Greetings Friends,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates.
Important Note: The upsurge in Covid cases in the Albany Metro area has delayed our planned reopening for an in-person service option. We will continue virtually.
The Daily Reminder was not sent out this morning since there were no events to remind folks about today. Everything you need to know is right here in the Weekly. Daily Reminders will continue tomorrow morning. Thank you!
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-Blessings and Be Well
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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
LIVE on ZOOM
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SUNDAY SERVICE at 10:00 AM
Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 Virtual Meditation session until 9:20.
Virtual Service begins at 10:00 each Sunday followed by a chance to stay online for virtual "Fellowship and Conversation."
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Welcome to the first Sunday of the new service year!
Sept 12 "Homecoming and Renewal" with
Rev. Trumbore & Elizabeth Baldes
While we are not able to have the kind of homecoming service we might have wanted, yet we will be able to reconnect and renew our relationships as we begin the fall season together. Please bring water from your summer adventures or local activities to Albany UU on Saturday, Sept 11 from 1-3pm, to be video recorded pouring it into our common vessel for the service.
Scroll down for more detailed information about all the ways to participate
in Homecoming Sunday!
Music: Ann Brandon
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
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SEPTEMBER SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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Important Note: The upsurge in Covid cases in the Albany Metro area has delayed our planned reopening for an in-person service option. We will continue virtually.
Sept 19, "REconnection and REsilience," Dr. Michele Townsend Grove
Learning is a vital component of congregation transitions. Albany Unitarian Universalist Society has experienced a great deal of change including a transition in professional religious education leadership which means you now have the chance to embrace the opportunities embedded in these transitions. This is a great time to reflect, celebrate, converse and dream! Join Dr. Michele Townsend Grove, our worship leader and religious education consultant at we look at the possibilities and opportunities embedded in religious education transitions.
With more than 30 years of experience in Lifespan Religious Education and Program Development for the United Methodist and the Unitarian Universalist Church, Michele Grove will be our Interim RE Consultant. The interim work Dr. Grove will do with us will be three programs for September, October and November to help us reflect on the history and heritage of our RE program, clarify its current identity, and finally vision where we would like the program to go in the future.
Music: Chris Bystroff, Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen
Sept 26 "The Art of Listening" with Rev. Trumbore & Philomena Moriarty
Deep listening requires focused attention. Focused attention is open, interested and curious. It requires an external focus connected to an inner emotional sensitivity. Deep listening is a skill that will benefit all our relationships. (Note: this will be followed up by a workshop led by Philomena Saturday, October 2nd.)
Music: Ann Brandon
Community Message
On a regular basis, we’ll have a member of the congregation bring you a short, inspirational, personal message about some aspect of our congregational life. These messages will be a way to connect with our community and help us live out our mission and vision in the world. To find out more, contact Tammy Hathaway: admin@albanyuu.org.
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Use this link to join Sunday service:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Sunday Offering
and other service information
Joys and Concerns for Online Services
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Archives
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9/11 Twentieth Anniversary Memorial Gathering
Saturday, 10:00am, September 11, 2021
(via Zoom)
Use the service link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
The American evacuation from Afghanistan and its transition to Taliban control has made this twentieth anniversary emotionally difficult. So many lives were harmed or lost in what now seems like a fruitless effort at nation building. Dealing with an upsurge of the delta variant of COVID at the same time while remembering that terrible day 20 years ago adds insult to injury.
Rev. Trumbore will create an electronic space for us to be together on Zoom and share our emotions and stories. We will honor the memories of those who died for whom we had personal connections. We will mourn what the “War on Terror” has done to damage and deplete our nation and wreak havoc on the world.
We will also appreciate the service of those who have quietly protected us from another such attack. Airline travel is safer. Our borders are more secure. Yet we pay a hefty price for this security system that needs to be limited. Our nation is moving toward becoming a surveillance state just as China has become. That tightening will only take one more 9/11 style attack to become much more repressive. As we saw on January 6th, the greatest threats to democracy will not come from Jihadists. It will come from within.
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HELP US TO BEGIN THE NEW SERVICE YEAR!
Three Ways to Participate in
Homecoming Sunday September 12
It is not the Homecoming we envisioned and we're making
lemonade anyway!
The upsurge in Covid cases in the Albany Metro area has delayed our planned reopening for an in-person service option. We will not be welcoming people back to in-person services at Albany UU just yet. Here's what we ARE going to do....
Three options for you to participate on Homecoming Sunday.
Choose one, two or all three!
ONE - On Saturday, Sept 11, between 2 and 4pm, drive up to the 405 Washington Ave entrance, tell us about your water and pour it into a community bowl that will be on a table nearby. Rev. Sam will be present to video record everyone for inclusion in the Sunday service. Remember, your water could be from a lake, stream, puddle, tap…anywhere!
TWO - Have your water ready on Sunday morning, Sept 12, during the virtual Sunday service. We’ll encourage people to switch their Zoom screen to “gallery view.” Then you’ll have the opportunity to show us your container of water then pour it into a bowl all together. We have a wonderful virtual service planned for all of you!
