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Albany
Unitarian
Universalist
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WINDOWS WEEKLY April 19, 2024 | |
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Sunday, April 21, 10:00 AM
“Seeking Environmental Justice in Albany,” Green Sanctuary Team
This is the annual Green Sanctuary Team Earth Day Service. This year we are focusing on the impacts of environmental problems in our own neighborhood and what can be done about them. We have invited Rev. Marc Johnson, Owusu Anane, and Susan Cotner to participate in the service.
Rev. Johnson is from the St. John’s Church of God In Christ in Albany’s South End. He has been an environmental activist for many years. Owusu Anane is the Albany Common Council representative from the 10th Ward. He will discuss environmental justice issues in Albany. Susan Cotner is the executive director of the Affordable Housing Partnership (AHP). She will be discussing how Albany UU can assist the AHP in promoting a new $5 million dollar grant program for homeowners in our neighborhood to make repairs and improvements to their homes.
This Sunday's offering will be donated to SHARE (Sheridan Hollow Alliance for Renewable Energy). SHARE is a remarkably effective grassroots effort to address the environmental injustice in nearby Sheridan Hollow, whose residents have been burdened for decades by the polluting plant that supplies energy to the State Capitol complex. SHARE has succeeded in getting State officials to re-examine their plans for the plant and is advocating for a plan to power, heat and cool the complex using only renewable energy.
Sunday, April 28, 10:00 AM
"Birth of the Seventh Principle," Dr. Sigrin Newell
Our understanding of the interconnectedness of all life can be traced to one man and one moment. In 1802 Alexander Van Humboldt stood on a mountaintop. As he surveyed the land below, he thought of all the mountains he had climbed, jungles, rivers, prairies, and deserts he had traversed. He thought of the plants and animals he had seen along the way. In a flash of insight Humboldt recognized that everything was connected. This is his story and the stories of others who were inspired by his science. Through Darwin, Emerson, John Muir, and others, we can trace Von Humboldt’s ideas to our current concerns about climate change and the environment.
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A New Place for Useful Links
* Please see the end of the newsletter *
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Programs for Children and Youth | |
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Programs for Children and Youth
Sunday, April 21- our theme this month is Interdependence, and this week's service, led by members of the Green Sanctuary Team, offers us a unique chance to consider our interdependence through the lens of Environmental Justice in Albany. Our story will be about a real project in Albany's South End neighborhood that longtime Albany UU volunteer, OWL facilitator, and member of the Programs for Children and Youth Council Brian Frank served on as a key scientist. He will be available at Coffee Hour after the service if you'd like to talk with him.
More information about the Albany South End Community Air Quality Study:
Profile of one of the scientists (also shows how close trucks are to homes)
Albany South End Community Air Quality Release (Brian is introduced around the 1:25 mark)
Meanwhile...
- Three & Under Nursery/Toddler Room 22 opens at 9:45 for dropoff
- PreK-Grade 3 starts in Community Hall for service at 10AM, then meets in Room 24/25 until 11:15AM.
- Grade 4-6 OWL starts downstairs in Room B1 at 10AM until 11:15AM.
- 8th Grade Our Whole Lives gathers at 10 before departing for CVS & UHPP field trip
- Coming of Age is on their Heritage Trip to Boston
- High School Youth Group starts in Room B8 at 10AM until 11:15AM
High school youth (rising 8th graders and up) may be interested to hear that Young Peacemakers Week has an opening for one more high school or college age intern! Interested parties can go to their website www.young peacemakers week.weebly.com or email albanypeacemakerweek@gmail.com with any questions.
-- Elizabeth Baldes, Director of Programs for Children & Youth (ebaldes@albanyuu.org)
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Building Future Services: Seeking Help | |
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An Invitation for your stories
May 12 is Mothers Day. At Albany UU, we’ll be celebrating the mothers and fathers — the parents — of this church. Please share your story with Rev. Lynn of someone whose story — or any story from this congregation’s past — that has inspired you. In what way/s and/or how — has that person or story made a difference in your life? While we won’t have time to share all of your stories during the service, we will find a way to share them. Please send your messages to revlynnashley@albanyuu.org by May 1.
An Invitation to Veterans
If you have served in any capacity in the military, please join me (Rev. Lynn) for conversation as I prepare for our Memorial Day service, Sunday, May 26. Four times have been set aside for sharing in person or by zoom:
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Saturday, April 20, at 10:00 on Zoom only https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Conversation
- Sunday, April 28, after the morning service, 11:30AM in B7
- Monday, May 6, at 10:30 for coffee in B8
- Thursday, May 16, at noon in Channing Hall (Bring a sandwich if you’d like)
Please let me know which time (or times) you’re available. If none of them works, I’d still like to hear from you at revlynnashley@albanyuu.org.
