Search Results
981 results found with an empty search
Blog Posts (240)
- "Earth Day" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, April 19, 2026
Gathering Music (Mary Bopp) Welcome and Announcements (Rev. Josh Pawelek) Centering Prelude "Improvisation I" Kristen Dockendorff Chalice Lighting and Opening Words excerpt from Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Opening Song "What a Wonderful World" Bob Thiele and George David Weiss I see trees of green Red roses too I see them bloom For me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world. I see skies of blue And clouds of white The bright blessed day The dark sacred night And I think to myself What a wonderful world. The colors of the rainbow So pretty in the sky Are also on the faces Of people going by I see friends shaking hands Saying, "How do you do?" They're really saying I love you. I hear babies cry I watch them grow They'll learn much more Than I'll ever know And I think to myself What a wonderful world Yes, I think to myself What a wonderful world Ooh, yes. Time For All Ages Musical Meditation Joys and Concerns Responsorial Song "Prayer for Connection" Words by Cyndi Krupa Music by Mary Bopp May peace, light and love Infuse all living beings With a feeling of connection And knowing we are one. Offering The recipient of our April Community Outreach offering is the Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network, or IREJN, Connecticut's only faith-based environmental non-profit organization. Their mission is to inspire and equip Connecticut's religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy. Offering Music "Improvisation II" Kristen Dockendorff Song "Grace for Pollinators" By Nancy Schimmel, arr. by Joyse Gilbrick For this our food we thank the bees That pollinate the flowers. We thank the moths that do the same In the evening hours. We thank the birds and butterflies In ev'ry habitat. And when we eat bananas We sing to thank the bat. We all are links upon a chain, The eater and the fruit, The light upon the busy leaf, The water at the root. We join our hands together when Another day is done. We praise the winged workers And feed upon the sun. Sermon Grace for Everything Rev. Josh Pawelek Closing Song #163 "For the Earth Forever Turning" Words by Kim Oler, music by Nick Page For the earth forever turning; for the skies, for ev'ry sea; for our lives, for all we cherish, sing we our joyful song of peace. For the mountains, hills, and pastures in their silent majesty; for the stars, for all the heavens, sing we our joyful song of peace. For the sun, for rain and thunder, for the seasons' harmony, for our lives, for all creation, sing we our joyful praise to Thee. For the world we raise our voices, for the home that gives us birth; in our joy we sing returning home to our bluegreen hills of earth. 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.
- "Anticipation" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, April 12, 2026
Gathering Music Welcome Centering Prelude "The Word" Music & Lyrics by John Lennon & Paul McCartney Performed by Sandy Johnson & Dan Thompson Chalice Lighting and Opening Words "Morning Blessings of the Celtic Dawn" Written by Dee Hennessy, as published on Insight Timer Opening Hymn #298 "Wake, Now, My Senses" Words by Thomas J.S. Mikelson, Traditional Irish Melody Mary Bopp, piano (1st 4 verses) Wake, now, my senses, and hear the earth call; feel the deep power of being in all; keep, with the web of creation your vow, giving, receiving as love shows us how. Wake, now, my reason, reach out to the new; join with each pilgrim who quests for the true; honor the beauty and wisdom of time; suffer thy limit, and praise the sublime. Wake, now, compassion, give heed to the cry; voices of suffering fill the wide sky; take as your neighbor both stranger and friend, praying and striving their hardship to end. Wake now my conscience, with justice thy guide; join with all people whose rights are denied; take not for granted a privileged place; God's love embraces the whole human race. Introduction to the Service - Liz Garmise Time For All Ages A Performance of Magic By Eliot Garcia of the UUSE Junior Youth Group Hymn #1057 "Go Lifted Up" Words & Music by Mortimer Barron (repeat 2x) Go lifted up, Love bless your way, moonlight, starlight guide your journey into peace and the brightness of day. Announcements Joys and Concerns Musical Interlude Offering The recipient of our community outreach offering for the month of April is the Inter-religious Ecojustice Network, whose mission is to insprie and equip Connecticut's religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy. Offering Music "Anticipation" Music & Lyrics by Carly Simon Performed by Sandy Johnson & Dan Thompson Poetry Reading "Crocus/Spring Equinox" Written and read by Sudha Sevin Poetry Reading "Spring Parade" Written and read by Coryn Clark Homily - Liz Garmise Closing Hymn #108 "My Life Flows On In Endless Song" Words - Early Quaker Song, Music: American Gospel Tune Mary Bopp, piano (1st 2 verses only) My life flows on in endless song above earth's lamentation. I hear the real though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing. It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing! What though the tempest 'round me roars, I know the truth, it liveth. What through the darkness 'round me close, songs in the night it giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging. Since love prevails in heav'n and earth, how can I keep from singing! Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words 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.
