Windows Weekly November 12, 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.

Please note, the Daily Reminder was not sent out this morning since there was nothing to remind folks about today. Everything you need to know is right here in the Weekly. One less email today. Daily Reminders will continue tomorrow morning. Thank you!

Also, you may see announcements in this publication more than once. That is with intent and to ensure that items don't get missed as folks scroll through. Thank you for your understanding.

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

November 15, “Healing our Planet,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Planet Earth is suffering greatly from destructive human activity. Where are we now and what will it take to turn humanity from a disease agent into a healing balm for our Mother. What are some next steps to be taken now?

Music featuring our Albany UU Virtual Choir with Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Use this link to join the service:

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

Give Away the Plate
In honor of Transgender Awareness month and the upcoming November 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance, all contributions toward the offering on Sunday will be given to In Our Own Voices, a 501(c)(3) organization in Albany. You can contribute online, by text or by writing a check. Guidance for online and text contributions will be given on Sunday during the service, or see below for more information on "Sunday Offering". If you write a check, please send it to the church at 405 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12206 and make it payable to In Our Own Voices.

In Our Own Voices' Mission is to work for and ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural and economic survival and growth of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people of color communities. Learn more here.


Join us for Family Chapel at 11:30 AM
The story in the 10:00 service and in Family Chapel is about remembering “The Platinum Rule” (our 3rd UU Principle).

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
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES M
Albany UU Virtual Services - Live via Zoom
Main Service at 10:00 AM, Children's Service at 11:30 AM


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.

Use this link to join Sunday service:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Nov 22, “Gratitude for Healing, Listening and Renewal,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Many of us will not be celebrating Thanksgiving the way we would like. We will not be able to have our Thanksgiving meal in Channing Hall. We will not have our Union Thanksgiving Service. But we will have corn muffins! Pick one up Saturday, November 21st when the soups, and pies are being distributed. Pick one up at a neighbor’s house (soliciting volunteers – you’ll get to keep the extra!). Make your own batch with the recipe provided. 

Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Special Congregational Meeting
Albany UU will have a Special Congregational Meeting for an up-or-down vote on the proposed covenant, to be held after the service. Many thanks to all those who attended the congregational conversations we held to discuss the covenant. The covenant language and related materials can be found on our website here. Please plan to join us for this important milestone event.

Family Chapel for children and youth in 8th grade and younger at 11:30. The story in the 10:00 service and in Family Chapel is about gratitude using the book “Fry Bread” (our 7th UU Principle). Email Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org for the link to Family Chapel


Nov 29, “What is Becoming,” Rev. Beth Dana
On this first Sunday of Advent, we will explore what is becoming in our lives, this congregation, and the world as we enter this anticipatory holiday season.

Rev. Beth Dana is Minister of Faith Development at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX where she has served since 2014. She grew up at Albany UU, earned her MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and now lives in Dallas with her wife Erin and their 3-year-old twins Ellery and MD.

Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette

Family Chapel for children and youth in 8th grade and younger at 11:30. The story in the 10:00 service and in Family Chapel is about finding sources of comfort using the story “Chicken Soup with Rice” (our 2nd UU Principle). Email Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org for the link to Family Chapel



Sunday Service information

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
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. Attire and backgrounds should be appropriate for all ages. If what's happening in your video is distracting or potentially embarrassing, an usher may turn it off. For example, if someone falls asleep during service, that could be embarrassing so that person's video will be turned off. 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 be mindful and 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 offerings (we use breakout rooms for more than one):
Meeting ID: 518-366-4532
Password: 4051842

  • Conversational Response – 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.

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


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


Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) Members Meeting
Join SRC on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 6:45 PM for their meeting. All are welcome.

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


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, “Healing” in November, 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.

Join us on these dates in November:
Wednesday, Nov 18 from 4:30-5:30pm
Tuesday, Nov 24 from 7:30-8:30pm

No reservations required, just show up! 

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, Nov 18 at 10:00 AM.
Save these Wednesday dates at 10:00 AM for the remainder of this fall.
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 the remainder of this fall.
Nov 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


Special Congregational Meeting - November 22
Albany UU will have a Special Congregational Meeting for an up-or-down vote on the proposed covenant, to be held after the service. Many thanks to all those who attended the congregational conversations we held to discuss the covenant. The covenant language and related materials can be found on our website here. Please plan to join us for this important milestone event.


