Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East
One Service Only Dec 29th at 10:00AM
Sunday Services Schedule
January Ministry Theme: Story
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.
Tuesday, December 24, 7:00 PM. Silent Night, Holy Night. All congregation Christmas Eve worship. On this sacred eve, we welcome the spirit and magic of Christmas. And we sing! Coordinators: Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek.
Sunday, December 29, one service at 10:00 AM: Lessons from 2024. Speakers: Micah Baxter, Maureen Flanagan, and Pat Eaton-Robb. Coordinators: Martha Larson & Ellen Williams.
Sunday, January 5: On the Road to Positivity. Given the human brain’s capacity to reorganize its synaptic connections—what scientists refer to as neuroplasticity—it should be possible through sustained practice to change our thinking, to transform the tendency toward negative thinking into a much more satisfying, useful and positive encounter with the world. This service was purchased at last year’s goods and services auction by Skip Gatting. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
Sunday, January 12: Telling Our Stories. According to author Madeleine L’Engle, “Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, and more loving.” In this service we explore how telling our own stories and listening to the stories of others can foster the healing, authenticity, understanding, and connection we need so much right now. Coordinators: Paula Baker & Gina Campellone
Sunday, January 19: The Stories We Inherit; The Stories We Pass Down. All Congregational service. In honor of the observation of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday, we reflect on the stories we inherit from the era of the US Civil Rights movement. And we contemplate the stories we will pass on about our own commitments to justice movements in the 21st century. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek
Sunday, January 26: The Power of Protest.
Coordinators: Mary Lawrence & David Klotz
Sunday, February 2: 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. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
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Community Outreach Ministry
Charitable Giving for January
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:
- Moral Monday CT
- Power Up
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:
“Everybody is a story”—words from the spiritual writer and psycho-oncologist, Rachel Naomi Remen, though the concept is not unique to her. These words inspire me every Sunday morning to say “each of our lives tells a story worth knowing.” These words keep coming to me as I begin contemplating our January ministry theme, story. I first encountered them in seminary. Remen’s first book, Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal, was on the syllabus for a class on pastoral care. Many of you have read this book. And even I you haven’t, you’ve heard me quote passages from it regularly over the years.
Remen struggled with her training as a physician, including the way she was taught to view illness. There was always a medical way to treat illness, grounded in the latest scientific research, or in the latest consensus among doctors about best practices. (Good so far.) Practicing medicine required objectivity, required that she maintain a certain emotional distance from her patients. (Not as good.) She noticed over the years that in practicing medicine as she was trained, she was missing the meaning
her patients were attaching to their illnesses. She wasn’t hearing their stories.
I’m not giving away the ending of the book by telling you Remen discovered that listening to her patients’ stories helped in the healing process. Yes, medical treatments matter. But sometimes the medical treatments fail. Sometimes the best practices aren’t enough. Still, even in such instances, even when medical healing was elusive, her patients found different types of healing—emotional, psychological, spiritual—because they were able to share their story with her, or with others in their lives. In sharing their stories, they were known, seen, witnessed, held.
Everybody is a story.
Without a doubt, our bodies matter. And we are always more than our bodies. We are also meaning-filled vessels. That is, we make our way through the world and through our lives by finding meaning in our experiences. We express that meaning through the stories we tell about ourselves—the stories we tell to ourselves and to others.
We sometimes play the game “Two Truths and a Lie” as an icebreaker. In this game, each participant introduces themselves to the group by naming two things about themselves that are true, and one thing that isn’t. The people listening then have to guess which thing is the lie. In the process, we get to know each other a little better. I propose a slightly amended game for our collective life together in January: “Three True Stories.” Think about three stories of events in your life that have been important to you—events that have taught you important life lessons, events that have shaped who you are today. Then, over the course of the month, share them with others from UUSE. At coffee hour, at committee check-ins, while volunteering for the auction, or driving someone to a doctor’s appointment, or at ROMEOS or Ladies at Lunch, etc. Tell your three true stories. And then listen to the stories of others. If you want me to listen, please reach out. I am happy to schedule a time to meet, listen and share.
