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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Oct. 26th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS~
We are working from our office at the church for the first time in many months. The Hans Groot Kill that runs along the side of the church is running quite high with all the rain and run-off. We came in, in part, to see if we can lead worship from the Great Hall via Zoom this coming Sunday. Yesterday, Dick Westergard and Stefano Manzinello worked to hard wire internet into the circle, so that when there are more people in-person, inside, we will have enough bandwidth to support multi-platform worship. While they ran into some difficulties, they will hopefully try again later this week. We do think there is enough bandwidth for us and the tech staff who will need to be onsite, so we are moving forward with plans for Sunday.
With care, and in faith~
Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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RE This Week – Oct. 26th

By: Kristin Cleveland
If you haven’t already registered your Child or Youth for this year’s religious education program, please do so ASAP by Clicking HERE.
Upcoming RE Classes:
K-6 Experiences with the Web of Life:
These nature lovers will meet again this Sunday morning, 10/31, from 9:30-10:15. Halloween costumes are welcome! Keep an eye out for a piece of mail for all registered children in this group.
7/8 The Fifth Dimension:
Their next meeting is Sunday morning, 11/7, from 9:15-10:15. Come, join The Fifth Dimension for some Twilight Zone fun!
8/9 OWL:
This group will NOT meet this coming Sunday. Their next meeting is Sunday evening, 11/7, from 7-9.
Senior Youth (grades 9-12):
Our next meeting is this Sunday, 10/31, at noon.

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October Theme – Cultivating Compassion

By: Kristin Cleveland

The 14th Dalai Lama suggests that “True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.” His Holiness teaches that the heart of compassion is to genuinely want for an end to suffering for all sentient beings. Many of the world’s respected religious paths have compassion as a tenet. We’ll explore some of these teachings this month.

The post October Theme – Cultivating Compassion appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.

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COVID-19 Impact Update

By: Kristin Cleveland
As many of you have read in our various updates, along with local positivity and hospitalization rates, one of the barriers to large-group gatherings in our church building is the air exchange rate that is rather low (1.5hrs for 1 full exchange). Randy Jennings, has continued to do some research which the COVID Prevention and Response Team will discuss this week. We will continue to experiment as we try new things and learn. We have been using CovidActNow.org to see the ranking in Schenectady County. As of today, it is still ‘very high’ which means we are is still in phase 3. (see chart below)
As we begin to engage with the AFoM, we will continue to imagine and experiment with worship and other ministries of the congregation. Keep watching Circuits for ongoing updates. -Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy

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New Annual Focus of Ministry

By: Kristin Cleveland
The Board of Trustees has worked hard to create a new Annual Focus of Ministry (AFoM), which they delegate to the Co-minsters. The Co-ministers work with the Staff and the Ministry Teams, in particular, to engage with it. Everyone who is connected with the congregation are also invited to engage with it. Here it is:
Our Annual Focus of Ministry invites all of us to open our hearts to the unfolding future that wants to emerge.
We will embrace change.
We will imagine and experiment with ways to weave connections through our shared ministry with love, service, and care.

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Important Resource

By: Kristin Cleveland

On July 16, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, three-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. If you or someone you know is struggling right now, share this number so you and/or they can get the support you/they need.

– With care, Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Oct. 19th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS~
For the past few weeks we’ve talked and written about compassion… how it is part of many of the world’s religions, and we might practice compassion for ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, and even those who we find challenging.
Today, we have been thinking about reports of increasing harshness in interactions, and the communal cost of a lack of compassion. Customers yelling at staff in restaurants, patients becoming angry when trying to schedule a medical appointment that is months out, or parents berating teachers when they learn that their child will, again, need to quarantine.
Frustration grows. The onslaught of losses that are continuing to compile during this time are wearing people’s patience thin. This month’s theme reminds us we can choose to breathe, and respond with compassion. Compassion invites us to begin with ourselves, to notice when we are feeling impatient, worried, overwhelmed, or afraid. Rather than lashing out, a practice of compassion invites us to notice how others are likely doing their best, often in difficult circumstances. We can name our frustration, without misplacing blame. In our families, we can create agreements around how we might help remind one another to practice compassion.
We can help build and/or restore communal compassion acts by practicing kindness and care whenever possible, by inviting one another-even strangers, to breathe, and by sharing stories of compassion and care. It’s important and faithful work that we UUs can make an impact.
In faith~
Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

The post Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Oct. 19th appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.

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RE This Week – Oct. 19th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Registration: If you haven’t already registered your Child or Youth for RE CLICK HERE!
Upcoming RE Classes:
K-6 Experiences with the Web of Life: These nature lovers will meet again Sunday morning, 10/31, from 9:30-10:15. Halloween costumes are welcome! Keep an eye out for a piece of mail for all registered children in this group. The terrific teachers for this class are Joel Best, Ed Kautz, Sharon MacNeil, and Dyana Warnock.
7/8 The Fifth Dimension: Their next meeting is Sunday, 10/31, from 9:15-10:15 am. Come, join terrific teachers Courtney Barber and Alexandria Onderdonk-Milne for some Twilight Zone fun!
8/9 OWL: This group will meet again this coming Sunday, 10/24, from 7-9 pm. Their fabulous facilitators are Randy Jennings, Sarah Tyo, and Donald Whisenhunt.
Senior Youth (grades 9-12): Our next meeting is this Sunday, 10/24, at noon. My awesome co-advisors are Mark Hyland and Aaron Tyo. ?

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Reading the Tao – Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

By: Kristin Cleveland

Rev. Joe Cleveland, minister in Saratoga Springs, invites UUSS to join him in Reading the Tao, held every Wednesday. They meet at 6:00 pm and each session will be no longer than an hour. During these gatherings, Rev. Joe reads one verse of the Tao te Ching in several translations. Those gathered meditate on and discuss the insights found there. – Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

by phone, call 1-646-668-8656
Meeting ID: 943 0832 4290
passkey: 518624

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BIPOC Book Group Read – October 27th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Out of My Mind: A Quirky Look At Life Through Poetry, by local activist and poet Miki Conn, is the next book group choice for a read and discussion.
On Wednesday, October 27th at 6:30 pm, author Miki Conn will be joining us at 7 pm for the discussion. We are lucky UUs!
The Open Door Bookstore has a few copies and I invited them to order a few more for our book discussion. Please help us support our local black authors! If you would like the link for the October 27th online discussion, or if you have questions or book suggestions, contact Kat Wolfram kmwolfram@gmail.com or (518) 322.6628.
Read on!

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Oct. 12th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Yesterday, October 11th, was a significant day for us for three reasons. First, it was Indigenous Peoples Day. We devoted some time to learn more about the horrible and heartbreaking practice in both the United States and Canada of creating Indian Boarding Schools, which separated children from their families, and systematically aimed at destroying indigenous cultures. The American Unitarian Association was responsible for founding the Montana Industrial School, run by Rev. Henry F. Bond and his wife Pamela from 1886-96.
Today, Unitarian Universalists are striving to honour the teachings and traditions of Native people within our congregations, as well as create and/or repair relationships with local Native communities and nations, and follow their lead in justice work.
As part of that commitment, Side With Love and partners will be hosting a virtual, national “UUs 4 Climate Justice” action on October 18th at 7pm ET / 4pm PT, as a part of this global mobilization, calling for President Biden to issue pardons for the five #NoDAPL political prisoners and to Build Back Fossil Fuel Free. Please consider attending.
October 11th is also National Coming Out Day… and so we send a shout out to those who are LGBTQ+, and especially those who may have come out for the first time or come out to someone new yesterday. We know that it is a risk. We know that UUSS still has a ways to go to fully be inclusive and welcoming. And, together, we can keep learning and expanding our practices of welcome.
Lastly, October 11th is our wedding anniversary. Yesterday, we celebrated 13 years, and we are so grateful to have had an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful weekend.
When we practice this faith, we invite ourselves and one another to be fully who we are… to learn from our history and do better, to be nourished by the Earth’s beauty,, and to co-create a just, peaceful, and compassionate world.
Glad to be on this journey with you~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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RE This Week – Oct. 12th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Important changes in RE! Due to low registration numbers, we’ve decided to experiment with consolidating the former three primary classes into just one K-6 class!*** We’ll be using the Experiences with the Web of Life curriculum, and the teachers will be Joel Best, Ed Kautz, Sharon MacNeil, and Dyana Warnock. The first meeting of this K-6 group will be this coming Sunday, 10/17, from 9:30-10:15.
As we continue to navigate our way through these challenging times, it’s more important than ever for your Children and Youth to be part of a loving community where they can truly be themselves. As we incorporate our 7 Principles and our UU values, our primary focus right now is building community and tending to the wellbeing of each person. We hope your Children and Youth will join us. See the article in today’s Circuits to register your child!
If you have any questions, please reach out, either by calling or texting (607) 435-2803, or by email at dlre@uuschenectady.org.
Most RE classes will meet via Zoom through at least November. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
K-6 Experiences with the Web of Life: These nature lovers will have their first class on Sunday morning, 10/17, from 9:30-10:15.
7/8 The Fifth Dimension: Their next meeting is this coming Sunday, 10/17, from 9:15-10:15 am.
8/9 OWL: The only class that’s meeting in person for now is the 8/9 OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) class, which can only meet in person. This group will meet again this coming Sunday, 10/17, from 7-9 pm.
This group is fully vaccinated, masked and socially distanced. It is also a “closed” group, meaning there are no drop-ins–the group has the same participants from week to week.
Senior Youth (grades 9-12): Our next meeting is this Sunday, 10/17, at noon.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Oct. 5th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS~
Today we share an excerpt of the poem, “In Gatherings” by Rev. Marta Valentin:
In gatherings we are stirred
like the leaves of the fall season
rustling around sacred trees,
tossed hither and yon
until we come to rest together,
quietly, softly . . .
We come to gather strength from each other.
We come to give strength to each other.
We come to ask for strength from the Spirit of All That Is and Is Not.
When our hearts sing or when they frown
it is the way of compassion telling us to give.
It is the way of peace telling us
to share our gifts,
for we are happiest
and most powerful
when Love is made apparent
in and through us.
May we do one thing this week to make Love apparent to others!
In faith,
Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy

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RE This Week…- Oct. 5th

By: Kristin Cleveland
As we continue to navigate our way through these challenging times, it’s more important than ever for your Children and Youth to be part of a loving community where they can truly be themselves. As we incorporate our 7 Principles and our UU values, our primary focus right now is building community and tending to the wellbeing of each person. We hope your Children and Youth will join us.
If your child isn’t yet registered for this year’s program, click HERE for information, and click HERE to register.
Some RE classes began this past Sunday; the rest will begin in the next two weeks. Information about your child or youth’s particular classes has been provided in a parent email. If you haven’t received yours, please let me know, either by calling or texting (607) 435-2803, or by email at dlre@uuschenectady.org.
Most RE classes will meet via Zoom through at least November. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
K/1/2 Rainbow Children: These youngin’s will meet for the first time this coming Sunday morning, 10/10, from 9:30-10. Come, join their terrific teachers, Joel Best and Sharon MacNeil, and share some fun together! The link to their class will be shared soon in a parent email.
3/4 Experiences with the Web of Life: These nature lovers will have their first class on Sunday morning, 10/17, from 9:30-10:15. Their talented teachers are Ed Kautz and Dyana Warnock.
5/6 Amazing Grace: These amazing children will have their first meeting this coming Sunday afternoon, 10/10, from 1:15-2:15.
7/8 The Fifth Dimension: This class had its first meeting this past Sunday. Their next meeting is Sunday, 10/17, from 9:15-10:15.
8/9 OWL: The only class that’s meeting in person for now is the 8/9 OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) class, which can only meet in person. They met this past Sunday for an “Extreme OWL” all-day class! Kudos to the super group of youth participating in OWL and to our fabulous facilitators who are making this class possible–Randy Jennings, Sarah Tyo, and Donald Whisenhunt!
The 8/9 OWL group’s regular meetings are Sunday evenings from 7-9.
This group is fully vaccinated, masked and socially distanced. It is also a “closed” group, meaning there are no drop-ins–the group has the same participants from week to week.
Senior Youth (grades 9-12): We had our first meeting this past Sunday. It was great to reconnect with some of our Senior Youth. A big THANK YOU to Mark Hyland and Aaron Tyo for once again acting as advisors to these amazing young people! Their next meeting is this Sunday, 10/10, at noon.
Volunteer Opportunities! If you’d like to help with RE too, please reach out and let me know. There are lots of volunteer opportunities. Working with our children and youth can be a rewarding and spiritual experience!

The post RE This Week…- Oct. 5th appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.

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October Theme – Cultivating Compassion

By: Kristin Cleveland

The 14th Dalai Lama suggests that “True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.” His Holiness teaches that the heart of compassion is to genuinely want for an end to suffering for all sentient beings. Many of the world’s respected religious paths have compassion as a tenet. We’ll explore some of these teachings this month.

The post October Theme – Cultivating Compassion appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.

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Out of My Mind: A Quirky Look At Life Through Poetry

By: Kristin Cleveland
The BIPOC Book Group Read for October is Out of My Mind: A Quirky Look At Life Through Poetry, written by local activist and poet Miki Conn.
We invited Miki Conn to join us for the discussion and she has agreed! We are lucky UUs! Join us for the next book discussion with guest writer, Miki Conn. October date TBD.
The Open Door Bookstore has a few copies and I invited them to order a few more for our book discussion. Please help us support our local black authors! If you have questions or book suggestions, contact Kat Wolfram kmwolfram@gmail.com or (518) 322.6628. Read on!

