Windows Weekly March 18, 2021
ALBANY UU WINDOWS WEEKLY
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

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.


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.
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
10:00 am
LIVE VIA ZOOM


March 21, “Commitment to Peace,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
A Commitment to world peace can be found in our Purposes and Principles. That may be an easier commitment than to peace and nonviolence in personal relationships. This will be a joint service with the UU Congregation of the Catskills and their minister, the Rev. Dr. Leonisa Ardizzone.

Music provided by Albany UU Virtual Choir, Joint AUU and UU Catskills Virtual Choir and more!

Use this link to join the service:

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 the theme of the month - Commitment - with the story “I Am Enough” read by some of the children. This is a short worship for children, youth, their parents/caretakers and the RE guides, and includes the story for the week. Then we’ll have break out rooms for each group in 8th grade and younger for their group sessions.
Use this link to join:

To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID 843 1034 5197
Password: 4051842
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICES

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

UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT

The Religious Services Committee will be meeting at 5:30 PM tonight, Thursday, March 18..
All are welcome to attend.

Use this link to join:
Meeting ID: 518-366-4532
Password: 4051842


Martha Schroeder Virtual Memorial Service
A virtual memorial service for long-time Albany UU member, Martha Schroeder will be held via Zoom on Saturday, March 20 at 3:00 PM. Find more information here.

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


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 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


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, Mar 24 at 10:00 AM.

Use this link to join:

By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Albany UU Sings
Join your friends and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Save these Wednesday dates at 7:00 PM for the rest of the the service year:
March 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


Join Us for a Virtual Circle Dinner!
The pandemic continues to keep us physically distancing, but many of us enjoy keeping in touch by Zoom. Sign up for warm conversation with a small group on a chilly Spring night! All are welcome at the next Albany UU Virtual Circle Dinner, Saturday, Mar 27 from 6 to 7:30 PM. We'll send you a zoom link and assign you to a virtual "table" of 6 to 8 UUs. Get to know longtime and new friends while you enjoy your dinner or favorite beverage. 
Sign up by emailing at johnssherman@gmail.com by Thursday March 25. The next Virtual Circle Dinner will be Saturday April 17.


A Virtual Orientation for Newcomers on Zoom
Getting to Know UU
Saturday, Apr 3, 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:
10:00 AM to noon
Saturday, Apr 3

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.


HMUU Join Service
Sunday, April 11, 10:30 AM
A Theology of Covenant and other Pandemic Lessons, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
The pandemic has shown us more clearly the ways we are interconnected and responsible to and for each other. How does this change the way we think about covenant in and across our congregations. What new practices does it call us to? Join our UUA President and the five congregations of the Hudson-Mohawk UU Cluster.

Use this link to join:
 
For audio only, dial +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 496 839 021
Password: 262275


Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, April 11 at 6:30 pm. Join at 6:15 for additional time to socialize. We will discuss The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Directions for joining the meeting will be placed in the Daily Reminders. Learn more here.

Use this link to join:
 
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
LIFTING HEARTS, BROADENING MINDS, DOING JUSTICE...TOGETHER


Our stewardship campaign is over halfway complete! We’ve already reached 63% of our goal, continuing with an average increase of 6%. Many thanks to all those who have already pledged. And thank you for your generosity! If you haven’t yet returned your pledge, we encourage you to do so. Our campaign goal is $457,000.  We ask you to consider a 3% increase this year.
 
Remember, we’re all in this together! Our congregational life is defined by the pooling of our collective resources: time, talent and treasure. We care for each other, together. We nurture our children and youth, together. We make a difference in the lives of those in need, together. We take a side against injustice, together. And, together, we must ensure our dynamic congregation continues to flourish and emerges strong from the constraints of the pandemic. 

 
We need to get all pledges returned by April 1st so please don’t delay. Remember to include your UU Bucks raffle ticket when you return your pledge.
 
To Return Your Pledge by April 1st, you can:
  • Pledge online using this link
  • Mail your pledge to the Albany UU office (405 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12206)

Thanks for all you do to support Albany Unitarian Universalist!

Geoff Abbas                                                 Patti Jo Newell
Stewardship Co-chair                                  Stewardship Co-chair
 
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

FROM OUR INCLUSIVITY TEAM
8th Principle

Let's Take Some Time to Consider the 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism

“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

This proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism has been adopted by more than 40 congregations and another 40 in process. It was created in 2013 by Paula Cole Jones and Bruce Pollack-Johnson, out of the belief that after many decades of fighting racism in our congregations and in society, we needed something to renew our commitment to this work, to hold us accountable, and to fulfill the potential of our existing Seven Principles. 

