Search Results

Gathering Music (Mary Bopp) Welcome and Announcements Introit "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (Trad. English carol, arr. by BNL) the Gonzalez family, vocals Jennifer Richard, guitar Centering Prelude "Joy on Christmas Morning" by Audrey Snyder UUSE Choir Chalice Lighting and Opening Words "A Joyful Noise" by Rev. Josh Pawelek Opening Hymn #253 "O Come, All Ye Faithful" by John Francis Wade O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the King of angels: Chorus: venite, adoremus venite, adoremus, venite, adoremus, Dominum. Lo humble shepherds, hasting to his cradle, leaving their flocks in the fields, draw near. We, too, with gladness, thither bend our footsteps; venite, adoremus, venite, adoremus, venite, adoremus, Dominum. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; venite, adoremus, venite, adoremus, venite, adoremus, Dominum. Story "Yitzi and the Giant Menorah" by Richard Ungar Children's Choir "O Hannukah, O Hannukah" Traditional Joys and Concerns Music "Sarabande and Corrente" from Sonata in g minor by Henry Eccles Elliot Vadas, Cello Offering "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 of December will go to three area shelters: McKinney Men's Shelter (Hartford), East Hartford Community Shelter, Cornerstone Shelter (Rockville). Offering Music Music "I Believe" by Mark Miller "Where the Light Begins" by Susan Labarr Homily "Where the Light Begins" Rev. Josh Pawelek Music "Night of Silence" by Daniel Kantor Closing Hymn #388 "Dona Nobis Pacem" words: traditional Latin music: traditional canon Dona nobis pacem, pacem dona nobis pacem. Extinguishing the Chalice Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come.

Greetings CYM Families & Friends! Here’s what’s happening in CYM this Sunday, December 7, 2025: Children’s Chapel will *NOT* be held this week. Nursery : Childcare will be available in our nursery at 11 AM for children age 3 and under. Sunday Service : “Choosing Hope” - Many holidays with themes of hope are celebrated in the month of December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, culminating in the optimism of a New Year. Is Hope a wish? An emotion? A choice? An action? A decision? Join us as we begin to reflect on this month’s theme of Choosing Hope, and ways we can expand our ideas about what hope is, and how we can cultivate it. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson Time For All Ages : Children and youth in grades 2-8 will attend the beginning of the Sunday service in the Sanctuary on the Main Level. The first two rows on the right are reserved for children and youth to sit together, and families are welcome to join them. After the “Time For All Ages” segment of Sunday service, children and youth will be dismissed to the Garden Level to attend further programming. Spirit Pl ay : “The Blessing ” - This week our young ones will explore a story about Hanukkah. They will learn that a Menorah, the symbol of Hanukkah, is filled with the oil of freedom and the “love of mitzvah”. And that it is through sharing with others that we are blessed. Young UUs : “Creating joy” - Our young UUs will be busy crafting holiday decorations, singing with Rev Josh, and sipping spiced cider on the Garden Level this first Sunday in December. Jr Youth Group : “Yule Fire” - Last week our junior youth built a small fire “log cabin style” and talked about the different kinds of fires; those for cooking, heating, forest fires and intentional land clearing, and sacred fires. This week they will build a conical style fire. Please send youth in footwear and clothes appropriate for walking around outside. Next High School Youth Group Meeting: Saturday, December 13th 1-3pm at UUSE for baking and Sunday, December 14th for regular HSYG meeting and Bake Sale Next Affirmation Meeting: December 14th at 1pm (pack a lunch) See you Sunday! Seasonal Happenings : Sun, Dec 14: Holiday Music Service @ 9&11am Sun, Dec 21: CYM Winter Holiday Party @ 12pm (outdoors!) Wed, Dec 24: Christmas Eve Service @ 5pm Sun, Dec 28: No CYM Programming - Winter Break Sat, Jan 3: 6PM Talent Show for children and youth in collaboration with the monthly Coffee House. Bring dinner for the family and enjoy the many talents of our community! Children and youth are invited to perform a song, poem, skit, magic tricks, trivia, or any other talent! Sat, Jan 24 - Sun, Jan 25: Overnight Con for 7th-12th graders! Located at USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford) with UUSE support. Arrive at 6pm on Saturday and stay for games, movies, video games, foosball, and zoom with other youth! Rise and shine Sunday morning to participate in USH’s long standing tradition of “Soup Sunday!” Sat, Jan 31: UUSE Annual Cook-off and Live Auction Event - fun for the whole family! Sat, Feb 21: 8AM Mount Southington Ski Trip in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford) Open to skiers of all ages! Sun, Feb 22: 3pm Kirtan at UUSE Sat, Mar 28: Nightlight Mission in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford): Families with children/youth meet @ 2PM to sort clothes & prepare soup, coffee and sandwiches; @8PM distribute clothing and food to the unhoused. With Gratitude, Emmy Galbraith Director of Children & Youth Ministry dcym@uuse.org Office: (860)646-5151 Cell: (860)576-7889 CYM Committee Members: Sudha, co-chair Michelle Spadaccini, co-chair Desiree Holian-Borgnis Paula Baker Kaitlyn Guilmette Committee email: uusecym@uuse.org Angela Attardo, CYM Program Assistant CYMAsst@uuse.org Molly Vigeant, Nursery Coordinator

