Windows Weekly February 13, 2020
Albany UU Windows Weekly


Greetings,

Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates. Enjoy!

-Blessings
W e 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 .
Sunday Service 10:00 AM
February 16, “Forgiveness – The Art of Letting Go,” Dan Miyake, Intern Minister

Forgiveness is often seen as something to be sought externally from God or others for some misdeed or sin we have committed, but we rarely consider how, by forgiving others, we liberate ourselves from the hot burning coals of anger, rage, resentment, and pain that we carry inside. Come and explore how we can begin to heal our wounds and release our anger through the practice of forgiveness.

Music: Albany UU Choir, Elena Karpoff , piano


Hymn 1023: Building Bridges
Hymn 323: Break Not the Circle
Hymn 1037: We Begin Again in Love
Hymn 1008: When Our Heart is in a Holy Place

Here is a place  you might find the words to our hymns. Not all can be found here, but it's a nice resource.









SUNDAY SERVICES
10:00 am


February 23, “Spiritual Renewal From Mardi Gras through Lent and Beyond,” Rev. Trumbore and Matt Edwards

Appreciating the music from New Orleans with our former Music Director Matt Edwards and his band, we will learn about the season of Lent that begins with Ash Wednesday, February 26 and end on Maundy Thursday, April 9 right before Easter. Whether we are Christian or not, this is a good time for spiritual renewal.

To make this an enjoyable Sunday, please bring Mardi Gras masks and decorated umbrellas that are traditional for this holiday (the colors are green, gold and maroon), beads and a King Cake to share after the service.

Music: Matt Edwards with his band, Buck2Fifty


ANNOUNCEMENTS


Our Community Breakfast needs YOU!
There's still time to volunteer to participate in our next Community Breakfast, Saturday, Feb. 15 . The box is still in the coatroom for donations of socks, hats, mittens, etc. We still need more large gloves and mittens. If you can make muffins, coffee cake, buns, etc. and put them in the freezer in the pantry for the 15th, our guests would be delighted.

Office Staff Hours
Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway will be in North Dakota attending to family matters until Sunday, Feb. 16. Administrative Assistant, Sapphire Correa, will be covering regular office hours, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Rev. Sam on Vacation
Rev. Sam will be away until Feb. 19 to New Zealand and Australia. Our intern, Dan Miyake will be covering most ministerial duties during that time.

All Side Considered Cancelled
The next regularly-scheduled session of All Sides Considered, Thursday, Feb. 20 will be cancelled . The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 5 at 1:00 pm . Hope to see you then.

George Allen Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held for George Allen on  Saturday, Feb. 22 at 11:00 am  in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in Channing Hall. Contributions of finger foods for the reception are welcomed and encouraged. We do have permission to park in the UAlbany Hawley Lot for this event.

Building access during Youth Con - Plan ahead!
Often volunteers come to the building “off hours” to attend to business. Our youth are holding a District Youth Conference at Albany UU from  5:00 pm on Friday, Feb. 28 to 9:00 am on Sunday, March 1 . As we work to provide a safe and secure environment for the youth and their advisors, please plan your work so that you don’t need to be in the building during any part of the Con. If it is something unavoidable, please contact Leah Purcell in advance: dre@albanyuu.

Ruth Salter Memorial Service 
A memorial service will be held for Ruth Salter on  Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 am  in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in Channing Hall. Contributions of finger foods for the reception are welcomed and encouraged. 

Financial Aid for GA 2020 in Providence 
General Assembly is 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 Providence, RI from June 24-28 . Apply now for Albany UU travel stipends using  this form . Additionally, the UUA offers financial aid; information and applications are at  uua.org/ga and due by March 31.  

Elegant Italian Dinner was a success!  
You can still add your donation to support the Rite of Passage going to General Assembly!

Many thanks to all who supported the Rite of Passage Elegant Italian Dinner last Saturday night – to everyone who came, who bought left over soup and those who made donations. Kudos to everyone who helped prepare, set up, serve and clean up: Rite of Passage Youth: Cada Drake, Scarlet Carrera, Amy Newberg, and Luchia Hornsby, to the mentors Dick Dana and Amy Jesaitis, and also to Michael Hornsby. Special thanks to our chef extraordinaire Al De Salvo and to our kitchen help and dish washers (because we used every dish in the place) Ken MacDonald and Cindee Herrick. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and generosity to send our Rite of Passage youth to General Assembly this year, we raised nearly $800! 

