Greetings Friends,
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Windows Weekly, Albany UU's central source for news and updates.
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-Blessings and Be Well
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MULTIPLATFORM SUNDAY SERVICE
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SUNDAY SERVICE at 10:00 AM
Begin your Sunday morning with an 8:30 VIRTUAL Meditation session until 9:20
Multiplatform service begins at 10:00 each Sunday
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Masks are required
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July 31 “Giving Thanks,” Joseph Bruchac
The power and the importance of giving thanks and living in a thankful way.
Joseph Bruchac, author, traditional storyteller, and enrolled citizen of the Nulhegan Abenaki Nation.
Our summer services run until Sunday, Sept. 4
There is no Coffee Hour after our summer services but there will be
cookies and lemonade in the back of Community Hall
Use this link to join the service remotely:
To dial in by phone: 1-929-436-2866:
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
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”.
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AUGUST MULTIPLATFORM
SUNDAY SERVICE INFORMATION
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Albany UU Multiplatform
Summer Services
Our summer services continue through September 4.
8:30 AM Sunday Meditation continues through the summer and we will have Service at 10:00 AM each Sunday as well. Summer services are coordinated by Patience Pechette, with a delightful list of guests in the pulpit.
Aug. 7 “Remembrance and Mourning,”
Rev. Chris Antal
Moving beyond selective remembering, towards an honest moral reckoning with the cost of our wars, is work that is ours to do in order to live into our UUA Creating Peace Statement of Conscience.
Reverend Chris J. Antal is a Clinical Staff Chaplain at the Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. Chris interned at Albany UU (2009-2010) and was ordained in 2011.
Music: Ann Brandon
Aug. 14 “Hiroshima: City of Peace,”
Pat Lamanna
Pat Lamanna is a retired instructor in Human Services at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and an award-winning songwriter. Richard Mattocks is an environmental scientist. They met at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, where they are both members. They also share a love of folk music and travel.
Music: Pat Lamanna
Aug. 21 Wellspring Highlights
Wellspring offers a place to explore and choose for yourself what’s important for your body, mind and heart. Together we set out on a journey of deep listening and compassionate connection, along with some laughter and fun along the way.
Music: Randy Rosette
Aug. 28 Jacob King
Join us as we meet our new Ministerial Intern. Watch for more information about this service soon!
Music: Ann Brandon
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Use this link to join Sunday service remotely
To dial in by phone:
1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 299 018 7785
Password: 0000
Sunday Offering
and other
service information
Sharing Joys and Concerns during Service
Need to Talk? Albany UU Pastoral Care Associates are here to listen!
Archives
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Albany UU has been invited to a block party by our neighboring church, Mount Pleasant Baptist at 441 Washington Ave. The details are in the announcement above. They would like our congregation to join them for this event - what a great opportunity for building a relationship with our neighboring church! We recognize that this is also the day and time of our congregational picnic in Thacher Park, however, we thought that there might be some who would be interested in attending both or the block party instead. Board President, Molly Daniels is taking the lead on this. Please contact Molly (mollymdaniels@verizon.net) for details if you're interested in participating.
If you cannot attend but you're interested in donating - the items specifically listed for their “Clothing and Toiletries Pop-Up Store" (to be given away) are as follows:
laundry and dish detergent
bleach
fabric softener
soap
hand sanitizer
disposable diapers
etc.
Please drop any items you wish to donate at Albany UU tomorrow, Friday, July 29 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
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ALBANY UU SUMMER PICNIC!
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Congregational Picnic on Saturday, July 30
Everyone is invited to join Rev. Sam and Elizabeth Baldes for a picnic at Horseshoe I Pavilion at Thacher Park on Saturday, July 30, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. All are welcome!
Here's what you need to know:
- $6 Parking fee payable at entrance to pavilion location
- Bring your own food and beverages and place setting. A dish to share is welcomed, such as an appetizer or dessert to share, including serving utensils. Hot grill available from 12:30 to 1:30 for grilling your food. Volunteers to assist with grilling appreciated.
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Portable grill/camp stove appreciated. Contact Tammy at admin@albanyuu.org if you have one to bring.
- Bring lawn chair for seating comfort outside of the pavilion
- Bring games/activities to enjoy; including frisbees for disc golf & horseshoes
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Live music 1 to 3 pm - The Loosely Wound String Band - invite others to join in the music jam, bass player especially welcomed- old time music - fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, ukulele
On the Thacher park schedule, there are two hikes scheduled for July 30 (described below) that folks may be interested in - we need a volunteer Albany UU hike leader - if you're interested, please contact Tammy at admin@albanyuu.org
No pre-registration is required. If anyone has questions about the hikes, they can call the Park at 518-872-0800.
