Assistance for Refugees from Afghanistan

Since the month of November, more than 150 Afghan evacuees have arrived in Albany.  They are being welcomed and supported by USCRI-Albany (US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants – Albany), the official agency that settles refugees in the Capital Region. While each family receives an initial stipend for the first month’s rent and utilities, your donations to USCRI-Albany will help provide funding for these families’ other basic needs during these first weeks and months. 
 
On-line donations can be sent to USCRI Albany through this link: DONATE- USCRI Albany - USCRI (refugees.org)
Donations can be sent by mail to:
USCRI-Albany
99 Pine Street, Suite 101
Albany, NY  12207

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Do you remember seeing pictures of many of our congregation before and after worship on the Facebook livestream service? This was popular, and we'd like to "see" you again. Please send a selfie or have someone take your picture and send it to Jamie in the church office TODAY! Make sure you identify yourself as you like to be call and include family member names if you want those included. 

We hope all of you will participate, and if you want to include some of your Christmas decorations as backdrop, we would like that too (although not necessary). Looking forward to truly "seeing" you all!

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 Thursday, December 16
6:30 p.m.
First Church in Albany
110 N Pearl Street

The Advent and Christmas season is a wonderful time of year, and yet it is also a time accompanied with grief and sorrow for many. A Blue Christmas service is a time to name and honor our grief during this time. All are invited on Thursday, December 16th starting at 6:30pm for a time of worship, reflection, and fellowship.

The service will be in-person only, and masks will be required. Please park in the parking lot off of Sheridan Ave and Chapel Street. The service will be held in the Stephen James Chapel.

Please contact the office of The First Church in Albany if you have any questions: (518) 463-4449.
 

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2021 BOOKS CLOSING Friday, Jan 7, 2022     
All reimbursement requests must be in by Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022 

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WANTED – Passionate People who believe every child should have the chance to reach their full potential. If this describes you, please join the Wizard’s Wardrobe family of tutors. We have our last training of this school year coming up after the holidays on January 8 & 15.
The two-day training considers how racism and poverty affect our students’ learning and teaches the trainees about the 5 components of reading, brain development and lesson planning.

Our elementary students come twice a week for an hour and a half each time. Each student has one (or two) tutor(s) that meet with them one-on-one consistently throughout the school year. When a tutor can come only once a week, the student is assigned two tutors.

Our training takes place at our space at 20 Rensselaer Street in Albany, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. A light breakfast, beverages and refreshments are provided. To register call 518-776-0664 or send an email to edfagans@mac.com.

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The Youth are updating their space on the 2nd floor! We are looking for donations of gently used items to update & refresh the space. Please contact Molly or 518-810-3158 if you have any of the following to donate:

Large TV to hang on wall (that works with Roku),
Roku, 
wall mount for large TV,
Area rugs,
Plants and/or hanging contraptions for plants,
Individual seating (bean bags, gaming chairs, comfortable arm chairs),
Cushions for floor sitting.