Windows Weekly June 18, 2020
Albany UU Windows Weekly
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.

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-Blessings and Be Well
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 .
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE VIA ZOOM

-The first Sunday of our Summer Service Schedule-

June 21, "Who Are You?" Dan Miyake
We make instant assessments of other people based on their clothing, accent, mannerisms, demeanor, age, and other factors within just a few seconds of meeting them. In a way, we create that person's identity in our minds before we ever, if ever, get to know them - the real person. It is our assumptions of what we think someone should be like that is often projected onto them, instead of us allowing that person to reveal who they are. Can we truly see another person's true soul without making judgments and assumptions?
Dan Miyake has recently completed service to Albany UU as our ministerial intern. He hails from Dayton, Ohio, and claims the Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Dayton as his home congregation. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Earlham School of Religion (a Quaker seminary) in Richmond, Indiana, and worked as a Chaplain Resident at a level 1 Trauma Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dan will be moving to Michigan to serve as the minister of his own UU congregation.

Dan also holds a Master of Music Education degree, and plays the French horn. He currently lives in Albany with his partner, Erica, and their and their two tri-pod cats. They both enjoy fishing, going to parks, collecting rocks and gemstones, and exploring antique stores. 

Music Provided by   Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

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
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES - 10:00 AM
The summer schedule begins this Sunday, June 21


Albany UU Virtual Summer Services
Summer services begin June 21 and 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 and an opportunity to virtually attend the General Assembly service!

Find more information about our summer services here .




June 28  UUA General Assembly Worship Service

Join us virtually at 10:00 AM for the largest annual gathering of UUs joining in worship. The worship service will include a collection for the Tomaquag Museum , an indigenous museum featuring an extensive collection and archive of Southern New England tribal communities. Join the live streaming of this service here.



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.


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!
UPCOMING WAYS TO CONNECT
Congregational Zoom Check In
Get connected during the week with other Albany UU members and friends by coming to the Zoom checkins on Thursday, June 18 (that's today!) 4-5pm , led by Rev. Sam . Note that next week there will not be a Congregational Zoom Check In since Rev. Sam will be attending Virtual GA.

Use this link to join:

Meeting ID: 518-366-4532
Password: 4051842


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 10:00 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, call: 1-929-436-2866 
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000


Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom on Wednesday, June 24 at 10:00 AM.

Use this link to join:

To dial by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 970 3238 2631
Password: 0000


Albany UU Sings -- New Dates for Summertime!
Sing along in Virtual Community on the following Wednesdays for the Summertime:

   June 24
   July 8 and July 22
   August 5 and August 19

At 7:00 PM,  join your friends and sing your heart out! We will supply the music and the lyrics. Hope to see you there.

Use this link to join:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID: 935725639


Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group, Sunday, July 12 at 6:00 pm . We will discuss,   Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.  Learn more here .

Use this link to join:
 
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 000
INCLUSIVITY RECOMMENDS
Biases – we all have them…..

This TEDx talk by diversity trainer Verna Myers is as relevant today as it was in 2014 – and so many black lives have been lost since then. With humor and passion, Myers offers some answers to the question “What can we do?”


Q and A with Verna Myers:

“Part of my message is: No blame, shame or attack. Most of us know that we aren’t exactly as good on this as we would like to be, and there are good reasons for that that have nothing to do with us being bad... I say: Low guilt, but high responsibility. Once you know these biases are wrong, what do you want to do about it?”

FATHER'S DAY ESSAY
Back in 2010 I published an article in the Times Union for Father's Day. I think this is especially relevant this year because I have come to realize that I cannot protect my daughter from the evils of the world, including the dangers posed by law enforcement officers who, in a better world, would be helping me to look after my girl. This is the horrible reality of being Black in America. -- Michael

A father's faith transcends life's fears
By Michael Hornsby
June 20, 2010 in  The Times-Union

One beautiful Saturday afternoon, I took my 5-year-old daughter, Luchia Lee, to a birthday party for Luke, one of her little friends from day care. Toward the end of the party, I tried to get a couple of pictures of the kids, with predictable results. You can't feed them birthday cake and then expect them to stand still for a photo.
But one of the dozen pictures I took that day stood out. Luchia was playing in the sandbox with Gracelyn, and when I asked if I could take a picture, Gracie crawled over to Chi-Chi and put her arms around her. Their smiles put the afternoon sun to shame. Click!