Greetings CYM Families & Friends! Here’s what’s happening in CYM this Sunday, December 7, 2025: Children’s Chapel will *NOT* be held this week. Nursery : Childcare will be available in our nursery at 11 AM for children age 3 and under. Sunday Service : “Choosing Hope” - Many holidays with themes of hope are celebrated in the month of December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, culminating in the optimism of a New Year. Is Hope a wish? An emotion? A choice? An action? A decision? Join us as we begin to reflect on this month’s theme of Choosing Hope, and ways we can expand our ideas about what hope is, and how we can cultivate it. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson Time For All Ages : Children and youth in grades 2-8 will attend the beginning of the Sunday service in the Sanctuary on the Main Level. The first two rows on the right are reserved for children and youth to sit together, and families are welcome to join them. After the “Time For All Ages” segment of Sunday service, children and youth will be dismissed to the Garden Level to attend further programming. Spirit Pl ay : “The Blessing ” - This week our young ones will explore a story about Hanukkah. They will learn that a Menorah, the symbol of Hanukkah, is filled with the oil of freedom and the “love of mitzvah”. And that it is through sharing with others that we are blessed. Young UUs : “Creating joy” - Our young UUs will be busy crafting holiday decorations, singing with Rev Josh, and sipping spiced cider on the Garden Level this first Sunday in December. Jr Youth Group : “Yule Fire” - Last week our junior youth built a small fire “log cabin style” and talked about the different kinds of fires; those for cooking, heating, forest fires and intentional land clearing, and sacred fires. This week they will build a conical style fire. Please send youth in footwear and clothes appropriate for walking around outside. Next High School Youth Group Meeting: Saturday, December 13th 1-3pm at UUSE for baking and Sunday, December 14th for regular HSYG meeting and Bake Sale Next Affirmation Meeting: December 14th at 1pm (pack a lunch) See you Sunday! Seasonal Happenings : Sun, Dec 14: Holiday Music Service @ 9&11am Sun, Dec 21: CYM Winter Holiday Party @ 12pm (outdoors!) Wed, Dec 24: Christmas Eve Service @ 5pm Sun, Dec 28: No CYM Programming - Winter Break Sat, Jan 3: 6PM Talent Show for children and youth in collaboration with the monthly Coffee House. Bring dinner for the family and enjoy the many talents of our community! Children and youth are invited to perform a song, poem, skit, magic tricks, trivia, or any other talent! Sat, Jan 24 - Sun, Jan 25: Overnight Con for 7th-12th graders! Located at USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford) with UUSE support. Arrive at 6pm on Saturday and stay for games, movies, video games, foosball, and zoom with other youth! Rise and shine Sunday morning to participate in USH’s long standing tradition of “Soup Sunday!” Sat, Jan 31: UUSE Annual Cook-off and Live Auction Event - fun for the whole family! Sat, Feb 21: 8AM Mount Southington Ski Trip in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford) Open to skiers of all ages! Sun, Feb 22: 3pm Kirtan at UUSE Sat, Mar 28: Nightlight Mission in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford): Families with children/youth meet @ 2PM to sort clothes & prepare soup, coffee and sandwiches; @8PM distribute clothing and food to the unhoused. With Gratitude, Emmy Galbraith Director of Children & Youth Ministry dcym@uuse.org Office: (860)646-5151 Cell: (860)576-7889 CYM Committee Members: Sudha, co-chair Michelle Spadaccini, co-chair Desiree Holian-Borgnis Paula Baker Kaitlyn Guilmette Committee email: uusecym@uuse.org Angela Attardo, CYM Program Assistant CYMAsst@uuse.org Molly Vigeant, Nursery Coordinator

