Gathering Music (Mary Bopp) Welcome (Rev. Josh Pawelek) Centering Prelude "Hotel" by Francis Poulenc Arr. by Mary Bopp Chalice Lighting and Opening Words "Turn Scarlet, Leaves" Words by Raymond J. Baughan Music by Mary Bopp Turn scarlet, leaves Spin earth Tumble the shadows into dawn Tumble the shadows into dawn Opening Hymn "I Will Change Your Name" by D. J. Butler I will change your name You shall no longer be called Wounded, outcast Lonely or afraid I will change your name Your new name shall be Confidence, joyfulness Overcoming one Faithfulness, friend of God One who seeks my face. New Member Welcome Introductions (Membership Committee co-chairs) The Charge (Minister) As you take up membership in the Unitarian Universalist Society East, I charge you to share with us who you are. Share your creativity, your experiences, your questions, your doubts, your beliefs, and all your discoveries of life's meaning. I charge you to shake us up with your ideas, to stir us up with your conscience, to inspire us with your actions, and to stimulate our hopes with your dreams of what life can be. Congregational Welcome (Congregation) We welcome you as companions in the search for truth and meaning. We invite you to share in our mission of caring for one another, encouraging each other in spiritual growth, working for justice and peace in the wider community, and living in harmony with the earth. We join our gifts with yours, trusting in the power of community to bring freedom, healing and love. New Member Affirmation (New members) We join the Unitarian Universalist Society East out of a desire and willingness to participate in a liberal religious congregation. We pledge to share our time, energy and gifts; to diligently seek our spiritual truths; and to strengthen the bonds of community. Responsive Hymn "This Meetinghouse" words adapted from Eugene Sander by Josh Pawelek Music by Jean Sibelius This meetinghouse, A place of love and gladness Where all may meet, to seek the common good. A source of strength, to face each doubt and sadness. Where every dream is known and understood. This meetinghouse, ask those who came before, And found themselves, by crossing through its door. Musical Interlude Announcements Joys and Concerns Musical Interlude Offering MARC, Inc. provides the opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives of independence, choice, inclusion, and continuous personal growth. MARC, Inc. was founded in 1952 by seven families who were working together to support their children who were living with disabilities. Today, they have a campus on Sheldon Road in Manchester where they provide multiple services and programs, in addition to managing eleven residential homes. MARC supports almost three hundred individuals from twenty-seven towns in the Greater Hartford area. UR Community Cares' mission is to keep older and disabled neighbors supported in their homes and active in their communities. Their programs include: "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," which provides volunteer support so that older adults and people with physical disabilities can live safely at home; "Cycling Without Age Manchester," which deploys an e-bike rickshaw to provide free recreational rides for older and disabled residents in Charter Oak Park and along the East Coast Greenway; the UR Community Tech Center, which offers free technology support and volunteers to answer questions about smartphones, tablets, laptops; and UR Vision Resources, a 100-page printed Blind/Vision Impaired Directory to ensure more people know what services are available. Offering Music #205 "Amazing Grace" Words by John Newton Music, Virginia Harmony, 1831 Sandy Johnson, vocals Sermon "Transformation: It's What Liberal Churches Do" Rev. Josh Pawelek Closing Hymn "There's a River Flowin' in My Soul" #1007 in Singing the Journey by Rose Sanders aka Faya Ora Rose Toure There's a river flowin' in my soul. There's a river flowin' in my soul. And it's tellin' me that I'm somebody. There's a river flowin' in my soul. There's a river flowin' in my heart... There's a river flowin' in my mind... Extinguishing the Chalice "The flame in our hearts never ceases burning." 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.

