< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Auction Update! Auction Update! We hope everyone had a great time at the auction! We earned $11,500+ for UUSE. Raffle Baskets The drawing for the raffle baskets will be this Sunday, Feb. 8 after the second service. You don't have to be present to win, and you can still buy tickets to enter on Sunday! Room for More There are a couple items that have room for more participants. You can sign up for them in the lobby on Sunday or you can email auction@uuse.org . Keep On Truckin' What do you need moved? Stan McMillen will move brush, debris, household items (no pianos) from your place to the dump or wherever. You get him for two hours. If your town charges for access to the dump, etc., you will be responsible for those fees. $150. Genealogic Research Want to find out who you are related to? Want to find where your ancestors came from? Larry Lunden will search your family tree on Familysearch.org to see what he can find. Maybe a lot, maybe not so much. Hopefully he can find their names and dates, and records of vital events of their lives. He will send results as he searches. $50. Pair of Tour Passes for the Mark Twain House Get a guided tour of the famous Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford. Two tickets: No expiration date. Not valid on holidays or for specialty tours. $20 per pair. Biscotti Making Join Jennifer Klee at her friend Kathleen's home in Granby to learn the technique and tips for making delicious biscotti. We'll make 2-3 flavors and learn how to dip them. As well as trying a few samples with coffee or tea. Saturday March 21, 2026 at 2PM in GRANBY - 4 places still available. #eBlast-02-04 Auction Update! We hope everyone had a great time at the auction! We earned $11,500+ for UUSE. Raffle Baskets The drawing for the raffle baskets will be this Sunday, Feb. 8 after the second service. You don't have to be present to win, and you can still buy tickets to enter on Sunday! Room for More There are a couple items that have room for more participants. You can sign up for them in the lobby on Sunday or you can email auction@uuse.org . Keep On Truckin' What do you need moved? Stan McMillen will move brush, debris, household items (no pianos) from your place to the dump or wherever. You get him for two hours. If your town charges for access to the dump, etc., you will be responsible for those fees. $150. Genealogic Research Want to find out who you are related to? Want to find where your ancestors came from? Larry Lunden will search your family tree on Familysearch.org to see what he can find. Maybe a lot, maybe not so much. Hopefully he can find their names and dates, and records of vital events of their lives. He will send results as he searches. $50. Pair of Tour Passes for the Mark Twain House Get a guided tour of the famous Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford. Two tickets: No expiration date. Not valid on holidays or for specialty tours. $20 per pair. Biscotti Making Join Jennifer Klee at her friend Kathleen's home in Granby to learn the technique and tips for making delicious biscotti. We'll make 2-3 flavors and learn how to dip them. As well as trying a few samples with coffee or tea. Saturday March 21, 2026 at 2PM in GRANBY - 4 places still available. #eBlast -02-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 19, 2026 The Pulse of Love Join us this morning for a joyful, musical celebration of love in its many guises--love that grounds us, love that moves us, and love that pulses with a connection to our UU values and principles. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Summer Schedule #eBlast-07-15 Sunday Service: "The Pulse of Love" Join us this morning for a joyful, musical celebration of love in its many guises--love that grounds us, love that moves us, and love that pulses with a connection to our UU values and principles. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Summer Schedule Sunday, July 19th at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -07-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

What do you want to know about UUSE? This page is a good place to start. What is Unitarian Universalism? Unitarian Universalism affirms and promotes seven principles and six values, each emerging from a central value of love. We gather our congregations in covenant, grounded in our values and principles, rather than in a specific theology of statement of belief. The Six Values Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love. Inseparable from one another, these shared values are: Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it. Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology. Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive. Transformation: We adapt to the changing world. Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. The Seven Principles The inherent worth and dignity of every person. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth relations. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process congregations and in society at large. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. . The seven Principles and the six Values of the Unitarian Universalist Association emerge from a variety of sources. We refer to these sources in our statement of “Inspirations:” Direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder are primary sources of Unitarian Universalist inspiration. These experiences open our hearts, renew our spirits, and transform our lives. We draw upon, and are inspired by, sacred, secular, and scientific understandings that help us make meaning and live into our values. These sources ground us and sustain us in ordinary, difficult, and joyous times. We respect the histories, contexts, and cultures in which these sources were created and are currently practiced. Grateful for the experiences that move us, aware of the religious ancestries we inherit, and enlivened by the diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom. We also refer to the six sources of our living tradition: Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life; Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love; Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life; Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves; Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit; Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. What We Believe We are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds and beliefs. We are gay and straight together. We believe in social justice and role of liberal religion as a force for good. We are brave, curious and compassionate thinkers and doers. We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and in the world. Our Vision Statement Unitarian Universalist Society East will be home to a spiritually alive, richly diverse and growing congregation. We will send forth energy, spirit and strength into our beloved communities. We will love, be present to suffering, comfort, heal, bear witness to oppression, and boldly work toward social and environmental justice. Adopted by the congregation May 20, 2018 A Unique Shared Ministry Unitarian Universalist SocietyEast (UUSE) has a more or less 50/50 split between Reverend Josh and lay led services. Members of the congregation volunteer their time and effort to provide a different point of view, in line with the monthly theme.