Virtual Evening Circle - Sign up for November 28!
In October, 21 UUs gathered on-line for our first Virtual Circle Dinner. Here's some of their feedback: 
- Very successful.
- I thought it was outstanding!
- It's so nice to have these connections even while we're stuck in virtual mode.
- I've already been talking it up to others.

Is the dinner hour impossible for you? On Saturday, November 28 from 8 - 9:30 PM, we'll experiment with a post-Thanksgiving after-dinner gathering, a "Virtual Evening Circle." Sign up by emailing jsherman@nycap.rr.com by noon Friday, November 27.


A Virtual Orientation for Newcomers on Zoom
Getting to Know UU
Saturday, December 5th, is a great chance for some of us at Albany UU to get to know YOU -- but it's also a perfect opportunity for you to learn about this Unitarian Universalist congregation, explore the roots of "UUism," and begin to figure out how participating in congregational life can enhance your personal journey.

Please join us:
9:00 AM to noon
Saturday, Dec 5

Use this link to join:

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

Signing up is preferred, but logins the day of are welcome, come as you are!
To sign up: Send an email to Registration@AlbanyUU.org.


Walker Book Group 
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, Dec 13 at 6:30 pm. We will discuss Akin by Emma Donoghue. 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
ALBANY UU FUNDRAISERS!

Last Call for Crafts!

Take some time today to support your Albany UU Fundraisers! Order your crafts and homemade items (final call!), Albany UU Masks, and Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate today! 


Craft Order Form - items are selling fast - and new items have been added - don't miss out! DEADLINE TO ORDER CRAFTS IS THIS SUNDAY, NOV 15!

Albany UU Mask Order Form - you'll love these masks! Deadline to order for the Nov 21 pick is this Sunday, Nov 15!

Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate Order Form - don't wait, when they're gone, they're gone! Deadline to order for the Nov 21 pick is this Sunday, Nov 15!

If you have questions regarding any of our fundraisers, contact Tammy Hathaway, admin@albanyuu.org, and she'll be able to help or point you in the right direction.


Thank you for your support!
FROM OUR BLOGS

INCLUSIVITY RECOMMENDS

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 these titles by authors of color to help you become familiar with a diversity of human experiences.


For youth and others, with messages for all (both books are available at Market Block Books in Troy; for further availability, read on):

Jerry Craft offers us these two companion books, in the form of graphic novels

New Kid (2019). A winner of the Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers Literature, this story takes us along with Jordan Banks as he enters his new school and works on reconciling his school, his neighbors, and his classmates. How is it all going to fit together? Available from the Upper Hudson Library System (www.uhls.org) in hard copy, CD audiobook, digital e-book download, and digital audiobook.

Class Act (2020). In this companion book, the story continues. We follow Jordan and get to know his friends, family, and neighbors further. His friend Drew sees a strong contrast in where a friend at school lives and where he, Drew, lives. Can we really be friends with people that are so different from us? Available in hardcopy and downloadable e-book from UHLS. Available for purchase in downloadable audiobook from Audible.


Allegories on Race and Racism
TedX talk by Dr. Camara Jones

Dr. Camara Jones is a social epidemiologist who has taught at the Harvard School of Public Health and has served as a Medical Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this You Tube video, Dr. Jones shares four interesting allegories - simple ways to look at some of the complexity of "race" and racism. Don't assume you know these already!! (20 minutes)

ANNOUNCEMENTS


Give Away the Plate
In honor of Transgender Awareness month and the upcoming November 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance, all contributions toward the offering this Sunday, Nov 15, will be given to In Our Own Voices, a 501(c)(3) organization in Albany. You can contribute online, by text or by writing a check. Guidance for online and text contributions will be given on Sunday during the service. If you write a check, please send it to the church at 405 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12206 and make it payable to In Our Own Voices.

In Our Own Voices' Mission is to work for and ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural and economic survival and growth of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people of color communities. Learn more here.


Anyone interested in setting up a Slack channel for chatting on Sunday mornings?
The staff has been hearing different needs from congregants about using the chat box during the Sunday morning service. We use it to share info for Joys and Sorrows. And some people also chat about the various elements of the service at other times. But some people find the chats to be distracting – even the pop ups when the chat is minimized. And the chat is often disabled during the sermon. Other people might want to chat about the sermon in real time. An alternative might be to use a Slack channel. If you’re savvy about Slack and would like to set up a channel for Albany UU, contact Leah Purcell at dre@albanyuu.org.


