Greetings,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Please stay safe and stay connected to your Albany UU Community during this uncertain time in the many ways provided online - all described below.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please sign up here.
Be sure to scroll down to read about our new members!
-Blessings and Be Well
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We welcome everyone. Our Unitarian Universalist community seeks truth and deeper meaning, pursues justice through inspired action, and cultivates compassion and love for all connected by the web of life.
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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE VIA ZOOM |
August 30 “Is Doing Your Best … Good Enough?" Rev. Sam Trumbore
Dr. Conrad Trumbore (Rev. Sam’s father) has a favorite expression: “Do your best and to hell with the rest.” Doing “your best” is a common admonition today that is remarkably free of context. Do what best? How do we define what one’s best is? And is one’s best … good enough … as compared to what?
Rev. Sam Trumbore has served as minister of Albany UU since the fall of 1999. He is married to Philomena Moriarty and they have an adult son Andrew.
Music: Elena Karpoff
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES - 10:00 AM |
Hope you are enjoying summer session!
Albany UU Virtual Summer Services
Summer services continue through September 6.
8:30 a.m. Virtual Sunday Meditation continues through the summer and we will have Virtual Service at 10:00 AM each Sunday. Summer services are coordinated by Randy Rosette, with a delightful list of guests in the pulpit, including Rev. Sam.
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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September 6 “What is New & What Never Changes,” Diane Cameron
At Labor Day we think about the start of a new year. It’s the time of choosing a new direction, making new plans, and making time to learn new things. After a summer of so much change in all parts of our lives, let’s look at what is new and what never changes.
Diane is passionate about advocacy for people living in poverty and for family caregivers. She is a director at Unity House in Troy and a spiritual coach and retreat leader.
Music: Randy Rosette
Joys and Concerns for Online Services
We have three ways that you can share your joys and concerns.
- One: Use the online form. If you use this form, you can indicate if you would like to have your joys and concerns shared at the Sunday service, and you can leave contact info if you would like a Pastoral Care Associate to follow up with you.
- Two: Email your joy or sorrow to joysandsorrows@albanyuu.org before Sunday morning to have them read aloud during the service
- Three: We will be giving you instructions during the Sunday service about how to share your joys and concerns then.
Sunday Offering
If you would like to make a contribution to the Sunday Offering "Plate", click https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Donate or send your check, with Sunday Offering on the memo line, to the church: 405 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206. Mail is being processed while the building is closed.
Try our text to give option! Simply text the amount and fund (for example: 20 offering or 20 pledge) to 844-976-2618. There's a helpful video to watch with step by step instructions and a informative written guide with visuals.
Sunday services will be online via Zoom at 10:00 AM EST. There will be no service, religious education or other activities in the church building until further notice. Not familiar with Zoom? Our minister, Rev. Sam Trumbore will give you a brief tutorial.
Use this link to join the Sunday service:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Wearing your Zoom “Name Tag”
When signing into a Zoom worship service on a Sunday morning, you can't put on your traditional name tag to be welcoming to others, but you CAN rename your screen so that it displays your full name. This is the new way to practice hospitality with everyone who is part of the online worship service.
To change your screen name, look for three white dots, usually appearing in the upper right corner of your zoom window when you hover over it with your cursor. Click the dots, and a dropdown menu will appear. One of the options in the dropdown menu is "Rename." Click that option, and a box will pop up that displays the name currently showing in your Zoom window. If it's not your full name or names, change it to your name(s) and click the "Save" button.
If you have any questions, feel free to send an Usher a message in the Chat on a Sunday or email Tammy Hathaway - admin@albanyuu.org anytime. Thanks for taking this extra step to be welcoming!
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HELP US GET READY TO RENEW OUR
SERVICE YEAR!
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Three Ways to Participate in our Fall Renewal Virtual Service September 13
Our tradition has been to gather water from the places we visit over the summer, near and far, to bring to Albany UU to pour into a common bowl as part of the first service of our fall season, the Sunday after Labor Day - This year, September 13.
We're doing things different this year!
Instead, here are three options for you to participate in the virtual Sunday service on September 13. You can do one, two or all three!
