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Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. 2025-26 Annual Appeal Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Strengthen Our Connections.” This idea is especially important this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our community of faith where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. We are grateful for our faith partners in the quest for a more just and caring world. Our current fiscal year (FY25) has been rich with new beginnings and a wide variety of church and community events. Below are some of the highlights for this year: All the new members that have joined our communty! There were 17 in 2024 and so far, there are 7-8 in 2025. Our strong, ongoing commitment to participation in local and statewide community social justice events and coalitions. This year 65 UUSE members attended the GHIAA Power Summit. Members also have opportunities to learn how to support immigrants through court accompaniment and other means. The excellent work of our UUA Discernment and Constitutional Change Task Forces Adding the “Time for All Ages” discussion with the children to Sunday Services The ongoing success of our fund raisers and the wonderful connections they build among us A wide variety of musical events that attract new talent and people from outside of our church. Our ongoing support for Verplank Elementary School; 11 members are tutors The current fiscal year 24-25 is an unusual year for UUSE from a financial perspective. Due to a combination of member financial challenges and concerns about the UUA this year, our income declined for the first time in many years. At the same time, the church expenses increased significantly. HR was especially impacted by a $~20,000 increase in healthcare premium and other benefit expenses. The FY25 budget gap between income and expenses was covered with reserves and pledge grant income. When we cover a gap with non-repetitive income sources, then the next year we face a similar gap again. The FY26 budget proposal is broadly based and includes participation from every sector of the budget to close the gap between income and expenses. Here are the highlights: A 4% increase in member pledge income for this year Deferral/expense cuts in staff salaries and benefits for this year Committee expense cuts Additional Reduction in UUA dues An income contribution from reserves that can be repeated each year. Removed contribution to Building Reserve to a separate project This is a ‘bare bones’ budget. If we can exceed the 4% rate, then we could eliminate the reductions in staff benefits. Additional income could also provide a cushion for pledge income lost during the year and unexpected expenses. Are some of you able to exceed the 4% amount? Below are some examples: Annual Increase Monthly Higher Pledge Rate Increase Increase $1,000 4% $3 $5 $3,000 4% $10 $15 - $20 Please do not underestimate the significance of your contribution. The aggregate of many contributions is what makes a church community work! As many of you are aware, we need to establish a robust Building Reserve that will enable the church to have sufficient funds for repair and replacement of B&G assets. The level of funding required exceeds what can be covered in an operating budget. The Policy Board has some preliminary thoughts about how to build up the reserve and will make proposals to the congregation as their ideas become more concrete. You can send your pledge directly to the church office or attend a fun potluck and fill out the forms there. If the church office has not received your pledge by March 17, a steward will contact you to see if they can provide assistance. As always, we are deeply grateful for your generous giving. We are all stewards of Unitarian Universalist Society East. If you have any questions, you can contact any one of us on the Stewardship Committee. Yours in Spirit, Patricia Wildes, Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Phil Sawyer How Much? Pledge Form EFT Form Ways to Give

