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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Pastoral Book Review Adult Religious Education Community Read: Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village by the Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Holmes Dr. Holmes’ book describes the spiritual practice of contemplation that emerges during crisis, both individually and in community. We will discuss passages from the book and engage together in Holmes’ recommended spiritual exercises. This book is short—136 pages. Purchases it anywhere books are sold. If you need financial support to make the purchase, or if you have any other questions, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at (860) 652-8961 or minister@uuse.org . This offering is co-sponsored by UUS:E’s Pastoral Friends and Adult Religious Education Committees. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 14, 2025 Imagining a Congregational Year, Part II Sunday Service: "Imagining a Congregational Year, Part II" #eBlast-09-24 Sunday Service: "Imagining a Congregational Year, Part II" Because one service on kicking off the congregational year could not possibly cover everything, Rev. Josh will continue exploring the themes he introduced in his September 14th service. Special Guest Music Leader: Andy Ricci. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -09-24 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Artisan Holiday Market. UUSE Artisan Holiday Market 📅 Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 • 6–8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek – $5 admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 9 AM–3 PM Free Admission! UUSE Artisan Holiday Market 📅 Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 • 6–8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek – $5 admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 9 AM–3 PM Free Admission! OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Join us as we celebrate the summer solstice which represents the triumph of light over darkness and the peak of nature's abundance. The solstice also reminds us to celebrate, reflect and use the energy of the sun for personal growth. The wisdom of our ancestors emphasizes finding meaning in our lives by living simply. Coordinators: Vivian Carlson and Ellen Williams. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 6, 2025 Gathering music starts at 9:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 10:00 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-07-02 Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Join us as we celebrate the summer solstice which represents the triumph of light over darkness and the peak of nature's abundance. The solstice also reminds us to celebrate, reflect and use the energy of the sun for personal growth. The wisdom of our ancestors emphasizes finding meaning in our lives by living simply. Coordinators : Vivian Carlson and Ellen Williams. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 6, 2025 Gathering music starts at 9:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 10:00 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 -07-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "Earth Day" Sunday Service: "Earth Day" In honor of the 55th Earth Day, we welcome Terri Eickel into our pulpit. Ms. Eickel is the Executive Director of Connecticut's Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network, commonly known as IREJN. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 27, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link. Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In Case You Missed It: Click here for a Youtube link to our 4/20/25 service, "In the Morning Joy: A Service for Easter." #eBlast-04-23 Sunday Service: "Earth Day" In honor of the 55th Earth Day, we welcome Terri Eickel into our pulpit. Ms. Eickel is the Executive Director of Connecticut's Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network, commonly known as IREJN. Coordinators : Martha Larson and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 27, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In Case You Missed It: Click here for a Youtube link to our 4/20/25 service, "In the Morning Joy: A Service for Easter." #eBlast -04-23 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled SUNDIALS: Out from the Shadows (A Cliff Pelletier Memorial Lecture) Monday, October 6, 7 PM, Unitarian Universalist Society East -- 153 Vernon St. West, Vernon, CT. Expert Fred Sawyer will provide an overview of the 3,500-year history of the sundial as a scientific device -- perhaps humanity's first. Over that period, the sundial has changed in diverse ways to accommodate ur evolving concept of what it means to measure time. Many varieties of sundials will be discussed and illustrated with slides and actual instruments on display. Time will be allocated for the audience to ask questions about how the various unusual and unfamiliar dials work to let us order our days. This event is in memorial honor of UUSE member, Cliff Pelletier, who loved science and was very generous to UUSE (attach photo) . Fred Sawyer is a retired actuary and longtime member of UUSE. He graduated from Yale and the U. of Pittsburgh with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy and the History of Philosophy and Science. He is the President and editor of the North American Sundial Society and the Patron of the British Sundial Society. He is a featured speaker each year at the NASS conference in the U.S. and Canada and the BSS conference in England He has provided the layouts for a number sundials in Connecticut and has published nine books on Sciatherics -- the study of sundials. THIS EVENT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ADULTS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. Monday, October 6, 7 PM, Unitarian Universalist Society East -- 153 Vernon St. West, Vernon, CT. Expert Fred Sawyer will provide an overview of the 3,500-year history of the sundial as a scientific device -- perhaps humanity's first. Over that period, the sundial has changed in diverse ways to accommodate ur evolving concept of what it means to measure time. Many varieties of sundials will be discussed and illustrated with slides and actual instruments on display. Time will be allocated for the audience to ask questions about how the various unusual and unfamiliar dials work to let us order our days. This event is in memorial honor of UUSE member, Cliff Pelletier, who loved science and was very generous to UUSE (attach photo) . Fred Sawyer is a retired actuary and longtime member of UUSE. He graduated from Yale and the U. of Pittsburgh with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy and the History of Philosophy and Science. He is the President and editor of the North American Sundial Society and the Patron of the British Sundial Society. He is a featured speaker each year at the NASS conference in the U.S. and Canada and the BSS conference in England He has provided the layouts for a number sundials in Connecticut and has published nine books on Sciatherics -- the study of sundials. THIS EVENT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ADULTS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Childcare and Gift Wrap fundraiser Childcare and Gift Wrapping Fundraiser Wondering how you're going to get it all done this holiday season? We can help! The Youth Group is offering a Childcare and Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser on SUNDAY, December 3 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Drop off your children on the Garden Level anytime between those hours and shop for the holiday child-free. Youth will provide games, activities and a snack with adult supervision. Drop off your gifts at our wrapping station (with or without your favorite wrapping paper). We will wrap them for you in gift bags or wrapping paper while you're out. $13 per hour for the first child; $7 per hour for each additional child. $3 per gift wrapped. For more info or to reserve a spot, please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. All proceeds go to fund Youth Group activities. #eBlast-11-29 Wondering how you're going to get it all done this holiday season? We can help! The Youth Group is offering a Childcare and Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser on SUNDAY, December 3 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Drop off your children on the Garden Level anytime between those hours and shop for the holiday child-free. Youth will provide games, activities and a snack with adult supervision. Drop off your gifts at our wrapping station (with or without your favorite wrapping paper). We will wrap them for you in gift bags or wrapping paper while you're out. $13 per hour for the first child; $7 per hour for each additional child. $3 per gift wrapped. For more info or to reserve a spot, please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. All proceeds go to fund Youth Group activities. #eBlast -11-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 2, 2025 Strengthening Our Connections Sunday Service: "Strengthening Our Connections" This morning, we kick off our 2025 Annual Appeal. We celebrate our recent achievements. We articulate the challenges that lie ahead. We ponder the meaning and the value UUSE has in our lives. We strengthen our connections to each other. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-02-26 Sunday Service: "Strengthening Our Connections" This morning, we kick off our 2025 Annual Appeal. We celebrate our recent achievements. We articulate the challenges that lie ahead. We ponder the meaning and the value UUSE has in our lives. We strengthen our connections to each other. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 2, 2025 #eBlast -02-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled The Yuletide Festival Saturday, December 6th As we approach the Winter Solstice and the season of holidays and celebrations, the Unitarian Society of Hartford is planning a holiday event-- The Yuletide Festival. We would love to invite and include UU friends and families from nearby congregations to celebrate with us on what is sure to be a fun and festive day. The event will host craft workshops, a vendor area, and an ongoing lineup of musicians throughout the day. We invite members from your congregation to reach out if they would like to perform, participate, volunteer, or set up a vendor stall. We’re looking forward to sharing talent, sharing time, making new friends, and making magic this upcoming Yuletide! Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105, (860) 233-9897, Email: uuseoffice@uuse.org #NovemberNewsletter Saturday, December 6th As we approach the Winter Solstice and the season of holidays and celebrations, the Unitarian Society of Hartford is planning a holiday event-- The Yuletide Festival. We would love to invite and include UU friends and families from nearby congregations to celebrate with us on what is sure to be a fun and festive day. The event will host craft workshops, a vendor area, and an ongoing lineup of musicians throughout the day. We invite members from your congregation to reach out if they would like to perform, participate, volunteer, or set up a vendor stall. We’re looking forward to sharing talent, sharing time, making new friends, and making magic this upcoming Yuletide! Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105, (860) 233-9897, Email: uuseoffice@uuse.org #NovemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

