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< To Upcoming Services Dec 23, 2025 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. 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. OOS Sermon YouTube

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 sustainable growers. We accept cash, checks and credit cards. < Previous Next Event Next >

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Goods & Services Auction and Saucy Cook-Off Join us on Saturday January 25 from 5-8 PM at the meetinghouse for our Annual Auction and First-Ever Saucy Cook-Off! This year’s challenge is new: Who makes the very best sauce that’s ever cuddled up to a noodle? Do you make terrific marinara, bolognese, alfredo, pesto? Or how about stroganoff, tetrazzini, goulash, lo mein or even mac & cheese sauce? BID on terrific items and experiences! And HEAT up a cold January evening in the company of friends, new and old. To volunteer or ask a question email auction@uuse.org . Click for Auction Site https://event.auctria.com/50c22a26-7ff0-4e0b-857a-643a2163457a/ Join us on Saturday January 25 from 5-8 PM at the meetinghouse for our Annual Auction and First-Ever Saucy Cook-Off! This year’s challenge is new: Who makes the very best sauce that’s ever cuddled up to a noodle? Do you make terrific marinara, bolognese, alfredo, pesto? Or how about stroganoff, tetrazzini, goulash, lo mein or even mac & cheese sauce? BID on terrific items and experiences! And HEAT up a cold January evening in the company of friends, new and old. To volunteer or ask a question email auction@uuse.org. Click for Auction Site https://event.auctria.com/50c22a26-7ff0-4e0b-857a-643a2163457a/ OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE “Community Suppers” Are Back! Would you like to be a host? The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a “Community Supper” at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone (860-646-5151) by April 15 and let her know the date & time you would like to host, and how many guests; she’ll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish; guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts etc. We’ll put sign-up sheets in the lobby, after each service on April 20 and 27. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster uuseoffice@uuse.org . #AprilNewsletter Would you like to be a host? The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a “Community Supper” at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone (860-646-5151) by April 15 and let her know the date & time you would like to host, and how many guests; she’ll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish; guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts etc. We’ll put sign-up sheets in the lobby, after each service on April 20 and 27. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster uuseoffice@uuse.org . #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Speak: Young Voices Out Loud Speak: Young Voices Out Loud A Youth Poetry Slam Sunday, June 29, 2025, 12:00 P.M. at UUSE Come hear the raw power, creativity, and passion of young poets taking the mic. Original voices. Bold stories. Live and unfiltered. Please support these amazing young poets as they prepare for Brave New Voices 2025!! Hosted by our very own Elizabeth Thomas. All are welcome -- come cheer them on! No cost. #eBlast-06-18 Speak: Young Voices Out Loud A Youth Poetry Slam Sunday, June 29, 2025, 12:00 P.M. at UUSE Come hear the raw power, creativity, and passion of young poets taking the mic. Original voices. Bold stories. Live and unfiltered. Please support these amazing young poets as they prepare for Brave New Voices 2025!! Hosted by our very own Elizabeth Thomas. All are welcome -- come cheer them on! No cost. #eBlast -06-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Governance Stakeholder Session Governance Stakeholder Session A Message from Our Denominational Affairs Committee The UUA Bylaws Renewal Team has been hosting a series of Governance Stakeholder Sessions, and you are warmly invited to take part. The conversations are about listening, imagining and shaping together -- not about having the "right answers." The next session - Exploring Article V - will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 8:00 - 9:30 PM ET (eastern time). Register here. This is just the beginning! More conversations will follow as the bylaws renewal process continues. #eBlast-11-12 Governance Stakeholder Session A Message from Our Denominational Affairs Committee The UUA Bylaws Renewal Team has been hosting a series of Governance Stakeholder Sessions, and you are warmly invited to take part. The conversations are about listening, imagining and shaping together -- not about having the "right answers." The next session - Exploring Article V - will be held on Thursday, November 13 , 2025 from 8:00 - 9:30 PM ET (eastern time). Register here . This is just the beginning! More conversations will follow as the bylaws renewal process continues. #eBlast -11-12 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled General Assembly 2025 News from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. (More info on the CSAI process). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here. Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. (More info on the AIW process). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). • We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights • Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom • Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here ), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. ( More info on the CSAI process ). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here . Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. ( More info on the AIW process ). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Mental Health First Aid Mental Health First Aid Thursday, November 6th, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Presented by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing UUSE's Emergency Response Taskforce is offering a one-day course entitled Mental Health First Aid to be presented by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This course develops a citizen's ability to recognize the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including people with suicidal thoughts. Participants learn how to interact with someone in an immediate mental health crisis, as well as how to connect that person with the appropriate follow-up care. All are welcome, but there is a 30-person limit. If you are interested, register with Annie in the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 to ensure your place in the class. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org or (860) 652-8961. #eBlast-10-15 Mental Health First Aid Thursday, November 6th, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Presented by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing UUSE's Emergency Response Taskforce is offering a one-day course entitled Mental Health First Aid to be presented by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This course develops a citizen's ability to recognize the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including people with suicidal thoughts. Participants learn how to interact with someone in an immediate mental health crisis, as well as how to connect that person with the appropriate follow-up care. All are welcome, but there is a 30-person limit. If you are interested, register with Annie in the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 to ensure your place in the class. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org or (860) 652-8961. #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Choir Rehearsal. Do you love to sing? Do you love to have fun? If you answered “yes” to these questions you can sing with the UUSE Choir! You don't have to audition. Check the weekly eBlast and monthly Newsletters for rehearsals dates. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . OOS Sermon YouTube