The post Out of My Mind: A Quirky Look At Life Through Poetry appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Sept. 28th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS~
When we were in seminary, one of our professors was the Rev. Dr. Dorsey Blake, who also serves as the presiding minister at the Church for The Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco. The congregation was started intentionally as the first multiracial congregation by the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman and Dr. Alfred Fisk in 1943.
When Dr. Blake would lead or participate in worship, he would wear the beautiful green robe that had been Dr. Thurman’s, and that he wore with gratitude, hope, and humility. The robe brought with it a presence… a tradition of powerful prophetic ministry.
Today we give thanks for items that invite us to be present in different ways and remind us of where we are from, who we are, and what we are called to do: A smooth stone from the bank of a river (or two); a beautiful vase made by Lynn’s Mom; a beloved painting by a member of Wendy’s chosen family; a collection of poems, written by a friend. What helps you remember to be present? It doesn’t have to be something outside of ourselves. It can be a birthmark, a scar, stretch marks, our own breath, our own heartbeat.
These words, this prayer by Thurman we offer you today:
“In the quietness of this place, surrounded by the all-pervading presence of the Holy, my heart whispers:
Keep fresh before me the moments of my High Resolve, that in good time or in tempests, I may not forget that to which my life is committed.
Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve.” – Howard Thurman
May you experience moments of precious presence today.
With care and in faith~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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RSVP for this Saturday’s Guided Walk at Strawberry Fields!

By: Kristin Cleveland
Fall Walk: Strawberry Fields Nature Preserve with Green Sanctuary
Saturday, October 2nd, 10 AM – noon (please arrive 10 minutes early)
Easy Terrain, about 1.5 mi
Proprietor Jeff Leon will lead a tour of this Nature Preserve to explore the woods woods, see an overlook of the Mohawk Valley, and wander through fields abounding with asters, goldenrod, and the spectacular blue fringed gentian.
The Preserve is home to Lovin’ Mama Farm, which practices regenerative agriculture and sells vegetables at the Schenectady Greenmarket on Sundays. To learn more about the Preserve go to:  https://mohawkhudson.org/our-preserves/strawberry-fields-nature-preserve/.
Be prepared to comply with UUSS outdoor COVID protocols. Sign up by September 30th by email to gs.uuss06@gmail.com.  For COVID we need to know the number in your party and contact information. Limit 25 participants.
If you have questions, contact Nancy at gs.uuss06@gmail.com or 518-588-7505.

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Family Chapel & Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Event

By: Kristin Cleveland

On Saturday, Oct. 23rd, from 10:00-11:30 a.m., join us in the back garden of the church for a casual family chapel service, followed by a pumpkin carving party. All ages welcome, masks required for those over 2.

Bring a pumpkin, and the tools that your family would like to use for carving or decorating. Costumes welcome! This event will be cancelled if there is pouring rain. – Rev. Wendy & Rev. Lynn

Vaccines for all who are eligible are strongly encouraged. Masks are required. There will not be an online component to this potentially messy adventure.

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September Theme – Deepening Presence

By: Kristin Cleveland

Whether we are online or in-person, one of the best gifts we can give is presence-being fully present with one’s self, one another, and open to the sacred, the mystery of life, the Holy. This month, we’ll explore various ways we can live our Unitarian Universalist faith more fully, while deepening our practices of presence.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Aug. 31, 2021

By: Kristin Cleveland
Summer greetings UUSS!
This past weekend your Board of Trustees, which includes us as ex-officio members, had a retreat to prepare ourselves for the coming church year. Your Co-ministers read a very important book this summer as part of our Study Leave called “How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You Are Going: Leading in a Liminal Season” by the Rev. Susan Beaumont and we shared some of the insights as part of our facilitation.
We will be speaking more about this text with you in various forms over the coming months as so much of it applies to congregational life and this time of liminality. One of the skills Beaumont invites us into is broadening our awareness to wider reality. She reminds us that sometimes the voices of judgment, cynicism, and/or fear can get in our way of being fully Present with one another. So, we started practicing noticing when those voices were showing up in our work together during the retreat. When these voices show up, they close our minds, hearts, and wills, Beaumont says. And you can probably think of times when this has been true for yourself or someone you’ve observed.
There is plenty to judge, to feel cynical about, and to be afraid of right now. Those responses are relatively common and normal, especially in liminal times. A spiritual practice is to begin to recognize when they are happening and name it. Then engage in the antidotes. We often need one another’s help and support to do this at first.
The voice of judgment wants to reduce complexity into simple terms and interpret the present based on the past, it makes the mind seem so certain but actually it’s just closed. To quiet the voice of judgment, engage in self-reflection to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. Get curious about your thoughts, conclusions, and judgments. Are they real? And like the breath during meditation, come back to what is really happening, not just what’s in your head. And engage in both/and thinking rather than either/or thinking (which is also an antidote to white supremacy culture so win-win!).
The voice of cynicism is skeptical, mistrusting, snarky and closes our hearts. To challenge the voice of cynicism, we engage in vulnerability (see Brené Brown’s Ted Talk!) rather than trying to protect our egos or succumbing to mistrust or assuming someone is motivated only by self-interest. We approach ourselves and one another with tenderheartedness instead.
The voice of fear is excellent at scaring up all the worst-case scenarios and wants to go back to the status quo, not into the uncertain emerging future and thus shuts down our will. To suspend the voice of fear, we recognize that there is opportunity in experimenting, in trying and failing, and that we can’t control everyone and everything. We yield to what will occur, leaning in to what may come, knowing we will learn something, trusting in the goodness of God/Love/Mystery/Spirit of Life/Essence of Humanity.
First, we have to begin to recognize when those voices are speaking. This takes practice and with intention, attention, and repetition, it becomes a spiritual practice that can make a real different in our families, communities, and in our congregation. It can be easier to notice it in other people first, like on the news.
As the delta variant keeps wreaking havoc, we are leaning into the wisdom and expertise of Dr. Kim Kilby and Dr. David Pratt, members of UU Schenectady. They are advising us to proceed with caution and with our UU values firmly centered. We are interdependent and the virus has made that abundantly clear. Our care for one another is our primary focus. We are approaching this fall slowly, taking in the various recommendations, and cautious about what folks going back to school will do to the county numbers of infections, transmissions, hospitalizations, and deaths
To quiet the voice of fear, we will be exploring and inviting you to consider the reality of what is, notice how you speak about all we are experiencing and return to what we are actually facing.
To challenge the voice of cynicism that keeps coming up regarding the variant(s), we are leaning into vulnerability. We don’t know how best to proceed into the fall or what the right decisions are regarding gathering together in-person. And we want to know. We have all been taught that leaders should know things. But in liminal seasons, Susan Beaumont reminds us, we don’t know-we don’t know what we need to know because we are all disoriented. We do know that we miss one another. We do know that spiritual, mental, emotional health is just as important as physical health for our well-being. None of us knows what the right way forward is AND we are willing to be with you in this hard, unknowing place.
And we will also be addressing our fears by being willing to try things and to likely fail at some of them; to try some things and then have to dial back mid-stream because the virus numbers are too dangerous. We will continue to engage in both/and thinking in our experimenting too!
We invite you into this spiritual practice with us. Begin to recognize when those voices show up. Then practice getting curious, vulnerable, experimental, flexible, and patient as we move into a new church year together. We will need one another’s tenderheartedness to nourish and sustain this religious community.
We will need volunteers, a lot of them, for whatever ways we ‘do church’ in the fall. See below.
With much care,
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn

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Volunteer Opportunities for Fall Worship with UUSS

By: Kristin Cleveland
We will have (Gods/Peoples/Metrics willing) an opportunity for an outdoor worship experience on Sep 19 for Water Communion. As we prioritize inclusion, we know that we have as part of our beloved community, those who are more vulnerable, a few for whom a vaccination is medically contraindicated, and that our youngest can’t get vaccinated yet. So, masks will be required for anyone 2 and up. All are welcome, either masked or on Zoom.
If we can actually do this (the metrics and probably a few stars need to be aligned in the right configuration) we will need volunteers who are masked and able to stand for periods of time and/or handle the hilly terrain of the back yard:
o   2 people to help schlep chairs to and from the back apron of the building
o   2 people to help with A/V equipment (moving it, setting it up, putting it away)
o   2 people to assist with the onsite monitoring of the Zoom interface
o   2 people to monitor internet bandwidth
o   2 people who are attending via Zoom to assist Zoom participants
o   2 families of greeters in the front to welcome folks with smiling eyes
o   4 ushers to help folks place themselves (blankets, small lawn chairs) 10-12ft away from
one another to allow for humming/singing, mask reminders, and contact tracing assistance
o   2 safety monitors
o   A shared responsibility for all, to leave the backyard even better than when we arrived.
Ahead of time, (before Sep 19)
  • we need some assistance to figure out how to boost the internet bandwidth to be able to reach the back yard
  • the A/V folks and Zoom monitors who are going to help the day of, come to a rehearsal the day before, to practice

Current guidance from the Unitarian Universalist Association: https://www.uua.org/leadership/library/delta-guidance

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Help the UU Service Committee Respond to Devastation in Haiti

By: Kristin Cleveland

Last week, Haiti experienced first an earthquake, and then heavy rains from Tropical Storm Grace. The devastation has been immense and heartbreaking. We can help UUSC get much needed financial resources to grassroots groups by making a gift to the Emergency Response Fund. For more info, go to https://www.uusc.org/disaster-response-faq/.

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EBWA Calendar for the 2021-2022 program year

By: Kristin Cleveland

EBWA Calendar 2021-2022

Evening Branch of the Women’s Alliance

Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady

1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady, NY

All Who Identify as Women are Welcome!

Sept. 23 “Police Reform in Schenectady” with Jamaica Miles, co-founder of “All of Us,” a grassroots organization fighting to end all forms of racism; newly-elected member of the Schenectady City School Board.

Oct. 28 “The Effects of Covid/Distance Learning on Schenectady Students” with Ebony Belmar, social worker, Schenectady City Schools; board member of the Working Group on Girls of Schenectady, Inc.

Nov. 18 “Communication for Unshakeable Relationships” with BJ Rosenfeld, author and expert in family relationships.

Dec. 16 “Why Are We Scared of Anti-Racist Theatre?” with Karen Christina Jones, Artistic Director, Callaloo Theater Company.

Jan. 27 “Community Development Efforts in Schenectady—Past and Present” with Jennica Huff, CEO Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc.

Feb. 17 “Conserving the Lands and Waters on Which All Life Depends” with Jessica Ottney Mahar, New York Policy and Strategy Director for The Nature Conservancy.

Mar. 31 “Risk and Resilience: Overcoming the Odds” with Teresa Gil, Ph.D., psychotherapist, professor, author.

Apr. 28 “Finding A Woman’s Place: The Story of a 1970’s Feminist Collective in the Adirondacks” with Lorraine Duvall, award-winning Adirondack author, political/ environmental podcaster.

May 26 “Women in the FBI: Then and Now” with Joanne Sills, retired FBI Special Agent.

June 16 “Schenectady’s Leading Ladies —walking tour of the Stockade with Mary Zawicki, Executive Director, Schenectady County Historical Society.  

Traditionally EBWA meetings have been in-person and have begun with a light dinner.  However, due to Covid, we expect to continue using ZOOM for our meetings for the indeterminate future.  Like last year, the meetings will begin promptly at 7pm with the speaker at the beginning, followed by a Q&A period and networking.  We will end no later than 9pm. We will be sending out monthly announcements with details about each program by e-mail and in Circuits.

Again, as we did last year, we are funding the honorariums we pay our speakers through subscriptions by supporters, and we will not be charging women for each program; your check will cover a series of meetings.  If you wish to support our efforts, you may send a check made out to EBWA for $25 to Carol Furman (contact her at cfurm13@gmail.com for the mailing address).  Subscribers will be automatically added to the ZOOM list.  (We need at least 27 subscriptions to cover our costs for the year.)  You do not need to contact Gabrielle for each meeting if you are on the permanent ZOOM list. 

Judy Clough will e-mail the ZOOM link the day before each meeting (mimaclough@yahoo.com).

Those women who prefer to attend meetings occasionally may sign up each month by emailing Gabrielle at ellegr3@gmail.com by the Monday evening before each meeting. You will receive the ZOOM link for that meeting only. 

