Sunday Services Schedule

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April Ministry Theme: Joy

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 30th: The Truth About Trust AC.

Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson

Sunday, April 6th: Poetry & Joy as Acts of Resistance. " Joy is an act of resistance." We hear this phrase a lot these days, and it serves as an important reminder that finding joy in the midst of turmoil is a powerful form of defiance and protest. There are many avenues to joy, and poetry is one of them. Today, in honor of National Poetry Month, several members of the congregation will share how they find joy and strength in poetry. Coordinators: Gina Campellone and Paula Baker

Sunday, April 13th: Gracefully Amazing. This morning we offer a multifaceted exploration of the hymn Amazing Grace. We’ll experience different musical approaches to this hymn, and we’ll probe its history and lyrics for spiritual guidance. Coordinators: Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek.

Sunday, April 20th: In the Morning, Joy: An Easter Celebration. Don’t miss our annual, all-congregation Easter service. Through music and story, we celebrate Easter and bear witness to the joyful unfolding of spring. Coordinators: Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek.

Sunday, April 27th: Earth Day. In honor of the 55th Earth Day, we welcome Terri Eickel into our pulpit. Ms. Eickel is the Executive Director of Connecticut’s Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, commonly known as IREJN. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Rev. Josh Pawelek.

Sunday, May 4th: Let’s Imagine Together…. Our ministry theme for May is Imagination. Rev. Josh will review what the scientific literature has to say about imagination, and make the case that we all need to use our imagination more frequently! Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.

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Community Outreach Ministry

Charitable Giving for April

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:

• Inter-religious Ecojustice Network

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:

As I write these words, spring is arriving. The signs are all around us. What a wonderful time of year: lengthening daylight hours, warming afternoons, the return of regular birdsong, mud, crocuses and daffodils breaking through the thawing ground, red buds beginning to dot tree branches, that aroma of petrichor after rain. Even the stray carpenter ant traipsing across the floor at UUSE is a wonderful sign of spring (though we’ll have to watch that!)

I also love the contours of our spring liturgical life at UUSE—the way spring-themed words and music make their way into our Sunday services (“Morning Has Broken,” “I thank you God for most this Amazing Day, “O Life That Maketh All Things New”). There’s a familiar, comforting rhythm to our congregational life in spring: our Easter music service, our celebration of Earth Day, Mayfair (our newest UUSE tradition), Flower Communion and Annual Meeting on the third Sunday of May, Affirmation in early June, Children and Youth Ministry Sunday in mid-June. Yes, there’s a familiar, comforting rhythm to it all. I hope it’s as meaningful to you as it is to me.

As I reflect more deeply, I notice a familiar, comforting feeling beneath the surface: joy! I notice excitement and anticipation. I notice a lightness of being that wasn’t there just a few weeks ago. I notice new reserves of energy that weren’t there in late February. Yes, joy! Maybe I associate this time of year with fond memories from childhood: the Easter Bunny will visit soon. Little league baseball will begin soon. Rehearsals for end-of-year band and orchestra concerts are underway. And of course, the lengthening, warming days would have meant opportunities to be outside in the woods with friends for hours on end, playing, exploring, imagining.

I need this joy in my life. How about you? So much of what is happening in our nation and our world is heavy, is frightening, is painful, is demoralizing. Though we can’t stop it, there are actions we can take and ways we can live that help us to stay safe, healthy, resilient and engaged. And for me, finding joy, feeling joy, expressing joy is essential. Having joy in my life helps me stay focused and clear about what I can do to make a difference in response to all that is happening. Finding joy, feeling joy, expressing joy reminds me I am human, reminds me I inhabit a body that needs care and nurture. Finding joy reminds me that whatever heavy, frightening, painful, demoralizing things happen in the wider world, they can’t rob me of my humanity. Maybe that’s why joy matters: our joy is a proclamation of our humanity. Yes, I think that’s it.

Our ministry theme for April is joy. I urge you, through the course of this month and beyond, to pursue what gives you joy. Find your joy, and let it proclaim your humanity.

With love, care, and joy,

Rev. Josh Pawelek

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President's Column

"Suddenly I saw not horns, but the eyes of a bull.” Alvaro (Matador) We (human beings) have complicated relationships with animals. We love and treasure some animals and consider them family. At the same time, we disregard, use and even brutalize many animals.

