Search Results

Reverend Josh Pawelek's monthly column, a message of meaning and hope. Minister's Column for January Rev. Josh Pawelek Minister I am a theistic Unitarian Universalist; an aspiring antiracist, feminist, queer ally; a liberal, suburban American minister practicing a modern version of New England’s old “congregational way;” a loving husband and father; and a spiritual leader dedicated to transformative preaching, teaching, healing and social justice ministries. Serving as the parish minister of UUSE has blessed my life in many ways. Most importantly, UUSE has allowed me—and continues to allow me—to serve as a spiritual leader striving to provide excellence in ministry. I am deeply grateful. Dear Ones: Our ministry theme for January is practicing resistance. I’m not surprised that our friends at Soul Matters (the independent UU resource hub that provides materials for our monthly themes) have landed on this theme at this time. Unitarian Universalists across the United States have been considering this theme in earnest since the 2024 national elections. As I have discussed elsewhere, the current administration in Washington, DC has engaged in many authoritarian actions (e.g., abducting and deporting people without due process, deploying federal troops to US cities, cutting the social safety net to pay for tax cuts for the nation’s wealthiest residents, freezing funds Congress has already appropriated, defunding universities, criticizing judges, firing federal employees without cause, using the Department of Justice to harass and attack political opponents, etc.). People of liberal faith abhor such actions. We recognize a profound threat to our time-honored democratic institutions, practices, and assumptions. We feel called to resist. So, I welcome practicing resistance as our theme for the month. Again, I am not surprised. Of course, Unitarian Universalists inherit a long tradition of practicing resistance to injustice. I intend to address pieces of that tradition—especially our tradition of resisting racism—in my January 18th service prior to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. But before that, at our January 4th service, I want to address a way of practicing resistance that isn’t as familiar to me, what I call “direct aid.” The bottom line for me is that there is an increasing number of victims of the current federal administration’s policies, and they need help. Two victim groups that stand out to me are: 1) the families of immigrants who’ve experienced the abduction and deportation of a primary bread-winner; and 2) transgender people (or families with a transgender child) who are relocating from states with anti-trans laws to states whose laws are more supportive and protective of transgender people. There are certainly other victim groups. I am keenly aware of middle-income people and families who are losing access to affordable health insurance; and lower income people and families who are finding it increasingly difficult to make financial ends meet due to chaos in the economy. But given the kinds of requests I am getting on a fairly regular basis to support immigrant families; and given what I know is a long pipeline of transgender people who are seeking aid in relocating to Connecticut, I am increasingly led to the conclusion that our congregation has a role to play in providing direct aid. This is not quite intuitive for me. During my seminary years, I received training in how to work for social change—to not simply “give to the poor,” but to dismantle the root causes of poverty. While I’ve always seen the value in providing direct aid to people in need, I’ve nevertheless focused my energy and much of our congregation’s energy on the work of social change. That work certainly continues, but the victims of the current administration’s policies can’t wait for social change. They need direct aid now. Learning as a congregation to offer such aid feels to me like one of the salient ways we can practice resistance. More to come…. With love, care, and hope, Rev. Josh #JanuaryNewsletter

< To Upcoming Services Jan 25, 2026 I Am Today "I Am Today" Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators : Sam Taylor & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-01-21 "I Am Today" Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators : Sam Taylor & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 25, 2026 #eBlast -01-21 OOS Sermon YouTube

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East 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. #eBlast -01-21

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Coffeehouse and Open Mic Coffeehouse and Open Mic February 7th - 6:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring your dinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast -01-21

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Hope in Hard Times Hope in Hard Times In these troubling times, many of us feel anxious, despondent, or alone. On Tuesday, February 3 at 3:00 P.M., Rev. Josh Pawelek and members of the Pastoral Friends Committee will host a gathering for anyone who is looking for camaraderie and conversation geared towards finding hope in hard times. Our ministry theme for February is resilience. Let's cultivate resilience together. #eBlast -01-21