If you are not yet familiar with ZOOM, see this tutorial: TCUUC Zoom Tutorial for Mobile Devices – YouTube.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Aug 24th, 2021

By: Kristin Cleveland
Summer greetings UUSS!
With the on-going situation in Afghanistan, the increased intensity of weather events linked to climate change, and the delta variant of COVID, this summer has brought many opportunities to grieve, to be disappointed, to feel afraid.
Many of us have also taken some time to assess our lives. We’ve made an effort to visit with loved ones or to travel a bit or to unplug from the stress and dire strain of the past year+.
There has been beauty and there has been brokenness here and abroad. We have been living through a time of trauma and loss alongside of moments of joy and connection. We have continued to monitor both the CDC recommendations and the UUA recommendations regarding gathering along with the many other factors that impact the decisions to gather together for religious education and/or worship. While we are hoping for a mid-September in-person worship experience, we are not confident that the numbers will be what they need to be to do so safely inside.
We will continue to monitor and to discuss with the COVID Prevention and Response Team as we navigate these next few weeks. Whether we stay fully online, have a multi-platform worship experience outdoors, or a multi-platform worship indoors, we will need volunteers, a lot of them for any of these endeavors to be successfully meaningful. Please watch for opportunities to serve, even if you don’t think of yourself as very tech savvy. And if you do think of yourself as tech savvy, please write to us right now to tell us you want to help and let us know about your skills.
Here is the most recent news out from the UUA: https://www.uua.org/leadership/library/delta-guidance
We will continue to rely on our cherished UU values of inclusion, living our interdependence by prioritizing one another’s health and well-being, science, and continuing to go forward with an attitude of curiosity, learning, and care for one another.
With much care,
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn

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Volunteer Needed to Maintain the UUSS Pools/Fountains

By: Kristin Cleveland

We are looking for a volunteer to come to UUSS to clean the filters, fountain heads, add chlorine and skim debris out of the pools until mid-October. September 2nd is the last day they will be maintained by the current person. Please contact Susan Marino, Church Administrator at admin@uuschenenectady.org for information or to volunteer!

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Plans for Religious Education

By: Kristin Cleveland
Plans are well underway for the upcoming RE year! We’ll be offering K/1/2 OWL, 5/6 OWL, and 8/9 OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) as well as some familiar and some new-to-us curricula! We also have a fabulous group of folx volunteering to serve as teachers, facilitators, and advisors for your Children and Youth, as we return to in-person RE!
It has been a long haul. We will spend the first few classes doing some community building, game playing, remembering some of the basics of Unitarian Universalism, getting to know each other again, and seeing what our new in-person normal might look like. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do some of these things outdoors. Let’s remember to be patient with each other and flexible with our plans and needs during this tender time.
The current plan is for RE to begin Sunday, 10/3, with our Children and Youth, together sharing and reconnecting.
YARN: UU Young Adult Revival Network. YARN is currently a continental Young Adult online community. If you have–or are–a young adult (ages 18-30’s), you might want to check out this awesome group. Here’s the link: https://www.uuyarn.org/
YARN offers Young Adult meetups, small group ministry, gatherings, and worship, all designed for–and by–young adults. Visit, maybe make some new friends, learn some meaningful things, and have some fun.
OUT OF THE OFFICE: I am currently out on medical leave for a period of time, with knee replacement surgery yesterday. Congregational Life Coordinator Kristin Cleveland will be helping out, as will Rev Lynn and RE Team Chair Mati Grieco-Hackett. Continue to address RE-related emails to dlre@uuschenectady.org, as Kristin will be checking that email address until I’m able to do so myself.
I am anxious to be back in the classrooms, in the Great Hall, and in person with all of you just as soon as I am able! You have been missed! In the meantime, rest assured, you will be in very good hands with Kristin, Rev Lynn, and our dedicated RE volunteers! Much love.

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John Edgar Wideman’s “You Made Me Love You” is next BIPOC author selection

By: Kristin Cleveland
Next up for the UUSS book group that is reading fiction, poetry, memoirs and more by Black, Indigenous, and Authors of Color is John Edgar Wideman’s You Made Me Love You, a collection of short stories. It is great to support the literary mastery of those we might otherwise overlook.
The discussion on You Made Me Love You will be held on Tuesday, August 31 at 6:30 pm, and will be led by Elizabeth Stehl.
Questions? Contact Kat Wolfram at kmwolfram@gmail.com.

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Looking Ahead

By: Kristin Cleveland

Our buildings have been closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. We anticipate that in-person services will resume beginning September 19, 2021. Until then, please join us online.

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Co-Minister’s Colloquy – June 29th

By: Kristin Cleveland

Dear UUSS,

We are grateful to have participated in professional development, governance, and worship at Ministry Days of the UU Ministers Association (UUMA). Wendy’s worship service was incredibly well received by our colleagues and Lynn did some very meaningful work with the Covenant Relations Team when a few folks were acting in ways that were outside of our covenantal agreements and the CRT invited them back into right relationship.

We also attended, with several other UUSSers, and Kristin and Robin, our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) General Assembly (GA). The delegates had an active text thread in which we were able to discuss the many business items of the GA including important bylaw changes, passing the Statement of Conscience, and electing new UUA Board members including the Rev. Sam Trumbore.

This is a very good thing as his opponent seems to be interested in taking our faith backwards rather than to continue to examine privilege, recognize racism, and dismantle the aspects of white supremacy that live within us and our systems. And we had another thread for folks who were simply attending the GA which we checked in on at intervals to see how things were going.

It is hard work and it is deeply faithful work to put our first principle into actual practice. Affirming and promoting the inherent worth and dignity of every person means we do what we can to ensure that Black Lives Matter, that Trans/Non-binary/Genderqueer folks are seen as human, that those with disabilities are people first, and so much more.

As we gathered we also considered the devastating impacts of Climate destruction. With temperatures raging all over the country, the Earth is trying to tell us something-a lesson we could have learned but seemingly did not these last several months, stop, rest, take care of yourselves and one another, need and acquire less, travel less, use less resources, make sure your neighbors have what they need, disrupt capitalism’s demand to produce and consume.

We are so inspired to continue our commitment to deepening our covenant and strengthening our shared ministry with you. And for now, we rest. We have been going all out for nearly all of the 475 days since we needed to close the buildings due to COVID.

May you find a few moments each day (or more!) to rest, to pause and reflect, to recognize our interdependence, and to generate more love through our faithful living. Have a lovely July!

With gratitude,

Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn

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BIPOC Book Group Summer Read: While Justice Sleeps, by Stacey Abrams

By: Kristin Cleveland
While Justice Sleeps, by Stacy Abrams, is the next book for our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Authors Book Discussion. Change gears with us for a thriller! Recently published, Stacey Abrams’ novel While Justice Sleeps has made the NY Times Bestseller list in May, 2021.
Date of the Zoom discussion To Be Determined. If you cannot join us for the book discussion, feel free to send your comments and questions.
For more information on this Anti-Racism Team (ART)-facilitated book group, please contact Kat Wolfram (518) 322.6628 kmwolfram@gmail.com.

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Summer Worship

By: Kristin Cleveland
We will have a variety of options for worship this summer. We will welcome guests, we will be guests with other congregations. We will have live speakers and pre-recorded worship. On July 4, we are giving our staff the day off as a part of sustainability. We’ll share a link of a reflection for you to experience ahead of time and then invite you to ponder interdependence on that Sunday.
Info for each service will appear in Circuits like it does every week. Some info can also be found here: https://uuschenectady.org/worship/upcoming-worship-services/
-Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn

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Music Director Hiring Team & Custodial Reimagining and Hiring Team Updates:

By: Kristin Cleveland

The Music Director Hiring Team has been meeting, discussing what is needed in this new world of congregational life, and prepared a job posting. We have posted job announcements and received a few applications. The Team is interviewing two potential candidates this week.

If you are connected in any way with people who are musicians and/or know people who might be a good fit for our next Music Director, we would very mush appreciate you spreading the word in any way you can. Please direct them to our website: https://uuschenectady.org/worship/music-director-hiring/ Even if you don’t know someone, would you consider pasting this link in your Social Media outlets to see what the power of the interwebs can do? Thanks!

– Rev. Wendy on behalf of the Music Director Hiring Team (John and Maia Regan, Pete Gernert-Dott, Suzanne Brunelle, Alison Dubray, and Rev. Lynn)

In addition, the Custodial Imagining and Hiring Team has met to begin imagining possibilities for this position moving forward. What do we need as a congregation? We are open to what unfolds, without assuming what will be simply because of what has been. Stay tuned!-Rev. Wendy on behalf of the Custodial Imagining and Hiring Team (Kevin O’Connor, Ernie Hall, Dick Westergard, Randy Jennings, and Susan Marino).

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – June 22nd

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS~
This week, we are attending Ministry Days, a three day online gathering for UU ministers and seminarians, followed by 41/2 days of General Assembly, (GA.)
Wendy was part of the team that created and led the opening worship service on Monday. Lynn is serving on the Covenantal Relations Team.
At GA, there are worship services, workshops, business meetings, and more. We are attending online, along with with staff members Robin Ahearn & Kristin Cleveland, and UUSS lay folks-Kat Wolfram, Randy Jennings, Lisa Temoshok, Mike MacLaury, Gary Feinland, Paula Shaw, Jacqui Foster, Trish Williams, and Mav Douglas. We are so grateful that you will each be attending, too!
There is so to much learn, share, and experience of our larger faith, and to bring back to UUSS as well. Thanks, also, to Sara Meixner, Bridget Almas, and Dan Leonard for serving as non-attending delegates to vote in the Board election.
Sunday’s service at UUSS will be the worship from General Assembly… we look forward to sharing it with all who can attend.
With anticipation, and in faith~
Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – June 22nd

By: Kristin Cleveland
Senior Youth (grades 9-12) will meet this coming Sunday, 6/27, in person, behind Waters House. Youth should bring masks and folding chairs.
Wizarding Camp! All wands at the ready! Monday, 6/28, young wizards from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, the US and Canada, will convene with 5 of our UUSS Children, 4 UUSS adult volunteers, and your DLRE, for a week of UUWA camp, or Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts! It’s going to be a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility! The magic will be shared as the wizards in training hone their skills!
Happy Summer -Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Exploring a Revitalized Social Justice Program at UUSS – Part 1

By: Kristin Cleveland
I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight, I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice. Theodore Parker, in a speech delivered in the hall of the State house, before the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Convention, January 29, 1858
Our faith calls us to challenge the many ways in which injustice is perpetuated in our communities and UUSS has a long history of doing this work. Many of us continue to engage in a variety of different ways. But how do we, as a congregation, act thoughtfully and strategically to maximize our impact on long-standing injustices? To bend the arc towards justice? The Social Justice Action Team has been grappling with these questions and exploring how we might reinvent social action as justice action at UUSS.
We are not, of course, the only congregation to confront this question. The experience of other UU congregations suggests that the key is to narrow and concentrate the focus. If we were to choose one issue in our community and engage it as a congregation-wide effort, imagine what we might achieve. Not only might we support those most impacted by that injustice, but also confront the systemic roots of the problem, advocate for fundamental change, and partner with, and amplify the voices of advocates and activists from affected communities.
The process of changing how we do justice work, of choosing one issue onto which to focus and engaging the congregation in dialog is a challenge. It will require many discussions and lots of research into issues, resources, and community partners. The Social Justice Action Team plans to start the process of broader dialog within the congregation in the Fall. This is Part 1 of a three-part Circuits Article which will be included in Circuits issues over the summer months. If you want more information, or wish to share your thoughts, please contact John Reschovsky at jreschovsky@nycap.rr.com, co-chair, the Social Justice Action Team.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – June 15th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS~
This month’s theme is “Living ‘Neath the Great Big Dipper,” from a line in Pat Humphries’ song, Swimming to the Other Side, that we sang in last Sunday’s service. As we have met with Staff, the Board, and various Ministry Teams this month, we’ve included this theme in some of our check-in questions, by asking, “what is something that you appreciate about the night sky?”
The answers have been thoughtful, interesting, and delightful: “I appreciate the vastness of it all.” “When I can be somewhere with no other lights, it is incredible how many stars there are!” “It reminds me of how small I am, and also how connected.”
“It is amazing to think that we are seeing light from stars that are light-years away… and that have been viewed by millions of people before me, and will likely be seen by millions after me.” “Seeing the moon and the stars helps me feel connected to people I love who are far away, able to see the same moon, and the same stars at some time during the night.”
“The sky is beautiful when I wake up before dawn.” “Looking at the night sky is one time that I experience a sense of the holy.” “When I sit by a campfire and look up, it is as though I am breathing in the Infinite.”
How about you? What do you appreciate about the night sky? Whatever it is, we hope that you get some time in the coming weeks to enjoy it… outside, on a warm summer evening, and that it supports you living with more compassion, making choices for more justice, and sharing joy!
We are grateful that we got to see some of you on Saturday in the church gardens, and we are very much hoping that we are able to be back in the buildings for worship and religious education in late September!
Next week we will be attending Ministry Days, followed by General Assembly. We value these opportunities to serve and connect with our colleagues, and to join with others to do the work of our denomination.
In faith~
Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – June 15th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Crossing the Bridge! Graduating seniors Will Comparin and Ethan Harder bridged this past Sunday, from Youth to Young Adult! Congratulations to both Will and Ethan! Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy led a beautiful service, celebrating these two awesome Youth and this important time in their lives, and in their parents’ lives. As a caterpillar goes into its cocoon, only to emerge a butterfly and take flight, Will and Ethan are embarking on their own flights into adulthood. Knowing their UUSS Family is always here for them.
Senior Youth (grades 9-12) will not be meeting this coming Sunday, 6/20. Our next meeting will be in person on 6/27, at noon, behind Waters House. Youth should bring masks and folding chairs.
Wizarding Camp! All wands at the ready! In a couple of weeks, young wizards from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, the US and Canada, will convene with 5 of our UUSS Children, 3 adult volunteers, and your DLRE, for a week of UUWA camp, or Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts! It’s going to be a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility! The magic will be shared as the wizards in training hone their skills!
Happy Summer Solstice! Enjoy the longest day of the year and celebrate by basking in the sunshine, going strawberry picking, making a flower crown, making a rock sculpture, kayaking, going on a hike, or doing yoga in your yard or at the park. Take time to reflect a bit, and to look forward. Teach your child how to skip stones. Play in the rain. Make mud pies. Invite your children to look for signs of the glory of summer. Invite yourself too.
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands!
-Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – June 1st

