< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Guitar Jam! Guitar Jam! Come play, sing, or listen. Acoustic jam at the Napiers' in Tolland, August 6, 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org or see the flier in the lobby for details. #eBlast-08-05 Guitar Jam! Come play, sing, or listen. Acoustic jam at the Napiers' in Tolland, August 6, 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org or see the flier in the lobby for details. #eBlast -08-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS! Online Auction: The online auction runs Monday, January 13, 8 AM through Friday, January 24, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid. Bid high and bid often! Share the link with friends and watch for new items. What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Will you offer rides to the airport, a couple of hours of weeding, a photo scrapbook or house portrait? Do you have collectibles, sports equipment, a piece of art or something else that needs a new home? Contact your favorite merchants to ask for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Email auction@uuse.org by January 1 to let us know what you’ll contribute. Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake … all sorts of culinary adventures are popular! What can you offer? ***Added in 2024!*** A buddy system for hosts!! Not everyone has the space, time AND the skills to host. If you would like to pair up with someone else, watch for the sign-up board in the lobby! Create a Themed Basket We ask committees, small groups etc to create themed baskets for a teacup raffle. We will display the baskets and sell tickets on Sunday, January 12 and 19. Drawing will be January 25. Claim your theme by January 1; capacity is only 10 baskets. Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers – and certainly the biggest party of the year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? We need help with set up, clean up and during the event. Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. We look forward to seeing you! #JanuaryNewsletter Online Auction: The online auction runs Monday, January 13, 8 AM through Friday, January 24, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid. Bid high and bid often! Share the link with friends and watch for new items. What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Will you offer rides to the airport, a couple of hours of weeding, a photo scrapbook or house portrait? Do you have collectibles, sports equipment, a piece of art or something else that needs a new home? Contact your favorite merchants to ask for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Email auction@uuse.org by January 1 to let us know what you’ll contribute. Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake … all sorts of culinary adventures are popular! What can you offer? ***Added in 2024!*** A buddy system for hosts!! Not everyone has the space, time AND the skills to host. If you would like to pair up with someone else, watch for the sign-up board in the lobby! Create a Themed Basket We ask committees, small groups etc to create themed baskets for a teacup raffle. We will display the baskets and sell tickets on Sunday, January 12 and 19. Drawing will be January 25. Claim your theme by January 1; capacity is only 10 baskets. Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers – and certainly the biggest party of the year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? We need help with set up, clean up and during the event. Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. We look forward to seeing you! #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 8, 2026 Caring for Parents, Children and Their Families in These Times  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. #eBlast-03-04  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 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore and will be a hybrid format. Here are some important links for those interested in attending: UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore and will be a hybrid format. Here are some important links for those interested in attending: For general information about GA, click here. To register for GA, click here. For delegate information, click here. For an early draft of the business agenda for 2025, click here. UUSE is entitled to 8 delegates in 2025: 6 lay delegates, plus the minister and CYM director. For more information about being a delegate, please check out the links above and let Carrie Kocher, uuseoffice@uuse.org know if you have any questions or are interested in serving as a delegate. #eBlast-03-19 UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore and will be a hybrid format. Here are some important links for those interested in attending: For general information about GA, click here . To register for GA, click here . For delegate information, click here . For an early draft of the business agenda for 2025, click here . UUSE is entitled to 8 delegates in 2025: 6 lay delegates, plus the minister and CYM director. For more information about being a delegate, please check out the links above and let Carrie Kocher, uuseoffice@uuse.org know if you have any questions or are interested in serving as a delegate. #eBlast -03-19 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Strategic Planning Task Force Strategic Planning Task Force Vision & Mission Statement Community Post-It Wall For those who have not yet had an opportunity to share their opinions on the current vision and mission statements or for those who would like to add additional comments, we look forward to your opinions. We hope to get feedback from everyone to best represent the whole congregation with the upcoming work. There are two ways to participate. 