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, 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
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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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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00 am
LIVE VIA ZOOM
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Jan 17, “Racial Healing,” Rev Sam Trumbore and Jaye Holly
Annaliese A. Singh, author of The Racial Healing Handbook, describes racial healing this way: “To heal from racism is to unlearn the stereotyped racial messages you internalized about your own race and the race of others, and to recognize the wounds that these messages create in you whether you are White or a person of color. It is to see clearly the costs of racism, which are everywhere, and to work to stop your active or tacit participation in the systems of racism and white supremacy that favor some people and not others.” Rev. Trumbore and Jaye Holly hope to open this door and invite you to cross the threshold into this transformative work critical for building Beloved Community.
Music provided by Elena Karpoff
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 for Children and Families at 11:30 AM
We'll continue with our theme of Imagination with the book, I Have a Dream, which is the text of the end of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s 1963 speech at the Lincoln Memorial.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID 843 1034 5197
Password: 4051842
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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES
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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
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Jan 24, “Queer Theology,” Rev Sam Trumbore
The Bible, historically, has been interpreted by Christians as reinforcing patriarchy and hetero-normative views of gender and sexuality. Gender non-conforming and non-heterosexual theologians are studying the scriptures and finding an innovative understanding of Jesus, of God, and an affirmation of being non-normative. The theology they are discovering is quite friendly to Unitarian Universalism!
Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette
Jan 31, "Is You Got Good Religion?" David Weissbard
Several years ago, I participated in the founding meeting of the Progressive Religious Partnership. I was impressed by the sermon delivered by one of the organizers, Dr. James G. Adams. He raised the question of the negative impact religion has often had. As Liberals, we are not supposed to judge other religions, but I am sympathetic to those who believe that religion has often been [and in many cases still is] a blight on humankind. But not always. I do believe Unitarian Universalism can make a positive contribution to the lives of some [maybe not all] of us. I am building on Dr. Adams subject and title: "Is You Got Good Religion?"
Music provided by Elena Karpoff
Sunday Service Information
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
Joys and Concerns for Online Services
We have three ways that you can share your joys and concerns.
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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.
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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.
Adult RE for ALL, Sunday Offering and other Information
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Green Sanctuary sponsored forum: Moving Beyond Plastic Pollution with Judith Enck - TONIGHT, Thursday, Jan 14, 7PM
Judith founded Beyond Plastics in 2019 to end plastic pollution through education, advocacy, and institutional change. Learn more here and see flyer by Sandy Steubing below.
The film “The Story of Plastics” is available now at the internet link below. This is only available for viewing for the rest of today!
PW: PlasticIsEvil
Use this link to join
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Passcode: 0000
Virtual Circle Dinner
Sign up for a "virtual dinner" with fellow UUs on Saturday, Jan 16 from 6 to 7:30 PM! This is an opportunity to relax and connect using Zoom. Newcomers are especially welcome; we break into small groups and introduce ourselves to get the conversation started. You choose whether this will be your dinner time or not! Contact jsherman@nycap.rr.com to sign up by TODAY, Thursday January 14.
Congregational Conversation on Proposed Bylaws
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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
Appreciating Sapphire
As most of you know, our Administrative Assistance, Sapphire Correa will be leaving Albany UU to continue and pursue her masters work in Public Health. Join us immediately following the service on Sunday, Jan 17 for short virtual appreciation. Use the service link to join.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Adult RE 11:30 AM on Sundays
Conversational Response: This is your opportunity to reflect with the Sunday service presenter, this Sunday, Rev Sam, on what the service has elicited from you and listen to the responses of others. Learn more here.
NOTE CHANGE:
Remain on the Service Link after Virtual Coffee Hour to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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Congregational Conversation on Proposed Bylaws
Use this link to join:
By phone: 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
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:
January 20; February 3, 17; March 3, 24; April 7, 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
Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, Jan 27 at 10:00 AM.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
A Virtual Orientation for Newcomers on Zoom
Getting to Know UU
Saturday, Feb 6, 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, Feb 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!
