Windows Weekly October 8, 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.

If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please sign up here.

Learn more about what's happening with UU Kids and Families by reading the Religious Education publication, RE Roundup.

-Blessings and Be Well
MISSION STATEMENT
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.

VISION STATEMENT
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.
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00 am
LIVE VIA ZOOM


Oct 11, “Listen to the Ancestors: Indigenous People's Day,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
The land we walk upon in the Capital District wasn’t just empty, fallow dirt just waiting to be “discovered.” Indigenous peoples were here first. They still retain the wisdom of this land that is precious. We need to listen to the Ancestors.

Music Provided by special guest, Matt Meyer with Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Use this link to join:

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

Join us for Family Chapel at 11:30 AM
The story will help us listen to our ancestors (UU Source #2 ) 
We’ll have our 15-minute worship for children, youth, and their parents/caretakers and guides. Then we’ll have breakout groups for: preschool-first grade; 2nd-5th grade; 6th/7th grade and 8th grade.

Use this link to join:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID 843 1034 5197
Password: 4051842
JOIN US FOR VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES M
Albany UU Virtual Services - Live via Zoom

Begin your Sunday morning with Rev. Sam guiding an 8:30 Virtual Meditation session until 9:15 (see below under Upcoming Ways to Connect for more info). We then have Virtual Service beginning at 10:00 each Sunday and a chance to stay online for virtual "Coffee Hour" followed by RE for ALL, at 11:30. Look for more info about RE for ALL below.

Use this link to join Sunday service:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Oct 18, “Democracy Under Threat,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
The divisions in our country are undermining our system of government, the checks and balances that keep one side from completely dominating the other. Under those divisions are different systems of belief. A system designed over 200 years ago may not be able to keep up with the ways the world has changed, especially the way we communicate.

Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Family Chapel Listen and RE for grades 8 and under starting at 11:30. The story will be about listening to your heart (Our 2nd Principle)


Oct 25, “What Democracy Looks Like,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Given the inherent flaws in the design of our Constitution and our Government in the eighteenth century, what is required for democracy to thrive today? How does our faith tradition and our fifth principle guide us?

Music Provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Family Chapel Listen and RE for grades 8 and under starting at 11:30. The story will be about listening to voices of Black people, indigenous people, and people of color (Anti-Racism and our 8th Principle)



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-Contribute 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 an 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. Not familiar with Zoom? Our minister, Rev. Sam Trumbore will give you a brief tutorial.

Use this link to join the Sunday service:

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


Zoom Etiquette - Updated
Participation in a Zoom Sunday Service needs everyone’s cooperation for it to be successful. By being careful about your video and audio while attending a UU Zoom Sunday service, you can help can make the service a pleasant, welcoming, inspiring and meaningful experience for everyone.

If your video is on, please be attentive to what others are seeing. If what's happening in your video is distracting or potentially embarrassing or appears disrespectful, an usher may turn it off. For example, if someone falls asleep during service, that could be embarrassing so we'll turn off that person's video. If an usher turns off your video, they will let you know via private chat. 

If you notice that your audio is on, please mute it, and be aware that if you are accidentally un-muted, anything you say could be broadcast to everyone and disrupt the service. 

It is wise to treat entering a Zoom Sunday service as if you had just walked into Community Hall during a silent meditation or service.


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 during service or email Tammy Hathaway - admin@albanyuu.org anytime. Thanks for taking this extra step to be welcoming!
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
-RE FOR ALL-

Every Sunday beginning at 11:30 AM

Note: The Adult RE for ALL offerings will be found by leaving the Albany UU Zoom #1 where the Sunday service can be seen and heard and moving to Rev. Sam’s Zoom #2. The link will be visible onscreen and in the Zoom Group Chat after 11:15 am.

Use this link to join any Adult RE for ALL offering (we use breakout rooms):
Meeting ID: 518-366-4532
Password: 4051842


Conversational Response (11:30 AM-Noon) – This is your opportunity to reflect with the Sunday service presenter on what the service has elicited from you and listen to the responses of others. The purpose isn’t to debate the rightness or wrongness of the service, though references, anecdotes, and stories might be further explored, and fact checked. The goal is for people to go deeper with the service through the process of mutual reflection and response.

