Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East
Summer Services at 10:00AM Only
Sunday Services Schedule
July/August Ministry Theme: None
Join us at 10 AM.
The 10 AM Zoom service login and call-in information is shared through the congregational eblasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Subscribe to the eblast by sending a message to uuseoffice@uuse.org or call the UUSE office at 860-646-5151.
------------------------------
Sunday, June 28th: Hymn Sing. Join us in person or online for our third hybrid hymn sing. Look below for more information. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Stacey Musulin.
Sunday, July 5th: The Idea of America. In its 250th year, it can be difficult to celebrate America. You only need look around to see how far America, the nation, is from America, the Idea. But that Idea lives on. We see it in every city that says no, not here. In every state that says, yes, you are welcome. In every community that offers safety for all. This is not the first time America has fallen back. We’ve been here before, and through struggle, we’ve arisen better than we were. We can still celebrate the Idea of America, and we can move towards it again. Coordinators: Rob Napier, Sandy Karosi, Paula Baker.
Sunday, July 12th: The 4 Agreements Part 1. The Four Agreements, a 1997 book by spiritual guide and author Don Miguel Ruiz, is often touted as “a roadmap to enlightenment and freedom.” Please join Liz Garmise and Sam Taylor on July 12th for the first of our two-part series as we explore--and critique!--the first two agreements: Be Impeccable with Your Word and Don’t Take Anything Personally. How do these agreements relate to our UU principles and values? Can any roadmap to enlightenment really be complete with just four agreements? The series will continue on August 9th with the last two agreements: Don’t Make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best. Coordinators: Liz Garmise & Sam Taylor.
Sunday, July 19th: The Pulse of Love. Join us this morning for a joyful, musical celebration of love in its many guises—love that grounds us, love that moves us, and love that pulses with a connection to our UU values and principles. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle.
Sunday, July 26th: Summering. Our spiritual lives mirror the seasons. Each season, along with each transition between seasons, is full of spiritual significance. This morning, Rev. Josh explores the essence of our spiritual summers. Are we summering yet? Special music by Andy Ricci. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
Sunday, August 2nd: Coffee House. Join us for our annual coffee house service, at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
------------------------------
Community Outreach Ministry
Charitable Giving for June
As always, thank you for your generosity.
We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves, but to share with the larger community.
Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month will be shared with:
- MACC Food Pantry
- Hockanum Valley Food Pantry
- CT Mutual Aid East of River Food Pantry
- TLC Foundation
Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org, David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at nuuseoffice@uuse.org.
Make checks out to UUSE. If the memo line:
✓ is blank or “pledge” - all will go toward your pledge.
✓ has “COM” or the name of the charity - all will go to the charity.
✓ has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM” - it will be divided equally.
------------------------------
2026/2027 Ministry Themes
July/August: None
September: Beginnings
October: Courage
November: Healing
December: Awe
January: Thresholds
February: Commitment
March: Balance
April: Emergence
May: Play
June: Horizons
------------------------------
Hymn Sing 2026
Our third post-Covid hybrid Hymn Sing service is happening on June 28.
While we hope many attend in person, we want it to be accessible to those who join via Zoom. Therefore, the hymns must be chosen in advance, so slides of the lyrics can be made.
We are looking for many people to tell us a favorite hymn, and for a few people to speak about what that hymn means to them. So please, as soon as possible, let Martha Larson (uuseoffice@uuse.org) know what hymn you really love, and if you would like to talk about it.
Also, let Mary Bopp know if you want to play it on an instrument. If you have questions, ask Martha Larson or Stacey Musulin, coordinators.
------------------------------
Minister's Column
Dear Ones:
I have a request. I’d like to hear from as many UUSE members and friends as possible what your favorite sermon(s) of mine have been over the years. Please write to me at minister@uuse.org or leave a message on my home office phone, (860) 652-8961. If you don’t remember titles, that’s OK. (I don’t remember most of the titles either!) If you can tell me what the sermon was about, or if there was a particular story or message that you remember, that should be enough to help me identify which sermon you are referring to. And if you can’t remember specific sermons, but there’s a certain type of sermon that you like, you can inform me of that, too.
