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!
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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 MULTIPLATFORM (both in-person and via Zoom) 8:30 Meditation session until 9:20
MULTIPLATFORM service (both in-person and via Zoom)
begins at 10:00 each Sunday
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Masks are required
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April 10, “Living with Hopelessness” with Rev. Sam Trumbore
Jesus entered Jerusalem without much hope that he would be leaving alive. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple outer courtyard knowing the act would endanger his life. Taking inspiration from Cuban American social ethicist Dr. Miguel De La Torres, what can we learn about being fully alive agents of change and yet being hopeless on this Palm Sunday that has parallels with being Ukrainian, Rohingya or Darfuri.
Music: Elena Karpoff, Randy Rosette
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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APRIL MULTIPLATFORM
SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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April 17, “Easter Awakening” with
Rev. Sam Trumbore
Spring flowers and warmer days signal the reawakening of the earth. Just as green life returns each year, we celebrate together in this family service the return of the life giving inspiration and teachings of Jesus that did not die.
Music: Randy Rosette, Lois Bailey
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 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
Sharing Joys and Concerns during Service
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Archives
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITY WITH
OUR MINISTER
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop - in person or via Zoom
led by Rev. Sam Trumbore
April 8-9, 2022
This meditation training and practice workshop will be led by Rev. Trumbore, on Friday 6:00pm to 9:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am to 3:00pm. It gives the participants an opportunity to learn Buddhist mindfulness meditation techniques and/or refresh and deepen their meditation practice. All are welcome from first timers to experts. People will sit together as we do on Zoom on Sunday mornings and do walking meditation in their own homes. (We may also have the option to be in person depending on the COVID situation) We’ll have a break for lunch on Saturday at noon. It's not too late to register with Rev. Sam by email (minister@albanyuu.org) if you would like to participate. A voluntary donation can be offered at the end to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
Rev. Trumbore has practiced Buddhist Vipassana or insight meditation for over 35 years and is Past President of the Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship. This meditation technique is one of the best for Unitarian Universalists. It helps people train their minds to strengthen concentration and intensify moment-to-moment awareness. Regular practice of this technique quiets and sharpens the mind, opens the heart and improves one's physical and mental health.
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR
CHILDREN and YOUTH
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This Sunday 4/10: ALL RE groups will meet in the building and masks are still required. Children and youth through 8th grade should start out in service at 10 and will go to groups after the Wisdom Story. Youth Group meets in B8 starting at 10AM.
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.
Next Sunday 4/17: Everyone is invited to the multi-generational Easter service in Community Hall or on Zoom at 10AM. RE groups will not meet that day.
Image by sweetlouise at Pixabay
Elizabeth Baldes
Acting Director of Religious Education
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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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Start your Sunday Morning with MULTIPLATFROM 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:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
The Inclusivity Team meets on Sunday, Apr 10 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, Apr 10, 6:30 pm. Join at 6:15 for additional time to socialize. We will discuss James McBride’s novel, Deacon King Kong. 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, Apr 11.
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.
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.
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
Memorial Service -
Richard Brewer
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Apr 23 at 2:00 pm in Community Hall, 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.
Memorial Service -
Tom Hotalen
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Apr 30 at 1:00 pm in Community Hall, 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.
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Renewing our Commitment, Renewing our Community
Many thanks to all who submitted their pledge. For those who haven't yet, pledges need to be returned by April 10th. Remember to include your UU Bucks raffle ticket when you return your pledge.
To Return Your Pledge by April 10, you can:
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Pledge online using this link: http://albanyuu.org/pledge-form/ (a UU Bucks raffle ticket will be filled out for you, if you choose)
- Mail your pledge to the Albany UU office: 405 Washington Ave., Albany 12206
Thanks for all you do to support Albany Unitarian Universalist!
A New and Different Auction is Coming!
Out of our cold Winter isolation, a new AUU Auction will bloom to promote community and raise already-budgeted income. Adapting to the vagaries of life in the time of COVID, the Auction will be in two parts. This Spring event will be in a fixed-price online format featuring only social activities and services that take advantage of the warmer weather, and homemade food items. In the future, when the fates allow, Martha Musser and the Auction Committee, are planning a more traditional, in-person event.
In order for the Committee to tailor these events so they include the largest possible number of our members and friends, we would like to know your answers to three questions:
- What sorts of items are of interest to you? In the past, home cooked meals (served or delivered) have been popular as well as pool parties, pet/baby sitting, hikes and vacation home stays. What sorts of items would attract you?
- Since success depends on donations, what items would you be willing to donate?
- Whether or not you donate something, what suggestions do you have for making the Auction successful? It takes the whole congregation to create a community.
Please send an email with your answers to all three questions to Auction@albanyuu.org by April 15th using the following format:
- Items I would like to bid on.
- Items I would like to donate.
- Suggestions for making this a successful online auction.
Once we have reviewed your responses, we will set a date for the Spring event. Fear not, we will be in touch. The Auction Committee
UU Weekend at Silver Bay on Lake George
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.
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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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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!
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ZOOM CALL on April 14, 7:00-8:00 pm: Compassion and Choices New York invites you to an update on the campaign to pass New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act and participate in break-out room discussions with other advocates. Register here.
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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. You can also come on other Wednesdays at 10 am to show lawmakers your support by registering here.
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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.
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
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Green Sanctuary Earth Month Activities
April 11 - The Climate Conundrum forum presented by Paul Fisk, an activist with the Climate Reality Project. Paul will address, “Why it's such an uphill battle to combat climate change." 7:00 PM at Albany Unitarian Universalist, 405 Washington Ave. Albany, NY and on zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87281926129
April 22 – Climate Can’t Wait Earth Day Demonstration starting at Maiden Lane and Broadway in Albany at 11:00 with march to State Capital. Sign up here.
April 23 – Hudson River Clean-up starting at 1:00 Corning Preserve Park. Sign up here.
Call Kathy Harris for details.
April 24 – Yolles Garden Clean-up co-sponsored with Albany UU RE Program. Contact Marty Hotvet for details and to sign up.
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.
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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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Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
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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.
Sign up for an Albany UU class or event
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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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