Child programs, kids, toddlers, sunday school, youth programs, adult education. Children & Youth Ministry The Children & Youth Ministry (CYM) at UUSE offers a thriving program for all young people from infancy through senior high and more! Classes are held on the Garden Level at UUSE, concurrently with the second (11am) service from September through June. In the summer months, we offer a lighter schedule which runs concurrent with the 10am service. About Children & Youth Ministry Our Children and Youth Ministry (CYM) offers a thriving program for all young people from infancy through senior high and more! The CYM program is a cooperative effort; we utilize a team approach, with one adult from each family volunteering in some capacity in CYM. We urge families to become informed about UUSE philosophy, themes, and activities by attending services, participating in parent meetings, engaging in discussions with the Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Minister, CYM committee members, classroom volunteers, and other families. The CYM Committee also sponsors many multi-generational events, including winter holiday celebrations, Trunk-or-Treat, game nights, movie nights and more. UU Principles, Children’s Version: • Every person is important. • Be kind in all you do. • We’re free to learn together. • We can search for what is true. • All people need a voice. • Build a fair and peaceful world. • We care for the earth. Sources We Draw From: The living tradition we share draws from many sources, including: • Direct experience of mystery and wonder; • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men; • Wisdom from the world’s religions; • Jewish and Christian teachings; • Humanist teachings using reason and science; • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions. Program Goals: • Continue to make community and connection the primary focus of our ministry, in order to build a strong support system for our children, youth, and families. • Foster UU identity formation by providing opportunities for children and adults of all ages to engage in fun and meaningful activities together. • Strengthen our commitment to dismantling systemic racism by selecting curricula, books, music, and movies with an anti-racist lens. • Build a community that cultivates pre-emptive radical inclusivity. New or Visiting? Be sure to let a greeter know if you’re visiting a service and would like to know more about our program. They will be happy to put you in touch with our Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Emmy Galbraith, on the Garden Level. We are happy to welcome you into our program at any time! If you are able, we strongly encourage that you connect with Emmy prior to a first visit so your child can know what to expect. Her direct email is dcym@uuse.org . Additionally, the CYM Committee is always available for questions or comments at our dedicated email: uusecym@uuse.org . Contact Us Emmy, the Director of CYM, can be reached by email at dcym@uuse.org And the CYM Committee is available for questions or comments at uusecym@uuse.org

Religious education is not just for kids. We have plenty of programs to keep adults busy too. Intro to UU The Intro to UU program is taught periodically by the minister. There's not one scheduled at the moment. Keep an eye on the Happenings section of the website to see when the next session might be coming.

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. Evening Vespers December 22, 2025 7 PM: Monday, December 22nd: Evening Vespers Service. In a season busy with ‘bright and merry’, we may also find ourselves sitting with sadness, grief, and pain in body or spirit. J... Silent Night, Holy Night. December 24, 2025 5 PM: Wednesday, December 24th: Silent Night, Holy Night. Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:00 PM. Beautiful music, timeless stories, and more. Anything might happen!!! Coordin... Happenings There’s Always Something Good Going On Affinity Groups Birds of a feather Read More Yoga Wednesdays 10:00AM Read More Ladies at Lunch Alternating Thu/Fri Read More Women's Sacred Singing Circle Thursdays Read More ROMEOS 2nd Tuesdays Read More Upcoming Events Calendar Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Refresh Wednesday 12/10/25 Read More Yoga . 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... Thursday 12/11/25 Read More 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 e... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More HSYG Holiday Bake Sale HSYG Holiday Bake Sale Sunday, December 14th after each service Please join us on Sunday, December 14th after each service in the main lobby to support the High School Youth Group ... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More Verplanck Giving Tree Verplanck Giving Tree NOW through December 14th Let's brighten the holidays for our friends at Verplanck Elementary. The Giving Tree will be set up in the lobby after each service ... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More Fair Trade Coffee Your favorite Equal Exchange coffees, chocolate, tea and more will be available on 2nd Sundays of the month following both services. Satisfy your taste buds while supporting small ... Monday 12/15/25 Read More Silent Meditation Silent Meditation - 3:30PM in the Sanctuary Monday 12/15/25 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon. Every Monday at Noon Tuesday 12/16/25 Read More 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... Wednesday 12/17/25 Read More Yoga. 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... Thursday 12/18/25 Read More 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 e... Monday 12/22/25 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon Every Monday at Noon Tuesday 12/23/25 Read More 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.... More...