Greetings Friends,
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates.
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-Blessings and Be Well
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MULTIPLATFORM SUNDAY SERVICE
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SUNDAY SERVICE at 10:00 AM
Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 VIRTUAL Meditation session until 9:20
Multiplatform service begins at 10:00 each Sunday
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Masks are required
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Aug. 7 “Remembrance and Mourning,” Rev. Chris Antal
Moving beyond selective remembering, towards an honest moral reckoning with the cost of our wars, is work that is ours to do in order to live into our UUA Creating Peace Statement of Conscience.
Reverend Chris J. Antal is a Clinical Staff Chaplain at the Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. Chris interned at Albany UU (2009-2010) and was ordained in 2011.
Music: Ann Brandon
Our summer services run until Sunday, Sept. 4
There is no Coffee Hour after our summer services but there will be
cookies and lemonade in the back of Community Hall
Use this link to join the service remotely:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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”.
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AUGUST MULTIPLATFORM
SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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Albany UU Multiplatform
Summer Services
Our summer services continue through September 4.
8:30 AM Sunday MULTIPLATFORM Meditation continues through the summer and we will have Service at 10:00 AM each Sunday as well. Summer services are coordinated by Patience Pechette, with a delightful list of guests in the pulpit.
Aug. 14 “Hiroshima: City of Peace,”
Pat Lamanna
Pat Lamanna is a retired instructor in Human Services at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and an award-winning songwriter. Richard Mattocks is an environmental scientist. They met at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, where they are both members. They also share a love of folk music and travel.
Music: Pat Lamanna
Aug. 21 Wellspring Highlights
Wellspring offers a place to explore and choose for yourself what’s important for your body, mind and heart. Together we set out on a journey of deep listening and compassionate connection, along with some laughter and fun along the way.
Music: Randy Rosette
Aug. 28 Jacob King
Join us as we meet our new Ministerial Intern. Watch for more information about this service soon!
Music: Ann Brandon
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Use this link to join Sunday service remotely
To dial in by phone:
1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Sunday Offering
and other
service information
Sharing Joys and Concerns during Service
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Archives
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Join a
Meaning Matters
Group
Meaning Matters is a small group discussion, growth and development program at Albany UU led by Rev. Sam.
Before the beginning of the month, Rev. Sam sends out a short packet of materials containing essays, deepening exercises, quotes, poems, music, video clips, podcasts, articles, books, movies, all related to the “theme for the month.” Towards the end of the month, the Meaning Matters groups gather to reflect on the theme using the materials, sermons from that month, and activities found in the packet that can stimulate growth and development. Participants are free to use as much or as little of these materials as they wish. The focus is personal sharing, reflection and conversation exploring the theme together that support individual and congregational growth and development.
The program meets once a month from September through June for two hours. There are currently three groups (could be more) that meet the third Monday at 1:30pm, the third Tuesday at 5pm and the fourth Monday at 7pm.
The themes for the next 10 months are:
September: Belonging
October: Courage
November: Change
December: Wonder
January: Finding Our Center
February: Love
March: Vulnerability
April: Resistance
May: Creativity
June: Delight
If this program interests you, please contact Rev. Sam at minister@albanyuu.org with “Meaning Matters” in the subject line to look at the September Packet and/or sign up.
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Image: left side image Green Text “Summer Sing Poll” on yellow background with a sun on top, right side image choral singer holding sheet music.
The only thing better than singing is more singing. – Ella Fitzgerald
The beginning of the 2022-2023 year is around the corner! Fill out the poll below to let me know when you would like to start singing, the joys you want to share, concerns you may have,and if there is any special music you would like to sing.
**Please note, we will be masked to sing. Questions about singing at services will be answered after August 25th. **
-With Joy, Olga
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Thoughtful Thursdays: In June the Albany UU staff had a retreat to figure out how to accomplish their wide variety of tasks in a way that made best possible use of each person's time and the church's resources. One strategy that emerged from this productive and energizing experience was the idea of having one day each week reserved for staff to work without interruption. This idea was brought to the Ministries and Operations Team and received their full support.
To implement this new initiative, the staff is asking everyone to think twice before calling or stopping by the church office on Thursdays. A good alternative is to send an email, however if you are in need of an immediate response, is it best to contact church Monday, TusWednesday or on Friday.
Exceptions will be made for truly urgent matters, however the staff is hopeful that they will be rare. This focused time is intended to help staff maintain the necessary level of productivity for the church and all of its programs to function effectively, which in turn will make them better able to support the important work done by members of the congregation.
This practice will begin on Thursday, August 11th. Your support is appreciated as the Albany UU team tries this idea out in order to serve you better. Thank you all so much!
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR
CHILDREN and YOUTH
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Volunteer Opportunities! Perhaps you would like to try your hand supporting children and youth in their free and responsible search for truth and meaning this church year, and perhaps you are already an old hand at this important and rewarding work. Perhaps you fall somewhere in the middle. Come, come, whomever you are, and let Elizabeth know you are interested in learning more. Plans for fall are taking shape and the only thing missing is you!.
Elizabeth Baldes
Director of Religious Education
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JOIN THE ALBANY UU TEAM!
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Albany UU has an amazing opportunity!
Albany UU has a sweet part-time job opportunity in our Nursery/Toddler Room on Sunday mornings, with additional hours occasionally available. Inquiries can be directed to Elizabeth Baldes, Director of Religious Education, at dre@albanyuu.org.