Pride Service Seeking LGBTQIA Volunteers
The Inclusivity Committee is looking for volunteers who identify as LGBTQIA to participate in Sunday service on Pride Day (June 9). You can share your original thoughts or read a quote. If interested, please contact Joyce Chicoine.
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Stretching to Build a New Way - Stewardship Campaign Updates | |
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Results so Far
Thanks very much to the folks who have turned in their pledges. 74% of pledge forms have been returned. We are at 88% of our goal. Every pledge counts this year if we want to reach our ambitious goal, thanks for your support.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H Challenge Grant
This year, your generous pledge can go even farther for Albany UU! Some longtime donors have joined forces on a S-T-R-E-T-C-H Challenge Grant.
For everyone who has pledged before, there is a suggested S-T-R-E-T-C-H Pledge on your pledge form. If you make a pledge for next year that is equal to or greater than your
S-T-R-E-T-C-H pledge, an extra $100 will be contributed to Albany UU.
Have you received a Pledge Packet?
Everyone should have received a pledge packet or been contacted to have a pledge visit. If you have not received a packet please contact Chuck Manning at chuckmanning@hotmail.com.
It's not too late to make a pledge.
Please Help Us Reach Our Goal
Pledge forms can be filled out and dropped in the box in Channing Hall on Sunday, returned to the office at any time, or mailed in.
Another option is to pledge on-line at:
https://fuusa.breezechms.com/form/a10f65897
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Announcements and Upcoming Events | |
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KUDOS
... for Randy Rosette and Chris Jensen for filling in as music coordinators in the absence of Olga Martinez, Director of Music Ministry. Olga has been away caring for her mother during some health challenges. We hope that Olga will be able to be with us again soon; meanwhile, a heartfelt Thank you to Chris and Randy.
... to the Nominating Committee with Reese Satin leading the effort. It involves a lot of work behind-the-scenes to produce a slate of people willing and able to step into leadership!
Want to learn more about NY UU Justice?
Following up on last Sunday’s Hudson Mohawk cluster service, here are some ways that you can learn more about and get involved with New York Unitarian Universalist Justice, our statewide advocacy network:
Meet the Candidates
In this period of transition to a new settled minister, new and important responsibilities must be undertaken by the leaders of our community. Beginning with the upcoming election in May, we will be choosing those who will guide us through our transition and select the members of our Ministerial Search Team. It is therefore, all the more important we take the upcoming election seriously and choose wisely.
Our bylaws require that only the Nominating Committee have contested elections. They also permit other nominations from the community for any open position. The Nominating Committee received no such nominations, so the only contested election is for the five open seats on the Nominating Committee. Nevertheless, in order to better get to know those members of our community who are willing to shoulder the responsibilities of leadership, we strongly suggest you read the attached candidate biographies and plan to attend at least one of the two Meet the Candidates events we have planned. The first (in-person) meeting will be in Community Hall on Sunday, April 21 following the service. The second (Zoom) meeting will be on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 pm. You can join the meeting at: https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Conversation
(READ CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES HERE.)
Upcoming Memorial Services
A Memorial Service for Lois Thomson will be held Saturday, May 4, at 2:00 PM in Community Hall and on Zoom, and followed by a reception in Channing Hall. Contributions of finger food will be welcome.
DO YOU LIKE to LISTEN?
Consider becoming a Pastoral Care Associate (PCA)! We are looking for caring, compassionate people who can offer pastoral listening and emotional support to members and friends of Albany UU.
Training is provided. Click HERE for more details and an application. Please send completed applications to Rev. Lynn at lynnashley@uuma.org
You are also invited to contact any of the current PCAs for information/questions. All their
names are listed in the "Need to Talk" link in this newsletter. Thank YOU!
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Interest is heating up to participate in our congregational Common Read!
Several people have already committed to reading the book, Mistakes and Miracles. This book has been selected as part of work we are doing to lift up our 8th Principle (include photo of book). We are taking registrations and will be forming study groups to take place late summer/early fall. Will you put this book on your summer reading list?
You can fill out the interest form HERE to let us know of your interest in reading the book and/or joining a discussion group.
This project is being brought to us by the Ministry and Operations Team (MOT), the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the Inclusivity Team.
