. Funds will be held in the Partner Church Designated Fund until they are sent to the International Rescue Committee.
Background
We are all fully aware of the current disaster in Ukraine and wonder how we can help. Many in our congregation have asked what they can do, where they can send contributions, etc.
Some of our Partner Church Committee members met on Sunday afternoon via Zoom and discussed several options.
- Based on reports from Csaba and the minister, Tunde, our Partner Church village in Romania does not have a critical need at this time.
- We realized that given the size and fluidity of the situation we need to trust the experts.
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Of the organizations recommended by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), we chose the International Rescue Committee. Dealing with this sort of disaster is right down their alley. They are highly rated by Charity Navigator and others.
Albany UU has had an interest in Romania since 1992 when we developed a partnership with the Unitarian Church in Szokefalva, a small village near the center of the country. Since then, there have been several visits in both directions. Most recently, in 2016 their minister and two members visited Albany, and in 2018 Rev. Sam and ten members of Albany UU visited there.
Fortunately, our partner church in Szokefalva is fine, although shocked and concerned about the current events and what may lie ahead. Csaba, one of our most recent visitors, reported that as of last Wednesday there were 150,000 refugees in Romania, including thousands of children. About 4,000 to 5,000 refugees cross the border to Romania each day. Some travel on to stay with friends and/or family members in Poland and other European countries. But the general need is astronomical.
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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.
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Finance Team will be meeting today, Mar 10 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
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. Note: Meditation will remain virtual only through March.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
The Inclusivity Team meets on Sunday, Mar 13 at noon on Zoom. All are welcome to join.
Use the service link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, Mar 13, 6:30 pm. Join at 6:15 for additional time to socialize. We will discuss William Kent Krueger’s novel Ordinary Grace. Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Racial Healing Monthly Group
Next meets Monday, Mar 14.
Specifically for BIPOC members for discussion and connection. We meet on the second Monday of the month from 7:00 to 8:00 pm via Zoom. If interested or to get more info, please reach out to Jaye Holly jholly63@gmail.com.
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:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
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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.
Join the Ministries and Operations Team for their virtual meeting at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, Mar 15. 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
The Social Justice Team meets on Tuesday, Mar 15 at 6:45 PM on Zoom. All are welcome to join.
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.
Use this link to join remotely:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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.
Mar 23
Apr 13, 27
May 11, 25
June 8
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 979 5961 1765
Passcode: 0000
Sesquicentennial Quilt Discussion
Join us on Sunday March 27 at 11:30 in Community Hall and on Zoom to learn more about the rationale to remove the quilt and become part of the process to document the quilt's historical significance, commemorate its retirement and discuss ideas for a replacement installation. All are welcome! Learn more here.
Use the service link to join remotely:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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Sesquicentennial Quilt Discussion
The Inclusivity Team has informed the Board and the Ministry and Operations Team that the Sesquicentennial Quilt, lovingly created by members of our congregation 30 years ago, no longer supports our vision of being an inclusive, welcoming congregation. The Inclusivity Team shared examples of the impact of the quilt's imagery on our youth, guests, rental customers and BIPOC visitors and members of our congregation.
With a charge from the Board, the MOT and Inclusivity Team have agreed that the quilt should be removed and retired. Join us on Sunday March 27 at 11:30 in Community Hall and on Zoom to learn more about the rationale to remove the quilt and become part of the process to document the quilt's historical significance, commemorate its retirement and discuss ideas for a replacement installation. All are welcome!
Girl Scout Cookies
It's time again to order your Girl Scout cookies! And what better way than to support the Girl Scouts in our church. Here are your options:
For Zora Solot Miller
For Eliza and Flora Akins and Julia Lesniak use the one link below (they are all in the same troop)
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SOCIAL ACTION and INCLUSIVITY
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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
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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
8th Principle Update
The 8th Principle Subteam of the Inclusivity Team held two congregational conversations, on February 1 and February 6, for members of Albany UU to discuss their thoughts regarding the possible adoption of the 8th Principle, written by Paula Cole Jones and Bruce Pollack-Johnson. These conversations were in anticipation of holding an up-or-down vote on whether to adopt the 8th Principle at our May 15 Annual Meeting.
The 8th Principle reads as follows: “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
Forty-two members and friends of Albany UU attended the conversations, 11 of whom attended both sessions. Twenty-seven of the 42 attendees spoke and expressed opinions. Of the 27 who spoke, 20 were in favor of adopting, 2 were opposed of adopting the current language, 3 were opposed for other reasons, and 2 were undecided. For a detailed list of those opinions, please go to the report prepared by the Subteam here.
The Inclusivity Team recommends the following book:
For adult teachers and learners:
Teaching for Black Lives, Edited by Dyan Watson, Jesse Hagopian, and Wayne Au. (2018). Do any of these chapter names catch your interest?
The 1963 March on Washington
Medical Apartheid: Teaching the Tuskegee syphilis study
Trayvon Martin
What Do You Mean When You Say 'Urban'
Lead Poisoning: Bringing social justice to chemistry
#MeToo and The Color Purple
Rethinking Islamophobia: Combating bigotry by raising the voices of Black Muslims
Brown Kids Can't Be in Our Club: Teaching 6-year-olds about skin color, race, culture, and respect
"This book is not just for teachers in the classroom, but also for those of us who care about making Black lives matter in the community. It should be required reading for all who care about the future of Black youth." ~Opal Tometi, #BlackLivesMatter co-founder and executive director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration.
This book contains art works by more than 30 artists; the artwork is inspiring and insightful.
Available in hard copy format in the Upper Hudson Library System. Not available in audiobook format or from the NLS at this time.
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Learn about submitting announcements to for Sunday service and how to reserve a Zoom room for meetings and events here.
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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.
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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:
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 |
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