WINDOWS WEEKLY Nov 3, 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 MORNING
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Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 Multiplatform
Meditation session until 9:20
For those wishing to join remotely, Meditation is now on Zoom 4 here:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Meditation-4
By phone: 1-929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 518 463 1429
Passcode: 1842415
Multiplatform service begins at 10:00 each Sunday
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
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For more information about our services, check out our website.
Masks are required
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Nov 6 “God is Change,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
In the Afrofuturist novel by Octavia Butler titled Parable of the Sower, the reader meets teenager Lauren Olamina who is beginning to discover a prophetic voice within her she calls “Earth Seed.” While a valuable device for the novel, some readers are strongly attracted to the Earth Seed verses that are found at the beginning of each chapter. Olamina treats them almost like scripture. Central to Olamina’s theology is the statement, “God is Change.”
Music: Albany UU Choir, led by Olga Martinez
Coffee Hour and snacks will be sponsored by the Religious Services Committee on Sunday.
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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PROGRAMS FOR
CHILDREN and YOUTH
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This Sunday, 11/6 we kick off the month of Change!
- Family Chapel for kids up to Grade 7 and their families in the Sanctuary at 10AM til about 10:20, then kids go to their regular groups
- Parent Support Group after Family Chapel, in the Sanctuary around 10:30 AM
- Regular Sessions for 8/9 OWL and Youth Group in their rooms at 10AM
- Second Meeting of Coming of Age (10th Grade) in B7 from 12-1:30 PM
The Programs for Children and Youth community will be trying to make a small change for the better this month by collecting hygiene donations for the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, or IHP. Please pick up a few new, unopened items to donate, and consider asking a friend, family member, or neighbor to do the same. Donations can be brought to Albany UU on Sundays and placed in collection bins in the lobby. Deadline for drop off is Sunday 11/27/22, when items will be sorted and packed for delivery to IHP the following week. Thanks for your support!
Elizabeth Baldes
Director of Religious Education
dre@albanyuu.org
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We are looking volunteers who are inspired to help lead the hymns/ songs during our services. If you feel called to this please contact Olga at Omartinez@albanyuu.org for more details. | |
An Apology: Learning Out Loud
Some people experienced the video shown in this past Sunday’s service of JJ Heller's song "Hand to Hold" as a moving tribute to mothers and very young children. Others were troubled by the lack of racial and gender diversity depicted in the images of parents and children or expressed discomfort with the male attribution of God in the lyrics.
The song was requested as the conclusion for our Child Dedication as part of the service. What wasn’t specifically requested was the official video that was produced for it. I listened to a couple of verses of the song and thought it was quite sweet and appropriate for the service. Elizabeth Baldes, our Religious Education Director, Olga Martinez, our Music Director, and Jacob King, our intern, and I discussed it as part of our Production Team meeting we have each week. We focused on the music and thought it would be a beautiful closing for the dedication portion of the Sunday service. What we didn’t examine carefully was the video.
On Saturday afternoon, I sat in Community Hall thinking about what I had left to do preparing for Sunday. I watched the video more closely and realized it didn’t portray the diverse community we strive to be. I pondered just how much effort it might take to fix this video. I do have video editing software and skills. I considered what it might take to edit in a few stills of diverse families. I also thought about the conversation I didn’t have about how we might present this song or even if there was another music video that might work even better.
What I regret deeply was not striving to figure out a solution. I let it go hoping no one would be too upset, promising myself I would do better next time.
That was not the right choice, and I apologize for my lack of follow through on my commitments.
The Production Team is currently short one staff person, which contributed to the time pressure that allowed this mistake to occur. Elizabeth, Olga, Jacob, and I are considering how to do better in the future. We are all sorry for the harm that was caused.
Much as I have remorse for our failure, I also have a celebration. The people who brought this concern to me were white women and men. That is a confirmation of our inclusion work over the last five to ten years. I’m deeply grateful that the concern didn’t have to come from someone with a marginalized identity, though it certainly would be acceptable it if did. I’m grateful that the emotional burden didn’t land on anyone with a marginalized identity to hold the Production Team accountable.