Inclusivity and Intersectionality Team Meeting (11:45 AM) - Join the Inclusivity Team for their meeting. All are welcome.

Planned for the future:
  • Forums – Social Responsibilities Council or Green Sanctuary or Inclusivity Team will have a guest presenter (not every Sunday) or an announced discussion topic of general interest.
  • Adult Education Classes – UU History, UU Theology, other topics to stimulate growth and development.
  • Learn About Albany UU – Meet with a person from the Membership Committee who can answer your questions about Albany UU and give you information about ways to get more involved in our congregation.
UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT


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:

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


Inclusivity and Intersectionality Meeting
Join the Inclusivity Team on Sunday, Oct 11 at 11:45 for their meeting. All are welcome.

Use this link to join:
Meeting ID: 518-366-4532
Password: 4051842


Peggy Slocum’s memorial service on Zoom
This is an open invitation to attend a Zoom memorial service on Sunday, Oct 11 at 3:00 pm, for member, Peggy Slocum, who died on February 9, 2020. All are welcome to join.

Use this link to join:

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


Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, Oct 11 at 6:30 pm. We will discuss The Dutch House: A Novel by Ann Patchett. Directions for joining the meeting will be placed in the Daily Reminders. Learn more here.

Use this link to join:
 
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


Philosophy Group
At 10:15 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:

By phone: 1-929-436-2866 
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000


Connect with Three
The best way to feel connected in our congregation is to meet people and get to know them. Connect With Three randomly matches you with another person for a 15 minute conversation three times. The conversation can be free form or guided by questions centered on our theme of the month, “deep listening” in October, depending on each pairing’s desires. At the end of an hour, you’ll have had three interesting conversations and met or renewed connections with three people.

For October, these will be scheduled on two Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30pm, Oct 14 and 28, and Tuesday from 7:30-8:30pm, Oct 20. No reservations required, just show up! (Note that if you arrive late you might be required to wait – so come a little early!).

Use this link to join:

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


Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, Oct 21 at 10:00 AM.
Save these Wednesday dates at 10:00 AM for this fall.
Nov 4, 18
Dec 2, 16

Use this link to join:

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


Albany UU Sings
Join your friends and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Save these Wednesday dates at 7:00 PM for this fall.
Oct 21
Nov 4, 18
Dec 2, 16
Hope to see you there.

Use this link to join:

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


Creating More Peaceful Households
Friday Oct 25, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Whether you are looking for a way for your family to solve conflicts or celebrate successes, this workshop will give you and your family a method to hold family meetings. This is “hands on” for the whole family, so bring the kids! Open to households too. To register, ask questions or for more information, contact Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org.


Ordination of Dan Miyake
Former ministerial intern, Dan Miyake, will be ordained as a UU minister on Sunday, Nov 1 at 2:00 by his new congregation in Michigan. Dan stated that he would be honored to have Albany UU members and friends share in his joy of this important milestone by attending the ceremony via Zoom. All are welcome to attend.

Zoom info in link below:
FORM OUR BLOGS

INCLUSIVITY RECOMMENDS


Laws are intended to maintain order and promote justice, but what happens when those laws promote and spread discrimination and bigotry? Today Danielle analyzes the discriminatory history US law, tracing its origins in colonialism and chattel slavery up through the Jim Crow era and today's mass incarceration.



Our Inclusivity Team is offering resources for our ongoing education and reflection to address white supremacy culture at Albany UU. Are you finding that you have some time for reading and watching videos these days? Consider settling in with authors of color to help you become familiar with a diversity of human experiences.

For adults and youth (with guidance, as needed):
Born a Crime: Stories of a South African childhood, by Trevor Noah. (2019). At only 36 years old, Trevor Noah is already an icon of American life. Born a bi-racial child into the South African system of apartheid, he brings his experiences with him, and evaluates life in the United States with a no-nonsense approach to observations on racism. This is his story.  Available in hard copy, CD, downloadable e- and audio-book from the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS).  The audiobook is especially enjoyable because it's read by Noah himself.

