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Dean Howard Thurman Assison N. Scurlock, photographer Smithsonian Online Archives NMAH AC 0618.S04.01 Gathering Music (Mary Bopp) Welcome and Announcements (Rev. Josh Pawelek) Prelude Chalice Lighting and Opening Words Excerpt from "Waiting to Grow Again" by Jennifer Johnson Opening Hymn "Winter Takes its Time" Music by Mary Bopp Words by Rev. Josh Pawelek and Mary Bopp Drone: Winter takes its time. Winter takes its time. Verses: Let us all heed winter's teaching. Let us not pass quickly by. Let us honor winter's wisdom. Let the darkness hold us close. Let us rest in winter's stillness. Let us rest the long night through. Welcoming New Members Introductions (Membership Committee co-chairs) The Charge (Minister) As you take up membership in the Unitarian Universalist Society East, I charge you to share with us who you are. Share your creativity, your experiences, your questions, your doubts, your beliefs, and all your discoveries of life's meaning. I charge you to shake us up with your ideas, to stir us up with your conscience, to inspire us with your actions, and to stimulate our hopes with your dreams of what life can be. Congregational Welcome (Congregation) We welcome you as companions in the search for truth and meaning. We invite you to share in our mission of caring for one another, encouraging each other in spiritual growth, working for justice and peace in the wider community, and living in harmony with the earth. We join our gifts with yours, trusting in the power of community to bring freedom, healing, and love. New Member Affirmation (New members) We join the Unitarian Universalist Society East out of a desire and willingness to participate in a liberal religious congregation. We pledge to share our time, energy and gifts; to diligently seek our spiritual truths; and to strengthen the bonds of community Responsive Hymn "This Meetinghouse" words adapted from Eugene Sander by Josh Pawelek This meetinghouse, A place of love and gladness. Where all may meet, to seek the common good. A source of strength, to face each doubt and sadness. Where every dream, is known and understood. This meetinghouse, ask those who came before, And found themselves, by crossing through its door. Joys and Concerns Musical Meditation Offering 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 of February will be shared with Manchester's African American and Black Affairs Council or AABAC. AABAC is a community-based organization whose mission is to uphold all aspects of the lived experiences of Black people in Manchester through advocacy, education, the arts and community events. Offering Music "The Sound of Music" By Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein Gerald Dillenbeck, vocals Mary Bopp, piano Sermon "What Makes You Come Alive?" Rev. Josh Pawelek Closing Hymn #123 "Spirit of Life" by Carolyn McDade Extinguishing the Chalice The flame in our hearts, never ceases burning. Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come .

Gathering Music Welcome Centering "The Strength of Water" https://www.uua.org/worship/words/meditation/strength-water Prelude "Wellspring" Composed & performed by Mary Bopp Chalice Lighting and Opening Words Opening Hymn #169 "We Shall Overcome" African American spiritual adapt. by William Farley Smith Mary Bopp, piano We shall overcome, we shall overcome, we shall overcome someday! Oh, deep in my heart I do believe we shall overcome someday! We'll walk hand in hand, we'll walk hand in hand, we'll walk hand in hand someday! Oh, deep in my heart I do believe we'll walk hand in hand someday! We shall live in peace, we shall live in peace, we shall live in peace someday! Oh, deep in my heart I do believe we shall live in peace someday! Time for All Ages "The Hugging Tree" by Jill Neimark Read by Stacey Musulin Musical Interlude Announcements Introduction to the Service - Paula Baker Joys and Concerns Musical Interlude Prayer and Reflection - Stacey Musulin "Prayer for Resilience" by Rev. Dr. Michelle Collins Source of Love, Spirit of Interdependence, we give thanks for the web that holds us, the hands that have steadied us, the voices that remind us we are not alone, the presence of those who have leaned on us just as we have leaned on them. Resilience is not a solitary triumph. It is woven through community: shared meals, gentle questions, laughter that breaks through grief, courage borrowed from one another when our own runs thin. In this moment, let us remember that we are stronger together than apart. May we continue to offer and receive care, trusting that our connections sustain us even when we cannot behold the whole picture. Blessed be the bonds that hold and that keep holding. Offering Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month of February will be shared with Manchester's African American and Black Affairs Council. Offering Music "Stairway to Heaven" Music by Jimmy Page Lyrics by Robert Plant Performed by Will Alexson, guitar Reflection from Heather Alexson "Sacred Defiance" Seeds of Hope: A Poem of Sacred Defiance" https://1drea.com/seeds-of-hope-a-poem-of-sacred-defiance-by-daeess-1drea/ Closing Hymn #100 "I've Got Peace Like a River" Words & Music: Marvin V. Frey I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul. (sing 2x) I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain in my soul. (sing 2x) I've got love like an ocean, I've got love like an ocean, I've got love like an ocean in my soul. (sing 2x) Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come.

