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Committee work is done through weekly or monthly meetings, and the documents that support those meetings are kept in Basecamp. Basecamp Committees and Task Forces use a collaborative planning, file sharing, and task management system called Basecamp. If you are a member of a Committee or Task Force click below to access Basecamp. Go To Basecamp Looking for Seework (Basecamp Classic)? Click here.

< 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

< To Upcoming Services Apr 7, 2024 People Need People. In keeping with our April theme of Interdependence, coordinators Anne Vogel and Martha Larson will explore what we as humans need to be more joyful. Featured musician Andy Ricci will sing and play guitar. Dorothy Bognar will be our pianist. Coordinators: Anne Vogel and Martha Larson #eBlast-04-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

Our annual goods and services auction raises important funds to keep our doors open and the lights on. Goods & Services Auction and Chili Cookoff The Chili Cook-off & Auction is coming back—and it’s better than ever! Save the date: January 27, 2024. TASTE some of the region’s best chili! BID on terrific items and experiences! And HEAT up a cold January evening in the company of friends, new and old. To volunteer or ask a question email auction@uuse.org . Click for Auction Site Online Silent Auction Monday, January 15, 8 AM through Friday, January 26, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid . You can go there now to REGISTER to participate in the auction. Live Event Saturday, January 27 at 5 PM at the meetinghouse The Chili Cook-Off is Back! Enjoy a free, delicious chili dinner with vibrant beloved community, including beer & wine, cornbread, salad and dessert, plus pizza for those who don’t eat chili. Free! Exclusive Live Event Items Places at dinners and activities offered by members and the fabulous live auction items like Rev. Josh’s sermon will only be available at the live event. You will be able to preview all of these offerings under the “Live Events” tab at fundraiser.bid/uubid . If you cannot go to the live event but want to bid on something, just ask a friend! Your proxy can get your bidder number from us at the registration table at the live event (or register you if you haven’t already) and your bill will go to directly to you. For the Kids There will be a Kids Bid Table with items for kids ONLY to bid on. There will also be fun activities and childcare available! Raffle Basket Drawing The winners of the raffle baskets will be drawn at the Live Event, too. You do not need to be present to win. We’ll contact you! Lend a Hand! The Auction Committee would greatly appreciate an hour of your time 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. The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers. It’s important to our congregation. We look forward to seeing you there! How You Can Help Donate! What can you contribute to auction off at this extraordinary event? Could you teach, repair, entertain, bake? Share your talent in other ways? We’ll have the ever-popular dinners, group activities, lessons, services and select items that need a new home. Contact your favorite merchants to ask for donations. If you love a place, others will, too. Stop by our table after services or email auction@uuse.org . Email your donation details to auction@uuse.org or complete our form ( 2024 Auction Donation ) by January 10, sooner is better. Include: • a thorough description • value of the item or service • time and date for any events (setting this in advance is a good idea!) • the number of places or offerings • photos: We can include several photos of each item. Use a plain background for best results. If you need help taking photos, let us know as soon as possible. • If you have a firm minimum bid requirement, please let us know. In general, we open bidding at 1/3 to 1/2 of the item’s value to promote active bidding. We will contact you about the timing to drop off your items. Space is very tight, so please don’t drop anything off until we ask. Raffle Baskets We are asking committees and small groups to compile and donate a themed basket for the Basket Raffle at the auction, but individuals are welcome to donate a basket, too. We will display the baskets in the lobby, and sell advance tickets for them, on Sunday, January 14 and 21. The drawing will be at the live event on Saturday, January 27. Timeline By Jan. 1: Claim your theme! There’s a 10-basket limit and we want them all to be different. Email auction@uuse.org. By January 9: Submit the description of your basket and its contents to auction@uuse.org . Write up a fun description that we can post on the auction site and estimate the value. We can include several photos in the posting, so feel free to take pictures of the contents individually or in small groups. Use a plain background for best results. If you need help taking photos, let us know as soon as possible. January 9-11: Drop the basket off at the meetinghouse. We can help package it if you need. We find that wrapping it in plastic is neither desirable nor necessary! What to include? Use your imagination! The value should Enter the Chili Cook-Off! Who makes the best chili? Enter your tried and true family recipe or a new experiment you’ve been wanting to try. Vegan, vegetarian and with meat—all are welcome! Bragging rights and a beautiful UUSE Chili Cook-Off Apron are up for grabs for the winners! Entry is limited, so contact auction@uuse.org ASAP to reserve your spot. Plan on making a crock pot full. You will receive detailed instructions before the event. Bid High and Often! Online Silent Auction Monday, Jan. 15 – Friday, Jan. 26, at fundraiser.bid/uubid . Share the link with your friends! Live Event Saturday, January 27 at 5 PM at the meetinghouse The Auction Committee— Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Chris Larson, Stan McMillen & Nancy Pappas Questions? Email auction@uuse.org !

