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What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. Evening Vespers December 22, 2025 7 PM: Monday, December 22nd: Evening Vespers Service. In a season busy with ‘bright and merry’, we may also find ourselves sitting with sadness, grief, and pain in body or spirit. J... Silent Night, Holy Night. December 24, 2025 5 PM: Wednesday, December 24th: Silent Night, Holy Night. Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:00 PM. Beautiful music, timeless stories, and more. Anything might happen!!! Coordin... Calendar of Upcoming Events Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Refresh Wednesday 12/10/25 Read More Yoga . 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... Thursday 12/11/25 Read More 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 e... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More HSYG Holiday Bake Sale HSYG Holiday Bake Sale Sunday, December 14th after each service Please join us on Sunday, December 14th after each service in the main lobby to support the High School Youth Group ... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More Verplanck Giving Tree Verplanck Giving Tree NOW through December 14th Let's brighten the holidays for our friends at Verplanck Elementary. The Giving Tree will be set up in the lobby after each service ... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More 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 ... Monday 12/15/25 Read More Silent Meditation Silent Meditation - 3:30PM in the Sanctuary Monday 12/15/25 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon. Every Monday at Noon Tuesday 12/16/25 Read More 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... Wednesday 12/17/25 Read More Yoga. 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... Thursday 12/18/25 Read More 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 e... Monday 12/22/25 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon Every Monday at Noon Tuesday 12/23/25 Read More 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.... More...

Child programs, kids, toddlers, sunday school, youth programs, adult education. Children & Youth Ministry The Children & Youth Ministry (CYM) at UUSE offers a thriving program for all young people from infancy through senior high and more! Classes are held on the Garden Level at UUSE, concurrently with the second (11am) service from September through June. In the summer months, we offer a lighter schedule which runs concurrent with the 10am service. About Children & Youth Ministry Our Children and Youth Ministry (CYM) offers a thriving program for all young people from infancy through senior high and more! The CYM program is a cooperative effort; we utilize a team approach, with one adult from each family volunteering in some capacity in CYM. We urge families to become informed about UUSE philosophy, themes, and activities by attending services, participating in parent meetings, engaging in discussions with the Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Minister, CYM committee members, classroom volunteers, and other families. The CYM Committee also sponsors many multi-generational events, including winter holiday celebrations, Trunk-or-Treat, game nights, movie nights and more. UU Principles, Children’s Version: • Every person is important. • Be kind in all you do. • We’re free to learn together. • We can search for what is true. • All people need a voice. • Build a fair and peaceful world. • We care for the earth. Sources We Draw From: The living tradition we share draws from many sources, including: • Direct experience of mystery and wonder; • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men; • Wisdom from the world’s religions; • Jewish and Christian teachings; • Humanist teachings using reason and science; • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions. Program Goals: • Continue to make community and connection the primary focus of our ministry, in order to build a strong support system for our children, youth, and families. • Foster UU identity formation by providing opportunities for children and adults of all ages to engage in fun and meaningful activities together. • Strengthen our commitment to dismantling systemic racism by selecting curricula, books, music, and movies with an anti-racist lens. • Build a community that cultivates pre-emptive radical inclusivity. New or Visiting? Be sure to let a greeter know if you’re visiting a service and would like to know more about our program. They will be happy to put you in touch with our Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Emmy Galbraith, on the Garden Level. We are happy to welcome you into our program at any time! If you are able, we strongly encourage that you connect with Emmy prior to a first visit so your child can know what to expect. Her direct email is dcym@uuse.org . Additionally, the CYM Committee is always available for questions or comments at our dedicated email: uusecym@uuse.org . Contact Us Emmy, the Director of CYM, can be reached by email at dcym@uuse.org And the CYM Committee is available for questions or comments at uusecym@uuse.org