If you would like to contribute, bring or mail a check made out to Albany UU with “Rite of Passage” in the memo line; or you can make a cash donation at the RE Office on a Sunday morning. 

Final report of the Looking Forward Campaign
In May 2016, the Board of Trustees authorized a dozen UU’s to run a campaign to raise money to help pay down the mortgage on Community Hall. That group, Al Berzinis, Peter Brown, Bob Franklin, Chuck Manning, Tom Mercer, Dave Metz, Betsey Miller, Steve Moskowitz, Jon Newell, Reese Satin, and Sam Trumbore established and conducted the “Looking Forward Campaign”. 

The campaign solicited pledges from the congregation, to be paid over three years ending in 2019. That campaign just ended. Pledges exceeding $223,000 were made. The committee also developed a loan program, in which 14 Notes were issued to UU members, which raised another $140,000. These funds allowed Albany UU to pay off its bank loan early resulting in a considerable saving on interest payments.
This final report is to let everyone involved take a victory lap, with the wonderful news that the campaign has received over 99% of the monies pledged. That return is extraordinary, and one of the many things that make me most proud to be a member of this responsible group of UUs.
Jon Newell, Chair

Are you--or a friend--looking to make some money occasionally?
Albany UU MUST build a larger pool of Building Hosts and Dishwashers. These are occasional gigs that are needed for rental events. Building Hosts ensure events go smoothly and dishwashers help when food is being served. The pay is $15.00 per hour.

We can also use a ‘backup’ Sunday custodian in case our regular person needs the day off. The job is from 8:00-1:00 on Sunday morning and entails a multitude of small tasks that enable our service and classes to go smoothly, setting up coffee hour and washing the dishes. Some lifting is required. The pay is also $15 per hour.

If you are interested in hearing more about any of these opportunities, contact Tammy Hathaway, Church Administrator at 518-463-7135 or admin@albanyuu.org . And pass this on to anyone who might be interested!

Albany UU AV Equipment
It seems we are having some equipment issues that need resolving. We are missing some HDMI cables (both blue and black, and red and black) and other connector cables. If anyone, who has used their own laptop with one of our projectors or other equipment and has mistakenly taken one home, please return it to the church office.

Also, equipment and connector cables are not being properly returned to their bags and/or boxes. Each computer bag should contain a power cord and HDMI cable. Each projector container should contain a power cord, VGA cable and HDMI cable. If your meeting or event is using AV equipment, please ensure that all cables, cords and machines are put neatly back into their bags and/or boxes. This will minimize items becoming misplaced or lost. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. Thank you!
Sunday Schedule

9:00 AM
- Mindfulness Meditation, Sanctuary

9:45 AM
- Nursery/Toddler Rooms open

10:00 AM
- Service, Community Hall
- Programs for Children and Youth

11:00 AM
- Coffee Hour, Channing Hall

11:45 AM
- Social Responsibilities Council, Room B8





Quick Links



Denominational Affairs Links



Helpful Local Links



Sign up for a class or event

- Send and email to: registration@albanyuu.org
- Sign up at the Sign Up Site in Channing Hall
OR
- Call the church office, 518.463.7135
If childcare is offered for the event, please let us know you need it when you register, including names and ages of children.






Offering envelopes
We appreciate donations of cash during the offering that occurs as part of our Sunday service. If you would like to have cash contributions recorded and acknowledged in writing for tax purposes at the end of the calendar year, please use and write your name on one of the envelopes that are available on the table in the Community Hall lobby. Thank you very much for your generosity.

Albany UU Safety
A reminder that the West St. door will remain locked on Sunday mornings. Though it will be locked from the outside, the West St. door may still be used to exit the building at any time. The Washington Ave. lobby doors will be locked 15 minutes after service begins and reopened again from 11-noon. A Welcome Table or Greeter volunteer will remain in the Lobby for the duration of the morning to monitor doors. We continue to appreciate your patience as we make this transition. If you have questions, please call the church office .

Planning for Weather Emergencies
In the event of severe weather, a decision to cancel Sunday morning RE classes will be publicized by 9:00 PM Saturday.

A decision to cancel Sunday meditation and the service will be publicized by 8:00 AM Sunday.