- "Let There Be Music!" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, April 5, 2026
Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements Centering Prelude "Earth Blessing" by Helen Yeomans UUSE Choir Vera Elzerman, percussion Chalice Lighting and Opening Words "Alleluia!" by the Rev. Jeanne Lloyd Opening Hymn "Morning Has Broken" Words by Eleanor Farjeon Music: Gaelic Melody Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word ! Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden sprung in completeness where God's feet pas s. Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God's recreation of the new day! Time for All Ages "Seed Blessing" Joys and Concerns Musical Response Offering The recipient of our April Community Outreach offering is the Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network, or IREJN, Connecticut's only faith-based environmental non-profit organization. Their mission is to inspire and equip Connecticut's religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy. Offering Music "Slavonic Dance op. 46, no. 8" by Antonin Dvorak Dorothy Bognar and Mary Bopp, pianos Music "Agnus Dei" by Eugene Butler UUSE Choir Music "Let There Be Music" by Joel Raney UUSE Choir Homily "Let There Be Music" Rev. Josh Pawelek Closing Hymn "Lo, the Day of Days is Here" Words by Frederick Lucian Hosmer Music by Robert Williams Lo, the day of days is here, Alleluia! Festival of hope and cheer! Alleluia! At the south wind's genial breath -- Alleluia! Nature wakes from seeming death, Alleluia! Fields are smiling in the sun, Alleluia! Loosened streamlets seaward run, Alleluia! Tender blade and leaf appear; Alleluia! 'Tis the spring-tide of the year, Alleluia! Lo, the Eastertide is here, Alleluia! Music thrills the atmosphere. Alleluia! Join, you people all, and sing -- Alleluia! Love and praise and thanksgiving, Alleluia! Closing Music "Welcome Spring" by Andy Beck UUSE Choir 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.
Other Pages (653)
- Children and Youth Ministry | UUSE
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
- Worship | UUSE
Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Worship Sunday Services Schedule April Ministry Theme: Embracing Possibility 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, March 29th: Transgender Day of Visibility . Mindful that March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility, we will lift up transgender lives in our morning service. We will also explore the work of recertifying UUSE as a Welcoming Congregation. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Our annual, all-congregation Easter celebration. Join us for music, story, and song as we consider the enduring themes of Easter. What stones are you rolling away? What new life is emerging in you? Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -04-01 Sunday Service: "Anticipation" In keeping with our April ministry theme of embracing possibility, we will explore anticipation. Hopefully, it has stopped snowing, and we are starting to see signs of spring. What are you anticipating as this new season emerges? What possibilities lie ahead? Join us for the magic that is unleashed when we anticipate the possibilities! Coordinators : Liz Garmise and Paula Baker Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -04-08 Sunday Service: "Earth Day" Our April ministry theme is embracing possibility. While we often feel like solving the climate crisis is impossible due to political and economic forces, this morning we direct our attention to what is possible. Coordinators : Rev. Joh Pawelek and members of the UUSE Sustainable Living Committee Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 19, 2026 - Updated #eBlast -04-15 Sunday, April 26th: The Possibilities in Us. In this service, we'll explore how there is hardly ever a single answer to a question, a single solution to a problem, or a single path to take. The unknown can certainly be daunting. However, the act of embracing possibility can afford us inspiration, growth, excitement, hope, and liberation. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Ellen Williams Sunday, May 3rd: This Land. UUSE’s meetinghouse sits on four acres at the top of Elm Hill, on the Manchester-Vernon line, above the Hockanum River Valley. What is our collective obligation to steward these four acres? What is our role on this land? Note: A land stewarding project will follow this service. Wear work clothes if you wish to participate. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. 4/19/26 Earth Day Our April ministry theme is embracing possibility. While we often feel like solving the climate crisis is impossible due to political and economic forces, this morning we direct our attention to what is possible. Coordinators : Rev. Joh Pawelek and members of the UUSE Sustainable Living Committee Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-15 4/26/26 The Possibilities in Us. Sunday, April 26th: The Possibilities in Us. In this service, we'll explore how there is hardly ever a single answer to a question, a single solution to a problem, or a single path to take. The unknown can certainly be daunting. However, the act of embracing possibility can afford us inspiration, growth, excitement, hope, and liberation. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Ellen Williams 5/3/26 This Land. Sunday, May 3rd: This Land. UUSE’s meetinghouse sits on four acres at the top of Elm Hill, on the Manchester-Vernon line, above the Hockanum River Valley. What is our collective obligation to steward these four acres? What is our role on this land? Note: A land stewarding project will follow this service. Wear work clothes if you wish to participate. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
- Earth Day
< To Upcoming Services Apr 19, 2026 Earth Day Our April ministry theme is embracing possibility. While we often feel like solving the climate crisis is impossible due to political and economic forces, this morning we direct our attention to what is possible. Coordinators : Rev. Joh Pawelek and members of the UUSE Sustainable Living Committee Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-15 Sunday Service: "Earth Day" Our April ministry theme is embracing possibility. While we often feel like solving the climate crisis is impossible due to political and economic forces, this morning we direct our attention to what is possible. Coordinators : Rev. Joh Pawelek and members of the UUSE Sustainable Living Committee Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 19, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -04-15 OOS Sermon YouTube
Forum Posts (88)
- What is the NAUA?In Denominational AffairsOctober 23, 2024Hi Jim, I am not sure I understand your use of the word "hurtful" in your comments to the posting of the information about NAUA. "Hurtful" implies an intent to do either physical or emotional harm, neither of which exists here. The word "hurtful" going forward should not be used by anyone wishing to stifle open discussion simply because the listener may not want to hear or may not be in agreement with what is expressed. No matter what recommendations come out of the current Discernment process, UUSE is going to have to engage in open and sometimes difficult opposing viewpoints. Thanks for listening. Ann Stowe2
- DAC Survey of UUSE-UUA TouchpointsIn Denominational Affairs·October 23, 2024Here is the full text of the Denominational Affairs Committee Survey of UUSE-UUA touchpoints, compiled in September 20242124
- Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt in person at West Hartford 10/20/2024In Denominational Affairs·October 17, 2024Sunday Worship UU West Hartford with Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, UUA President Sunday, October 20 Worship Service: 10 AM with Rev. Dr. Adam Robersmith Can’t make it in person? Join us online: https://www.youtube.com/@theuniversalistchurchwesth5818/streams Our worship services are live-streamed on YouTube every Sunday at 10 AM EST. Click the link above to view a live service or to browse previously recorded services.2126