A list of all of our past services, including links to the sermons. Past Services This is a list of past services. Upcoming services can be found here . 12/7/25 OOS Sermon YouTube Choosing Hope "Choosing Hope" Many holidays with themes of Hope are celebrated in the month of December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, culminating in the optimism of a New Year. Is Hope a wish? an emotion? a choice? an action? a decision? Join us as we begin to reflect on this month's theme of Choosing Hope, and ways we can expand our ideas about what hope is, and how we can cultivate it. Coordinators : Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-03 11/30/25 OOS Sermon YouTube Awake My Soul "Awake My Soul" This morning Rev. Josh contemplates what it might mean to have a soul. Jennifer Richard provides the music, including a rendition of "Awake My Soul" by Mumford and Sons. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-11-26 11/23/25 OOS Sermon YouTube Gratitude for UUSE "Gratitude for UUSE" UUSE members express their gratitude for UUSE and the many ways in which our beloved community makes our lives richer. Coordinators : Sandy Karosi and Paula Baker Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-11-19 11/16/25 OOS Sermon YouTube Do UU Know Your History? "Do UU Know Your History?" Rev. Josh offers a primer on Unitarian Universalist and Unitarian Universalist history. Where have we come from as a people of faith? This sermon was purchased at last year's goods and services auction by Josh's mother-in-law, Elaine Pascetta. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-11-12 Show More

Religious education is not just for kids. We have plenty of programs to keep adults busy too. Intro to UU The Intro to UU program is taught periodically by the minister. There's not one scheduled at the moment. Keep an eye on the Happenings section of the website to see when the next session might be coming.

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. Evening Vespers December 22, 2025 7 PM: Monday, December 22nd: Evening Vespers Service. In a season busy with ‘bright and merry’, we may also find ourselves sitting with sadness, grief, and pain in body or spirit. J... Silent Night, Holy Night. December 24, 2025 5 PM: Wednesday, December 24th: Silent Night, Holy Night. Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:00 PM. Beautiful music, timeless stories, and more. Anything might happen!!! Coordin... Happenings There’s Always Something Good Going On Affinity Groups Birds of a feather Read More Yoga Wednesdays 10:00AM Read More Ladies at Lunch Alternating Thu/Fri Read More Women's Sacred Singing Circle Thursdays Read More ROMEOS 2nd Tuesdays Read More Upcoming Events Calendar Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Refresh Wednesday 12/10/25 Read More Yoga . 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... Thursday 12/11/25 Read More 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 e... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More HSYG Holiday Bake Sale HSYG Holiday Bake Sale Sunday, December 14th after each service Please join us on Sunday, December 14th after each service in the main lobby to support the High School Youth Group ... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More Verplanck Giving Tree Verplanck Giving Tree NOW through December 14th Let's brighten the holidays for our friends at Verplanck Elementary. The Giving Tree will be set up in the lobby after each service ... Sunday 12/14/25 Read More 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 ... Monday 12/15/25 Read More Silent Meditation Silent Meditation - 3:30PM in the Sanctuary Monday 12/15/25 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon. Every Monday at Noon Tuesday 12/16/25 Read More 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... Wednesday 12/17/25 Read More Yoga. 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... Thursday 12/18/25 Read More 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 e... Monday 12/22/25 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon Every Monday at Noon Tuesday 12/23/25 Read More 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.... More...

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Worship "Awake My Soul" This morning Rev. Josh contemplates what it might mean to have a soul. Jennifer Richard provides the music, including a rendition of "Awake My Soul" by Mumford and Sons. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Updated #eBlast -11-26 "Choosing Hope" Many holidays with themes of Hope are celebrated in the month of December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, culminating in the optimism of a New Year. Is Hope a wish? an emotion? a choice? an action? a decision? Join us as we begin to reflect on this month's theme of Choosing Hope, and ways we can expand our ideas about what hope is, and how we can cultivate it. Coordinators : Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 7, 2025 - Updated #eBlast -12-03 "Where the Light Begins" This morning, we celebrate the holidays with our annual, all-congregational music service. Let us welcome the solstice; let us welcome Hanukkah; let us welcome Christmas in this season where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 14, 2025 - Updated #eBlast -12-10 Sunday, December 21st: Solstice Reflections . How does the imperceptible planetary shift toward the sun on this day nurture our spiritual lives? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. One service at 10 AM: Sunday, December 28th: Reflections and Hopes . Join us at 10 AM for shared reflections on the year gone by and our hopes for the upcoming year. Coordinators: Gianna DiMaiolo and Kate Kimmerle. Sunday, January 4th: Resistance ! A new year arrives. Rev. Josh considers our January ministry theme, resistance. The UU folk-rock band Meetinghouse provides the music! A potent mix indeed! Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.