The Pastoral Friends are a caring group of individuals that can help in times of need. School Partners August 2023 As part of our partnership with Verplanck Elementary in Manchester, ten UUSE members have been providing weekly assistance to struggling readers in kindergarten and first grade. Our members report they’ve had a wonderful experience getting to know the children and helping the teachers. This opportunity is organized by RSVP Reads, a federal program that’s sponsored locally by Community Renewal Team. Here's how the program describes itself: “READS volunteers partner with students, providing reading guidance and support to students just below grade level for one hour per week from October-May of each school year. No previous professional educational background is required. RSVP READs tutors make reading interesting, fun, and act as positive adult role models, all while helping students improve academically.” Does this interest you? RSVP Director Theresa Strong can be reached at 860-519-3484 or email strongt@crtct.org Or email Nancy Pappas with your questions. Meantime, please drop off backpacks in the UUSE coat room by August 22. The kids and parents are so grateful for all of the UUSE donations!

6d1c6c2f-d2d7-4fe4-b041-8cc3e7fd1b15 < Back to Newsletter December Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Ladies at Lunch On Friday, December 12th, at noon , will meet for lunch at festively decorated Georgina's at 275 Boston Turnpike, Bolton . Do join us if you can ~ everyone is welcome. If you will attend please let Sharon Huber know by Thursday the 11th afternoon: uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. #DecemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

0c1eb239-fb8c-4efb-bc8f-1a66ab79736f < Back to Newsletter December Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > High School Youth Group Holiday Bake Sale Sunday, Dec 14th Please join us after each service in the main lobby to support the High School Youth Group Holiday Bake Sale! Proceeds will be shared between the HSYG activity fund and the UUSE general fund. Contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org with questions. #DecemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.