Greetings Friends,
Welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates.
Please note, the Daily Reminder was not sent out this morning since there were no events to remind folks about today. Everything you need to know is right here in the Weekly. Daily Reminders will continue tomorrow morning. Thank you!
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-Blessings and Be Well
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VIRTUAL SUMMER SUNDAY SERVICE
LIVE on ZOOM
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WELCOME TO ALBANY UU SUMMER SERVICES
Service at 10:00 AM
Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 Virtual Meditation session until 9:20. We then have Virtual Service beginning at 10:00 each Sunday and a chance to stay online for virtual "Fellowship and Conversation."
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Aug. 22 “Olympia Brown, Unsung Heroine,” Sigrin Newell
Olympia Brown was the first woman to be ordained as a minister with official approval by a national denomination. In 1863, the Northern Universalist Association in Malone NY approved her plea for equality. As a minister, she had to take the bottom-of-the-barrel jobs that no man wanted. In each case, she made her churches thrive. Reverend Brown was also a suffragist from the very beginning, working with Susan B. Anthony. Brown spent the rest of her life working to get the vote for women. She cast her first vote in 1920 at age 85. Hers is a fascinating story that should be better known.
Dr. Sigrin Newell has been active with the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany NY for more than 30 years. During this time she has given many sermons. She sings in the choir. At the UU Weekend/Silver Bay retreat, she has led nature walks and conducted sessions focused on poetry in nature and Goddess spirituality. She retired from Walden University, a distance-learning graduate school where she taught students earning their PhDs in education. Sigrin's hobbies are gardening and botany.
Music: Alyssa Yeager
Those wishing to access closed captioning/live transcript can turn on the function in their Zoom toolbar. To update to the latest version of Zoom, please do that within the software by finding the menu link and “check for updates”.
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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AUGUST SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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Aug. 29 "Reckoning with Reparations in Albany: Why Here, Why Now?" Jennifer Burns of SURJ
This will be a service about racial justice. More information will be coming soon.
Music: Bruce Holden
Albany UU Virtual Summer Services
Our summer services continue through September 5.
8:30 a.m. Virtual Sunday Meditation continues through the summer and we will have Virtual Service at 10:00 AM each Sunday. Summer services are coordinated by 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
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Sunday Offering
and other service information
Joys and Concerns for Online Services
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Archives
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Meaning Matters is a small group discussion, growth and development program at Albany UU led by Rev. Sam.
Before the beginning of the month, Rev. Sam sends out a short packet of materials containing essays, deepening exercises, quotes, poems, music, video clips, podcasts, articles, books, movies, all related to the “theme for the month.” Towards the end of the month, the Meaning Matters groups gather to reflect on the theme using the materials, sermons from that month, and activities that can stimulate growth and development. Participants are free to use as much or as little of these materials as they wish. The focus is personal sharing, reflection and conversation exploring the theme together.
The program meets once a month from September through June for two hours. There are currently three groups (could be more) that meet the third Monday at 1:30pm, the third Tuesday at 5pm and the fourth Monday at 7pm.
The themes for the next 10 months are:
September: Embracing Possibility
October: Cultivating Relationship
November: Holding History
December: Opening to Joy
January: Living with Intention
February: Widening the Circle
March: Renewing Faith
April: Awakening
May: Nurturing Beauty
June: Celebrating Blessings
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ALBANY UU IS STILL HIRING!
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Looking for a little income?
Are you--or a friend--looking to make some money occasionally? And, are you able to work on Sundays?
Albany UU needs a ‘backup’ Sunday custodian. The job is from 8:00-1:00 on Sunday mornings (after September 12) and entails a multitude of small tasks that that enable our service and programs to run smoothly. Some lifting is required. The pay is $15 per hour.
If you are interested in finding out more, contact Tammy Hathaway, Church Administrator at 518-463-7135 or admin@albanyuu.org. And pass this on to anyone who might be interested!
Also available: occasional paid “gigs” as Building Host and Dishwasher. Contact Tammy Hathaway if you’re interested in either of these.
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Start your Sunday Morning with Meditation 8:30 - 9:15 AM
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
Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM every Tuesday, the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom to discuss the 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
Bridge Group
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 PM, Room B-8 at Albany UU. No matter how many people come, all are fitted into play. All are welcome and assumed vaccinated. Due to the nature of this group, there will not be an online option offered.
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Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM each Wednesday, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8 at Albany UU.
To join remotely, use this link:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Board of Trustees
Meets Thursday, Aug 26, 6:30 PM Albany UU members are welcome to attend.
Use the service link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Albany UU Sings
Join your friends on Wednesday, Sept 8 at 7:00 PM and sing your heart out in Virtual Community! We will supply the music and the lyrics.
Hope to see you there.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 979 5961 1765
Passcode: 0000
Walker Book Group
We hope to have the Sunday, Sept 12, 5:30 PM Walker Book Group potluck and discussion back in Channing Hall! We will discuss Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo da Vinci Learn more here.
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
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Calling all Greenies and Greenie Wanna Be’s
The Green Sanctuary Committee’s annual organizing picnic will be on Sunday, Aug 22 at the Manning’s house starting at 1:00 PM. This is an open meeting for anyone interested in addressing environmental issues from a UU perspective. Given the uptick in COVID cases, we think the safest way to meet will be to have everyone bring their own lunch. The Manning’s will supply beverages and desserts. Please also bring a chair as we will be meeting outside (weather permitting). The address is 18 Salisbury Rd. Delmar, NY 12054. Phone: 518-439-4226. Please let us know if you are coming by emailing chuckmanning@hotmail.com.
Annual Members & Friends Art Show
Sunday, Sept 12
Open to All Ages and Levels
Days to Drop off Art Work
Aug. 31st 11am-1pm
Sept 2nd 10am-noon
Other times by appointment only. Please call Tammy Hathaway at 518-463-7135.