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS,
This week we will be attending (online) the national UU Ministers Association (UUMA) Annual Meeting on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Wendy is completing a term as the UUMA Board Secretary. Lynn will be serving as a member of the Right Relations Team. The UUMA Board and the Executive Leadership Staff have been working to clarify and update the Mission and Vision of the UUMA by grappling with why we exist and how we will do our work. The Executive determines what will be done.
There is a lot of confusion about the definition of mission, vision, and purpose and the terms get used to mean different things sometimes and in different types of organizations. It is good to review and revise course periodically, and take stock of what’s working, what’s being resisted, what’s not working, what is the Spirit of Life calling forth from us, and what is needed in Unitarian Universalism and the wider community. It will be important for UUSS to ask some of these same questions as we think about and engage in preparations for re-opening in-person worship in the fall. Who are we called to be now? What is the Spirit of Life and Love calling forth from UUSS?
May we endeavor to grapple with the questions of why UUSS exists, how we will do our work together guided by which values, and what shared ministry will we prioritize doing together as a congregation for 2021-22.
Open to the unfolding path,
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn

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Religious Education News for June

By: Kristin Cleveland
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet for their final class this year on Sunday, 6/6, at 9:30. Here’s the link to their online class:
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet for their final class on Sunday, 6/13/21, at 9:30. Here’s the link to this virtual class:
6/7/8 MARCH will meet for their final class this year on Sunday evening, 6/6/21, at 6 pm. This meeting will take place in person(!) behind Waters House. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available if needed. Please bring a folding/camp chair.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again in person(!) on Sunday, 6/6/21, at noon. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available if needed. Pease bring a folding/camp chair. RE for Sunday, 5/30, will be attending the service.
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Theme: Living ‘neath the great Big Dipper

By: Kristin Cleveland

The theme for this month draws from lyrics in “Swimming to the Other Side,” written by Pat Humphries, of the duo Emma’s Revolution. As we conclude another school year, church year, fiscal year, let’s consider where we’ve been, what we’ve been through, and where we are right now as we head into summer. How might we live if we truly cherish the beings that we live beside?

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Upcoming EBWA Program: Women at Rest: A Tour of Vale Cemetery

By: Kristin Cleveland
“Women at Rest: A Tour of Vale Cemetery”, with speaker Sue McLane, “The Victorian Lady,” will be held June 17th (rain date: June 24th), 5:30-7:30pm at Vale Cemetery.
Born and raised in Schenectady (with ancestors in Vale Cemetery), Sue McLane has been researching life in the 19th century, especially as it pertains to women, for many years. For the past 30 years she has presented programs on the information she has gathered, appearing in period costume (thus her nickname “The Victorian Lady”). All of Sue’s programs have regional history as their basis, and she uses primary sources in her research. The tour of Vale Cemetery will cover 400 years of the diverse lives of women buried here who have had an impact on local history. — All women are welcome to join us on this field trip which promises to be enlightening and engaging.
This will be our first in-person meeting in more than a year, so the reservation procedure is a little different. To let us know you are coming, please email Gabrielle Reals at ellegr3@gmail.com by Tuesday, June 15th. Then bring your own picnic supper and a lawn chair and meet us on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the caretaker’s house near the entrance of Vale Cemetery, 907 State Street. We will drive to two different sites in the cemetery where Sue will make her presentation. After the program, we will have our picnic supper together outside the caretaker’s house. (Check your email before noon on June 17th to be sure the program has not been postponed due to rain.)
Looking ahead: We are putting the final touches on our EBWA programs for 2021-2022 right now. Watch for the announcement of an exciting lineup of presentations early in September!

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Co-Minister’s Colloquy – May 25th

By: Kristin Cleveland

Abundant iris

holding nothing back, just full

expressive beauty

Honoring the Earth,

~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – May 25th

By: Kristin Cleveland
RE Online Wizarding Camp! Children 5-13; 6/28-7/2/21. Camp hours are 9-11 and 1-3, with optional social time available during lunch break and a celebration Friday evening (time tbd).
Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.
UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility.***THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR CAMP IS 5/28!***  
Free to UUSS member families!*
*The cost for non-member families is $150/first child; $100/additional child; financial assistance available if needed.
The First Hybrid RE Class!
What a treat! This past Sunday, 5/23, the 3/4/5 CartUUns class, teachers, and DLRE got to share the first hybrid RE class since the pandemic lockdown began! It was such a joy to get to see some of us in person. Mother Nature kindly cooperated and shared lots of sunshine with us. Four children attended in person and two attended virtually. While we all acknowledged it did feel a little weird for some us to be together in person at first, it wasn’t long before we settled in, did some learning, shared some laughter, and had a lot of fun. A big THANK YOU to terrific teachers John Cornett, Ed Kautz (Sunday’s fabulous lead), and Alexandria Onderdonk-Milne and the Children (and the parents that drove the in-person Children to Waters House!) for making this first hybrid RE experience such a joyful success!
6/7/8 Game Night! — We have rescheduled the 6/7/8 Game Night to next Friday, 6/4, from 7-8:30.
A parent needs to be present in the physical room with their child.
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet online for their final class this year on Sunday, 6/6, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet online for their final class on Sunday, 6/13/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet for their final class this year on Sunday evening, 6/6/21, at 6 pm. This meeting will take place in person(!) behind Waters House. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available if needed. Please bring a folding/camp chair.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again in person(!) on Sunday, 6/6/21, at noon. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available if needed. Pease bring a folding/camp chair. RE for Sunday, 5/30, will be attending the service.
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Celebrate Flowers, Winnings, and Staff!

By: Kristin Cleveland

On Saturday, June 12th, drop by 1221 Wendell Ave anytime between 9:30 am – 12 noon.

Coupled with celebrating our wonderful custodial staff before they retire, we will be preparing for the next day’s Flower Ceremony. Come to the church and bring a flower or a bouquet to share with others, and then select a bloom to take home so that you are ready to celebrate in Sunday’s Flower Ceremony. Sunday’s worship service will also include a bridging ritual for our youth moving into young adulthood.

You can also pick up your auction winnings during this window of time. (Don’t forget to send in your contribution by June 1.)

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – May 18th

By: Kristin Cleveland

In our morning meditation, we sat with a teaching and practice from Jack Kornfield on letting go… letting go of anything that gets in the way of being present with what is. This month, as we focus on the stories of our faith we are grateful for the ways sharing and hearing one another’s stories allow us to be present with one another… to be more present with what is.

Along with people in the Caring Network, we are calling folks in the congregation. These conversations are precious. Just this week we spoke with a foster-parent of three young children, a member who has been working at Shoprite during the pandemic, and an elder who has been quite isolated, and yet is grateful for their health and opportunities to connect.

Each of us has stories to share. Each of us can listen. This Sunday is an opportunity to do just that at the Congregational Meeting following the Sunday worship service. We hope you will be there.

With care and in faith~
Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – May 18th

By: Kristin Cleveland

RE Online Wizarding Camp!

Open to all children aged 5-13; Held Monday 6/28-Friday, 7/2/21. Hours are 9-11 and 1-3, with optional social time available during lunch break and a celebration Friday evening (time tbd).

Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.

UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility. The deadline to register is 5/28. Here’s the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oUpiI9Crwq8JYXYbxVnZsmwklZC2VPZxdxOep4Wvglg/edit

Free to UUSS member families!*
*The cost for non-member families is $150/first child; $100/additional child; financial assistance available if needed.

Upcoming Game Nights:

  • 3/4/5 Game Night! THIS Friday, May 21, 6-7. A parent needs to be present in the physical room with their child.
  • 6/7/8 Game Night! My apologies for this past Friday evening Zoom failure!
    We are rescheduling the 6/7/8 Game Night to Friday, 6/4, from 7-8:30.
    A parent needs to be present in the physical room with their child.
  • Senior Youth (grades 9-12) Game Night! May 21, 7:30-9

Upcoming Religious Education Classes:

  • K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet for their final class this year on Sunday, 6/6, at 9:30.
  • 3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 5/23/21, at 9:30.
  • 6/7/8 MARCH will meet for their final class this year on Sunday evening, 6/6/21, exact time to be determined. This meeting will take place in person(!) behind Waters House. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available if needed. Please bring a folding/camp chair.
  • SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 5/23/21.
    Please note that we are planning to have our 6/6 meeting in person(!). We’ll meet behind Waters House at noon. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available if needed. Please bring a folding/camp chair.

Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Spring into Summer Outing with Green Sanctuary

By: Kristin Cleveland

On Saturday, June 5th, from 11:30 am – 2 pm, meet at Peebles Island State Park for lunch, conversation, and then an easy level hike around this beautiful park.

Details
Date and time: Sat, June 5, 11:30-2:00
Location: Peebles Island State Park, Cohoes (park website here)
What to bring: Your own lunch, water, chair or ground cover, mask
UUSS COVID requirements:  mask & 6 foot distancing except with family, sign in with name and contact info
11:30-12:15: Sign-in, lunch, gathering
12:30-2:00: Hike on trails around the park; loop trail returns to parking lot. Trails are mainly flat and easy, with spectacular views of the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk. We suggest you caution your children to stay away from the cliffs overlooking the rivers. If you have questions please contact Nancy Peterson at gs.uuss062gmail.com or 518-588-7505.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – May 11th

By: Kristin Cleveland

Dear UUSS~

The beautiful spring sunshine and blooms are calling many of us outdoors, and some are making good use of opportunities to more safely visit family and close friends. It can be so good for our spirits to connect with those we love and with the Earth.

And, with all that, we hope that you devote some time this month to participating in congregational life at UUSS by attending online concert and mini-auction on Friday, May 21st, the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 23rd, as well as worship and the final month of Adult Faith Development programs and Religious Education classes for this church year.

Excellent news that vaccines for 12-15 year olds are soon to happen! Please keep being vigilant though. One can’t know if someone has been vaccinated just by looking at them. Your life is worth protecting and so is everyone else’s.

Know that we miss you, and appreciate seeing you online or hearing from you. We truly need one another.

In faith~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – May 11th

By: Kristin Cleveland
RE Online Wizarding Camp! Children 5-13; 6/28-7/2/21. Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.
Looking for a safe way to play this summer? UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility. The deadline to register is 5/28. Here’s the link:
Free to UUSS member families!*
*The cost for non-member families is $150/first child; $100/additional child; financial assistance available if needed.
Nursery Kids and K/1/2 Fun with Friends! THIS FRIDAY, May 14, 6-6:45
Please send me a quick email if your child(ren) will be attending and I’ll send or deliver them supplies so we can work on a project together! dlre@uuschenectady.org
3/4/5 Game Night! May 21, 6-7
6/7/8 Game Night! THIS FRIDAY, May 14, 7-8:30
Senior Youth (grades 9-12) Game Night! May 21, 7:30-9
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 5/16, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 5/23/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 5/16/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 5/16/21.
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Tending Plants and Tending Community: Growing Medicinal Herbs at a Community-Supported Farm

By: Kristin Cleveland
May 27th EBWA Program, 7-9 pm
Speaker: Melissa MacKinnon, Director/Manager of Schenectady Urban Farms and Master Gardener
Schenectady Urban Farms began in 2012 as Vale Urban Farm, becoming Schenectady Urban Farms in 2020 with the addition of two farms in the city of Schenectady and a new affiliation with Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM.)  The mission of the organization is to lower barriers to fresh food access while building a healthy, diverse community in Schenectady. The farms are member-based, collectively worked, and include chickens, bees, rabbits, fruit, an orchard and herb gardens, with both medicinal and culinary herbs. Focusing on the community herb garden, with photos of the plants and our work through the years, this talk will describe the theory and actual practices regarding herb gardens and growing healthy food and medicines in our community.
Melissa MacKinnon, longtime member of UUSS, has been part of the farms since 2014 when she started the medicinal herb garden at Vale Urban Farm. She has actively studied community herbal medicine since 2012, is a Master Gardener Volunteer with Schenectady Cooperative Extension, and serves on the Schenectady County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. — All women are welcome to join us for this informative meeting!
Since our meetings this year are only being offered virtually, if you are not already on the Zoom list, to receive an invitation to join the program on Zoom, please email Gabrielle Reals at ellegr3@gmail.com by Monday, May 24. If you have never used Zoom before, this tutorial will tell you how to do it:  Zoom Tutorial from TCUUC. After you download a free Zoom account, if you need help, contact Judy Clough at mimaclough@yahoo.com.  (Best to do this well before the May 27 meeting.)
Sign into the meeting between 6:50 and 7:00 PM.  After welcoming remarks, the speaker will be introduced at 7:15. Following the presentation, there will be time for questions. Networking (when each woman may share something of interest with the group) will begin around 8:15, and the meeting will end no later than 9 PM.
To see the complete calendar of EBWA programs for 2020-2021, please click here.
Looking ahead: Our June meeting will be a week earlier than usual, on June 17 (rain date: June 24th). This will be an in-person (not virtual) field trip, and our speaker, Sue McLane, will talk about “Women at Rest: A Tour of Vale Cemetery.”  Details will be announced in the June 1 Circuits, but we will meet at the cemetery at 5:30, drive to two locations for the presentation, and then have a picnic supper in the cemetery. Save the date!

