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< To Upcoming Services Mar 22, 2026 Upcoming Workshops Upcoming Workshops Help Brainstorm Vision and Mission Ideas with the Strategic Planning Task Force The Strategic Planning Task Force is offering three upcoming dates in March to join us in brainstorming our current vision and mission statements and what revision ideas we may want to consider to help guide our next five years and future strategic plan. During the short workshop (about 2 hours), participants will review both statements and give their ideas to help with brainstorming our new vision and mission statements. Upcoming Dates Sunday, March 22, at 12:30 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel right after services Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel Sunday, March 29 at 1:30 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel after the Chocolate Auction We’d love to hear your thoughts and incorporate your ideas! Please RSVP using the Google Form. #eBlast-03-18 Upcoming Workshops Help Brainstorm Vision and Mission Ideas with the Strategic Planning Task Force The Strategic Planning Task Force is offering three upcoming dates in March to join us in brainstorming our current vision and mission statements and what revision ideas we may want to consider to help guide our next five years and future strategic plan. During the short workshop (about 2 hours), participants will review both statements and give their ideas to help with brainstorming our new vision and mission statements. Upcoming Dates Sunday, March 22 , at 12:30 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel right after services Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel Sunday, March 29 at 1:30 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel after the Chocolate Auction We’d love to hear your thoughts and incorporate your ideas! Please RSVP using the Google Form . #eBlast -03-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Apr 22, 2026 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. 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 Mar 29, 2026 UUSE Chocolate Auction UUSE Chocolate Auction Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 P.M.  Chocolate is awesome, and a chocolate auction is a great way to raise $$$$ for UUSE! This year's chocolate auction helps celebrate the end of our 2026 Annual Appeal. (Note: The March newsletter incorrectly advertised the event for March 31. It is on Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 p.m. following the second service.) All are invited to create chocolate confections (cookies, brownies, cakes, cupcakes--you name it!). Bring your creations to the Meeting House on the 29th and bid on whatever looks best to you. Bring your checkbook or cash and pay when you collect your WINNINGS. It's that simple!!! #eBlast-03-18 UUSE Chocolate Auction Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 P.M.   Chocolate is awesome, and a chocolate auction is a great way to raise $$$$ for UUSE! This year's chocolate auction helps celebrate the end of our 2026 Annual Appeal. (Note: The March newsletter incorrectly advertised the event for March 31. It is on Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 p.m. following the second service.) All are invited to create chocolate confections (cookies, brownies, cakes, cupcakes--you name it!). Bring your creations to the Meeting House on the 29th and bid on whatever looks best to you. Bring your checkbook or cash and pay when you collect your WINNINGS. It's that simple!!! #eBlast -03-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 26, 2026 Reminder: UUSE Spring Art and Poetry Exhibit Reminder: UUSE Spring Art and Poetry Exhibit Our Spring theme is Renewal. Spring brings renewal through longer days, warmer air, and the return of growing things. The fresh light and new life of the season offer a sense of energy and hope after winter's stillness. The Spring Exhibit will be installed on March 26th, and signups are due by March 23rd. Please register your entries at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Include title, medium, price (if for sale), and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets, please send your poems to Carol for mounting by March 20th. If you would like to include a photo or a small piece of artwork, please send it along as well. Drop-off for entries is March 26th from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Watch the e-blast for more information. Questions? Please contact Eric Vogel or Janet Heller. #eBlast-03-18 Reminder: UUSE Spring Art and Poetry Exhibit Our Spring theme is Renewal. Spring brings renewal through longer days, warmer air, and the return of growing things. The fresh light and new life of the season offer a sense of energy and hope after winter's stillness. The Spring Exhibit will be installed on March 26th, and signups are due by March 23rd. Please register your entries at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Include title, medium, price (if for sale), and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets, please send your poems to Carol for mounting by March 20th. If you would like to include a photo or a small piece of artwork, please send it along as well. Drop-off for entries is March 26th from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Watch the e-blast for more information. Questions? Please contact Eric Vogel or Janet Heller. #eBlast -03-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 21, 2026 Gender Free Contra Dance Gender Free Contra Dance Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Come enjoy live music and joyous movement at this community dance for all ages, no experience necessary. Bring a friend or come solo. Beginner lesson and orientation at 3:45 P.M.; dance begins at 4:00 P.M. Bring soft-soled shoes to protect our floors. Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. All are welcome. The dance, sponsored by the Music Committee, will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society East. For more information, click here or contact Meghan MacRae or Jane Osborn. #eBlast-03-18 Gender Free Contra Dance Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Come enjoy live music and joyous movement at this community dance for all ages, no experience necessary. Bring a friend or come solo. Beginner lesson and orientation at 3:45 P.M.; dance begins at 4:00 P.M. Bring soft-soled shoes to protect our floors. Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. All are welcome. The dance, sponsored by the Music Committee, will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society East. For more information, click here or contact Meghan MacRae or Jane Osborn . #eBlast -03-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 29, 2026 Jazz Group Forming Jazz Group Forming Organizational Meeting on Sunday, March 29th If you're interested in being part of a new jazz group at UUSE, please come to the organizational meeting on Sunday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M., right after the Chocolate Auction. We're looking for input from people comfortable with playing or singing jazz, to put our heads together about forming a group. We'll discuss goals, interests, rehearsing, performing, availability, experience, instruments, etc. Then we'll play a song or two. So, please bring your instrument. If interested, please contact Eric Rosenberg. 860-646-5151. #eBlast-03-18 Jazz Group Forming Organizational Meeting on Sunday, March 29th If you're interested in being part of a new jazz group at UUSE, please come to the organizational meeting on Sunday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. , right after the Chocolate Auction. We're looking for input from people comfortable with playing or singing jazz, to put our heads together about forming a group. We'll discuss goals, interests, rehearsing, performing, availability, experience, instruments, etc. Then we'll play a song or two. So, please bring your instrument. If interested, please contact Eric Rosenberg . 860-646-5151. #eBlast -03-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Stewarding Opportunity! We are looking for people to canvass members & friends. Being a steward is a way to get to know new people, to share your enthusiasm and commitment for UUSE and to help make our Annual Appeal a success. The commitment time is relatively short with one training session and a couple of weeks to contact 2 - 4 members or friends. The stewardship conversations are a time of fellowship and sharing our dreams and aspirations. Talking about financial commitment is a small part of a much larger conversation about generosity and community. So please consider volunteering to be a steward this year. We especially want people who have never been stewards before, especially parents! For those who did not mail in their pledge or did not attend a potluck, the steward will use a personal visit (if both feel comfortable), email, phone calls, or texts to get in touch with people to answer any questions and remind them to fill out their pledge form and return it to Annie. Personal canvassing will be from March 18 – April 6, 2026. We will provide training on Thursday evening, March 5 or Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. Specific times will follow. Please email Phil Sawyer at uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151 if you are willing to help or have any questions. Our Annual Appeal occurs from March 1 – April 6, 2026. #JanuaryNewsletter We are looking for people to canvass members & friends. Being a steward is a way to get to know new people, to share your enthusiasm and commitment for UUSE and to help make our Annual Appeal a success. The commitment time is relatively short with one training session and a couple of weeks to contact 2 - 4 members or friends. The stewardship conversations are a time of fellowship and sharing our dreams and aspirations. Talking about financial commitment is a small part of a much larger conversation about generosity and community. So please consider volunteering to be a steward this year. We especially want people who have never been stewards before, especially parents! For those who did not mail in their pledge or did not attend a potluck, the steward will use a personal visit (if both feel comfortable), email, phone calls, or texts to get in touch with people to answer any questions and remind them to fill out their pledge form and return it to Annie. Personal canvassing will be from March 18 – April 6, 2026. We will provide training on Thursday evening, March 5 or Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. Specific times will follow. Please email Phil Sawyer at uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151 if you are willing to help or have any questions. Our Annual Appeal occurs from March 1 – April 6, 2026. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Looking for Stewards! Looking for Stewards! Annual Appeal 2026 - 2027 We are looking for people to canvass members & friends. Being a steward is an opportunity to get to know new people, share your passion and commitment for UUSE and help make our Annual Appeal a success. The commitment time is short with one training session and a couple of weeks to contact 2 - 4 members or friends. The stewardship conversations are a time of fellowship and sharing our dreams and aspirations. Talking about financial commitment is a small part of a much larger conversation about generosity and community. So please consider volunteering to be a steward this year. We especially want people who have never been stewards before, especially parents! The steward will use a personal visit (if both feel comfortable), email, phone calls, texts, etc. to get in touch with people to answer any questions and remind them to fill out their pledge form and return it to Annie. Personal canvassing will be from March 18 - April 6, 2026. We will provide training on Thursday evening, March 5 or Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. Specific times will follow. Please email Phil Sawyer at uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151 if you are willing to help or have any questions. #eBlast-02-04 Looking for Stewards! Annual Appeal 2026 - 2027 We are looking for people to canvass members & friends. Being a steward is an opportunity to get to know new people, share your passion and commitment for UUSE and help make our Annual Appeal a success. The commitment time is short with one training session and a couple of weeks to contact 2 - 4 members or friends. The stewardship conversations are a time of fellowship and sharing our dreams and aspirations. Talking about financial commitment is a small part of a much larger conversation about generosity and community. So please consider volunteering to be a steward this year. We especially want people who have never been stewards before, especially parents! The steward will use a personal visit (if both feel comfortable), email, phone calls, texts, etc. to get in touch with people to answer any questions and remind them to fill out their pledge form and return it to Annie. Personal canvassing will be from March 18 - April 6, 2026. We will provide training on Thursday evening, March 5 or Saturday morning, March 7, 2026 . Specific times will follow. Please email Phil Sawyer at uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151 if you are willing to help or have any questions. #eBlast -02-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. eBlast for March 18th Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone : 860.646.5151 Sign up here to receive the full eBlast by email Weekly News March 18, 2026 ------------------------------ Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East Email our office t o receive a visitor packet or to find out more. We schedule several newcomer events throughout the year after Sunday services. ------------------------------ Sunday Service: "Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center. What's It All About?" Participants in this service will provide information about Ferry Beach and share thoughts about experiences they have had there. Coordinators : Nancy Madar and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 22, 2026 Gathering music starts at 8:50 and 10:50 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In Case You Missed It: Click here for a Youtube video of the 3/15/26 service: "On War, Women and Witness or Do UU Know Your History? Part III" ------------------------------ Gender Free Contra Dance Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Come enjoy live music and joyous movement at this community dance for all ages, no experience necessary. Bring a friend or come solo. Beginner lesson and orientation at 3:45 P.M.; dance begins at 4:00 P.M. Bring soft-soled shoes to protect our floors. Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. All are welcome. The dance, sponsored by the Music Committee, will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society East. For more information, click here or contact Meghan MacRae or Jane Osborn . ------------------------------ Help a Child Learn to Read  Can you spare an hour per week to help a child learn to read? Throughout this school year, UUSE members have been working with kindergarten and first grade students at Verplanck Elementary who are struggling with basic literacy skills. And it's really been working! The reading specialists and classroom teachers see clear, measurable progress! We could use five more adult volunteers for the rest of the school year, as well as a few who can fill in for tutors who are sick or traveling. Sessions are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10: 45 or 11:45. Please contact Nancy Pappas at uuseoffice@uuse.org for more details or to set up a school visit. ------------------------------ Reminder: UUSE Spring Art and Poetry Exhibit Our Spring theme is Renewal. Spring brings renewal through longer days, warmer air, and the return of growing things. The fresh light and new life of the season offer a sense of energy and hope after winter's stillness. The Spring Exhibit will be installed on March 26th, and signups are due by March 23rd. Please register your entries at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Include title, medium, price (if for sale), and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets, please send your poems to Carol for mounting by March 20th. If you would like to include a photo or a small piece of artwork, please send it along as well. Drop-off for entries is March 26th from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Watch the e-blast for more information. Questions? Please contact Eric Vogel or Janet Heller. ------------------------------ Upcoming Workshops Help Brainstorm Vision and Mission Ideas with the Strategic Planning Task Force The Strategic Planning Task Force is offering three upcoming dates in March to join us in brainstorming our current vision and mission statements and what revision ideas we may want to consider to help guide our next five years and future strategic plan. During the short workshop (about 2 hours), participants will review both statements and give their ideas to help with brainstorming our new vision and mission statements. Upcoming Dates Sunday, March 22 , at 12:30 