That photo and that moment made me think of other photos and moments Luchia has shared with her friends. Luchia at Emma's birthday party, or Elizabeth at Luchia's tea party, or Chloe and Luchia eating snacks at a Halloween party.
For more than 75 percent of their lives, these kids have been friends in a way that is innocent and, except for occasional bouts of I-don't-like-you-anymore, uncomplicated. And sadly, in just a few months they will all be leaving the haven of their preschool, with each of them going to a different kindergarten.
Every milestone takes Luchia just a bit more into the world, step by baby step.

I used to read everything to her. Now she reads "Hop on Pop" to me. She is tall enough to use the bathroom sink without a step stool. The training wheels are off her bicycle. She has become a bizarrely insightful conversationalist. "Daddy, yesterday used to be a today, right? Tomorrow will be today in the morning, right? So every day is today all the days. It's true."
And in August, Chi-Chi will have her very first graduation ceremony, from preschool. In her graduation from day care I see visions of graduations to come. Grade school. High school. College.
As her father, I pray that her life lessons will be as painless as possible. I say this knowing that there is no coming to wisdom but through joy and sorrow. I want the world to be kind to my daughter. I want any friends that she might make at any time in her life to love her as much as her friends do now, in their innocence and grace. I want light to shine through Luchia's eyes for as long as she lives.

Before I had a child, I didn't understand why God forbade Adam and Eve from partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
I cannot presume to know the mind of God, but I believe he so loved his children that he wanted them to stay children, sheltered and immaculate, forever. If it is possible for God to fear, perhaps he felt something similar to this father's fear, that a beloved child may come to harm in a world that can be beautiful, indifferent and cruel.

The birth of my daughter gave me this fear, but also the faith that I will be there to protect her until she can protect herself, that my love for her will open her heart to all, that Luchia will be just fine.
And tomorrow will be today in the morning.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grab and Go Breakfast
The next grab and go food bag event is  this Saturday, June 20 from 9 to 11 AM.  Needed are contributions and a few participants to prepare bags. For the bags, items that work well are fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, muffins, breakfast bars, granola bars, juice containers, etc. If you wish to contribute an item for about 24 bags you can be reimbursed. If you can help, please contact Carol Butt at (518) 275-7497 or email   catzen1944@gmail.com . Physical distancing and mask wearing will be in practice and there will be soap, hand sanitizer and gloves on hand during preparation. Hope you can contribute and/or participate.


Virtual Sunday Service Survey
We’ve been doing online Zoom services for three months. As we head into our summer service schedule, it is a good time to evaluate how we are doing in the virtual Zoom environment creating meaningful, stimulating, uplifting, challenging, inspiring, moving, and connecting services on Sunday morning. Please give us some feedback on your satisfaction using this form:
 
 
The survey is designed to be very quick to fill out, 2 minutes, to let us know how we are doing. While testing the survey we’ve already identified a good change to improve the experience, you’ve got others too. Please don’t delay, and fill out the survey TODAY! Thanks from your Sunday service Production Team. 
 

You’re Invited to Virtual General Assembly!
From June 24 to 28, UUs from across the US and around the world will join together online for General Assembly, the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA). Albany UU will be represented by 7 delegates appointed by the Board of Trustees, but everyone is invited! There are 2 ways to participate:

  • Drop in for the public events, which include the General Sessions (reports, presentations, voting on UUA business) and 3 very special worship services.

  • Register as an online participant for $150 per person, which in addition gives you access to the Ware Lecture to be given by Naomi Klein, the Welcoming Session, and a variety of workshops and special events on topics including anti-racism, colonialism, spiritual practice, stewardship, and more. You will be able to watch and ask questions in live sessions, while our delegates will also be able to propose amendments, participate in debates, and vote.

More information can be found at www.uua.org/ga , or contact Peggy Sherman (msherman@nycap.rr.com).  
 
 
Helping an Albany UU Member or Friend in Economic Distress
There are times our members find themselves in a temporary economic shortfall and need some help to get through their crisis. There are two ways you can help.
 
The first way is our Economic Distress Fund that was created in 2008. This fund is a very modest fund without a lot of money right now but can make a big difference when it is needed. If you’d like to contribute to this fund to help an Albany UU member in need in the future, make a donation to the fund by denoting it should go to the “Economic Distress Fund.”
 