Everybody is a story. Let’s put that notion into practice this month. We have much to gain.
With love and faith,
Rev. Josh Pawelek
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President's Column
Dear Friends,
For January I am sharing one of my favorite poems. Maybe it was written for me, and maybe for you; regardless it is elevating to the soul.
Invictus By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
Be strong and be kind. Happy New Year,
Peggy Webbe, President
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Director of Children & Youth Ministry Column
Winter
Some years I think a lot about the return of the light, the encouragement gained from added minutes of sunlight day by day. After years of bargaining with seasonal depression and finally making peace with (that part of) my human experience, I’ve been able to get comfortable in the warm, cozy dark - that room inside myself.
When fear is resting I’m able to look around that room and see what’s in there. It’s small and dark with dirt floors and a cast iron cook stove like the one I grew up with. A kettle steams and a rocking chair invites sitting. I’m wearing an apron my mother lovingly picked out for me. The pockets hold herbs planted in the spring, encouraged in the summer, and harvested in the autumn. The herbs have to be held still to be useful now. Intentional hands and a seasoned mind transform them once more, into medicine.
A cold wind whistles across the door and clouds block rays of light trying to reach me in the dark room. A recent storm invites me to pull on my boots and grab my shovel to clear a path, should I need it. I clear it but I don’t plan on going anywhere. I sit in the room adorned with garland and stocked with books. Some to read and some with empty pages to write on. My beloved cat curls up on the rug in front of the stove.
Telltales of Spring and Summer rest in mason jars lining the room. A quilt stitched together by grandmothers lays across a humble bed. I wrap a shawl tighter across my shoulders. A faint smile dances across my face while my eyes are open but out of focus. Daydreams blend with memories and I sit and watch it play.
This is just right, just how it’s supposed to be. Not forced, not rushed out the door, the curtains allowed to keep cover of the windows. I am not missing something out there nor inside me. This room is meant to be lived in. Stillness is a sacred part of being alive. Darkness is the heart of winter’s embrace. May we dwell in peace, in this time of natural rest.
Emmy Galbraith (she/her/hers)
Director of Children and Youth Ministry
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Care Package Thank You
from Teagan Mabrysmith
I just wanted to reach out and say thank you so much for my care package! I always love feeling connected to church even from another state, and these packages always make me feel so loved by the community! These gifts have definitely helped me get through my finals week! ~Teagan Mabrysmith
Thank you so much for the care package!!! I'm running low on snacks in my dorm so this will definitely be put to good use lol. ~ Logan Breen
Thank you!! ~ Jessica Slogesky
I just want to say thank you for the care package. It means a lot and I've been enjoying the food inside!" ~Max Pawele
Smiling Recipients
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UUSE Dollar$ and $en$e
UUSE Endowment Fund
On October 19th, 1997, The Society members voted unanimously at a meeting as follows:
“Resolved, that there is hereby created a fund to be designated The Permanent Endowment Fund of the Unitarian Universalist Society East to be made from donations, gifts, subscriptions and bequests therefore, the principal of which fund shall be held in trust in perpetuity”.
The early years of the endowment are best described as a period of many, many small donations helping grow the endowment to $157k during its first twenty years. During that time, often when a member had a celebration, they would note in their invite: “in lieu of gifts , please consider a gift to the UUSE Endowment Fund”, which resulted in many $5 and $10 donations. I think of a former long-time member, Dorothy Fondrk, who donated the income she earned from doing alterations and sewing for many of our members.
Today our Endowment has grown to $500k from additional generous gifts from our members and friends. In recognition of the significant balance, in May 2024, the Society approved Endowment Guidelines that further define the permitted spend and use of the Endowment Funds, which are consistent with our Endowment Policy. Some of the highlights of the guidelines are listed below.
