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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled The State of Transgender Rights The State of Transgender Rights Friday, October 17th at 7:00 P.M. Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St, Hartford (corner of Farmington Ave. and Woodland St.) All are welcome to an evening with Jennifer Levi, Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights, GLAD Law for a lecture on the state of transgender rights. Jennifer Levi is the Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights and a nationally recognized expert on transgender legal issues. Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD LAW) works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identify and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation. Join us! #eBlast-10-15 The State of Transgender Rights Friday, October 17th at 7:00 P.M. Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St, Hartford (corner of Farmington Ave. and Woodland St.) All are welcome to an evening with Jennifer Levi, Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights, GLAD Law for a lecture on the state of transgender rights. Jennifer Levi is the Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights and a nationally recognized expert on transgender legal issues. Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD LAW) works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identify and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation. Join us! #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 20, 2025 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 earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information visit Meetup. #SeptemberNewsletter 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 earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information visit Meetup . #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 27, 2025 Friendsgiving! Friendsgiving! Interested in joining a Friendsgiving on the American Thanksgiving Holiday (Thursday, November 27) at UUSE? Emmy is gauging interest in gathering as a group to share a meal, redefine the holiday, and be in community. Whether blood family is far by miles or by the heart, a Friendsgiving may be a healing approach to the holiday. Friends of UUSE folks would be welcome to join. Please reach out to Emmy Galbraith at dcym@uuse.org to express interest or ask any questions. #eBlast-10-15 Friendsgiving! Interested in joining a Friendsgiving on the American Thanksgiving Holiday (Thursday, November 27 ) at UUSE? Emmy is gauging interest in gathering as a group to share a meal, redefine the holiday, and be in community. Whether blood family is far by miles or by the heart, a Friendsgiving may be a healing approach to the holiday. Friends of UUSE folks would be welcome to join. Please reach out to Emmy Galbraith at dcym@uuse.org to express interest or ask any questions. #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 20, 2025 Sitting in Silence Together Sitting in Silence Together Monday, October 20th at 3:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room Join the UUSE Buddhist Group for in-person meditation at 3:00 P.M. Monday, October 20th, in the Meeting Room. At a recent service, Rev. Josh talked about how rare it is to be quiet together with other people--and how it is beneficial for us. Here's your chance. There'll be some instruction, then we'll sit. We may do some optional walking meditation. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions: uuseoffice@uuse.org #eBlast-10-15 Sitting in Silence Together Monday, October 20th at 3:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room Join the UUSE Buddhist Group for in-person meditation at 3:00 P.M. Monday, October 20th , in the Meeting Room. At a recent service, Rev. Josh talked about how rare it is to be quiet together with other people--and how it is beneficial for us. Here's your chance. There'll be some instruction, then we'll sit. We may do some optional walking meditation. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions: uuseoffice@uuse.org #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 9, 2025 Young Adult Care Packages Young Adult Care Packages Collection runs through November 9 Each year we collect for and put together care packages for our young adults who are moving on with their post-high-school plans. Don't know what to donate? Ear buds, candy, snacks, cocoa, fidget toys, laundry detergent packs, microwave popcorn and other foods are just a few ideas. Or look for the flyers around the building with the care package symbol, scan the QR code and purchase something from our Amazon wish list by November 2. Drop off your items in the bins in the coat closet upstairs or in the lobby on the Garden Level by November 9. Write a note of encouragement to any of this year's recipients: Becky Ayers, Indigo Bender, Graham Bornhorst, Logan Breen, Casey Campellone, Lilly-Rose Coleman, Mateo Garcia, Teagan Mabrysmith, Althea Nelson-Woodard, Sadie Nitzan, Max Pawelek, Molly Rourke, Jessica Slogesky and Anya Stolzman. Thank you for your support! #eBlast-10-15 Young Adult Care Packages Collection runs through November 9 Each year we collect for and put together care packages for our young adults who are moving on with their post-high-school plans. Don't know what to donate? Ear buds, candy, snacks, cocoa, fidget toys, laundry detergent packs, microwave popcorn and other foods are just a few ideas. Or look for the flyers around the building with the care package symbol, scan the QR code and purchase something from our Amazon wish list by November 2 . Drop off your items in the bins in the coat closet upstairs or in the lobby on the Garden Level by November 9 . Write a note of encouragement to any of this year's recipients: Becky Ayers, Indigo Bender, Graham Bornhorst, Logan