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Time to Clean Up Time to Clean Up While we greatly appreciate the goodies members and friends have made for the Holiday Fair and other events here at UUSE, we really don't have the space to store empty containers and other miscellaneous items. It's time to clean house! Empty containers and various other items have been moved to the kitchen for members and friends to easily access. If you're not sure what happened to your old Tupperware type containers, chances are it's in the collection. Please take a look at what's there and take home what is yours. Items not claimed shortly will go to Goodwill. And while we have your attention ... A lot of groups and individuals use our kitchen, and sometimes things don't always get cleaned up as well as they should be. That can make things especially difficult for our faithful hospitality helpers who arrive early to make the coffee each Sunday morning. Please help them out by cleaning up before you leave - coffee pot, dishes, spills, cleaning the sink area and wiping down the counters or whatever it is that happened or was used on your watch. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated! #eBlast -01-21

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! 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. February 10th: The Correspondent - A Novel by Virginia Evans. Discussion leader: Carolyn Gimbrone. 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. NEW! 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. January's topic: Sound Therapy with Heli Roy. #eBlast -01-21

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. January Newsletter Website Edition Sign up here to receive the full newsletter by email Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Sunday Services Schedule January Ministry Theme: Practicing Resistance Join us at 9 or 11 AM. The 11 AM Zoom service login and call-in information is shared through the congregational eblasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Subscribe to the eblast by sending a message to uuseoffice@uuse.org or call the UUSE office at 860-646-5151. Please note special dates and times below. ------------------------------ 5 PM: Wednesday, December 24th: Silent Night, Holy Night . Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:00 PM. Beautiful m usic, timeless stories, and more. Anything might happen!!! Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh Pawelek. One service at 10 AM: Sunday, December 28th: Reflections and Hopes . Join us at 10 AM for shared reflections on the year gone by and our hopes for the upcoming year. Coordinators: Gianna DiMaiolo and Kate Kimmerle. Sunday, January 4th: Resistance! A new year arrives. Rev. Josh considers our January ministry theme, resistance. The UU folk-rock band Meetinghouse provides the music! A potent mix indeed! Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, January 11th: The Arts as Resistance. The Arts as Resistance - the artistic voice as a means of expression. Throughout history artists, writers, and musicians have conveyed their vision and values through their work. UUSE artists talk about their creative process and what inspires them to make the world better. Coordinators: Jane Penfield & David Klotz. Sunday, January 18th: Racial Justice Legacies. Rev. Josh takes another dive into Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist history. This time, in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. national observance, he explores some oft-forgotten racial justice stories from our collective past. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, January 25th: I Am Today. Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators: Sam Taylor & Martha Larson. ------------------------------ Community Outreach Ministry Charitable Giving for January As always, thank you for your generosity. We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves, but to share with the larger community. Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month will be shared with: Moral Monday CT Power Up Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org , David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at n uuseoffice@uuse.org . Make checks out to UUSE. If the memo line: ✓ is blank or “pledge” - all will go toward your pledge. ✓ has “COM” or the name of the charity - all will go to the charity. ✓ has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM” - it will be divided equally. ------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------ Minister's Column Dear Ones: Our ministry theme for January is practicing resistance. I’m not surprised that our friends at Soul Matters (the independent UU resource hub that provides materials for our monthly themes) have landed on this theme at this time. Unitarian Universalists across the United States have been considering this theme in earnest since the 2024 national elections. As I have discussed elsewhere, the current administration in Washington, DC has engaged in many authoritarian actions (e.g., abducting and deporting people without due process, deploying federal troops to US cities, cutting the social safety net to pay for tax cuts for the nation’s wealthiest residents, freezing funds Congress has already appropriated, defunding universities, criticizing judges, firing