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
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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00 am
LIVE VIA ZOOM
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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.
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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES
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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
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April 18, “Dirty Earth Day,” Rev. Sam Trumbore, with the Green Sanctuary Committee
What could be better to focus on for an Earth Day celebration than dirt! Could dirt be one way to help us dig our way out of increasing carbon in the atmosphere? All that fossil carbon came out of the ground. It needs to find its way back there!
Music provided by Elena Karpoff
April 25, “Becoming Wise,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Wisdom is different than knowledge, skills or understanding. Wisdom is knowing when to use knowledge and skills. That wisdom isn’t as easy to learn. Maybe it takes a lifetime to become wise. We’ll reflect together on the process of becoming wise.
Music provided by special guest: Tanya Hotalen, recorder;
Elena Karpoff
The Albany UU Service year continues through June 13
Summer Services begin Sunday, June 20, 10:00 AM
Lighting Our Chalice
Lighting and extinguishing the chalice during our Sunday services is a meaningful and important ritual in our UU tradition. We would like to make this ritual more personal and special for our congregation by featuring congregants, i.e. you and your family!
You are invited to record videos of lighting and extinguishing a chalice and saying a few words about what the ritual means to you. Then we can use these videos in future Zoom services.
Leah Purcell posted a lovely blog piece about chalice lighting, which you can find here. Leah writes eloquently about both the meaning and significance of the ritual – and the logistics of making/getting a chalice and recording yourself.
Check out Leah’s blog, and please consider creating a personal contribution for our Sunday services. Assistance with the logistics will gladly be provided. Thank you so much!
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Joys and Concerns for Online Services
We have three ways that you can share your joys and concerns:
One: Use the online form. You may i ndicate if you would like to have your joy or concern shared at the Sunday service, and you can leave contact info if you would like a Pastoral Care follow up.
Three: We will be giving you instructions during the Sunday service about how to share your joys and concerns then.
Adult RE for ALL, Sunday Offering and other Information
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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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
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
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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.
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
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Annual reports due April 26!
It's been a challenging year for all of us, but we have adapted and done wonderful things this year despite the crazy. Let's celebrate those. Bring on your reports! If your team did not meet due to the pandemic, that's ok, just let Tammy know.
Our Annual Meeting will be online, May 16. The Annual Report will also be online only again this year.
The deadline for reports is Monday, April 26. If you have any questions about the annual report process, contact Church Administrator Tammy Hathaway: admin@albanyuu.org.
Endowment Trust Annual Granting Capacity
Each calendar year the endowment trustees use a prescribed formula based on income from its investments to calculate the amount of money available for special project grants. The 2021 granting capacity is $20,000.
If you have an idea for a special project consistent with the congregation’s mission please apply. Applications may be submitted through the Albany UU website:
Albany UU Library Chair and members needed
Sadly, our Albany UU Librarians, Melanie and Paul Axel-Lute, have had to retire after many years of faithful service building and organizing our wonderful library.
If you are interested in becoming a steward of these resources, please check out the volunteer job descriptions HERE and HERE, and contact Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway to express your interest: admin@albanyuu.org
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Taking Steps for a
Better World
The CROP Hunger Walk raises funds for local food pantries and feeding programs, and for hunger and disaster relief programs around the world. Although the May 2 CROP Walk must again be a virtual “non-event” – the needs it supports are real and continuing. Find out more here.
Covid Vax Leads eGroup
This is an eGroup to quickly distribute information that comes to the virtual Albany UU church office about Tri-City area Covid Vaccination Clinics. If you are currently not receiving these emails and would like to, please contact Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway: admin@albanyuu.org.
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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.
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SOCIAL ACTION
Social Responsibilities Council Recommends
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 “yes” using 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.
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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.
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No RE This Week
April 11th we have a special service with the other local UU congregations and our guest will be the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Watch for a packet of downloadable kid activities to go along with this service.
Many thanks for your donations to the Food Pantry
We had a great time at the hunt on Saturday. We had a small turn out, but those who came were so glad to see each other and the hunt was delightful.
We collected two dozen bags of donations for our local food pantries. Thanks to those who donated. Below is information about these sources of food for neighborhoods in Albany. You might want to keep the giving ball rolling and make it a family practice to donate food and drop it off.
Grassroot Givers, 522 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12203 (518) 599-5157 www.grassrootgivers.org; Mon-Thurs 10AM-1:30 PM Limit of up to 4-6 large trash bags worth.
South End Children’s Café, 25 Warren Street, Albany, NY 12202; 518-275-8890; www.southendchildrenscafe.com Anytime- place in the two outdoor cupboards. No limit
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The Treehouse is our own multigenerational community for Religious Education for Children and Youth. Families can find resources to practice UU-ism at home and supplementary materials for RE groups. Everyone - parents/caretakers, children and youth can share their written thoughts, pictures, videos they make. Click here to join: https://tinyurl.com/Albany-Treehouse
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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.
Virtual Memorial Service for Ted Wright
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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.
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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.
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UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY
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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.
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Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
Helpful Local 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 online class
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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.
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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:
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
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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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