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< To Upcoming Services Sep 1, 2024 You're Invited!   Sunday, September 1, 2024 Summer Schedule One service only at 10:00 a.m. The service is also live-streamed. Note: We return to the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. two-service schedule next Sunday. Gathering music begins at 9:55 a.m. “You’re Invited!” As we begin a new congregational year, we come together to explore the spiritual practice of Invitation. How does invitation relate to our UU values centering on love? Are we taking action to invite and include? How do we respond to invitations in our own lives? Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Paula Baker #eBlast-08-28 Sunday, September 1st : You're Invited. As we begin a new congregational year, we come together to explore the spiritual practice of Invitation. How does Invitation relate to our UU values centering on Love? Are we taking action to invite and include? How do we respond to invitations in our own lives? Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Paula Baker OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Choir Rehearsal! Do you love to sing? Do you love to have fun? If you answered “yes” to these questions you can sing with the UUSE Choir! You don't have to audition. Check the weekly eBlast and monthly Newsletters for rehearsals dates. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled A New Piece of Art Gifted To UUSE! A New Piece of Art Gifted To UUSE! There's a new painting now hanging in the UUSE Program Room! This pastel painting, entitled "We Are One" and created by Eric Vogel, is a montage of hands. The nine vignettes of hands represent how we are a community of creative and compassionate people sharing the same values. The center vignette showing cupped hands holding a lighted candle is representative of our flaming chalice emitting light from the darkness that unites us all. We will hold a brief dedication ceremony for this painting prior to our Annual Meeting on May 18th. #eBlast-04-02 A New Piece of Art Gifted To UUSE! There's a new painting now hanging in the UUSE Program Room! This pastel painting, entitled "We Are One" and created by Eric Vogel, is a montage of hands. The nine vignettes of hands represent how we are a community of creative and compassionate people sharing the same values. The center vignette showing cupped hands holding a lighted candle is representative of our flaming chalice emitting light from the darkness that unites us all. We will hold a brief dedication ceremony for this painting prior to our Annual Meeting on May 18th. #eBlast -04-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

Fair Trade Coffee Your favorite Equal Exchange coffees, chocolate, tea and more will be available on 2nd Sundays of the month following both services. Satisfy your taste buds while supporting small sustainable growers. We accept cash, checks and credit cards. < Previous Next Event Next >

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Planning for a New Year, a New Vision, and a NEW STRATEGIC PLAN! The Strategic Planning Task Force started the new year with new planning toward revised vision and mission statements for the congregation. Task Force members interviewed eight individuals to better understand community goals. Then they brainstormed future vision and mission statements and strategized ways to involve all UUSE community members in setting congregation priorities. Stay tuned for the February 15th congregation service for more information about the Strategic Planning Task Force and the work that we can all do together for drafting our new plans as a community! Going Down Memory Lane: Trivia Game The Strategic Planning Task Force invites you to go down memory lane back to the world events of 2010–2011, when our current vision, mission, and strategic plan documents were being created. Through this activity, we can remind ourselves of how much has changed and what remains the same as we work together to reimagine these statements. Play the trivia game here. #FebruaryNewsletter The Strategic Planning Task Force started the new year with new planning toward revised vision and mission statements for the congregation. Task Force members interviewed eight individuals to better understand community goals. Then they brainstormed future vision and mission statements and strategized ways to involve all UUSE community members in setting congregation priorities. Stay tuned for the February 15th congregation service for more information about the Strategic Planning Task Force and the work that we can all do together for drafting our new plans as a community! Going Down Memory Lane: Trivia Game The Strategic Planning Task Force invites you to go down memory lane back to the world events of 2010–2011, when our current vision, mission, and strategic plan documents were being created. Through this activity, we can remind ourselves of how much has changed and what remains the same as we work together to reimagine these statements. Play the trivia game here . #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Choir is back! It's not too late to join! Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera, if you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals started on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7 PM, in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. There is still time to join. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org #FebruaryNewsletter Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera, if you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals started on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7 PM, in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. There is still time to join. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled New World Trio Concert New World Trio Concert Join us at UUSE Sunday, January 11th at 3:00 PM for a chamber music program with Anhared Stowe, violin; Peter Zay, cello; and David Ballena, piano. The program will feature three remarkable pieces by great composers of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries -- Rachmaninoff, Hagen and Shostakovich. Suggested donation $20 to benefit UUSE. Join us at UUSE Sunday, January 11th at 3:00 PM . for a chamber music program with Anhared Stowe, violin; Peter Zay, cello; and David Ballena, piano. The program will feature three remarkable pieces by great composers of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries -- Rachmaninoff, Hagen and Shostakovich. Suggested donation $20 to benefit UUSE. OOS Sermon YouTube

d1e0a01d-164d-4699-ab37-30106299adfa < Back to Newsletter March Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Newsletter Sunday Services Schedule March Ministry Theme: Paying Attention Join us at 9 or 11 AM. The 11 AM Zoom service login and call-in information is shared through the congregational eblasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Subscribe to the eblast by sending a message to uuseoffice@uuse.org or call the UUSE office at 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Sunday, March 1st: Belonging and Thriving -- Together! All Congregation service featuring beautiful music by the Atrium Brass Quintet! This morning we launch our 2026 Annual Appeal. Rev. Josh will discuss the goals for this year’s appeal. What needs are we trying to meet? What programs are we hoping to grow? What vision are we trying to fulfill? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, March 8th: Caring for Parents, Children, and Their Families in These Times. The Surgeon General states that parents are more stressed than perhaps ever before; our young people experience unprecedented mental health challenges; and the rights of our beloveds are at grave risk. Yet, many families with children show up at our doors, seeking community and care. What can we do as a congregation to best respond to the needs of our families? Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith and Vivian Carlson. Sunday, March 15th: Paying Attention. Our ministry theme for March is paying attention. How do you pay attention? With your eyes, your body, your heart, your soul? What grabs and holds your attention? Most importantly, are you attending to what matters? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, March 22nd: Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center. What’s it all about? Participants in this service will provide information about Ferry Beach and share thoughts about experiences they have had there. Coordinators: Nancy Madar and David Klotz Sunday, March 29th: Transgender Day of Visibility . Mindful that March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility, we will lift up transgender lives in our morning service. We will also explore the work of recertifying UUSE as a Welcoming Congregation. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, April 5th: Easter Service. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek, Emmy Galbraith, and Mary Bopp. ------------------------------ Community Outreach Ministry Charitable Giving for March As always, thank you for your generosity. We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves, but to share with the larger community. Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month will be shared with: CT Alliance to End Sexual Violence Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org , David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at n uuseoffice@uuse.org . Make checks out to UUSE. If the memo line: ✓ is blank or “pledge” - all will go toward your pledge. ✓ has “COM” or the name of the charity - all will go to the charity. ✓ has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM” - it will be divided equally. ------------------------------ 2025/2026 Ministry Themes September : Building Belonging October : Cultivating Compassion November: Nurturing Gratitude December : Choosing Hope January : Practicing Resistance February : Embodying Resilience March : Paying Attention April : Embracing Possibility May : Awakening Curiosity June : Flourishing Together ------------------------------ Minister's Column Dear Ones: Spring is just around the corner. Which means March is upon us. Which means it’s time for our Annual Appeal, our largest yearly fundraiser, during which we ask every UUSE member and friend to make the most generous financial pledge possible for the coming fiscal year. If you read nothing else in this column, read this: Please sign up for one of the pledging potlucks. These meals in members’ homes are a great way to meet new people and discuss what value UUSE brings to your life. If you can’t make one of the potlucks, an Annual Appeal steward will reach out to you. Please remember the stewards are volunteers with full plates. Please respond to them quickly. Thanks As is the case every year, we are trying to raise more money in this year’s Annual Appeal than we raised last year. In addition to the usual cost-drivers (inflation, cost-of-living adjustments for our staff, anticipated health insurance increases, etc.), there are a number of essential new expenses. These are as follows: First , our Finance Committee and Policy Board have decided that the tasks of day-to-day financial management at UUSE are too big for volunteers to effectively manage. There is too much at stake. It is time for us to hire a professional bookkeeping service. The