Gathering Music (Meetinghouse) Welcome & Centering (Stacey Musulin) Prelude: "Resilient" Words and Music by Leah Song & Chloe Smith of Rising Appalachia Performed by Meetinghouse Chalice Lighting & Opening Words "There is a Quiet Courage" by Rev. Gretchen Haley There is a quiet courage in the choice to let go of the past, in the choice to be present in this new day to live for this hour, this moment and to believe in its possibility - to release the regrets, to stop the spinning stories of what was and is no longer, to accept this gift to believe that we are worthy still of happiness of ease of delight, and hope to believe we have all we need to heal already, and to receive this wholeness with ready hearts and open hands, saying only thank you. Come, let us practice this surrender together gathering up all the brave boldness we know can be found in our bones and blood if we will breathe together knowing ourselves a part of this one life filled with mystery, creativity and power, Changing us, growing us, and calling us into partnership with all that is. Come, let us worship together. Opening Hymn #1015 "I Know I Can" Words by Dennis Hamilton Music by Jeannie Gagne Though days be dark with storms And burdens weigh my heart; Though troubles wait at ev'ry turn, I know I can go on. When sorrow heals my soul And burdens make me strong, Though troubles wait at ev'ry turn, I know I can go on. My sister in my heart, My brother in my song, Though troubles wait at every turn, I know I can go on. And though the journey is long, The destination is near, Though troubles wait at every turn, I know I can go on. So brothers take my hand, And sisters sing my song, When hope awaits at every turn, I know we will go on. Time for All Ages The Brave Potion Authored and read by Sam Taylor Announcements Introductions Joys & Concerns All are free to share briefly (1-2 sentences). Visitors may introduce themselves. Musical Reflection "I Won't Back Down" Words & Music by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne Performed by Meetinghouse Offertory Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month of October will be shared with MARC, Inc. and UR Community Cares of Manchester. These organizations serve to connect people with disabilities and older adults with supportive services and community partnerships in the areas of education, employment, self-advocacy, and personal empowerment. You can press the yellow "Donate" button online. Thank you so much for supporting the good work of MARC and UR Community Cares to assist some very courageous neighbors! Offertory Music "Brave" Words & Music by Sara Bareilles and Jack Antonoff Performed by Meetinghouse Sermon "Hope From Courage" Sam Taylor Closing Hymn #1021 "Lean on Me" Words & Music by Bill Withers Sometimes in our lives we all have pain we all have sorrow. But if we are wise we know that there's always tomorrow. Chorus: Lean on me when you're not strong and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on, For it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on. Please swallow your pride if I have things you need to borrow, For no one can fill those of your needs that you won't let show. Chorus Lean on me when you're not strong and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on, For it won't be long 'till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on. If there is a load you have to bear that you can't carry I'm right up the road I'll share your load if you just call me. Chorus Lean on me when you're not strong and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on, For it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on. Bridge: Just call on me brother when you need a hand. We all need somebody to lean on. I just might have a problem that you understand. We all need somebody to lean on. Chalice Extinguishing "The flame in our hearts never ceases burning ..." Closing Words Courage-ing by Rev. Dr. David Breeden We begin with the courage we have, not the power we imagine. Not a fire but a flame cupped against the wind. Courage is the breath before speaking a truth; the hand on a latch; the body rising with sorrow's salt still on our lips. Courage is asking for help. Courage is offering bread. Courage is changing your mind when that practiced road turns cruel. Courage is the voice that breaks silence; the heart refusing the ease of stone. We do not pledge to be fearless. We do pledge to stay near what love asks of us. In hours of darkness, may we be a sheltering people, lamps in the rain shoulder to shoulder, keeping a path that makes the path. 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. Postlude Slide Show Courage quotes and slides (pictures via Pixabay)

Elementary (K-4th) Junior Youth Group (5th-8th) OWL (8th-10th) High School Youth Group (9th-12th) Nursery (ages 4 & under) is offered year round except on certain Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Christmas, New Years) Children’s Chapel meets at 10 am/All classes except Nursery & OWL start in the sanctuary at 11am Sept 20 CYM Orientation & Team Planning/Kamora Workshop: Introduction Sept 27 Elementary; JYG; OWL Orientation; HSYG Orientation Oct 4 Elementary; JYG; OWL; 1st day of Children’s Chapel Oct 11 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Oct 18 Elementary; JYG; OWL Oct 24 Trunk or Treat Oct 25 All Congregation Worship Service (Ancestor Day); OWL; HSYG Nov 1 Elementary; JYG; OWL Day of the Dead Special Event, report directly to Garden Level Nov 8 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Nov 15 Elementary; JYG; OWL Nov 22 Elementary; JYG; HSYG Kamora Monthly Workshop: Cultural Humility Nov 29 Elementary; JYG Dec 6 Elementary; JYG; OWL Dec 13 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Dec 20 All Congregation Worship Service (Holiday Music) Dec 24 All Congregation Worship Service (Christmas Eve) Dec 27 NO CYM Jan 3 Elementary; JYG; OWL Jan 10 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Jan 17 Elementary; JYG; OWL Jan 24 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Jan 31 Elementary; JYG; OWL Feb 7 Elementary; JYG; OWL Feb 14 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Feb 21 Elementary; JYG; OWL Feb 28 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Mar 7 Elementary; JYG; OWL Mar 14 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Mar 21 Elementary; JYG; OWL Mar 28 All Congregation Worship Service (Easter) & Egg Hunt Apr 4 Elementary; JYG; OWL Apr 11 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG Apr 18 Elementary; JYG; OWL Apr 25 Elementary; JYG; OWL; HSYG May 2 Elementary; JYG; OWL Snow Day/Panel 1 May 9 NO CYM (Mother’s Day) May 16 Elementary; JYG; OWL Snow Day/Panel 2 Last Day of Classes/Classroom Cleanup May 23 All Congregation Service (Flower Communion) May 30 NO CYM (Memorial Day) June 6 CYM Field Day June 13 All Congregation Worship Service (CYM Sunday Service) June 20 NO CYM (Father’s Day)