The cancellation of all other classes, programs and meetings depends on a decision by the chairperson. We hope to receive information enabling a cancellation announcement two hours before the event start time.

Notice of all cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook and by email sent through Constant Contact. Sunday service and programs will also be announced on local TV and radio stations through the “School Closing Network”.

Publication deadlines
This is an important reminder that the news and article deadline for Windows Weekly is 9:00 AM on Monday and submissions to the OOS is 9:00 AM on Tuesday . The office has been pretty soft on holding folks to these deadlines. We need to tighten this up, making these deadlines more firm in order to be more effective in our work. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.


Warmth for the Homeless
Please gather blankets, sleeping bags, warm coats, etc. for those experiencing homelessness and put them in the bin in the coatroom. Thanks you!
 
INCLUSIVITY RECOMMENDS
Black History Step Show and Hyp3st Dance Competition Sunday, Feb. 16, 5:00pm - at the Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave, Albany. Learn more here .

Schenectady Museum and Planetarium Events: 15 Nott Terrace Heights.
- African American Foods, a family workshop in ethnic cuisine: Monday, Feb. 17, 12:30-2:30 PM.
- Drumming with Dave Henderson, a workshop on African drumming: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 12:30 & 1:30 PM.
- African Mask Workshop. With Miki Conn, two-hour family workshop demonstrating patterns and designs. Kids make a mask to take home. Friday, Feb. 21, 12:30-2:30 PM . Not appropriate for pre-schoolers. 
- All events $15 per family for members; $18 for non-member families; $10 for children 9 and older. Register at 382-7890.

Harambee Artists, Monday, Feb. 17, 7:00pm - specializing in dance and step, Union College Memorial Chapel. Schenectady.

“Who Are the Moors? We Are!” Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6 PM . African American Cultural Center of the Capital District. 135 S. Pearl St., Albany. Learn more here

Healthy on Lark celebrates Black History Month, Friday, Feb. 21, sign-in 5:30, program 6:15 PM with a vegan happy hour, including Vegan Soul Food, Black poetry and music. 274 Lark St, Albany. 

Just Mercy : a Facilitated Discussion,” Saturday, Feb. 22, 2-4 PM of the book and movie led by Denise Kirkley-Cain, Minister in the United Church of Christ. Unity Church, 21 King Ave., Albany. Learn more here.

The film "Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored," Saturday, Feb. 22, 6:00pm , followed by discussion at The Heritage Library, Macedonia Baptist Church, 172 N. Allen St., Albany. Light refreshments served at 5:30 pm. 

Joyful Noise , Sunday, Feb. 23, 6:30 PM Capital District Spirit Choir. An evening of song including traditional gospel, contemporary church music, soulful pop classics. Audience participation, Unity Church, 21 King Ave., Albany. Learn more here.

“The Mountaintop ,” Feb. 28 and 29 at 7:30 PM; 3 pm on Sunday, March 1 - a play about Martin Luther King in Memphis in 1968, presented by Confetti Stage. The Linda WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Ave, Albany. Learn more here .
Call for Nominations
The Nominating Committee has issued a call for nominations for the following positions to be elected at the Annual Meeting on May 17, 2020
Position   Term 
President 1 year 
Vice President 1 year 
Secretary 1 year 
Treasurer 1 year 
Assistant Treasurer 1 year 
Board of Trustees (2) 3 years 
Religious Education Council Chair 1 year 
Religious Education Council (4) 3 years 
Social Responsibilities Council Chair 1 year 
Social Responsibilities Council (2) 3 years 
Nominating Committee (2) 3 years 
Endowment Trust (1) 5 years 

Requirements for Elected Positions
Any person holding an elected position must be an active member of Albany UU for at least 30 days prior to being elected and must not have a pledge in arrears (2019-2020 pledge year or previous). Candidates for the Endowment Trust must be members for at least 3 years. 

Nomination Procedure
Society members may contact anyone on the Nominating Committee to let them know of their interest in the above positions or to suggest someone else you feel would be qualified. If you have questions please contact any of the Nominating Committee members: Sharon Babala, Kelly Smith, Pat Bailey, Randy Rosette, Al DeSalvo, Mary Applegate. Please find us on Sundays wearing our bright green “Nominating Committee Member” buttons. Or you can e-mail sharonbabala@gmail.com.