Questions: Call Ellen Thea Chernoff 518-463-5503 (H)
Art work should be ready to hang (framed and wired, if under glass, no exposed edges).
Attach a 3x5 to each piece indicating:
Title of Work
Your name
Contact Information
Price, if for sale
UUs in the News
Consider watching Discarding Earth, a film by Michael Chernoff on Saturday Aug. 21 at 10:30 PM. Presented by,
TVFilm Independent Film Showcase WMHT Capital Region (Albany, NY)
Folks who do not live in the area or who miss the program can also stream it in the WMHT Facebook page and website.
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Flowers for Sunday Services
When we are able to safely hold our Sunday services in our building again, we will be looking for folks to sign up to provide the flowers. Look for a link to an online form coming soon! If you are interested in being a part of the wonderful Flower Team here at Albany UU, please contact Sandy Stone.
Gardening Volunteers
Do you have two hours to contribute to maintaining the Albany UU gardens? The Gardening Team welcomes you to sign up here. No experience necessary. For more information, contact Donna Meixner or 518/439-5947.
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Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice – Call to Action
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will become the Governor of New York on August 24. Her position on medical aid in dying is not known. Compassion and Choices, which leads the campaign to pass New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act, is seeking signatures on an on-line petition to let our new Governor know how important it is for the terminally ill to have a full range of end of life choices, including medical aid in dying. If you support end of life choice, please, please, please take two actions this week:
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Sign the petition here. (You will be asked for a donation after signing, but you do not have to donate to have your support count.)
- Send the link to the petition to family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and others. Thousands of signatures will help get this issue on the new Governor’s agenda.
Thank you for your help!
The Albany UU Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) and Inclusivity Team recommend a Black Lives Matter vigil in Troy:
When: Saturdays,10:30-11:15 am
Where: Troy - corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets, 12180
- pandemic concerns: It's important to remember that vaccines protect the vaccinated. Even as restrictions are lifted in New York State, some may choose to take precautions because of inability to be vaccinated (e.g., age, illness, compromised immune system). Please remember that if you are vaccinated, you are still susceptible to being an asymptomatic carrier of Covid-19. Those who wish to take precautions are invited to. If you are no longer taking precautions, please respect the decisions of those who do. Only an individual knows their full risk. It can be perceived as confrontational to ask vaccine-status of others.
- signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
- the vigil will automatically be canceled due to threat of thunderstorms or other severe weather
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RE Roundup August 2021
Albany UU’s Religious Education Program is at the start of a big year!
Annual RE Picnic: the tradition continues. We plan to gather after service on Sunday 9/19 for the annual RE Welcome Back get-together in Washington Park. Here’s hoping for a nice, sunny day!
Consultancy: the exciting work of our Interim Religious Education Consultant, Dr. Michele Grove, has already begun. If you haven’t yet met Michele, she will be part of the worship team at our September 19th service, sharing the message of “ REconnection and REsilience”. There will also be opportunities to work with Michele throughout the fall as she helps us explore Albany UU’s Religious Education heritage, identity and future.
Staff: Paula Brewer has joined the RE team as the RE Program Assistant. She’ll be working approximately 10 hours /week to support RE activities. Paula’s many years of experience as a volunteer in the program and as an RE Council member make her a strong addition to the team, we are so glad she is here. Welcome, Paula!
Volunteers: We couldn’t do RE without our amazing, and much-appreciated volunteers. Please email Elizabeth at dre@albanyuu.org if you want to sign up for a guide team this year. Plans for RE groups are underway, specifics will be communicated after building reopening guidelines have been adopted by the Board of Trustees.
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UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY
October 15-17
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Renew, Refresh and Relax at Silver Bay
Do you feel as though the summer is moving too fast? Keep the good times rolling! Come to the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 15-17, 2021 to build and strengthen relationships and nurture spirit, mind and body. Learn, play and hang out with your fellow UU’s before winter sets in.
After a year’s hiatus, the Silent Auction will return!! New or almost new items, including gift certificates, hardcover books, art, collectibles, nice quality jewelry, bottles of wine, homemade jams, jellies, honey and high-quality crafts, will be gladly accepted. The children’s auction will accept toys, puzzles, and stuffed animals in good condition.
Remember – the cost is all-inclusive for room and board, activities and entertainment - including all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.
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Those who knew former Albany UU member, Ursula Poland, are invited to Helen Lindsay's Celebration of Life on Saturday, Sept 4 at 1:00 PM on Zoom:
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UPDATED Building Use Guidelines:
Sunday services will remain online through the summer. There is a team working hard to provide recommendations to the Albany UU Board regarding safe gathering again in our building for Sunday services. This information will be provided as soon as it is available.
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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Quick Links
Denominational Affairs Links
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Publication deadlines
This is an important reminder that the news and article deadline for Windows Weekly is 9:00 AM on Monday. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sign up for an Albany UU class or event
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany |
Parking:
Parking is available on the street. On Sundays (and for some special events) Albany UU has permission to use the University at Albany’s Hawley Parking Lot on Robin Street at Washington Avenue.
Office hours:
Staff are transitioning from working almost exclusively from home to a combination of working from home and at the church office. Right now, office hours are by appointment until a routine is established.
Our Website:
Zoom use:
To reserve Zoom for an Albany UU meeting, contact the church office (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).
Building use
To reserve a room for an Albany UU activity or to rent a hall or classroom space, for a personal or non-Albany UU activity, contact Administrative Assistant Patience Pechette (518.463.7135 or office@albanyuu.org).
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Photo credit: Rev. Sam Trumbore
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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135 | 518.463.1429 Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org |
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