The second way is helping one person. You may know of a specific member or friend in financial need. If you wish to assist that person and would like to have your donation be anonymous there is a way to do that through our congregation. You may 1) make a donation to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, 2) alert the minister that you have done so and the person you would like to direct the money to. 3) A check will be written to that individual in that amount (or collating several donations as one) and 4) be sent to that person with a note from the minister.
 
Either method is a way for members and friends of our congregation to help each other when they find themselves in economic distress.


Pledge year alert!
As our church fiscal year (2019-20) winds quickly to a close (June 30, to be exact) this is a good time to remind everyone to write on your checks which pledge year you are contributing to. Some folks have already started paying on their 2020-21 pledge, some still are on 2019-20. Please, please write ‘Pledge’ and the fiscal year you’re paying toward on the memo line.

Log into Church DB ( Getting Started with Church DB ) to find out your balance or email Assistant Treasurer, Kathy Harris: harr70@nycap.rr.com 


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!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT...
...about 405 Washington Avenue
Patti Jo Newell
 
Recent news items concerning houses of worship may make it seem like Albany UU will soon reopen for limited use. And we’ve been getting inquiries about rentals. But, at this point in time, our physical plant remains closed for use outside of maintenance. The Board of Trustees has begun discernment over factors that need to be considered and requirements that must be met in determining a timetable and procedures for reopening. While we will not be opening the building in the near future, we are heartened by the strength of our congregation and the community we’ve maintained outside of our building. Many thanks to each of you for the life you breathe into our congregation.
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
-Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry (DREFM), lpurcell@albanyuu.org

Watch for the next RE newsletter at the beginning of July.


Story Time
Tracey Hickey is volunteering to read the chapter book at 7:00-7:30 pm Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays through the end of June  - 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)


End of the year con for current members of our High School Youth Group
CONnections Youth Con
June 19th from 6:45PM to 9PM and June 20th from Noon until 9:20 with optional late night activities. There will be breaks between activities!

UU Congregation of Buffalo welcomes all upstate NY Youth for a unique all digital Youth Con. Ours is the first generation of digital natives. It is only fitting that we gather together online for worship, workshops and late-night fellowship. Even though we can’t gather IRL (in real life), we can connect with each other through Zoom for the complete Con experience.


Other RE/Family Ministry events are on hold until July
The REC, Elizabeth and Leah will be going through the surveys to see what children, youth and families would like for summer programming.
 

Leah is taking some time off
Leah is taking a "stay-cation" through the end of the month. Of course, there are still end-of-the year events she’ll be attending - The Youth Con June 19 and 20 (since Tracey’s contract only goes through the end of May; she’s volunteering to read story hour) and General Assembly June 24-28. Please call or text Rev Sam if you have a pastoral concern 518-366-4532.


Check the Family Ministries Page for Resources for Families to talk about recent events http://albanyuu.org/religious-exploration/family-ministry/
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 .
FROM OUR BLOGS
UU WEEKEND
A Cozy Weekend Awaits You at UU Weekend at Silver Bay
October 16-18

Comradery, colorful fall scenery, campfires, and culinary pleasures await you at a coveted setting on Lake George. Please join us at the UU Weekend at Silver Bay!

See a preliminary schedule of activities for adults and children here .

Access the registration form here and follow the mailing instructions.

Don't forget! The deadline to receive the early bird discount price for UU Weekend at Silver Bay is JUNE 30!  Children under 6 are free with substantial discounts for older children and youth.

Note: We are currently experiencing a time of physical 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 participants 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 because of continued or reinstated social restrictions, all registered participants will receive a full refund. 

Learn more here .
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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. W e STILL 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 Meixne r 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:
CONNECTIONS
Watch for the next RE newsletter at the beginning of July.






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

- Send an email to: registration@albanyuu.org
Regular events and meetings

Many of these events and meetings will 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)
Wednesdays
10:00 AM Ps and Qs (June 10, 24)

Tuesdays       
10:00 AM      Philosophy Discussion (weekly)

Thursdays     
1:00 PM       All Sides Considered (1st & 3rd)
6:30 PM       Board of Trustees (4th)
Going to miss a Sunday?

Online service are generally recorded

Sunday, June 14 watch it here.

Sunday, June 7, watch it here.

Sunday, May 31,  watch it here .

"Religion, Sex and Politics: A Conversation for Polite Company" with Rabbi Dennis Ross watch it here.

Sunday, May 24, watch it here

Sunday, May 17, 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

Partner Church slide show, 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, before quarantine:
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.
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
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

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
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org