< To Upcoming Services Dec 10, 2023 Earth Centered Faith. It is a stark reminder that, with the comfort of air conditioning, artificial lighting, and the prevalence of computers and electronics, we have effectively isolated ourselves from the wonders of the natural world. In today's service, Sandy Johnson will tell her story of becoming a pagan and what that means to her. Cory Clark will talk about how nature frees her spirit and rejuvenates her from the stress and toil of everyday life. Coordinator: Alan Ayers #eBlast-12-06 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled The online auction is open at There are so many amazing things for you to choose from! You can also preview the items like dinners at members' homes and our live auction items that include Rev. Josh's sermon and UConn Women basketball tickets that will be available only at the live event on Saturday, January 25. It's going to be a fun night! Toni says, "Don't forget about the yummy sauce competition and dinner!" #eBlast-01-15 There are so many amazing things for you to choose from! You can also preview the items like dinners at members' homes and our live auction items that include Rev. Josh's sermon and UConn Women basketball tickets that will be available only at the live event on Saturday, January 25 . It's going to be a fun night! Toni says, "Don't forget about the yummy sauce competition and dinner!" #eBlast -01-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 7, 2024 The Many Faces of Truth will explore the differences between deeply held beliefs and the truth(s) that surround them; we will ponder the issue of why my truth may be different from yours. Guest Presenter: Peggy Webbe. Coordinator: Sheila Foran #eBlast-07-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 12, 2025 Finding My Way Out of the Darkness "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness" This morning, we welcome award-winning author Tony Ferraiolo to our pulpit. In conversation with Rev. Josh, Tony will discuss themes in his recent book, “Finding My Way Out of the Darkness: How I Found Love and Acceptance.” Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-10-08 "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 12, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -10-08 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 2, 2025 On Gratitude Sunday, November 2nd: On Gratitude. The season of Thanksgiving is upon us. We begin reflecting on our November ministry theme of gratitude. We are also joined in worship by Sharon Gunderson Anhared Stowe and Ryan Ford who will be playing J.S. Back’s Double Violin Concerto in D Minor. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Mary Bopp. Sunday, November 2nd: On Gratitude . The season of Thanksgiving is upon us. We begin reflecting on our November ministry theme of gratitude. We are also joined in worship by Sharon Gunderson Anhared Stowe and Ryan Ford who will be playing J.S. Back’s Double Violin Concerto in D Minor. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Mary Bopp. #NovemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 30, 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#. #eBlast-03-26 Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 30, 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#. #eBlast -03-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 7, 2025 Choosing Hope "Choosing Hope" Many holidays with themes of Hope are celebrated in the month of December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, culminating in the optimism of a New Year. Is Hope a wish? an emotion? a choice? an action? a decision? Join us as we begin to reflect on this month's theme of Choosing Hope, and ways we can expand our ideas about what hope is, and how we can cultivate it. Coordinators : Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-03 "Choosing Hope" Many holidays with themes of Hope are celebrated in the month of December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, culminating in the optimism of a New Year. Is Hope a wish? an emotion? a choice? an action? a decision? Join us as we begin to reflect on this month's theme of Choosing Hope, and ways we can expand our ideas about what hope is, and how we can cultivate it. Coordinators : Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 7, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -12-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

c6845ab4-23ca-4b8d-b148-6bc0a21f10ed < Back to Newsletter December Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > NEW! Meditation Group The Meditation Group will meet Monday, Dec. 15, at 3:30 PM in the sanctuary to meditate in community. The group will meet regularly on the third Monday of the month at 3:30. The group started because members of the Buddhist Group, which meets on Zoom, wanted to gather in person. You don’t have to be a member of the Buddhist Group or interested in Buddhism to join. Everyone is welcome; no experience required. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #DecemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Article II talk Join us in the sanctuary on Saturday, February 17th at 10:00 a.m. for a multi-congregational virtual meeting on Zoom with members of the Article II study commission (who proposed the bylaw changes) to hear a bit about the proposal and get answers to our questions. Coffee and tea will be provided but no childcare. Program length is about 2 hours. Plan to stay afterwards for a talk-back if you wish to discuss further. If unable to come to the meetinghouse, register here to attend on Zoom. Questions? Contact Carrie Kocher at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-02-14 Join us in the sanctuary on Saturday, February 17th at 10:00 a.m. for a multi-congregational virtual meeting on Zoom with members of the Article II study commission (who proposed the bylaw changes) to hear a bit about the proposal and get answers to our questions. Coffee and tea will be provided but no childcare. Program length is about 2 hours. Plan to stay afterwards for a talk-back if you wish to discuss further. If unable to come to the meetinghouse, register here to attend on Zoom. Questions? Contact Carrie Kocher at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-02-14 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 31, 2023 Beloved Mystery Sunday, December 31 One service only at 10:00 a.m. The service is also live-streamed. Gathering music begins at 9:50 a.m. "Beloved Mystery." December 31 is the end of the ancient winter solstice season, the sacred time between the solstice and the beginning of the new solar year. This sacred time belongs to neither the old year nor the new year. In this time of mystery, we'll come together to share our stories of grace, mercy, faith and hope as we ready ourselves to welcome the light of the new year. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson #eBlast-12-27 One Service Only at 10:00AM December 31 is the end of the ancient winter solstice season, the sacred time between the solstice and the beginning of the new solar year. This sacred time belongs to neither the old year nor the new year. In this time of mystery, we’ll come together to share our stories of grace, mercy, faith and hope as we ready ourselves to welcome the light of the new year. Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson No CYM programming (nursery will be open for the 10 AM service as usual) OOS Sermon YouTube

c4490b1d-3272-4e06-a6ce-3fd9b5305af6 < Back to Newsletter December Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Thank you for your Care Package Donations! The High School Youth Group would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated items for the young adult Care Packages. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to send 14 wonderful care packages to our young adults. We are very grateful for your support! Please enjoy these thank you notes from our Young Adults for their Care Packages! #DecemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.