Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East
Sunday Services at 9:00 and 11:00
Sunday Services Schedule
February Ministry Theme: Inclusion
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, February 2: Turning. Six weeks beyond the winter solstice, we begin the long spiritual turn toward spring. In what ways are you turning? In what ways are we turning? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
Sunday, February 9: Desperate but disciplined - What if we let our hearts break for the world and started from there? Join us in worship with guest speaker and climate activist Reverend Kendra Ford, an Organizer with 350 New Hampshire Action. Kendra served for over 20 years as the UU minister at First UU Society of Exeter. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle
Sunday, February 16: On Inclusion. Our February ministry theme is inclusion. Rev. Josh will speak about inclusion in light of trends both within the Unitarian Universalist Association, and within the United States. We also welcome new members into our congregation. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
Sunday, February 23: Inclusion and Exclusion. Learn how inclusion and exclusion can impact you. Coordinators: Anne Vogel and Ellen Williams
Sunday, March 2: Annual Appeal Kick-Off. This morning we kick off our 2024 Annual Appeal. Rev. Josh will offer thoughts on our current financial position and how your generous financial pledge to UUSE will make a wonderful difference in the life of our congregation. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
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Community Outreach Ministry
Charitable Giving for February
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 between:
- Manchester’s African American and Black Affairs Council
Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org, David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at nuuseoffice@uuse.org.
Checks made out to UUSE will be treated as follows. 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.
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2024/2025 Ministry Themes
September: Invitation
October: Deep Listening
November: Repair
December: Presence
January: Story
February: Inclusion
March: Trust
April: Joy
May: Imagination
June: Freedom
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Minister's Column
Dear Ones:
I’m writing this column a few days after the inauguration of Donald Trump to the United States presidency, which happened on January 20th, the same day as annual Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. As some of you know, UUSE and Moral Monday CT held a “prophetic listening” session on that day. We organized this session in alignment with Repairers of the Breach, a national organization that trains activists and leaders in social justice movements. It’s been a few years since Bishop John Selders and Pamela Selders of Moral Monday CT have joined us at UUSE for a program like this. It was good to be in their presence. Even so, it was difficult to listen to the inaugural speech. As I said in my remarks on Sunday the 19th, much of the agenda that President Trump and the new Congress are pursuing directly contradicts some of Unitarian Universalism’s most prominent public commitments. These include commitments to racial and economic justice, to environmental stewardship, to GLBTQ people and communities, to democratic institutions and processes, to the humane treatment of immigrants, and more. We are understandably upset.
It was good to be among friends. It was difficult to listen.
At the prophetic listening session, and in conversations with many of you and others in the wider community these past few weeks, I have been struck by all the ways despair and hope intermingle in our hearts. While I never want to downplay or ignore the despair we are feeling in response to national events—it is certainly very real—it remains my intention to focus as much as I can on the sources of hope. Maybe focus a little less on what the president and his followers are saying and doing, and focus a little more on pursuing important, life-giving, justice-seeking, community-building ministries with our friends and partners. That feels hopeful.
Our ministry theme for February is inclusion. This strikes me as a critical theme for us given that much of the messaging coming out of Washington feels very exclusive. What can we do as a congregation to make sure we maintain a welcoming, hospitable and inclusive congregational community, especially for those who are currently under attack? That feels like a hopeful question to me. I am planning to explore this question more deeply in my February 16th sermon, which I am currently calling “On Inclusion.” (My sermon titles often change once I start writing!)
After twenty-five years in ministry, I’ve learned enough to know that our discussions of inclusivity are not only about who feels welcome and shows up on Sunday mornings. While that matters immensely, our discussions of inclusivity are also about who we support in the wider community, who we partner with in our various ministries, and who regards us as a reliable ally in the work of social, economic and environmental justice. In short, who are our friends?
And maybe that’s as good a place to end as any, with the reminder that it’s good to be among friends. Indeed, if we’re looking for sources of hope in these troubled times, certainly one place to find it is among friends.