I recall visiting a farm in Viet Nam and observing a dog being raised to be food. I walked over and looked in his eyes. He seemed gentle, but had a quizzical look. As he pondered me, he seemed to be thinking, "Who are you? I don’t understand your species. You have such power and intelligence, but why are you so cruel?”. At this moment the tour guide walked over to me and cautioned….” these dogs are fierce …don’t get too close!” I appreciated his caution, but felt ill at ease. My experience mirrored the story I've heard about Alvaro, the famous matador, as he faced the bull in the ring one day... “Suddenly I saw not horns, but the eyes of a bull. He had the same innocence that all animals have in their eyes, he was watching me, begging for help."

Throughout history animals have carried the burden of human survival and advancement. They built our civilizations, carrying the weight of enormous loads on their backs. They were our food, Laika, the stray dog, became the first space explorer (until she died in the overheated rocket). Other examples: the champions of the famed Iditarod are dogs and dogs also solve our crimes with abilities not found in humans. They are food, specimens for study in the development of science, and more and more, not to even mention those who give us love and acceptance when it can’t be found elsewhere.

People are very gifted with an intelligence that has allowed us to dominate other species, but we have mostly treated animals with disregard. It is curious that our crime and justice shows frequently focus on wrongs done to a person, yet the equivalent and worse happen to scores of animals every day, without our notice. Is their anguish and suffering any less poignant than what the human experiences? Albert Schweitzer concluded that “life of any living creature as worthless is in danger also of arriving at the of worthlessness of human ...” He had a prayer for animals "that are overworked, underfed, and cruelly treated, for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars, for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened of hungry; for all those that must be put to death….”. “It doesn’t matter if an animal can reason. It matters only that it is capable of suffering…". Dr. Schweitzer gave us this counsel: “Our task must be to free ourselves, by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” Mahatma Ghandi, another famous humanitarian, said ‘I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man,’

I hope that we will each ponder our relationship with animals and determine how our kindness can be increased.

Peggy Webbe, President

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Director of Children & Youth Ministry Column

The Space Between Winter and Spring

The energetic body becomes very loud right before a death. It could be the death of a habit, a pattern, or a physical body. The body is scared because it doesn't know what’s on the other side of the death. The dying sounds like alarm bells, frightening blood work, doubting thoughts. Plants wilt, yellow, and decay.

My pagan spiritual beliefs ensure me that after a death there is rebirth, as natural as sleeping and waking. This is fitting with the Spring Equinox upon us. I feel death loudly right now, with deafening silence heard through other places than the ear. Hospice nurses report a supreme peace that takes hold at the moment a death occurs. It may be a fraction of a second, or it may be the gift of hours or even days. Science and medicine mark the point of death in different ways, by brain function, heartbeat, breath. I'm defining death here as the moment the energy leaves its past host.

There is a pause, a stillness, that point in between death and birth where all that exists is source. In yoga it is that space between the inhale and exhale. Its that place we eagerly try to access throughout our lives, or perhaps play hide-and-seek with, from one life to the next, from one season to another.

When the birth of a being happens, there is a cry once again. A baby's first scream is a universal sign of health and hope, and life. Still a scream, but treated with such different emotion and meaning than the scream of death. In this magical space between Winter and Spring, may we be as brave as a child with the urge to claim their life. May we embrace it with fertile minds and bodies to grow what we need this Spring, for ourselves and our communities. May we use this moment to connect with source and manifest. This is my Springtime blessing for us all.

Emmy Galbraith (she/her/hers)

Director of Children and Youth Ministry

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Upcoming Events

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UUSE Author Event With S.J. Taylor

Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 PM

“The more a story is forbidden, the more it demands to be told…”

New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True, a children’s fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. Twelve-year-old Madsi is searching for her older sister, who has been kidnapped by the Northern Lights. Madsi sets off on a journey to rescue her sister, joined by a very annoying neighbor boy and a magical girl who lives in the Lights. She is also the author of “The Witch of Festa Falls” in the Being Ace anthology—a short story likewise steeped in Norwegian folklore and featuring Birga, who grows up to become the village witch in Madsi the True.