Spending: The Fund is considered to be permanent, with future generations receiving benefit from it. Investments and spending shall be coordinated in a manner so that The Fund’s donations maintain their real purchasing power into the future. In order to maintain this purchasing power, we protect the principal amount, adjusted for inflation, from being used so we can only spend the remaining interest.
Use Categories for the Interest: Community outreach and service, church building, additional church programs and projects and support of the UUSE annual operating budget as necessary.
Aspirational use goals are: To reduce operating budget reliance on interest from the Endowment Fund, and over time, to increase interest transfers to the social outreach and service reserve.
If you have questions on the Endowment Policy or Guidelines, please contact me. If you would like to learn more about making a gift to our Endowment, please contact Patricia Wildes, Stewardship Chair.
You are warmly welcomed to join the Finance Committee at our 2nd Tuesday of the month meetings, via ZOOM.
Bob Knapp, UUSE Finance Chair
January 2025
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Minister's Discretionary Fund
At this time of year, we invite you to make a holiday gift to the Minister's Discretionary Fund (MDF). The MDF's primary purpose is to help UUSE members and friends who are facing difficult financial times. With your generous donation, the Minister (in consultation with the Director of Children and Youth Ministry and members of the Pastoral Friends Committee as necessary) is able to respond to requests for financial assistance throughout the year.
A holiday gift to the MDF is just one of the many ways we live out our mission to be a welcoming liberal religious community that cares for one another. For your convenience, we will have self-addressed envelopes available on the Welcome Table throughout the holiday season. Please make your check payable to "UUSE" with "MDF" indicated on the memo line. Feel free to drop your donation in the mail or the donation basket on Sundays. Unless your check is marked otherwise, the offertory collection on Christmas Eve will go to the MDF.
Please note: Because the MDF fund has a dedicated, separate bank account, please do not combine your check with your UUSE pledge payment.
We thank you for your caring and your generosity,
Rev. Josh Pawelek; Emmy Galbraith, DCYM; Sue McMillen, Pastoral Friends Committee
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Upcoming Events
Rob Laurens and Friends in Concert
Saturday, January 11 at 7:00 P.M
Come to the meeting house to experience award-winning, Boston-based singer-songwriter, Rob Laurens. Rob is currently celebrating the release of his new album, "Jubilee." Many UUSE members will remember his heart-warming original song, "You Are Welcome Here."
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance here or on the night of the show.
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Intro to UU
Sunday, January 12, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, UUSE Chapel/Rm1 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, January 9. (Let us know if you need childcare.)
Questions? Please contact Carole Boster or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org.
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A Celebration of World Religion Day
Featuring an Interfaith Choir, Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 1 pm Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT, 06107
Refreshments Served - All Faith Traditions And All Ages Are Welcome!
Program Highlights
Keynote Address: Eric Dozier
Cultural activist and musician dedicated to using the power of music to inspire unity and foster global reconciliation
Special Interfaith Choir
Created exclusively for this event and directed by Eric Dozier, CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Chorus
Rasa Dance Project Group
Choreographer: Rachna Ramya
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Program Your Mind to Achieve Your Goals
Wednesday, January 15 at 7:00:00 PM
Join UUSE and Skip Gatting for a presentation of Program Your Mind to Achieve Your Goals.
With discoveries in neuroscience, we know how to program our mind. By understanding the process, we can take control of our thoughts and emotions and create a more fulfilling life. In this presentation, you will learn the skills needed to start rewiring your subconscious mind to send you ideas throughout the day that lead you to achieving your goals. Learn more at Happiness-Success.com. Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee.
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Winter Invasives De-vining
Saturday, January 18th, 10 AM - 1 PM
Help with an innovative way to manage invasive vines damaging the trees on our grounds. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our first Winter Invasives.
Dress for the weather, bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply snacks and hot cocoa. Children and youth with responsible adults are especially invited. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information.
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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 Thursday evening, February 27 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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2025 Goods & Services Auction
LIVE on Saturday January 25, 5 PM
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Imagine the PASTAbilities!