There will invariably be bumps along the way as we strive to be a positive and supportive congregation for everyone. Thank you for your patience and grace as we navigate this difficult but important path to being the most welcoming and inclusive church community we can be. Apologizing, making amends and rededication to inner and outer transformation are powerful tools and commitments toward building beloved community.
And it is helpful to do it out loud.
~ Rev. Sam
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
led by Rev. Sam Trumbore
November 11-12, 2022
Rev. Trumbore will be leading these meditation workshop/practice sessions Friday, starting at 6pm till 9pm and Saturday from 8am to 3:00pm. This will be presented in person as well as virtually through Zoom (so feel free to come to as little or as much as you'd like on Zoom). This workshop is designed for people of all skill levels as well as for those who have never been to a meditation workshop.
FULL DETAILS HERE: http://albanyuu.org/mindfulness-meditation-workshop/
The methods taught come from the Buddhist insight or vipassana meditation school of Theravadan Buddhist tradition as taught at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. Please register with Rev. Sam by email (minister@albanyuu.org) if you would like to participate. Include whether you expect to attend in person or on Zoom so a Zoom link can be sent to you.
There is no required cost for this workshop. A donation for the Albany UU Minister's Discretionary Fund for charitable purposes may be offered via https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Contribute . (click "proceed to this site")
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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An Update from your Board of Trustees
submitted by Jan McCracken
In September the Board of Trustees met for a one-day in-person retreat. What a treat to retreat and gather in a way we have not experienced for more than two years! We met for seven hours and focused our attention in four areas. In the morning, agreements were developed for working together and we engaged in an activity that helped us inventory our collective strengths and limitations. (Yes, we all have both!) Tammy then helped orient us to
administrative tasks related to board functioning around which we identified methods for efficiency. Having a meal together nourished and nurtured us under a clear blue September sky, and in the afternoon we worked on developing “open questions” and began setting our goals for the year to come.
What purpose do Open Questions serve?
Open questions are formed to seek answers to questions that leadership cannot answer without feeling the pulse of the congregation.
Open Questions also:
• serve to develop a vision for our ministry with hearts and minds looking toward the future.
• Perform a vital way to facilitate congregational participation in working toward our vision.
• Create a huge space for dialogue and mutual influence.
• Reflect the wisdom of the congregation.
What do Open Questions have to do with you?
Consider Open Questions to be a valve that allows for a free flow of ideas, strategies, and even yearnings that have been silent to emerge within our congregation. Putting our hearts and minds to this exploration of identity and strategy, we seek to gather your thoughts and feelings that will provide leadership with guidance for moving into our future. Answers to Open Questions will reflect wisdom from the whole body of the congregation. Without you, there is no body!
Stay tuned for activities and methods that will be announced for this year’s focus on Open Questions. The Board is whittling down a number of questions hat have been brainstormed, to choose up to three. We will reveal the first question some time in November, along with methods for engaging with it. If you are interested in the list of questions, in their RAW form, click on this link (insert link). On this page, you will also see the Board's first pass at creating goals for our work this year, and some more information generated at the September retreat
Our guidance regarding Open Questions can be in part attributed to a book by Dan Hotchkiss, Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership. For the past few years, this is just one resource that has helped leadership on our path of changing the way we “do governance.”
In summary, it seems most relevant to include the vision for our congregation for you to continue soaking in like a warm bath.
Albany UU will be an inclusive, welcoming congregation. Our sacred work is to lift hearts, broaden minds and do justice in the world, in service of building Beloved Community
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Basket of adorable kittens to get your attention! | |
Here's your opportunity to join the dynamic Albany UU Team!
Albany UU is currently taking applications for
Nursery/Toddler Room Leader
Contact Tammy Goddard, Church Administrator
for more information: admin@albanyuu.org
We're so happy to announce that Sapphire Correa will be back in her position as Administrative Assistant beginning Monday, Nov. 7!!!
A huge thank you Amy Lent for covering rentals and other tasks during this difficult period...
and to all of you for your patience and grace.
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Albany UU is keeping the FUN in Fundraising again this year!
First, let's talk Pies and Soups!
TOMORROW
November 4 is the deadline for
ALL soups and pie orders
Don't miss out!