Ms. Taylor will read from Madsi the True and discuss her work. Copies of all her books will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to UUSE.

This event is co-sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees.

Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 West Vernon St., Manchester, CT

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Getting to Know You Gathering

Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m.

The UUSE Membership Committee is pleased to invite you to a "getting to know you" gathering on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m. at the Manchester Land Trust property, 330 Bush Hill Road, Manchester. We will welcome newer members and friends who have attended services and the Introduction to UU sessions or other programming, including our children’s religious education classes.

Join us for a nature walk and good conversation. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome to bring a favorite poem or saying to share. Manchester town historian Susan Barlow will lead our walk, and there will be members of various committees to chat with you.

Rain date April 27. Children are welcome. Parking is plentiful. To register, please contact Annie Gentile in the church office at UUSEoffice@uuse.org no later than Thursday, April 24.

Manchester Land Trust property, 330 Bush Hill Road, Manchester.

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Intro to UU

Sunday, April 27, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, UUSE Chapel or Zoom

Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our Intro to UU Session.

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 24. (Let us know if you need childcare.)

Questions? Please contact Janet Dauphin or Carole Boster at membership@uuse.org.

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A Concert for Two Pianos

Sunday, April 27, at 3PM

Come hear the two UUSE Steinway grands in a blockbuster program of duo piano works by Mozart, Liszt, and Gershwin, performed by virtuosos Paul Bisaccia and Corbin Beisner

UUSE Meetinghouse, 153 West Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT.

The suggested donation is $15 but no one will be turned away.

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Join us for Mayfair

10 AM to 2 PM Saturday, May 3, on the UUSE grounds.

There'll be a Beltane ritual, plus fun, food, community and many other activities!

• Bottle and Can Drive, 9 AM to 1 PM, organized by the UUSE youth group. Bring your returnable bottles and cans. Proceeds will be split between the youth group and the congregation.
• Summer tag sale. Donate your good-condition used games, gardening tools, patio furniture, and more, and check out what's available. More information below.
• Committee Activities
• Musical performances
• Soulfully Vegan food truck
• Meet an alpaca
• Bike rodeo
• Bake sale
• Hang out with old friends, and make some new friends!
• Get the poster here!

Schedule of Events so far….

• 11:00 Beltane Ritual (Memorial Garden)
• 12:00 Musical performances begin

For the Beltane Ritual Please Bring:

Two “clooties” (prayer ribbons) to tie on the May Trees in the Memorial Garden. What are clooties? Cut two strips of cloth from a piece of old, beloved clothing (which carries your energy in it). One clootie will be used for a personal intention, the other as a prayer for peace in the world.

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Summer Themed Tag Sale

Saturday, May 3rd, in conjunction with the Mayfair

At this year’s Mayfair celebration we’ll be offering a summer themed tag sale to raise money for our beloved UUSE. We’ll be offering anything related to summer: Gardening tools and equipment, sports equipment, pool and patio items, outdoor games, bird baths, etc. Think “outside” and that’s what we’re looking for!

So start that spring cleaning and put your items aside for our May 3rd tag sale! Contact Deb Gould or Sandy Karosi for more information.

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Annual Bottle and Can Drive Fundraiser

Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 am to 1 pm in conjunction with the Mayfair

PLEASE NOTE: the drive will end 1 hour earlier than the Mayfair. All proceeds benefit UUS:E, so save up your empties* and help raise money for our community! Watch for the arrows directing you to the drop off point at the front of the building. Contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org with any questions.

*Please be sure to donate only plastic, aluminum or glass bottles and cans that have a CT bottle deposit listed.

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We are looking for help with the Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 am to 1 pm in conjunction with the Mayfair.

Come for an hour or stay the whole time; whatever works for you! We will be sorting and counting bottles and cans for placement into large bags to bring to the redemption center. And we have fun meeting people as folks drop off their bottles and cans! Please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org to sign up to help or with any questions. Thank you in advance!

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New England PRIDE 247-365 Concert

Sunday May 4th, at 3:00PM

New England PRIDE 247-365 will perform an eclectic mix of material spanning the decades, celebrating queer composers, lyricists, poets, icons and women

New England PRIDE 247-365 is an intergenerational collective of queer performers and allies, based in Hartford. They have performed across Connecticut and New York City.