Our First-ever Saucy Cook-Off is Here!
This year’s challenge is new: Who makes the very best sauce that’s ever cuddled up to a noodle? Do you make terrific marinara, bolognese, alfredo, pesto? Or how about stroganoff, tetrazzini, goulash, lo mein or even mac & cheese sauce?
Want to “Match Whisks” with other UUSE cooks? We have limited space for contestants so reserve your place! Email auction@uuse.org Who will win that beautiful UUSE Cook-Off Apron? Win, lose or draw, we all enjoy a free dinner of pasta*, salad, crusty bread and dessert, including complimentary soft drinks, beer & wine. *Gluten free offered!
Exclusive Live Event Items
The only way to snag meals in members’ homes, special activities, vacation getaways and Rev. Josh’s tailor-made sermon is to come on January 27.
For the Kids
There will be a Kids Bid Table with items for kids ONLY to bid on. There will also be fun activities, a video and free childcare available!
Raffle Basket Drawing
The winners of the raffle baskets will be drawn at the Live Event, too.
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FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS!
Online Auction: The online auction runs Monday, January 13, 8 AM through Friday, January 24, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid. Bid high and bid often! Share the link with friends and watch for new items.
What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Will you offer rides to the airport, a couple of hours of weeding, a photo scrapbook or house portrait? Do you have collectibles, sports equipment, a piece of art or something else that needs a new home?
Contact your favorite merchants to ask for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Email auction@uuse.org by January 1 to let us know what you’ll contribute.
Meals to tickle the tastebuds!
Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake … all sorts of culinary adventures are popular! What can you offer?
***Added in 2024!*** A buddy system for hosts!! Not everyone has the space, time AND the skills to host. If you would like to pair up with someone else, watch for the sign-up board in the lobby!
Create a Themed Basket
We ask committees, small groups etc to create themed baskets for a teacup raffle. We will display the baskets and sell tickets on Sunday, January 12 and 19. Drawing will be January 25. Claim your theme by January 1; capacity is only 10 baskets.
Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding
The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers – and certainly the biggest party of the year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? We need help with set up, clean up and during the event. Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. We look forward to seeing you!
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Key Dates and Deadlines
Right Away! Claim your spot in the Get Saucy Cooking Competition! Space is limited. Email auction@uuse.org
Baskets!
January 1: Claim your basket theme. There’s a 10 basket limit and we want them all to be different.
January 8: Submit the description of your basket and a list of the contents. Include several photos taken with a plain background if possible. Then drop your basket by January 10. We can help package it if you need. Plastic is neither desirable nor necessary!
January 10: Absolute deadline to send donation details to auction@uuse.org. Sooner is better. Email the committee!!
Include:
- a thorough description
- approximate value of the item or service. If you have a firm minimum bid requirement, let us know. In general, we open bidding at 1/3 to 1/2 of the item’s value to promote active bidding.
- time and date for any events (setting this in advance is a good idea!)
- the number of places or offerings
- photos: We can include several photos of each item. Use a plain background for best results. If you need help taking photos, let us know as soon as possible.
We will contact you about the timing to drop off your items. Most are not displayed ahead of time, since space is very tight. Please don’t drop anything off until we ask.
January 12 and 19: Baskets are displayed in lobby; raffle tickets sold
January 13: Online auction opens
January 24: Online auction closes. Set up crew works through afternoon.
January 25: Live auction, 5 pm. Snow date is February 8.
The Auction Committee—
Robin Byrne, Anne Carr, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Chris Larson, Stan McMillen & Nancy Pappas. Questions? Email auction@uuse.org!
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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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Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here.
Green Sanctuary News
Now that the holidays are over, many of us feel the need to get back to eating a healthier diet! While we enjoy cakes, pies, candies, and many rich traditional foods, we often feel bloated and less healthy as we enter January.