Religious education is not just for kids. We have plenty of programs to keep adults busy too. Intro to UU The Intro to UU program is taught periodically by the minister. There's not one scheduled at the moment. Keep an eye on the Happenings section of the website to see when the next session might be coming.

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Upcoming Concerts & Musical Events Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 More...

This is the listing of upcoming services. It is automatically updated from the events database. Old services are moved to the past services page. Upcoming Services Reminder: UUSE has a Low Scent Policy Here's a list of upcoming services. Past services can be found here . 12/14/25 Where the Light Begins OOS Sermon YouTube "Where the Light Begins" This morning, we celebrate the holidays with our annual, all-congregational music service. Let us welcome the solstice; let us welcome Hanukkah; let us welcome Christmas in this season where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-10 12/21/25 Solstice Reflections OOS Sermon YouTube Sunday, December 21st: Solstice Reflections. How does the imperceptible planetary shift toward the sun on this day nurture our spiritual lives? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. 12/22/25 Evening Vespers OOS Sermon YouTube 7 PM: Monday, December 22nd: Evening Vespers Service. In a season busy with ‘bright and merry’, we may also find ourselves sitting with sadness, grief, and pain in body or spirit. Join us as we pause in the quiet to acknowledge and support each other in bearing these burdens. We invite you to bring your chalice from home, where we will light it for the service. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi, Paula Baker, and Ellen Williams. 12/24/25 Silent Night, Holy Night. OOS Sermon YouTube 5 PM: Wednesday, December 24th: Silent Night, Holy Night. Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:00 PM. Beautiful music, timeless stories, and more. Anything might happen!!! Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh Pawelek. 12/28/25 Reflections and Hopes OOS Sermon YouTube One service at 10 AM: Sunday, December 28th: Reflections and Hopes. Join us at 10 AM for shared reflections on the year gone by and our hopes for the upcoming year. Coordinators: Gianna DiMaiolo and Kate Kimmerle. 1/4/26 Resistance OOS Sermon YouTube Sunday, January 4th: Resistance! A new year arrives. Rev. Josh considers our January ministry theme, resistance. The UU folk-rock band Meetinghouse provides the music! A potent mix indeed! Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Death Cafe Death Cafe Tuesday, December 23rd at 1:00 P.M. UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, December 23rd at 1:00 P.M. Death Cafe is a global movement with a simple goal: to provide participants in any stage of life with an opportunity for an open-ended discussion about death and dying. There is no formal agenda, but there is tea, cake, and a comfortable place to discuss this issue that will touch all of us at some point in our lives. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast-12-10 Death Cafe Tuesday, December 23rd at 1:00 P.M. UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, December 23rd at 1:00 P.M. Death Cafe is a global movement with a simple goal: to provide participants in any stage of life with an opportunity for an open-ended discussion about death and dying. There is no formal agenda, but there is tea, cake, and a comfortable place to discuss this issue that will touch all of us at some point in our lives. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast -12-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. eBlast for December 10th Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone : 860.646.5151 Sign up here to receive the full eBlast by email Weekly News December 10, 2025 ------------------------------ Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East Email our office t o receive a visitor packet or to find out more. We schedule several newcomer events throughout the year after Sunday services. ------------------------------ Sunday Service: "Where the Light Begins" This morning, we celebrate the holidays with our annual, all-congregational music service. Let us welcome the solstice; let us welcome Hanukkah; let us welcome Christmas in this season where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 14, 2025 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 the November 30th service, "Choosing Hope." ------------------------------ CYM News Do you feel comfortable talking about your personal spiritual practice? Would you be willing to come in to the 2nd-5th grade classroom to explore big questions with our young UUs, with the support of seasoned classroom teachers? If so, please reach out to the Director of Children & Youth Ministry at dcym@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Verplanck Giving Tree NOW through December 14th Let's brighten the holidays for our friends at Verplanck Elementary. The Giving Tree will be set up in the lobby after each service on November 23 and 30 . Stop by to choose a "wish list tag" for one of the students. Typically, gifts are around $30. Deadline is December 14 to return the wrapped present and original tag . We're also buying $25 Stop & Shop grocery cards for families. You can donate by check (put Verplanck in the memo line) or in cash (in an envelope marked with your name and Verplanck). Annie will order cards in bulk. Questions? Call Nancy Pappas at 860-646-5151. Want to help Verplanck students in another way? The Verplanck Tutoring project could use three or four more volunteers to spend one hour per week helping kindergarten and first grade students learn to read. Most urgently, they hope to find two people who can jump in from now through the beginning of December. It's a structured one-on-one program with excellent teacher support, so please consider helping out. Email Nancy Pappas at uuseoffice@uuse.org or text 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ UU History Trip to Boston During his November 16th UU history sermon, Rev. Josh mentioned a recent trip to Boston and Concord, MA with this year's Affirmation class. That got me thinking, why not offer a similar trip for the adult members of the congregation, both new and old, who would like to visit these historic places? Rev. Josh was very supportive of the idea provided there is enough