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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled New World Trio “Treasured Trios” Concert Works for piano trio by Enescu, Beethoven, and Dvorak with violinist Anhared Stowe, cellist Peter Zay, and pianist David Ballena. 3 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026. George Enescu composed his beautiful Serenade Lointaine for piano trio when he was just 21 years old. Although composed in 1903, the trio was discovered only recently. This opening work explores the Romantic side of the piano trio, and the warmness of Enescu’s textures highlight his influences from the Romantic era. In his Trio #1, Op 1, Beethoven places content over form for the first time, creating an unprecedented equality between the instruments. Here, the composer is no longer simply accommodating a listener’s desire for formulaic comfort but is instead leading his audience into his own sensibilities. Beethoven’s brilliance is so compelling that his privileged-class patrons only dimly realize that he has created a pathway for artists to emerge as a significant moral force. Antonin Dvorak’s Dumky Trio is one of the composer’s best-known works, and most original. Of Ukrainian origin, dumky refers to epic, lamenting ballads. During the nineteenth century, Slavic composers began transforming these songs into a classical form. Their brooding, introspective themes are contrasted with lively, cheerful sections. Dvorak’s trio is the most-loved of these legendary ballads. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. Suggested donation $20. For information 860-646-5151, www.newworldtrio.org #JanuaryNewsletter Works for piano trio by Enescu, Beethoven, and Dvorak with violinist Anhared Stowe, cellist Peter Zay, and pianist David Ballena. 3 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026. George Enescu composed his beautiful Serenade Lointaine for piano trio when he was just 21 years old. Although composed in 1903, the trio was discovered only recently. This opening work explores the Romantic side of the piano trio, and the warmness of Enescu’s textures highlight his influences from the Romantic era. In his Trio #1 , Op 1, Beethoven places content over form for the first time, creating an unprecedented equality between the instruments. Here, the composer is no longer simply accommodating a listener’s desire for formulaic comfort but is instead leading his audience into his own sensibilities. Beethoven’s brilliance is so compelling that his privileged-class patrons only dimly realize that he has created a pathway for artists to emerge as a significant moral force. Antonin Dvorak’s Dumky Trio is one of the composer’s best-known works, and most original. Of Ukrainian origin, dumky refers to epic, lamenting ballads. During the nineteenth century, Slavic composers began transforming these songs into a classical form. Their brooding, introspective themes are contrasted with lively, cheerful sections. Dvorak’s trio is the most-loved of these legendary ballads. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. Suggested donation $20. For information 860-646-5151, www.newworldtrio.org #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

34e76e38-ff37-4d0b-b2cd-dd976b72e4a3 < Back to Newsletter June Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Minister's Column Dear Ones: Our ministry theme for June is “Flourishing Together.” As soon as I read these words, I thought of a recent New York Times opinion piece by Kit Dillon, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter . Dillon’s piece is titled “You’ll Never Survive a Disaster Alone.” Dillon critiques survivalists and the so-called “preppers”—people who gather endless stores of food, medicine, guns, and other supplies with the goal of living through a cataclysm. The assumption among preppers is that it is possible to survive a disaster on one’s own. Dillon says this assumption is false. Though he is immersed in the “preparation” culture; and though he believes it is wise to keep water, food, medications, and documents on hand in the event of an emergency, he has also had the misfortune to live through seven natural disasters and be trapped on a subway during the 2003 New York City blackout. Given this, he says, “you might think … I’d have a go bag always ready, especially since I review bags for a living as a reporter…. But I don’t. What I’ve learned, from every one of these close calls and near misses, is that what keeps us safe isn’t the stuff we pack or stockpile; it’s the community we build before calamity strikes. At a time when Americans are increasingly isolated from one another, we must see our ties with our neighbors as essential preparation for the future ahead.” Dillon’s message isn’t important only for what he is saying about disaster preparedness. His message is important because human beings are fundamentally social creatures. We flourish when we connect with one another. We thrive when we connect with one another. We learn and grow when we connect with one another. Our neighborhoods, communities, and institutions are stronger and more resilient when we connect with one another. This is why I am so committed to the local congregation (regardless of denomination). Local congregations, when healthy, are places of connection first and foremost—places where we can see our ties with our neighbors. Local congregations offer a ready-made antidote to social isolation. Local congregations provide opportunities for people to care for others and receive care from others. Local congregations provide opportunities for impacting the wider world in positive ways. Local congregations provide opportunities to mark the most sacred moments of our lives—birth, coming of age, marriage, and death. And while they may not be able to solve all of our problems, in the very least, local congregations let us know we are not facing our problems alone. As I look back at the 2025-2026 congregational year, I believe our connections at UUSE are strong. We are flourishing as a congregation. Kit Dillon ended his opinion piece by saying, “Pack a bag if you want to. But the real preparation begins when you knock on your neighbor’s door and invite them over.” For me, this includes being part of a local congregation. I am exceedingly glad you have chosen to “prepare for the future ahead” with the UUSE community. With love, care, Rev. Josh #JuneNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

