WINDOWS WEEKLY August 26, 2021
Greetings Friends,

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

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-Blessings and Be Well
VIRTUAL SUMMER SUNDAY SERVICE
LIVE on ZOOM

WELCOME TO ALBANY UU SUMMER SERVICES
Service at 10:00 AM

Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 Virtual Meditation session until 9:20. We then have Virtual Service beginning at 10:00 each Sunday and a chance to stay online for virtual "Fellowship and Conversation."

Our summer services, coordinated by Randy Rosette, continue through September 5.
Aug. 29 "Reckoning with Reparations in Albany: Why Here, Why Now?" Jennifer Burns of SURJ
Jennifer Burns, PhD, is a professor of history in the Africana Studies Department at The State University of New York at Albany, with her concentration in local black history. Professor Burns is a commentator on WAMC’s Round Table Program, is a board member of the Underground Railroad Education Center and the Hart Cluett Museum, and is active in curriculum development and community education. She received her Masters and Doctoral degrees from the State University of New York at Albany. Dr. Burns has presented at numerous community events and conferences, received numerous awards, and has contributed to Civil War Slave Database in Virginia (2011-2012), and Slavery By Another Name (2012).

Music: Bruce Holden



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.

Use this link to join Sunday service:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000 
SEPTEMBER SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION

SAM'S OUTLOOK

Not What We Hoped For
How our world has changed in the last three months! And sadly, mostly not for the better.

In June, as the COVID infection rate and hospitalizations dropped, as case numbers dropped into the single digits, we thought we were done with this virus. I was confident vaccination had defeated it and we were on the road back to the “new normal.” Philomena and I socialized with friends without masks. We started eating out again. We even considered going to a movie.

Philomena and I booked a “bucket list” trip for her to see Zion, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Mesa Verde, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in July. We got lifetime membership cards in the national parks too! We were ready to resume our lives and see the places we’d waited a lifetime to experience.

I’m glad we were able to take that trip in July. When we got back, the infection rate and new case load in August got worse and worse every week. When I started reading about breakthrough infections of vaccinated people and the more contagious nature of the Delta COVID-19 variant, I knew we wouldn’t be able to have the resumption of services in September we had hoped for. If we can have in-person services, it will be fully masked, in socially distanced pods, without singing, food or drink. Socializing will best happen outside rather than in Channing Hall.

There will be no celebratory sheet cake, coffee and tea.

Most of us are disappointed. Some of us are angry that we must deal with yet another round of this viral scourge. Blame is being assigned and fingers are being pointed. Many of us are concerned about getting this more prolific strain that has a viral load many times the original.

There are still so many mysteries and questions about the virus. Will there be more effective treatments that prevent our immune system overreaction that damages internal organs and causes blood clots? How well will our vaccination work and for how long? Will a booster make a difference? And what will the diversion of vaccines to boosters do to lessen the possibility of vaccination of those around the world in poorer countries that need protection too. Places where the next dangerous variant maybe mutating - right now.
No matter what happens with the pandemic, Albany UU will do everything we can to continue as much of our programming as possible. We will have multiplatform Sunday services – in person, on Zoom and Facebook. We will continue to have Religious Education. Meaning Matters will continue (sign up now!).

Wellspring will continue. Green Sanctuary will continue. Inclusivity will continue. The gardens around our building will be tended. We will have our RE Picnic. We will continue to do the interim work with our consultant to transition our RE program from Leah Purcell’s leadership to a new vision that is germinating right now among us, a new vision that was developing before her departure. We will continue growing into our new covenant. We will grow into learning how to transform conflict in a way that facilitates congregational growth and development.

We are not and will not be in a holding pattern. Virus or no virus we have work to do. Social problems need to be addressed. Personal growth and transformation will be supported. Inspiration will continue to be offered on Sunday morning.

If anything, this pandemic is renewing and deepening our commitment to religious community. We need each other more than ever as our social life has been limited. The relationships we cultivate here can be deeper because we are less distracted. Zoom isn’t as good as being in person … but being in a video box is better than not having any contact at all. Circle dinners will continue in person or virtually. Outdoor gatherings continue to be much safer than indoor gatherings. Consider UU Weekend – they go to great lengths to make sure people are safe. (Let’s hope for warm weather)

The future is always uncertain. It is possible that between those that get the more contagious Delta variant and those that are vaccinated, we might be approaching some sort of herd immunity. A milder future variant might overtake Delta and follow the path of the flu just requiring a yearly immunization. We might even find an effective treatment that saves lives. Who knows?

What we do know is humanity, the Spirit of Life itself, is tremendously imaginative and creative. We will continue to innovate around how to live fully with the pandemic in a way that reduces harm and increases our ability to live meaningful lives.
May we not be forced back into lockdown.