Here is Trevor Noah in an 18-minute video, sharing his thoughts on Amy Cooper, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4amCfVbA_c

For youth:
A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramée . (2020). 12-year-old Shayla is making her way through school, trying blend in and be a "good" student. As she is faced with activism at her school, she has to make a difficult decision about which rules are are better broken. Available in hard copy, CD, downloadable e- and audio-book from the UHLS.
ANNOUNCEMENTS


Volunteers Needed at Sheridan Prep
Sheridan Prep has received a $2,000 grant from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, the parent of Focus Foods, so it is familiar to most of Albany UUs. Once monthly, families will be allowed to select 20 items from a list of available foods and pick it up at Sheridan Prep at a designated time later in the month.

  • Three volunteers are needed one day a month to help pick up the food at the food bank, 865 Albany-Shaker Road in Latham, and bring it to the school. No heavy lifting is required and a van or large car would be helpful. 

  • Three volunteers are needed on two afternoons monthly to help organize the food for families in the Sheridan Prep gymnasium with masks and distancing. On the first afternoon, families will arrive one or two at a time, by appointment, to collect selected food. On the second afternoon, families may, by appointment, return and select from the remaining food. On both afternoons, families will remain outside the gymnasium, collecting their food from a table placed at the door. Volunteers will have no contact with children however in this case, must have received prior approval to volunteer at Sheridan.

The first opportunities to volunteer will likely be on Thursday, Oct 22 and Friday, Oct 23. Dates for later months will be announced. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please contact Martha Musser at 518-434-2246 or mussermartha@gmail.com



Remember to UU the Vote!
Are you worried about voter suppression distorting the upcoming critical elections?

Here's an opportunity to make an impact from the safety and comfort of home!

We are partnering with Reclaim Our Vote to send thousands of postcards to voters of color in states with voter suppression problems to make sure they know how to take advantage of early voting. ROV campaigns have a proven record of making an impact on voter turnout.

This is a nonpartisan effort, but we firmly believe that the more people vote, the better it will be for candidates who share our values!

Packets of postcards with instructions will be available continuing into October. Please contact Karen Kaufmann at karenkaufmann64@gmail.com if you are interested and to get the details of how to join up. 

And spread the word! Non-UUs are welcome to participate!

UU the Vote reminds us that to help lead in the fight against voter suppression and authoritarianism, this work requires all of us to act. Take the Vote Love Pledge today!

Find more information about UU the Vote here: https://www.uuthevote.org/


Essential Building Use Guidelines
First, our building is still closed.

The Albany UU Board has provided guidance to the Ministries and Operations Team to consider limited use of the building under specific circumstances. An application form, process and more information will be forthcoming. We appreciate your patience. Please continue to follow the guidelines outlined below.

These guidelines govern building use deemed necessary to the work of the congregation. The procedure is as follows:

  1. All members and friends must receive pre-clearance from staff (at this point, Tammy: admin@albanyuu.org) before entering the building. This will enable staff to schedule those who need to enter the building so that there is minimal overlap among individuals. The assumption is that these visits will be brief.
  2. Each individual (including staff) needs to fill out a short health survey prior to or immediately upon entry of the building, each time they enter. The survey is available online (preferred) and will be in paper form at the membership desk if needed.
  3. All members, friends and staff must wear a mask while in the building.
  4. Members and friends will please limit the duration and frequency of time spent in the building.


Submitting announcements for the "Announcement Slide" or to be read during virtual Sunday service
Announcements pertaining to Albany UU activities can be read by either Rev. Sam, the Sunday Service Associate, or the person submitting the announcement. Announcements can ALSO be added to the Sunday service "Announcement Slide".