interest and if a few of us are willing to work together to organize the logistics. If this is something that interests you, please email me--Jackie Muschiano--at uuseoffice@uuse.org . ------------------------------ MACC Christmas Mitten/Gloves Drive! December at UUSE The Manchester Area Conference of Churches has put out a call for mittens and gloves in all sizes. UUSE is going to formally re-establish our holiday Mitten Tree. During the month of December, please bring mittens and gloves to decorate the Christmas tree in the UUSE sanctuary. For more information, contact Diana Creamer at (860) 648-9546. ------------------------------ Puzzle Me This The Strategic Plan Task Force is just starting the work needed to update UUSE's Vision and Mission Statements (previously revised in 2011) -- read the original plan here -- in addition to creating a new strategic plan to meet set goals of interest to the congregation. To kick off this congregational work and to start some brainstorming, try the following challenge: can you complete this crossword puzzle with some key pieces from the previous 2011 Strategic Plan? Enjoy the interactive puzzle and the opportunity to start thinking about new goals as we look to the future. The task force will present more information and discuss ideas with the congregation around this work in the coming months. ------------------------------ Building Reserve Fund Dear UUSE Members and Friends The UUSE Policy Board and Building and Grounds Committee are establishing a task force to create an ongoing "Building Reserve Fund" campaign. As our beloved meetinghouse matures, upgrades and repairs are estimated to exceed the capacity of the general fund to support. In order to maintain the beauty, safety and reliability of our meetinghouse, it is essential that we begin increasing our building reserves. Our task force will provide more details in the coming year, but in the meantime, we would like to offer an opportunity to support this initiative in the 2025 tax year. Donations should be identified for the Building Reserve Fund and forwarded to the UUSE office. Please reach out to Trisha Corey-Lisle (UUSE President) or Laurel Hennebury (B&G Chair) for additional information. If you would like to be part of the Building Reserve Fund Task Force, please let Trisha or Laurel know. Thank you to everyone in advance for donations and generosity of volunteering time. Trisha Corey-Lisle Laurel Hennebury ------------------------------ Ladies at Lunch Friday, December 12 at Georgina's Restaurant The next Ladies Lunch will be held on Friday, December 12 at noon at the festively decorated Georgina's Restaurant, 275 Boston Turnpike in Bolton. Do join us if you can - everyone is welcome! If you plant to attend, please let Sharon Huber know by Thursday afternoon, December 11: uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ HSYG Holiday Bake Sale Sunday, December 14th after each service Please join us on Sunday, December 14th after each service in the main lobby to support the High School Youth Group Holiday Bake Sale! Proceeds will be shared between the HSYG activity fund and the UUSE general fund. Contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org with questions. ------------------------------ Death Cafe Tuesday, December 23rd at 1:00 P.M. UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, December 23rd at 1:00 P.M. Death Cafe is a global movement with a simple goal: to provide participants in any stage of life with an opportunity for an open-ended discussion about death and dying. There is no formal agenda, but there is tea, cake, and a comfortable place to discuss this issue that will touch all of us at some point in our lives. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Upcoming Holiday and Seasonal Services Evening Vespers Service : Monday, December 22nd at 7:00 P.M. - In a season busy with 'bright and merry', we may also find ourselves sitting with sadness, grief, and pain in body or spirit. Join us as we pause in the quiet to acknowledge and support each other in bearing these burdens. We invite you to bring your chalice from home, where we will light it for the service. Silent Night, Holy Night: Wednesday, December 24th at 5:00 P.M. - Join us for Christmas Eve worship with beautiful music, timeless stories, and more. Anything might happen!!! Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the offertory collection will be given to the Minister's Discretionary Fund. Reflections and Hopes: Sunday, December 28th, one service only at 10:00 A.M. - Join us for shared reflections on the year gone by and our hopes for the upcoming year. ------------------------------ Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the months of November and December , please contact Laurie Semprebon . ------------------------------ Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! There’s Always Something Good Going On Stop & Shop Gift Card sales after services on 1st Sundays Fair Trade Coffee/Tea/Chocolate sales after services on 2nd Sundays Yoga , every Wednesday at 10 A.M. All welcome! Manchester Women's Singing Circle , every Thursday at 7 P.M. Book Lovers , 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30 P.M. in person and on Zoom. Women's Circle , 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M. (Zoom only December through March) Email Nora Alpers-Leon at uuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Romeos , a monthly lunch for retired men on second Tuesdays - contact the UUSE office to be put on the email list. Ladies at Lunch , a monthly women's lunch typically on second Thursdays - advertised in the weekly eblasts. Buddhist Group , 1st Tuesdays at 7 P.M. NEW! Meditation Group , 3rd Mondays, 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. God Talk , 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Humanist Group , 3rd Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Science and Religion Discussion Group , 4th Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. November/Dec - "Origin Myths" with Jackie Muschiano -- Due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, meeting is on December 11th. ------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------ UUSE Links and Information • Monthly Newsletter • Website • Previous Sunday Services • Children & Youth Ministry • Facebook • New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association uuse.org • 860-646-5151 ------------------------------

