Windows Weekly November 26, 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, 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

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

Use this link to join Sunday service:

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


Join us for Family Chapel at 11:30 AM
The story in the 10:00 service and in Family Chapel is about finding sources of comfort using the story Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park (our 2nd 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 & HOLIDAY 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
Dec 6, “Remember to Be Still and Know,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Stillness, the theme for this month, is a core spiritual practice. Whether through meditation, prayer, or yoga, outer stillness opens the mind to knowing its inner activity. That inner life might be much quieter and more subtle in comparison with the drama of daily living and holiday preparations. It is easily overlooked and ignored and requires the effort of remembrance.

Music provided by special guests Barb and Dave Metz; and Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and
Randy Rosette


Dec 13, “Nature’s Stillness,” Rev Sam Trumbore
The trees stand naked without their covering of greenery. Snowbirds have taken flight. The crickets chirp no more. The land feels lifeless as the frost comes, the water freezes and the snowflakes fly. Yet under the soil, resting under rocks and hidden in caves, life still persists.

Music provided by special guest Mark Abendroth; and Elena Karpoff


Dec 20, “Returning to the Stillness of the Stable”
Each year our children reenact the Christmas Story. This year we will continue that tradition but use video technology for them to tell the story safely from home so we can watch it all on Zoom. We’ll be joined by the Saratoga Springs UU congregation as their children will be part of our pageant!

Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette


THURSDAY, Dec 24Christmas Eve Service
(7:30pm with repeat broadcast at 10:00pm)
Join us to hear your favorite Christmas carols, enjoy some heartwarming stories, light candles and sing Silent Night together. Though we will not be able to be in the Sanctuary, we’ll have some video from it and enjoy two moving virtual choir pieces. It will not be the same as being physically present together but the spirit of Christmas will not be stopped on this holy evening. (Use the service link.)

Music provided by special guests AUU Virtual Choir, Chris Bystroff; and Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and
Randy Rosette


Dec 27, Guest Speaker, Janice Gallagher
Janice Gallagher is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Rutgers University-Newark. She conducted more than two years of fieldwork in Mexico and Colombia, and previously worked as a human rights accompanier in Colombia. Janice holds a PhD in Government from Cornell University and an MA in teaching from Brown University. She is the daughter of long-time Albany UU members Emily and Jay Gallagher.

Music provided by special guest Tanya Hotalen; and Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen and Randy Rosette


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.
  • 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.


For more information about Sunday service, Zoom, Adult RE for ALL, Sunday Offering, and other important details, check out our Sunday at a Glance page here.
CONGREGATIONAL COVENANT


Greetings Friends.

I’m happy to report that the proposed covenant passed with over two thirds of the vote at Sunday’s special congregational meeting. I’m even more pleased with the quality of the discussion. It was engaging, informative, passionate and respectful. Congregants twice voted to extend the discussion, giving the opportunity to all who wished to speak. I was deeply moved listening to my fellow congregants express their thoughts and longings about community and commitment. For this, I thank you. May we always support one another in our promises to each other.

And may you and yours have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Patti Jo Newell
Albany UU President


Our new Albany Unitarian Universalist 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.


Many thanks to all those who helped with the meeting on Sunday:

Geoff Abbas
Kristen Abbas
Peter Brown
Tammy Hathaway
Jan McCracken
Rev. Sam Trumbore

And many thanks to the Covenant Team:

Dick Dana
Brian Frank
Jan McCracken
Patti Jo Newell
Leah Purcell
Kelly Smith
Rev. Sam Trumbore
UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT


Thanksgiving Open House!
Join Rev. Sam for a Virtual Thanksgiving Open House, 3-5pm!
Come to our virtual open house anytime between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on the afternoon of Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov 26). There will be opportunity for conversations in breakout rooms, games, virtual dancing, and singing. Stop by and say hello or come and stay the whole time. Have ideas or activities to contribute? Contact your host of this event, Rev. Sam: minister@albanyuu.org.

Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000


Virtual Evening Circle - Sign up for November 28!
UUs have gathered on-line twice for Virtual Circle Dinners. They’ve been an outstanding success! 
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.


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


Adult RE
Conversational Response, 11:30 AM on Sundays – 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.

