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Albany
Unitarian
Universalist
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WINDOWS WEEKLY April 26, 2024 | |
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Join us this Sunday!
8:30AM-9:20AM.....Mindfulness Meditation
Online: https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Meditation-4
--Meeting ID: 518 463 1429 --Password: 1842415
By telephone: 1-929-205-6099
*NOTE: In-person (only) on 2nd Sundays in Room B8, from 9AM to service.
9:45.....Nursery/Toddler Room open for childcare
Room 23
10:00-11:00 AM.....Sunday Service
In Person: Community Hall
Online: https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-SundayService
--Meeting ID: 299 018 7785 --Password: 0000
Order of service:
https://albanyuu.org/about-sunday-services/upcoming-worship-services/
Sunday Offering: http://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Contribute
By telephone: 1-929-436-2866
Please submit your Joys and Sorrows online at http://tinyurl.com/JoysAndSorrows by Saturday at Noon, or fill out a J&S card in person and return before the start of service.
11:00 AM-12:00.....Coffee Hour
In Person: Channing Hall, hosted by the BIPOC Committee
Online: Join a breakout room on Zoom after the service!
11:00 AM-12:00.....Educational Coffee Hour
In Person: Back of Community Hall
Are you interested in learning about the long and illustrious history of the Unitarian church? Then please join the Congregational Life team for its second small, relaxed coffee hour at the back of Community Hall on Sunday, April 28 after services in this room. We will share an interesting and condensed video presentation on this topic and refreshments.
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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 von 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.
Sunday, May 5, 10:00 AM
"Celebration, Concern and Hope: AUU Listens for the Future," Rev. Margret A. O'Neall and the Transition Team
Beginning with the October workshop and continuing with listening circles, your Transition Team asked and you responded: what do you celebrate about this congregation, what are your concerns, and what are your bright hopes in this time of transition? Transition Team members share what we have heard and invite you into discussion as we look ahead.
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A New Place for Useful Albany UU Links
* Please see the end of the newsletter *
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Programs for Children and Youth | |
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Images are public domain by Karin März (photograph of painting by Friedrich Georg Weitsch)
and Verlag von L. Haase & Co. in Berlin (photograph)
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Programs for Children and Youth
Sunday, April 28- our theme this month is Interdependence, and this week's service, led by Sigrin Newell, is all about Alexander von Humboldt, who once wrote “Everything is interconnectedness.” When you have a moment check out the Bulletin Board in Channing to see the connections some of the children made last week between environmental justice and our UU principles.
Meanwhile...
- Three & Under Nursery/Toddler Room 22 opens at 9:45 AM for dropoff.
- PreK-Grade 3 starts in Community Hall for service at 10AM, then meets in Room 24/25 until 11:15 AM.
- Grade 4-6 OWL starts downstairs in Room B1 at 10 AM until 11:15 AM.
- 8th Grade Our Whole Lives meets downstairs in B3/B4 at 10 AM until 11:30 AM.
- High School Youth Group starts in Room B8 at 10 AM until 11:15 AM.
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 your stories with Rev. Lynn in person:
- 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
... to Paula Brewer for providing staff lunch last Wednesday!
... to Ilene Kane, Erik vonHausen, and Cindee Herrick for making it possible for Albany UU to rent space to community members. We have been building great ties with our neighbors!
Staff Appreciation
April 24 was Administrative Professionals Day and we are so thankful to Albany UU's Admin team of Amy Lent and Xanthe Plymale for their hard work, dedication, and consistent good humor. Their special day was celebrated at a staff luncheon also attended by Board of Trustees President Molly Daniels. The luncheon also served as a staff send-off for Interim Co-Minister Rev. Linda Hoddy, whose gifts of inspiration and administration have benefited us over the past year. Many best wishes to Rev. Linda!
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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. To attend via Zoom, please use this link: tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-Memorial
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 for PCAs. 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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Join us for the Flea Market sale, April 27
in Channing Hall (to benefit the community breakfast)
Sale will begin at 2PM in Channing Hall and conclude at 4PM.
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Big Gay Market, this Sunday 11AM-3PM
Fundraising from this event supports the annual Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat at Unirondack, which has been attended by many of Albany UU's teens both currently attending and in previous years.
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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.
Sales end on April 30.
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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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CROP Walk – Taking Steps for a Better World
Would you like to help end hunger around the block and around the world? Join in the CROP Hunger Walk on May 5, either by walking with Team UU, or by making a pledge to support our walkers. See Dawn Dana at the CROP Walk table in coffee hour on April 28 – it’s the last Sunday before the Walk! You can also make an online pledge here – it can be directed to Team UU or to any AUU walker. Thank you!
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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
Spring Clean for Silver Bay! April 26
The Silent Auction is a much-loved event during the UU Weekend at Silver Bay - this year to be held from October 11-13, 2024 (with an option of an extended stay until 10/14/24.) Are you ready to tackle your spring cleaning? If you are, consider putting aside new and gently used items to donate to the auction. Proceeds are used for children’s programs.
We welcome hardcover books, art, collectibles, nice quality jewelry, gift certificates, bottles of wine, homemade jams, jellies, honey and high-quality crafts. No electronics, kitchen, bath or bedroom items are accepted. Children’s items are in high demand; any toys (with all parts), puzzles (with all pieces), and stuffed animals are welcome.
Register for UU Weekend by June 2, 2024 and receive lower rates! Children under 6 are free and there are substantial discounts for older children and youth. Remember – your room, all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday (or Monday) lunch, programs, activities and entertainment are included! Access additional information about Silver Bay and UU weekend, including the registration form and a slide show, at http://albanyuu.org/uu-weekend-at-silver-bay/
Remember – room, all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, programs, activities and entertainment are included!
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Board of Trustees
The next BOT meeting is 6:30PM on Thursday, May 23 in Channing Hall and via Zoom.
Zoom link here: https://tinyurl.com/AlbanyUU-BoardOfTrustess
Ministry and Operations Team
The next MOT meeting is Wed. May 1 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 Team Meeting
The Green Sanctuary Team will be meeting on April 28 in room B3/4 and on zoom. We will be discussing NYS climate legislation advocacy, and installation of EV Charging Stations. All are welcome! If you would like to join on zoom, here is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82024683993
Meeting ID: 820 2468 3993
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,82024683993# US
+16465588656,,82024683993# US (New York)
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Walker Book Group
Join the Walker Book Group on Sunday, May 12 at 5:30 pm in Channing for a potluck supper and a discussion of the 1934 classic book, Tender as the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald. If you cannot join in person, join by Zoom at 6:30 pm, for the book discussion. 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 on Tuesdays the Albany UU Philosophy Group will meet via zoom. We will discuss the question Is "to heal historic injustices" a reasonable primary purpose for religious, educational and other institutions?
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).
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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!
Raise Your Voice for End of Life Choice
Do you believe that mentally capable, terminally ill adults have the right to choose a peaceful death? If you do, please help pass New York’s Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Act in 2024! We are closer than ever to success and every voice makes a huge difference.
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Come to “United for Compassion” Spring Lobby Day on May 7! Register here to get details about the day at the Capitol where advocates from across New York will be making it clear that it is time to pass the bill. No experience needed.
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Come to the Capitol to advocate for MAID on May 14, 21, 28 and/or June 4. Register here to get the details you’ll need.
--Nancy Willie-Schiff, representing the Albany UU End of Life Choice Task Force
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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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