All items MUST be pre-ordered so don’t wait! Order now!
Order deadline is TOMORROW - Friday, November 4 for ALL soups and pies!
All pies are $15.00 each
Soup/Chili - $9.00 per quart, $5.00 per pint
Hot Fudge - $10.00 per container
Pie Order Form
Soups/Chili/Hot Fudge Order Form
Questions? Call or email Sandy Stone (518-489-8293 or dsalbany@nycap.rr.com) or Barb Manning (518-439-4226 or BarbaraCManning@hotmail.com) for the pies or Randy Rosette (518-630-6930 or rosette_jensen@juno.com) for the soups.
Please note that those folks who live out of town, we apologize, but we will not be able to ship items at this time.
On Sunday, Nov 20 and Sunday, December 11, from 12-2pm, you can pick up your order - for everything - at Albany UU. Volunteers will be ready to give you your order and take your money - for everything - cash or check only, please, and you need only write one for it all!
Thank you for your support!
Next up - Crafts!! Coming your way soon... keep a weather eye...
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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 - THIS IS A PERMANANT CHANGE:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Meditation-4
By phone: 1-929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 518 463 1429
Passcode: 1842415
The Ministry and Operations Team meets, Monday, Nov 7 at 11:30 AM in Channing Hall and online. Albany UU members are welcome to join.
Use this link to join remotely:
https://tinyurl.com/Ministry-and-Operations
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 860 5594 7976
Passcode: 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 this week will be: “What would you do if you won a significant amount of money in the lottery? What might be some problems you might encounter if you won that kind of money?" 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.
Finance Team meets on
Tuesday, Nov 8 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
Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8.
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Choir Rehearsal
At 7:00 PM on Wednesdays, in Community Hall. Masks are required. Contact Olga Martinez, Directory of Music Ministry for more information.
Election Day apple peeling and pie assembly
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 9:00 to noon, Channing Hall
Join Sandy Stone and Barb Manning as they lead the effort of getting the pies assembled for our fall pie sale. Don’t forget to bring your favorite peeling knife! Questions? Contact Sandy Stone: 518-489-8293 or dsalbany@nycap.rr.com.
Betty Dietz Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov 9 at 3:00 pm for member, Betty Dietz in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in Channing Hall. Contributions of finger foods for the reception are welcomed. We do NOT have permission to park in the Hawley Lot for this event.
Use the service link to join remotely:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-SundayService
By phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group on Sunday, Nov 13 for a potluck supper at 5:30. Those not joining us in person can join the book discussion on Zoom at 6:30 pm. We will discuss The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women’s Rights by Dorothy Wickenden. 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
Exploring the Hebrew Tanakh, Christian Scriptures,
and their influences
Six self-contained multi-platform and recorded sessions: Torah and Gospels Tuesday, November 29th, 2022; 7pm-8:30pm. Presented by Jacob King, Ministerial Intern Learn more here.
Use this link to join remotely:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Admin-2
By phone: 1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 963 886 2931
Passcode: 2222
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After a gap of several years, our Art & Aesthetics Team is relaunching. We were recently approved for reforming by the Ministry and Operations Team with the following charge:
“The Art and Aesthetics Team is responsible for making our spaces more attractive and welcoming. This includes decision-making on art, signage, and décor in consultation with the appropriate team or teams including but not limited to the Inclusivity Team, the Outreach Team or the Building and Grounds Team. The Art and Aesthetics team will involve the congregation when appropriate. It is also the team’s responsibility to assess the potential for controversy and involve the Ministry and Operations Team in any such decisions.”
Our first meeting is Sunday Nov 6 at 11:30 in Joy Library/Stott Lounge. We are looking for a couple more members. If you are interested, please call (518-813-1992) or email (rhdana6@gmail.com) Dick Dana. So far, we have two proposals for our church buildings that require viewing with an aesthetic eye.
Thanksgiving Dinner ... at Albany UU!