I’ve made this request in the past. I’m asking mainly for my own learning. I want to identify what has stuck with you over the years. I’m trying to discern which sermons have had the most impact on you, or have meant the most to you, or have been the most helpful to you.
Also, if there happens to be a most popular sermon, I may decide to update it and re-preach it at some point. When you send me an email or leave a phone message, you will get a message informing you that I am on vacation and study leave. That is true. But don’t worry. I want to hear from you in response to this question. What have been your one or two favorite sermons of mine?
***
Speaking of vacation and study leave, I will be taking between six and seven weeks off for this purpose between July 5th and August 25th. As is always the case, I am available for pastoral emergencies during my vacation and study leave. I request that people only contact me in the event of emergencies. Note that Jackie Muschiano (contact info in the UUSE directory) will be serving as Pastoral Friends chair for the months of July and August.
During the summer, our family will be spending some time at home, catching up on projects around the house. Later in the summer, we’ll be spending two weeks in Alaska, thereby checking off one of the items on my bucket list.
I haven’t made a decision about what I am studying this summer. There are a number of books that have caught my eye from the New York Times’ list of the top 100 books of the 21st century. I will likely start there and see what rabbit holes open up. I am also beginning to plot out my sermons for the coming year, and I know I want to spend some time exploring the connections between the new set of UU values and the seven principles. That will likely be an area of focus for me this summer as well.
For now, I wish you all a wonderful summer. I hope it is filled with exploration, novelty, and, as the Taoists sometimes say, free and easy wandering.
With love, care,
Rev. Josh
------------------------------
President’s Column July 2026
A wise woman once told me never doubt a UUA with a dream, a committee, and a lot of determination!
Today, we kicked off our initial planning session for a radical new idea: Abundance
Budgeting. We had an enthusiastic group of more than 20 individuals who participated in pre-work and today’s sprint—who wanted to understand what this meant and how it could benefit our beloved community. I walked away with a whole new understanding—this really isn’t Abundance Budgeting as much as it is Abundance Planning.
To give a bit of a background: many of us have held Corporate, Government, or Non-Profit jobs in our lives, and we have all done what is typically known as “Incremental
Budgeting." In an Incremental Budget Process, you typically take the historical budget
from the last fiscal year, tack on a bit “extra” to account for inflation and cost-of-living
and present this for approval. Once the final numbers roll in, it’s time to do the
“haircuts” to cut the numbers back to what the organization feels it can afford. What
is wrong with this situation in a “growth-minded” organization? While it can be the
lowest risk option for budgets, it’s historical, stability-based, and discourages change.
Consider this from a personal finance perspective: you want to buy a house and have
been saving $200/a month for 5 years. You decide that this is a very slow process for
you to achieve your objective, so you wisely decide to increase your savings to $225/a
month.
So, let’s turn to a bit of a background on what ABUNDANCE Budgeting or Planning
means. In Abundance budgeting, you start with Priorities and Plans, and determine what resources are required to achieve your goals. Abundance budgets are based on a growth mindset, it’s opportunity-based, and supports entrepreneurial thinking and
strategic planning. The Personal Finance example would be that if you are determined to buy a house, you plan on what is needed to meet your goal, and this plan determines your savings plan and timeline.
So, our Sprint on Saturday focused on the bottom line “fixed and variable” costs that we need to keep our lights on, our current AND future personnel needs, and what we could focus on if we were truly dreaming of a “growth” future. We looked at options to grow, not cut back resources: what gains could support expanded programming and engagement, and to make our Meetinghouse a vibrant, dynamic home both now and in the future. I want to emphasize, this isn’t a change for tomorrow, but a thoughtful process. It goes hand-in-glove with our Strategic Planning initiative. I look forward to sharing more of our insights and to fostering discussion and debates for our congregation's future. If this appeals to you, we are always happy to have new people join our adventure!