search for that service is already underway. Depending on what kind of service we ultimately hire, we anticipate a cost of anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 annually. This is a big jump in our budget, and it is essential. Second , because we continue to anticipate a variety of building repairs over the next decade, we are hoping to raise significant funds for our building reserve in this year’s Annual Appeal. While we have other ways to increase this critical reserve fund, we believe a percentage of the Annual Appeal needs to be dedicated to it every year. This, too, is essential. There are some other new expenses, like building safety improvements and the one-time hiring of an amazing curriculum consultant, Kamora Herrington, to work with our Children and Youth Ministry program during the coming year. But what is most important to me, always, is that our Annual Appeal enables our congregation to continue thriving; that our Annual Appeal enables us to continue all the ministries we rely on (Sunday Services, Children and Youth, Music, Small Groups, Affinity Groups, Pastoral Friends, Buildings and Grounds, Sustainable Living, the Verplanck Partnership, and all our connections to social and environmental justice organizations and coalitions in the wider community). My fondest hope year in and year out is that our Annual Appeal enables us to continue serving as a beacon of liberal religion, spiritual searching, and community engagement from our home on Elm Hill, on the Manchester-Vernon line, above the Hockanum River on its way southwest to the Connecticut River. That is my hope. Please make the most generous pledge you can to this year’s Annual Appeal. With love, care, and hope, Rev. Josh ------------------------------ President's Column on Resistance and Hope for the Future This week has been very disheartening from the perspective of anyone who loves our democracy, our constitution, and this country. In all my years, I never thought I would see everything fall apart like it has, our world is upside down. I remain committed to peaceful protesting and doing everything we can to try to spark our legislative bodies into doing their job. I had to complete this week’s long run on my treadmill and used this time to re-watch 1984. This should be required for all High School Classes to watch and analyze. Our youth need to discuss the ways in which power can bend reality and distort the truth until it is no longer recognizable. “War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength”. The more I see our way of life unravel, the more important defining who we are as a congregation becomes. Yes, I am talking about our Mission, our Vision, and our Strategic Plan. It has become clear as part of our qualitative interviews in the form of user stories and our sprint, that the future of religion and of UUSE may change in ways that we can only begin to fathom. Insights from the user stories assessment: While there is some support for the current Mission and Vision we can make it more concise and memorable. There is interest in a broader connection to the larger community It’s clear that there must be a link between our Mission and Vision AND our Strategic Plan. We must be able to keep this awareness throughout our committees and programs and provide updates. We need more volunteers, more folks to pick up the leadership banner. In attending to unfinished business, we need to support unbiased debates We need to ensure broad congregational participation and incorporation. The vision can focus on an unknown future, but the mission statement needs to be more measurable action-oriented. The Strategic Planning Task Force had a sprint to work on our path forward. We want broad inclusion in this path, and that means EVERYONE. In times like this, it is important we stick together and decide what UUSE means to us and how to achieve it! There are lots of ideas of what the future of UUSE may look like and how we interact with the community. We are planning on Sprints, Focus groups, and surveys; there are lots of ways for you to commit and have your voice included. What does this congregation mean to you? How do we ensure we are relevant in the future? How do we reach out and support our broader community? One thing that gives me great hope is that we are poised for a cultural change at UUSE, and we are looking forward to a future that is constructed by each and every one of us. Sincerely, Trisha Lisle UUSE President ------------------------------ Children and Youth Ministry News Sun, March 8, 2026: Interfaith Film Series: Soul. Co-presented with the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding. Location: Wadsworth Antheneum Museum of Art at 600 Main Street, Hartford, CT Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher, finally gets his big break playing jazz in New York City, only to find himself unexpectedly separated from his body and transported to the realm where souls develop before birth. There, he teams up with a reluctant soul named 22 to rediscover what it means to live a full and purposeful life. Soul offers a moving reflection on creativity, destiny, and what truly makes life worth living. Free. Museum admission not included. Registration encouraged. 