Greetings CYM Families & Friends! Greetings CYM Families & Friends! It's been a long time since we've been together in person and I am so looking forward to being with you all! This Sunday marks the start of a new month, with a seemingly never-ending January finally behind us. And what a beautiful day to join together, as it falls on the holy day of Imbolc and celebration of St. Bridgit and Candlemas. As is now a CYM tradition, we will be honoring the day with hot cocoa and storytelling, followed by the making of beeswax candles for the new season, as was traditionally done by some of our ancestors this time of year. In line with the Gaelic spirit of Cailleach, the old woman of the woods associated with divination based on her shadow, we will also be in anticipation of what the groundhog has to say to us this coming week! Here's What's Happening in CYM this Sunday, February 1st: Children’s Chapel will be held this Sunday on the Garden Level at 10am Nursery :  Childcare will be available in our nursery at 11 AM for children age 3 and under.  Sunday Service :  “The Nature of Resilience ” -  As the light returns and the natural world begins to stir, we reflect on nature's many lessons in resilience. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Stacey Musulin. Time For All Ages :  Children and youth in grades 2-8 will attend the beginning of the Sunday service in the Sanctuary on the Main Level. The first two rows on the right are reserved for children and youth to sit together, and families are welcome to join them. After the “Time For All Ages” segment of Sunday service, children and youth will be dismissed to the Garden Level to attend further programming. Spirit Play :  “Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel” - Spirit Play children will go directly to their classroom at 11 AM for the day’s lesson, a story about the life of an immigrant and her journey of hope. The uncertainty she faces strengthens her faith as she honors the things that are most important in life. Young UUs & Jr Youth Group :  “Imbolc” - Our elementary and middle school classes will combine in the Children's Chapel to share the joy in welcoming the early stirring of Spring beneath the snow. We can't see (or feel) it yet, but Mother Nature is busy beneath the surface. Our young people will sip hot cocoa and here a tale of Imbolc, before making their very oven beeswax candles to bring home and perhaps hold a ritual of their own to honor the returning light. Next High School Youth Group Meeting:   Sunday, February 8 @ 11am in the couch room. The activity for the day will be a crash course on Tarot 101, focusing on the art and history of the cards, and exploring the duality of intuition and divine guidance, drawing in our spiritualist UU ancestor Clara Barton. Next Affirmation Meeting:  Sunday, February 8th @ 12:30pm in the couch room - don’t forget to pack a lunch! See you Sunday Seasonal Happenings : JANUARY Sat, Jan 31:   UUSE Annual Cook-off and Live Auction Event  - fun for the whole family, starting at 5pm! Kid-friendly food and activities, including a kids-only bidding table.  Families are encouraged to donate a few new or lightly used toys, games, puzzles or other activities for the Kid Bid area. Remember these items are offered for a very low price, so don't send family heirlooms or keepsakes! Please bag and clearly label items for Kids Bid and drop them off at the Auction table in the upstairs lobby on Sunday, Jan. 18 or 24.   Please contact  auction@uuse.org  with any questions . FEBRUARY Sat, Feb 21:   Butternut Ski Trip  in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford) Open to skiers of all ages! See flyers posted around the Garden Level for QR code. Sun, Feb 22: Annual PFLAG "Love is Love" Roller-skate at Ron-A-Roll located at 85 S Frontage Rd, in Vernon, CT. For all ages! "Get ready for our annual LOVE IS LOVE roller skating event! This year’s theme is K-POP DEMON HUNTERS! We will be hosting an auction for everything from themed banners, standees and more! Get your tickets today at the QR Code and message us with any questions." PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is a longstanding civil rights organization and this family and kid-friendly event is always a fun and fabulous time. See the graphic at the top of this email for the QR code for more info and to buy tickets for the event. MARCH Sat, Mar 28:   Nightlight Mission  in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford): Families with children/youth meet @ 2PM to sort clothes & prepare soup, coffee and sandwiches; @8PM distribute clothing and food to the unhoused. Be on the lookout for an announcement of an upcoming zoom call with CYM for initial talks about logistics for this event.

