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 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
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 Roxaboxen, which is about a world created by children.
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 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, 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.
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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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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
RE for Children and Youth on Sundays at 11:30 AM
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
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.
Use the Service Link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Green Sanctuary Team Meeting
Sunday, Jan 24, 11:45 AM
All are welcome to attend.
Use the service link to join:
To dial 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 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
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
Free Concerts
youtube.com/rhiannonslark. Alyssa performs a mix of her originals and your favorite 50s-60s folk rock, including requests. All are welcome!
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Special Congregational Meeting on Proposed Bylaws
Stay on the service 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:
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
Multigenerational Game Night
Friday, Feb 5, 6:30 PM
Join us for some time together for fun and games on Zoom. We’ll start with some “getting to know you” activities and then have two or three breakout rooms with different games. Email Mike Myers at myersesq@aol.com with questions and to let him know by Feb 1 if you’re coming. Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
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!
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, Feb 14 at 6:30 pm. We will discuss Caste: The Origin of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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Dear friends and members of Albany UU,
I have bittersweet news to share with you - I am retiring from my position here at the end of this June.
Supporting our children, youth, and families and partnering with them in their UU journeys has been a great treasure of my life. And I am so grateful for the numerous opportunities for professional and personal development that the congregation has provided me; I feel like I have grown in heart, mind and spirit over the past 14 years. I have enjoyed working for this congregation and with the staff, especially Rev Sam, and with all the volunteers.
Even with the pandemic, I feel that the community of Albany UU is strong and part of me longs to continue my ministry here. However, as my husband, Kevin has shared with the congregation, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease almost 2 years ago. Weathering the pandemic has shown Kevin and I how important our family is, though they are scattered across the country. So, when the time comes, we want to travel and have extended stays with them. Still, I will miss the work and being your religious educator.
There is much to do in the meantime - running our RE program, supporting our families and keeping our congregation strong. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and continue the work before us.
With love for you all,
Leah
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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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2020 Tax Letters - and an idea!
Tax letters for 2020 donations to Albany UU were mailed out on Tuesday. You should be receiving those shortly if you haven't already. Member, Jill Peckenpaugh let me know that she received her tax letter AND her stimulus check on the same day! That prompted her to think....why don't I just donate my stimulus check to Albany UU? If anyone else feels so moved, please feel welcome! Signing those stimulus checks over to the church can be a bit tricky, however. Better to deposit it into your account and write a separate check to Albany UU. Thank you so much Jill and Jan McCracken for thinking of this!
Thank you!!!
I want to extend a personal, heartfelt thank you to the members and friends of Albany UU for your outpouring of love and appreciation for Sapphire. Your wonderful notes and generous gifts as she makes her way in the world of Public Health, moved us to tears. I cannot fully express my gratitude to all of you. Please know how much you are loved. -Tammy
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 on ZOOM. 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 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 for to learn and bring the practice home. This will be a two-session workshop which will be held on a Fri evening and following Sat morning. Here are the Fri evening/Sat morning dates Leah is proposing:
- Fri Jan 22 from 8 - 9pm and Sat Jan 23 from 10-11am (THIS WEEK)
- Fri Jan 29 from 8-9 pm and Sat Jan 30 from 10-11am
- Fri Feb 12 from 8-9 pm and Sat Feb 13 from 10-11am
Guest at Your Table - Jan 25 deadline fast approaching!
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.
Volunteer Opportunity
The Albany City Schools are not allowing volunteers to work with students during this tumultuous school year. However, the Reading Is Fun (RIF) program, targeted to elementary students in the Schenectady City Schools who need extra help building reading skills, is looking for volunteers to work virtually with students,
The goal of RIF is to ensure that every 4-year-old to 9-year-old learns the letters in the alphabet and their sounds and have fun doing it! Conversational skills are used to help youngsters develop vocabulary to help build the basis for success in school and throughout life.
Volunteers read books to or with students depending on the students’ reading level. Games are often used to help with letter recognition and sight words. Books are provided to volunteers and are given to the students to build a home library.
Sessions occur once a week at convenient times for the volunteer and teacher for 30 to 60 minutes.
No teaching experience is necessary to volunteer. Volunteers are trained in one-hour sessions conducted by literacy educators and reading teachers. The program also offers training in Google Meet, the computer program used to work with students.
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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Donald Trump Is Out. Are We Ready to Talk About How He Got In?
The Atlantic January 19, 2021
Ta-Nehisi Coates
"It is still deeply challenging for so many people to accept the reality of what has happened—that a country has been captured by the worst of its history, while millions of Americans cheered this on..."
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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, 1/23/20, 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.
Thoughts from Leah on how to support BLM
In case it's helpful, here's an article I found on How to Support the Black Lives Matter Movement, Even if You Don't Have Money It's written by a white woman from Allure which is a women's beauty magazine. I'm not much into women's beauty trends these days, but I do appreciate the article. You may see that you have already done or are currently working on one or more of the actions from the article, or maybe you've considered one of the actions. Yay! One thing it mentions is following Black activists in your area. I've started learning about Amy Jones. From the article in the hyperlink "Jones says she focuses her efforts on people who are often overlooked and underserved, including women of color and marginalized genders, and those released from incarceration or who have been sexually abused or suffered from domestic violence." She's on FaceBook and she also coordinates her efforts through Voix Noire, which you can learn more about here: https://voixnoire.com
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Family Chapel this Sunday at 11:30
We'll continue with our theme of Imagination with the book Roxaboxen, which is about a world created by children.
Coming of Age Meets this week at 12:30
This week we’ll be exploring spirituality and worship.
The Parent/Caretaker Support Group will meet the first and third Wednesday of the month starting in February. Save the date for our next meeting Wed, Feb 3 starting at 8:00 pm
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. This will be a two-session workshop which will be held on a Fri evening and following Sat morning. Here are the Fri evening/Sat morning dates Leah is proposing:
- Fri Jan 22 from 8 - 9pm and Sat Jan 23 from 10-11am (THIS WEEK)
- Fri Jan 29 from 8-9 pm and Sat Jan 30 from 10-11am
- Fri Feb 12 from 8-9 pm and Sat Feb 13 from 10-11am
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. 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.
Multigenerational Game Night, Friday, Feb 5 6:30 – 8:00 pm
We had such a fun time our Dec Game Night, we’re doing it again! Join us for some time together for fun and games on Zoom. We’ll start with some “getting to know you” activities and then have two or three breakout rooms with different games. It’s super helpful to know in advance how many people are coming, but folks can decide to come at the last minute. Email Mike Myers at myersesq@aol.com with questions and to let him know by Feb 1 if you’re coming.
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.
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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