04269124-ce32-47d4-ab1c-e02dbe7b3727 < Back Denominational Affairs Committee Denominational Affairs Committee : Keeps congregation informed of UUA and District programs and encourages participation. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:00:56 PM

< To Upcoming Services Jun 23, 2026 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

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Hymn Sing 2026 Hymn Sing 2026 Hybrid Hymn Sing Service on June 28th Our third post-Covid hybrid Hymn Sing service is happening on June 28th. While we hope many attend in person, we want it to be accessible to those who Zoom the service. Therefore, the hymns must be chosen in advance, so slides of the lyrics can be made. We are looking for many people to tell us a favorite hymn, and for a few people to speak about what that hymn means to them. So, please, as soon as possible, let Martha Larson ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) know what hymn you really love, and if you would like to talk about it. Also let Mary Bopp know if you want to play it on an instrument. If you have questions, ask Martha Larson or Stacey Musulin , coordinators. #eBlast -06-17

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Heart Centered Kirtan Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Kirtan returns to the UUSE sanctuary on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 P.M. with Heart-Centered Kirtan, led by Libby Volckening. Kirtan is a spiritual practice from India that involves group singing of simple, repetitive chants or mantras--often in a call-and-response format--to create a sense of connection, calm and community. $20 suggested donation. #eBlast-09-17 Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Kirtan returns to the UUSE sanctuary on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 P.M. with Heart-Centered Kirtan, led by Libby Volckening. Kirtan is a spiritual practice from India that involves group singing of simple, repetitive chants or mantras--often in a call-and-response format--to create a sense of connection, calm and community. $20 suggested donation. #eBlast -09-17 OOS Sermon YouTube

db4ad29d-771a-4c3c-b69d-9d7eb948ef35 < Back to Newsletter June Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Calling all Artists, Photographers and Poets A new art exhibit for the Sanctuary will open on June 21st Signups by June 15th. Drop-off for entries is June 18th from 11 to 12:30 Our summer theme, “Nature: Animal and Vegetable,” invites us to explore the living world around us. "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby Register your entries with Carol Marion 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 June 15th. If you would like to include a photo or a small piece of artwork, please send it along as well. Watch the e-blast for more information. Questions? Please contact Eric Vogel or Janet Heller #JuneNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

88c23fb5-6289-4482-bd59-8a384084c99d < Back Policy Board THE POLICY BOARD directs UUSE’s business, financial, and administrative affairs, including formulating policy and overseeing church staff; it has charge of the Society’s property. President - Acts as Society’s secular leader and spokesperson; presides at meetings of Society and Policy Board. Vice President - Chairs the Program Council and acts for President in his/her absence. Clerk - Takes minutes at Policy Board and Society meetings; assures proper notice of business meetings and votes. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:27:12 PM

< To Upcoming Services Dec 21, 2025 Where the Light Begins. "Where the Light Begins." Let's try it again! This morning, we celebrate the winter solstice and continue with our annual, all-congregational holiday music service (postponed last week due to snow). Come and be joyful where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-17 "Where the Light Begins." Let's try it again! This morning, we celebrate the winter solstice and continue with our annual, all-congregational holiday music service (postponed last week due to snow). Come and be joyful where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 21, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -12-17 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Choir coming back UUSE Choir coming back Rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 P.M. 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 in the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7:00 P.M. in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-01-21 UUSE Choir coming back Rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 P.M. 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 in the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7:00 P.M. in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -01-21 OOS Sermon YouTube

Buddhist Group The Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link. < Previous Next Meeting Next >

34f0748b-97fd-4ad4-8a88-d04290c3e708 < Back to Newsletter June Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic Will Return in October #JuneNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.