THREE - Join us for an outdoor social gathering at Henry Hudson Park Pavilion on Sunday, Sept 12 from 1 to 4pm for fun and fellowship! See the flyer below for details.
Hopefully one of these ways will allow everyone to participate in our first service of the fall season.
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Last day to register for Wellspring Sources is this Friday, Sept 10. Don't miss out!
How are you taking care of your spirit these days? Given the ups and downs and unpredictable nature of our lives, how are you doing? Come to Wellspring and be listened to with open hearts and minds. Come to Wellspring to explore and discover what supports your spiritual wellbeing, what grounds you in our faith, what brings solace to your life. Registration Form. (This is not a fillable form, it needs to be printed and filled out. Thank you!)
Circle Dinners: Virtual September 17 and In-Person September 18
We are resuming in-person, but socially distanced, Circle Dinners and will continue to hold virtual Circle Dinners for those who are not able to attend in person.
In keeping with current Albany UU guidelines, the in-person Dinners will be "bring your own food" and held outside.
The next Virtual Circle Dinner will be held on September 17 at 6:00 PM. The next In-Person Circle Dinner will be held on September 18 at 5:00 PM.
Susan Thompson Memorial Service
A memorial service for member, Susan Thompson, wife of Al De Salvo, will be held on Saturday, Sept 25 at 10:30 AM in Community Hall. Due to pandemic concerns, food will not be served. We do have permission to use the UAlbany Hawley Lot for this event. Read more about Susan here.
Love to Sing??
We are going to have two outside choir rehearsals at Randy Rosette and Chris Jensen's home in the Fall. September 15 and October 13 at 6:30pm
Interested and want more information? Please contact Randy at rosette_jensen@juno.com (All current choir members will get an announcement through the choir email.)
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Flowers for Sunday Services
When we are able to safely hold our Sunday services in our building again, we will be looking for folks to sign up to provide the flowers. Look for a link to an online form coming soon! If you are interested in being a part of the wonderful Flower Team here at Albany UU, please contact Sandy Stone.
Gardening Volunteers
Do you have two hours to contribute to maintaining the Albany UU gardens? The Gardening Team welcomes you to sign up here. No experience necessary. For more information, contact Donna Meixner or 518/439-5947.
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Bring us your water!
On Saturday, Sept 11, between 2 and 4pm, drive up to the 405 Washington Ave entrance, tell us about your water and pour it into a community bowl. Remember, your water could be from a lake, stream, puddle, tap…anywhere! Learn more here.
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
Join us for an outdoor social gathering
At Henry Hudson Park Pavilion on Sunday, Sept 12 from 1 to 4pm for fun and fellowship! Learn more here.
Walker Book Group
Sunday, Sept 12, 5:30 PM the Walker Book Group meets to discuss Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo da Vinci Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Racial Healing Monthly Group
Next meets Monday, Sept 13. Specifically for BIPOC members for discussion and connection. We meet on the second Monday of the month from 7:00 to 8:00 pm via Zoom. If interested or to get more info, please reach out to Jaye Holly jholly63@gmail.com.
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.
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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
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
Exploring our religious education heritage with Michele Townsend Grove
Part 1
Saturday, Sept 18, 9-12N. Open to all congregants. This is a time to celebrate! It is a time to reflect and tell stories. Understanding your congregation’s religious education heritage is a vital component of understanding your current lifespan religious education identity and vision for the future. Learn more here.
Exploring our religious education heritage with Michele Townsend Grove
Part 2
Sunday, Sept 19, 2-5PM. This is specifically for AUU staff, religious education leaders, board members, and the parents and care givers of children and youth, and anyone who participates in religious education programs. Learn more here.
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 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
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HENRY HUDSON PARK MEETUP!
The entire congregation is invited to Henry Hudson Park from 1-4 pm on Sunday 9/12 for fellowship and fun! Bring your own refreshments and camp chairs. Henry Hudson Park is located at Barent Winne Rd, Selkirk, NY 12158
WASHINGTON PARK MEETUP!
Children, families, RE volunteers and Religious Education Council members are invited to the annual RE Washington Park Meetup just after service on Sunday 9/19, 11:30ish-1:30. This is a chance to renew and form connections with people in the RE Community, socialize, register your child for RE, sign your ethics form if you are a volunteer, and have some fun!
Individually-packaged drinks and snacks will be available, social-distancing while eating is encouraged. Please consider wearing a mask if in close proximity to others, particularly those who aren't yet vaccine-eligible. This is an outdoor-only event. Bring your camp chairs or blanket to sit on and meet us by the playground!
RE REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK!
In-person RE at Albany UU is slated to begin on Sunday 10/3. There will also be a short weekly RE Zoom gathering at 6:30 pm on Sunday evenings for anyone preferring an online option. Please register before coming to either form of RE, as this will help us provide the best and safest experience for all.