Breen, Casey Campellone, Lilly-Rose Coleman, Mateo Garcia, Teagan Mabrysmith, Althea Nelson-Woodard, Sadie Nitzan, Max Pawelek, Molly Rourke, Jessica Slogesky and Anya Stolzman. Thank you for your support! #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 19, 2025 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@uuse.org . Yoga is a UUSE adult education offering. #SeptemberNewsletter 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@uuse.org . Yoga is a UUSE adult education offering. #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 2, 2025 Intro to UU Intro to UU Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. in the Garden Level Chapel Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and UUSE? Please attend our Intro to UU. This informative seminar will include a brief history and background of our theology, UUSE's mission, programs and facilities, an opportunity to meet others interested in UUism, and a sharing of stories about what brings us together. To register, contact Annie Gentile at (860) 871-0010 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, October 30th and let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast-10-15 Intro to UU Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. in the Garden Level Chapel Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and UUSE? Please attend our Intro to UU. This informative seminar will include a brief history and background of our theology, UUSE's mission, programs and facilities, an opportunity to meet others interested in UUism, and a sharing of stories about what brings us together. To register, contact Annie Gentile at (860) 871-0010 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, October 30th and let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu or Janet Dauphin a t membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 6, 2025 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 Oct 23, 2025 Book Drive for Immigrant Families Book Drive for Immigrant Families Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. at UUSE "Books and Blankets," a new Connecticut-based nonprofit, will visit UUSE on Thursday evening, October 23rd at 5:00 P.M. They are collecting children's books and blankets to bring to families living in detention along the US southern border. Learn more here. Join us on the 23rd at 5:00 P.M. to hear more about this exciting project. Children's books and blankets welcome! Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-10-15 Book Drive for Immigrant Families Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. at UUSE "Books and Blankets," a new Connecticut-based nonprofit, will visit UUSE on Thursday evening, October 23rd at 5:00 P.M. They are collecting children's books and blankets to bring to families living in detention along the US southern border. Learn more here . Join us on the 23rd at 5:00 P.M. to hear more about this exciting project. Children's books and blankets welcome! Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jan 31, 2026 Auction Team Needs You! Auction Team Needs You! Would you like to engage with a vibrant and fun group to plan and run our annual Auction? Consider joining our team. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7 P.M. via Zoom during September, October, November, December and January. We will have a pasta sauce contest (Get Saucy!) and live Auction event on Saturday, January 31 (snow date February 14) 2026. Send your resume (just kidding) to auction@uuse.org . #eBlast-10-15 Auction Team Needs You! Would you like to engage with a vibrant and fun group to plan and run our annual Auction? Consider joining our team. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7 P.M. via Zoom during September, October, November, December and January. We will have a pasta sauce contest (Get Saucy!) and live Auction event on Saturday, January 31 (snow date February 14) 2026. Send your resume (just kidding) to auction@uuse.org . #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

Think green. That's what the sustainability committee does. This is their page. Sustainable Living & Climate Action UUSE is committed to ongoing efforts to save our planet through green action. We are a certified Green Sanctuary. Green Sanctuary News Green Sanctuary News Are there Democrats/Liberals/Progressives in “RED” States?? Sometimes, we who live in a “blue” state on the East Coast may think that “red” states don’t have any “blue” voters. Let us remember that an organization that popped up in Nebraska, called Bold Nebraska and led by Jane Kleeb, successfully stopped the Keystone XL Pipeline! More recently, this group has worked in many other states to help stop CO2 pipelines from North Dakota, Mississippi, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, and more. For more information, go to this website. https://pipelinefighters.org/ Another YouTube video featured a speech by Justin Pearson, the young Democrat legislator from Memphis, Tennessee. His speech at a meeting of Netroots Nation in New Orleans about fighting for our climate should make everyone stand up and cheer! We hope you’ll listen. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDFSULSCYYg Our Children’s Trust Back in 2015, a group of young people, with the aid of a legal team, sued in court, saying that their future lives were in jeopardy due to the continued use of fossil fuels and the destruction of Earth’s forests and more. They have been stonewalled at the federal level since then, but at the state level, there are many extraordinary young people that are still fighting for the future. The latest case in Montana has won in the Montana State Court. Find more info at https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/ Earthjustice has had some wins lately, such as: Court Reaffirms Protections for Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, Reinstating Sustainable Farming and Agriculture Grants, a Win for Building Electrification in New York. Check out their website here https://earthjustice.org/ We thank those who came to our Climate Café on September 14th We showed ten films from 4 continents in 2 hours, exploring the artistic and human response to Climate Change. The films were produced by artists from countries around the world. The Festival was introduced by Honorary Judge Bill McKibben of Third Act. Equal Exchange Did you know the coffee we happily drink after services comes from Equal Exchange? This Fellowship Coffee Blend is ground coarse for use in percolators. Be sure to stop by our table on the 2nd Sunday of every month to get your chocolate, tea, and coffee, and know that your purchases are supporting small, sustainable farmers across the world. In Memoriam: We remember Robert Redford, who died at the age of 89 on September 16th. Not only do we remember him as a great actor and filmmaker, we especially remember his advocacy for Climate Justice issues. Thank you, Robert Redford! #OctoberNewsletter Go Solar! The Sustainable Living Committee is thrilled to report that UUSE has contracted with Connecticut solar provider, Savkat, to resume our popular solar program! Savkat has agreed to donate $25 to UUSE for every appointment and $1,000 for every signed solar contract. The program begins immediately, and is available to all UUSE members, family, and friends. Just tell them you were referred by UUSE! We will be hosting several informational sessions with our Savkat representative on Sunday mornings during coffee hour to answer any questions congregants may have. If you're interested in learning more about getting solar installed, you can make an appointment at this time. Already know you want to reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar? You can contact our Savkat representative, Jordan Bernstein, right away! His contact info is below. Thank you for caring about our planet! Jordan Bernstein Lead Manager 203.441.7961 Jordan@savkat.com www.savkat.com Schedule a Meeting Green Actions You Can Take Join our ecological landscaping team Help with recycling and composting Help sell "Fair Trade" coffee, tea, and chocolate after Sunday services Help with the annual organic veggie garden About the Green Sanctuary program UUSE has been a certified Green Sanctuary congregation since the spring of 2006. The Green Sanctuary program was developed and begun by the UU Ministry for Earth for UU congregations. The program at UUSE was led by the Sustainable Living Committee with approval and involvement of the policy board, staff, various committees and the full congregation. Goals and projects were developed in four different areas: worship, religious education, sustainable living and social/environmental justice. Our Action Plan for 2005 included 15 different projects, heavily focused on our response to global warming. It included implementing recommendations from an energy audit, starting our children’s organic vegetable garden program, starting recycling and composting programs, working with other state and local organizations on common goals, and much more. The congregation-wide support and success of the program led us to seek out the greenest way we could afford to implement our planned building and expansion project. Between 2007 and the spring of 2010 we were deep into the planning, fundraising for and implementation of our building project. The Growth of the Green Sanctuary Program allowed it to become a project of the UUA. And by 2011 we were encouraged to apply for Re- accreditation. Our application for Re-accreditation included various projects in the areas of worship and celebration, religious education, sustainable living, and active environmental justice efforts, such as helping to pass CT’s first environmental justice law, working with local groups to start school and other community gardens and to help low-income residents benefit from CT’s Home Energy Solutions program. We documented all the work done in the UUSE building project including energy conservation work, the geo-thermal system and eventual solar panel system, and Energy Star certification with a 98% score in 2013, as well as various ecological landscaping projects. On February 17, 2013 we received the notice we were awarded Green Sanctuary Recertification. We were encouraged to continue our efforts to become a net zero facility and continue with our outreach and advocacy work.

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Music Music plays a huge part in our worship and in our community, and there's room for everyone to participate in our music programs. Many talented individuals take part in our services individually, in groups, in singing circles, and in choirs. Whether it's leading hymns, participating in choirs, playing piano or guitar, or even gifted professional musicians providing spirited musical themes, everyone can play a part. Our music director, Mary Bopp, with help from a very active music committee, plays a key role in all of the musical offerings that take place at UUSE. Mary Bopp Music Director Mary has served UUSE since 2015, after over 30 years as a professional full-time musician in New York City! An award-winning artist, Mary brings more than hymns and classical composers' music to our services. She is also an improv-magician to many, directs our choir with her unique creativity and adaptability, and brings a variety of professional artists to perform at services and more! Mary is a beloved inspiration to us all. Choir News Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera-If you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals start on Wednesday, October 1st at 7:00 PM in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on December 14th. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org #OctoberNewsletter