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


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, “stillness” for December, 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.

Tuesdays, Dec 1 and 15, 7:30-8:30pm
Wednesdays, Dec 9 and 23, 4:30-5:30pm

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, Dec 2 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 remainder of this fall:
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


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!

Join in the FUN!

Last chance to order your Albany UU Masks and Fair Trade items! Plus, get your Poinsettias - on sale now from our RE Coming of Age group!


Coming of Age Fundraiser - Poinsettia Sales!
Brighten your home for the holidays and support our Coming of Age program (formerly Rite of Passage) with a purchase of lovely poinsettia plants. $14 for one/$26 for two.
They come in 6” gold foil wrapped pots. Choose from red or white blooms.
Pick up date is Saturday, Dec 5 from 10 – noon or by appointment: dre@albanyuu.org.

Coming of Age is our program for 9th graders to work with trusted adults in the congregation who serve as mentors to learn what it means to be an adult UU. The youth each create their own belief statement and present those in a Sunday morning service they will give this spring. Instead of going to Boston for a heritage trip, the plan is for the group to attend virtual General Assembly in June. 

Albany UU Mask Order Form - you'll love these masks! Deadline to order for the Dec 6th pick up date is THIS Sunday, Nov 29!

Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate Order Form - don't wait, when they're gone, they're gone! Deadline to order for the Dec 6th pick up date is THIS Sunday, Nov 29!

Thank you for your support!
SAM'S OUTLOOK

Find a Stillness

Find a stillness, hold a stillness, let the stillness carry me.
Find the silence, hold the silence, let the silence carry me.
Seek the essence, hold the essence, let the essence carry me.
Let me flower, help me flower, watch me flower, carry me.
In the spirit, by the spirit, with the spirit giving power,
I will find true harmony.

                               Hymn #352, Singing the Living Tradition
                               Words by Carl G. Seaburg

The Rev. Kimberley Debus writes:

I love the haunting, minor key of the tune as well as the phrasing … [and] the three-part invitation in the lyrics; especially that first one, to find, hold, and then let the stillness carry me. It’s a prescription for prayer and meditation. Find it, hold it, and let it do its work in us.

I share Rev. Debus’ appreciation of the beauty of this hymn too. It’s one of my favorites. It speaks deeply about the process of growth and development. It also corrects misconceptions about how that process works.

One of the most challenging aspects of spiritual practice is the uncooperative nature of the mind applied to the task. The meditator sits down in a comfortable and erect position, balanced between leaning forward and back and side to side. The head is balanced on C1, the cervical atlas, hovering over the shoulders. The shoulders are balanced over the pelvis. The back, appropriately curved, relaxed, supple, and still, floats on spinal disks. Hands rest in the lap with thumbs ever so gently touching.

The body may find some stillness, but the mind resists staying on the breath. A sound jerks the attention away – “What was that? Oops, I’m not on the breath. Darn. Back I go … Why is my elbow itching? Should I scratch it? Oh my gosh, I already did scratch it! Do I scratch again – is that permitted? I’m terrible at this. … I’m getting a little thirsty. How much time has gone by? How much longer do I have to do this?” And on, and on, and on.

With a little practice and persistence though, it gets a little easier until the meditator stumbles upon the experience of stillness, almost by accident. Of course, the excitement about finding a moment of stillness completely wrecks the stillness. But now the meditator knows what to look for and maybe what worked to get there. The next step is to learn how to hold the stillness, stay with it. That does take more practice and persistence. But after finding and losing a stillness many times, it gets easier to both find and hold a stillness. In meditation lingo, this is deepening one’s ability to concentrate the mind in a one-pointed way.

These first two steps require effort to calm the mind. There is great benefit to that effort as it brings calm and peacefulness which are very pleasant and restorative. Deep states of meditative absorption are blissfully enjoyable, often with very pleasant bodily sensations. Stillness leads to silence, the lack of sensory stimulation. In stillness, in silence, in the state of deep concentration, the meditator may not notice outer stimulation as their mind becomes one-pointed.