Our most successful hires come from people connected to our congregation in some way- please share this posting with anyone you think might be interested. Thanks!
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Start your Sunday Morning with VIRTUAL Meditation
8:30 - 9:15 AM
We will sit together virtually for twenty minutes then have some conversation about the talk, meditation methods or experiences followed by a live loving kindness meditation. PLEASE NOTE that meditation will now be multiplatform - both in-person in the Sanctuary and online
Use this link to join remotely:
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 to discuss the topic of the day, which this Tuesday will be: Is capitalism and economic growth incompatible with addressing the climate crisis? All are welcome.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
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Bridge Group
For information about the 1:00 PM, Tuesday Bridge Group, check with the church office.
Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8. Due to the nature of this group, there will not be an online option offered unless otherwise noted.
Malcolm Bell Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 14 at 2:00 pm in Community Hall, followed by a reception in Channing Hall. Contributions of finger foods for the reception are welcomed. We do have permission to use the UAlbany Hawley Lot for this event.
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Staff vacations
Church Administrator, Tammy Goddard and Administrative Assistant, Patience Pechette will both be on vacation through August 7. Tammy will be back in the office Monday morning, August 8 and Patience will be back in the office on Wednesday afternoon, August 10. Rev. Sam will be available if needed and we have everything covered so not to worry!
Volunteers Needed to Prepare Weekend Food Bags!
For eight weeks, 344 students attending Albany Public Schools will receive a bag of healthy food each Thursday, including fresh produce, and coupons for milk and eggs. These meals help ensure that children do not go hungry over the weekend when school and community meals are not available. Food bags will be assembled at Pine Hills Elementary School on Thursday mornings. We are in need of 10-15 volunteers each Thursday (9:00 am - 10:30 am) through - August 25 to help set up assembly stations and pack bags. In addition, volunteers are also needed on Wednesday morning August 17 at 9:15 am to help unpack our delivery from the Regional Food Bank. If you are interested in volunteering, please email execdir@albanyfundforeducation.org or text 518-417-2107.
Gardening Volunteers
Do you have two hours to contribute to maintaining the gardens surrounding Albany UU? The Gardening Committee welcomes you to sign up here, where you can select which week(s) you'd like to help. Volunteers often work in pairs. No experience necessary. For more information or to receive e-mail updates, please contact Donna Meixner or 518/439-5947.
A Rich and Rewarding Experience Awaits You at UU Weekend at
Silver Bay
Join us at the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 14-16, 2022.
Here are some highlights from the draft schedule for the weekend:
- Keynote speaker, Pastor David Trayham, leading a discussion on building better racial and community relationships
- Workshop topics including a proposal to bring the Hudson River into Albany, getting off fossil fuels, book discussions, and an opportunity to create art
- Several hikes, a bird walk, a presentation by a wildlife rehabilitator including her five live raptors, a discussion of the islands and bays of Lake George, a presentation about a trek across Northern Spain, and boat tours
- A full children’s program including movies, kite and bead making and games
- Several live musical events
- The annual auction (Bring and purchase gently used items.)
Remember – the cost is all-inclusive for room and board, activities and entertainment - including all meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Children under 6 are free, with substantial discounts for older children and youth.
Note: Adaptions will be made to accommodate the status of the pandemic, if needed.
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SOCIAL ACTION and INCLUSIVITY
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Delmar Vigil participants: Mary Baker, Deborah Vogel, Dawn Dana, Carol Butt,
Barb Manning, Chuck Manning, Ed Hancock
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Albany UU is again partnering with the Center for Common Ground to send 1.2 million postcards to FLORIDA residents to encourage people of color to vote. The Florida primary is on August 23rd. Karen Kaufmann and Elizabeth Berberian are coordinating this effort, as they did in 2020. We will be distributing postcard packets in early July, to be mailed out in early August.
Please email Elizabeth Berberian at elberberian@nycap.rr.com, including the number of postcards you will write and whether you will cover the cost of postage, if you want to participate.
Spread the word! Tell your friends and members of other organizations you belong to! Thank you!
Stand Against Racism Vigil in Delmar
Join Albany UUs each Saturday to Stand Against Racism, in front of the Delmar Farmers Market at the middle school, 332 Kenwood Avenue, from 9:30 to 10 AM. Welcoming all - whether you live in Delmar, Albany, or anywhere nearby!
Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy
When: Saturdays,10:30-11:15 am
Where: Troy - corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets, 12180
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Learn about submitting announcements to for Sunday service and how to reserve a Zoom room for meetings and events here.
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Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
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Publication deadlines
This is an important reminder that the news and article deadline for Windows Weekly is 9:00 AM on Monday. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sign up for an Albany UU class or event
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany |
Parking:
Parking is available on the street. On Sundays (and for some special events) Albany UU has permission to use the University at Albany’s Hawley Parking Lot on Robin Street at Washington Avenue.
Office hours:
By appointment
Our Website:
Zoom use:
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU meeting, contact the church office (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).
Building use
To reserve a room for an Albany UU activity or to rent a hall or classroom space, for a personal or non-Albany UU activity, contact Administrative Assistant Patience Pechette (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).
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Photo credit: Rev. Sam Trumbore
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135 | 518.463.1429 Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org |
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