A Walk Through the Paleozoic 9:30-11:30AM
Starting at the Visitor Center, participants will be introduced to the rock layers of the Indian Ladder Trail and the fossils found within them. We will descend through the entrance to the Indian Ladder Trail to follow the base of the escarpment and observe the various Devonian Period rock layers and the effects of weathering and erosion that have formed the escarpment. We will return to the Visitor Center along the top of the escarpment that offers spectacular views of the valley and mountains north and east. Suitable for all ages.
Get to Know Thacher Park 1-2PM
Join educators at the Visitor Center for a guided walk in the park. These walks will provide a great introduction to the trails and ecology of Thacher Park. Suitable for all ages.
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Image: left side image Green Text “Summer Sing Poll” on yellow background with a sun on top, right side image choral singer holding sheet music.
The only thing better than singing is more singing. – Ella Fitzgerald
The beginning of the 2022-2023 year is around the corner! Fill out the poll below to let me know when you would like to start singing, the joys you want to share, concerns you may have,and if there is any special music you would like to sing.
**Please note, we will be masked to sing. Questions about singing at services will be answered after August 25th. **
-With Joy, Olga
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Thoughtful Thursdays: In June the Albany UU staff had a retreat to figure out how to accomplish their wide variety of tasks in a way that made best possible use of each person's time and the church's resources. One strategy that emerged from this productive and energizing experience was the idea of having one day each week reserved for staff to work without interruption. This idea was brought to the Ministries and Operations Team and received their full support.
To implement this new initiative, the staff is asking everyone to think twice before calling or stopping by the church office on Thursdays. A good alternative is to send an email, however if you are in need of an immediate response, is it best to contact church Monday, TusWednesday or on Friday.
Exceptions will be made for truly urgent matters, however the staff is hopeful that they will be rare. This focused time is intended to help staff maintain the necessary level of productivity for the church and all of its programs to function effectively, which in turn will make them better able to support the important work done by members of the congregation.
This practice will begin on Thursday, August 11th. Your support is appreciated as the Albany UU team tries this idea out in order to serve you better. Thank you all so much!
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR
CHILDREN and YOUTH
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Summer Camp Opportunity: Registration closes August 1 for Young Peacemakers Week! Quite a few Albany UU's are involved as campers, staff, and volunteers at this fun and friendly camp located just a few blocks away from Albany UU at the Friends Meeting House. Family meal and activity offered in addition to the afternoon program for kids, check it out and give yourself a week off from making dinner!
Social Justice Opportunity- Some Albany UU members are joining together to help Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood support patients who have to travel from other areas for reproductive health care. Roles could include providing childcare during parent appointments, staffing community outreach tables at local events, and helping to fill welcome baskets for travelers. Please contact Elizabeth at dre@albanyuu.org if you and/or your family want to help and I will put you in touch with the organizers.
Image by Chhoukent @ Pixabay
Elizabeth Baldes
Director of Religious Education
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JOIN THE ALBANY UU TEAM!
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Albany UU has TWO amazing opportunities!
First, a sweet part-time job opportunity in our Nursery/Toddler Room on Sunday mornings, with additional hours occasionally available. Inquiries can be directed to Elizabeth Baldes, Director of Religious Education, at dre@albanyuu.org.
Second, Albany UU is seeking a dynamic part-time Congregational Life Coordinator for 10 hours per week. The position starts on August 15, 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. With over 325 members, Albany UU is a vibrant, theologically diverse Welcoming Congregation committed to social justice, inclusivity, and a spirit of community. The candidate should enjoy working collaboratively in a supportive environment and have excellent interpersonal skills.
Our most successful hires come from people connected to our congregation in some way- please share this posting with anyone you think might be interested. Thanks!
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UPCOMING WAYS to CONNECT
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Start your Sunday Morning with VIRTUAL Meditation
8:30 - 9:15 AM
We will sit together virtually for twenty minutes then have some conversation about the talk, meditation methods or experiences followed by a live loving kindness meditation. PLEASE NOTE that meditation will be online ONLY through the summer months.
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
For information about the 1:00 PM, Tuesday Bridge Group, check with the church office.
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Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) will meet in Room B-8. Due to the nature of this group, there will not be an online option offered unless otherwise noted.
Congregational Picnic on Saturday, July 30
Everyone is invited to join Rev. Sam and Elizabeth Baldes for a picnic at Horseshoe I Pavilion at Thacher Park on Saturday, July 30, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. All are welcome!
