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.
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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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VIRTUAL SUNDAY SERVICE
LIVE on ZOOM
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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. 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.
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May 2, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s famous TED talk released in July of 2009 has been viewed now over 27 million times. Yet the habit of a single story creeps into the thinking process quite easily. As our congregation considers the theme of “story” this month, let us reflect on Adichie’s message and how it applies to our congregation and our lives.
Music provided by special guest: Zach Cunningham, Mandolin; Elena Karpoff, Chris Jensen, Randy Rosette
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
Join us for Brunch Church for Children and Families at 11:30 AM
We’ll kick off the theme of the month – story – with the story (and Song) “No Mirrors in my Nana’s House” by Ysaye M. Barnwell. It’s our last Brunch Church of the year (and last one I’ll be leading). Brunch church is a time for the children in grade 5 and under to be together with Leah and for a slightly longer children’s worship. Guides and parents/caretakers are invited too! Children in the Crossing Paths group (6th/7th grade) and the 8th grade Book Group will be dismissed early for their groups.
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SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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May 9, “Two Stories That Merged into One,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
On May 12, 1961, the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America merged into the Unitarian Universalist Association. Two traditions joined to form a new religious tradition that is neither Unitarian nor Universalist. Amazingly, it has worked for 60 years. And we get to participate in creating it and bringing it to life!
Music featuring the Albany UU Virtual Choir, Elena Karpoff
May 16, This I Believe
This is the Sunday Service when we hear from members of the congregation who will share their own personal religious perspective. Our presenters this year we will be Tom Mercer, Iris Daniels, and Kristen Abbas. This has been a perennially popular service. We appreciate our presenters' willingness to participate this year and look forward to hearing from them.
Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Barb and Dave Metz, Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen
Our Annual Meeting follows the service today!
May 23, “No Last Chapter in Our UU Story,” Rev. Sam Trumbore
Over and over again, our ministers strive to articulate the core of our religious tradition, seeking unchanging dimension of our faith. And the outward expression of UUism keeps changing in new language, expression, symbols, and story. This can be confusing without recognizing the connections to our past, the evolution in the present and the vision drawing us into the future.
Music provided by Elena Karpoff
May 30, “Flower Communion,” Leah Purcell and Elizabeth Baldes
Join us for our annual Multigenerational Flower Ceremony service at 10:00. Bring a real flower with you when you join the service. We’ll hear the story of the first UU flower ceremony and explore its meaning for us today. The children will have a way for us to virtually share the flowers we have gathered.
Music provided by Elena Karpoff, Randy Rosette, Chris Jensen
The Albany UU Service year continues through
June 13
Summer Services begin Sunday, June 20, 10:00 AM
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Lighting Our Chalice
Lighting and extinguishing the chalice during our Sunday services is a meaningful and important ritual in our UU tradition.
We invite you or you and your family to record a video of lighting and extinguishing a chalice and saying a few words about what the ritual means to you. Then we can use these videos in future Zoom services.
Leah Purcell posted a lovely blog piece about chalice lighting, which you can find here. Check it out, and please consider creating a personal contribution for our Sunday services. Assistance with the logistics will gladly be provided. Thank you so much!
Joys and Concerns for Online Services
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Adult RE for ALL, Sunday Offering and other Information
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Changing the Narrative
George Floyd’s murder at the knee of Derek Chauvin and his conviction last week on all three counts confirmed an important shift in the narrative of policing in this country. More of the public accepts the narrative that police can be biased and more violent in their interaction with Black, Indigenous and People of Color than Whites. More attention is being paid to the daily reinforcement of this reality with deaths of BIPOC folks like Daunte Wright, shot to death needlessly during a traffic stop and incidents like Army second lieutenant Caron Nazario pulled over while driving his new car by two Virginia police officers who held him at gunpoint and assaulted him with pepper spray.
Yet these narrative changes could easily be reversed.
We have our own version of this right here in Albany with the aggressive response by Albany police to protests and an encampment at the APD South Station. This was the scene of violence last summer too. The police cleared the encampment using a bulldozer with only a 15-minute warning. A video of the police action was quite graphic, violent, and destructive. This isn’t the desired narrative of Albany police working out their differences with the community outlined in the April report of the Albany Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.
Mayor Sheehan and Police Chief Hawkins are working hard to set the narrative about what happened. The article in the Times Union Tuesday morning amplifies the voice of community activist Amy Jones who was striving to negotiate between the police and the protesters presented a different narrative. Jones says Sheehan and Hawkins lied to her about not stopping the encampment. That was followed by a press conference by Alice Green Wednesday. Then add to the mix another previous narrative from Gregory McGee, the President of the Albany Police Union. In a strongly worded letter to the Mayor and Police Chief that was also publicly disseminated, he claimed the activity at South Station was putting Police lives at risk. Put this all together and we had all the ingredients for conflicting narratives with the potential to generate the bad outcome.