federal employees without cause, using the Department of Justice to harass and attack political opponents, etc.). People of liberal faith abhor such actions. We recognize a profound threat to our time-honored democratic institutions, practices, and assumptions. We feel called to resist. So, I welcome practicing resistance as our theme for the month. Again, I am not surprised. Of course, Unitarian Universalists inherit a long tradition of practicing resistance to injustice. I intend to address pieces of that tradition—especially our tradition of resisting racism—in my January 18th service prior to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. But before that, at our January 4th service, I want to address a way of practicing resistance that isn’t as familiar to me, what I call “direct aid.” The bottom line for me is that there is an increasing number of victims of the current federal administration’s policies, and they need help. Two victim groups that stand out to me are: 1) the families of immigrants who’ve experienced the abduction and deportation of a primary bread-winner; and 2) transgender people (or families with a transgender child) who are relocating from states with anti-trans laws to states whose laws are more supportive and protective of transgender people. There are certainly other victim groups. I am keenly aware of middle-income people and families who are losing access to affordable health insurance; and lower income people and families who are finding it increasingly difficult to make financial ends meet due to chaos in the economy. But given the kinds of requests I am getting on a fairly regular basis to support immigrant families; and given what I know is a long pipeline of transgender people who are seeking aid in relocating to Connecticut, I am increasingly led to the conclusion that our congregation has a role to play in providing direct aid. This is not quite intuitive for me. During my seminary years, I received training in how to work for social change—to not simply “give to the poor,” but to dismantle the root causes of poverty. While I’ve always seen the value in providing direct aid to people in need, I’ve nevertheless focused my energy and much of our congregation’s energy on the work of social change. That work certainly continues, but the victims of the current administration’s policies can’t wait for social change. They need direct aid now. Learning as a congregation to offer such aid feels to me like one of the salient ways we can practice resistance. More to come…. With love, care, and hope, Rev. Josh ------------------------------ President’s Column January 2026 I was a product of the times I grew up in, the 60s and the 70s, where women’s rights and civil rights were ascending. Girls were told we could be anything and do anything that the opposite sex could do. Girls could take “shop”, become doctors or veterinarians. With the advent of reliable, easy birth control and women’s reproductive health freedoms, we were as free as any of our male counterparts. The Vietnam War and massive student protest movements ushered in a new enlightened age of social justice and equality, as diverse groups forged a coalition in response to the horrors of an unjustified war. We women took progress as a given, our birthright. I personally took full advantage, leaving my early career in women-dominated nursing to explore new available options and became fully-engaged in what had been a male-dominated field in the corporate world. I never thought twice about it or ever thought it was anything but normal in our new age of enlightenment. And now, we are left in the rubble, wondering what happened and can we ever find our way back? A couple of weeks ago, I read a quote that sounded nonsensical, but when I pondered the words, I was horrified because more and more news comes out that makes you realize that there is A Truth to it. The quote came from a book by Margaret Atwood (1982), Second Words , in an essay entitled “Writing the Male Character”. The quote is as follows: “ Why do men feel threatened by women? I asked a male friend of mine...’They’re afraid women will laugh at them…’ Then I asked women students, ‘Why do women feel threatened by men? ‘They’re afraid of being killed,’ they said.” To me, this is profound. In our current times, in just a short couple of years, all the big wins for women, in fact, all minority populations, have evaporated. Mostly, these changes won’t affect me, a retired white woman, but it seems possible that following generations won’t have nearly the opportunities that I have had. Worse is that safety and predictability, as we knew it, is totally gone. Civility is hardly a word in our vocabulary any longer. With the loss of civility and increased calls for violence from the current regime -- we have seen violence at all levels but predominantly impacting vulnerable populations. Women, LGBTQ+, people of color, indigenous people, and immigrants of all nationalities. Far-right extremist groups, which would have been considered fringe groups in the past, are behind the majority of the violence. According to Reuters, in a Special report (2023), outbursts by extremist groups are the worst they’ve been since the 1970s. We need to choose optimism that we will find our path forward once again. Dr. Martin Luther