Elizabeth Baldes
She/her/hers
Acting Director of Religious Education
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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
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Susan Thompson Memorial Service
A memorial service for member, Susan Thompson, wife of Al De Salve, will be held on Saturday, Sept 25 at 10:30 AM in Community Hall. Due to pandemic concerns, food will not be served. We do have permission to use the UAlbany Hawley Lot for this event. Read more about Susan here.
Rodger Fink
We are sad to announce that member Rodger Fink, long-time partner of Laura Paris, died on August 28 in hospice at St. Peter's. A service for Rodger will be announced at a later time. Read more about Rodger here.
Send cards to Laura at:
16 Drawbridge Drive, Albany, NY 12203
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Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Learning Opportunity. On September 13, from 3:30-5:00, there will be an online panel discussion about an established medical practice. The webinar is titled Perspectives on Medical Aid in Dying: Personal and Professional. Register here. Panelists will include Rochester, NY, native Joanne Kelly, whose husband utilized Colorado's medical aid in dying law and who is writing a book about the experience; Rev. Richard Gilbert, retired Unitarian Universalist minister from Rochester, NY; Dr. Benzi Kluger, professor of neurology and medicine and founding director of the Palliative Care Research Center and Neuropalliative Care Division of the University of Rochester Medical Center; and Dr. David Pratt, former Commissioner of Public Health Services for Schenectady County.
Monday, Sept 27, 7:00 PM: Sponsoring Asylum Seekers in the Saratoga Region
Presbyterian—New England Congregational Church (24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs) and on Zoom.
People who claim asylum in the United States are frequently placed in detention, not because they are regarded as criminals but because they lack a place of residence where immigration officials can reliably keep in touch. Sponsorship for asylum seekers can get them released from detention and provides a secure home while they await the processing of their asylum claim. In this program we will hear from the Asylum-Seekers Sponsorship Project, a national organization that matches asylum seekers with sponsors. And we will begin a conversation about how our community might support sponsorship. For in-person attendance, enter the Nolan House on the grounds of the Presbyterian—New England Congregational Church from the parking lot off Park Place. Zoom attendance requires registration here. For more information about the event, contact saratogaimmigration@gmail.com; 518-306-1313. Program sponsored by Saratoga Immigration Coalition; Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs; and the Welcoming immigrants Task Force at the Presbyterian—New England Congregational Church. Free and open to the public. A Saratoga Peace Week event.
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The Inclusivity Team Book Recommendation:
For All:
Neither, by Airlie Anderson. (2018). Are you are biracial, multi-cultural, intersex, multilingual, or non-binary? Have you felt "othered" in a different way? Whether you're both or neither, this book has something to offer everyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit in. Available in hard copy in the Upper Hudson Library System. Not available in audiobook at this time.
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
-pandemic concerns: Please remember that if you are vaccinated, you are still susceptible to being an asymptomatic carrier of Covid-19. Taking precautions is encouraged
-signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
-the vigil will automatically be canceled due to threat of thunderstorms or other severe weather
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WELCOME PAUL BREWER TO THE ALBANY UU STAFF TEAM! |
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Paula Brewer has joined the RE team as the RE Program Assistant. She’ll be working approximately 10 hours/week to support RE activities. Paula’s many years of experience as a volunteer in the program and as an RE Council member make her a strong addition to the team, we are so glad she is here. Welcome, Paula!
Paula Brewer moved to Albany NY in 1991, and shortly thereafter began to attend Albany UU (AUU). She became more active in AUU after the birth of her daughter, Anna, in 1996, focusing her activity on the Religious Education Program. Her volunteer AUU RE activities followed Anna as she grew, beginning with her coordination of a monthly Parent Group potluck and discussion group. Being older parents, Richard and Paula found comradery with other similar parents in this group. Paula followed Anna through the RE program volunteering in the Toddler Room and into other grades as Anna got older. She moved to being a youth group advisor, so that she could learn how to deal with her soon to be young adult child. Paula’s commitment to RE included 3 terms on the RE Council and one term as RE Council Chair. She most recently assisted with the 8th Grade Reading Group. Richard and Paula are grateful for the Albany UU ‘village’ and its excellent RE program, which helped them to raise their daughter into a responsible adult UU. She is excited to assist Elizabeth Baldes and Albany UU in continuing its excellent RE program and working with Michele Townsend Grove to ensure that RE continues to meet the needs of the next generation of UUs.
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UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY
October 15-17
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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.
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Important Note: The upsurge in Covid cases in the Albany Metro area has delayed our planned reopening for an in-person service option. We will not be welcoming people back to in-person services at Albany UU just yet.
Learn about submitting announcements to for our virtual Sunday service and how to reserve a Zoom room for meetings and events here.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please
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Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
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Publication deadlines
This is an important reminder that the news and article deadline for Windows Weekly is 9:00 AM on Monday. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sign up for an Albany UU class or event
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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:
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:
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 |
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