To read job descriptions of each position, go to AlbanyUU.org, choose Church Office/File Cabinet. Under Governance you will see Elected Office Job Descriptions.
From Our Board
Board Conducts Building Assessment

The Board of Trustees, at its October meeting, constituted a Building Assessment Team to provide a detailed description of the current status of our physical plant. The resulting report provides the Board with a factual basis for setting building policy and funding priorities. Team members were Fred Eames, Amie Jamieson, Dave MacLeod and Reese Satin.

The Team first convened a two-hour data-gathering meeting in November with members of the Buildings and Grounds (B&G) Committee and the Church Administrator. Following the meeting, notes were gathered from attendees. This report integrates those notes with the addition of historic space reservation and budgetary information.

It was tempting to compare our building costs with those of other churches. However, it quickly became apparent that published building costs relative to other institutions’ budgets are insufficiently detailed to permit accurate comparisons.

We found that our building is used extensively by both our members and friends, and by outside groups seven days a week. In 2019, there were 2,134 reservations made for space in our building. (An event may include reservations for more than one space.) Of all our spaces, basement rooms in the new and Ed. Buildings are the most frequently used, while, the Lobby areas and the Sanctuary are used least frequently. Overall, almost 70% of the reservations were for internal events and a quarter are for paid rentals. 

Building use is relatively evenly spread throughout the day tending to start in the morning. By contrast, building use varies widely over the year, peaking in March and November with relatively little use over the Summer.

This level of building use (almost 6 reservations per day) produces high wear and tear on the facility engendering higher maintenance costs. Currently, rental income does not come close to covering all building maintenance. Income from building rentals is roughly equal to 80% of our debt service or roughly the combined amount we annually allocate to Buildings & Grounds and our Capital Reserve budget lines. It is clear from this that our rental income, though substantial, is far from offsetting the cost of maintaining our building.

Day to day cleaning of the interior of the building is accomplished through a janitorial contract that is a cost-effective substitute for a staff janitor. However, the service does no repairs. This is supplemented by 4-5 hours of a Sexton per week who only does “light” maintenance and, when rentals require it, by the limited use of an Hourly Custodian. All janitorial functions are overseen by the Church Administrator. 

Routine repairs to the interior and exterior of the building are accomplished by a mix of volunteers (Gardening and B&G Committees). Exterior janitorial work is done by self-selected uncoordinated volunteers who pick up trash as the spirit moves them and by an hourly employee for snow removal. More involved repair projects are being done by ad hoc combinations of B&G volunteers and paid professionals.

Day to day building operation and rentals are handled and coordinated by the Church Administrator and her Assistant. Emergent maintenance needs are usually communicated to the B&G Chair who solicits volunteers or authorizes the hiring of commercial contractors. 

Currently, costly maintenance and replacement projects are paid with Capital Reserve funds which accumulates Annual Budget allocations. The Capital Reserve allocation is also the source of funding for routine maintenance costs when they exceed their budget line. 

Some Assessment Team members believe we need a long-range maintenance/replacement plan as a better means of justifying needed funding to the Board. However, such a plan is beyond the capability of the current B&G Committee and would require a search for a knowledgeable volunteer or the purchase of professional services. 

There are a number of major building projects that, though recognized, have been deferred because of a combination of their likely expense and our ability to work around them. We have multiple chronic drainage problems which require B&G’s frequent attention. We have repeatedly clogged roof drains which require trips to the roof and non-functioning basement drains. In addition, there is a fire escape which is no longer required on West St. that blocks access to a drain and needs to be removed. B&G has also observed rotting window frames on the RE section of the building and the need to repoint the bricks on the original section of our building. There is also a variety of masonry and sidewalk projects on West St. which affect safety and drainage to eliminate unevenness and the pooling of water (which turns to ice) on the sidewalk. There are repeated comments about the shabby appearance of our main rest rooms in the entry hall and there have been many requests to replace the non-functioning water fountain with a drinking water source, since none exists on the main floor.

There are a number of current trends that impact both the functioning and sustainability of our building. Most immediately, current staffing all but eliminates the Sexton’s repair and event set-up/ take-down functions. This might have made sense when the B&G Committee was larger and more physically capable, but the Committee can no longer perform all these tasks. The absence of a regularly available sexton also frequently necessitates the diversion of administrative staff for rearranging rooms between events. The result is that building maintenance functions are increasingly outsourced at considerable cost to, and decreased involvement of, our members.