1 hour, 40 minutes. Rated PG. Sat, Mar 28: Nightlight Mission in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford): Families with children/youth meet at 2PM to sort clothes & prepare soup, coffee and sandwiches; at 8PM distribute clothing and food to the unhoused. Be on the lookout for an announcement of an upcoming zoom call with CYM for initial talks about logistics for this event. Thank you, Emmy ------------------------------ Green Sanctuary News Do You Like Breathing Clean Air? The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has been protecting the health of the people and the planet since as far back as 1963. In 1970 under President Nixon it was strengthened and Earth Day was begun. It has been amended several times since then. In 2009, during the Obama administration, the EPA declared that greenhouse gases in the atmosphere were a hazard to people. We have had rules regulating climate pollution from coal and gas-fired power plants, car and truck exhaust, and methane from the oil and gas industry. Connecticut’s own Gina McCarthy served as the EPA Administrator, and later as the head of the Climate Policy Office under President Biden, creating clean energy innovation and investments. However, our current President has declared climate change a “hoax”, ramping up the use of coal fired energy and increasing fossil fuel production for the benefit of the billionaire owners. A PBS report on February 12th aired a speech by Trump and his appointed administrator, Lee Zeldin touting all the money which will be saved by eliminating these regulations. Thankfully individual states like Connecticut are working on their own Environmental Rights Amendments. It’s a small step, but it’s something. Climate Superfund Bill H.B 5156 — will have a public hearing in the CT Environment Committee. Since this hearing will have happened by the time you read this, you can check with the CT League of Conservation Voters for updates. https://www.ctlcv.org/ From Yale Climate Connections subscription newsletter: Despite Trump, renewable energy keeps surging, according to reporter Barbara Grady. Grady writes: Solar and wind electricity generation grew 109% worldwide last year, pushing these renewable sources past coal for the first time as a global energy supplier, according to an analysis by Ember Energy Research. More than 600 gigawatts of solar electricity were added last year, led by China and also including India, Brazil, Vietnam, the European Union, Kenya, and Mozambique. African experts say much of the continent is leaning heavily into solar and wind as it electrifies new regions and industries, bypassing fossil fuels. Don’t forget to Support Equal Exchange on the 2nd Sunday of each month for your sustainably grown chocolate, tea and coffee at reasonable prices. Go to Equal Exchange to learn more. You can even order other products for yourself and friends, and you’re supporting small farmers with Fair Trade practices. https://shop.equalexchange.coop/ And finally, since February is Chocolate Month – or March or any month for that matter, here’s a simple 2 ingredient recipe for Chocolate Mousse from the Happy Pear website. 100 g. dark chocolate chips, such as Equal Exchange Dark Chocolate Chips. 75 ml. boiling water (Hot non-dairy milk can also be substituted.) Measure chips into a glass bowl. Pour in boiling water. Whisk until chocolate melts. Set bowl into a larger bowl of ice water. Continue whisking until mousse thickens. This may take 3 – 5 minutes. That’s it! Serve with your favorite fruit and whipped cream, over ice cream, as a topping for brownies, or come up with your own healthy chocolate creations! Thank you, Anne Vaugn ------------------------------ Annual Appeal Has Begun! ------------------------------ UUSE Annual Appeal 2026/2027 Belonging and Thriving - Together Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “ Belonging and Thriving - Together. ” As we are confronted with national uncertainty and discord, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to one another and to other supportive communities. Our shared dedication to community outreach and social justice is essential. Rev. Josh will kick off the Annual Appeal with the March 1 Sunday service. You should soon receive a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027). Again, this year we ask each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return to the church office. In addition, we will offer pledging potlucks to be together and share our hopes and dreams for UUSE. If you have not returned your letter or attended a potluck by March 17, a steward will contact you to see if they can provide assistance. Please let us know your plans for this year so that the church can plan accordingly. The Annual Appeal ends on Monday, April 6. We look forward to sharing our talents, time and treasure with you and this beloved community. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Jean Knapp, Stan McMillen, Phil Sawyer, Jerry Myers, and Patricia Wildes ------------------------------ Sign Up for 2026 Annual Appeal Pledging Potlucks March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15. Signups for potlucks will end after services March 1, 2026 Sign-up sheets will be in the lobby on Sunday March 1. If you can't make it on a Sunday to sign up, please contact Stan McMillen and let him know which potluck you would like to attend: Email uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone 860-646-5151. Attention CYM Families and Friends: Desiree Holian-Borgnis will have "office hours" from 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. in the children's chapel on Sundays during the Annual Appeal for families to come and ask questions, sign their pledge forms, and hand them in. ------------------------------ Stewarding Opportunity! Our Annual Appeal occurs from March 1 – April 6, 2026. We are looking for people to canvass members & friends. Being a steward is a way to get to know new people, to share your enthusiasm and commitment for UUSE and to help make our Annual Appeal a success. The commitment time is relatively short with one training session and a couple of weeks to contact 2 - 4 members or