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June BIPOC Book Discussion: Beloved, by Toni Morrison

By: Kristin Cleveland
Tuesday, June 1st at 6:30pm. Beloved, by Toni Morrison, is the next book for our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Authors Book Discussion. Published in 1987, many of you may have read this novel already. If you have, let’s take another read given the times and how the times may have changed us since we read it the first time. If you have been meaning to read it and haven’t gotten around to it, this is an opportunity to read and discuss with a supporting group of people. If you have questions or would like more information on this book group, please contact Kat Wolfram kmwolfram@gmail.com.

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Registration is open for 2021-22 UU Wellspring Sources & Sacred Arts courses

By: Kristin Cleveland
UU Wellspring Sources Registration
Is this the year you deepen your faith? Since 2010, UU Schenectady has offered a range of 6 different Wellspring classes. UU Sources is the foundational class for all other Wellspring classes. Through assignments and interactions, the Sources curriculum enables participants to deepen their own understanding of UU values; gain a deeper commitment to their own values; and enter into a deeper connection with fellow participants.
Classes are co-facilitated by Chrissy Bisceglia and Jennifer Fredericks. This class begins with a retreat on September 11th, and then meets specific Wednesday evenings September 2021-June, 2022. For dates and a full description of course content please click HERE. To register, click HERE.
UU Sacred Arts Registration
How can the Arts Teach about our Faith?
Process theology shows that we are both part of creation and creators as well. Each of us is endowed with the creative spirit that calls for expression. UUSS Wellspring Sacred Arts is an advanced Wellspring class that offers spiritual awakening through the arts. Previous artistic activity is not a requirement. It is suggested that you have taken at least one advanced UU Wellspring class in the past.
Through class assignments and interactions, you will be begin to explore the connection between spirituality and the arts. Participants are encouraged to take up or continue with a creative practice. Classes are co-facilitated by Bill Flanagan and Sandra Rouse.
Wellspring Sacred Arts begins with a retreat on August 28, 2021, and then classes will be held specific Tuesday evenings from September 2021-May 2022. For dates and a full description of course content please click HERE . To register click HERE .
If questions or concerns about either the UU Wellspring Sources course or the UU Wellspring Sacred Arts course, contact Sandra Rouse, Wellspring Coordinator, at sandra.rouse@gmail.com.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – May 4th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS,
This past Sunday, we acknowledged those who have been members of the congregation for 25 or 50 years. As we heard their stories and considered what we have come to know of each of these people in the past four years, it is quite something to consider how much the congregation has been shaped by their participation, and vice versa.
And isn’t that what most of us want? To make a difference? If someone in the church-a lay person, a staff member, or minister has made a difference in your life, might you take a minute this week to send them an email? or card in the mail to let them know? A lot of us are weary, a lot of us are running on fumes, a lot of us would be touched to know some little or big thing that mattered?
We hope that every member can find ways to participate that are meaningful and that add to your spiritual journey, and that you have a sense of how your presence matters and contributes to living with compassion, justice, and joy!
In faith~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – May 4th

By: Kristin Cleveland
There are no RE classes this Sunday, 5/9; Religious education for this week is attending the service.
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone out there mothering their loves!
RE Online Wizarding Camp! Children 5-13; 6/28-7/2/21. 
Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.
Looking for a safe way to play this summer? UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility. The deadline to register is 5/28. Here’s the link:
Free to UUSS member families!*
*The cost for non-member families is $150/first child; $100/additional child; financial assistance available if needed.
Upcoming Special Events:
– Nursery Kids and K/1/2 Fun with Friends! May 14, 6-6:45
Please send me a quick email if your child(ren) will be attending and I’ll send them supplies so we can work on a project together! dlre@uuschenectady.org
– 3/4/5 Game Night! May 21, 6-7
– 6/7/8 Game Night! May 14, 7-8:30
– Senior Youth (grades 9-12) Game Night! May 21, 7:30-9
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 5/16, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 5/23/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 5/16/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 5/16/21.
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Theme for May: Stories of Faith

By: Kristin Cleveland
Where do we come from? Who are we? Who are we called to become? What stories do we tell about the answers to those questions? How does our experience of and our living out our UU faith influence our stories? How do our stories intersect with the reality of others?
Living in this global pandemic amidst and impacted by systemic racism, we need to take care of ourselves and one another to remember we are also blessed by immeasurable beauty, acts of kindness, and the practices of compassion.

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Concert with Maria Zemantauski Friday, May 21

By: Kristin Cleveland
On Friday, May 21, from 7-9 pm, join UUSS for a wonderful concert with the profoundly talented Maria Zemantauski, a brilliant flamenco-style guitarist.
In the week leading up to the concert, you will have the opportunity to bid on some fun and lovely items in our online auction, including a week at a beautiful home on an Adirondack Lake! Winners will be announced at the end of the Maria Zemantauski concert.
Suggested donation for concert tickets is $30 per Zoom room AND we’re in the middle of a pandemic and its a fundraiser for the church, so there is a sliding scale of $0-$100! Link for tickets here! Pay $0 if you are really struggling financially right now. Pay $100 or more if you can ’cause you aren’t struggling financially! Otherwise pick an amount somewhere between zero and a hundred.
This event is made possible in part through the funds from the bequest of William Kleinhandler.

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EBWA Program Calendar 2020-2021

By: Kristin Cleveland

EBWA calendar 2020-2021

Evening Branch of the Women’s Alliance

Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady

1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady NY

    All women are welcome

Sept. 24 “Mayan Women Artisans and the Fair Trade Business During Covid-19,” with Vera Eccarius-Kelly, Siena College Political Science Professor, President, Mayan Hands Foundation

Oct. 29 “Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights,” with Gretchen Sorin, Ph.D., Director, Distinguished Service Professor, Cooperstown Graduate Program

Nov. 19 “Climate Justice: Human Rights Considerations with Climate Change,” with Eleanor Stein, Attorney, Environmental Advocate

Dec. 17 “Learning Cultural Sensitivity While Making a Difference,” with Diane Reiner,             Co-Founder of Jajja’s Kids in Uganda 

Jan. 28 “Getting Your Affairs in Order” with Lynda Shrager, certified aging in place specialist and professional organizer

Feb. 25 “Creativity, Curiosity and Commerce,” with Nicole Snow, CEO and founder,                  Darn Good Yarn

Mar. 25 “Somebody’s Gotta Do It!” with Adrienne Martini, a progressive woman in a red county, elected to Otsego County Board in 2018

April 29 “The Writer’s Life: Making Words Count,” with Carol Bluestein, writer, artist, gardener 

May 27 “Schenectady Urban Farms,” with Melissa McKinnon, Director and member of UUSS

June 17 Women at Rest: Tour of Vale Cemetery,” with Sue McLane, “The Victorian Lady”

EBWA programs are open to ALL WOMEN.  Meetings this year will be on Zoom.  To be invited to a Zoom meeting, contact Gabrielle Reals at ellegr3@gmail.com by 8 PM the Monday prior.  If you have never used Zoom before, this tutorial will tell you how to do it:   Zoom Tutorial from TCUUC.  After you download a free Zoom account, if you need help, contact Judy Clough at mimaclough@yahoo.com.

Sign into the meeting between 6:50 and 7:00 PM.  After welcoming remarks, the speaker will be introduced at 7:15. Following the presentation, there will be time for questions.  Networking (when each woman may share something of interest with the group) will begin around 8:15, and the meeting will end no later than 9 PM.

(Updated December 7, April 11 and May 3)

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – April 27th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UU Schenectady~
Thanks to all who participated in the interfaith Earth Day Mitzvah at Vale Cemetery. It was so good to see so many folks from UUSS present!
On Sunday evening, we attended the installation service of Rev. Theresa Soto, as the senior minister of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, (FUCO). This is our installation-versary month with UUSS. For those who don’t know, an installation is a worship service ritual that acknowledges the covenant between a called minister and the congregation they serve.
We have known Theresa since they were in seminary, and we both have worked at FUCO. It was a joy to witness this event celebrating this shared ministry. One element in the installation is a Charge to the Congregation. This is a time when someone makes a request of the congregation, or encourages them not to forget some important truths.
Rev. Cecelia Kingman, who interned with the Oakland church, offered these remarks. She said that shared ministry, (the work of a congregation by lay-leaders and clergy,) is not like sharing a doughnut with sprinkles, but more like playing a game of soccer, where each team member shows up, and is ready for when the ball is passed to them. Sometimes we rest and cheer the others on. Sometimes we are in the game, using our skills and energy as best we can, and learning more together along the way.
If you are interested in “getting into the game” at UUSS, please know that there are so many ways to participate and serve together. This coming year will include shared ministry in new and exciting ways. None of us has ever come back together as a congregation after a pandemic, (some being in-person for the first time.) There will be stories to share, and laughter and tears. There will be work to do together, for justice. Want to find your place on the team? Let us know.
In faith~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – April 27th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Family Service (created especially for families with kids at home): Saturday, 5/1/21, from 5-5:30 pm
On Saturday we’ll have a brief service to provide an opportunity for parents and children to connect. We hope you and your children will join us with your chalices (if you have one), from wherever is most comfortable for you. See Circuits or email Robin Ahearn for the link.
RE Online Wizarding Camp! Children 5-13; 6/28-7/2/21.
Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.
Looking for a safe way to play this summer? UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility. The deadline to register is 5/28. Here’s the registration link:
Free to UUSS member families!*
*The cost for non-member families is $150/first child; $100/additional child; financial assistance available if needed.
Nursery Kids and K/1/2 Fun with Friends! May 14, 6-6:45
Please send me a quick email if your child(ren) will be attending and I’ll send them supplies so we can work on a project together! dlre@uuschenectady.org
3/4/5 Game Night! May 21, 6-7
6/7/8 Game Night! May 14, 7-8:30
Senior Youth (grades 9-12) Game Night! May 21, 7:30-9
Aninger Fund
The Aninger Fund is a trust fund created for the purpose of supporting leadership opportunities for junior and senior youth of our congregation. The Aningers were two brothers, William and Alfred, who left money to foster leadership in religious education. These funds are meant to provide scholarships to individuals whose leadership potential could benefit from attendance or participation in an activity but need financial help.
Some excellent opportunities are available through UUA (UU Association of Congregations) and CER (Central East Region) and include but are not limited to: River Rising, General Assembly, Summer Seminary (youth), Multicultural Leadership School (youth), and youth conferences. The spring deadline for both individual AND group applications is May 1st, for review at the May RE Team meeting. Applications received after the May 1st deadline will not be considered until the fall (if they are still relevant). Applications may be downloaded through the UUSS website. Applications should be submitted to Director of Lifespan Religious Education Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org.
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 5/2, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 5/23/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 5/2/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 5/2/21.
The Senior Youth Stamped Book Group will have our final meeting Friday, 4/30, at 8 pm, on the regular link. We’ll be reading Section 5 of Stamped. All Senior Youth are welcome to join even if you’ve only read this section, or even if you just want to join the conversation!
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Come to General Assembly this June!

By: Kristin Cleveland
The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) annual General Assembly will be held virtually this year, making it more convenient and affordable than in the past, while still offering a fascinating array of learning and networking opportunities that can be experienced without having to take time off to travel.
Between Wednesday evening, June 23, and Sunday afternoon, June 27, there will be scores of workshops on a wide variety of subjects, worship services drawing on UU talent nationwide, and special guest speakers, including Stacey Abrams and Desmond Meade, who will co-present the 2021 Ware Lecture on Saturday evening.
Programs and UUA business sessions are primarily scheduled in the afternoons and evenings, and many aspects can also be watched at a later date, so if you’d like, you can virtually be in two places at once! This flexibility makes GA possible even for super busy folks. While programs are still being finalized, a selection are already announced. DETAILS HERE.
GA costs $200, and there are volunteer opportunities and scholarships available. For more information or to register, click here: https://www.uua.org/ga/registration.
If you would like to learn about serving as a voting delegate at the business sessions, contact the co-ministers or UUSS board member Lisa Temoshok.

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Come to General Assembly this June!

By: Kristin Cleveland

Registration is now open for General Assembly, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) annual meeting of workshops, worship services, social events, networking opportunities, poster sessions, an online marketplace, and more! Special guests Stacey Abrams and Desmond Meade will co-present the 2021 Ware Lecture on Saturday evening. See event schedule for more details.

GA will be held virtually this year, making it more convenient and affordable than in the past, while still offering a fascinating array of learning and networking opportunities that can be experienced without having to take time off to travel.
Events begin on Wednesday evening, June 23, and run through Sunday afternoon, June 27. Programs and UUA business sessions are primarily scheduled in the afternoons and evenings, and many aspects can also be watched at a later date, so if you’d like, you can virtually be in two places at once! This flexibility makes GA possible even for super busy folks. While programs are still being finalized, a selection are already announced. DETAILS HERE.
GA costs $200, and there are volunteer opportunities and scholarships available. For more information or to register, click here: https://www.uua.org/ga/registration.
If you would like to learn about serving as a voting delegate at the business sessions, contact the co-ministers or UUSS board member Lisa Temoshok (lisa.temoshok@gmail.com).