King outlined hope in terms of tailwinds and headwinds in his 1959 sermon, entitled “Shattered Dreams. “In this sermon, he used tailwinds as a symbol of hope. “At times in our lives, the tailwinds of joy, triumph, and fulfillment favor us, and at times the headwinds of disappointment, sorrow, and tragedy beat unrelentingly against us. Shall we permit adverse winds to overwhelm us as we journey across life’s mighty Atlantic, or will our inner spiritual engines sustain us in spite of the [head] winds? “ It is my hope that our resilience and strength can help us weather the storm and that in 2026 the tailwinds will finally return. Patricia Lisle , UUSE President ------------------------------ Green Sanctuary News Can we stop climate change? At this moment in time, the jury is still out…but lately it feels like we’re losing ground. In May of this year, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations crossed a seasonal threshold of 430 parts per million for the first time in recorded history, according to NOAA. Rising CO2 acts like a thermal blanket, intensifying heatwaves, shifting weather, and altering ocean chemistry. The United States is the second-highest emitter of CO2 emissions in the world, surpassed only by China (and our per capita CO2 emission rate is still considerably higher than China’s). We have the technology to change this! In recent years, the cost of energy from the sun crossed a tipping-point of its own, such that it is now less expensive to produce solar energy than energy from fossil fuels. But we need to change the minds of many in power--even in Connecticut--and we need to act fast. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, “Climate change is one of the most challenging problems that humanity has ever faced. At stake are hundreds of millions of lives, innumerable species and ecosystems, the health and viability of the economy, and the future habitability of this planet. Fortunately, climate change is solvable. We have the technologies. We have the science. We now need the leadership—and the courage to change course.” In an article entitled “Climate Solutions”, they outline a five-pronged approach to solving the climate crisis: Cut emissions Build resilience Fight disinformation Remove carbon dioxide Act! I belong to an organization called Third Act, a group of senior citizens whose mission is to do what we can to promote “clean” energy (solar and wind power), call attention to the major fossil-fuel producers and their corporate enablers (banks such as Citibank, Chase and Wells Fargo are major financiers of businesses expanding fossil-fuel production), and encourage our politicians to support legislation that promotes sound environmental policy and environmental justice. There are many other organizations working toward similar goals (Citizens Climate Lobby, Sierra Club, the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, to name just a few). UUSE as a Green Sanctuary and many of our members individually have for years been taking action in many ways. But it is going to take all of us, working together, to turn things around. -Carole Tenny (Boster) ------------------------------ Upcoming Events ------------------------------ UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic Sign-up starts at 6 PM-- performances will start at 6:30 PM  Join us on the first Saturday of each month , October through May, for an evening of music, poetry, stories, and community! Bring your own songs, poems, stories, or any creative offering — or simply come enjoy the warm, supportive atmosphere as part of our appreciative audience. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 PM, and performances start at 6:30 PM. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends — we’ll provide the coffee! Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT ------------------------------ 2026 Goods & Services Auction 5 PM, January 31, 2026 One of UUSE’s Biggest Fun(d)raisers!! Mark your calendar now for Fun, Food & Friends!! Here’s what to expect: ------------------------------ Key Dates and Deadlines NOW: It’s never too early to claim your spot in the Get Saucy Cooking Competition! uuseoffice@uuse.org Plan your donations and email the committee at auction@uuse.org! Include: Thorough description, approximate value and minimum bid (optional), time, date, number of spaces, several photos with plain backgrounds are best. By January 2: Claim your basket theme. 10 basket limit and we want them all to be different. By January 9: Submit basket description, list of contents, several photos. January 12-15: Drop the baskets off at the meetinghouse. We can help package it. January 16: Absolute deadline to send donation details to auction@uuse.org. Sooner is better. January 17 and 24: Baskets are displayed in the lobby; raffle tickets sold January 19: Online auction opens at 8 AM January 30: Online auction closes at 10 PM. Set up crew works through afternoon. January 31, 5 PM: Live Extravaganza at the meetinghouse with exclusive auction items, the Get Saucy Cooking Competition and free dinner. Snow date is February 14. Questions??? When in doubt, email uuseoffice@uuse.org or talk to any of the Auction Committee members—Robin Byrne, Anne Carr, Dan Covino, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Stan McMillen, Janet Napier, Rob Napier & Nancy Pappas. ------------------------------ How You Can Help - FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS! What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Rides, weeding, a scrapbook or pet portrait? Collectibles, sports equipment, art, or something else that needs a new home? Contact merchants for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. 