Reverend Josh Pawelek's monthly column, a message of meaning and hope. Minister's Column for December 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: I’ve been trying to prepare for our December ministry theme, hope. Full disclosure: though I experience myself as a hopeful person, the words aren’t coming—at least not yet, not in the middle of November when this column is due!! So I am borrowing liberally from a previous sermon I wrote on hope. These words are working for me! I hope they work for you. Hope is certainly an appropriate theme for December, the “darkest” month, the month in which so many festivals of light take place; the month in which so many lights symbolize hope at the darkest time of the year. I suspect there is something deep in our cultural DNA that yearns for light in the midst of darkness. I suspect our ancient human ancestors—especially those in the northern latitudes—experienced winter as a difficult time, a time of hunger, a time of worry—will we survive? The return of the sun at the Winter Solstice must have been a powerful and inspiring moment, one that generated profound hope in human hearts—the days are getting longer; we’re going to make it! I sense this deeper, ancient yearning at the heart of the Biblical Christmas story. I sense it at the heart of the Hanukkah story. I sense it at the heart of the Christmas tree ritual—a pagan ritual—the placing of an evergreen inside the home, decorating it, lighting it—an enduring symbol of hope at the darkest time of the year. Yet I also recognize that many people just don’t feel hopeful right now. As you’ve heard me say many times, we are living in an age of authoritarianism. For this reason, and others, hope is difficult to find. There are techniques for cultivating hope in an era of increasing hopelessness. In her 2010 book, The Gifts of Imperfection, the popular researcher/social worker/storyteller, Brené Brown, says, “hope is not an emotion; it's a way of thinking or a cognitive process. Emotions play a supporting role, but hope is really a thought process made up of [a] trilogy of goals, pathways, and agency.” Hope happens when “1) we have the ability to set realistic goals (I know where I want to go); 2) we are able to figure out how to achieve those goals, including the ability to stay flexible and develop alternative routes (I know how to get there, I'm persistent, and I can tolerate disappointment and try again); and 3) we believe in ourselves (I can do this!).” This may seem obvious to many of us, but there’s an important reminder here: hope can be learned! I like that. If you are among those who find it difficult to feel hopeful—and even if you aren’t—I have a threefold prayer for you. First, may the hope of this season wash over you, lift your spirits, connect you to that ancient experience of witnessing the sun’s return. Second, in this dark season, may you step back from the busyness of everyday life, engage in self-reflection, and discern where it is you want to go and how to get there. Third, may you believe in yourself. Or perhaps I can sum up this prayer in one short sentence: May you hope! With love, care and hope, Rev. Josh #DecemberNewsletter