~Trisha Corey-Lisle, President
------------------------------
In an Emergency, the Plan is Useless
Learning beforehand what is in the plan is essential!
For nearly a decade, UUSE has had an Emergency Management Plan as its policy. This defines immediate actions to be taken for ten different hazards risking life, limb, or property before 911 responders arrive. But when an emergency strikes, there is no time to find and read that plan. One must learn ahead of time what to do. To be prepared, here's one action to know for one of the hazards:
During a Sunday Service, you're singing a hymn upstairs. Your child is downstairs with the CYM program. Suddenly, the fire alarm goes off, and you are told to evacuate. Leaving the sanctuary, you immediately go downstairs to pick up your child. Is this what the Emergency Management Plan describes you should do?
In any fire or smoke emergency, the safest actions require each person to leave the building quickly. The plan defines that children will be quickly led to their exits at the ground level. In small groups, they go up with adults to the parking lot. Thus, any parent going downstairs will find it impossible to locate their child and will not be where the child will be looking for them.
You can obtain a printed copy of the UUSE Emergency Management Plan at the church office. A quick way to learn all the actions for any hazard would be to ask for a discussion or tabletop exercise. At a future committee or group meeting, this will only take 10 to 15 minutes to learn and practice the details. Contact Annie in the office at 860-646-5151 if interested in holding a tabletop exercise.
~The Emergency Preparedness Team
------------------------------
Welcoming Congregation Committee
Reaffirming our Commitment
Almost thirty years ago, in order to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, genderqueer, and non-binary people felt fully welcomed, centered, and embraced in our congregation, UUSE sought and received Welcoming Congregation certification from the UUA. The road to earning certification required a significant amount of intentional work and education, and we were very proud of our Welcoming Congregation status. Times have changed, and the UUA has offered the opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to be a Welcoming Congregation.
How Will We Achieve This?
Our congregation will have measurable achievements, including offering Welcoming Worship Services, that uplift the themes of LGBTQ+ / TGQNB welcome and inclusion, celebrating Welcoming Days of Observance, the Welcoming Days of Observance included on the Welcoming Congregations Calendar, offering Welcoming Religious Education that educates about the issues and needs of the LGBTQ+ / TGQNB community, and supporting a Welcoming Project by donating to an organization that uplifts the dignity of LGBTQ+ / TGQNB communities.
Watch for upcoming events in support of this important work! For more information, contact Desiree Holian-Borgnis at uuseoffice@uuse.org.
------------------------------
Green Sanctuary News
What are NATIVE plants? What are INVASIVE plants? And what about everything in between?
Why does it matter? Maybe you have heard that baby birds need to eat caterpillars, and caterpillars grow almost exclusively on native plants. Many of our long-loved plants have evolved on a different continent with different ecosystems and different soils. If you are like me, you are trying to be more aware of these things, yet are often confused. Here is a quick effort at clarifying, as best as I can, the various categories of plants we come in contact with.
Native Plants:
Native to where? While some people may be trying to only use plants native to CT, most of the native plants we want to nurture around here have evolved in the New England and Northeast region since the last glaciation and definitely prior to the arrival of Europeans.
Cultivars
Cultivars are plants that have been modified in some way through breeding, etc. Cultivars of native plants may or may not provide the ecological benefits of the original native, and you should do more research before purchasing.
Aggressive Plants
Any native plant that likes where it is and spreads easily, often by more than one method, can become aggressive. Many plants spread by both seeds and rhizomes (underground stems) and can be very difficult to remove from an area. But at least you know if native plants spread beyond your garden, they are good to go and probably help the wider ecosystem.
Invasive Plants
Any Non-Native plants that spread very easily by seeds and underground root growth, outcompeting other plants and taking over natural areas, like woodlands, meadows, and along waterways and roadsides. They cause economic and environmental harm.