May we keep on moving forward, never turning back, until this virus is defeated.
                                                                                                               
-Rev. Sam
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

MEANING MATTERS

Meaning Matters is a small group discussion, growth and development program at Albany UU led by Rev. Sam.

Before the beginning of the month, Rev. Sam sends out a short packet of materials containing essays, deepening exercises, quotes, poems, music, video clips, podcasts, articles, books, movies, all related to the “theme for the month.” Towards the end of the month, the Meaning Matters groups gather to reflect on the theme using the materials, sermons from that month, and activities that can stimulate growth and development. Participants are free to use as much or as little of these materials as they wish. The focus is personal sharing, reflection and conversation exploring the theme together.

The program meets once a month from September through June for two hours. There are currently three groups (could be more) that meet the third Monday at 1:30pm, the third Tuesday at 5pm and the fourth Monday at 7pm.

The themes for the next 10 months are:

September:  Embracing Possibility
October:  Cultivating Relationship
November: Holding History
December:  Opening to Joy
January:  Living with Intention
February: Widening the Circle
March: Renewing Faith 
April: Awakening
May:  Nurturing Beauty
June:  Celebrating Blessings 

If this program interests you, please contact Rev. Sam at minister@albanyuu.org.  
ALBANY UU IS STILL HIRING!

Looking for a little income?
Are you--or a friend--looking to make some money occasionally? And, are you able to work on Sundays?

Albany UU needs a ‘backup’ Sunday custodian. The job is from 8:00-1:00 on Sunday mornings (after September 12) and entails a multitude of small tasks that that enable our service and programs to run smoothly. Some lifting is required. The pay is $15 per hour.

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

Also available: occasional paid “gigs” as Building Host and Dishwasher. Contact Tammy Hathaway if you’re interested in either of these.
UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT

Board of Trustees
Meets tonight, Thursday, Aug 26, 7:00 PM. Albany UU members are welcome to attend. Find the agenda here. Please note that the Board will be holding a retreat from 6:00-7:00 PM. The actual Board meeting begins at 7:00.

Use the service link to join:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


Start your Sunday Morning with Meditation 8:30 - 9:15 AM
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:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


Green Sanctuary Picnic
The picnic has been rescheduled to Sunday, Aug 29, 1:00 PM at 1 Marion Ave., Albany, NY (brick house). Bring your own lunch, drinks and dessert will be provided.


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:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866 
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
Bridge Group
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 PM, Room B-8 at Albany UU. No matter how many people come, all are fitted into play. All are welcome and assumed vaccinated. Due to the nature of this group, there will not be an online option offered.


Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM each Wednesday, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8 at Albany UU.

To join remotely, use this link:

By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


Albany UU Sings
Join your friends on these fall Wednesdays at 7:00 PM and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Sept 8, 22
Oct 6, 20
Nov 3, 17
Dec 1, 15

Hope to see you there.

Use this link to join:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 979 5961 1765
Passcode: 0000


Walker Book Group
We hope to have the Sunday, Sept 12, 5:30 PM Walker Book Group potluck and discussion back in Channing Hall! We will discuss Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo da Vinci Learn more here.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

SOCIAL ACTION


UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY
October 15-17
Renew, Refresh and Relax at Silver Bay

Do you feel as though the summer is moving too fast?  Keep the good times rolling!  Come to the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 15-17, 2021 to build and strengthen relationships and nurture spirit, mind and body. Learn, play and hang out with your fellow UU’s before winter sets in.

After a year’s hiatus, the Silent Auction will return!!  New or almost new items, including gift certificates, hardcover books, art, collectibles, nice quality jewelry, bottles of wine, homemade jams, jellies, honey and high-quality crafts, will be gladly accepted. The children’s auction will accept toys, puzzles, and stuffed animals in good condition.


Remember – the cost is all-inclusive for room and board, activities and entertainment - including all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.
JOYS AND CARING CORNER



Those who knew former Albany UU member, Ursula Poland, are invited to Helen Lindsay's Celebration of Life on Saturday, Sept 4 at 1:00 PM on Zoom:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

UPDATED Building Use Guidelines:
Small groups can meet in the building by following these guidelines. 

Sunday services will remain online through the summer. There is a team working hard to provide recommendations to the Albany UU Board regarding safe gathering again in our building for Sunday services. This information will be provided as soon as it is available.


Learn about submitting announcements to for our virtual Sunday service and how to reserve a Zoom room for meetings and events here.


Other important resources, our file cabinet, archives, guidelines and information can be found on the Resource Page of our website, here.


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CONNECTIONS






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 Albany UU class or event

- Send an email to: registration@albanyuu.org
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:
Staff are transitioning from working almost exclusively from home to a combination of working from home and at the church office. Right now, office hours are by appointment until a routine is established. 

Our Website:
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

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).

Photo credit: Rev. Sam Trumbore
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135 | 518.463.1429 Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org