Another trend is the decline of budget allocations for routine maintenance that have not kept pace with the size of the overall budget or the cost of routine maintenance expenses. Similarly, Capital Reserve allocations have not been sufficient to keep pace with needs as indicated by deferred major maintenance projects and a Reserve balance that is not keeping pace with our ageing buildings.

Finally, the budget allocation for debt service, instead of increasing as originally planned, has been frozen at a point where payments will continue for another 13 years. This extension of the period of debt ties up funds in interest payments that might be used to increase maintenance and Capital Reserve allocations.

At present, our building is meeting most of our needs very well. It is a serviceable, well-used and busy place. At the same time, it, and the people and policies that maintain it, are showing their age. The financial and human resources necessary to sustain the building’s appearance and functionality have been sacrificed for personnel and programmatic initiatives. Admittedly, the cause of this situation is similar to other aspects of church life where volunteerism has decreased and resulted in the need to purchase services. However, unlike most aspects of church life, investments in our building can directly increase our income and foster our mission. The Building Assessment Team encouraged the Board to keep in mind that there is a relationship between building appearance and member attachment, community perception and rental income.


More from our blogs:




The Auction is Coming! The Auction is Coming!
Looking forward to a change of seasons? Attend the Springing in the Rain Auction, this year’s annual Albany UU fundraiser. Time to blossom and join your fellow Albany UUs for this annual event on Saturday, March 21st at Albany UU at 6:15 PM.

Plan to attend the auction at last year’s prices of only $5 in advance and $7 at the door …a small price to pay for a fun-filled evening with good company and tasty hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and desserts. The admission fee will be waived for first-time auction attendees.

Of course, in addition to bidders, we also need donors. Co-hosting is encouraged to share the prep work, entertaining duties, and expenses. Donation forms can be found and completed online at  https://www.tfaforms.com/4798131  and printed copies are available in the lobby and Channing Hall. Or, print one at home  here . Place completed forms in the specially marked basket in the lobby. Make your donation by March 4th for inclusion in the Preliminary Auction Catalog .
JOYS and CARING CORNER
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.

We are sad to announce that long-time member, Peggy Slocum died on Sunday, Feb. 9. A memorial service will be announced for a later date.

Peggy Slocum had a love for language and linguistics. This led her to travel to Nepal, Mongolia, Russia, Czechoslovakia, and England and many parts of the United States. At the age of 75, Peggy went to Sokefalva Romania on an Albany UU partner church project. She lived for five months in Romania and taught English to members of the partner church and to people from many adjacent villages. Peggy's wise advice, “keep your quest for knowledge and remain curious about what’s happening around you and in the world.”


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 provide 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 visits and “check in’s” from Caring Network members. Please reach out to the Caring Network if you need.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Circle Dinner
Are you looking for a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy an evening with friends? Join the Circle Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6 pm ! Learn more here

Youth Con help needed!
Our youth group is hosting up to 60 UU youth and advisors from Upstate NY to stay in our building on the weekend of Feb. 28-Mar. 1 . We need adult volunteers from Albany UU! Learn more here.

Save the date for Wine and Cheese!
It's the 15th Annual Wine and Cheese tasting event on  Saturday, March 7, 7:00 pm . Raffle tickets will be sold during Coffee Hour starting Sunday, Feb. 2. Found out more here .

Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group on Sunday, March 8 at 5:30 pm in Channing Hall. We will begin with a potluck supper followed by a lively book discussion. Newcomers are always welcome. Find out more here .
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
-Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry (DREFM), lpurcell@albanyuu.org



For the Faith Development of children and youth this Sunday

The Nursery/Toddler Room opens at 9:45.

Children in Pre-K - 6th grade  start the morning with their families at 10:00 for the first part of the service in Community Hall. The story in the service this week is Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsenn. After the story (at about 10:20) the children leave for their Sunday school groups. Parents/caretakers are welcome to escort them to their rooms and also to visit the groups. The Pre-K - 4th graders will meet upstairs in Room 24/25 for a joint session; grades 5/6 will meet in their room (B-7) for a session from their curriculum.

K/1 OWL First Session – Parents/caretakers come to the first session, in Room 26 starts after the story in the service.

7th/8th Grade OWL  starts at 10:00 in their room (B-3/4).