With love and faith,
Rev. Josh Pawelek
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President's Column
Dear Friends,
The most divine love……
February is the month we celebrate love on Valentine's Day. “Love” is a big word with multiple meanings.
In spiritual contexts “the most divine love” is usually defined as a selfless, unconditional love given freely without expectation of anything in return. This is often called “agape”, and it is considered the highest form of love. Many people may conceptualize the giving and receiving of selfless love as involving their belief of a god. Only a deity could have such a pure love, and the highest human aspiration is to give selfless love. Indeed the concept of a “loving god” or being “loved by god” could simply be a symbolic expression of agape.
Leigh Hunt wrote this beautiful verse about such love.
Abou Ben Adhem
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lilly in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What writes thou?”—The vision raised its head,
and with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”
“And is mine one?” said Abou, “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel.
Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said,”I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”
The angel wrote, and vanished.
The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
Peggy Webbe, President
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Director of Children & Youth Ministry Column
Thought Exercises for The Times
I’d like to guide you through an experimental exercise. Think of a short list of spaces that you feel most comfortable in. Try to come up with 3-5 places. Your home or different spaces in your home may be included. And try to get some other spaces on the list too. Maybe a library, a café, outdoor park, a friend’s house, garage, a bakery, social circle or club. There are no rules, just whatever comes to mind. Where do you feel most comfortable, with “comfortable” being defined as feeling safe, with the proper amount of stimulation for you, where you may even feel blissful. Where do you head for a quick getaway or bit of “me time”? I know, it’s not always possible to conjure up, and that’s ok. But if you are able, or simply curious, I encourage you to try. Where do you seek sanctuary?
Next I invite you to list what your senses experience in those spaces. Don’t overthink it. Just list in your mind, out loud, or on a piece of paper – whatever feels good. Maybe it’s hard to pick what exactly makes you feel good when you’re there, that’s ok. What does it feel like to have your nervous system soothed, your brain firing at a satisfying pace, to feel lightness and ease in your body? What adjectives would you use to describe that feeling?
Visit those places on a loop in your mind if you can. What do you see? What do you smell? An aroma of a recently cooked meal or brewed cup of coffee? Sunshine on animal fur? Soil and rain? What do you hear? The music of your glory days? Laughter? Buzzing from the lights? Continue through all five senses and highlight your answers, literally or figuratively. I invite you to take a deep breath in, hold gently, and let it out until you’re empty. Repeat as many times as you might need.
Now, I invite you to float your previous answers in your mind, and ask yourself the following questions: If you were creating a space for a loved one - what would you prepare and provide there? A soft blanket? A tea and cracker selection? A provocative movie to occupy their mind? What if your guest was a child - what would you add? What if your guest were disabled - what would you change? What if your guest spoke a different language - how might you welcome them? What if your guest had just received devastating news - what would you offer? I invite you to draw from your previous answers. What might you feel able to offer others in one of our shared sacred spaces, UUSE of course. You could think of the building itself, the rooms within it, or the space UUSE occupies in your life. What would feel good in your body to offer there? What do you need from the UUSE “space” in order to add it to your list of comfortable spaces? If UUSE is already on your list, what needs to be nurtured and protected in order to keep it on your list?
In my view, what we need now is to love one another and offer Radical Hospitality for those who are in need of a comfortable space. When it comes to teaching OUR children of UUSE, the most important lesson we can provide them, is to show them how we show up and come together in challenging times. This instills resilience, purpose, empathy, and hope in children and youth. They are always watching what we do, what we don’t do, and they will use those lessons as a guide map for shaping the future of the community of Earth. We can make our ancestors and our children proud. We can be the light we wish to see in the world. Let’s do it, together.