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On September 7, Labor Day, between 2 and 5pm, drive up to the 405 Washington Ave entrance, tell us where your water is from and pour it into a bowl that will be on a table nearby. You’ll be directed how to do this by a staff member. Rev. Sam will be present along with Leah, Tammy and other staff members, to video record your words and action for inclusion in the Sunday service. This will also be an opportunity to pick up RE materials from Elizabeth and Leah.
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Email a picture of your family in front of or interacting with water for inclusion in the Sunday Service. That could be a picture in front of a favorite waterfall, river, stream, pond, bay or lake. Or it could be some other creative expression of water and your family. Something we can show as part of the Sunday service. Email to: scorrea@albanyuu.org by September 4.
- Have your water ready on Sunday morning, September 13, during the virtual Sunday service. We’ll encourage people to switch their Zoom screen to “gallery view.” Then you’ll have the opportunity to show us your container of water then pour it into a bowl all together.
Hopefully one of these ways will allow everyone to participate in our first service of the fall season. Any questions please contact Tammy or Sapphire: windows@albanyuu.org.
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Start your Sunday Morning with Meditation - 8:30 - 9:15 AM
Sunday morning meditation, led by Rev. Sam, begins with a ten-minute talk by Sharon Salzberg or Joseph Goldstein from their course on Insight Meditation. We will sit together 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:
To dial in by phone call: 1-929-436-2866 and enter
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM every Tuesday, the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom and discuss their topic of the day. All are welcome.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone, call: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, Sept 9 at 10:00 AM.
Use this link to join:
To dial by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Albany UU Sings
Join your friends and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Save these Wednesday dates at 7:00 PM for the fall!
Sept 9, Sept 23
Oct 7, Oct 21
Nov 4, Nov 18
Dec 2, Dec 16
Hope to see you there.
Use this link to join: (Note new Zoom link and meeting ID)
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 979 5961 1765
Passcode: 0000
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, Sept 13 at 6:30 pm. We will discuss Warlight by Michael Ondaatje. Directions for joining the meeting will be placed in the Daily Reminders. Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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SIGN UP FOR A MEANING MATTERS GROUP! |
Meaning Matters is a small group discussion, growth and development program at Albany UU. Before the beginning of the month, Rev. Sam sends out a packet of materials containing essays, deepening exercises, quotes, poems, music, video clips, podcasts, articles, books, movies, all on the theme for the month. Toward the end of each month (September – June), the individual Meaning Matters groups led by Rev. Sam meet to reflect on the theme using the packet, sermons from that month, and the deepening exercises that can stimulate reflection, growth and development.
If this program interests you, please contact Rev. Sam at minister@albanyuu.org for more information or to sign up for a group. Currently there are three groups with a fourth under consideration in the Sunday RE for All slot. He can send you a sample packet for your consideration.
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Our Inclusivity Team is offering resources for our ongoing education and reflection to address white supremacy culture at Albany UU. Are you finding that you have some time for reading and watching videos these days? Consider settling in with these titles by authors of color to help you become familiar with a diversity of human experiences.
For adults:
If Beale Street Could Talk, by James Baldwin. (1974). As relevant and vibrant as when it was first written almost 50 years ago, this story paints a picture of a devoted love that faces the challenges of racism at every turn.
Available in the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) in hard copy, digital download, and audiobook.
If Beale Street Could Talk was released in 2019 as an award-winning movie. It's also available on DVD and Blu-ray from UHLS.
For Children:
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963, by Christopher Paul Curtis. (1995). The Watson family takes a trip to visit their grandma in Alabama, and we experience the events through 10-year-old Kenny. This is a Coretta Scott King and Newbery Honoree. It is available in hard copy, digital download, and audiobook from UHLS.
People of Color Learn at a Young Age That They Must Be Twice as Good
Now White People Need to Be Twice as Kind
"White people aren’t raised to think constantly of how Black and brown people feel, while Black and brown people are accustomed to considering white people’s feelings at every turn. We make our bodies smaller in elevators so white people won’t be intimidated. We make our hands visible so white people won’t be scared. We ignore racist comments because we are trained to protect white feelings (and because, as a culture, we sometimes act like it’s worse to be called racist than to experience racism)."
Innocence Is a Privilege: Black Children Are Not Allowed to Be Innocent in America
"For black children, innocence is snatched away too soon, a brutal initiation into a frigid world. Innocence, like freedom, is a privilege...Many black parents tell black children to strive; to seize opportunities that will enable upward mobility. However, they also give their children a poison capable of eroding black children’s innocence. They tell them to be twice as good; that there is no room for failure or mistakes. What settles at the base of their throats is the weighted truth that inevitably begins with...'No matter how hard you try; you will never be seen as equal'”
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Remember to UU the Vote!
Are you worried about voter suppression distorting the upcoming critical elections?
Here's an opportunity to make an impact from the safety and comfort of home!
We are partnering with Reclaim Our Vote to send thousands of postcards to voters of color in states with voter suppression problems to make sure they know how to take advantage of early voting. ROV campaigns have a proven record of making an impact on voter turnout.
This is a nonpartisan effort, but we firmly believe that the more people vote, the better it will be for candidates who share our values!
Packets of postcards with instructions will be available continuing into October. Please contact Karen Kaufmann at karenkaufmann64@gmail.com if you are interested and to get the details of how to join up.
And spread the word! Non-UUs are welcome to participate!
UU the Vote reminds us that to help lead in the fight against voter suppression and authoritarianism, this work requires all of us to act. Take the Vote Love Pledge today!
Staff Vacation
Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway is on vacation through Sunday, August 30. Please contact Administrative Assistant, Sapphire Correa ( office@albanyuu.org) during this time. Thank you!
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act would permit terminally ill adults, with a prognosis of six months or less to live, to request medication for a peaceful death, so long as they were able to take the medication themselves. It would give New Yorkers the same end of life choice now available to residents of nine others states (CA, CO, HI, ME, MT, NJ, OR, VT, WA) and the District of Columbia. The Act is consistent with a general resolution adopted by the UUA General Assembly in 1988.
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Advocate on Zoom with a State Senate candidate. If you are a resident of New York’s 46th Senate district, currently represented by George Amedore, who is retiring, you are invited to a yet-to-be-scheduled Zoom meeting with a candidate for that district, Michelle Hinchey (D), who would like to hear from voters about medical aid in dying. To participate, email Nancy Willie-Schiff at n.willie.schiff@gmail.com by August 30.
Recycling!
Time to start turning in our collected corks, personal products, toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes and brita filters. These items can be left in a plastic container under the front steps of 21 Terrace Avenue, Albany NY 12203, which is west of Albany UU off Washington -- 3 blocks west of Manning Blvd., left on Terrace, between Washington and Western, closer to Western Avenue. Albany UU is also starting to recycle used ballpoint pens, Please also insert these in the container. Thanks.
The Green Sanctuary Committee
Calling all artists!
Ellen Chernoff, our Art Wall organizer, would like to call artists to get those paintbrushes painting, pencils drawing, cameras rolling, etc. and make some art! The building will not be opening any time soon, but when it does, Ellen would like you to be ready for a member art show.
Open to artists of all ages, media (watercolor, pastel, photography, etc.) skills, and styles.
Art work should be framed, wired, and ready to hang. Attach a 3x5 index card on the back of the
work with: artist name & contact information, the title of the work, and the price (if for sale).
Questions may be directed to Ellen Thea Chernoff 518-463-5503.
When we are once again able to be together in person, the show will be put together for showing in Channing Hall.
Submitting announcements to be read during virtual Sunday service
Announcements pertaining to Albany UU activities can be read by either Rev. Sam, the Sunday Service Associate, or the person submitting the announcement.
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Submit your announcement to Tammy Hathaway, Church Administrator (admin@albanyuu.org), by Friday, noon, to be incorporated into the announcement portion of the upcoming Sunday service.
- Announcements must be submitted ahead, even if the person submitting will be reading their own announcement.
- Please write out in words the name of your committee. Too many initials result in confusion and is not welcoming: SRC = Social Responsibilities Council RSC = Religious Services Committee
- Include contact information if folks should have questions or would like more information.