The protesters, the police officers, the Albany Police Union President, the Police Chief, the Capital City Rescue Mission right next to the encampment, the neighbors, the Mayor, each one has their own narrative about what the problems are and what happened. Not only do their narratives conflict, so do the narratives they bring to the crisis about each other.
The question now is what new narrative can be created. What process can begin to work toward truth and reconciliation that can repair the damage and injury then work toward resolution? Let us be grateful for peacemakers like Amy Jones and Alice Green and support them as agents who might be able to help in resolving this crisis.
These are difficult times of increasing polarization. Trump supporters locked into the stolen election narrative are not giving up. Some are preparing for a revolution. Trump continues to fuel that narrative that is translating into voter suppression laws and legislative interference with ballot counting. This will all heat up as the November 2022 election approaches.
May we resist this kind of polarization.
Unitarian Universalists refuse to embrace one narrative as the one and only truth, be it one revealed text, one prophet, one leader, one political party or one religion. We know what is true cannot be contained in one revelation, one person, one event, one belief system, one political platform or one interpretation. Much as we might prefer to adopt one narrative and reject the rest, we know we need to be willing to have it honestly and sincerely questioned and tested. Not only do we need to be open to having our narratives questioned and tested, let us welcome that search for truth and meaning. If the Trump Presidency has taught us anything it is the high value of seeking and speaking the truth and the socially destructive results of a constantly repeated lies.
No one story can capture all that needs to be known. Every story told is inadequate and incomplete. When we consider multiple stories and evaluate as many well founded sides as possible, we get a better understanding. Democracy is designed to support that process, however imperfectly we practice it. When we hear multiple stories, reflectively listening to make sure we understand them, we will make much wiser decisions and develop much better narratives for the next iteration. In this imperfect process of being human, we’ll never produce the final narrative. We can, however, produce better narratives that generate more care and compassion and cause less suffering and harm each time around.
- Rev. Sam
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Sunday, May 16, 2021
10:00 AM Virtual Service via Zoom
11:00 AM Virtual Annual Meeting via Zoom
The Albany UU Annual Meeting will be hosted via Zoom on Sunday, May 16, immediately after the service. In addition to the presentation of reports, business will include the presentation and adoption of the 2021-22 budget. (See below under "Upcoming Ways to Connect" for information about joining a Congregational Budget Conversation.)
Ballots for all elections, both contested and uncontested, will be handled by mail. Active members eligible to vote will receive a ballot by mail, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for returning completed ballots.
BALLOT CORRECTION: For the contested positions for Nominating Committee, the description of the terms is incorrect and does not reflect the transition to the new term lengths approved by the congregation this spring. For Nominating Committee, the top vote getter will be elected to a two year term and the second highest vote getter will be elected to a one year term.
Remain on Zoom after service, or use the service link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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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
Inclusivity Team Meeting
Sunday, May 2, 11:45 AM
All are welcome to attend.
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
Ps and Qs
Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will zoom next on Wednesday, May 5 at 10:00 AM.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Ministries and Operations Team
The MOT will meet on Wednesday, May 5 at 12N. MOT meetings are open to all Albany UU members.
Use the service link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Join a Congregational Conversation on the 2021-22 Budget
The Albany UU Finance Committee will be holding two Zoom Congregational Conversations on the 2021-22 budget:
Thursday, May 6, 4:00 PM
Use the service link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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A Virtual Orientation for Newcomers on Zoom
Getting to Know UU
Saturday, May 8 (note date change), is a great chance for some of us at Albany UU to get to know YOU. Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group for a Zoom discussion on Sunday, May 9 at 6:30 pm. Join at 6:15 for additional time to socialize. We will discuss The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Learn more here.
Use this link to join:
By phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Join a Congregational Conversation on the 2021-22 Budget
The Albany UU Finance Committee will be holding two Zoom Congregational Conversations on the 2021-22 budget:
Tuesday, May 11, 7:00 PM.
Use the service link to join:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
My Grandmother’s Hands Book group/workshop
Trauma therapist Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of trauma and body-centered psychology. Facilitated by Philomena Moriarty LCSW, a trauma therapist. May 11 - June 29, Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9pm. Learn more here.
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:
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
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
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Calling all artists
Ellen Chernoff, our Art Wall organizer, would like to call artists to get those paintbrushes painting, pencils drawing, cameras rolling, etc. and make some art! The building will not be opening any time soon, but when it does, Ellen would like you to be ready for a member art show.
Open to artists of all ages, media (watercolor, pastel, photography, etc.) skills, and styles.