For more information, contact Jan McCracken at janmccracken56@gmail.com or Pam Collins at collinpj@midtel.net
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Participate in the Flea Market sale, April 27
in Channing Hall (to benefit the community breakfast)
Here is your opportunity sign up to unload some items you no longer need. Click on the link HERE to sign up.
Designate if you desire a card table size space or a long table to put your items on display for sale. Arrive between 1:30 and 1:45, get your table assignment and put your items on the table to be ready for selling at 2:00. You will be expected to determine the price and sell your own items. All revenue from the sale will go to support the community breakfast fund. At 4PM the doors will close to the public. At that time, all of your unsold items will go home with you.
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April 29, Free Concert at Albany UU
All invited to a free concert of Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 7 PM to 8PM at Albany UU.
Performers: Debbie Reep MacLeod – flute, Russ Myer – percussion, Max Caplan – piano, Pete Toigo – bass
This program is sponsored by The Music Performance Trust Fund, as arranged with The Albany Musicians' Association, Local 14 of The American Federation of Musicians.
Girl Scout Cookies from our Albany UUs!
To purchase cookies from Eleanor Yeh: https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/eleanor542029
To purchase cookies from Natalie Plamondon: https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/natalie84914. For anyone to reach out to her mom & Troop Leader, Valerie Plamondon, if there are any questions or issues (i.e. ingredients, delivery vs shipping, etc.) for Natalie’s orders, her cell is (518) 322-0801 & email is valplamondon@yahoo.com.
The Girl Scouts are selling cookies until the end of April, so be sure to get your orders in!
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May 3: First Friday Art Show
Mark your calendar for our next first Friday art show on May 3. Join us to meet Rich Baldes - yes, Albany UU's Rich Baldes - and see his his art show called "Surface Tension." Art reception will be 6PM-8PM in Channing Hall.
Music in Community Hall at 7PM by Tom McWatters.
Facebook Event RSVP here.
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Together Building a World Where There’s Enough for All
Will YOU help build a better world? Join with fellow UUs and our Capital District neighbors in the CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, May 5. Walk with Team UU, or pledge to support our walkers. Families are especially encouraged to participate. Visit the CROP Walk table at coffee hour on April 21 or 28! You can also make an online pledge here – or contact Dawn Dana at dawn.dana56@gmail.com for more information.
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Mark your calendar for the Albany UU Auction
It’s time to donate! Donations begin Sunday, April 14 and continue until Friday, May 3. The auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year! Not only is the auction an essential to funding our budget, it is an important way to build community. The social event, dinners, garden walks, hikes, etc., give Albany UU members a chance to socialize and get to know each other better.
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Services and food items give busy people the opportunity to buy an item that will save valuable time. There are always a variety of interesting and affordable items available, so everyone can participate. If you haven’t planned your donation yet, now is the time. Let’s make this the most successful online auction yet!
Important Auction Dates
Donations Accepted: Sunday, April 14 to Friday, May 3
Auction Preview: Sunday, April 28 to Saturday, May 4
Auction Open: Sunday, May 5 to Sunday, May 19
To learn how easily you can donate or buy, go to
http://albanyuu.org/auction2024/
Adult Adventure Trips at Unirondack!
Unirondack is excited to announce a whole new slate of new trips for adults! Unirondack is a summer camp and conference center founded by Unitarian Universalists that has been serving UU youth and adults in the Adirondacks for more than 70 years. This year we are offering a whole new selection of adventure programs for adults! These programs offer full guided service throughout the Adirondacks including food and cooking, logistics planning, and the major equipment as well. For more information, you can email Sam.B@unirondack.org, or check out our website st www.unirondack.org/trip-camps
Unirondack's Spring 2024 Adult Trip Calendar:
May 6 - 12: Wilderness Art Trip // Creatives Retreat
May 16 - 22: Adirondack 90-Miler (FULL!)
May 16 - 21: Intro to Backpacking
May 24 - 29: Introduction to Canoeing
May 16 - 21: Leadership Paddling
July 7 -12: Intro to Backpacking II
Look Forward to UU Weekend at Silver Bay!
Time flies! Spring is in the air! And we all know how fast the summer goes! It is not too early to plan ahead to enjoy a beautiful weekend with peak foliage in the Adirondacks. Catch the leaves from the Inn’s porch, a kayak, a tour boat, or from a mountaintop! Sign up NOW for the UU Weekend at Silver Bay from October 11-13, 2024 (with an option of an extended stay until 10/14/24.)