If you have questions, please contact Tammy. Thank you so much!
Scheduling Zoom Meetings - UPDATED!!
We understand that during these challenging times, things can get chaotic but please try and remember to request your Zoom meeting several days in advance. If we receive a request on a Saturday for a Zoom meeting the next day, Sunday, that request will not be processed in time and you and your team may be disappointed.
We currently have two zoom accounts that we can use for meetings. To request a Zoom meeting, please do so just as you would when requesting a room to use in our building - using Church Database. When you choose your resources, or "room", choose between Zoom 1 and Zoom 3. There are links to instructions below. This is the preferred method but requests can also be sent via email to Sapphire: office@albanyuu.org.
When you send an email, please have a few dates and times that will work for your meeting to minimize a lot of time consuming negotiating. Thank you!
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Brunch Church - Sept 6 at 11:30 am
This will be a time for the Religious Ed community - parents/caretakers, children, youth, their guides and the RE Council to gather over Zoom with some food, hang out and talk a little about the start of the school and church year.
Use this link to join:
Password: 4051842
By phone +1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 867 9876 7127
We are all wondering.... What will Religious Education for children and youth look like this fall?
We know that meeting only online is not optimal for any of our education and ministry; still, we will not be meeting in person until the Board has decided it is safe. Elizabeth and I are making plans for online Religious Education, which will start in mid-Sept. The theme for Sept is Renewal. Elizabeth and I invite you to start the year by participating in online RE events with your children to help keep/make connections within our RE community. These RE events will be after the 10:00 service - at 11:30, for about 30 minutes - up to 45 minutes. There is talk of having some Adult Religious Ed opportunities also at 11:30. We are joyfully calling this time “RE for All.” More about the groups and curriculum and other information. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16yui6SF8Bu24IT7J7JS2gHC0136r5Du8/view?usp=sharing
More information for families, including material recommendations from the Inclusivity Team, a social justice project for families is in this week’s Summer Sizzler https://mailchi.mp/49d2c73f903b/updated-info-5031890
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To share your Joy or Sorrow with our Albany UU community, you may submit it on a yellow card during the service or by using our online form.
Join us in keeping our members and friends in your thoughts as they share their joys and concerns.
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Our Pastoral Care Associates have been trained in compassionate listening skills and are available to all members and friends of our congregation. To contact a Pastoral Care Associate, email: listeners@albanyuu.org, contact Rev. Sam Trumbore, the Albany UU office at 518.463.7135, or one of them personally. They are: Sharon Babala, Chuck Manning, Donna Meixner, Dan Miyake, Phil Rich, Randy Rosette, Dee VanRiper and Erik F. vonHausen.
Albany UU Caring Network
The Caring Network (CN) reflects the words of the Albany UU chalice lighting - “to sustain a vital and nurturing religious community.” The CN provides encouragement and short term support to Albany UU members who, due to hospitalization, sickness, loss, or isolation, need assistance. Services typically include transportation to medical appointments, meals and shopping during recovery, and friendly “check in’s” from Caring Network members. Please reach out to the Caring Network.
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GREEN SANCTUARY: RENEWABLE ENERGY |
Just because we are in the midst of a pandemic doesn’t mean that the climate crisis is not progressing. It is more important than ever to keep up the momentum. The Green Sanctuary hopes you will do your darnedest to get connected to renewable energy. If you have not signed up for renewable energy either on your property or to receive community solar electricity, please check these out to get started. Please update your renewable energy survey when you have taken action on this. THANKS
Some questions to ask:
If I sign up for community solar, will my cost of electricity be less than I pay now?
Will the bill for electricity look different?
I have heard that I will have to give you credit card information. Why is that?
Will I still get a bill from my electric company?
Will I get any additional bill?
I have heard that I have to be in a particular load zone. How does that work?
When can I expect to see a difference in my electric bill?
If I have savings, will that continue indefinitely?
Will any savings that I get be every month?
Can I change my mind at any time?
How can I get customer reviews of your service?
Is there anything else I should know about before I make a decision?