friends. The stewardship conversations are a time of fellowship and sharing our dreams and aspirations. Talking about financial commitment is a small part of a much larger conversation about generosity and community. So please consider volunteering to be a steward this year. We especially want people who have never been stewards before, especially parents! We will provide training on Thursday evening, March 5 or Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. Specific times will follow. For those who did not mail in their pledge or did not attend a potluck, the steward will use a personal visit (if both feel comfortable), email, phone calls, or texts to get in touch with people to answer any questions and remind them to fill out their pledge form and return it to Annie. Personal canvassing will be from March 18 – April 6, 2026. Please email Phil Sawyer at uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151 if you are willing to help or have any questions. ------------------------------ Upcoming Events ------------------------------ The Atrium Brass Quintet joins UUSE for our Annual Appeal Kick-Off Service March 1st ------------------------------ We will be joined by the Atrium Brass Quintet: Steve Owens and Steve Lyons, trumpets; Beth Pratt, French horn; Fred Bagnall, trombone; and Jim Lendvay, tuba. ABQ formed in 1991 and unites five friends who share a love of brass music. What a great way to kick off our Annual Appeal! ABQ’s visit is funded by a generous grant for brass music from the estate of Roland and Lynn Chirico. ------------------------------ UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic Sign-up starts at 6 PM-- performances start at 6:30 PM  Join us on the first Saturday of each month , October through May, for an evening of music, poetry, stories, and community! Bring your own songs, poems, stories, or any creative offering — or simply come enjoy the warm, supportive atmosphere as part of our appreciative audience. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 PM, and performances start at 6:30 PM. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends — we’ll provide the coffee! Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT ------------------------------ GHIAA's Winter 2026 Organizing Leadership Training GHIAA (The Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance) is holding its Winter Organizing Leadership Training in person on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm in Newington, from Feb 10 to March 10. Join us to explore the fundamentals of faith-based organizing, practice the tools of relational culture (individual meetings and house meetings), consider how we build and wield power, share our process of identifying issues and developing campaigns, and build our skills for action. For more detailed info and to register click here . Version shared directly with members and friends. ------------------------------ Gender-Free Contra Dance March 21, 4-7 PM There are no "ladies" or "gents" in a gender-free dance. Dance with anyone you want! It's a rollercoaster you make yourselves! Contra is a community folk dance with partners in long lines. The caller teaches the dances as you go. Calling by Rich Sbardella with music by Mickey Koth and John Kalinowski on fiddle and digital accordion. March 21, 2026, 4-7 PM, beginner lesson at 3:45 . Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. All are welcome! Sponsored by the Music Committee. For more information, contact Meghan MacRae at uuseoffice@uuse.org or Jane Osborn at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Or download and share the flyer here . Unitarian Universalist Society East, Meeting Room, 153 Vernon St. W, Manchester, CT 06042. ------------------------------ UUSE Chocolate Auction!!! To Celebrate the end of our 2026 Annual Appeal!! Sunday afternoon, March 29th, 12:30 PM Chocolate is awesome, and a chocolate auction is a great way to raise $$$$ for UUSE! This year’s chocolate auction helps celebrate the end of our 2026 Annual Appeal. All members and friends of UUSE are invited to create chocolate confections (cookies, brownies, cakes, cupcakes, and any other kind of chocolate dessert you can imagine). Bring your creations to the meeting house on the 31st (include your name and a list of ingredients). Then, come to the auction at 12;30 and bid on whatever looks best to you! Bring your check book or cash and pay when you collect your WINNINGS. It's that simple!!! We need 5-6 volunteers to help out on the 17th. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org or 860-646-5151! ------------------------------ Transgender Day of Visibility Special Event: Unitarian Universalist Association 2025 Ware Lecture with Imara Jones Tuesday, March 31st, 7:00 PM  In honor of the 2026 Transgender Day of Visibility Day, the UUSE Welcoming Congregation Recertification Team is screening the UUA’s 2025 Ware Lecture by award-winning Transgender journalist, activist and story-teller, Imara Jones. Jones has won Emmy and Peabody Awards, and is the creator of TransLash Media, a cross-platform project seeking to shift the current culture of hostility towards transgender people in the US. Her powerful 2025 Ware Lecture lays out how the Heritage Foundation and the architects of Project 2025 use anti-trans policies as a wedge to divide the country. While her analysis is chilling, her lecture is equally hopeful and uplifting. Please join us. Unitarian Universalist Society East, Meeting Room, 153 Vernon St. W, Manchester, CT 06042. ------------------------------ Future Vote on Joining the CT UU Social Justice Ministry For the past several years, social justice leaders in a number of UU congregations have been meeting to create