Malcolm Bell Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 14 at 2:00 pm in Community Hall, followed by a reception in Channing Hall. Contributions of finger foods for the reception are welcomed. We do have permission to use the UAlbany Hawley Lot for this event.
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Staff vacations
Church Administrator, Tammy Goddard and Administrative Assistant, Patience Pechette will both be on vacation July 31 through August 7. Tammy will be back in the office Monday morning, August 8 and Patience will be back in the office on Wednesday afternoon, August 10. Rev. Sam will be available if needed and we have everything covered next week so not to worry!
Volunteers Needed to Prepare Weekend Food Bags!
For eight weeks, 344 students attending Albany Public Schools will receive a bag of healthy food each Thursday, including fresh produce, and coupons for milk and eggs. These meals help ensure that children do not go hungry over the weekend when school and community meals are not available. Food bags will be assembled at Pine Hills Elementary School on Thursday mornings. We are in need of 10-15 volunteers each Thursday (9:00 am - 10:30 am) through - August 25 to help set up assembly stations and pack bags. In addition, volunteers are also needed on Wednesday mornings August 3, and August 17 at 9:15 am to help unpack our delivery from the Regional Food Bank. If you are interested in volunteering, please email execdir@albanyfundforeducation.org or text 518-417-2107.
Gardening Volunteers
Do you have two hours to contribute to maintaining the gardens surrounding Albany UU? The Gardening Committee welcomes you to sign up here, where you can select which week(s) you'd like to help. Volunteers often work in pairs. No experience necessary. For more information or to receive e-mail updates, please contact Donna Meixner or 518/439-5947.
A Rich and Rewarding Experience Awaits You at UU Weekend at
Silver Bay
Join us at the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 14-16, 2022.
Here are some highlights from the draft schedule for the weekend:
- Keynote speaker, Pastor David Trayham, leading a discussion on building better racial and community relationships
- Workshop topics including a proposal to bring the Hudson River into Albany, getting off fossil fuels, book discussions, and an opportunity to create art
- Several hikes, a bird walk, a presentation by a wildlife rehabilitator including her five live raptors, a discussion of the islands and bays of Lake George, a presentation about a trek across Northern Spain, and boat tours
- A full children’s program including movies, kite and bead making and games
- Several live musical events
- The annual auction (Bring and purchase gently used items.)
Remember – the cost is all-inclusive for room and board, activities and entertainment - including all meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Children under 6 are free, with substantial discounts for older children and youth.
Note: Adaptions will be made to accommodate the status of the pandemic, if needed.
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SOCIAL ACTION and INCLUSIVITY
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Delmar Vigil participants: Mary Baker, Deborah Vogel, Dawn Dana, Carol Butt,
Barb Manning, Chuck Manning, Ed Hancock
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Albany UU is again partnering with the Center for Common Ground to send 1.2 million postcards to FLORIDA residents to encourage people of color to vote. The Florida primary is on August 23rd. Karen Kaufmann and Elizabeth Berberian are coordinating this effort, as they did in 2020. We will be distributing postcard packets in early July, to be mailed out in early August.
Please email Elizabeth Berberian at elberberian@nycap.rr.com, including the number of postcards you will write and whether you will cover the cost of postage, if you want to participate.
Spread the word! Tell your friends and members of other organizations you belong to! Thank you!
Stand Against Racism Vigil in Delmar
Join Albany UUs each Saturday to Stand Against Racism, in front of the Delmar Farmers Market at the middle school, 332 Kenwood Avenue, from 9:30 to 10 AM. Welcoming all - whether you live in Delmar, Albany, or anywhere nearby!
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
The Inclusivity Team recommends the following book:
For All:
All Thirteen: The incredible cave rescue of the Thai boys' soccer team, by Christina Soontornvat. (2020). This may be the most riveting and compelling non-fiction book you've ever experienced. Knowing the outcome does not take away from the excitement and awe in every step of the journey. This multi-award winning book (YALSA Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults, Kirkus Prize for Young People's Literature, Newbery Honor, Robert F. Sibert Honor, YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist, and Orbis Pictus Honor) has photos, culturally relevant history from the Thai perspective, maps, and science (engineers, weather forecasters, farmers, spelunkers, rescue divers, and cave divers, water diversion specialists, and physicians with anesthesia expertise, among others). Available in the Upper Hudson Library in hard copy and downloadable e-book formats. Available from the NLS in braille and sound recording formats. Available for purchase in audiobook format from Libro.fm
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Learn about submitting announcements to for 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:
By appointment
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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