Dear Ones:



As I craft my thoughts for September’s column, all I can think is that it’s been a hard summer for our congregation. Four long-time members have died—Frank Schiumo, Allan Driscoll, Beth Hudson Hankins, and Hélène Felicité Buker. May they each rest in peace. 

Hélène was probably the least well-known of these beloveds. She was active at UUSE in the 1980s and was a mainstay of our choir in those years. Peg Richardson wrote to me about her late son Jim’s memory of Hélène singing “O, Holy Night” in French at a UUSE Christmas Eve service. I hope Hélène knew how much Jim appreciated her role in that service. I wonder who else remembers her singing that beautiful carol in French. I’m mindful there are so many ways we leave a lasting impression on others through our interactions at the meeting house, yet often we aren’t aware of the impact we have. I’m mindful there are so many ways we weave in and out of each other’s lives, and often we’re barely aware of the weaving. If you had a chance to witness the memorial services for Frank, Allan and Beth, you’ll know how large an impression they left, how lasting their impact has been, and how the weaving of their lives in and out of the lives of others was so important to so many. They will be deeply missed. 

I take great pride in our UUSE “life-cycle” celebrations: weddings, child dedications and memorial services. While these are public ceremonies, there’s also a way in which they happen ‘behind the scenes,’ out of the Sunday morning spot light. As I begin my 22nd year serving as UUSE’s minister, I realize the memorial services are especially important to me. When a member or friend of the congregation dies, it’s imperative for me that the service speaks to who they were: the connections they made, the passions they pursued, the values that guided their living, the love they shared. It’s important to me that the service celebrates them as a full human being and names not only their achievements and successes, but their quirks, their challenges, the things that got under their skin. I take it as high praise when people approach me after a memorial service and express how meaningful it is to them that the minister (and the congregation) knew the deceased so well and loved them so much. I also take it as high praise when people approach me after a memorial service and say they want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism. It tells me that they experience something at our memorial services that they don’t experience with other denominations or religions. Yes, I am proud. 

I am also indebted to our staff, our Pastoral Friends Committee volunteers, and our Memorial Garden volunteers. We couldn’t conduct the quality memorial services we do without their support, dedication and love. It makes such a difference. 

It’s fair to say I’m bringing a lot of sadness into this 2024-2025 congregational year. But I’m also bringing a lot of excitement. I’m looking forward to Homecoming Sunday and our Homecoming picnic (don’t forget to bring backpacks, briefcases, bags, etc. for the blessing of the backpacks). I’m looking forward to being back in my regular Sunday morning routine. I’m looking forward to being together in multi-generational community for services and other activities. I’m looking forward to working with our Policy Board and Program Council leaders as we continue to build a resilient, creative, spiritually-grounded, safe and fun congregation able to meet all the headwinds that confront traditional religious institutions. I’m looking forward to engagement in the wider community with organizations such as the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance, Connecticut for All, HUSKY for Immigrants and many more. 

I am looking forward to a good year at UUSE. I hope you are too!

With love and faith, 

Rev. Josh Pawelek