Art work should be framed, wired, and ready to hang. Attach a 3x5 index card on the back of the
work with: artist name & contact information, the title of the work, and the price (if for sale).
Questions may be directed to Ellen Thea Chernoff 518-463-5503.
When we are once again able to be together in person, the show will be put together for showing in Channing Hall.
Endowment Trust Grants
Each calendar year the endowment trustees use a prescribed formula based on income from its investments to calculate the amount of money available for special project grants. The 2021 granting capacity is $20,000.
Albany UU Library Chair needed
Sadly, our Albany UU Librarians, Melanie and Paul Axel-Lute, have had to retire after many years of faithful service building and organizing our wonderful library.
If you are interested in becoming a steward of these resources, please check out the volunteer job descriptions HERE and HERE, and contact Church Administrator, Tammy Hathaway to express your interest: admin@albanyuu.org
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Taking Steps for a
Better World
The CROP Hunger Walk raises funds for local food pantries and feeding programs, and for hunger and disaster relief programs around the world. Although the May 2 CROP Walk must again be a virtual “non-event” – the needs it supports are real and continuing. Find out more here.
Young Adults
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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
- 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
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
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April 29, 12:30-2 pm: View Life, Death, Compassion: A Conversation about Medical Aid in Dying in New York featuring Compassion and Choices, SAGE USA and Union Theological Seminary. Register here.
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Contact your lawmakers about medical aid in dying. As a member of the Assembly Health Committee, local Assembly Member John MacDonald’s vote on the Medical Aid in Dying Act is critical. Urge him to vote “yes” using contact information here. Contact other lawmakers using this easy-to-use tool. Even if you have asked for their support before, please do it again this month.
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Volunteer for advocacy this spring. From the comfort of home, attend Zoom meetings with lawmakers and help with phone banking and text banking to constituents of target lawmakers. No experience or special knowledge is required, as you will get all the support you need. Offer to volunteer in an email to ny@compassionandchoices.org.
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Our Inclusivity Team Recommends
For children and all:
America, My Love, America, My Heart, by Daria Peoples-Riley. (2021). This stunning picture book, written in poetry, embarks on a new journey of exploring love-of-country. "America, do you love me? My Black. My Brown. My pride. My crown." Available in hardcopy in the Upper Hudson Library System. Not available in audiobook at this time.
How Racial Bias Works -- and How to Disrupt It
TED Talk by Jennifer L. Eberhardt
"Our brains create categories to make sense of the world, recognize patterns and make quick decisions. But this ability to categorize also exacts a heavy toll in the form of unconscious bias. In this powerful talk, psychologist Jennifer L. Eberhardt explores how our biases unfairly target Black people at all levels of society -- from schools and social media to policing and criminal justice -- and discusses how creating points of friction can help us actively interrupt and address this troubling problem." (14 minutes)
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RE Materials Pick up for Children in Preschool through 5th Grade This Sat Morning
Saturday, May 1 from 10 AM – 12 PM at the church building, 405 Washington Ave. This is a masked, socially-distanced opportunity for guides and families of kids in our Pre-1st and Grade 2-5 groups to pick up their materials for May & June. We also have a token of appreciation for each of our Pre-K through 8th grade volunteers.
Brunch Church this Sunday at 11:30 AM
We’ll kick off the theme of the month – story – with the story (and Song) “No Mirrors in my Nana’s House” by Ysaye M. Barnwell. It’s our last Brunch Church of the year (and last one I’ll be leading). Brunch church is a time for the children in grade 5 and under to be together with Leah and for a slightly longer children’s worship. Guides and parents/caretakers are invited too! Children in the Crossing Paths group (6th/7th grade) and the 8th grade Book Group will be dismissed early for their groups.
NOTE: After Brunch Church this Sunday, children and parents/caretakers are invited to stay in the meeting for another 10-15 minutes. We will be recording a segment for the upcoming Flower Ceremony service. We’ll be making the hand motions to the song “From You I Receive” – you don’t need to read or even know the song or motions. We’ll be done by 12:15 or 12:20 at the latest.
Leah Purcell would like to hear from families with children and youth
Leah is checking in with families in the coming weeks. How has the online RE program been working for and your family? How about the online resources and occasional zoom supports? What do you need? How can the RE program and our family ministry make a difference in your lives? Please fill out this form now to help Leah get started with scheduling. Thanks!
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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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UU WEEKEND AT SILVER BAY
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Treat Your Family to the UU Weekend at Silver Bay
When summer ends, school starts up. It’s so nice to look at the calendar and be reminded that we’ll be going to Silver Bay soon. For our family, it’s the perfect fall weekend. Vanessa Cayford
Bring your children and grandchildren to the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 15-17, 2021. They will have a ball and so will you!
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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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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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First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
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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:
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: 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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