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel right after services Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel Sunday, March 29 at 1:30 P.M. in the Children’s Chapel after the Chocolate Auction We’d love to hear your thoughts and incorporate your ideas! Please RSVP using the Google Form . ------------------------------ Heart-Centered Kirtan Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 P.M. Join us on Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 P.M. for an uplifting, meditative experience blending contemporary music with the call-and-response singing of mantras. The featured band, Heart Centered Kirtan, includes Libby Volckening, vocals and keys; Ezra Landis, guitar; Nico D'Amico, bass; and Chris Ball, drums. Together, the musicians offer contemporary arrangements that honor the roots of kirtan while remaining approachable for newcomers. Admission is by free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door, but no one will be turned away. No ticket required but advance registration at eventbrite.com is encouraged to help organizers anticipate attendance. For more information, visit: https://uuse.org/kirtan . ------------------------------ UUSE Chocolate Auction Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 P.M.   Chocolate is awesome, and a chocolate auction is a great way to raise $$$$ for UUSE! This year's chocolate auction helps celebrate the end of our 2026 Annual Appeal. (Note: The March newsletter incorrectly advertised the event for March 31. It is on Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 p.m. following the second service.) All are invited to create chocolate confections (cookies, brownies, cakes, cupcakes--you name it!). Bring your creations to the Meeting House on the 29th and bid on whatever looks best to you. Bring your checkbook or cash and pay when you collect your WINNINGS. It's that simple!!! ------------------------------ Best Practices for Community Health Spring is just around the corner (fingers crossed!) but colds, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID continue to circulate in the wider community. According to the CT Department of Public Health, there have been 30,440 seasonal reported cases of influenza, 5388 reported cases of RSV and 14,552 reported cases of Covid-19. What do these respiratory viral diseases all have in common? They are proving to be especially dangerous, even deadly, for those of us who are 70 and older. This is a friendly reminder that no matter your age, if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, you always have the option to join Sunday services and other meetings and activities by Zoom from the comfort of your home. If you do need to come to the meetinghouse, keep in mind that masks have the power to protect both you and those with whom you come in contact. Let's all help keep each other as healthy as we can! From the UUSE Emergency Preparedness Task Force ------------------------------ Jazz Group Forming Organizational Meeting on Sunday, March 29th If you're interested in being part of a new jazz group at UUSE, please come to the organizational meeting on Sunday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. , right after the Chocolate Auction. We're looking for input from people comfortable with playing or singing jazz, to put our heads together about forming a group. We'll discuss goals, interests, rehearsing, performing, availability, experience, instruments, etc. Then we'll play a song or two. So, please bring your instrument. If interested, please contact Eric Rosenberg . 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the months of March or April contact Ellen Williams . ------------------------------ Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! There’s Always Something Good Going On Stop & Shop Gift Card sales after services on 1st Sundays Fair Trade Coffee/Tea/Chocolate sales after services on 2nd Sundays Yoga , every Wednesday at 10 A.M. All welcome! Manchester Women's Singing Circle , every Thursday at 7 P.M. Book Lovers , 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30 P.M. in person and on Zoom. April 14: Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood . Discussion leader: Lesley Schurmann Women's Circle , 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M. (Zoom only December through March) Email Nora Alpers-Leon at uuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Romeos , a monthly lunch for retired men on second Tuesdays - contact the UUSE office to be put on the email list. Ladies at Lunch , a monthly women's lunch typically on second Thursdays - advertised in the weekly eblasts. Buddhist Group , 1st Tuesdays at 7 P.M. Meditation Group , 3rd Mondays, 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. God Talk , 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Humanist Group , 3rd Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Science and Religion Discussion Group , 4th Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. March's topic: Hertog's "Origin of Time" with Bill Bosworth. ------------------------------ Our Mission  Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming, open-minded spiritual community seeking truth and meaning in its many forms. We share responsibility for building a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world. ------------------------------ UUSE Links and Information • Monthly Newsletter • Website • Previous Sunday Services • Children & Youth Ministry • Facebook • New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association uuse.org • 860-646-5151 ------------------------------