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 are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost, and space! Email with your luscious ideas! Join the Fun! Saucy Cook-Off 2.0 The competition is hot and heavy for the title of ‘UUSE Top Chef.’ Jump into the contest with your terrific tetrazzini or perfect pesto. Then everyone enjoys a luscious free pasta dinner prepared by UU friends who want YOUR votes! Going, going, gone!! Live Auction Snag meals in members’ homes, special activities, vacation getaways and Rev. Josh’s personalized sermon only at the meetinghouse on January 31! For the Kids No grownups allowed! Lots of low-cost items at the Kids Bid Table and ONLY children can bid! There will also be fun activities and childcare available. Raffle Baskets Committees and small groups donate delightful themed baskets. Buy tickets before/after services starting January 17. Drawing will be at the auction. To claim your theme, email auction@uuse.org. ------------------------------ Winter Woods Work Party January 17 ,10 AM – 1 PM The Building & Grounds Committee invites you to its second annual winter woods work party on Saturday, January 17th, 10 AM – 1 PM. This is a de-vine opportunity to clip twining vines and invasive shrubs while they are dormant in winter. Bring pruning shears and loppers (we will also have some to lend). Children and youth are welcome to attend with a responsible adult. Snacks and beverages provided. Wet weather cancels. Here are the top five reasons to do this work in winter: No bugs! No sweat! No sunburn! No poison ivy! Hot chocolate! Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. ------------------------------ Intro to UU Learn about Unitarian Universalism &Unitarian Universalist Society East Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1 to 4 PM in the UUSE Chapel (Garden Level) This gathering will include: A discussion of Unitarian Universalist theology UUSE’s mission, programs and facilities An opportunity to meet others and share our religious journeys To register, contact Annie Gentile at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, January 15th, 2025. Let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at 860-646-5151 or minister@uuse.org We hope you will join us! ------------------------------ Come Sing, Chant, and Reconnect With Us! Save These Kirtan Dates – L ed by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee ------------------------------ Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here . ------------------------------ Upcoming Feedback Opportunities: Principles and Values Integration Task Force As some of you will remember, one of the recommendations from last year’s UUA Discernment Task Force was for our congregation to integrate the Unitarian Universalist principles with the Unitarian Universalist Values in our collective UUSE life. To that end, our Policy Board commissioned a Principles and Values Integration Task Force last spring with the goal of studying how we can effectively achieve this integration. The task force consisted of Vivian Carlson (Sunday Services Committee), Sudha (Children and Youth Ministry and Communications and Technology Committees), Sheila Foran (Membership Committee), Kate Kimmerle (Policy Board), Ruth Rempt (at large), and Rev. Josh Pawelek (staff). The Principles and Values Integration Task Force has completed its preliminary report and will be sharing it with the congregation in early January. Please watch for it!! We want to hear from you! During the remainder of January, the Task Force will be seeking feedback from the congregation. You will be able to give feedback by emailing principlesvalues@uuse.org . You can also attend an online feedback session on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 pm, or an in-person feedback session on Tuesday, January 20th at 1:00 PM at UUSE. Once feedback has been reviewed and integrated into the report, the task force will submit a final report to the Policy Board to be accepted at its February meeting. ------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------ Strategic Planning Task Force The word cloud to the right represents the top 500 repeated words from UUSE’s 2012 Strategic Plan documents. To interact with the words and explore some of the key ideas, click on the Word Cloud image to the right. With community engagement, the Strategic Planning Task Force looks forward to creating all-new Vision and Mission Statements and an updated Strategic Plan in the coming months and looks forward to exploring what words and ideas will be represented as we look to the future. ------------------------------ Children and Youth Ministry News Do you feel comfortable talking about your personal spiritual practice? Would you be willing to come in to the 2nd-5th grade classroom to explore big questions with our young UUs, with the support of seasoned classroom teachers? If so, please reach out to the Director