There are many ways to get involved, from attending a Sunday Service to reaching out and growing your beliefs. Albany Unitarian Universalist puts the power in your hands to grow at your pace.
Get Involved at Albany Unitarian Universalist!
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Connect with our Programs for Children and Youth! Learn more about being a guide.
“The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon the young, but to stir up their own, not to make them see with our eyes but to look inquiringly and steadily with their own…to awaken the soul, to excite and cherish spiritual life.”
– William Ellery Channing, 19th Century Unitarian Minister
Join an eGroup! Stay connected with different groups at Albany UU by signing up for one of our eGroup listservs. Learn more here: http://albanyuu.org/wp/pdf/2018_Egroup_Instructions.pdf
Make Connections through social events: There are many ways to meet people and make connections at Albany UU try some that appeal to you! (Check out Windows Weekly for dates, times, locations, and details. Information below may change from time to time.)
Join Congregational Response: This is your opportunity to reflect with the Sunday service presenter on what the service has elicited from you and listen to the responses of others. Takes place each Sunday following service at.
Growth Through Service (GTS)
GTS is about tapping into what connects you to Albany UU. We want to learn about you so that we can help you connect and collaborate in ways that mean the most to you. And we want to celebrate all that you bring to Albany UU. For more information or to get involved, call the church office.
To watch what service means to Albany UU members, check out this video!
Circle Dinners provide the opportunity to socialize over a delicious potluck dinner in a private home and become better acquainted with fellow UUs. Everyone who has been vaccinated for Covid-19 is welcome, singles and couples alike, regardless of dietary restrictions. We can also provide rides, as needed. Watch our publications for the next dinner date and sign-up information. Circle dinners are hosted approximately four dates per year, at multiple locations. We will also continue to hold virtual Circle Dinners for those who cannot attend in person.
Multi-generational Potlucks: Friday night potlucks for all ages are scheduled once a month from September to May, and are held in Channing Hall. Different committees or programs step up to host each dinner, and often present an event, film, or discussion after the meal. You can either bring a dish to share or pay a nominal fee instead. Depending on the after-dinner activity, child care may be provided during the program. (This activity is on hold until Fall 2022)
Walker Book Group: We offer a potluck supper and book discussion on the second Sunday of every month (September to June) at 5:30 PM in Channing Hall. Check out Windows Weekly to find out what the upcoming book title and dates are! (Currently, the Walker Book Group meets on Zoom at 6:30 PM. Contact Martha Musser for more information.)
UU Weekend at Silver Bay: An October weekend retreat for UUs across the Hudson Valley.
Personal Growth and Development
Lifespan Learning classes are offered throughout the year; check our publications for upcoming offerings.
Mindfulness Meditation on Sundays at 8:30 AM, and two or three, two-day workshops during the year: beginners welcome.
Meaning Matters groups also focus on sharing personal experiences, questions and insights, but are directed toward exploring the theme of the month as a source for seeking truth and deeper meaning. A packet of material including links to articles, videos, books and movies is used to prepare for the monthly meeting. (Groups form in fall.)
Wellspring is designed to promote personal growth and development and, using a specific curriculum, group members commit to meet twice a month for 10 months. There are specific reading requirements before meetings, and participants must agree to develop a daily spiritual practice and work monthly with a spiritual advisor. (Groups form in fall.)
Activities
Bridge: Beginners are welcome at our social bridge games. Please contact the church office for more information: 518.463.7135.
Choir: The Music Program welcomes all who want to sing. The choir rehearses once a week and performs approximately three out of every four Sundays. (Choir performances have been put on hold until Fall 2022. Contact Music Director, Olga Martinez, for more information.)
Green Sanctuary Team: This committee works on environmental and energy issues within the church, and in the community at large. It meets on the forth Sunday of month at 11:45 AM.
Philosophy Group: This informal discussion of everyday ideas in everyday language takes place virtually every Tuesday at 10:15 AM
Projects & Quilts: Get together to crochet, knit, embroider, and quilt, either for personal use or for a group project to benefit Albany UU. This takes place on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.
Social Justice Team (STJ): STJ coordinates and informs the congregation on social issues, takes action on position and policies of the Society and collaborates with other organizations in the community on issues of social concern. STJ welcomes all interested persons to its meetings every third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM (September through June – unless there is a conflict) and to take part in its activities.
Do I need to become a member to participate in events at Albany UU?
The short answer is all services, activities, and meetings are open, and you are welcome to attend!