Kirtan Music and Mantra @UUSE Heart-Centered Kirtan returns to Manchester, CT Come chant, breathe, and reconnect through the joy of kirtan. Join us in Manchester, CT, where live music, mantra singing, and community come together in a shared spiritual practice. Upcoming Dates All sessions begin at 3pm in the UUSE sanctuary: · Sunday, September 21, 2025 · Sunday, February 22, 2026 · Sunday, March 22, 2026 · Sunday, May 17, 2026 Each gathering is led by Heart-Centered Kirtan , offering a powerful and inclusive group chanting experience in Connecticut. Save the dates and come sing with us, dance, do yoga, or just soak it in. What Is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of chanting meditation rooted in Indian spiritual traditions. Through call-and-response singing of simple, repetitive mantras, participants are invited into a shared state of peace, energy, and connection. Whether you're looking for spiritual music events in CT, interested in meditative music, or simply want to try something new, kirtan offers a welcoming space for all. About Heart-Centered Kirtan Led by Libby Volckening , with Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, and Chris Ball , Heart-Centered Kirtan weaves Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras into a blend of Western musical styles. Their Unitarian Universalist kirtan gatherings are known for being grounding, joyful, and openhearted. Since 2013, they’ve led kirtan across Connecticut and New England, bringing people together through the healing power of music and mantra. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com What to Know Donation: $20 suggested (more or less is always OK—no one is turned away). All are welcome: No experience needed. Families are encouraged to attend. Scent-free space: Please avoid perfumes and essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided; bring a cushion if you prefer the floor. If you're searching for inclusive spiritual events in CT or want to explore community chanting , this is a great place to begin. < Previous Next >

74888f76-d7cf-489c-b9db-5af23c7078b6 < Back to Newsletter December Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Strategic Planning Task Force Puzzle Me This The Strategic Plan Task Force is just starting the work needed to update UUSE’s Vision and Mission Statements (previously revised in 2011), in addition to creating a new strategic plan to meet set goals of interest to the congregation. To kick off this congregational work and to start some brainstorming, try the following challenge: Can you complete the crossword puzzle with some key pieces from the previous 2011 Strategic Plan? Enjoy the interactive puzzle and the opportunity to start thinking about new goals as we look to the future. The task force will present more information and discuss ideas with the congregation around this work in the coming months. Word Bank: Care, Fifteen, Five, Gifts, Justice, Mission, Rights, Strategic, Technologies, Vision, Youth #DecemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Climate Café with Deb Dauphinais Climate Café with Deb Dauphinais 1:00PM We'll have a presentation by our own Deb Dauphinais, a certified professional rated dive educator for over 30 years. She cares deeply about our oceans and the waters off New England and will include her stories of marine encounters. Click here for more information. The program will also be available on Zoom and a link will be provided. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee. Climate Caf é with Deb Dauphinais 1:00PM We'll have a presentation by our own Deb Dauphinais, a certified professional rated dive educator for over 30 years. She cares deeply about our oceans and the waters off New England and will include her stories of marine encounters. Click here for more information. The program will also be available on Zoom and a link will be provided. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee. OOS Sermon YouTube