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Help the Stewardship Team Create an Albany UU Word Cloud
Visit the Stewardship table in March or fill in the online form to help Albany UU create a word cloud containing all the new ways you can imagine church and what you'd like to see more of that we're currently doing. We'll have the table set up in Channing after the service for 4 weeks starting on Sunday, March 3.
Annika Pfluger will put your imaginations into a word cloud and it will be fun over the next few weeks to see which words flow to the center and are in the largest type. That is a way to gauge the most popular ideas... So stop by when you are in the building or submit your thoughts online via the form at https://fuusa.breezechms.com/form/a10f658983 and let's see what appears in the center.
Next Community Breakfast on March 9 - Looking for Good Listeners
Thanks again for all the participation in preparation and being there on the second Saturday of the month for the community breakfast. We are having guests who are presently homeless, some battling addiction or serious illness like cancer, many seeking employment, some on very limited income, etc. Numerous of our guests could benefit from the presence of someone who can just listen to them. Some might be aided by someone who is skilled in job-seeking. Can you help? We need you to help us continue to “be a good neighbor” to these folks.
Thanks for considering being there on March 9th. Look for more information coming for additional ways you might like to participate such as getting publicity out, setting up tables and chairs for the event, serving food to guests, etc. If you are not yet on the community breakfast participation list and wish to, please contact adminassistant@albanyuu.org. It is great food, too, thanks to Erik vonHausen and Robbin Dzembo. -- Carol Butt
Help Sheridan Prep, Help a Child
We know that children are our greatest asset. We also know that we are not providing all children with the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Albany UU has addressed this problem in a small way by adopting our neighborhood public school, Sheridan Preparatory Academy. In the past 13 years, we have volunteered in the classroom, built a playground, purchased a vacant lot, helped with activities, such as the farmer’s market, and provided considerable funds. In addition to our individual contributions, Albany UU has allocated $4,000 in its annual budget for field trips.
Unfortunately, fear of Covid has caused our help to dwindle. The school has suffered during the pandemic: when school was closed, many students did not have access to computers and internet connections to learn successfully at home. In the neighborhood, housing has continued to deteriorate and violence has increased. Many families who can have moved out. Now is the time to volunteer.
There are many ways to help. Many of us enjoy interacting with students in the classroom, helping small groups with reading, math, or science. The playground stencils we painted are fading and need to be re-painted in the spring. We are planning to develop additional outside play and learning space. Both volunteer work and donations will be needed for this project. The school always needs help with special activities, such as recognizing good attendance. Your help with filling these needs will be greatly appreciated. If you want to volunteer or have ideas, please contact Martha Musser at 518-313-9674 or mussermartha@gmail.com.
Come meet the Social Justice Team!
Sunday, Feb. 25, after service, in Community Hall. The Congregational Life Team invites newcomers and old-timers who would like to know more about Albany UU’s Social Justice Team and their work to attend this new monthly mini-coffee hour in the back of Community Hall.
This smaller and somewhat quieter coffee hour will provide an alternate—but not a replacement—for the coffee hour in Channing Hall. Once a month coffee the Congregational Life Team will introduce members of an Albany UU committee, team or activity who will briefly describe their important aspect of congregational life.
This inaugural mini-coffee hour on Feb. 25 will feature Social Justice Team (SJT) members. Social Justice is an integral part of our faith. SJT supports and encourages the congregation to act for positive social change at local, national and global levels through service, education and advocacy. The Council also provides funding and support to worthy social causes. Join us immediately following services at the back of Community Hall on February 25 for stimulating conversation and refreshments.
SAVE THE DATE!
BLOSSOM BASH
Spring into our Community Celebration
June 1, 7pm-9:30pm
In Community Hall - more details to follow shortly.
Families Give Rave Reviews for UU Weekend at Silver Bay
Friends, fun, foliage and fellowship await you at a fantastic setting on Lake George over Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend from Oct/ 11-13, 2024 (with an option of an extended stay until 10/14/24.)
This eagerly awaited highlight of the fall season features adult workshops focusing on creativity, physical activity and spirituality interspersed with relaxation and conversation as well as a full array of age-appropriate activities for children. Registration is now open. The registration form, a sample schedule of events from the 2023 weekend, and a slide show are available on the Albany UU web site.
Completed forms received by June 2, 2024 qualify for an “early bird” discount. Children under 6 are free, with substantial discounts for older children and youth. Remember – the cost is all inclusive, featuring lodging in a beautiful setting on Lake George, meals, an array of recreational activities, stimulating workshops, and great people, an unbeatable combination for adults and children alike.
Call for Nominations
Are you looking for a way to be more involved in the Albany UU community? The Nominating Committee is issuing a call for nominations for the following positions to be elected at the Annual Meeting on May 19, 2024. These positions offer members of our community an opportunity to shape our collective future and ensure our congregation’s strength through service to AlbanyUU.
(READ MORE.)
UUA Announces 2024 Distinguished Award to Jacqui Williams
The Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism is one of the most prestigious awards given by the UUA. Recipients of this award have strengthened the institutions of our Association, clarified our message in extraordinary ways, and exemplified what Unitarian Universalism stands for. (You can celebrate her award by resharing this post.)
Your UUA Board of Trustees is proud to announce the recipient of the 2024 Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism: Jacqui C. Williams. Jacqui was a member of the First Unitarian Society of Albany, NY. Her footprint in our national UU movement was noteworthy, serving on the General Assembly Planning Committee, Presidential Search Committee, Commission on Appraisal, DRUUM, and BLUU. Jacqui was also a facilitator for Beyond Categorical Thinking for more than 20 years. She dedicated her life to combating racism as an educator, trainer, and community activist.
Although Jacqui (1953-2023) will posthumously receive this honor, we invite you to join us in celebrating her life and the profound legacy she bestowed upon Unitarian Universalism.
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