< To Upcoming Services Feb 8, 2026 What Makes You Come Alive? "What Makes You Come Alive?" Rev. Josh draws on insights from the 20th-century Christian mystic, Howard Thurman, to reflect on our monthly ministry theme of resilience. In challenging times, what are our sources of resilience? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-02-04 "What Makes You Come Alive?" Rev. Josh draws on insights from the 20th-century Christian mystic, Howard Thurman, to reflect on our monthly ministry theme of resilience. In challenging times, what are our sources of resilience? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, February 8, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -02-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Coffeehouse and Open Mic Coffeehouse and Open Mic February 7th - 6:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring your dinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast-02-04 Coffeehouse and Open Mic February 7th - 6:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring your dinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast -02-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. What Makes You Come Alive? February 8, 2026 "What Makes You Come Alive?" Rev. Josh draws on insights from the 20th-century Christian mystic, Howard Thurman, to reflect on our monthly ministry theme of resilience. In challen... Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Feb 22nd 2026 February 22, 2026 Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Feb 22nd 2026 Calendar of Upcoming Events Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Refresh Sunday 2/8/26 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 2/9/26 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon- Every Monday at Noon Tuesday 2/10/26 Read More ROMEOS Retired Old Men Eating Out, or The ROMEOs, is a social group that gets together once a month for lunch. Contact the office for details. Tuesday 2/10/26 Read More 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 ... Wednesday 2/11/26 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 2/12/26 Read More Sing Out Love Listening Sessions Sing Out Love Listening Sessions February 12th, 26th and March 5th Are you interested in hearing (and maybe even singing) music from the UUA's new online hymnal, Sing Out Love? Join... Thursday 2/12/26 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... Thursday 2/12/26 Read More Indivisible Indivisible Thursday, February 12 - 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. If you missed Indivisible's recent meeting at UUSE and wished you could have made it, you have another opportunity! The local I... Friday 2/13/26 Read More Ladies at Lunch Ladies at Lunch Friday, February 13 at 110 Grill Join us for lunch on Friday, February 13th at the 110 Grill, 1127 Tolland Turnpike in the Plaza at Burr Corners in Manchester. We me... Sunday 2/15/26 Read More CYM News CYM News Children & Youth Ministry caregivers, extended family, volunteers and all stakeholders (that means "anyone" interested in keeping up with the CYM news or who feels invested... Sunday 2/15/26 Read More New Strategic Plan Coming! New Strategic Plan Coming! The Strategic Planning Task Force started the new year with new planning toward revised vision and mission statements for the congregation. Task Force mem... Sunday 2/15/26 Read More Planning for a New Year, a New Vision, and a NEW STRATEGIC PLAN! The Strategic Planning Task Force started the new year with new planning toward revised vision and mission statements for the congregation. Task Force members interviewed eight indi... More...