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 in the many ways provided online - all described below.
-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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April 19, “Earth Day at 50,” Rev. Sam Trumbore with the Green Sanctuary Committee
Much has happened in the last fifty years to give us hope yet much remains to be done to prevent so much environmental harm that comes from human activity. Even though the fate of humanity is beyond our individual control, we can play a role in efforts that can make a positive difference. The Green Sanctuary Committee will lead this service with Rev. Sam.
Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Bystroff, Chris Jensen, Randy Rosette
Don't forget about the Climate Workshop sponsored by the Green Sanctuary at 2:00 after the service! See below for details.
Use this link and password to join the service:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am -
ONLINE
Sunday Morning Meditation
(8:30 – 9:15 AM)
Sunday morning meditation is back … this time on Zoom! It will begin at 8:30 AM with a ten-minute inspirational reading about meditation, likely directly from a meditation teacher’s recording so you can hear it in their voice. We will sit together for twenty minutes then have some conversation about the reading, meditation methods or experiences followed by a live loving kindness meditation. This will be led by Rev. Sam.
April 26, “Roots and Wings,” Dan Miyake, Intern Minister
These times, they are a’ changing … Unitarian Universalism is a Living Tradition – one whose faith is not dead and stagnant, or chained to concrete slabs of dogma or creed. Our denomination lives and breathes by its ability, its necessity, to change while holding onto its roots for stability. In our roots we find our strength and foundation, but change is the vehicle by which we move forward to new ideas, new visions, and new actions. Now, more than ever, we must hold onto our roots very tight as we prepare to fly full force into an unknown future.
Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, 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 Collection
If you would like to make a contribution to the Sunday Collection "Plate", click
here or send your check, with Sunday Collection on the memo line, to the church: 405 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206. Mail is being forwarded while the building is closed. The full link to make contributions, if it's easier to remember, is here:
https://tinyurl.com/albanyuu-donate
Here is the information and helpful hints to access the service online via Zoom each Sunday:
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.
Our Zoom link for the service is here:
You do not need a camera or a microphone on your computer to join. In fact, you don't even need a computer to join!
To dial in by phone call: 1-929-436-2866 and enter
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
A couple of helpful hints:
-When you're coming into the meeting by computer and a window comes up with a few options, select "computer audio on".
-If you come into the meeting by computer and see a lot of little squares with people or names in them; look in the upper right hand corner of your screen; you'll see the words "speaker view" - select that. You want to be in "speaker view" and not "gallery view".
-The "Alt H" key stroke will open chat.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Warning!
Member David Musser had his Face Book account hacked. Some Albany UU members are getting messages from his account describing a "grant" that he has received and an invitation to participate in it. THIS IS A SCAM - do not respond and report it to Face Book. David is deleting his account but this process takes time so be aware.
Important updates to Zoom security
In order to minimize the potential for any interference with our services or meetings, Zoom now requires a password for most meetings. You will see that reflected in many of the meeting links and call in information in your Daily Reminders and here in the Windows Weekly.
To add an extra layer of protection during our Sunday services, we will be implementing a Zoom Waiting Room. This is a slick feature that we will begin using
this Sunday, April 19
. This should be exciting!
Please Answer Our Survey
The Green Sanctuary Committee is measuring how committed the Albany UU congregation is to attacking the climate emergency. We hope everyone will complete the survey on using renewable energy at:
We hope enough of you will complete the survey so that we can report the results by the annual meeting on May 17. Please do it NOW.
Thanks for your help. The climate crisis will continuing long after the COVID 19 crisis is history.
Scheduling Zoom Meetings
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!
April is...Annual Reports writing month!
To prepare for our virtual annual congregational meeting on Sunday, May 17, we gather reports from all our active groups at Albany UU to document what we have done (and are doing!) this year.
The deadline for submitting reports is
Monday, April 27
.
Thank you to the few reports I've received so far!
An email has been sent out to committee chairs, team leaders, trustees and staff with more information. If you are in a leadership position and you did not receive this email, please let Tammy know. Likewise, if you have any questions about the annual report process, contact Church Administrator Tammy Hathaway:
admin@albanyuu.org
. Thank you!
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BUILDING BELOVED COMMUNITY
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Even though we've passed our April 1st benchmark, the stewardship campaign continues and we need all of you now more than ever! Many thanks to all those who have already pledged.
If you haven't returned your 2020-21 pledge, you can still do so in these ways:
-
Mail your pledge to the Albany UU office. (Mail is being forwarded)
LET'S GET GROWING!
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In the Spirit Check In
All are welcome to join Dan Miyake for a Zoom check-in with a spiritual tone on
Thursday evening at 6:00 (that's tonight!).
There will be a chalice lighting, readings, music, meditation, and time for deep check-in.
If you would like to contribute a reading or other element, please contact Dan directly at
intern@albanyuu.org
.
Meeting Password - 347285
Climate Workshop
The Green Sanctuary Committee will host a Climate Solutions Zoom Workshop on
Sunday, April 19 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm
. We will be using the cutting edge simulation model En-ROADS, created by Climate Interactive and MIT.