Naturalized Plants
Plants that arrived at some point from Europe, Asia or elsewhere and have become established in natural areas without taking over these areas are called naturalized. However, naturalized plants can become invasive over time and under shifting conditions. Some of these are called Potentially Invasive.
Many of us are not sure which plants are native and which are invasive. Don’t assume that a plant that comes up in your yard without your help is native. It is just as likely to be non-native and invasive. Here is a list of plants officially listed as invasive and not legal to sell or share. https://cipwg.uconn.edu/invasive_plant_list/ It’s a place to start. Many other plants are recognized by different organizations as invasive, and if you Google a plant to find out if it is native or invasive, you may get some differing information, but it does help. There are also plant identification apps. Some are free, and some charge an annual fee. I am not sure at this point which are the best. Many of us purchase native plants each spring from the North Central Conservation District at https://conservect.org/northcentral/. If you get on their mailing list, you will receive info in time to order and add natives to your landscape next spring. Another extensive website is https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/connecticut-native-availability/.
Hopefully, little by little, you can experience the joy of making your garden a more helpful part of the natural ecosystem and local food web, while feeding caterpillars to the baby birds.
------------------------------
Upcoming Events
------------------------------
Greater Hartford U.U.'s at Dunkin Donuts Park
On Saturday evening, August 1, 2026
Join the three area UU Societies (Fern Street, USH, and UUSE) at the Liberty Bank Pavilion, Dunkin Donuts Park. It's the picnic package, which will include standard ballpark fare and vegetarian options, free waters and soft drinks, and a chance to meet other UU's in the area. Doors and the picnic open at 4:30 with the game scheduled to start at 6:10 p.m.
The picnic will remain open and serving food until about 7 p.m. A firework show follows the game. We are excited that the 3 Societies are exploring how we can work and play together, enjoy our UU values, and celebrate one another. Cost is $50 per person, but if you need help, financial assistance is available.
------------------------------
CT UU Justice Ministry
Save the Date - Saturday, October 17, 2026
Mark your calendars! All UUs and our justice-seeking friends are invited to a first-of-its-kind annual Justice Conference hosted by the Connecticut UU Justice Ministry on Saturday, October 17th in New Haven. This conference is for everyone, whether you are a longtime organizer or brand new to taking action. There will be something for kids too, so whole families can come to this event together. Expect a chance to meet and learn from others, find inspiration and build skills. There will be engaging keynote speakers and workshops for everyone, whatever your background.
------------------------------
Boston Area Sanctuary Campus
The Sanctuary Campus is a UU Boston Area Campus Ministry offering Small Group Ministry, vibrant Campus Worship, Student Meetups, Student Retreats, Social Justice, and more!
Are you a college student in the Boston area OR an alumni of a college in the Boston area? Check them out!
https://www.thesanctuaryboston.org/campus
------------------------------
Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here.
------------------------------
Wait? What? The 2027 Goods & Services Auction
Live Event Saturday, January 30, 2027 at 5 PM at the Meetinghouse
------------------------------
The Chili Cook-Off is Back!
Enjoy a free, delicious chili dinner with vibrant beloved community, including beer & wine, cornbread, salad and dessert, plus pizza for those who don’t eat chili. Free!
Exclusive Live Event Items
Places at dinners and activities offered by members and the fabulous live auction items like Rev. Josh’s sermon will only be available at the live event.
Online Silent Auction
Monday, January 18, 8 AM through Friday, January 29, 2027. Details to follow.
The Auction is one of our biggest fundraisers and fun family events. It’s important to our congregation. We know, it’s far away, but things get busy in the Fall.
------------------------------
How You Can Help This Summer and Fall
Donate!
What can you contribute to auction off at this extraordinary event? Could you teach, repair, entertain, bake? Share your talent in other ways? We’ll have the ever-popular dinners, group activities, lessons, services and select items that need a new home.