4ad890da-f49a-4bb8-abf3-400170a0cfa2 < Back to Newsletter undefined Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Sunday Services Schedule Sunday, March 1st: Belonging and Thriving -- Together! All Congregation service featuring beautiful music by the Atrium Brass Quintet! This morning we launch our 2026 Annual Appeal. Rev. Josh will discuss the goals for this year’s appeal. What needs are we trying to meet? What programs are we hoping to grow? What vision are we trying to fulfill? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday March 8th: Caring for Parents, Children and Their Families in These Times  The Surgeon General states that parents are more stressed than perhaps ever before; our young people experience unprecedented mental health challenges; and the rights of our beloveds are at grave risk. Yet many families with children show up at our doors seeking community and care. What can we do as a congregation to best respond to the needs of our families? Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Vivian Carlson. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M.Sunday, March 8, 2026 - Updated #eBlast -03-04  Sunday March 15th: On War, Women and Witness or Do UU Know Your History? Part III Rev. Josh will share his reflections on the ongoing United States War in Iran with a nod to Women's History month and our ministry theme of paying attention . Josh will draw on the wartime witness of some famous Unitarian and Universalist women. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Illustrated by Sarah Greenfrom "Brave Clara Barton" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M.Sunday, March 15, 2026 - Updated #eBlast -03-11 Sunday March 22nd: Ferry Beach Retreat Participants in this service will provide information about Ferry Beach and share thoughts about experiences they have had there. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M.Sunday, March 22, 2026 - Updated #eBlast -03-18 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. Sunday, April 5th: Easter Service. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek, Emmy Galbraith, and Mary Bopp. Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

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 Do You Like Breathing Clean Air? The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has been protecting the health of the people and the planet since as far back as 1963. In 1970 under President Nixon it was strengthened and Earth Day was begun. It has been amended several times since then. In 2009, during the Obama administration, the EPA declared that greenhouse gases in the atmosphere were a hazard to people. We have had rules regulating climate pollution from coal and gas-fired power plants, car and truck exhaust, and methane from the oil and gas industry. Connecticut’s own Gina McCarthy served as the EPA Administrator, and later as the head of the Climate Policy Office under President Biden, creating clean energy innovation and investments. However, our current President has declared climate change a “hoax”, ramping up the use of coal fired energy and increasing fossil fuel production for the benefit of the billionaire owners. A PBS report on February 12th aired a speech by Trump and his appointed administrator, Lee Zeldin touting all the money which will be saved by eliminating these regulations. Thankfully individual states like Connecticut are working on their own Environmental Rights Amendments. It’s a small step, but it’s something. Climate Superfund Bill H.B 5156 — will have a public hearing in the CT Environment Committee. Since this hearing will have happened by the time you read this, you can check with the CT League of Conservation Voters for updates. https://www.ctlcv.org/ From Yale Climate Connections subscription newsletter: Despite Trump, renewable energy keeps surging, according to reporter Barbara Grady. Grady writes: Solar and wind electricity generation grew 109% worldwide last year, pushing these renewable sources past coal for the first time as a global energy supplier, according to an analysis by Ember Energy Research. More than 600 gigawatts of solar electricity were added last year, led by China and also including India, Brazil, Vietnam, the European Union, Kenya, and Mozambique. African experts say much of the continent is leaning heavily into solar and wind as it electrifies new regions and industries, bypassing fossil fuels. Don’t forget to Support Equal Exchange on the 2nd Sunday of each month for your sustainably grown chocolate, tea and coffee at reasonable prices. Go to Equal Exchange to learn more. You can even order other products for yourself and friends, and you’re supporting small farmers with Fair Trade practices. https://shop.equalexchange.coop/ And finally, since February is Chocolate Month – or March or any month for that matter, here’s a simple 2 ingredient recipe for Chocolate Mousse from the Happy Pear website. 100 g. dark chocolate chips, such as Equal Exchange Dark Chocolate Chips. 75 ml. boiling water (Hot non-dairy milk can also be substituted.) Measure chips into a glass bowl. Pour in boiling water. Whisk until chocolate melts. Set bowl into a larger bowl of ice water. Continue whisking until mousse thickens. This may take 3 – 5 minutes. That’s it! Serve with your favorite fruit and whipped cream, over ice cream, as a topping for brownies, or come up with your own healthy chocolate creations! Thank you, Anne Vaugn #MarchNewsletter 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.

Every year we have ten to twelve ministry themes, usually one a month. These ministry themes guide us and provide a framework for services held that month. 2025/2026 Ministry Themes September : Building Belonging October : Cultivating Compassion November: Nurturing Gratitude December : Choosing Hope January : Practicing Resistance February : Embodying Resilience March : Paying Attention April : Embracing Possibility May : Awakening Curiosity June : Flourishing Together #MarchNewsletter