WINDOWS WEEKLY Nov 10, 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 13 “Who is my NeighboUUr?” Jacob King, Ministerial Intern
In the Christian scriptures there is a parable commonly referred to as "the good Samaritan." This parable, still widely shared thousands of years later, shows us bigotry and intolerance are a continuous challenge in the human experience; but can be overcome. Join us as we examine what it means as UU's to explore who our neighbors are, and why we are called to love and assist them.
Music: Olga Martinez
Coffee Hour and snacks will be sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Team.
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, 11/13:
- Children and youth up to Grade 7 and their families start out in service at 10AM, after the Wisdom Story kids go to their regular groups
- Regular Sessions for 8/9 OWL and Youth Group in their rooms at 10AM
I will not be at church this Sunday morning, please see Paula Brewer for anything you might need!
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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Here's a couple of fun photos!
The first one is from our Election Day Pie Assembly event where several bushels of apples get peeled and placed in their crusts in support of our Soups and Pies Fundraiser. A huge thank you to Barb Manning and Sandy Stone for organizing and to our peelers and crust makers for their support!
The second photo is of the Sesquicentennial Quilt being removed from the Sanctuary and being prepared to take to the preservationist for storage. Thank you to Dick Dana, Linda Way and Betsey Miller for making this happen!
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FROM YOUR NOMINATING TEAM
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Searching for Reliable Guides
Organizational success is highly correlated with the quality of the people selected as guides towards its goal. At Albany UU, the Nominating Committee is charged with selecting the elected officers and committee members who guide us to achieve our mission and vision. To help us, this year, we are soliciting input from all members regarding the following:
- Which elected positions do you consider to be doing exceptionally well?
- Which positions could benefit from improved performance?
- What are your specific recommendations for individuals to fill specific positions?
This year we are seeking nominations for Treasurer, Board Secretary, 2 Board Trustees, 1 Endowment Trustee, and 3 Nominating Committee members.
For some of these positions, the incumbent is term-limited and cannot ask to be re-nominated. For some positions, incumbents have the option of asking the Committee to be nominated for a second term. The Nominating Committee encourages you to take a little time to consider the questions above and who might best serve in these capacities. Please send us your recommendations. Your responses will assist us in getting the best people for these important positions.
Please send your responses to Todd Thomas (Committee Chair): tsthom61@gmail.com).
Thank you.
Todd Thomas, Elizabeth Berberian, Liz Richards Hart, Kathy Hodges,
Reese Satin, Kelly Smith
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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 that 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. 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! | |
Keeping this and the cute kittens an extra week to be sure
everyone has seen it!
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 is back in her position as Administrative Assistant!!!
(This has instantly taken a crushing weight off of the shoulders of yours truly and I'm so very grateful!)
And remember, 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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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop led by Rev. Sam Trumbore November 11-12
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/
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
Inclusivity Team meets on Sunday, Nov 13 at noon in both Room B-8 and online. All are welcome to join.
Use this link to join:
https://tinyurl.com/Albany-UU-Inclusivity
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 864 9509 1658
Passcode: 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
Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM every Tuesday, the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom to discuss the topic of the day. All are welcome.
Use this link to join:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Philosophy
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
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Bridge Group
For information about the 1:00 PM, Tuesday Bridge Group, check with the church office.
Social Justice Team meets on Tuesday, Nov 15 at 6:45 PM on Zoom. All are welcome to join.
Use this link to join:
https://tinyurl.com/SocialJusticeTeam
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 894 5821 4256
Passcode: 0000
Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8.
Choir Rehearsal
At 7:00 PM on Wednesdays, in Community Hall. Masks are required. Contact Olga Martinez, Directory of Music Ministry for more information.
The Board of Trustees meets Thursday, Nov 17 at 6:30 PM in Channing Hall and online. Albany UU members are welcome to join.
Use this link to join remotely:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-BoardOfTrustess
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 988 1049 6531
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
Getting to Know UU
Saturday, Dec 3, is a great chance for some of us at Albany UU to get to know YOU -- but it's also a perfect opportunity for you to learn about this Unitarian Universalist congregation, explore the roots of "UUism," and begin to figure out how participating in congregational life can enhance your personal journey.
Please join us either in-person in Room B-8 or via Zoom:
9:00 AM to noon
Saturday, Dec 3
Use this link to join remotely:
https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-GTKUU
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Signing up is preferred, but logins the day of are welcome, come as you are!
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Circle Dinners
Are you looking to reconnect with friends and make new friends at Albany UU? Sign up now to attend or host a Circle Dinner on Saturday, Nov 19 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
For those who have not attended a Circle Dinner before, they are an easy and fun way to get to better know people at Albany UU. Albany UU members host collaborative dinners for 6 to 10 people in their homes. Guests bring part of the meal - make your favorite dish, or pick up your contribution at your favorite grocery store. The individual hosts coordinate every guest’s contribution. You must be vaccinated and boosted to participate.
Sign up by emailing John Sherman at johnssherman@gmail.com by Sunday Nov 13.
John will promptly confirm receipt of your signup and then on November 14 will send the details of who your host will be. Can’t make it this time? Mark your calendar for future Circle Dinners on Saturday, December 17
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.
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.
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!
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On December 1, from 9:30-10:30 am, the Albany Guardian Society is offering a free online class called End-of-Life Care Options: Your Choice – Your Decision, taught by Kevin Costello, MD, Geriatrician at Albany Medical Center. To attend, you must pre-register here.
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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.
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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 | | | | | |
