< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Share and Learn Share and Learn Friday, April 10th at 4:00 P.M. on Zoom  Congregations across Connecticut are organizing for immigration justice. The Connecticut Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry invites you to a Share and Learn this Friday at 4:00 P.M. on Zoom. Come meet others from neighboring congregations engaged in the work. We'll share stories and strategies and draw on our collective wisdom about this work. There is joy and hope to be found! Whether you're just considering getting involved or deeply engaged, you belong in the conversation. RSVP here by Friday morning at 9:00 A.M. to receive the Zoom link. #eBlast-04-08 Share and Learn Friday, April 10th at 4:00 P.M. on Zoom   Congregations across Connecticut are organizing for immigration justice. The Connecticut Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry invites you to a Share and Learn this Friday at 4:00 P.M. on Zoom. Come meet others from neighboring congregations engaged in the work. We'll share stories and strategies and draw on our collective wisdom about this work. There is joy and hope to be found! Whether you're just considering getting involved or deeply engaged, you belong in the conversation. RSVP here by Friday morning at 9:00 A.M. to receive the Zoom link. #eBlast -04-08 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled General Assembly 2025 News from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. (More info on the CSAI process). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here. Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. (More info on the AIW process). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). • We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights • Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom • Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here ), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. ( More info on the CSAI process ). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here . Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. ( More info on the AIW process ). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Equal Exchange Coffee Sales Equal Exchange Coffee Sales Sunday, January 11 in the lobby following each service What could be better than that first cup of coffee in the morning? How about knowing that your purchase is making a real difference? Equal Exchange coffee is better for farmers, better for the environment and better for those who appreciate high-quality, organically grown coffee. Choosing fairly traded, organic coffee has a real and meaningful impact in all three areas. If you want to promote social justice, environmental sustainability and fair-trading relationships, purchasing Equal Exchange coffee (and tea and chocolate!) is an affordable way to connect your values with your actions without sacrificing taste and quality. #eBlast-01-07 Equal Exchange Coffee Sales Sunday, January 11 in the lobby following each service What could be better than that first cup of coffee in the morning? How about knowing that your purchase is making a real difference? Equal Exchange coffee is better for farmers, better for the environment and better for those who appreciate high-quality, organically grown coffee. Choosing fairly traded, organic coffee has a real and meaningful impact in all three areas. If you want to promote social justice, environmental sustainability and fair-trading relationships, purchasing Equal Exchange coffee (and tea and chocolate!) is an affordable way to connect your values with your actions without sacrificing taste and quality. #eBlast -01-07 OOS Sermon YouTube