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshops on Zoom
led by Rev. Sam Trumbore
February 12 & 13; March 12 & 13; April 9 & 10
This meditation training and practice workshop will be led by Rev. Trumbore, on Friday 6:00pm to 9:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am to 3:00pm. It gives the participants an opportunity to learn Buddhist mindfulness meditation techniques and/or refresh and deepen their meditation practice. All are welcome from first timers to experts. People will sit together as we do on Zoom on Sunday mornings and do walking meditation in their own homes. We’ll have a break for lunch on Saturday at noon. Please register with Rev. Sam by email (minister@albanyuu.org) if you would like to participate. A voluntary donation can be offered at the end to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. This is an experiment to see if a Zoom retreat will work or not.
Rev. Trumbore has practiced Buddhist Vipassana or insight meditation for over 35 years and is Past President of the Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship. This meditation technique is one of the best for Unitarian Universalists. It helps people train their minds to strengthen concentration and intensify moment-to-moment awareness. Regular practice of this technique quiets and sharpens the mind, opens the heart and improves one's physical and mental health.
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
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In honor of Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day, Monday, Jan 18, your Albany UU Virtual Office will be closed.
Wine and Cheese Announcement!
Fasten your virtual seatbelts and practice your 'Stralian accents, as your UU Wineaux group flies you
on a ZOOM tour of Australian and New Zealand Wines.
Our 16th Annual Wine and Cheese tasting will take place Saturday, 27 February through our ZOOM program. That afternoon, you will pick up (and if you're unable to drive, we will deliver) the selected servings of wines paired with cheeses and appropriate crackers, fruits and condiments. That evening, will we all join together for guided tastings and commentary.
Mark your calendars now and keep watching the Albany UU newsletter to learn how to reserve a spot and how to pay.
UU Family/Household Circle Training
[This training is available to the whole congregation]
Leah Purcell has a tool she can share with families, couples, or any household to strengthen your connections and communication at home. It’s a way to help you practice your values where it counts most – at home, with the people you spend so much time with! The whole family or household does not need to come to learn – just two members is enough for you to learn and bring the practice home. Fill out this form for Leah to find times later in Jan or in Feb to meet for this two-session workshop which will be held on a Friday evening and following Saturday morning. If you have questions, contact Leah at dre@albanyuu.org.
Guest at Your Table
Guest at Your Table (GAYT) is Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about key human rights issues. Since UUSC works in more than 20 countries, with over 60 grassroots partners, there are thousands of individuals involved in and who benefit from the work that our members make possible. The program is an opportunity to celebrate grassroots partnership, support human rights, and learn about just four of these individuals – the “guests” in Guest at Your Table. Learn how to participate here.
Plan Ahead for Virtual GA
General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists. In 2021, GA will again be all-virtual, held June 23-27. Consider participating in this inspiring, educational, challenging and joyful gathering! Mark your calendar now and check www.uua.org/ga for more information.
“Circle 'Round for Justice, Healing, Courage” is the theme for GA 2021. Interested individuals are invited to submit a Program Proposal. Proposals are due in two phases. Phase 1: Due January 15. Phase 2: Due January 29.
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Archie has requested that this statement be shared widely. We are sharing it with the congregation, in hopes that each of us will consider his question.
[trigger warning - racial epithet]
"On the Sunday after Christmas, I took my sign (Stand Against Racism) and stood on the corner of Broadway and some street in Saratoga.
I was there fifteen or twenty minutes when a voice rang out "Thanks for being here, Veterans for Peace Supports You!"
Just as I was acknowledging the voice, another voice rang out loud and clear "Get out of here Nigger, Racism ain't going no where!!"
I need to say thanks to both voices. One for the support and the second for the reminder of why I drove to Saratoga.
So, my question is (and you may have heard me say this before)......
Are You Paying Attention?"
Come Join the Inclusivity Team!
It's a new year! The Inclusivity Team is tackling 2021, launching exciting initiatives. We need your help to make them happen. If you have interest, or expertise to lend, please email the contact person associated with the initiative(s) you would like to join, to find out more. Learn more here.
DR MLK JR DAY Celebrations:
New York State Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Civil Rights Then and Now
Monday, January 18
(music, art, and inspiring stories by New Yorkers around the state)
WMHT TV 10-11 AM
CAPITAL DISTRICT MARTIN L. KING HOLIDAY LABOR AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Monday, January 18 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
RISE UP! THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES...