Art Brownstein, M.D. writes in his book “Healing Back Pain Naturally” that a healthy diet is not only helpful for back pain, but for our overall health. Take-out, restaurant meals, and processed foods generally contain way more sugar, salt, and fat than we need for the health of our bodies and minds. Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes is not only healthier for our backs but also for our whole body. He also discusses the importance of eating a filling breakfast, a good lunch, and a light supper.
There are many online recipes which can provide guidance and inspiration. By reducing or eliminating meat, eggs, and dairy, one can also save money at the grocery store!
The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters is holding their 25th Anniversary Environmental Summit on January 7th, 2025 at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford.
The all-day program will enable attendees to learn about environmental challenges and opportunities for Connecticut, collaborate with lawmakers and community leaders, and plan for the upcoming legislative session.
Tickets and additional information can be found here: https://www.ctlcv.org/
Exclusive: UN Calls for $2.6 Trillion Investment To Reverse Land Degradation
By Simon Jessop & Pesha Magid, Reuters:
“Restoring the world’s degraded land and holding back its deserts will require at least $2.6 trillion in investment by the end of the decade, the U.N. executive overseeing global talks on the issue told Reuters, quantifying the cost for the first time.
More frequent and severe droughts as a result of climate change combined with the food needs of a rising population meant societies were at greater risk of upheaval unless action was taken, Ibrahim Thiaw said ahead of talks in Riyadh this week.
The two-week meeting aims to strengthen the world’s drought resilience, including by toughening up the legal obligations of states, laying out strategic next steps and securing finance. Source: uuseoffice@uuse.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!
Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here.
Thank You for Your Generosity!
Thanks to the generosity of UUSE members, we were able to provide 30 grocery cards ($25 each) and holiday gifts for 27 Verplanck students this fall. The Dec 29 collection will also be shared with the Verplanck librarian, to cover Book Fair purchases for some students. Watch this space for news of other ways we can help our partner school! Nancy Pappas
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Ladies at Lunch
Join us for lunch at 110 Grill, 1127 Tolland Tpke, Plaza at Burr Corners, on Thursday, January 9th. 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 Adult Religious Education Offering
Adult Affirmation
3rd Sunday of each month, October to May, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
meet at UUSE on the 3rd Sunday of each month, October to May, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. If there are adults who want to participate in this class but can’t do so on Sunday afternoons, please let Rev. Josh know at minister@uuse.org or (860) 652-8961.
Want to sign up? Contact our office at uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. Questions, contact Rev. Josh.
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Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair
Sep – Oct: Sally Gifford
Nov – Dec: Sue McMillen
Jan – Feb: Sid Soderholm
Mar – Apr: Laurie Semprebon
May – Jun: Anne Stowe
Back-up Gene Sestero
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UUSE Coffeehouse is Back!
Sign up starts at 6 PM-- performances will start at 6:30 PM - NEW START TIME
UUSE's monthly coffeehouse opens its 24th season. Sign up starts at 6 pm -- performances will start at 6:30 pm NEW START TIME. 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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Directory Updates
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.
Contact Info Update: Alan and Kathy Ayers no longer have the landline 860-646-5151.
Contact by cell phone:
Alan: 860-646-5151
Kathy: 860-646-5151
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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.
- January 14, 2025: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. Discussion leader: Jean Wahlstrom
- 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
Due to two Wednesday holidays, our UUSE yoga will meet at 10:00 a.m. on the Friday of the holiday weeks:Friday, December 27 and Friday, January 3.Thanks to Annie Gentile for arranging for these! Also, I've mentioned Atul Gawande's excellent book, available at the library (print, e-book, or audio-book): Being Mortal is not only wise and deeply moving, it is an essential and insightful book for our times, as one would expect from Atul Gawande, one of our finest physician writers." -- Oliver Sacks.
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
Climate Migration
Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition?
January 23 at 4:30 in the Chapel and on Zoom. We'll pick discussion topics and coordinators for the upcoming year. Come with your always fascinating ideas! 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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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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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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