The Holy Corn Muffin Recipe
There are three options to get a corn muffin for our November 22 service. The first is to pick one up Saturday, November 21st when the soups, and pies are being distributed. The second is to pick one up at a neighbor’s house (as yet to be determined – Rev. Sam is soliciting volunteers – you’ll get to keep the extra!). Option three is to make your own batch with the recipe below.

Holy Corn Muffin Recipe:

1 cup cornmeal (#1374 Honest Weight bulk)
1 cup all-purpose flour (#1711 or gluten free flour #1625 Honest Weight bulk)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey (#1311 Honest Weight bulk)
1 egg
1/4 cup oil (canola #1305 Honest Weight bulk or other oil)
1 cup milk (or soy or lactose free milk)

Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt in large mixing bowl. In separate mixing bowl, beat egg, add oil and honey, whisk together, add milk and mix. Add wet to dry ingredients and mix quickly until no longer lumpy but not smooth. Try not to over mix. Immediately move into muffin pan 3/4 full for each one. Cook 375 degrees for 13 minutes – makes 24 mini muffins and a dozen regular size ones.


Special Congregational Meeting - November 22
Albany UU will have a Special Congregational Meeting for an up-or-down vote on the proposed covenant, to be held after the service. Many thanks to all those who attended the congregational conversations we held to discuss the covenant. The covenant language and related materials can be found on our website here. Please plan to join us for this important milestone event. (Yes, this is the 3rd time this announcement appears in this publication. And it's in the Daily Reminders. And it's being announced on Sundays. We don't want you to miss it!)
SOCIAL ACTION

The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Delmar Black Lives Matter Vigil
Similar to the Black Lives Matter vigil that is taking place every Saturday morning in Troy, several Albany UUs are participating in a vigil in Delmar every Saturday. We meet 9:30 - 10:00 AM, in front of the Delmar Farmers Market, which takes place in the Middle School on Kenwood Avenue. Come join us any Saturday, then shop at the market! Last vigil and market day is November 21.


The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy:
When: Saturday, 11/14/20, 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.


Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) Members Meeting
Join SRC on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 6:45 PM for their meeting. All are welcome.

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


Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
The campaign to pass New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act continues, and there are many ways for you to learn more about it and support the effort.
  • RESOURCES: Compassion and Choices has released a valuable new tool to help you plan for the care you and your loved ones want in the event of a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. A new promotional video introduces The Demetia Values & Priorities Tool.  In addition, you can learn about many end of life issues in the Staying Stronger Together webinar series.
  • ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES: Compassion and Choices New York is seeking volunteers to make phone calls and join virtual meetings with incumbent and incoming lawmakers. If you are interested in helping, contact Amanda Cavanaugh at 518-810-9191 or acavanaugh@compassionandchoices.org.
  • DECEMBER WEBINAR: On December 2 at 7 pm, Compassion and Choices will host a conversation for those who may not have ever been involved in the work to authorize medical aid in dying in New York. It is both a primer in what medical aid in dying is, and a a call to action with a special guest speaker. You can register for that webinar by clicking here
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 at 11:30 this Sunday
This is a time for all the children and youth, their parents/caregivers and their guides in grades 8 and younger. We'll hear the story of the week and explore the theme of Healing. Then groups will meet separately in break out rooms.
Use this Zoom link to Join:
Meeting ID: 843 10


Coming of Age meeting this Sunday at 12:30
This will be a time for the potential mentors and youth to get to know each other a bit. Afterwards, the youth will submit their top 3 selections and that will be the main input for Rev Sam and Leah to make the matches; mentors may submit their preferences too.

Join Zoom Meeting:

Volunteer needed for zoom support during Family Chapel
Do you know how to put zoom attendees in break out rooms? We need a back up person to help Leah run Family Chapel on occasion. Contact Leah at dre@albanyuu.org or Elizabeth at elizabethbaldes@yahoo.com


Parents/caretakers can find resources in the RE Roundup this week and also at The Tree House, our online platform for the RE community. Click here to join.
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.

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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Essential Building Use Guidelines - Updated
First, our building is still not being used for most events. Only events which have a compelling reason for building use will be considered going forward. Events which can be held via Zoom or in other ways, should not use the building.

The Albany UU Board has provided guidance to the Ministries and Operations Team to consider very limited use of the building under controlled, specific circumstances. An application form and process has been developed to determine if the activity will be considered.

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, we no longer have 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!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Virtual Service Ushers - It's never too late to volunteer!
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, Nov 8 watch it here.

Sunday, Oct 25 watch it here.

Sunday, Oct 18 watch it here.

Sunday, Oct 11 watch it here.

Sunday, Oct 4 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