  • Submit your announcement to Tammy Hathaway, Church Administrator (admin@albanyuu.org), by Friday, 9:00 AM, to be incorporated into the announcement portion of the upcoming Sunday service. Please specify how you would like your announcement handled - to be read aloud and by who, added to the Announcement Slide or BOTH
  • Announcements must be submitted ahead, even if the person submitting will be reading their own announcement.
  • Please write out in words the name of your committee. Too many initials result in confusion and is not welcoming: SRC = Social Responsibilities Council RSC = Religious Services Committee
  • Include contact information if folks should have questions or would like more information.

If you have questions, please contact Tammy. Thank you so much!


Scheduling Zoom Meetings - Updated
We understand that during these challenging times, things can get chaotic but please try and remember to request your Zoom meeting several days in advance. If we receive a request on a Saturday for a Zoom meeting the next day, Sunday, that request will not be processed in time and you and your team may be disappointed.

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 2 - Sam. 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!
SOCIAL ACTION

The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy:
When: Saturday, 10/10/20, 10:30-11:00 am
Where: Troy, corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets
  • physical distance, masks
  • signs only, no chanting
  • all weather

The purpose is two-fold:
  1. to express that Black Lives Matter
  2. to embolden white people to act against racism

To ensure safety as much as we can, we are working under these agreements as a provisionary covenant:
  • We carry signs with the same message: "Black Lives Matter," or "Stand Against Racism."
  • We limit our positive responses to a thumbs-up or a wave.
  • We do not respond to any negative reactions, such as heckling.
  • The police officers at the farmers market (across the street) will be notified that there is a gathering.
  • One person, not holding a sign, will be designated to take photos of license plates of anyone who is inappropriate.
  • We all leave at the end of the vigil, and people leave together.
  • If friends join us, we advise them of the measures above.

If you can’t or don’t want to join standing, you are invited to drive by and wave or honk encouragement.


Day of Simple Giving
Many of you have participated in past years with Grassroots Givers’ Day of Simple Giving, usually held at St. Sophia’s Church, whether through generously providing items that Albany UU agreed to collect and/or by attending the actual event and participating in the variety of activities. For those who don’t know, Grassroots Givers is a nonprofit (501.3) in Albany that accepts donations of clothes, books and home essentials, and gives them to low-income individuals, free of charge. This is very helpful for people of limited means moving into a new apartment.

This year, the Day of Simple Giving can’t be held because of Covid19 restriction. However, the spirit of that day is happening as different groups, churches, etc. are collecting things to give to Grassroots Givers for distribution to those in need.

Our congregation will be collecting non-perishable food items, such as canned soups, peanut butter, cereals, tuna fish, etc. but unlike previous years, the church is closed so we cannot ask you to bring them to Albany UU for one large collection. Instead, we are asking you drop off your contributions (bagged) to Grassroots Givers at 522 Washington Avenue 12203 (just down the street a few blocks) Monday through Thursday between 10a and 2:00p. You can catch the eye of the office manager, Norma, inside and she will come out to get your offering. 

If you’d prefer to make a financial gift, that would be happily received as well.  This drive will take place between Oct. 6th and Oct. 16th.  

Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) thanks you in advance for your generosity. 


SRC Weighs in on City of Albany School Funding Cuts
In our conversations on the Action of Immediate Witness “Amen to Uprising” on September 27th, one idea that emerged was to speak out in support of our neighboring schoolchildren who are suffering disproportionately the effects of the pandemic and the state budget crunch. The Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) took the lead and sent a letter to Governor Cuomo urging more equitable and transparent distribution of funding cuts as well as increased taxation of the wealthy. The letter was researched and written by Karen Kaufmann with valuable input from congregants Martha Musser, formerly of the State Education Department, and Anne Savage, who currently serves as President of the Albany Board of Education.


Racial Bias Audit
The Office of Audit and Control in partnership with CNA.org is conducting a Racial Bias Audit of the Albany Police Department. The plan is to complete the report by the end of November and make it available to the public. As part of the audit, Albany residents are encouraged to share their experiences interacting with members of the police department. To share your comments, email Smartjustice@cna.org by Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Names are kept confidential.  
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

-Leah Purcell, Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry (DREFM), lpurcell@albanyuu.org

-Elizabeth Baldes, Religious Education Coordinator, elizabethbaldes@yahoo.com


Family Chapel this Sunday
Join Us Oct 4 at 11:30 am. The story will help us listen to our ancestors (UU Source #2 ) 
We’ll have our 15-minute worship for children, youth, and their parents/caretakers and guides. Then we’ll have breakout groups for: preschool-first grade; 2nd-5th grade; 6th/7th grade and 8th grade.