As you are out and about this summer, contact your favorite merchants to ask for donations. If you love a place, others will, too. Stop by our table after services July 12 and 26 to pick up a merchant donation letter or email auction@uuse.org.
Think About Entering the Chili Cook-Off!
It’s never too early to dream of your favorite chili! Who makes the best chili? Enter your tried and true family recipe or a new experiment you’ve been wanting to try. Vegan, vegetarian and with meat—all are welcome! Bragging rights and a beautiful UUSE Chili Cook-Off Apron are up for grabs for the winners! Entry is limited, so contact Auction@uuse.org ASAP to reserve your spot.
Questions???
When in doubt, email uuseoffice@uuse.org
or talk to any of the Auction Committee members—Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Colin Guerette, Stan McMillen & Nancy Pappas
------------------------------
Ongoing Groups, Activities, and Fun
------------------------------
UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic
Will Return in October
------------------------------
Ladies at Lunch
Join us for lunch Thursday, July 9th, at Lakeview Restaurant in Coventry. All are welcome! The address is 50 Lake Street, and we meet at noon. If you will attend, please let Sharon Huber know by Wednesday afternoon the 8th. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151.
------------------------------
Romeos for Lunch
Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meet at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for lunch and conversation at various local restaurants. If you are retired or simply have free time, feel welcome to participate. Contact Annie at the church office to be included on the email call list.
------------------------------
Yoga at the Meetinghouse Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
All are welcome to these gentle-to-moderate yoga classes for all abilities. $5 drop-in fee. Bring a yoga mat (we have some extras). Bring a friend! Questions to: Susan at uuseoffice@uuse.org. Yoga is a UUSE adult education offering.
------------------------------
Women's Sacred Singing Circle
Every Thursday at 7 PM
We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women.
Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community!
------------------------------
Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair
July/August: Jackie Muschiano
------------------------------
Books, Classes, and Discussions
Adult Religious Education
------------------------------
Meditation Group
The Meditation Group will meet third Mondays from 3:30 PM in the Youth Group room (room 2) on the garden level to meditate in community. Everyone is welcome; no experience required. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions,
------------------------------
Book Lovers
The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone.
- July 14, 2026: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides: Pub. June 2002, 544 pages. Discussion leader: Janet Heller
- August 11, 2026: Cloud Cuckoo Landby Anthony Doerr: Pub. Sept. 2022, 608 pages. Discussion leader: Martha Larson
- September 8, 2026: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray: Published April 2024, 544 pages. Discussion leader: Sande Hartdagen
- October 13, 2026: The Correspondent - A Novelby Virginia Evans: Pub. April 2025, 304 pages. Discussion leader: Carolyn Gimbrone
------------------------------
Buddhist Group
The UUSE Buddhist Group will meet on the 1st Tuesday, at 7 PM on Zoom for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link.
------------------------------
Humanist Group
Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link.
------------------------------
Science and Religion Discussion Group
Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition?
Meet 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom.
Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link.
------------------------------
God Talk
A discussion group for UU theists
4th Tuesdays at 4:30 PM.
This ongoing group explores how UUs can name and experience God in meaningful, useful ways. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link.
------------------------------
Newsletter Submissions
Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.org or use this publicity form. Deadline for the Newsletter is the 20th of each month.
------------------------------
UUSE General Information
UUSE Office Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Meetinghouse Office: 860-646-5151
Office Administrator: Annie Gentile email: uuseoffice@uuse.org
Minister: Rev. Joshua Pawelek, 860-646-5151, minister@uuse.org
Minister Office Hours: Tuesday 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM
Director of Children & Youth Ministry: Emmy Galbraith, 860-646-5151, dcym@uuse.org
President: Trisha Corey-Lisle, 805-750--3488, uuseoffice@uuse.org
Newsletter Editor: Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, newsletter@uuse.org
Website Coordinator: uuse.web@uuse.org UUSE Website:https://www.uuse.org
------------------------------