a UU social justice network in Connecticut. Such networks exist in a number of states and have received organizational and material support from the UUA. The coalition of these state-level organizations is CUUSAN, Coalition of UU Social Action Networks. (At the time of writing their website is down) The Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao, who is one of the people spearheading the initiative, held information sessions on the proposed UU Social Justice Ministry in 2025, announced in our eblast and attended by a number of UUSE members and friends. The group has gotten a grant from the UUA. It is currently incorporating as a non-profit and forming a board. Sierra-Marie Gerfao has been hired as the executive director, at 5 hours per week for year one. The first goal of the CT UU Social Justice Ministry is to build relationships with partner organizations and build relationships among UU congregations in CT. It will likely focus on issues not addressed by existing faith-based coalitions in CT (e.g. trans rights; reproductive rights). Besides the Board (which will be small in size), the CT UU Social Justice Ministry will have a congregational liaisons group and an annual conference to develop relationships among congregations. The first conference is planned for Fall 2026. The CT UU Social Justice Ministry is already active, participating in both local actions, for example with Equality CT, and national actions in partnership with Side With Love campaigns. If you would like to be among the first to know about CT UU Social Justice Ministry activities, reach out to uuseoffice@uuse.org . They will also be shared by the SJ/AO Committee through its Basecamp list. The time has now come for UU congregations in CT to consider formally joining this network. The SJ/AO Committee, which met with Sierra-Marie during its December meeting, believes this is an important effort that our congregation should commit to. We have a long history of activism and have strong partnerships in the state. It is an opportunity to work on issues that other faith-based coalitions like GHIAA may be unwilling to take on. It is also an opportunity to build a coalition that has the capacity to support smaller UU congregations in their social justice work. Joining this coalition requires a vote by the congregation. This vote will be held at our May congregational meeting. The SJ/AO Committee will hold information sessions prior to the vote. As would be expected, joining this coalition entails a financial commitment. The funding model for the CT UU Social Justice Ministry is based on the experience of other statewide networks. (The organizing committee was given extensive advice by the North Carolina coalition.) The likely funding structure is: (1) individual donors—largest source; (2) project-based grants; and (3) congregational contributions. Expected congregational contributions would be 1/4 to 1/2 of 1% of the congregation's annual budget. The UUA grant for year 1 is about $20,000. The group hopes to get another UUA grant for year 2. One possible way for UUSE to raise the ¼ of 1% of the congregation’s annual budget (about $1385 in the case of 2025/26 budget) would be to dedicate fifth Sunday plate collections to the coalition. This idea has been received favorably by the Policy Board and the members of the outreach committee that decides on the beneficiaries of the plate collection. The SJ/AO Committee welcomes any thoughts or questions you may have. Reach out to the Committee co-chairs, Monica van Beusekom and Sid Soderholm. ------------------------------ Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here . ------------------------------ Help Us Spread the Word and Keep Up on Happenings! Social media is another way to keep you informed...and share our bounty of events and happenings. You can also share with just the UUSE community your joys, accomplishments, and concerns. Look us up! Don't forget to Like and Share. Facebook: UUSEast , Instagram: uu_society_east . Community sharing only: UUSE Happenings on Facebook is a private page for sharing among members. You can also share events or posts in other groups on Facebook. If you have any suggestions for places to publicize events, email uuseoffice@uuse.org , the Communications/Technology Committee. ------------------------------ Sing Out Love Listening Sessions February 26th and March 5th Are you interested in hearing (and maybe even singing) music from the UUA's new online hymnal, Sing Out Love? Join our Music Director, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh for an exploration of the music in this wonderful new resource. Thursdays, February 26th and March 5th, 11:00 to 1:00 PM at the meeting house. All are welcome. ------------------------------ Hope in Hard Times In these troubling times, many of us feel anxious, despondent, or alone. Thursday, March 12th, 3 PM Rev. Josh Pawelek and members of the Pastoral Friends Committee will host a hybrid gathering for anyone who is looking for camaraderie and conversation geared towards finding hope in hard times. This will be a hybrid meeting. Watch the Wednesday morning eblast for a Zoom link. ------------------------------ Best Practices for Community Health Colds, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and -- yes -- Covid continue to circulate in the wider community. According to the CT Department of Public Health, these illnesses are especially dangerous for those of us who are 60 and older. This is a friendly reminder that no matter your age, if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, you always have the option to join Sunday services and other meetings and activities by Zoom from the comfort of your home. If you do