(Labor/Community Discussion)
The Sanctuary for Independent Media (518) 369-4978
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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: Saturday, 1/16/20, 10:30-11:00 am
Where: Troy, the sidewalk at the former Price Chopper: 865 2nd Avenue, 12182
- physical distance, masks
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signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
- all weather
The purpose is two-fold:
- to express that Black Lives Matter
- 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.
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
CALL TO ACTION: Be a virtual volunteer to change the world from the comfort of your home.
Many UUs are strong advocates for passing New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. The Act would:
- empower terminally ill New Yorkers to obtain medication that they could take to avoid needless suffering and have a peaceful death; and
- give New Yorkers the same end-of-life options available in DC and nine states, including our neighbors, Vermont and New Jersey.
Governor Cuomo has said that he would sign the bill into law once it is passed by the Assembly and Senate. Many lawmakers returning in 2021 are already supporters, as the Act was gaining momentum in 2020 before the pandemic. But, in 2021, more than 40 newly elected lawmakers will need to meet with advocates to learn about the Act and the importance of passing it this year.
That’s where you can help. We need a groundswell of New Yorkers to reach out to lawmakers.
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Join us on Zoom on Monday, January 25, 2021, 11:30-12:30, for Compassion and Choices NY’s 2021 campaign kickoff to support the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Sign up here to get the Zoom link.
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Volunteer to be a virtual advocate to meet with lawmakers via Zoom in order to share your story and reasons for supporting medical aid in dying. You will be joined by experienced advocates so you don’t need to know all the details of the Act or have advocacy experience. Just your presence can make a difference. Offer to help by sending an email to Amanda Cavanaugh at NY@compassionandchoices.org.
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Contact your Assembly Member and Senator to express your support for medical aid in dying. Even if you have contacted them before, do it again. Use this link for email, or call them.
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Learn more about the 2021 campaign and how to advance the Act by viewing this webinar.
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Reach out to family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and others to invite them to join you in all of the actions listed above.
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Family Chapel this Sunday at 11:30
We'll continue with our theme of Imagination with the book I Have a Dream, which is the text of the end of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s 1963 speech at the Lincoln Memorial. Children in grades Pre-k through 8 will meet in their groups after Family Chapel. Email Leah Purcell for details, including the zoom link.
UU Family/Household Circle Training
Leah Purcell has a tool she can share with families, couples, or any household to strengthen connections and communication at home. It’s a way to help practice your values where it counts most – at home, with the people you spend so much time with! The whole family or household does not need to come to learn – just two members is enough to learn and bring the practice home. Fill out this form for Leah to find times later in Jan or in Feb to meet for this two-session workshop which will be held on a Friday evening and following Saturday morning. If you have questions, contact Leah at dre@albanyuu.org
The Guest at Your Table Program 2020-2021 Theme: The Meaning of Home
This year during Guest at Your Table, we can witness stories of our partners around the world as they tell you about home. Our partners in Central America are working to make sure no one is forced to flee their home due to violence or economic devastation. Our partners in Alaska, Louisiana, and the Pacific are fighting for their homes and ancestral lands against the ravages of extractive industries and climate change. And our partners in Burma, Bangladesh, and beyond are working tirelessly to support the rights of the Rohingya ethnic minority of Burma after facing government backed genocide in their homeland. Information from the staff of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee about Guest at Your Table is here
The deadline to submit donations to First UU Society of Albany's Guest at Your Table program this year is January 25.
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.
From member Al De Salvo: Susan Thompson was scheduled to be released from St Peter's hospital on Sunday. However, she has had a setback during Saturday night which included a low fever and some trouble breathing. Pneumonia has been ruled out. Blood work and a CAT Scan were done on Sunday to rule out any infection and/or to see if there has been an embolism that may have entered her lungs. IF, and that's a big IF, since there were two false starts already, all goes well, Susan may be able to come home today.
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.
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Essential Building Use Guidelines:
Learn about submitting announcements to for our virtual Sunday service and how to reserve a Zoom room for meetings and events here.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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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:
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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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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
6:30 PM Board of Trustees (4th)
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Going to miss a Sunday?
Online service is generally recorded
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.
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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
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
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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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