< To Upcoming Services Sep 27, 2026 Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 - 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act--Connecticut's Defending Democracy team--will be gathering to write postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), in order to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. On September 27 we'll gather in Room 3 and on October 4 we'll be in the Children' Chapel/Room 1 Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text and pens provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny for further information. #eBlast-09-16 Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 - 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act--Connecticut's Defending Democracy team--will be gathering to write postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), in order to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. On September 27 we'll gather in Room 3 and on October 4 we'll be in the Children' Chapel/Room 1 Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text and pens provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny for further information. #eBlast -09-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Important Notice - Next Week's Eblast Important Notice - Next Week's Eblast Have something you need to get in the eblast next week? Annie will be away on vacation from the 4th of July through Friday, July 11th. In the interim, please send your notices to Susan Barlow at uuseoffice@uuse.org . By the way, this also means that if you need to get into the UUSE building next week, please call ahead to see if someone will be there or bring a building key. #eBlast-07-02 Important Notice - Next Week's Eblast Have something you need to get in the eblast next week? Annie will be away on vacation from the 4th of July through Friday, July 11th. In the interim, please send your notices to Susan Barlow at uuseoffice@uuse.org . By the way, this also means that if you need to get into the UUSE building next week, please call ahead to see if someone will be there or bring a building key. #eBlast -07-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Now's the Time to Consider Attending General Assembly! Now's the Time to Consider Attending General Assembly! Early Bird registration will be open until March 31, 2025. UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore,, MD and will be in a hybrid format. General information about GA: General Assembly: The Unitarian Universalist Association's Premier Annual Gathering | UUA.org Register for GA: General Assembly Registration | General Assembly | UUA.org Delegate information: How Congregations Are Represented at General Assembly / Delegates | UUA.org Tentative Business Agenda and Being a Delegate: Shape Our Future Together at GA 2025! UUSE is entitled to 8 delegates in 2025: 6 lay delegates plus the minister and CYM Director. For more information about being a delegate, please check out the links above and let Carrie Kocher - uuseoffice@uuse.org - know if you have any questions or are interested in serving as a delegate. #eBlast-03-26 Now's the Time to Consider Attending General Assembly! Early Bird registration will be open until March 31, 2025 . UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore,, MD and will be in a hybrid format. General information about GA: General Assembly: The Unitarian Universalist Association's Premier Annual Gathering | UUA.org Register for GA: General Assembly Registration | General Assembly | UUA.org Delegate information: How Congregations Are Represented at General Assembly / Delegates | UUA.org Tentative Business Agenda and Being a Delegate: Shape Our Future Together at GA 2025! UUSE is entitled to 8 delegates in 2025: 6 lay delegates plus the minister and CYM Director. For more information about being a delegate, please check out the links above and let Carrie Kocher - uuseoffice@uuse.org - know if you have any questions or are interested in serving as a delegate. #eBlast -03-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled CCIU and UU’s Present: To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor Conversations on the Religions of Our Neighbors Explore 9 different religions at 2 Unitarian Universalist (UU) meetinghouses in this lively, candid, and highly informative question-and-answer forum, produced by Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding (CCIU). In each conversation, 3 panelists from different religions answer your questions about what it means to practice their beliefs. Our moderators lead these dynamic conversations and encourage audience questions in writing ranging from the very basic to the provocative and challenging. Sunday, July 20th, 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Hosted by: Unitarian Universalist Society East Address: 153 Vernon St West, Manchester, CT 06042 Religions: Baháʼí Faith, Hinduism, Unitarian Universalism. For the full brochure click here. To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor is produced by the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding with support from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151 #JulyNewsletter Know Your Neighbor Conversations on the Religions of Our Neighbors Explore 9 different religions at 2 Unitarian Universalist (UU) meetinghouses in this lively, candid, and highly informative question-and-answer forum, produced by Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding (CCIU). In each conversation, 3 panelists from different religions answer your questions about what it means to practice their beliefs. Our moderators lead these dynamic conversations and encourage audience questions in writing ranging from the very basic to the provocative and challenging. Sunday, July 20th , 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Hosted by: Unitarian Universalist Society East Address: 153 Vernon St West, Manchester, CT 06042 Religions: Baháʼí Faith, Hinduism, Unitarian Universalism. For the full brochure click here . To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor is produced by the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding with support from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151 #JulyNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

