Unitarian Universalist Society: East (UUS:E) is a welcoming community of over 300 members and friends. We have been the beacon of liberal religion east of the Connecticut River for over fifty years. To read about our origins and a brief history, click here. Our members represent many theological perspectives: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, Buddhist, humanist, atheist, agnostic, and none of the above. We are a “community of communities”, led by a strong lay leadership. Our many communities provide opportunities for members and friends to be involved more deeply with the life of our congregation, based on their passions and interests. Some of these communities are listed below.
Shared Ministry – We have a full-time minister who guides Sunday services with the help of the Sunday Services Committee. The Sunday Services Committee also coordinates lay-led services, which provide an opportunity for members and friends to contribute to Sunday morning services. Our minister also provides pastoral care and support with the help of the Pastoral Care Committee.
Social Justice – Our UU principles call us to action — respecting the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another; the right of conscience; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. We support Black Lives Matter and are members of the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA). More information.
Welcoming Congregation – We are recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) as a Welcoming Congregation. As such, we promote welcome and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, inter-sexed, queer, and questioning people from all walks of life. More information about Welcoming Congregation.
Environmental Justice – Our Seventh Principle, “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part, ”calls us to care for the Earth”. We are justifiably proud of the Energy Star rating for our recently renovated and expanded meetinghouse. We have been designated as a Green Sanctuary by the UUA. Our Sustainability Committee promotes eco-friendly practices throughout our UUS:E programming. More information about the Sustainability Committee.
Learning Opportunities — We provide a spirited program of religious education for children and youth. More information about our professionally led Religious Education program.
Additionally, we provide many opportunities for adults to engage in community with others who have similar interests or who just want to learn more. These programs include Book Lovers Book Club, Mental Health Ministries, Politics and Public Affairs, Yoga, Science and Religion, Small Group Ministry, Spiritual Art Play, and a number of discussion groups that focus on different theological perspectives (Buddhist, theist, pagans, humanist). More information about our Adult Religious Education programs. Other ways to get involved are with the Retired Men’s Group (ROMEOSs) or our “Fun”d raisers: the Holiday Fair and the Goods and Services Auction.
Music – There are many ways to participate in the musical life of the congregation: choir for adults and children, instrumental performances, Women’s Singing Circle, music salon, “piano bash,” and much more. More information about opportunities in music.