“Let the stillness carry me” and “let the silence carry me” requires a letting go of control. One is present in the stillness without an effort to direct it or change it. This isn’t a static experience of being frozen in stillness. This is a sense of being carried – as if a river flowing deep below rises up and carries the meditator. There isn’t a destination so much as a sense of movement, a sense of unfolding, a sense of release. The meditator is acted upon, sort of “being meditated,” being carried through the process of awakening. It isn’t an act of will, it is the release of will into what is beyond the limited egoic self. And being in that flow is profoundly meaningful and liberating.

Through finding and holding stillness and silence, what opens up is the essence of who we are. Not as an intellectual concept or an abstraction but a direct personal experience. Finding the stillness and holding the stillness, finding the silence and holding the silence, the essence is present to be known. Not known in a way to be used, controlled or modified. Known in a way that can carry us. And when we do so, our bud breaks open and our spirit begins to flower.

Again, not by our willpower does this happen. In the spirit, by the spirit, with the spirit giving power is how it happens.

The result? Finding true harmony.

~Rev. Sam


More from our Blogs:
INCLUSIVITY RECOMMENDS

White Parents, Raising Black Children - Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

"Emmanuel Acho sits down with Aaron and Jamie Ivey and their kids, to have an uncomfortable conversation about the struggles, differences and what they have learned, in raising black and mixed children."  

ANNOUNCEMENTS


Something New!
Free Monday Morning concerts with Alyssa Yeager to connect and refresh. Featuring originals and your favorite 50s-60s folk rock. Mondays at 10:45 AM on facebook.com/alyssayeagermusic and youtube.com/rhiannonslark 
All are welcome, you WON'T be on camera, and engaging in the chat is encouraged.


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.
SOCIAL ACTION

The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy:
When: Saturday, 11/28/20, 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.


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 Fundraiser - Poinsettia Sales – Sale end this Monday, Nov 30th!
Brighten your home for the holidays and support our Coming of Age program (formerly Rite of Passage) with a purchase of lovely poinsettia plants
$14 for one/$26 for two
They come in 6” gold foil wrapped pots. Choose from red or white blooms
Pick up date is Saturday, Dec 5th from 10 – noon or by appointment
Place your order BY Monday, Nov 30 by using this online form

Coming of Age is our program for 9th graders to work with trusted adults in the congregation who service as mentors to learn what it means to be an adult UU. The youth each create their own belief statement and present them in a Sunday morning service they will give this spring. Instead of going to Boston for a heritage trip, the plan is for the group to attend virtual General Assembly in June.


Looks like we need some fun-loving adults to round out the cast for the Christmas Pageant! And parents/caretakers, it’s not too late to have your child or youth take a non-speaking part!
Elizabeth Baldes has re-written the traditional pageant to create a joyful online version. We’ll record it on Zoom! Most of the speaking parts have been taken by the children, but we still need shepherds, sheep, barn animals and angels.
  • Rehearsal and recording will be on Sat, Dec 5 from 2:00 – 4:00. (We have this time blocked off, but it will probably take well under an hour)
  • Costumes will be distributed via curbside pickup at Albany UU on Saturday, Nov 28 from 10-12. You can also ring the bell for pickup on Wed, Dec 2 between 10-3, or contact Leah at dre@albanyuu.org or Elizabeth (reassist@albanyuu.org) to make an appointment for another time.


Families, Please Join The Treehouse; it’s our own multigenerational community
You’ll see suggestions for meditations, local events, movies and books. Everyone - parents/caretakers, children and youth can share their written thoughts, pictures, videos they make. And this is where the guides keep resources for the Crossing Paths group and 8th Grade Book Club. Click here to join https://the-treehouse-re-and-family-ministry.mn.co/share/15kehOKiuER_AVpB?utm_source=manual

Parents/caretakers can find resources in the RE Roundup this week.
A huge and hearty thank you goes out to everyone involved in our FUN-draiser events! There are too many people to mention, who donated their time, talent, treasure, organizing skills and support, to making this effort a monumental success. And to all of you who purchased items and supported this - thank you!

And it's not quite over yet! There's still time to order Masks and Fair Trade items! The last pick up day is Sunday, Dec. 6 from 1-4PM.

So much GRATITUDE to all!
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:
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, guidelines and information can be found on the Resource Page of our website, here.
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 22 watch it here.

Sunday, Nov 15 watch it here.

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