If you plan on attending, it would be useful to
download this handout
illustrating the various types of policies that can be modeled. Learn more
here
.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Congregation Zoom Check Ins
Let's meet together electronically to see how we're doing in these challenging times and offer mutual support.
4:00-5:00 PM - Monday, April 20; Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24; Lunch Check In from noon-1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 21
Use this link to join:
Meeting ID: 518-366-4532
Password: 4051842
Dan's Pity Party Zoom Group
Has the pandemic got you down? Feeling down in the dumps? Do you need a place and space to whine? Then come to Dan's Pity Party Zoom Group! Here you can whine and vent and share your woes with sympathetic and understanding people. Whether you want to gripe about being stuck in the house, how bored you are, or how rude that guy at the grocery store was, this is the place for you. All are welcome to drop in.
Our first meeting will be on Tuesday 4/21 at 2:00
.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-646-876-9923
Meeting ID: 941 3526 7759
Password: 599999
Philosophy Group
At 10:00 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: 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID: 845673781
Albany UU Sings
Do You Like to Sing? Join your friends and sing your heart out
every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM
! We will supply the music and the lyrics. Sing along in Virtual Community. Contact Randy with any questions:
rosette_jensen@juno.com
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID: 935725639
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on
Sunday, May 10 at 6:00 pm
. We will discuss a historical novel
The Return of the Native,
by Thomas Hardy. 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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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.
Member,
Michael Hornsby
shares that he is currently scheduled for surgery for a torn rotator cuff (right shoulder) on Friday, April 17. This is a three to six month recovery.
Member and DREFM,
Leah Purcell
shares a sorrow. Her mom, who tested positive for COVID-19 and was doing well, has taken a turn for the worse and is entering hospice.
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 friendsly “check in’s” from Caring Network members. Please reach out to the
Caring Network
if you need.
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Short Family Chapel Zoom Starting this Sunday, April 19
This is a time for children, youth, parents/caretakers and RE volunteers to gather for 10 -15 minutes while the first part of the Sunday service is happening. It will be a chance for us to see each other and check in. We’ll also have a chalice lighting and a meditation. The Zoom Family Chapel will be a separate Zoom meeting from the regular service. We’ll start at 10:05 and finish around 10:20. At that time you can join the Zoom meeting for the service or just move on with your day. If you join the service, you’ll be in time for joys and sorrows and the meditation. Then Leah will tell the story; then you’ll hear from members of the Green Sanctuary Committee. You might want to settle your children in with some quiet activity nearby if you want to hear from the Green Sanctuary Committee.
Zoom Meeting for Family Chapel
Password: 4051842 (our address and the year the congregation was founded)
Dial in: 1 929 436 2866 Meeting ID: 931 0179 4118
Parent/Caretaker Support Group
Wednesdays 8:30 – 9:30 PM
Open to all Albany UU parents and caretakers with children 18 and under. We use the theme of the month to talk about parenting as Unitarian Universalists.
Zoom link to join:
Password: 4051842 (our address and the year the congregation was founded)
Dial in: 1 929 436 2866 Meeting ID: 590 920 009
Story Time
Tracey Hickey and Leah Purcell are taking turns reading the chapter book. It's a great time for your child to jump online with other children from Albany UU and start listening. We start with an opportunity for the children to check-in with how things are going for them; that has been really nice for the children.
Chapter books
7:00 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
- geared for children in 2nd-6th grade
Open to people of all ages. Supervise your kids as you would at Coffee Hours; keep an eye on them, but you don't have to be right there all the time.
Zoom link to join:
Dial in: 1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 801 480 305
Password: 4051842 (our address and the year the congregation was founded)
Dance Party Friday April 17, starting at 5:30
Grab your teddy bear or stuffed animal if you want and put on your dancing shoes! We’ll have some time to greet each other and then Leah will start playing the tunes – like “Happy” from Despicable Me 2 and “Faith” by Stevie Wonder. We’ll go until we run out of steam!
Join Zoom Meeting
Password: 4051842 (our address and the year the congregation was founded)
Dial in +1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 231 765 622
7th and 8th Grade Check In -note new password required
This is an informal time for the youth with 2 OWL facilitators (or 1 facilitator and me). No OWL content is being offered on line.
7th/8th Grade Check-In Sundays at noon
Zoom link to join:
Meeting ID: 183 771 517
Password: 4051842 (our address and the year the congregation was founded)
Dial in: 1 929 436 2866
YoUUth Group Check Ins
Tracey Hickey and Leah host: ALBANY YOUUTH GROUP VIDEO CHATS. We are live at 8:00pm each Thursday and Sunday. If you have a Youth, please ask them to check their Gmail and tune in! The group is starting to plan their worship service and everyone’s input is being sought.
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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
Many of these events and meetings will continue online, however dates and times may vary. 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
10:00 AM Philosophy Discussion (weekly)
Thursdays
1:00 PM All Sides Considered (1st & 3rd)
6:30 PM Board of Trustees (4th)
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Going to miss a Sunday?
Online service will be recorded
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:
You can listen to the entire Albany UU Sunday service at home or on your mobile device. The two most recent 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 (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
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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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