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UU Wizarding Camp June 28th – July 2nd!

By: Kristin Cleveland
Here are some options to volunteer for our Wizarding Camp, which will take place 6/28-7/2:
Professors
Professors lead a one-hour class Mon-Fri, 1-2 pm. Professors can choose to teach anywhere from 1-5 classes. Lesson plans will be provided for the professors ahead of time.
Assistant Professors
As described above, but in a secondary role. Responsibilities are more focused on helping students who need extra attention and supporting the professor.
House Leaders
Most time intensive. Mon-Fri, 9:45-11 & 2:30-3; at least 18 years old.
House Leaders are responsible for guiding campers through their daily house meeting activities, fostering an inclusive sense of house pride and community, acting as a mentor to students, and facilitating house meetings.
Assistant House Leaders
As described above, but in a secondary role. Do not need to be available for all meetings. Responsibilities are more focused on helping students who need extra attention and supporting the professor.
Ghosts
Ghosts are youth volunteers (suggested age 14-18) who serve to assist professors and house staff, as needed. This is a great opportunity for youth leadership.
Help with additional activities, leading games during the Haunted Half Hour, and with the Friday evening celebration. When in classes, ghosts can serve as helpers to students who might need it. Ghosts are supervised by Deans.
Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org

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EBWA 2020-2021 Program Calendar

By: Kristin Cleveland

EBWA calendar 2020-2021

Evening Branch of the Women’s Alliance

Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady

1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady NY

    All women are welcome

Sept. 24 “Mayan Women Artisans and the Fair Trade Business During Covid-19,” with Vera Eccarius-Kelly, Siena College Political Science Professor, President, Mayan Hands Foundation

Oct. 29 “Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights,” with Gretchen Sorin, Ph.D., Director, Distinguished Service Professor, Cooperstown Graduate Program

Nov. 19 “Climate Justice: Human Rights Considerations with Climate Change,” with Eleanor Stein, Attorney, Environmental Advocate

Dec. 17 “Learning Cultural Sensitivity While Making a Difference,” with Diane Reiner, Co-Founder of Jajja’s Kids in Uganda 

Jan. 28 “Getting Your Affairs in Order” with Lynda Shrager, certified aging in place specialist and professional organizer

Feb. 25 “Creativity, Curiosity and Commerce,” with Nicole Snow, CEO and founder, Darn Good Yarn

Mar. 25 “Somebody’s Gotta Do It!” with Adrienne Martini, a progressive woman in a red county, elected to Otsego County Board in 2018

April 29 “The Writer’s Life: Making Words Count,” with Carol Bluestein, writer, artist, gardener 

May 27 “Schenectady Urban Farms,” with Melissa McKinnon, Director and member of UUSS

June 24 Women at Rest: Tour of Vale Cemetery,” with Sue McLane, “The Victorian Lady”

EBWA programs are open to ALL WOMEN.  Meetings this year will be on Zoom.  To be invited to a Zoom meeting, contact Gabrielle Reals at ellegr3@gmail.com by 8 PM the Monday prior.  If you have never used Zoom before, this tutorial will tell you how to do it:   Zoom Tutorial from TCUUC.  After you download a free Zoom account, if you need help, contact Judy Clough at mimaclough@yahoo.com.

Sign into the meeting between 6:50 and 7:00 PM.  After welcoming remarks, the speaker will be introduced at 7:15. Following the presentation, there will be time for questions.  Networking (when each woman may share something of interest with the group) will begin around 8:15, and the meeting will end no later than 9 PM.

Updated December 7, 2020 and April 11, 2021

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – April 20th

By: Kristin Cleveland
A Prayer for All Earth
Beloved One, We give thanks for the many gifts you provide to sustain all of life. The miraculous blossoms of Spring, the nourishment of Summer, the bountiful harvests in Autumn, the rest and dormancy of Winter, and the opposite of that in your Southern Hemisphere! We have come to know of the harm that has been wreaked upon you through deforestation of rainforests to feed cows; the decimation of sacred Native lands to extract and pipe oil, etc; the spraying of poisons like Round-up to have ‘nicer’ lawns; and so many other horrible actions both local and global, intentional and unintentional but nonetheless still impactful.
We have and are casting out too much CO2 and you would be well within an ethical framework to expel humans from your biosphere. If we do not massively change our ways, we likely will help you all too soon in that endeavor and expel ourselves through famine, severe weather, devastating fires, droughts, and war as we fight over diminishing resources.
May we have the courage to re-imagine and then create a world where sustainability and mutual accountability are the methods of the day, where our love for one another is exceeded by our love for you precious Earth that is evidenced by our subtracting ourselves from fossil fuels and from toxic masculinity that harms humans and the Earth, when some act as if dominance and destruction are acceptable.
May we humble ourselves and re-learn, or learn anew how to live in deep harmony with You, how to use our power and resources accountably and for the betterment of all Life, and how to allow greed, abuse, exploitation, corruption, and oppression to go extinct.
For all of the blessings you bestow upon us generation after generation, we offer profound gratitude.
May it be so. So may it be.
Blessings,
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn
The 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Stewardship Drive
We’re almost done! Are you one of the 50 people who pledged for the current year but haven’t given us your financial promise for the year that starts on July 1, 2021 yet?? Our budget planners need to know! Please fill out the Pledge Form Here! ASAP.
Lots more info & brochure on the Stewardship Webpage HERE!

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Religious Education This Week – April 20th

By: Kristin Cleveland
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
RE Online Wizarding Camp! Children 5-13; 6/28-7/2/21.
Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.
Looking for a safe way to play this summer? UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility. The deadline to register is 5/28. Here’s the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oUpiI9Crwq8JYXYbxVnZsmwklZC2VPZxdxOep4Wvglg/edit
Free to UUSS member families!*  *The cost for non-member families is $150/first child; $100/additional child; financial assistance available if needed.
A fun activity for all ages: You might know it as a “cootie catcher” or a “fortune teller.” This is a slightly different UU version—check it out!
Nursery Kids and K/1/2 Fun with Friends! May 14, 6-6:45
3/4/5 Game Night! May 21, 6-7
6/7/8 Game Night! May 14, 7-8:30
Senior Youth (grades 9-12) Game Night! May 21, 7:30-9
Aninger Fund
The Aninger Fund is a trust fund created for the purpose of supporting leadership opportunities for junior and senior youth of our congregation. The Aningers were two brothers, William and Alfred, who left money to foster leadership in religious education. These funds are meant to provide scholarships to individuals whose leadership potential could benefit from attendance or participation in an activity but need financial help.
Some excellent opportunities are available through UUA (UU Association) and CER (Central East Region) and include but are not limited to: River Rising, General Assembly, Summer Seminary (youth), Multicultural Leadership School (youth), and youth conferences. The spring deadline for both individual AND group applications is May 1st, for review at the May RE Team meeting. Applications received after the May 1st deadline will not be considered until the fall (if they are still relevant). Applications may be downloaded through the UUSS website. Applications should be submitted to Director of Lifespan Religious Education Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org.
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 5/2, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 4/25/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 4/25/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 4/25/21.
The Senior Youth Stamped Book Group will meet Friday, 4/23, at 8 on the regular link. We’ll be reading chapters 16-20. All Senior Youth are welcome to join even if you’ve only read these 5 chapters, or even if you just want to join the conversation!
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Prayer Vigil TONIGHT, Following the Verdict in Derek Chauvin Trial

By: Kristin Cleveland

We are waiting on a verdict and the world is watching. Join the NAACP and members of Schenectady Clergy Against Hate for a prayer vigil and to remember the life of George Floyd at the parking lot of the Duryee Memorial AME Zion Church, 307 Hulett St. Schenectady. Vigil to be held tonight at 5:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing encouraged.

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Anti-Racism Team BIPOC Book Discussion on Nikki Giovanni’s Acolyte, Wednesday April 21st

By: Kristin Cleveland
Join us for the 3rd book in our BIPOC series, “Acolytes,” a book of poetry by Nikki Giovanni. Erin Piotrowski will be facilitating the discussion on Wednesday, April, 21, at 6:30.
Contact Kat Wolfram for zoom information, or other details, at kmwolfram@gmail.com or (518) 322.6628.
We will also be deciding the next book in the series so please bring your suggestions for books by Black, Indigenous, LatinX, Asian, and other Authors of Color. Open to any genre! For more information, contact Kat Wolfram kmwolfram@gmail.com or (518) 322.6628.

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Interfaith Earth Day Mitzvah – Sunday, April 25th, 1:00pm

By: Kristin Cleveland

Join Schenectady Clergy Against Hate, Schenectady Community Ministries, (SiCM) and Nemeton of the Ways for an afternoon of interfaith service both honoring our ancestors and caring for creation by helping clean up the Historic Vale Cemetery! Building off the long tradition of an event organized by Nemeton of the Ways, faith communities from across greater Schenectady will work together to build unity, learn more about one another and give back to their community. The event will begin with a brief blessing at 1:00pm at the Green Burial section. Please come prepared with work gloves, yard tools, face masks and be willing to practice good social distancing. – Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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EBWA Program – April 29th: The Writer’s Life: Making Words Count, with Speaker Carol Bluestein

By: Kristin Cleveland
“The Writer’s Life: Making Words Count”
Speaker: Carol Bluestein, writer, editor, podcaster and member of the International Women’s Writing Guild
Carol’s writing life started when her husband died. Journaling got her through that defining event and led to her essays on survival. After being a caretaker to her parents in their final days, she attended her first writer’s conference at the IWWG. Her writing life took her on a journey of introspection and political awakening.
As a writer, Carol says communicating ideas and information is always challenging because people perceive based on the way they think, not the way the writer or the speaker thinks. She gets her ideas from the world around her, and writes/speaks about what irks her sensibilities, which often arises from societal and media gaslighting and discord via the passive voice and euphemisms.
Carol’s books include the psychological thriller series “Seduction: Love, Loss, Leverage, Murder”; a contemporary presentation of the Exodus story called “You Want Me to Say What?” and numerous essays on the podcast “The Good Men Project.” All of her books are available on Amazon under C.L. Bluestein, and her web site is http://www.carolbluestein.com,. All women are welcome to join us on Zoom for this interesting program.
Since our meetings this year are only being offered virtually, if you are not already on the Zoom list, to receive an invitation to join the program on Zoom, please email Gabrielle Reals at ellegr3@gmail.com by Monday, April 26. If you have never used Zoom before, this tutorial will tell you how to do it:  Zoom Tutorial from TCUUC. After you download a free Zoom account, if you need help, contact Judy Clough at mimaclough@yahoo.com.  (Best to do this well before the April 29 meeting.)
Sign into the meeting between 6:50 and 7:00 PM.  After welcoming remarks, the speaker will be introduced at 7:15. Following the presentation, there will be time for questions. Networking (when each woman may share something of interest with the group) will begin around 8:15, and the meeting will end no later than 9 PM.
To see the complete calendar of EBWA programs for 2020-2021, please click here.

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Videos and Discussion on White Fragility

By: Kristin Cleveland
Join us on Tuesday, May 18th at 7 pm for an evening focused on topics from Robin DiAngelo’s book White Fragility, Why it’s so Hard for White People to Talk about Racism. (Beacon Press, 2018) Tom Comparin will facilitate a presentation and discussion of Robin DiAngleo’s work. We will review some of her key ideas and then watch two short videos that vividly dramatize several aspects of white fragility currently in the news. After watching the videos, we will have time for questions, discussion, and sharing. All are welcome and you need not have read the book to join the discussion. Zoom details to follow. For more information, contact Tom Comparin tcomparin@msn.com or (518) 728-8830

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – April 13th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Greetings UU Schenectady,
Today, we want to highlight a couple of key things- First-We wanted to share an update with you-this year’s Stewardship Campaign is in the final sweep. We have 157 of 210 pledges and only $390k of our $475k goal. Many people, One Community in Extraordinary Times. Your congregation needs your financial support to thrive and if you have been financially impacted by COVID and can’t make a pledge, contact us right now and request a waiver. Waivers are for one year so if you need to extend your current waiver-contact us. We need to update our spreadsheets so the dedicated volunteers on the Stewardship Ministry Team can conclude their work.
See the link below to pledge or simply call our wonderful Administrator Susan Marino and make your pledge. Every single dollar helps the Board plan for the coming year and we are facing a significant deficit budget.
When we closed the buildings on March 12, 2020, it was clean. Things ceased to happen or they adapted to an online version. In the words of our friend and colleague, the Rev. Julia Hamilton in Santa Barbara, CA-Re-opening will be much messier. We will try things, make mistakes and learn things, and more information will continue to reveal itself over time about how to keep one another as safe as we can. We are relying on the wisdom and work of other congregations and the Unitarian Universalist Association as well as science and the Center for Disease Control to make wise decisions.
We have convened a COVID-19 Prevention and Response Team (CPR Team) who has met a few times to begin imagining the future and within them, we have created three sub-teams to work towards the slow and intentional process that re-opening will be. Details about those three sub-teams will be forthcoming.
Because things are changing with variants, vaccination availability, impacts of falling short in the stewardship campaign, and surges in cases, the re-opening will be in phases just as it has been with the state. Stay tuned as our CPR Team does its work!
In faith,
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn
The 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Stewardship Drive
We’re almost done! Are you one of the 50 people who pledged for the current year but haven’t given us your financial promise for the year that starts on July 1, 2021 yet?? Our budget planners need to know! Please fill out the Pledge Form Here! ASAP. Lots more info & brochure on the Stewardship Webpage HERE!