Conceived and directed by Hartford and NYC voice teacher and performer Eric Larivée. A talented array of LGBTQ+ performers and allies will perform an eclectic mix of material spanning the decades, celebrating queer composers, lyricists, poets, icons and women.

New England Pride’s mission is to foster visibility, representation, community and solidarity through performances; creating a safe space for authenticity and ongoing dialogue as well as vital educational outreach to schools, places of worship, and other community arenas.

Our motto is: We sing for those who cannot.

Sunday May 4th, at 3:00PM at Unitarian Universalist Society East. There is a $15 voluntary donation.

For information on auditioning to become a part of the group, participating in a future showcase in Connecticut, New York City or Boston, MA or our Outreach Performance Program, or become involved in any way-

Contact us at: uuseoffice@uuse.org Please follow us on our socials- Facebook- NewEnglandPRIDE247-365 Instagram-pride247_365

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Annual Appeal 2025

Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Strengthen Our Connections.” This idea is especially important this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our community of faith where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. We are grateful for our faith partners in the quest for a more just and caring world.

The Annual Appeal began in March and you should have received 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). The letter and forms are on our website at uuse.org.

We have asked each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return to the church office by April 6. Please consider this a friendly reminder to send your pledge if you haven’t done so. A steward may contact you if we haven’t received your pledge. DON’T FORGET TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TWO CHALLENGE GRANTS AVAILABLE! The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6.

We look forward to your support of UUSE’s mission in the wider community and our day-to-day operation. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes and Phil Sawyer

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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 “Community Suppers” Are Back!

Would you like to be a host?

The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a “Community Supper” at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone (860-646-5151) by April 15 and let her know the date & time you would like to host, and how many guests; she’ll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish; guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts etc.

We’ll put sign-up sheets in the lobby, after each service on April 20 and 27.

Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster uuseoffice@uuse.org.

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UUSE Coffeehouse

Saturday, April 5

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 at noon at Sadler's Ordinary, 61 N. Main Street, Marlborough, on Friday, April 11th. If you will attend, please RSVP to Sharon Huber by Thursday the 10th. Hope to see you there! uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151.

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Come Sing with Us

Do you love to sing? Do you love to have fun? You don't have to audition. If you can sing in your car, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals are on Wednesday at 7:15 P.M. in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 20th. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org

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Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair

PastoralFriends@uuse.org.

Jan – Feb: Sid Soderholm

Mar – Apr: Laurie Semprebon

May – Jun: Anne Stowe

Back-up Gene Sestero

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Potato Curry Recipe

UUSE's Annual Goods and Services Cookoff was a delicious success. Susan Barlow has shared her Potato Curry recipe with us. Thank you Susan.

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Your Rights in Your Pocket

A message from the Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee

All people in the United States have certain rights and protections under the Constitution. Quick-reference pocket cards from the Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. The ILRC cards are available in the meetinghouse lobby in English, Spanish, and Portuguese versions. See https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas for more information and templates in additional languages.

- UUSE Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee

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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.

• 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.

• April 24 - Overpopulation - Heli Roy

Upcoming topics:

• May - Darkness and Light - Open Forum
• June - Gambling - Dick Knotts
• July - Aliens - Chris Sanders
• Aug - Near Death Experiences - Bob Leo
• Sept - Current Theories Around Big Bang - Steve imon
• Oct - Human Evolution/ Spirituality - Andy Ricci

Contact Chris Larson 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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Thank you from the High School Youth Group!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of you who

purchased soup from the HSYG Soup fundraiser! We earned over $600 to

share between HSYG activities and UUSE. We are very grateful for your

support.

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UUSE Directory Changes

Alan and Kathy Ayers no longer have their landline.

Alan's cell: 860-646-5151

Kathy's cell: 860-646-5151

Linda Rohlfs new email: uuseoffice@uuse.org

Eric and Anne Vogel no longer have their landline.

Eric's cell: 860-646-5151

Anne's cell: 860-646-5151

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Newsletter Submissions

Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.org or 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.org UUSE Website:https://www.uuse.org

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