Emmy Galbraith (she/her/hers)
Director of Children and Youth Ministry
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Upcoming Events
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Classical Trio Concert
February 2, 4 PM at UUSE
UUSE is pleased to host a classical concert featuring the world premiere of Serenade by New York City composer, Bruce Lazarus, a trio for oboe, cello and piano. The performers, Kurt Kaufman (cello), Emily Ferguson (oboe), and Bruce Lazarus (piano) will also perform compositions by Bach and Benjamin Britton. All are welcome. Bring the family and enjoy this wonderful performance on Sunday afternoon, February 2nd at 4 pm. $20 free-will donation, $10 for students, under 12 are free. No one turned away. Contact 860-646-5151 or info@uuse.org
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High School Youth Group Soup Fundraiser!
The High School Youth Group is holding a soup fund raiser to benefit UUSE and the High School Youth Group’s activities. Soup will be sold via pre-orders. Orders are due by Friday, Feb 21.
To place an order, please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org, go to https://forms.gle/MxPj9NWuL83yrS586 or scan the QR code.
Options are:
- Vegan & Gluten Free option: Chickpea Soup with Rosemary & Garlic
- Vegetarian: Broccoli Cheddar soup
- Meat: Potato Bacon soup
Frozen soup orders will be available for pick up in the lobby after both services on Sunday March 2, 2025. A $5 minimum donation per pint is due at pick up. We will accept credit cards, cash or checks.
Please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org with any questions. Proceeds will be split between UUSE and the HSYG. Thank you for your support!
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Annual Appeal 2025
Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Strengthen Our Connection.” As we confront uncertainty about our future, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to each other and to communities of faith committed to justice work. This idea is especially resonant this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our UUSE community of faith where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal.
Rev. Josh will kick off the 2025 Annual Appeal with the March 2 Sunday service. Each member and friend will receive a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026). This year we again 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 16, a steward will contact you. The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6.
In our forthcoming letter, we describe financial challenges we continue to face that with your creativity and generosity, we can overcome. This is what makes us a resilient and thriving community. 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, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes and Phil Sawyer
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Stewarding Opportunity!
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 3 or 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!
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 20 – April 4, 2025.
We will provide training on Tuesday evening, February 25 or Saturday morning, March 1, 2025. Specific times will follow.
Please email Phil Sawyer at uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151 if you are willing to help or have any questions.
Our Annual Appeal occurs from March 2 – April 4, 2025.
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Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here.
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UUSE: Our History
In 2024 we began a bi-monthly newsletter article that highlights a brief bit of UUSE’s past activities, challenges, accomplishments, publicity and more. Below are a few old news articles featuring our congregation and a few of its members (that you may recognize!).
If you have an idea for this newsletter article, please let Peggy Webbe (uuseoffice@uuse.org) know and we can collaborate on something fun share with the congregation.
Peggy Webbe, President
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Green Sanctuary News
By the time you read this the new administration in DC will be in full swing. Among the many concerns we have, are fears of what will happen to climate change and environmental justice and protection efforts going forward, as well as to previously approved funds and policies. We don’t yet know what we will be able to do at the national level. However, our state has many related needs and opportunities.
Many important legislative efforts will need our support to have a chance of passing this year. And our state legislators are easy to reach. Hopefully you took home three post cards after the January 26 service and prepared them with a basic message to the governor and your state representative and senator. The message was to ask them to expand energy conservation and clean energy projects during this year’s legislative session.
We all know our state has many needs and problems to solve. But the dangers from climate change and related issues are constantly growing. 15 years ago our state was a leader in efforts to combat climate change and prepare us for what’s ahead, but now we are slipping behind other New England states. Your voice is needed!
Organizations such as those listed below are CT based or have CT chapters and can help you understand the issues and express your opinions on various climate and environmental needs and efforts, and some are very good at giving us timely updates as bills move between committees and to a final vote. That way you can send messages at the most important points. Please join one or more and help lift your voice to turn awareness of needs into laws that work!
