Search Results

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Can't view this email? Click here to view as a web page. Can't view this email? Click here to view as a web page. #eBlast -04-29

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Our Mission Our Mission  Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming, open-minded spiritual community seeking truth and meaning in its many forms. We share responsibility for building a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world. #eBlast -04-29

Reverend Josh Pawelek's monthly column, a message of meaning and hope. Minister's Column for May 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 May is Awakening Curiosity. While curiosity isn’t mentioned in the Unitarian Universalist principles, and while it isn’t a core Unitarian Universalist value, I do think Unitarian Universalists are, by nature, spiritually curious people. In a recent session of our Introduction to Unitarian Universalism class, a high number of participants spoke about childhood experiences in other faith traditions in which their (innocent) questions were rebuffed by people in authority (clergy, Sunday School teachers, etc.). The implicit—and sometimes explicit—message was, “don’t ask questions, just accept what we teach.” As a Unitarian Universalist minister, I can’t imagine ever telling anyone not to ask questions, especially questions of a spiritual nature. Here’s an idea: I encourage every member and friend of UUSE to formulate a spiritual question during the month of May. Then, find some way to ask your question out loud. Kids too! Bring your question to me. Share it with someone you know (or someone you’ve just met) during coffee hour on Sunday morning. Ask it as part of your check-in at a committee, small group, or affinity group meeting. And I can’t believe I am saying this, but if you can ask it in no more than two sentences, share it during joys and concerns on a Sunday morning. Or put it in the online chat on Sunday morning. If everyone does this, it will be a little chaotic, but also a lot of fun. Well, at least fun for me…. What kinds of questions might you ask? The sky is the limit! You might ask about the arguments for the existence or nonexistence of God. You might ask someone who believes in God what they really mean by “God.” You might ask an atheist what they really mean by “atheism.” You might also ask an agnostic what they hope is true, even if they don’t know it to be true. You could ask, “What is pantheism?” Or, if you’re really bold, you could ask, “What is panentheism?” You might ask how best to learn more regarding another religion you’re curious about. You could ask someone to share about their spiritual identity or practices. You could ask about the role of religion in public life. You could ask someone how their religion or spiritual life guides them in being good, kind, compassionate, etc. You could ask someone to tell you what book has most dramatically shaped their spiritual outlook, and then commit to reading that book. (Note: if they say it’s the Bible, ask them to narrow it down to one biblical book!) You could ask the same about a poem, a movie, or a work of visual art. You could ask about church history. You could ask about Unitarian, Universalist, or Unitarian Universalist history. You could ask a question aimed at deepening your spiritual life in some way. The bottom line for me is that we UUs, by nature, are spiritually curious people. We have a skeptical streak. We ask questions. Our theme for the month is Awakening Curiosity. So let’s be curious. Let’s very intentionally discern and then ask our spiritual questions. I am looking forward to it! And I hope you are too! With love, care … and curiosity, Rev. Josh #MayNewsletter

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Sunday Service: "This Land" Sunday Service: "This Land" UUSE's meetinghouse sits on four acres at the top of Elm Hill, on the Manchester-Vernon line, above the Hockanum River Valley. What is our collective obligation to these four acres? What is our role on this land? Note: This service will be followed by a land stewarding project. Wear work clothes if you wish to participate. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, May 3 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#. In Case You Missed It Click here for a Youtube video of the 4/26/26 service, "The Possibilities in Us." #eBlast -04-29

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Land Stewardship Project Land Stewardship Project In the spirit of land stewardship, we have a special activity planned for Sunday, May 3rd following both services. We will be planting some native plants and berry bushes on the grounds. If you would like to help, wear gardening clothes and bring gloves. After each service, Cory Clark will guide you to the areas we have prepared. Tools will be provided. #eBlast -04-29

< 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 Thursday, April 30th 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. This will be a hybrid meeting. Click here for the Zoom link. #eBlast -04-29

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Music Music plays a huge part in our worship and in our community, and there's room for everyone to participate in our music programs. Many talented individuals take part in our services individually, in groups, in singing circles, and in choirs. Whether it's leading hymns, participating in choirs, playing piano or guitar, or even gifted professional musicians providing spirited musical themes, everyone can play a part. Our music director, Mary Bopp, with help from a very active music committee, plays a key role in all of the musical offerings that take place at UUSE. Mary Bopp Music Director Mary has served UUSE since 2015, after over 30 years as a professional full-time musician in New York City! An award-winning artist, Mary brings more than hymns and classical composers' music to our services. She is also an improv-magician to many, directs our choir with her unique creativity and adaptability, and brings a variety of professional artists to perform at services and more! Mary is a beloved inspiration to us all. Choir News

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Calling All UUSE Moms! Calling All UUSE Moms! Calling all UUSE moms for help in developing a celebratory tribute to the diversity of moms! Do the prompts below move you? If so, please email your responses (or thoughts on being a mom) to Sam Taylor at uuseoffice@uuse.org by May 1st to contribute to our Mother's Day service on May 10th . What does being a mom mean to you? How has your identify shifted since becoming a mom? What is your favorite memory of your mom? What values do you hope to instill in your children? How do you approach motherhood? What advice would you give a mom? What do your children call you? Thank you for your responses! #eBlast -04-29

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Welcoming Congregation Committee Welcoming Congregation Committee Reaffirming Our Commitment Almost 30 years ago, in order to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, genderqueer, and non-binary people felt fully welcomed, centered and embraced in our congregation, UUSE sought and received Welcoming Congregation certification from the UUA. This required a significant amount of intentional work and education. The UUA has now offered the opportunity for UUSE to reaffirm our commitment. How will we do this? We'll engage in measurable achievements including offering Welcoming Worship Services, celebrating Welcoming Days of Observance, offering Welcoming Religious Education and supporting a Welcoming Project. Watch for upcoming events. For more information, contact Desiree Holian-Borgnis at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -04-29

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Strategic Planning Task Force Strategic Planning Task Force Vision & Mission Statement Community Post-It Wall For those who have not yet had an opportunity to share their opinions on the current vision and mission statements or for those who would like to add additional comments, we look forward to your opinions. We hope to get feedback from everyone to best represent the whole congregation with the upcoming work. There are two ways to participate. 1) In person in the Sanctuary lobby and on the Garden Level, after or before services from April 26th until the end of May, you can suggest revision ideas on a Post-It or place a green dot to show satisfaction with the current wording. 2) Online at any time in the next four weeks, you can go to the following link (or the QR Code above) to post revision ideas or simply a smiling emoji 😀 to show satisfaction with the current wording. Your input is greatly appreciated! Many thanks for your thoughts, The Strategic Planning Task Force #eBlast -04-29

Social Justice is a central point of any liberal religion. Social Justice UUSE is committed to social justice in all its forms. Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA) UUSE fully supports GHIAA is all its endeavors. To find out more check the GHIAA website Conversation on CT’s Fiscal Roadblocks w/ Speaker Ritter April 8 A Conversation on CT's Fiscal Roadblocks with House Speaker Matt Ritter, joined by members of the Hartford Legislative Delegation A GHIAA and CT For All event to compel policy change on CT's path to passing a budget that invests in community needs. Tuesday, April 8, 6:00-7:30 pm Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St., Hartford ASL & Spanish interpretation provided Please register here We are grateful for the collaboration between Immanuel Congregational Church, Asylum Hill Congregational Church, GHIAA, and CT for All in organizing this event

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Acoustic Jam Circle Acoustic Jam Circle Tuesday, May 5th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Napiers' Come play, sing, or listen. Acoustic jam circle at the Napiers' home in Tolland. All levels welcome for a group play-and-sing along. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact Rob Napier at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details. #eBlast -04-29