Windows Weekly April 8, 2021
ALBANY UU WINDOWS WEEKLY
Greetings Friends,

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 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!

If this email was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive it directly, please

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

-Blessings and Be Well
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00 am
LIVE VIA ZOOM


April 11, Hudson Mohawk UU Joint Service: “A Theology of Covenant and other Pandemic Lessons,” Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
The pandemic has shown us more clearly the ways we are interconnected and responsible to and for each other. How does this change the way we think about covenant in and across our congregations. What new practices does it call us to? Join our UUA President and the five congregations of the Hudson-Mohawk UU Cluster.

For this Sunday only, use this link to join:

For audio only, dial +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 496 839 021
Password: 262275

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”.

Music provided by the Joint HMUU Virtual Choir


Activity for our Multigenerational Joint Service - No RE for children and youth
Watch for a packet of downloadable kid activities to go along with our HMUU Joint Service.
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES


Albany UU Virtual Services - Live via Zoom
Joint Service at 10:30 this week only, No Children's Service

For this Sunday only, use this link to join:

For audio only, dial +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 496 839 021
Password: 262275
UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT

Mindfulness Meditation Workshop on Zoom - CANCELLED
The meditation workshop scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 9 &10, has been cancelled.


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


Virtual Memorial Service for Ted Wright 
Service held via Zoom on Sunday, April 11 at 5:00 PMFind more information here.

Use this link to join:

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


Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, April 11 at 6:30 pm. Join at 6:15 for additional time to socialize. We will discuss The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Directions for joining the meeting will be placed in the Daily Reminders. Learn more here.

Note NEW LINK:
For April only, use this link to join:

Meeting ID: 518-366-4532
Password: 4051842


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 Team Meeting
Wednesday, April 14, 6:45 PM 
All are welcome to attend.

Use the service link to join:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Virtual Circle Dinner
Sign up for the next Virtual Circle Dinner, Saturday April 17 from 6-7:30 PM! Join other UUs for friendly conversation in a small group, dinner optional. Email johnssherman@gmail.com by Thursday April 15, and we'll send you the zoom details.


Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, April 21 at 10:00 AM.

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 rest of the the service year:
April 21; May 12, 26; June 9
Hope to see you there.

Use this link to join:

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


Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, April 22, 6:30 PM the Board of Trustees holds their monthly meeting. Board meetings are open to all Albany UU members.

Use the service link to join:

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


A Virtual Orientation for Newcomers on Zoom
Getting to Know UU
Saturday, May 8 (note date change), is a great chance for some of us at Albany UU to get to know YOU. Learn more here.

Use this link to join:

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


My Grandmother’s Hands Book group/workshop
Trauma therapist Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of trauma and body-centered psychology. Facilitated by Philomena Moriarty LCSW, a trauma therapist. May 11 - June 29, Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9pm. Learn more here.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

EARTH MONTH ACTIONS

Green Sanctuary Committee (GSC) -- Albany UU Earth Month Actions

The GSC is hoping that all Albany UU members and friends will take actions in April and beyond to save the earth. 

During the month we will be providing suggestions that you can take to decrease your personal impact as well as support government actions to address climate change at the state and national level.  

SOCIAL ACTION
Social Responsibilities Council Recommends


The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy:
When: Saturdays,10:30-11:00 am
Where: Troy - corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets, 12180
  • physical distance, masks
  • signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
  • the vigil will automatically be canceled if the temperature is 20 or below OR if the wind chill is below 10 degrees Fahrenheit 


Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
  • April 13, 12:00-1:30: Join an online panel discussion with journalist Katie M. Engelhart and other experts on Engelhart’s new book The Inevitable: Dispatches on the Right to Die. Register here.
  • April 14, 11:00-Noon: Attend a virtual rally to support New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. Featured speakers include Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate’s Health Committee, and NPR talk-show host Diane Rehm, author of the book and PBS documentary, When My Time Comes. Register here.
  • Contact your lawmakers about medical aid in dying. As a member of the Assembly Health Committee, local Assembly Member John MacDonald’s vote on the Medical Aid in Dying Act is critical. Urge him to vote “yesusing contact information here. Contact other lawmakers using this easy-to-use tool. Even if you have asked for their support before, please do it again.
  • Volunteer for advocacy this spring. From the comfort of home, attend Zoom meetings with lawmakers and help with phone banking and text banking to constituents of target lawmakers. No experience or special knowledge is required, as you will get all the support you need. Offer to volunteer in an email to ny@compassionandchoices.org.


There is still time! SRC recommends that for those who can, and wish to do so, stimulus check(s) can be sent to Albany UU with UU Unified Community Designated Fund in the memo line, which will at a future time be distributed to these three organizations: Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NYUnited Tenants of Albany, and Joseph House in Troy as a gift from Albany UU. Thank you for your consideration.
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

JOYS and CONCERNS

UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY

Activities Abound at UU Weekend at Silver Bay on Lake George (10/15-10/17/21)
 
Three generations of my family love attending UU weekend. It's a time for family in a beautiful setting
-Ann D'Attilio
 
A variety of activities and workshops are planned for this weekend including Yoga Dance, Beatles and Spirituality, Photography, Affirming Female Sexuality, Bird Watching, Magic for All Ages, Civic Action, Introduction to East Coast Swing, and Practicing Empathy. Children’s activities include theater-style charades, sing-alongs, bead making, outside games and playground fun. Children’s activities will be further customized based on the ages of registered children. Learn more here.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Essential Building Use Guidelines:
Find more information about our Building Use Guidelines during COVID HERE.




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, guidelines and information can be found on the Resource Page of our website, here.


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


CONGREGATIONAL COVENANT
As a congregation with respect for our past and commitment to the future, we draw from the depth and power of our hearts and minds, guided by our Unitarian Universalist principles, to serve our mission and vision. We celebrate the diversity of our identities and experiences, and foster a culture of appreciation, inspiration, and kindness. We honor both the strength of the collective and uniqueness of the individual, willing to support and challenge each other with love and compassion. We entrust ourselves to each other in beloved community, to embolden personal and congregational growth and transformation.
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany

Office hours:
The Albany UU Office is closed during this time of physical distancing. Sam, Leah and Tammy have their messages forwarded to their personal cell phones and are available by email.

Our Website:
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

Zoom use
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU online meeting, contact the virtual church office (518.463.7135 or admin@albanyuu.org).

Photo credit: Jeannie Thompson
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org