1) In person in the Sanctuary lobby and on the Garden Level, after or before services from April 26th until the end of May, you can suggest revision ideas on a Post-It or place a green dot to show satisfaction with the current wording. 2) Online at any time in the next four weeks, you can go to the following link (or the QR Code above) to post revision ideas or simply a smiling emoji 😀 to show satisfaction with the current wording. Your input is greatly appreciated! Many thanks for your thoughts, The Strategic Planning Task Force #eBlast-04-22 Strategic Planning Task Force Vision & Mission Statement Community Post-It Wall For those who have not yet had an opportunity to share their opinions on the current vision and mission statements or for those who would like to add additional comments, we look forward to your opinions. We hope to get feedback from everyone to best represent the whole congregation with the upcoming work. There are two ways to participate. 1) In person in the Sanctuary lobby and on the Garden Level, after or before services from April 26th until the end of May, you can suggest revision ideas on a Post-It or place a green dot to show satisfaction with the current wording. 2) Online at any time in the next four weeks, you can go to the following link (or the QR Code above) to post revision ideas or simply a smiling emoji 😀 to show satisfaction with the current wording. Your input is greatly appreciated! Many thanks for your thoughts, The Strategic Planning Task Force #eBlast -04-22 OOS Sermon YouTube

Several different types of programming are incorporated to best meet the needs and interests of our high school youth. At bi-monthly meetings the group will get together to talk, play games, cook, eat, watch a movie, attend a service together or work on a service project. Youth can work toward earning the Distinguished Youth Service Award. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. To signup to volunteer with High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-high < Back HS Youth Group (Gr 9 & up) Several different types of programming are incorporated to best meet the needs and interests of our high school youth. At bi-monthly meetings the group will get together to talk, play games, cook, eat, watch a movie, attend a service together or work on a service project. Youth can work toward earning the Distinguished Youth Service Award. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. To signup to volunteer with High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-high Previous Next

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "Gracefully Amazing" Sunday Service: "Gracefully Amazing" This morning we offer a multifaceted exploration of the hymn Amazing Grace. We'll experience different musical approaches to this hymn, and we'll probe its history and lyrics for spiritual guidance. Coordinators: Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 13, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 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 link to our 4/6/25 service, "Poetry & Joy as Acts of Resistance" #eBlast-04-09 Sunday Service: "Gracefully Amazing" This morning we offer a multifaceted exploration of the hymn Amazing Grace. We'll experience different musical approaches to this hymn, and we'll probe its history and lyrics for spiritual guidance. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 13, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 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 link to our 4/6/25 service, "Poetry & Joy as Acts of Resistance" #eBlast -04-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 16, 2025 Hows Your Rhythm Section? Sunday Service: "How's Your Rhythm Section?" Continuing our exploration of trust, Rev. Josh reflects on his rock 'n' roll days, when a solid rhythm section made all the difference. What does it mean to be part of a trustworthy rhythm section? What does it mean to trust the rhythm section? And more to the point, how's your rhythm section doing? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-12 Sunday Service: "How's Your Rhythm Section?" Continuing our exploration of trust, Rev. Josh reflects on his rock 'n' roll days, when a solid rhythm section made all the difference. What does it mean to be part of a trustworthy rhythm section? What does it mean to trust the rhythm section? And more to the point, how's your rhythm section doing? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 16, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-12 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Calling All UUSE Moms! Calling All UUSE Moms! Calling all UUSE moms for help in developing a celebratory tribute to the diversity of moms! Do the prompts below move you? If so, please email your responses (or thoughts on being a mom) to Sam Taylor at uuseoffice@uuse.org by May 1st to contribute to our Mother's Day service on May 10th. Thank you for your responses! #eBlast-04-29 Calling All UUSE Moms! Calling all UUSE moms for help in developing a celebratory tribute to the diversity of moms! Do the prompts below move you? If so, please email your responses (or thoughts on being a mom) to Sam Taylor at uuseoffice@uuse.org by May 1st to contribute to our Mother's Day service on May 10th . What does being a mom mean to you? How has your identify shifted since becoming a mom? What is your favorite memory of your mom? What values do you hope to instill in your children? How do you approach motherhood? What advice would you give a mom? What do your children call you? Thank you for your responses! #eBlast -04-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 13, 2026 ROMEOS Retired Old Men Eating Out, or The ROMEOs, is a social group that gets together once a month for lunch. Contact the office for details. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Verplanck Giving Tree Verplanck Giving Tree NOW through December 14th Let's brighten the holidays for our friends at Verplanck Elementary. The Giving Tree will be set up in the lobby after each service on November 23 and 30. Stop by to choose a "wish list tag" for one of the students. Typically, gifts are around $30. Deadline is December 14 to return the wrapped present and original tag. We're also buying $25 Stop & Shop grocery cards for families. You can donate by check (put Verplanck in the memo line) or in cash (in an envelope marked with your name and Verplanck). Annie will order cards in bulk. Questions? Call Nancy Pappas at 860-646-5151. Want to help Verplanck students in another way? The Verplanck Tutoring project could use three or four more volunteers to spend one hour per week helping kindergarten and first grade students learn to read. Most urgently, they hope to find two people who can jump in from now through the beginning of December. It's a structured one-on-one program with excellent teacher support, so please consider helping out. Email Nancy Pappas at uuseoffice@uuse.org or text 860-646-5151. #eBlast-12-10 Verplanck Giving Tree NOW through December 14th Let's brighten the holidays for our friends at Verplanck Elementary. The Giving Tree will be set up in the lobby after each service on November 23 and 30 . Stop by to choose a "wish list tag" for one of the students. Typically, gifts are around $30. Deadline is December 14 to return the wrapped present and original tag . We're also buying $25 Stop & Shop grocery cards for families. You can donate by check (put Verplanck in the memo line) or in cash (in an envelope marked with your name and Verplanck). Annie will order cards in bulk. Questions? Call Nancy Pappas at 860-646-5151. Want to help Verplanck students in another way? The Verplanck Tutoring project could use three or four more volunteers to spend one hour per week helping kindergarten and first grade students learn to read. Most urgently, they hope to find two people who can jump in from now through the beginning of December. It's a structured one-on-one program with excellent teacher support, so please consider helping out. Email Nancy Pappas at uuseoffice@uuse.org or text 860-646-5151. #eBlast -12-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Annual Appeal 2026 Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is Belonging and Thriving - Together. As we are confronted with national discord and uncertainty about our future, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to each other and to communities of faith committed to justice work. This orientation is especially resonant this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our UUSE caring community of faith, where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. Rev. Josh will kick off the 2026 Annual Appeal with the March 1 Sunday service. Each member and friend will receive a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027). This year we again ask each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return them to the church office. In addition, we will offer pledging potlucks to be together and share our hopes and dreams for UUSE. If you have not returned your letter or attended a potluck by March 16, a steward will contact you. The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6. In our forthcoming letter, we describe financial challenges we continue to face that with your creativity and generosity, we can overcome. This is what makes us a resilient and thriving community. We look forward to sharing our talents, time, and treasure with you and this beloved community. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes (chair), Jerry Myers, and Phil Sawyer #FebruaryNewsletter Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is Belonging and Thriving - Together. As we are confronted with national discord and uncertainty about our future, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to each other and to communities of faith committed to justice work. This orientation is especially resonant this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our UUSE caring community of faith, where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. Rev. Josh will kick off the 2026 Annual Appeal with the March 1 Sunday service. Each member and friend will receive a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027). This year we again ask each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return them to the church office. In addition, we will offer pledging potlucks to be together and share our hopes and dreams for UUSE. If you have not returned your letter or attended a potluck by March 16, a steward will contact you. The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6. In our forthcoming letter, we describe financial challenges we continue to face that with your creativity and generosity, we can overcome. This is what makes us a resilient and thriving community. We look forward to sharing our talents, time, and treasure with you and this beloved community. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes (chair), Jerry Myers, and Phil Sawyer #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube