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< To Upcoming Services Apr 13, 2025 Gracefully Amazing Sunday Service: "Gracefully Amazing" This morning we offer a multifaceted exploration of the hymn Amazing Grace. We'll experience different musical approaches to this hymn, and we'll probe its history and lyrics for spiritual guidance. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-09 Sunday Service: "Gracefully Amazing" This morning we offer a multifaceted exploration of the hymn Amazing Grace. We'll experience different musical approaches to this hymn, and we'll probe its history and lyrics for spiritual guidance. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 13, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -04-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday, June 29th: Sunday, July 6th: 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. Sunday, July 13th: Sing! Sing! Sing! Our second annual hybrid hymn sing service will feature favorite hymns, with some sharing about why they are meaningful Please let Martha Larson know hymns you want to sing NOW. Slides must be made in advance. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Stacey Musulin. Sunday, July 20th: General (Assembly) Reflections. Rev. Josh Pawelek will share his reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Baltimore; and maybe a few more general reflections on summer, the state of the nation, etc. Special music by Jenn Richard. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this years Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson. #JulyNewsletter Sunday, July 6th: 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. Sunday, July 13th: Sing! Sing! Sing! Our second annual hybrid hymn sing service will feature favorite hymns, with some sharing about why they are meaningful Please let Martha Larson know hymns you want to sing NOW. Slides must be made in advance. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Stacey Musulin. Sunday, July 20th: General (Assembly) Reflections. Rev. Josh Pawelek will share his reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Baltimore; and maybe a few more general reflections on summer, the state of the nation, etc. Special music by Jenn Richard. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this years Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson. #JulyNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 9, 2024 May the River Renew Us Our ministry theme for June is renewal. Given all the trends in the wider world that wear us down these days, finding avenues for renewal seems essential. When you feel down, what renews your spirit? We will also be welcoming new members into our congregation this morning. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-06-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

638af1fe-85f3-421b-91e0-c563e467ddfe < Back to Newsletter December Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > President’s Column December 2025 When we are in turbulent times, many folks say to relax, to meditate, to center yourself to regain equilibrium. This is good advice for almost everyone, especially when bombarded by the constant noise and dissension in today’s world. However, anyone who knows me knows stillness and meditation would be a near impossible state. I am driven to be in constant motion. So, for me, my meditation and centering is achieved through running. I save up things to think about while I am running, but the truth is when I run, my mind goes wherever it wants! As I run through the backroads of the “last green valley,” my mind wanders from current events to pleasurable activities, to what I need to buy at the grocery store. I feel truly blessed to still be able to contemplate marathon training in my 71st trip around the sun. The pastoral theme for November was gratitude. Gratitude comes in many forms for me; I call it counting my blessings. When I look back, there is so much in my life to be thankful for—I have had a truly blessed life: I have traveled far and wide, I have had great work opportunities, and too many adventures to count. But the number one thing that makes me feel blessed is the amazing people I have been able to count as friends. Because in the long run (no pun intended) this is what makes us rich. I am firmly rooted in quantitative science, and so the neurophysiology and neurochemical correlates of cognitive function interest me. One of my dear friends gave me an interesting essay on the neurophysiological/neurochemical impacts of anger and revenge. In the Wall Street Journal, James Kimmel posited that revenge is addictive—it engages the dopamine in some of the same brain areas as drugs: the striatum and the nucleus accumbens. Negative feelings also reduce the hormone oxytocin and increase levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)—with negative feelings feeding into each other and making it hard to break free. James Kimmel also posited that forgiveness may be the antidote for revenge, but I also think another pathway for us to safeguard ourselves from the anger and revenge that is fraught in today’s political environment is finding a way to practice gratitude. Gratitude is associated with increases in dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in areas of the brain that control emotions, stress response, and anxiety. Gratitude is associated with an increase in oxytocin and reduced cortisol. The practice of gratitude, as a spiritual practice, has been suggested to cure excessive materialism, envy, resentment, disappointment, and bitterness. So in closing, my hope is that all of us can find our personal space that allows us to shut out all the angry noise and celebrate our blessings: our families, our holiday traditions, our friendships, until the world regains its balance, its sanity, and collective equilibrium. Patricia Lisle, UUSE President #DecemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Jan 1, 2026 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. #SeptemberNewsletter 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 . #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 31, 2025 Weaving Our Lives Sunday Service: "Weaving Our Lives" General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator : Vivian Carlson. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-08-27 Sunday Service: "Weaving Our Lives" General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator : Vivian Carlson. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, August 31, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-27 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Coffee House is Back! Coffee House is Back! Begins Saturday, October 4th - New Start time at 6:30 P.M. UUSE's monthly coffeehouse opens its 25th season. Sign up starts at 6:00 P.M. -- performances start at 6:30 P.M. NEW START TIME! Poets, singers, songwriters, storytellers, bagpipers and performers of all kinds may sign up for a10-minute or two-song slot. Non-performing audience members are warmly welcome. We provide the coffee - BYO food or libations. Join us in the Meetingroom at 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. #eBlast-10-01 Coffee House is Back! Begins Saturday, October 4th - New Start time at 6:30 P.M. UUSE's monthly coffeehouse opens its 25th season. Sign up starts at 6:00 P.M. -- performances start at 6:30 P.M. NEW START TIME! Poets, singers, songwriters, storytellers, bagpipers and performers of all kinds may sign up for a10-minute or two-song slot. Non-performing audience members are warmly welcome. We provide the coffee - BYO food or libations. Join us in the Meetingroom at 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. #eBlast -10-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Adult Affirmation The class will meet on the 3rd Sunday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm each month until May. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the theological and spiritual quesetions related to God, humanity and human nature, the earth, the role of the individual in community, and social and environmental justice engagement. Participants will also craft a credo--a statement of their personal theology. Want to sign up? Contact our office at uuseoffice@uuse.org or (860) 646-5151. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh. The class will meet on the 3rd Sunday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm each month until May. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the theological and spiritual quesetions related to God, humanity and human nature, the earth, the role of the individual in community, and social and environmental justice engagement. Participants will also craft a credo--a statement of their personal theology. Want to sign up? Contact our office at uuseoffice@uuse.org or (860) 646-5151. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 28, 2023 What Shared Ministry Means to Me, Part II. This is a follow-up to the service when Rev Josh preached on this topic January 8, 2023. Several members of the Sunday Services Committee will present their thoughts about how much this model means to their experience on the committee and at UUS:E. Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson, Nancy Madar OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS! Online Auction: The online auction runs Monday, January 13, 8 AM through Friday, January 24, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid. Bid high and bid often! Share the link with friends and watch for new items. What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Will you offer rides to the airport, a couple of hours of weeding, a photo scrapbook or house portrait? Do you have collectibles, sports equipment, a piece of art or something else that needs a new home? Contact your favorite merchants to ask for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Email auction@uuse.org by January 1 to let us know what you’ll contribute. 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 sorts of culinary adventures are popular! What can you offer? ***Added in 2024!*** A buddy system for hosts!! Not everyone has the space, time AND the skills to host. If you would like to pair up with someone else, watch for the sign-up board in the lobby! Create a Themed Basket We ask committees, small groups etc to create themed baskets for a teacup raffle. We will display the baskets and sell tickets on Sunday, January 12 and 19. Drawing will be January 25. Claim your theme by January 1; capacity is only 10 baskets. Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers – and certainly the biggest party of the year. Can you spare an hour or two 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. We look forward to seeing you! #JanuaryNewsletter Online Auction: The online auction runs Monday, January 13, 8 AM through Friday, January 24, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid. Bid high and bid often! Share the link with friends and watch for new items. What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Will you offer rides to the airport, a couple of hours of weeding, a photo scrapbook or house portrait? Do you have collectibles, sports equipment, a piece of art or something else that needs a new home? Contact your favorite merchants to ask for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Email auction@uuse.org by January 1 to let us know what you’ll contribute. 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 sorts of culinary adventures are popular! What can you offer? ***Added in 2024!*** A buddy system for hosts!! Not everyone has the space, time AND the skills to host. If you would like to pair up with someone else, watch for the sign-up board in the lobby! Create a Themed Basket We ask committees, small groups etc to create themed baskets for a teacup raffle. We will display the baskets and sell tickets on Sunday, January 12 and 19. Drawing will be January 25. Claim your theme by January 1; capacity is only 10 baskets. Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers – and certainly the biggest party of the year. Can you spare an hour or two 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. We look forward to seeing you! #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Attention Poetry Lovers! Attention Poetry Lovers! Do you have a favorite poem? One that fills you with joy or deeply moves you? We are compiling a list of members' favorite poems to include as an insert to the order of service on April 6th. Please send the title of the poem and its author to Gina Campellone (uuseoffice@uuse.org ) by March 30th. (Just the title and author are plenty. No need to include the entire poem!) #eBlast-03-26 Attention Poetry Lovers! Do you have a favorite poem? One that fills you with joy or deeply moves you? We are compiling a list of members' favorite poems to include as an insert to the order of service on April 6th. Please send the title of the poem and its author to Gina Campellone ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) by March 30th . (Just the title and author are plenty. No need to include the entire poem!) #eBlast -03-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

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. < Previous Next Meeting Next >