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Renew, Refresh and Relax at Silver Bay
Do you feel as though the summer is moving too fast? Keep the good times rolling! Come to the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 16-18, 2020 to build and strengthen relationships and nurture spirit, mind and body. Learn, play and hang out with your fellow UU’s before winter sets in.
Join us for this annual celebration! First-timers will receive an additional 10% discount! Children under 6 are free and there are substantial discounts for older children and youth.
If you find yourself cleaning out your house, don’t forget to save gently used items for young and old alike for the annual auction.
Fill out a registration form here and follow the mailing instructions.
Note:
We are currently experiencing a time of social distancing and cancellations of group gatherings due to Covid-19.
Silver Bay staff has assured us that the facility is and will continue to follow all appropriate local, state and federal guidelines and protocols related to COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all staff and guests. Updates on those guidelines and protocols will be provided in our publicity. The most current guidance in effect will be shared with attendees just prior to the weekend.
Registered particpants who decide not to attend will be able to request a full refund up to two weeks prior to the start date of the UU Weekend. If the Weekend is cancelled altogether abecause of continued or reinstated social restrictions, all registered participants will receive a full refund.
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Virtual Service Ushers
This is a great opportunity to volunteer on a Sunday morning! Ushers are needed on Sunday mornings to help provide a welcoming, safe and enjoyable virtual experience. We need folks who would be willing to volunteer to help. Tammy will provide a quick and simple training. PLEASE contact her if you'd like to learn more: admin@albanyuu.org.
Gardening Volunteers
Do you have two hours to contribute to maintaining the gardens surrounding Albany UU? The Gardening Committee welcomes you to sign up here, where you can select which week(s) you'd like to help. Volunteers often work in pairs. No experience necessary. For more information or to receive e-mail updates, please contact Donna Meixner or 518/439-5947.
YOU can make a difference!
We at Albany UU are making an effort to increase our visibility and connectivity online. YOU can help, and it's quick and easy! Simply like, follow and share pages and posts on any of our social media platforms, or leave a positive Facebook or Google review. Google Albany UU or find us here:
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Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
Helpful Local 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 online class
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Regular events and meetings
Some of these events and meetings continue online, however dates and times may vary, especially during the summer months. Please contact the Team or Group Leader or email admin@albanyuu.org if you have questions.
Sundays
11:45 AM Inclusivity Team (2nd)
5:30 PM Walker Book Group (2nd)
11:45 AM Social Responsibilities Council (3rd)
11:45 AM Green Sanctuary Committee (4th)
Mondays
6:15 PM Religious Education Council
(1st, Nov., Feb., May)
Tuesdays
10:15 AM Philosophy Discussion (weekly)
Wednesdays
10:00 AM Ps and Qs (Aug 26, Sept 9)
Thursdays
1:00 PM All Sides Considered
(1st & 3rd - except during the summer months)
6:30 PM Board of Trustees (4th)
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Going to miss a Sunday?
Online service is generally recorded
"Religion, Sex and Politics: A Conversation for Polite Company" with Rabbi Dennis Ross watch it here.
Building Justice, Equity and Compassion in Human Relations: A Trauma-Informed Perspective with Jaye Holly and Danisha Burnett-Bonner, May 17, watch it here
HMUU Join Service with Paula Cole Jones, Sunday, April 5, watch it here
Community of Communities workshop with Paula Cole Jones, watch it here
For previous services, pre-pandemic:
You can listen to the entire Albany UU Sunday service at home or on your mobile device. March 1 and 8 services are available as MP3 files on the Albany UU member resource website. Here is how to access:
username: AlbanyUU
password: EEthelredBrown405
Our sermon archive (http://members.albanyuu.org/wp/ - select Ministry/Sermon Archive on the left website menu) has pdf files of sermons texts (when available) and audio files of sermons. You can also request the office put a service on a CD.
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany |
Parking - when the building reopens: 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:
The Albany UU Office is closed during this time of physical distancing. Sam, Leah, Tammy and Sapphire have their messages forwarded to their personal cell phones and are available by email.
Websites
Zoom use
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU online meeting, contact Administrative Assistant Sapphire Correa (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).
Photo credit: Jeannie Thompson
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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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