of Children & Youth Ministry at dcym@uuse.org. Are you a retired special education (or other) teacher? Or looking for meaningful ways to plug into the community? CYM is building a team of support for a 5-year-old in our congregation with an intellectual disability, who needs one-on-one support in the Spirit Play classroom this year. We have a few high school youth on the team, and we are looking for a few adults as well. Team members would take turns as their schedules allow. (Sitting on the floor is not required; team members would be offered a chair.) Please reach out to DCYM Emmy Galbraith at dcym@uuse.org to express interest in joining the team! ------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------ Looking for Hosts for 2026 Annual Appeal Pledging Potlucks! HOORAY! HOORAY! This spring, the Stewardship Committee will offer Pledging Potlucks for two weekends: March 6 – 8 and March 13 – 15. We are looking for people who will host a potluck during those weekends. This year we hope that potential potluck hosts will team up to create an astounding offering. We would especially welcome a potluck offering from our ‘younger’ members and friends. The potlucks are often dinners but could be a brunch, lunch or perhaps dessert & coffee/tea. You can steward your own potluck, or a steward will attend to facilitate the conversation about pledging if you choose. We need to gather a list of hosts (and co-hosts) with dates and times of their potlucks by February 8, 2026. These potlucks are a way to come together in community, enjoy good food and have a deeper conversation about our connection to UUSE and our hopes and dreams for our future. We hope you will consider being a host or a team! Signups for potlucks will begin after services February 15, 22 and March 1, 2026 , when the Annual Appeal officially kicks off. Please contact Stan McMillen at 860-646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org to host a pledging potluck in March. THANK YOU! ------------------------------ General Assembly 2026 Virtual gathering June 14th - June 21st General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process. The 2026 GA will be held virtually June 14th-21st. Are you interested in representing UUSE at this year's General Assembly? Questions? Email Desiree at uuseoffice@uuse.org ------------------------------ Ongoing Groups, Activities, and Fun ------------------------------ Save the Date Community Contra Dance March 21, 2026, 4-7 PM in the UUSE Meeting Room Live music! Gender-free! Beginner friendly! All are welcome! Contact: Meghan MacRae, uuseoffice@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Ladies at Lunch Thursday, January 8th , we will enjoy lunch at Kobe Asian Bistro, 1155 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester (in the Plaza at Burr Corners). We meet at noon. Join us! If you will attend, please let Sharon Huber know by Wednesday, January 7. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Romeos for Lunch Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meet at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for lunch and conversation at various local restaurants. If you are retired or simply have free time, feel welcome to participate. Contact Annie at the church office to be included on the email call list. ------------------------------ Yoga at the Meetinghouse Wednesdays at 10:00 AM Holiday Notes: Due to the Christmas Eve service setup, the Wednesday, December 24 yoga class has been cancelled. 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. ------------------------------ 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 . ------------------------------  Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair January/February: Sid Soderholm. PastoralFriends@uuse.org. ------------------------------ Directory Updates Mike Baxter has a new email: uuseoffice@uuse.org Tracey Jackson has a new email and phone number : uuseoffice@uuse.org cell: 860-646-5151 ------------------------------ Book Cart Volunteers Needed! Drop by the book cart to take or leave a book, or talk about books with our friendly volunteers. The book cart is in the lobby each Sunday during the summer months, after the 10:00 am service ------------------------------ Books, Classes, and Discussions Adult Religious Education ------------------------------ 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 . ------------------------------ Book Lovers The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM . You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone. January 13, 2026: James - A Novel by Percival Everett: Pub. March 2024, 320 pages. Discussion leader: Nancy Thompson February 10, 2026: The Correspondent - A Nove l by Virginia Evans: Pub. April 2025, 304 pages. Discussion leader: Carolyn Gimbrone March 10, 2026: The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong: Pub. May 2025, 416 Pages. Discussion leader: Jeannine Gluck ------------------------------ Buddhist Group The UUSE Buddhist Group will meet on the 1st Tuesday, at 7 PM on Zoom 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. ------------------------------ Humanist Group Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. ------------------------------ Science and Religion Discussion Group Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? Meet 