Use this link to join:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID 843 1034 5197
Password: 4051842


Save the Date!
Friday Oct 25; 6:00 – 7:30 pm–Creating More Peaceful Households. Whether you are looking for a way for your family to solve conflicts or celebrate successes, this workshop will give you and your family a method to hold family meetings. This is “hands on” for the whole family, so bring the kids!  Open to households too. To register and for more information, contact Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org.


It's especially important for parents/caretakers to register their children this year
This way we will know how to plan for each group, and ensure you have the passwords to our online events. Correct contact information is vital for communication this year as we are meeting virtually and won’t see each other in the halls or at coffee hour. We’ve shortened up the form to make it as quick and easy as possible. Click here to register


The RE Roundup – Newsletter for the RE community for children and youth.
JOYS and CONCERNS
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.

Members, John and Peggy Sherman share a sorrow. They were sad to lose Sierra, their dog given to them by former Albany UU members Gisele and Jack Atwater.

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, Phil Rich, Randy Rosette, Sandy Stone, 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.
UU WEEKEND at SILVER BAY

Silver Bay Revisited

This is my end-of-the-summer joy. I don’t mind the winter coming after this glorious weekend. 
- Darnell Rohrbaugh

Lake George in the fall is spectacular. This year, the UU weekend at Silver Bay on Lake George from October 16-18 will be a unique experience. It will be smaller and less workshop-oriented, but it will be awesome!

The weekend will focus more on outdoor activities including archery, disc golf, nature hikes, boating, hiking, tennis, and other fun experiences.  Almost all kids’ activities are outside or on a large covered deck.  Many adult programs are outside.. All indoor activities, including enticing workshops and a keynote address by cartoonist John McPherson, will be held in large spread-out spaces to ensure social distancing.  The auction is cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. There will be a not-too-social social on the front and side porches with a four piece band called “Oldies But Goodies.” 

There is still time to register for the weekend. Information, including the registration form, is available at the Albany UU members site here.   

Questions about the weekend can be directed to Mike D’Attilio at mike.datti@gmail.com or 518-577-1399.

Note regarding safety:
Silver Bay staff have assured us that the facility is following 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 all attendees just prior to the weekend. Dining during the weekend will be at tables placed a minimum of 10 feet apart. About one week before the event, attendees will be asked to identify individuals with whom they would like to share a dining table for the entire weekend. 
Registered participants who decide not to attend will be able to request a full refund up to 48 hours prior to the start date of the UU Weekend. If the Weekend is cancelled altogether because of updated social restrictions, all registered participants will receive a full refund. Individuals who prefer a single room can obtain one at the same per person rate as a shared double room. If you have already signed up for a double room and wish to change to a single, please contact Linda Way at lway1@nycap.rr.com.

Note regarding affiliation: While many Albany UU members and friends organize, promote and participate in UU Weekend, it is not an Albany UU event and is not subject to Albany UU policy.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Virtual Service Ushers - We need more volunteers!
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. We 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.

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







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

Most of these events and meetings continue online, however dates and times may vary. 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)

Tuesdays      
10:15 AM      Philosophy Discussion (weekly)

Wednesdays
10:00 AM     Ps and Qs (alternating)
7:00 PM     Albany UU Sings (alternating)

Thursdays    
1:00 PM       All Sides Considered - stay tuned for more details
6:30 PM       Board of Trustees (4th)
Going to miss a Sunday?

Online service is generally recorded

Sunday, Oct 4 watch it here.

Sunday, Sept 27 watch it here.

Sunday, Sept 20 watch it here.

Sunday, Sept 6 watch it here.

For previous services, pre-pandemic:
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