WINDOWS WEEKLY June 24, 2021
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, 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
VIRTUAL SUMMER SUNDAY SERVICE
LIVE on ZOOM

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."



June 27 UUA General Assembly Worship Service

Join us virtually for the largest annual gathering of UUs gathering in worship.

A link to the service will be released on Saturday, June 26. Stay tuned!
 
JULY SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIENT


Greetings Friends.

It’s wonderful to write to you on the downslope of the pandemic. Promising signs abound and I look forward to more opportunities to see you in person.

The Board recently authorized the Ministry and Operations Team (MOT) and the newly created Reopening Working Group to revise guidelines for congregational meetings and gatherings both at the building and offsite. They also revised the rental contract. Both documents were approved by the Board, effective immediately, and can be viewed here and here.

The Board is grateful for the thoughtful work of the MOT and the Reopening Working Group in these endeavors. The Reopening Working Group included Mary Applegate, Elizabeth Baldes, Tammy Hathaway, Randy Rosette, Reese Satin, and Sam Trumbore.

Thank you for the strength and depth you’ve brought to our virtual congregation, and for your patience as we’ve discerned how to navigate our way back to the new normal.

Peace,
Patti Jo

UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT

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


Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, June 30 at 10:00 AM.

Use this link to join:

By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Social Responsibilities Team Meeting
Wednesday, June 30, 6:45 PM 
All 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 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 and on into summer:
July 7, 21
August 4, 18

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.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

OPPORTUNITIES


2021 Music Program Survey!
Over the years, members and friends of Albany UU have consistently told us that our Music Program is a vital part of our community. As we move towards a return to our building, we think it especially timely to get YOUR impressions about the music we presented during virtual services over the past 15 months. In addition, we would like to know your overall thoughts about music and related activities at Albany UU currently, as well as your hopes for the future. To this end, we encourage everyone to participate in the 2021 Music Assessment Survey. Please complete this survey as soon as you can. Your opinion will aid the continuation of a strong and vibrant music program. Thank You! 


A Few Opportunities to Serve as an Albany UU Pastoral Care Associate
Are you a good listener? Do you have good self-awareness, solid commitment to our congregation and are a member in good standing? Do you have a good personal support system and can you work collaboratively? Are you willing to ask for help when needed? Do you have an understanding of Unitarian Universalism and a sense of identity as a Unitarian Universalist?

Then maybe the Pastoral Care Associates program is for you. Each year PCA’s step down and need to be replaced.

The process is simple:
  • Submit an application (online)
  • If selected for this year, Attend a training program.
  • Make a renewable service commitment of two years.

The duties are:
  • Make a commitment to being available to offer listening ministry and emotional support for one or more congregants for a limited time period.
  • Serve as a PCA on duty Sunday morning at least once a month.
  • Participate in monthly ongoing support, training and guidance from the minister and the PCA Team.

Please submit your application by July 5, 2021 for service beginning in September by filling out the form found on this link.


Building a Multi-Platform Tech Team
As we plan a return to in-person Sunday Services in Community Hall September 12, we will continue to stream out services out on Zoom for those who are not vaccinated, not able to be vaccinated or attend in person. Three “PTZ” (remote control) cameras, a camera controller, a video switcher, fast computer and lots of cables have been purchased to accomplish this goal.

We have the equipment now we need. What is missing right now are a team of people needed to operate the cameras, to support the Multi-Media Tech. If we could build a big enough team, each person would volunteer once a month.
If operating remote control cameras and adjusting audio levels sounds like fun to you, please contact Rev. Sam at minister@albanyuu.org or by cell phone 518/366-4532. Trainings begin in July 31.  
SOCIAL ACTION


RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY
October 15-17
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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

UPDATED Building Use Guidelines:
Groups can now meet in the building by following these guidelines!. 

Sunday services will remain online through the summer since all the logistics for these services were set up to be remote, before most restrictions were lifted. We are looking forward to providing our first official in-person service on the first Sunday of our new service year, September 12 at 10:00 AM. This will be a multiplatform service and will include an online option. There will be separate guidelines for Sunday services - those are being drafted - and will be available later in the summer. There will also be guidance provided should conditions change and we need to pivot again to meet those, if needed.


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, archives, guidelines and information can be found on the Resource Page of our website, here.


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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 Albany UU class or event

- Send an email to: registration@albanyuu.org

First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany

Office hours:
Staff are slowly 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:
General: www.AlbanyUU.org

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

Photo credit: Rev. Sam Trumbore
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany | 518.463.7135 | 518.463.1429 Admin@AlbanyUU.org | AlbanyUU.org