Register by June 1, 2024 and receive lower rates! Children under 6 are free and there are substantial discounts for older children and youth.
Access additional information about Silver Bay and UU weekend, including the registration form and a slide show, a thttps://albanyuu.org/blog/silver-bay-weekend-2024/
Rooms are assigned upon receipt of the completed registration form and deposit. Remember – your room, all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday or Monday lunch, programs, activities and entertainment are included in the rates.
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Board of Trustees
The next BOT meeting is 6:30PM on Thursday, April 25 in Channing Hall and via Zoom.
Zoom link here: https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-BoardOfTrustess
Ministry and Operations Team
The next MOT meeting is Wed. April 24 at 5:30PM.
Online only: https://tinyurl.com/Ministry-and-Operations
Meeting ID: 860 5594 7976 Password: 0000
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Use the Ministry & Operations Communication Form to get on the agenda at the next meeting.
Green Sanctuary Connection
The Green Sanctuary Team has a facebook page where the GST posts and promotes the work they are doing. You don't need to be a member of the GST or even our UU congregation to join the FB page. By joining you will help promote participation in our events such as Earthday cleanup or the Earthday service on April 21st. Contact Sandy Steubing (ssteub@gmail.com) with any questions or comments. Thank you.
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Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group online on Sunday, April 14 at 6:15 for time to socialize followed by a discussion of Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead. beginning at 6:30. Learn more at https://albanyuu.org/walker-book-group/.
Online: 6:15 for the book discussion. Use this link to join: https://tinyurl.com/WalkerBookGroup
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 871 5139 8632
Passcode: 0000
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Philosophy Group
At 10:15 AM Tuesday 3/26/24 the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom. We will discuss the question "Why do people need to hate?"
Online: https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Philosophy
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 987 7102 4708
Password: 0000
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Bridge Group
For information about the 1:00 PM, Tuesday Bridge Group, check with the church office. All levels welcome.
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Ps and Qs
At 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, Projects and Quilts (Ps and Qs) meets in Room B-8. Bring a project you're working on, or just your lunch!
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Octavia Butler Book Group
Meetings are Sunday evenings, on Zoom, from 7PM to about 8:30PM. Send questions and request to join the group to Anne Marie Haber (amhaber@aol.com). New members are welcome to join on April 21.
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Social Justice Team
meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at 6:45pm on Zoom. All are welcome to join. (Please note this is a change from our previous 3rd Tuesday of the month).
Online:
https://tinyurl.com/SocialJusticeTeam
By phone: 1-929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 894 5821 4256
Passcode: 0000
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🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ GROUP
Meets as Schenectady UU. For more information contact Jen at jeniferpritchard@gmail.com
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Albany UU Music Ministry offers many opportunities for you to participate in music during Sunday Services. Our offerings include:
--Albany UU Choir - an adult community choir, singing a variety of choral music during Sunday services. (Rehearsals Required)
--Solos and Small Ensembles : You can share your musical talents during Sunday services as a soloist or small ensemble.
Choir Rehearsal: Wednesday nights at 7:00pm, Masking optional. For more information please contact
For more information email Olga Martinez, Director of Music Ministry, omartinez@albanyuu.org
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Social Justice and Inclusivity | |
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The Albany UU Social Justice Team (SJT) recommends an antiracism vigil in Troy:
When: Saturdays, 10:30-11:15 am.The vigil will automatically be canceled for severe weather conditions, including when the temperature or wind chill is below 25.
Where: Troy, corner of River Street at the intersection of Fulton and Third Streets, 12180
How: signs only, no chanting (except for meditative religious practice)
The purpose of the vigil is two-fold: to express that Black Lives Matter and to inspire passersby to act against racism.
Stand Against Racism Vigil in Delmar
Join us on Saturdays as we stand at the Four Corners from 9:30AM to 10AM. Residents of Delmar, Albany or everywhere are welcome!
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Albany Unitarian Universalist | |
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:
9:00-3:00 Monday-Friday
Our Website:
General: www.AlbanyUU.org
Resources: http://albanyuu.org/albany-uu-resources/
Publication deadlines:
This is an important reminder that the news and article deadline for Windows Weekly is beginning of the day on Thursday. Please contact windows@albanyuu.org for submission. Thank you.
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It is with gratitude and humility that we acknowledge that we are learning, speaking and gathering on the ancestral homelands of the Mohican people who are the indigenous peoples of this land. Despite tremendous hardship in being forced from here, today their community resides in Wisconsin and is known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present as we commit to building a more inclusive and equitable space for all. | |
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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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