< To Upcoming Services Jul 28, 2024 Spinoza's God: Wisdom from the 1600s July 28: “Spinoza's God: Wisdom from the 1600s.” Spinoza wrote that God is the world and the entire world is in God. He used a rationalistic perspective to show that human life is subject to the universal laws of nature. Learn about the remarkable ways in which this early philosophy mirrors the fundamental principles of Unitarian Universalism. Guest Presenter: Malcolm Barlow Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 17, 2023 Sweetness Everywhere. As we begin settling into the congregational year, Rev. Josh offers some musings on what it means to be welcoming in our present age. He takes a cue from Rabbi Rachel Barenblat, who counsels us to "seek out sweetness everywhere." We'll also welcome new members into our congregation. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast OOS Sermon YouTube

What you might traditionally call Sunday School is what we call Programs for Children under Child and Youth Ministries. UUSE Children & Youth Ministry Program 2025-2026 Curricula: Children’s Chapel : New this year, Emmy will lead dedicated Children’s worship in the Children’s Chapel on the Garden Level at 10:15 AM most Sundays. (Please see weekly Friday Update from Emmy to confirm each week.) Children’s worship will center around nature-based teachings, mythology, and practices. A time for sharing joys and concerns, seasonal conversation, crafts and singing will take place. Children’s Chapel will wrap up about 10:45, to allow time to transition to the Sanctuary. Time For All Ages : Children and youth in grades 2-12 will begin in the Sanctuary every Sunday to participate in worship including opening music and words, chalice lighting, and a specially prepared child-centered activity. After the Time For All Ages, children and youth will be dismissed to the Garden Level for classes. Nursery : Childcare will be available in our Nursery at 11 AM for children 3 and under. Care is provided by two regular childcare staff including our Nursery Coordinator Molly, and an assistant teacher. Molly grew up at UUSE and is equipped with loads of experience, patience, and creativity to keep our youngest UUs safe and engaged. Families are always welcome to tour and stay in the nursery at any time. Pre-K – 1st Grade, Spirit Play : The goal of Spirit Play is to help children live into their own answers to the existential questions: Where did we come from? What are we doing here? How do we choose to live our lives? This highly successful Montessori based program engages children using stories from many traditions and group “wonderings”. Children choose work activities, sing songs, and partake in a “feast” each week. Spirit Play participants start in their classroom at 11 AM. Grades 2-5, UU Identity : Our young UUs will engage in hands-on exploration of broad religious concepts and questions through a wide range of activities led by professional staff and volunteers. A typical class will include a lesson explored through art, storytelling, yoga, nature, games & more. A hallmark of this program is the chance for the children to come together with adult members of the congregation who share their time, talents, warmth & wisdom! Grades 6-8, Junior Youth Group : The junior youth group will follow a nature-based program, focusing on connecting with the land, for both spiritual and practical purposes. We will be using a curriculum called "Wonders of Nature", inspired by the works of "Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature" written by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGown, as well as Richard Louv’s "The Last Child in the Woods”, and "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The bulk of the class takes place outdoors on UUSE grounds. Grades 9-12, High School Youth Group : 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. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. Many of these activities will enable youth to work toward the Distinguished Youth Service Award (DYSA) if they choose. Affirmation : A Coming of Age program for our 10th graders to explore their own spiritual beliefs as emerging young adults. This year-long program is led by a dedicated teacher team including a facilitator, two assistant facilitators, the DCYM, and our Minister. Youth will also be paired with mentors who will serve as “spiritual peers with more years of lived experience,” and attend an overnight field trip and pilgrimage to Boston. Contact Us Emmy, the Director of CYM, can be reached by email at dcym@uuse.org And the CYM Committee is available for questions or comments at uusecym@uuse.org