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Worship Sunday Services Schedule October Ministry Theme: Courage Join us at 9 or 11 AM The 11 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, September 27th: Building a UU Justice Movement in Connecticut! This morning we welcome the Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao into our pulpit. Rev. Gerfao is the executive director of the newly founded CT UU Social Justice Ministry. She’ll preach on her vision for this ministry and how all of us can participate in it. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday Service: "Cultivating a Hopeful Courage  (i.e. Courage is not just for Superheroes!)" When you think of "courage," what comes to mind? Activists and prophets risking their lives for their beliefs? Superheroes wielding powers beyond human capacity? In this service, we explore ways to grow the courage that resides within each of us in ordinary, but effective ways. These practices won't go viral nor bring fame but can inspire hope and grow strength within ourselves, our families and our communities. We'll have special music guests -- the band Meetinghouse -- playing inspirational, contemporary songs. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Sam Taylor. ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -09-30 Sunday Service: "Transformation: It's What Liberal Churches Do!" This morning, Rev. Josh continues his sermon series on Unitarian Universalism's shared values. He'll explore what it means to value transformation. We'll also take time to welcome new members into the congregation. And we'll give a nod to National Coming Out Day. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -10-07 Sunday, October 18th: Gathering Courage . In times of difficulty, whether personal or global, we often ask ourselves what we can do. How do we know what the right thing is? Are we looking for comfort or guidance? This service will draw from Bishop Mariann Budde's book, How We Learn to Be Brave. Coordinators: Jane Penfield and David Klotz Sunday, October 25th: Ancestor Day. All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved one or ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lessons do you take from their life? With special music, stories, and more, we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors’ lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek 10/18/26 Gathering Courage Sunday, October 18th: Gathering Courage. In times of difficulty, whether personal or global, we often ask ourselves what we can do. How do we know what the right thing is? Are we looking for comfort or guidance? This service will draw from Bishop Mariann Budde's book, How We Learn to Be Brave. Coordinators: Jane Penfield and David Klotz 10/25/26 Ancestor Day. Sunday, October 25th: Ancestor Day. All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved one or ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lessons do you take from their life? With special music, stories, and more, we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors’ lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek

This is the listing of upcoming services. It is automatically updated from the events database. Old services are moved to the past services page. Upcoming Services Reminder: UUSE has a Low Scent Policy Here's a list of upcoming services. Past services can be found here . 10/18/26 Gathering Courage OOS Sunday, October 18th: Gathering Courage. In times of difficulty, whether personal or global, we often ask ourselves what we can do. How do we know what the right thing is? Are we looking for comfort or guidance? This service will draw from Bishop Mariann Budde's book, How We Learn to Be Brave. Coordinators: Jane Penfield and David Klotz Sermon YouTube 10/25/26 Ancestor Day. OOS Sunday, October 25th: Ancestor Day. All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved one or ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lessons do you take from their life? With special music, stories, and more, we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors’ lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek Sermon YouTube

A list of all of our past services, including links to the sermons. Past Services This is a list of past services. Upcoming services can be found here . 10/11/26 OOS Sermon YouTube It's What Liberal Churches Do! This morning, Rev. Josh continues his sermon series on Unitarian Universalism's shared values. He'll explore what it means to value transformation. We'll also take time to welcome new members into the congregation. And we'll give a nod to National Coming Out Day. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-10-07 10/4/26 OOS Sermon YouTube Cultivating a Hopeful Courage (i.e. Courage is not just for Superheroes!) When you think of "courage," what comes to mind? Activists and prophets risking their lives for their beliefs? Superheroes wielding powers beyond human capacity? In this service, we explore ways to grow the courage that resides within each of us in ordinary, but effective ways. These practices won't go viral nor bring fame but can inspire hope and grow strength within ourselves, our families and our communities. We'll have special music guests -- the band Meetinghouse -- playing inspirational, contemporary songs. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Sam Taylor. ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-30 9/27/26 OOS Sermon YouTube Your Invitation to the Party: Joy, Justice, and the Work of Love Sunday, September 27th: Your Invitation to the Party: Joy, Justice, and the Work of Love! This morning we welcome the Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao into our pulpit. Rev. Gerfao is the executive director of the newly founded CT UU Social Justice Ministry. She’ll preach on her vision for this ministry and how all of us can participate in it. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. 9/20/26 OOS Sermon YouTube Beginnings Our ministry theme for September is, appropriately, beginnings. Rev. Josh delivers his first sermon of the congregational year--on beginnings. Let's look forward to a year full of spiritual growth, learning, exploration, justice-seeking, service, and beloved community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-16 Show More