7d84125e-06b0-41cf-be65-49650f547f3c < Back to Newsletter September Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Intro to Unitarian Universalism September 27, 2026, 1 to 4 PM Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our next Intro to UU Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar which will include: A brief history and background of our theology UUSE’s mission, programs, and facilities Opportunity to meet others interested in Unitarian Universalism Sharing of stories about what brings us together To register, please contact Annie Gentile at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, April 16th, 2026. And let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at 860-646-5151 or minister@uuse.org Unitarian Universalist Society East #SeptemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Jan 4, 2026 Two Epiphanies "Two Epiphanies" In the lead up to the Christian celebration of Epiphany, Rev. Josh explores the relationship between the Biblical story of the three kings and the Italian folk character, La Befana. How do the two stories connect? And how might they speak to our January ministry theme, resistance ? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-31 "Two Epiphanies" In the lead up to the Christian celebration of Epiphany, Rev. Josh explores the relationship between the Biblical story of the three kings and the Italian folk character, La Befana. How do the two stories connect? And how might they speak to our January ministry theme, resistance ? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 4, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -12-31 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled CoffeeHouse and Open Mic CoffeeHouse and Open Mic Saturday, May 2, 2026 at UUSE Come for MayFair, stay for the CoffeeHouse and Open Mic! Join us for an evening of music, poetry, stories and community. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 P.M., and performances start at 6:30 P.M. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends -- we'll provide the coffee! A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. CoffeeHouse is held the first Saturday of each month, October through May and is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast-04-29 CoffeeHouse and Open Mic Saturday, May 2, 2026 at UUSE Come for MayFair, stay for the CoffeeHouse and Open Mic! Join us for an evening of music, poetry, stories and community. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 P.M., and performances start at 6:30 P.M. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends -- we'll provide the coffee! A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. CoffeeHouse is held the first Saturday of each month, October through May and is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast -04-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled State-wide UU Social Justice Ministry State-wide UU Social Justice Ministry Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom The Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee will be discussing the state-wide UU Social Justice Ministry with the Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao who has spearheaded this initiative. The initiative recently received a start-up grant from the UUA. Learn more about the initiative, how it fits in with other social justice coalitions, and what our next steps might be. Join the conversation with Sierra-Marie at the SJ/AO meeting on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom: Contact the Office for Zoom Link. #eBlast-11-26 State-wide UU Social Justice Ministry Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom The Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee will be discussing the state-wide UU Social Justice Ministry with the Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao who has spearheaded this initiative. The initiative recently received a start-up grant from the UUA. Learn more about the initiative, how it fits in with other social justice coalitions, and what our next steps might be. Join the conversation with Sierra-Marie at the SJ/AO meeting on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . #eBlast -11-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 11, 2024 Unearthing Our Spiritual Roots. For many, gardening in the summer is a spiritual practice. From tending small plants, to harvesting their bounty, gardening nourishes both our bodies and our souls. Join us for this mid-summer service as members share the roots of their spiritual connection to gardening. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi and Kate Kimmerle #eBlast-08-07 OOS Sermon YouTube