need to come to the meetinghouse, keep in mind that masks have the power to protect both you and those with whom you come in contact. Let's all help keep each other as healthy as we can! From the UUSE Emergency Preparedness Task Force ------------------------------ CT UU Social Justice Ministry Action Hours: Trans Rights & Immigrant Rights The newly formed CT UU Social Justice Ministry (a statewide coalition) invites you to join two zoom "Action Hours." Friday, February 20 at 4PM: We will write postcards to protect gender affirming care in our state (postcards provided) and will chat with special Guests Matthew Blinstrubas of Equality CT and Liz Gustafson of Reproductive Equity Now about their legislative agendas for this short CT legislative session. Friday, February 27 at 4PM: Come share what you know about immigration justice and care work in your part of the state. We will learn from each other. Special guests and/or actions to be announced, but one thing we will do for sure is get a better sense of the work being done across the state to protect immigrants and learn more about the resources available to do this work. Please RSVP here for one or both action hours on Zoom. ------------------------------ Brainstorm Vision and Mission Ideas Workshops with the Strategic Planning Task Force! The Strategic Planning Task Force is offering three upcoming dates in March to join us in brainstorming our current vision and mission statements and what revision ideas we may want to consider to help guide our next five years and future strategic plan. During the short workshop (about 2 hours), participants will review both statements and give their ideas to help with brainstorming our new vision and mission statements. Sunday, March 22, at 12:30 in the Children’s Chapel right after services Tuesday, March 24 at 7p in the Children’s Chapel Sunday, March 29 at 1:30p in the Children’s Chapel after the Chocolate Auction We’d love to hear your thoughts and incorporate your ideas! Please RSVP using the Google Form . ------------------------------ Responses from the February 15th Service:  The Strategic Planning Task Force thanks everyone for their thoughtful and considerate responses during the February 15th service. It’s a great way to kick off our brainstorming as we begin our revision considerations. After reviewing nearly 100 responses to our current vision statement, the six most popular words in our current vision statement that people strongly feel speak to them include (in order by most selected) justice, spiritually, alive, social, environmental, and diverse. To review all of the chosen words, review our WordArt presenting all of the chosen selections (the larger the word appears, the more times it was selected). ------------------------------ In addition, when asked “in the next 5 years, we as a congregation will…,” the seven most common repeated words were: more, community, diverse, members, justice, work, and grow. To review all of the submitted words, review our WordArt (the larger the word appears, the more times it was written in). To continue the conversation and brainstorming, we hope to see people at the upcoming Strategic Planning workshops in March. ------------------------------ General Assembly 2026 Virtual gathering June 14th - June 21st General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process. The 2026 GA will be held virtually June 14th-21st. Are you interested in representing UUSE at this year's General Assembly? Questions? Email Desiree at uuseoffice@uuse.org ------------------------------ Ongoing Groups, Activities, and Fun ------------------------------ Calling all Artists. Photographers and Poets A new art exhibit for the Sanctuary will go up on March 29th—signups by March 23rd. Our Spring theme is Renewal . Spring brings renewal through longer days, warmer air, and the return of growing things. The fresh light and new life of the season offer a sense of energy and hope after winter’s stillness. Please register your entries by sending an email to uuseoffice@uuse.org . Include title, medium, price (if for sale), and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets, please send your poems to Carol for mounting by March 20th. If you would like to include a photo or a small piece of artwork, please send it along as well. Drop-off for entries is on March 26th from 11 to 12:30. Watch the e-blast for more information. Questions? Please contact Eric Vogel or Jannet Heller ------------------------------ Community Contra Dance March 21, 2026, 4-7 PM in the UUSE Meeting Room Live music! Gender-free! Beginner friendly! All are welcome! Contact: Meghan MacRae, uuseoffice@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Ladies at Lunch Thursday, March 12 , we will have lunch at Main Pub in Manchester, 306 Main Street, meeting at noon . Join us! All are welcome. If you will attend, please reply to Sharon Huber by Wednesday March 11th afternoon. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Romeos for Lunch Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meet at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for lunch and conversation at various local restaurants. If you are retired or simply have free time, feel welcome to participate. Contact Annie at the church office to be included on the email call list. ------------------------------ Yoga at the Meetinghouse Wednesdays at 10:00 AM All are welcome to these gentle-to-moderate yoga classes for all abilities. $5 drop-in fee. Bring a yoga mat (we have some extras). Bring a friend! Questions to: Susan at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Yoga is a UUSE adult education offering. ------------------------------ 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! ------------------------------  Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair March/April: Ellen Williams PastoralFriends@uuse.org. ------------------------------ Books, Classes, and Discussions Adult Religious Education ------------------------------ Meditation Group The Meditation Group will meet third Mondays from 3:30 PM in the Sanctuary to meditate in community. The group started because members of the Buddhist Group, which meets on Zoom, wanted to gather in person. You don’t have to be a member of the Buddhist Group or interested in Buddhism to join. Everyone is welcome; no experience required. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions, uuseoffice@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Book Lovers The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM . You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone. March 10, 2026: The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong: Pub. May 2025, 416 Pages. Discussion leader: Jeannine Gluck April 14, 2026 : Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood: Pub. Feb. 2025, 304 pages. Discussion leader: Lesley Schurmann ------------------------------ Buddhist Group The UUSE Buddhist Group will meet on the 1st Tuesday, at 7 PM on Zoom for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link. ------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------ Science and Religion Discussion Group Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? Meet 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. ------------------------------ God Talk A discussion group for UU theists 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores how UUs can name and experience God in meaningful, useful ways. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. ------------------------------ Newsletter Submissions Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.org or use this publicity form . Deadline for the Newsletter is the 20th of each month. ------------------------------ UUSE General Information UUSE Office Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Meetinghouse Office: 860-646-5151 Office Administrator: Annie Gentile email: uuseoffice@uuse.org Minister: Rev. Joshua Pawelek, 860-646-5151, minister@uuse.org Minister Office Hours: Tuesday 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM Director of Children & Youth Ministry: Emmy Galbraith, 860-646-5151, dcym@uuse.org President: Trisha Corey-Lisle, 805-750--3488, uuseoffice@uuse.org Newsletter Editor: Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, newsletter@uuse.org Website Coordinator: uuse.web@uuse.org UUSE Website : https://www.uuse.org ------------------------------ Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Jul 14, 2024 Principles and Values: Reflections on Article 2 This morning Rev. Josh Pawelek shares his thoughts on the outcomes of the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly. What do the results mean for our congregation? What do the results mean for Unitarian Universalism? Special music by Pat Eaton-Robb. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Coordinator: Sheila Foran #eBlast-07-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Calling All Photographers, Painters, and Poets A Spring exhibit at UUSE will be installed on Thursday, March 27th. The new triptych and exhibit will remain in place until mid-June. Please register your entries at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Include your name, title and photo of the work, the price, if for sale. Drop off will be on March 27 from 12 noon - 1:30 P.M. Questions? Call Carolyn Emerson at 860-646-5151 #FebruaryNewsletter A Spring exhibit at UUSE will be installed on Thursday, March 27th. The new triptych and exhibit will remain in place until mid-June. Please register your entries at uuseoffice@uuse.org. Include your name, title and photo of the work, the price, if for sale. Drop off will be on March 27 from 12 noon - 1:30 P.M. Questions? Call Carolyn Emerson at 860-646-5151 #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UU SpiritLife - The Peace of the Divine Reality UUSpiritLife Mark your calendars. The next SpiritLife Conversation meets on Zoom on Saturday, December 16, 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. when we will consider The Peace of Divine Reality by Thich Nhat Hahn. Open to members of all three area UU churches. Drop in. No registration required. Read the article here and see the reflections here. Jot a few notes and log in here. Nicholas Bartoli will facilitate this lively conversation! #eBlast-12-13 Mark your calendars. The next SpiritLife Conversation meets on Zoom on Saturday, December 16 , 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. when we will consider The Peace of Divine Reality by Thich Nhat Hahn. Open to members of all three area UU churches. Drop in. No registration required. Read the article here and see the reflections here . Jot a few notes and log in here . Nicholas Bartoli will facilitate this lively conversation! #eBlast -12-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Nu Haven Kapelye The Kapelye is a multi-generational, multi-ethnic band that plays joyous, foot- tapping, tuchus-shaking arrangements of Klezmer and Yiddish music from Eastern Europe and other locales and cultures. Klezmer music, in turn, influenced Jazz in particular, New Orleans. The Kapelye will have you clapping, laughing, weeping, dancing in the aisles, and embracing this timeless music. Wear your dance shoes! For more information and videos of the band, visit https://nuhavenkapelye.com/home. Click here for more on interplay of Yiddish music, jazz & Louis Armstrong. OOS Sermon YouTube