Thursday, November 24, 2022, beginning at 1pm
Back after a COVID hiatus, we have an open Thanksgiving Dinner in Channing Hall on Thanksgiving Day. If you and your family or friends would like to join Rev. Trumbore and his family at this dinner, please sign up in Channing Hall (or on this Google Doc) and let us know what you would like to bring. Set up for the dinner will begin at 1pm. Appetizers will be served at 2pm. Dinner will be served at 3pm. Games and entertainment for mutual amusement will follow the meal (bring your favorites!). Cleanup begins at 4pm and we’re done usually before 5pm.
Small Group Ministry Opportunity
Are you looking for deeper personal relationships and the opportunity to engage in spiritual exploration and/or address questions about ultimate meaning? If so, please consider joining the Small Group Ministry Group. We meet twice a month. For more information, please contact John Sherman at johnssherman@gmail.com.
Open Position for Caring Network Leadership
How would you like to contribute to the well-being of the Albany UU community? WE have an opening for the position of Caring Network Team Leader (or 2 if you and a buddy want to share). Here is a job description. You will receive support from members of the caring network and Albany Uu leadership. Another way to create beloved community! Please contact Sharon Babala at sharonbabala@gmail.com or call 518-312-8973.
Albany UU is participating in Grassroot Giver's Day of Simple Giving, which this year, will be a month-long effort to collect household items to give to refugees and families leaving shelter for their own apartments. We have been asked to collect regular-size bottles of dishwashing liquid and kitchen towels (regular or holiday designs).
A bin is set up in the coat room for your donations during the month of November. Direct questions to Deborah Vogel (magpiezz@msn.com) or Elizabeth Berberian (elberberian@nycap.rr.com).
To learn more about Grassroot Givers https://www.grassrootgivers.org/
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SOCIAL ACTION and INCLUSIVITY
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Left to right:
Archie, Marty H., Chuck M., Deborah V., Michael C., Karen K., Mary B., M. Cohen, Paula B.
Photo courtesy of Anne Marie Haber
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SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORS
The Green Sanctuary Team is sponsoring a forum on using 100% renewable energy at the Empire State Plaza and providing geothermal energy in the Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood. This effort is an excellent way to support environmental justice in Albany. Come and learn what you can do to help. Presented by Ruth Foster and Merton Simpson, co-chairs of the Sheridan Hollow Alliance for Renewable Energy.
When: Monday, Nov 14 at 7:00 PM
Where: Community Hall or on zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83246440296
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.
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!
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
ADVOCATE! Join the campaign to pass New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. Terminally ill, mentally competent, adult New Yorkers should not be forced to endure unspeakable suffering at the end of their lives when standard medical practice, including hospice care, cannot help them. It’s long past time for New Yorkers to have the right to choose a peaceful death.
–- Nancy Willie-Schiff and Dave Munro
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Albany UU End of Life Choice Task Force. Thanks to everyone who signed up on October 30 to join our Task Force to advocate for medical aid in dying! It’s not too late to join. Just call or email Nancy.
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Save two dates in January. Please hold January 9 and 17 for rallies at the Capitol to urge lawmakers to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act.
CONTEMPLATE! The Unitarian Church of All Souls in NYC is offering a series called the Date with Death Club that is free and open to everyone who would like to explore mortality in community. The series offers you the opportunity to learn, share, and deepen your own understanding of what death means to you and how you want to approach death -- particularly your own. Zoom sessions are from 2-4 pm on the first Sundays of the month, on October 2, November 6 (the topic is Good Life & Good Death), December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4. No registration is needed; you can just show up to any number of the sessions. Learn more about the series here, or use this information to attend: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81423233280?pwd=anhmRnJjSng3T0RnLzBYWWxwNG1adz09; Meeting ID: 814 2323 3280; Passcode: AS; Passcode for joining by phone: 892484.
The Inclusivity Team Recommends the following book:
For All:
A Life of Service: The story of Senator Tammy Duckworth, by Christina Soontornvat. (2022). This engaging picture book shares the many firsts of this amazing woman. She has forged ahead in the face of racism, xenophobia, and other forms of discrimination, and she serves our country with determination. What will be next for her? Available in the Upper Hudson Library System in hard copy and DVD formats. Available for purchase in audio book format from Libro.fm. Soon to be available, from the National Library Service, for the blind and print-disabled.
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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
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