Having recently experienced the United States moving quickly and dangerously in the wrong direction, police violence against BIPOC, Supreme Court decisions on voting rights, and the resurgence of violent white supremacist groups, among other events, the Inclusivity Team felt that now was well past time to introduce the 8th Principle to Albany UU for consideration and adoption. The Inclusivity Team formed an 8th Principle subteam, members include Dick Dana, Linda Hunt, Lee Newberg, and Annika Pfluger.

The subteam began by contacting a number of congregations, from Virginia to Hawaii, who have already adopted the 8th Principle. We asked them about their experience of the process. All saw it as a major, positive step in their congregation’s anti-racism journey, serving as a guide while they continue to shape the life of their congregation both internally, in welcoming and including people of diverse backgrounds; and externally, in their relationships outside the congregation’s walls. 

One stated flatly, "If you don’t deal with the 8th Principle, everything you tell me about the other 7 doesn’t ring true." She mentioned it gives her congregation a framework to talk about the issue, and in a sense, it has given her a whole new congregation. One BIPOC member stated that adopting the 8th Principle was a tangible expression of her congregation’s love for her.

There is more to come. We will all have a chance to discuss the implications of adoption. Let's all take some time to consider the 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism. Feel free to text, email, or call any one of us on the subteam with any questions, comments, or concerns. 


From our blogs:

INCLUSIVITY RECOMMENDS

SOCIAL ACTION
Social Responsibilities Council Recommends


The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy:
When: Saturdays,10:30-11:00 am
Where: Troy, the sidewalk at the former Price Chopper: 865 2nd Avenue, 12182
  • physical distance, masks
  • signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
  • the vigil will automatically be canceled if the temperature is 20 or below OR if the wind chill is below 10 degrees Fahrenheit 


SRC recommends that for those who can, and wish to do so, stimulus check(s) can be sent to Albany UU with UU Unified Community Designated Fund in the memo line, which will at a future time be distributed to these three organizations: Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NYUnited Tenants of Albany, and Joseph House in Troy as a gift from Albany UU. Thank you for your consideration.


Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Learn about end of life issues from the comfort of your home.
  • Friday, March 19 from 6:30 - 8 pm, Corinne Carey, Donna Smith and Albany UU’s very own Dr. Mary Applegate will discuss End-of-Life in the Age of COVID, including their experiences of death, end of life care, and the creation of social and spiritual community during the pandemic. This event will highlight the need for medical aid in dying in New York. Register here.
  • Tuesday, March 23 from 7-8 pm, watch a moving 58-minute documentary Bob’s Choice: Why a Seattle Man Chose Death with Dignity, live over Zoom. Discussion will enable participants to ask questions and explore how Washington’s medical aid in dying law helped a 75-year-old Seattle man end his suffering and die in accordance with his values. Register here.
  • SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, April 14, 11 am – noon.  Compassion and Choices is planning a virtual rally. 
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

JOYS and CONCERNS

UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY

Activities Abound at the UU Weekend at Silver Bay (October 15-17, 2021)
It all starts with driving through the mountains with those vibrant fall colors. What a great way to begin a weekend! Add in making Star Island beads and staying up until 1 AM working on those annoyingly addictive jigsaw puzzles, and there you are.  
-Bob Franklin
 
Adults can enjoy workshops focusing on creativity, yoga, social justice, dance, and spirituality interspersed with relaxation and conversation. Children can look forward to a full array of age-appropriate activities, including a return of Jim Snack, a well-known magician. 

Registration is open! Register by June 7, 2021 to receive the lowest rates! Children under 6 are free, with substantial discounts for older children and youth. Access additional information about Silver Bay and the UU weekend, including a preliminary schedule of events and a registration form here. Rooms will be assigned on a first come, first served basis based on receipt of the completed registration form and accompanying deposit.

Remember – the cost is all-inclusive for room and board, activities and entertainment - including all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.

Note: Curranty, we are experiencing a time of social distancing and modifications of group gatherings due to Covid-19. Any restrictions in place at the time of the UU Weekend at Silver Bay will be communicated to registrants.
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, our file cabinet, 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)
12:00 PM Ministry and Operations Team (1st)
7:00 PM     Albany UU Sings (alternating)

Thursdays    
6:30 PM       Board of Trustees (4th)
Going to miss a Sunday?

Online service is generally recorded

Sunday, Mar 14 watch it here.

Sunday, Mar 7 watch it here.

Sunday, Feb 28 watch it here.

Sunday, Feb 21 watch it here.

Sunday, Feb 14 watch it here.

Sunday, Feb 7 watch it here.


For archives

This has pdf files of sermons texts (when available) and audio files of sermons.


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 and Tammy have their messages forwarded to their personal cell phones and are available by email.

Our Website:
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

Zoom use
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU online meeting, contact the virtual church office (518.463.7135 or admin@albanyuu.org).

Photo credit: Jeannie Thompson
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135| 518.463.1429 | Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org