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Summer Bittersweet Clearing Summer Bittersweet Clearing Saturday, July 12th, 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Continuing our long-term project to manage invasive bittersweet, we're going to cut down vines in their prime, before the berries ripen. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our Summer Invasives Clearing on Saturday, July 12th from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 a.m. We recommend protecting your skin with long sleeves and pants, closed shoes and work gloves. Bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply cold beverages. Children and youth with responsible adults are welcome. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. #eBlast-07-09 Summer Bittersweet Clearing Saturday, July 12th, 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Continuing our long-term project to manage invasive bittersweet, we're going to cut down vines in their prime, before the berries ripen. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our Summer Invasives Clearing on Saturday, July 12th from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 a.m. We recommend protecting your skin with long sleeves and pants, closed shoes and work gloves. Bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply cold beverages. Children and youth with responsible adults are welcome. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. #eBlast -07-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

All of the information you need to know about renting our building. Rent our Building Did you know you can rent our Unitarian Universalist Society East space? We're available for weddings, memorial services, special events and celebrations, or if you just need a simple, comfortable meeting room. It is a truly flexible space, with tables and a full kitchen available. Contact our office at 860 646 5151 or info@uuse.org for detailed information and to arrange a visit the UUSE facility. Meeting Space We have what you need for just about any kind of meeting: from creative to informational workshops, from club to association meetings-- you name it. Whether you want great accoustics for music, flexible seating space with or without tables, or access to a kitchen during your rental time, we want to accommodate your needs. Special Events Our flexible space is perfect for all sorts of celebrations: birthday partiies, family reunions, awards ceremonies, anniversary parties, and more. Funerals The location of the UUSE meeting house in the woods inspires serenity. You will have a sanctuary that is beautiful in its light and simplicity in which to develop a meaningful memorial service for a loved one. Weddings This is an ideal venue for a wedding. All couples are welcome. Our pastor and music director can be hired, as well as renting the space. UUSE would love to work with you on developing the wedding of your dreams.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled New Member Sunday New Member Sunday June 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. Have you taken the Intro to UU class? Would you like to become a member of UUSE? If yes, please contact Carole Boster or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org . There will be a short ceremony at the beginning of the service, as well as a special coffee hour to get to know new members after the service. The next UUSE New Member Sunday is June 8. If you have any questions, please contact Janet or Carole, or Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast-06-04 New Member Sunday June 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. Have you taken the Intro to UU class? Would you like to become a member of UUSE? If yes, please contact Carole Boster or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org . There will be a short ceremony at the beginning of the service, as well as a special coffee hour to get to know new members after the service. The next UUSE New Member Sunday is June 8. If you have any questions, please contact Janet or Carole, or Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast -06-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Informational Meeting UUSE will hold an informational meeting on Sunday, May 5 at 1:00 PM, both in-person and on Zoom. This meeting is a preview of proposals which will be voted on at the Congregational Annual Meeting later in May. Proposed changes to the following will be reviewed and discussed: •• UUSE Gift Policy •• UUSE Endowment Policy/Guidelines •• UUSE Constitution Please join us on May 5th and bring any questions you might have. Thank you, Bob Knapp, Finance Chair UUSE will hold an informational meeting on Sunday, May 5 at 1:00 PM, both in-person and on Zoom. This meeting is a preview of proposals which will be voted on at the Congregational Annual Meeting later in May. Proposed changes to the following will be reviewed and discussed: •• UUSE Gift Policy •• UUSE Endowment Policy/Guidelines •• UUSE Constitution Please join us on May 5th and bring any questions you might have. Thank you, Bob Knapp, Finance Chair OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Salon Unplugged Salon Unplugged Friday, September 26 at 6:30 P.M. in the UUSE Meetingroom If you like music and fun, you will like the salon. We play instruments of all types for each other, sometimes sing, sometimes solo, sometimes in groups--lots of variety. This is a low-key group of friendly folks that are happy to hear music of all types. If you are an amateur, a sometimes professional, a beginner, a player who is rusty on an instrument you used to play... ALL ARE WELCOME! You may play alone or with others. We typically try to play a couple pieces together as a group. You are also welcome to just sit and listen. If you have questions or comments, please contact Peggy Webbe at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-09-24 Salon Unplugged Friday, September 26 at 6:30 P.M. in the UUSE Meetingroom If you like music and fun, you will like the salon. We play instruments of all types for each other, sometimes sing, sometimes solo, sometimes in groups--lots of variety. This is a low-key group of friendly folks that are happy to hear music of all types. If you are an amateur, a sometimes professional, a beginner, a player who is rusty on an instrument you used to play... ALL ARE WELCOME! You may play alone or with others. We typically try to play a couple pieces together as a group. You are also welcome to just sit and listen. If you have questions or comments, please contact Peggy Webbe at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -09-24 OOS Sermon YouTube