- Connecticut League of Conservation Voters - CTLCV https://www.ctlcv.org/
- Interreligious Environmental Justice Network – IREJN https://irejn.org/
- Citizens Climate Lobby – CCL https://citizensclimatelobby.org/
- Third Act - https://thirdact.org/connecticut/
- Sierra Club - https://www.connecticut.sierraclub.org/
UUSE was the first accredited Green Sanctuary in CT and still the only recertified congregation. As of 2020 at least 30% of all UU congregations are Green Sanctuaries, 5 of which are in CT. But now UUA has revised and begun a new version called Green Sanctuary 2030. The Sustainable Living Committee endorses this new project but needs new people to take on the leadership of such a project. Does this interest you? We welcome anyone interested in this or other projects of the Sustainable Living Committee to join us for our monthly zoom meeting on second Tuesdays at 7:00 PM. Let Anne Vaughan, uuseoffice@uuse.org know so you can receive an agenda and zoom link for the next meeting.
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Join Us in Activities at UUSE!
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Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here.
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UUSE Coffeehouse
Sign up starts at 6 PM-- performances will start at 6:30 PM
UUSE's monthly coffeehouse opens its 24th season. Sign up starts at 6 PM -- performances will start at 6:30 PM. Poets, singers, songwriters, storytellers, bagpipers, and performers of all kinds may sign up for a 10-minute or two-song slot. Non-performing audience members are warmly welcomed. We provide the coffee -- BYO food or libations
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Ladies at Lunch
Join us Friday, February 14, for lunch at Siam, Welles Street next to Whole Foods in Glastonbury. We meet at noon. Everyone is welcome! If you can attend, please RSVP to Sharon Huber by Wednesday afternoon, January 8th: uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151.
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New Member Sunday
February 16, 9:00 and 11:00 AM
Have you taken the Intro to UU class?
Would you like to become a member of UUSE? If yes, please contact Carole Boster or Janet Dauphin at
If you have any questions, please contact Janet or Carole, or Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org.
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Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair
Jan – Feb: Sid Soderholm
Mar – Apr: Laurie Semprebon
May – Jun: Anne Stowe
Back-up Gene Sestero
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UUSE Directory
Dear Members and Long-Time Friends, if you haven't received a copy of the picture directory, please email Annie at uuseoffice@uuse.org, and she'll send you a digital copy. Please note: The directory contains pictures only -- no addresses, phone or email info. Copies of the regular annual directory are available on the Welcome Table.
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Women's Circle
3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M. - Zoom only from December through March
Nora Alpers-Leon leads a women's circle with a chance for women to share and listen without judgement and to support one another. Bring a pen, journal and your beautiful self! Contact Nora at uuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link.
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Books, Classes, and Discussions
Adult Religious Education
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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.
- February 11, 2025: Mad Honey by Jodi Poucoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. Discussion leader: Martha Larson
- March 11, 2025: North Woods by Daniel Mason. DIscussion leader: Lesley Schurmann
- April 15, 2025: Hamnet - A Novel of the Plague by Maggie O'Farrell. Discussion leader: Margo Van Kuren
- May 13, 2025: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See. Discussion leader: Chris Sanders
- June 9, 2025: Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese. Discussion leader: Jan Knotts
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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.
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Buddhist Group
The Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month 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.
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Humanist Group
3rd Tuesdays 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.
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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.
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Science and Religion Discussion Group
Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition?
Meet at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom.
- Feb - 27 - "Human Consciousness into Robots" led by Jessey Ina-Lee.
- Mar. 27 - "Lucid Dreaming" - Chris Larson
- April 24 - " Overpopulation" - Heli Roy
Contact Linda Duncan for the Zoom link.
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Women's Sacred Singing Circle
Every Thursday at 7 PM
We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women.
Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community!
For more information visit Meetup.
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Newsletter Submissions
Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.orgor use this publicity form. Deadline for the Newsletter is the 20th of each month.
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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: Peggy Webbe, 860-646-5151, uuseoffice@uuse.org
Newsletter Editor: Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, newsletter@uuse.org
Website Coordinator:uuse.web@uuse.orgUUSE Website:https://www.uuse.org
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#FebruaryNewsletter