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Religious Education This Week – April 13th

By: Kristin Cleveland
RE Online Wizarding Camp! Children 5-13; 6/28-7/2/21.
Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.
Looking for a safe way to play this summer? UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility. Here’s the link to register:
Free to UUSS member families!*
*The cost for non-member families is $150/first child; $100/additional child; financial assistance available if needed.
Nursery Kids and K/1/2 Fun with Friends! May 14, 6-6:45
3/4/5 Game Night! May 21, 6-7
6/7/8 Game Night! May 14, 7-8:30
Senior Youth (grades 9-12) Game Night! May 21, 7:30-9
Aninger Fund
The Aninger Fund is a trust fund created for the purpose of supporting leadership opportunities for junior and senior youth of our congregation. The Aningers were two brothers, William and Alfred, who left money to foster leadership in religious education. These funds are meant to provide scholarships to individuals whose leadership potential could benefit from attendance or participation in an activity but need financial help.
Some excellent opportunities are available through UUA (UU Association) and CER (Central East Region) and include but are not limited to: River Rising, General Assembly, Summer Seminary (youth), Multicultural Leadership School (youth), and youth conferences. The spring deadline for both individual AND group applications is May 1st, for review at the May RE Team meeting. Applications received after the May 1st deadline will not be considered until the fall (if they are still relevant). Applications may be downloaded through the UUSS website. Applications should be submitted to Director of Lifespan Religious Education Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org.
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 4/18/21, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 4/25/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 4/25/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 4/18/21.
The Senior Youth Stamped Book Group will meet Friday, 4/16, at 8 on their regular link. We’ll be reading chapters 16-20 this week (no one made it during break, so these are the correct chapters). All Senior Youth are welcome to join even if you’ve only read these 5 chapters!
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Conversation on Funding for New York’s Climate Future

By: Kristin Cleveland

On Sunday, April 18, 9:30-10:25 a.m. join the Green Sanctuary Team at the Coffee, Crullers & Conversation on Zoom for a discussion with Katie Dowley Chao of Progressive Schenectady.  Learn about the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA), now in the N.Y. legislature. Use the CC&C weekly Zoom link https://union.zoom.us/j/5944357110s.

Go to nyrenews.org for information on the CCIA.

For more information contact Paula Shaw at georgeandpaula@verizon.net.

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Anti-Racism Team Discussion on Nikki Giovanni’s Acolytes

By: Kristin Cleveland

Join The Anti-Racism Team for the 3rd book in our BIPoC Authors series, “Acolytes,” a book of poetry by Nikki Giovanni. Erin Piotrowski will be facilitating the discussion on Wednesday, April, 21, at 6:30 pm.

We will also be deciding the next book in the series so please bring your suggestions for books by Black, Indigenous, LatinX, Asian, and other Authors of Color. Open to any genre!
For link to the April 21st discussion or for more information, contact Kat Wolfram at kmwolfram@gmail.com or (518) 322.6628.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – April 6th

By: Kristin Cleveland
From Earthrise, by Amanda Gorman (shared with permission.)
On Christmas Eve, 1968, astronaut Bill Anders
Snapped a photo of the Earth
As Apollo 8 orbited the moon.
Those three guys
Were surprised
To see from their eyes
Our planet looked like an Earthrise
A blue orb hovering over the moon’s gray horizon,
with deep oceans and silver skies.
It was our world’s first glance at itself
Our first chance to see a shared reality,
A declared stance and a commonality;
A glimpse into our planet’s mirror,
And as threats drew nearer,
Our own urgency became clearer,
As we realize that we hold nothing dearer
than this floating body we all call home.
This week, we wish for you an experience of awe, of wonder and gratitude at the Earth’s beauty, and to feel, deep in your bones, your own sweet and small place in the interdependent web of existence, and your connection with whales and oak trees, wind and rivers, daffodils and bluejays, plankton and penguins, mountains and sunlight. Such a sense of connection brings joy, and it can also be a grounding for our choices and actions.
This week, we also have a chance to experience our connections and interdependence with other congregations, as we share worship with our neighbors of the Hudson Mohawk cluster.
We hope you can attend!
In faith~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – April 6th

By: Kristin Cleveland
RE Online Wizarding Camp! Children 5-13; 6/28-7/2/21.
Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.
Looking for a safe way to play this summer? UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility. Registration will begin next week.
Free to UUSS member families!*
*The cost for non-member families is $150/first child; $100/additional child; financial assistance available if needed.
Aninger Fund
The Aninger Fund is a trust fund created for the purpose of supporting leadership opportunities for junior and senior youth of our congregation. The Aningers were two brothers, William and Alfred, who left money to foster leadership in religious education. These funds are meant to provide scholarships to individuals whose leadership potential could benefit from attendance or participation in an activity but need financial help.
Some excellent opportunities are available through UUA (UU Association) and CER (Central East Region) and include but are not limited to: River Rising, General Assembly, Summer Seminary (youth), Multicultural Leadership School (youth), and youth conferences. The spring deadline for both individual AND group applications is May 1st, for review at the May RE Team meeting. Applications received after the May 1st deadline will not be considered until the fall (if they are still relevant). Applications may be downloaded through the UUSS website. Applications should be submitted to Director of Lifespan Religious Education Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org.
Summer UU Camps:
Star Island:
Unirondack:
SUUSI (Southeast UU Summer Institute–online):
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 4/18/21, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 4/25/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 4/11/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 4/11/21.
The Senior Youth Stamped Book Group will meet Friday, 4/9, at 8 on their regular link. We’ll be reading chapters 16-20 this week. All Senior Youth are welcome to join even if you’ve only read these 5 chapters!
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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This month’s theme: For the Earth

By: Kristin Cleveland

On many Sundays a member or family in the congregation shares the words of covenant known at UUSS as the bond of union. It includes the line “to care for the Earth in Stewardship.” If we have a commitment to care the Earth, how does that impact our choices about how we live, the transportation we use, the energy sources we support, the food we eat, the items we purchase, how we vote, how we do… well,…. everything! This month, let’s share our commitments and choices, so that we might live into our covenant more fully.

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Conversation on April 18th: Funding for New York’s Climate Future

By: Kristin Cleveland

On Sunday, April 18, from 9:30-10:25 a.m. join Green Sanctuary at the Coffee, Crullers & Conversation on Zoom for discussion with speaker Katie Dowley Chao of Progressive Schenectady.  Learn about the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA), now in the N.Y. legislature. Use the CC&C weekly Zoom link https://union.zoom.us/j/5944357110s.  Go to nyrenews.org for information on the CCIA. For more information contact Paula Shaw at georgeandpaula@verizon.net.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – March 30th

By: Kristin Cleveland
In this holy week of Passover and Easter, let us reflect on the ancient and recent stories of how empire impacts faith, about how we tell the stories shapes our understandings of them. Our Living Tradition draws from a variety of sources including ‘Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.’ As more of us get vaccinated, how might we assist our neighbors get an appointment? How might we create more liberation by sharing power and resources? As winter turns to spring, what needs to go to the compost and what might we invite to rise again? It might just be time for a resurrection of the goodness and kindness of God’s love, of Allah’s love, of Yahweh’s love, of the Goddess’ love, of the best of Human love. May we help to make it so.
In faith,
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn

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Religious Education This Week – March 30th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Happy spring, everybody!
RE Online Wizarding Camp! Children 5-13; 6/28-7/2/21. Free!
Calling all wizards! Univelarian University of Wizarding Arts (or UUWA for short) is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady! Spend a week in the world of wonder, magic, play, and UU values.
Looking for a safe way to play this summer? UUWA is a virtual wizarding program — a week of fun and fantasy for kids, rooted in values of justice, action, unity, worth, courage, and possibility. More info to come.
Aninger Fund
The Aninger Fund is a trust fund created for the purpose of supporting leadership opportunities for junior and senior youth of our congregation. The Aningers were two brothers, William and Alfred, who left money to foster leadership in religious education. These funds are meant to provide scholarships to individuals whose leadership potential could benefit from attendance or participation in an activity but need financial help.
Some excellent opportunities are available through UUA (UU Association) and CER (Central East Region) and include but are not limited to: River Rising, General Assembly, Summer Seminary (youth), Multicultural Leadership School (youth), and youth conferences. The spring deadline for both individual AND group applications is May 1st, for review at the May RE Team meeting. Applications received after the May 1st deadline will not be considered until the fall (if they are still relevant). Applications may be downloaded through the UUSS website. Applications should be submitted to Director of Lifespan Religious Education Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org.
Summer UU Camps:
Ferry Beach:
Star Island:
Unirondack:
SUUSI (Southeast UU Summer Institute–online):
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 4/18/21, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 4/25/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 4/11/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 4/11/21 (No class 4/4).
The Senior Youth Stamped Book Group will meet Friday, 4/2, at 8 on their regular link. We’ll be reading chapters 11-15 this week. All Senior Youth are welcome to join even if you’ve only read these 5 chapters!
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Regional Workshop: Breaking Covenant – Repair Restore Renew

By: Kristin Cleveland

On Saturday April 10th, from 12 noon – 6 pm (with breaks), UUA MidAmerica Region Congregational Life staff Summer Albayati, Tyler Coles, Patricia Infante, Lisa Presley, and Annie Scott will present a workshop on steps for coming back into covenant. Registration link and additional details below:

Every congregation has experienced destructive behavior that has caused upset, tumult, and conflict, from microaggressions to outright aggression, and other forms of inappropriate behavior. In the process, covenant is broken, even when the covenant might not be explicitly stated. The impact of the behavior can baffle leaders, and congregations often don’t know how to repair, restore, or renew their community. It is therefore important that every congregation recognize that the holy space between each of us is everyone’s responsibility to grow and maintain and when it’s broken between any people it’s broken between us all. We need to have policies and procedures in place to deal with destructive behavior. Learn more about this workshop at the link up above! Let us know if you are thinking about attending so we know if we have a full team and qualify for the discount! There will be ample breaks so while it is 6 hours total, you won’t be on Zoom that whole time.

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Hudson Mohawk Joint Worship on Sunday April 11th, with Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray

By: Kristin Cleveland
UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray will preach A Theology of Covenant and Other Pandemic Lessons on Sunday, April 11th, at 10:30 am, as we join with UUs from congregations in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, & Kingston. The joint worship service will be followed by a Q&A session.
The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray began her six-year term as president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in June 2017. As president of the Association, she is responsible for administering staff and programs that serve its more than 1,000 member congregations. She also acts as principal spokesperson and minister-at-large for the UUA. Susan brings a strong focus on mission and strategic planning to her leadership at the UUA as it works to dismantle systems of white supremacy.
Susan is a life-long Unitarian Universalist with roots at Eliot Chapel in St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to her election, she served as Lead Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, Arizona where she was a national voice for immigrant rights. Susan played a critical role in the long-term campaign to end the constitutional violations of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
We are so grateful that she said, “yes” to our invitation to lead this service!
Do you have a question you’d like to ask her? Please send to Rev. Lynn at revlynn@uuschenectady.org with Question in the subject line by Wednesday, April 7th.