High School YoUUth Group starts at 10:00 in Room B-8. More info about YoUUth events in the new weekly publication The UUnicorn .

Children and youth are always welcome to attend the service with their families instead of RE groups.

Don't miss these events!

Friday, Feb. 28 Sun, March 1 Youth Con . Adult help needed! Learn more here .

Friday, Mar. 13 Pot Luck and Family Circle Training We’ll gather to learn a tool for you to use as families, to strengthen your connections and communications at home. Lear more here .
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL (SRC)
-Matt Lesniak, SRC Chair, email

February is Black History Month!

SRC Recommends:

The film  Straight Outta Compton , part of the Howe Library’s Midday Matinee - Black History Month Series will be showing on Friday, February 14, 12:30-2:30 . In the large meeting room at Albany’s Howe branch library. Free, 18 years old or older.
105 Schuyler Street, Albany

The film  The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution.  Black History Month Film Series will be shown on Monday, February 17, 6:00-8:00 . In the large meeting room at Albany’s Howe branch library.
105 Schuyler Street, Albany

On Tuesday, February 18, 6:00 PM Lecture  Who Are the Moors? We Are!  Janice Mwapaga at the African American Cultural Center (AACC).
135 South Pearl Street, Albany

On Wednesday, February 19, 6:30 PM Meeting: Capital Region Poor Peoples Campaign at the Albany Social Justice Center, . There will be reports from the January 14 action, "We Cried Power" film screening, and the Feb 7 M.O.R.E. Tour stop in Rochester, as well as some local updates on housing and healthcare campaigns and the ongoing canvassing with the NYSPPC Healthcare and Housing survey. There will also be strategizing and planning to get people to Washington on June 20.
 
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice

GET INVOLVED. Compassion and Choices staff are urging supporters of the Medical Aid in Dying Act to join them at the Capitol. They attribute enactment of New Jersey’s end of life choice legislation to the constant presence of volunteer advocates in Trenton and want to replicate that presence in Albany. Try it; you’ll like it! Session days include February 24, 25, 26 and 27 and March 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26 27, 30 and 31. Get details from Amanda at acavanaugh@compassionandchoices.org .

SAVE THE DATE.  On Thursday, March 19, from 12:15-2:00 at the Colonie Library, Death with Dignity - Albany presents "An Insider’s View of the Medical Aid in Dying Legislation - What You Need to Know,” featuring Amanda Cavanaugh, Campaign Organizer for Compassion & Choices NY, and David Pratt, MD. They will review key elements of NY’s bill, the bill’s status, and how similar laws have been implemented in other states. 
DON'T MISS OUR FAMILY FRIENDLY MULTIGENERATIONAL MARDI GRAS SERVICE
Join us at 10:00 am on Sunday, Feb. 23 for, “Spiritual Renewal From Mardi Gras through Lent and Beyond” with Rev. Trumbore and Matt Edwards!

Appreciating the music from New Orleans with our former Music Director Matt Edwards and his band, we will learn about the season of Lent that begins with Ash Wednesday, February 26 and end on Maundy Thursday, April 9 right before Easter. Whether we are Christian or not, this is a good time for spiritual renewal. 
 
To make this an enjoyable Sunday, please bring Mardi Gras masks and decorated umbrellas that are traditional for this holiday (the colors are green, gold and maroon), beads and a King Cake to share after the service.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday Volunteers
Would you like to be involved in the Sunday service in a more meaningful way?
Visit Sunday Hospitality Sign Up to find out about the ways you can volunteer on Sunday morning. We thank you and could not do what we do without YOU!

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:
Regular events and meetings
Many of these events and meetings take a hiatus in the summer, check with the church office before coming in.

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)
1:00 PM        Bridge (weekly)
Wednesdays
10:00 AM      Projects & Quilts (weekly)
7:00 PM        Choir Rehearsal (almost weekly)
Thursdays     
1:00 PM       All Sides Considered (1st & 3rd)
6:30 PM       Board of Trustees (4th)
Saturdays     
9:00 AM      Community Breakfast (3rd)
Going to miss a Sunday?

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.
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 (unless otherwise posted)
September-June: Monday-Friday, 9:00-3:00
July-August: Monday–Thursday 9:00-1:00

Websites
General: www.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 Sapphire Correa (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org ).

Photo credit: Jeannie Thompson
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org