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. ------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------ Help Us Spread the Word Are you on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, etc?) please promote UUSE and its events by "liking" or sharing our posts on social media. Facebook: UUSEast , Instagram: uu_society_east . UUSE Happenings on Facebook is a private page for sharing things among members. You also can share events or posts in other groups on Facebook. If you have any suggestions for places to publicize events, email uuseoffice@uuse.org , the Communications/Technology Committee. ------------------------------ Newsletter Submissions Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.org or use this publicity form . Deadline for the Newsletter is the 20th of each month. ------------------------------ UUSE General Information UUSE Office Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Meetinghouse Office: 860-646-5151 Office Administrator: Annie Gentile email: uuseoffice@uuse.org Minister: Rev. Joshua Pawelek, 860-646-5151, minister@uuse.org Minister Office Hours: Tuesday 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM Director of Children & Youth Ministry: Emmy Galbraith, 860-646-5151, dcym@uuse.org President: Trisha Corey-Lisle, 805-750--3488, uuseoffice@uuse.org Newsletter Editor: Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, newsletter@uuse.org Website Coordinator: uuse.web@uuse.org UUSE Website : https://www.uuse.org ------------------------------

0d39dc24-0648-4582-a633-bc90c6dda31a < Back to Newsletter undefined Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Sunday Services Schedule 5 PM: Wednesday, December 24th: Silent Night, Holy Night . Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:00 PM. Beautiful m usic, timeless stories, and more. Anything might happen!!! Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh Pawelek. "Reflections and Hopes." Join us at 10 AM for shared reflections on the year gone by and our hopes for the upcoming year. Coordinators : Gianna DiMaiolo and Kate Kimmerle.  One Service at 10:00 AM Sunday, December 28, 2025 - Updated #eBlast -12-24 "Two Epiphanies" In the lead up to the Christian celebration of Epiphany, Rev. Josh explores the relationship between the Biblical story of the three kings and the Italian folk character, La Befana. How do the two stories connect? And how might they speak to our January ministry theme, resistance ? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 4, 2026 - Updated #eBlast -12-31 "The Arts as Resistance" The Arts as Resistance - the artistic voice as a means of expression. Throughout history, artists, writers, and musicians have conveyed their vision and values through their work. UUSE artists talk about their creative process and what inspires them to make the world better. Coordinators : Jane Penfield and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 11, 2026 - Updated #eBlast -01-07 "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" Rev. Josh takes another dive into Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist history. This time, in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. national observance, he explores some oft-forgotten racial justice stories from our collective past. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 18, 2026 - Updated #eBlast -01-14 "I Am Today" Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators : Sam Taylor & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -01-21 Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Sunday Service: Sunday Service: "I Am Today" Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators : Sam Taylor & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 25, 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#. #eBlast -01-21

Heading 1

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > CYM News CYM News Children & Youth Ministry caregivers, extended family, volunteers and all stakeholders (that means "anyone" interested in keeping up with the CYM news or who feels invested in its future): The email distribution program I (Emmy) have been using for my weekly Friday Update has locked us out of our account which expired without proper notice. I am unable to access the email distribution list I used on that platform. So, I am going to create a new account and distribution list! Please email if you would like to receive my weekly Friday Update which includes all the details of what each age group is doing the following Sunday, news on upcoming events, as well as reflections and spiritual care. Kindly send your request to dcym@uuse.org to be added to the new distribution list. Caregivers of children and youth registered for CYM do NOT need to email me. Thank you, Emmy. Also: We are looking for help in the Elementary (grades 2-5) class this winter! Please reach out to Emmy at dcym@uuse.org if you can help on any of these dates: (Lesson from the "Signs of Our Faith" Curriculum"). January 25: Signs of Welcome continued (need assistant) February 1: Imbolc/St. Brigid Activity (beeswax candle making) (need assistant)) February 15: Worshipping Together (need lead and assistant) March 1: Finding Beauty in Uniqueness (need lead and assistant) March 29: Fair Group Decisions (need assistant) #eBlast -01-21