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Interfaith Earth Day Mitzvah

By: Kristin Cleveland

On Sunday afternoon, April 25th, join Schenectady Clergy Against Hate, Schenectady Community Ministries, (SiCM) and Nemeton of the Ways for an afternoon of interfaith service both honoring our ancestors and caring for creation by helping clean up the Historic Vale Cemetery! Building off the long tradition of an event organized by Nemeton of the Ways, faith communities from across greater Schenectady will work together to build unity, learn more about one another and give back to their community. The event will begin with a brief blessing at 1:00pm at the Green Burial section. Please come prepared with work gloves, yard tools, face masks and be willing to practice good social distancing.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – March 23rd

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS~
Today we give thanks that those age 50 and above are eligible for a vaccine in NY, and we are jumping into the appointment pool! There is still need for caution and care, and we are also feeling glimmers of hope and possibility. Last Spring, UUA President, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, encouraged congregations to plan for on-line worship and programs through at least May of 2021. In hindsight, this was such wise and faithful advice. What we know now, is that this May is still too soon for our intergenerational church community to gather safely for worship.
Last night the Covid Prevention and Response Team met, and has three working groups, one for drafting re-opening metrics and stages, one for a process and procedures for small groups, and one to plan for when we are able to be in-person for worship. We want opportunities for small group to gather in person in June, if possible. Dr. David Pratt reminded us that whatever we create, will change. Our friend and colleague the Rev. Julia Hamilton, said in a meeting last week, (somewhat paraphrased) “Closing was specific. There was an end. Things closed. Opening is going to be messy with fits and starts and moving forward and making mistakes and going back and learning and starting again. Let us all be aware of this and patient with one another.”
Today we begin a week of study leave. This will be time for more spiritual practice, reading, writing, learning, and planning. Please know that we won’t be looking at email, or social media. If you have a pastoral care need, or a church related question, please contact church administrator, Susan Marino at admin@uuschenectady.org, or 518-374-4446, x4.
With care, with hope, and in faith~
Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – March 23rd

By: Kristin Cleveland
Happy spring, everybody!
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 4/18/21, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 3/28/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 4/11/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 3/28/21.
The Senior Youth Stamped Book Group will meet Friday, 3/26, at 8 on their regular link.
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Social Justice Action Fund Grant Application Available

By: Kristin Cleveland
We are pleased to announce the inaugural call for applications for grants from UU Schenectady’s Social Justice Action Fund. We will offer grants between $2,000 and $4,500 for social justice initiatives and activities working towards bringing about systemic change. Applications are due by April 30, 2021 and can be sent to sjaf@uuschenectady.org. Granting decisions will be announced by May 31,2021.
Granting guidelines and application instructions can be found HERE. Bridget Almas, Jacqui Foster, and Rev. Lynn Gardner

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – March 9th

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UUSS,
We marked the one-year anniversary since the last time we gathered under the dome during worship this past Sunday. This coming Thursday marks the year since we closed the buildings to in-person gatherings. You can see the service on our public Facebook page where we acknowledged the lasts-the last time we did something or saw someone, what is missed. We marked the deaths of the last year or so, too, with tenderness.
We also invited folks to name the firsts during this time-the new learnings, the things we do differently now, the first time we wore a mask. We hope you will view it.
We also note the wise decision of the publishers of Dr. Seuss texts that have racial/racist imagery and/or language to discontinue publishing them, supporting initiatives to encourage all children to thrive. Dr. Seuss made some progress during his lifetime. May we build on that progress in ours and stay committed to interrupting racism in its many and myriad forms.
Letting go of hurtful practices, texts, art, music is a spiritual act. Stopping the harm and making amends is part of that process towards right relationship. We are also complex humans-each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done. Our Universalism reminds us that we are worthy of God’s love (translate that as needed for your the(*)logical perspective).
May you know you are worthy,
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn

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Religious Education This Week – March 9th

By: Kristin Cleveland
We hope ya’ll will join our Senior Youth this Sunday, 3/14, for their service “A Year in the Life: Youth & the Pandemic.”
5-13 year olds—SAVE THE DATES: 6/28-7/2—RE Online Wizarding Camp!
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 3/21/21, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 3/14/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 3/21/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will have their next regular meeting Sunday, 3/14/21, at noon, following their youth service.  The link for the service is at the beginning of the March 9th Circuits.
Senior Youth Book Group: It’s not too late to join! We have formed an optional Senior Youth book group to read Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, remixed by Jason Reynolds and written with teens in mind. (We still have a couple of extra copies—let us know if you’d like to participate!) Youth book group has only met once so far. We’ll be meeting again Friday, 3/19, at 8 pm, using our regular meeting link, and covering the first section of the book through page 36.
Senior Youth Service: The Senior Youth are working with the ministers on a special March 14th service! Rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, 3/12, at 7:30 pm. We’ll be using the Sunday service link found in the March 9th issue of Circuits.
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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Anti-Racism Book Discussion March 10th, 6:30pm

By: Kristin Cleveland
Join us for the second book in our BIPOC series, “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants,’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Ellie von Wellsheim will be facilitating the discussion on Wednesday, March 10th, at 6:30pm.
For link to this online discussion, contact Congregational Life Coordinator Kristin Cleveland at clc@uuschenectady.org, or Kat Wolfram (contact info below).
We will also be deciding the next book in the series so please bring your suggestions for books by Black, Indigenous, LatinX, Asian, and other Authors of Color. For more information, contact Kat Wolfram kmwolfram@gmail.com or (518) 322.6628.

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Vigil for Climate Justice – March 11th, 5:30 pm, Riverside Park

By: Kristin Cleveland
Diverse Coalition of Faith Communities, Conservation and Racial Justice Organizations Hold Outdoor Vigil Demanding Passage of the Climate and Community Investment Act – March 11th
What: Schenectady Prayer Vigil for Climate Justice
Where: Riverside Park,132 Front Street in Schenectady, New York
When: Thursday, March 11th, 2021 at 5:30pm
A diverse and growing coalition of local faith communities, conservation nonprofits and racial justice organizations will gather this Thursday, March 11th at 5:30pm to rise in unity and demand the passage of the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA) this spring in New York State. The vigil is part of a statewide and global day of action on climate justice organized by NY Renews and Green faith called “Sacred People, Sacred Earth. ”Across the globe, there will be over 300 events in over 40 countries. Over 100 organizations, denominations, and lineages stand in support of these events, representing over 100 million people of faith and spirit. In its local iteration, the Schenectady Prayer Vigil for Climate Justice is cosponsored by Messiah Lutheran Church, First Reformed Church of Schenectady, Congregation Gates of Heaven, All of Us Community Action Group, The Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady, Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM), the Schenectady Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK)and Progressive Schenectady. Presentations will include an opening prayer from Shae Fitzgerald (CGOH), a discussion on environmental racism from Mikayla Foster (All of Us), a spiritual reflection from Rev. Daniel Carlson (First Reformed), and call to action on the CCIA from Katie Chao (Progressive Schenectady) before the presentation of a closing hymn for climate justice. Social distancing and masks will be required and there will be a virtual component for those who do not feel comfortable gathering in-person. Primary parking will be in the First Reformed Church of Schenectady lot and there are a limited number of parking spots by the North Ferry Street entrance to the park (right next to where we’ll be) for people with accessibility concerns. The event will be roughly thirty minutes and will take place rain or shine.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – March 2nd

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear ones of UU Schenectady~
Today, March 2nd, we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss, who is much beloved by many Unitarian Universalists, and who responded to challenging times with tenacity and creativity. Born Ted Geisel, he was a political cartoonist, illustrator, and children’s book author. When our daughter was young, her elementary school librarian created an all-school read-athon every March 2nd, in his honour. Kids would gather in the cafeteria, sitting and sprawling on cushions and blankets, reading books of their choice to themselves and one another. At certain times, different people would read aloud to the whole group, wearing tall, striped Cat-in-the-Hat style hats.
Dr. Seuss wrote his first book, To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street in 1936. He sent it to over 20 publishers, (some accounts say as many as 43,) before it was accepted and published. We are so grateful for his persistence. Over the years he wrote over 60 books, creating characters who expressed his UU values like the Lorax, the Sneetches, Horton the elephant, and Cindy Lou Who.
In these hard times, we give thanks for the many ways that perseverance, compassion, and imaginaton invite us to create new ways of being. “Unless someone like you, cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not!” – the Lorax.
In faith~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – March 2nd

By: Kristin Cleveland
5-13 year olds, SAVE THESE SUMMER DATES: 6/28-7/2—RE Online Wizarding Camp!
Also, this month’s upcoming Religious Education Classes:
K/1/2 MORAL TALES will meet again Sunday, 3/7/21, at 9:30.
3/4/5 CARTUUNS will meet again Sunday, 3/14/21, at 9:30.
6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 3/7/21.
SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will have their next regular meeting Sunday, 3/7/21, at noon.
Senior Youth Book Group: We have formed an optional Senior Youth book group to read Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, remixed by Jason Reynolds and written with teens in mind. (We still have a couple of extra copies—let us know if you’d like to participate!) Youth book group will begin Friday, 3/5, at 8 pm, using our regular meeting link.
Senior Youth Service: The Senior Youth are working with the ministers on a special March 14th service! Rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, 3/12, at 7:30 pm. We’ll be using the Sunday service link found in today’s Circuits.
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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This month’s theme: A Year In…

By: Kristin Cleveland
A year since we have gathered in person, a year of masks and distancing, a year of losses and worry. A year of front-line workers, on-line classes, Zoom/Google everything, lost jobs, and isolation for far too many. A year of missing friends and family, hugs, coffee shops, haircuts, gyms, live music and theatre, sports, and so much else. Another year of racial injustice and a year of courage to call for police reform. This is all true.
And two things can be true at once-for it has also been a year of creativity to adjust and imagine new possibilities for how to be in the world. It has been a year of compassion and care as folks reached out to one another. A year in…we are still learning how to embolden Love more fully, for it is a lifelong journey.

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March 25th EBWA program: Running for Office

By: Kristin Cleveland
“Somebody’s Gotta Do It!,” Adrienne Martini, District 12 Representative, Otsego County Board, speaking on Thursday March 25th, 7-9 pm.
For the March 25 meeting of EBWA, the Evening Branch of the Women’s Alliance, Adrienne Martini will speak on the topic of her latest book, Somebody’s Gotta Do It: Why Cursing at the News Won’t Save the Nation, But Your Name on a Local Ballot Can. After the 2016 Presidential election, Adrienne was looking for a way to get involved in politics. She had in mind volunteering to make phone calls or do fund raising, but instead she was encouraged to run for office. She will talk about the importance of local elected officials, what has changed since Covid, and why she chose to run for office in 2018 (and 2020).
When not wearing her county government hat, Adrienne works for SUNY Oneonta in the alumni office, where she produces the alumni magazine and ancillary publications. She has also taught in both the theater and communications departments at SUNY Oneonta and in the English department at Hartwick College. She is the author of several books and has freelanced for a number of publications. She lives in Oneonta, NY, where she is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Society. All women are welcome to join us on Zoom for what promises to be a fascinating program.
Since our meetings this year are only being offered virtually, if you are not already on the Zoom list, to receive an invitation to join the program on Zoom, please email Gabrielle Reals at ellegr3@gmail.com by Monday, March 22. If you have never used Zoom before, this tutorial created by the Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church in Stuart, FL will tell you how to do it:  Zoom Tutorial from TCUUC. After you download a free Zoom account, if you need help, contact Judy Clough at mimaclough@yahoo.com.  (Best to do this well before the March 25 meeting.)
Sign into the meeting between 6:50 and 7:00 PM.  After welcoming remarks, the speaker will be introduced at 7:15. Following the presentation, there will be time for questions. Networking (when each woman may share something of interest with the group) will begin around 8:15, and the meeting will end no later than 9 PM.
To see the complete calendar of EBWA programs for 2020-2021, please click here.

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BIPOC Authors Discussion on March 10th: Braiding Sweetgrass

By: Kristin Cleveland
Our second book for our BIPOC book discussion group is Braiding Sweetgrass: Indiginous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Ellie von Wellsheim will be facilitating the discussion on Wednesday, March 10, at 6:30. Contact
This book is available in paperback at Open Door Bookstore and the library in both hard copy and audio.
Please send your suggestions for books by BIPOC authors of various genres — poetry, mystery/thriller, nature, Afro-futurism — as we develop a list for future congregational reads and book discussions. For more information, contact Kat Wolfram kmwolfram@gmail.com (518) 322.6628.

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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Feb. 23rd

By: Kristin Cleveland
Dear UU Schenectady~
This coming Sunday we are kicking off this year’s stewardship season. Our shared commitments, when made from a place of gratitude and sense of relationship with one another and the larger community, can bring beauty, spiritual nourishment, and joy in the year to come.
Because stewardship is really about relationship, the Stewardship Team is inviting everyone to participate in a small-group conversation, your reflections of which help shape the future of the Congregation. See the link in the stewardship message, in the lower right corner of this home page, to sign-up today.
With anticipation and in faith~
Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy

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Religious Education This Week – Feb. 23rd

By: Kristin Cleveland
UU Trivia Night!! – Friday, February 26th, 7-8:30 pm. (Zoom room opens at 6:45 for socializing)
Come to play or just to watch for a while and cheer for the teams. See Trivia Night article in Events Calendar for details.
Upcoming Religious Education Classes:
  • K/1/2 MORAL TALES will have their next class Sunday, 3/7/21, at 9:30.
  • 3/4/5 CARTUUNS will have their next class Sunday, 2/28/21, at 9:30.
  • 6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 3/7/21.
  • SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 2/28/21, at noon.
Senior Youth Book Group: We are forming an optional Senior Youth book group to read Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, remixed by Jason Reynolds and written with teens in mind. Dates tbd.
Senior Youth Service: The youth are working with the ministers to create and offer a worship service for Sunday, March 14th, sharing their experiences and perspective on the past year. Please let me know if you would like to participate and haven’t yet been part of the planning.
Searching for trans UU programming? Today, 2/23, at 8 pm
Are you, a loved one, or someone you support in your UU community trans/nonbinary? Together, trans and nonbinary UUs are creating a space just for us to gather and build community–and it’s a cozy, caring, affirming time that restores and renews. There’s lots of interest and we’re still growing, and we want you with us!
WHO: Are you trans/nonbinary/otherwise not cis? Are you also UU–or interested in/connected with UUism? Come to the monthly all-ages trans/nonbinary gatherings happening on the fourth Tuesday of every month!
WHAT: Already, many trans/nonbinary UUs have been gathering, worshipping together, connecting over important topics and fun games, and overall just enjoying a positive, supportive place to get to know each other across generations, location, and more.
WHEN: Our next gathering is Tuesday, February 23, at 8 pm. More info–and registration link–in the comments.
For more info (including on accessibility and children/youth registration) CLICK HERE and REGISTER HERE to join the community!
Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

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