93218550-b0e1-4a69-882f-dc6504472d28 < Back to Newsletter September Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > The Fair is coming! The Fair is coming! The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market (because it’s so much more than a run-of-the-mill fair) will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 6 - 8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek: $5 Admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert Sat. Nov. 21, 2025, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Free Admission! The fair is our biggest fundraiser and is especially important because a large portion of the funds raised come from the public and not from our pockets. So be sure to advertise far and wide! Tell everyone you know! How to Help It’s time to create and start gathering things to donate! We sell all sorts of things at the fair, from beautiful, handcrafted pieces to fabulous finds from your attic, vintage jewelry to cookies. If you have questions about what to donate AND to let them know about what is on its way contact our wonderful people who have stepped up to chair a booth! Used/Vintage Items Jewelry : Peggy Webbe, uuseoffice@uuse.org , for fine jewelry and Jacquie Heintz, uuseoffice@uuse.org , for costume jewelry Books: Sande Hartdagen, uuseoffice@uuse.org , and Marcie Brown, uuseoffice@uuse.org Tag Sale: Sandy Karosi, uuseoffice@uuse.org , and Deb Gould, uuseoffice@uuse.org Fabulous Finds: Lesley Schurmann, uuseoffice@uuse.org Children’s Books, Games, Small Toys, Puzzles Handcrafts & Arts Original Works of Art: Chair Needed! Handmade Holiday Crafts or Traditional Items: Louisa Graver, uuseoffice@uuse.org . Co-Chair Wanted! #SeptemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Apr 19, 2026 Earth Day Our April ministry theme is embracing possibility. While we often feel like solving the climate crisis is impossible due to political and economic forces, this morning we direct our attention to what is possible. Coordinators : Rev. Joh Pawelek and members of the UUSE Sustainable Living Committee Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-15 Sunday Service: "Earth Day" Our April ministry theme is embracing possibility. While we often feel like solving the climate crisis is impossible due to political and economic forces, this morning we direct our attention to what is possible. Coordinators : Rev. Joh Pawelek and members of the UUSE Sustainable Living Committee Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 19, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -04-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Pagan Group - Mabon Celebration 1:00PM On September 24th we are holding a ritual for Mabon at 1:00 P.M. in the UUSE sanctuary to celebrate the autumnal equinox. Our group meets periodically to discuss our practice and to plan rituals. If you would like more info about this group or paganism in general, contact Sandy Johnson. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Emergency Response Training Emergency Response Training First Aid, CPR, AED and the use of Narcan at UUSE April 9th, 10th, or 18th  The UUSE Emergency Preparedness Task Force is offering a three-hour course conducted by Jessica Kind, a training officer within the Manchester Police Department. This course will be repeated on three separate dates and times: • Thursday, April 9 from 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. • Friday, April 10th from 6:00 -- 9:00 P.M. • Saturday, April 18 from 6:00 -- 9:00 P.M. This training is available for all UUSE members and friends for free. Space in each session is limited to a maximum of 12. Make your reservation early by calling the UUSE office at 860-646-5151. Note: This training will not lead to certification. #eBlast-04-01 Emergency Response Training First Aid, CPR, AED and the use of Narcan at UUSE April 9th, 10th, or 18th   The UUSE Emergency Preparedness Task Force is offering a three-hour course conducted by Jessica Kind, a training officer within the Manchester Police Department. This course will be repeated on three separate dates and times: Thursday, April 9 from 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. Friday, April 10th from 6:00 -- 9:00 P.M. Saturday, April 18 from 6:00 -- 9:00 P.M. This training is available for all UUSE members and friends for free. Space in each session is limited to a maximum of 12. Make your reservation early by calling the UUSE office at 860-646-5151. Note: This training will not lead to certification. #eBlast -04-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Jazz Group Forming Jazz Group Forming Organizational Meeting on Sunday, March 29th 2:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. on the Garden Level in Room 3 If you're interested in being part of a new jazz group at UUSE, please come to the organizational meeting on Sunday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. right after the Chocolate Auction. We'll meet on the Garden Level in Room 3. We're looking for input from people comfortable with playing or singing jazz, to put our heads together about forming a group. We'll discuss goals, interests, rehearsing, performing, availability, experience, instruments, etc. Then we'll play a song or two. So, please bring your instrument. If interested, please contact Eric Rosenberg. 860-646-5151. #eBlast-03-25 Jazz Group Forming Organizational Meeting on Sunday, March 29th 2:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. on the Garden Level in Room 3 If you're interested in being part of a new jazz group at UUSE, please come to the organizational meeting on Sunday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. right after the Chocolate Auction. We'll meet on the Garden Level in Room 3. We're looking for input from people comfortable with playing or singing jazz, to put our heads together about forming a group. We'll discuss goals, interests, rehearsing, performing, availability, experience, instruments, etc. Then we'll play a song or two. So, please bring your instrument. If interested, please contact Eric Rosenberg . 860-646-5151. #eBlast -03-25 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 3, 2023 Holy Clues. UUSE welcomes Rev. Stephen Kendrick as our guest speaker. Coordinator: Anne Vogel #eBlast-11-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

48845dad-0966-425a-95d8-356345eef178 < Back Community Outreach Ministries Guides and supervises collections for UUSE’s outreach ministry. Updated October 9, 2025 at 10:00:14 AM

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 3:00-5:00PM Experience the soothing songs of Crystal Singing Bowls and float blissfully into a deep meditative state where the tumultuous stresses of everyday life are cleared, cleansed and washed away. Sound vibration is extremely effective for reducing stress and anxiety - a leading cause of diseases. Journey from sacred Root to expansive Crown in a deeply immersive, full body experience. As the vibrations from the bowls envelop the room, experience the gentle yet therapeutic and restorative gifts to receive deep rest and relaxation for cleansing awareness, bringing balance, renewed feelings of well-being along with peace, joy, confidence and clarity of thought. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Services Committee Pop-Up Open House! Sunday Services Committee Pop-Up Open House! The Sunday Services Committee will be hosting a "Pop-Up Open House" after both services on Sunday, March 15. We'll have a table in the Program Room, so grab your coffee and stop by! We'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions and answer any questions you might have about our committee. #eBlast-03-11 Sunday Services Committee Pop-Up Open House! The Sunday Services Committee will be hosting a "Pop-Up Open House" after both services on Sunday, March 15 . We'll have a table in the Program Room, so grab your coffee and stop by! We'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions and answer any questions you might have about our committee. #eBlast -03-11 OOS Sermon YouTube