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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled GHIAA Training Opportunities GHIAA Training Opportunities Are you interested in learning more about faith-based organizing? Are you interested in becoming more involved with UUSE's participation in the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance? If so, GHIAA has just announced its Spring 2025 Leadership Training. They invite all interested UUSE members and friends to join them for a workshop on the fundamentals of faith-based organizing, the tools of relational culture, techniques for building and wielding power, and the process for identifying issues and developing campaigns. There are two options for training this spring (each series will cover the same content): • Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 P.M., via Zoom, May 7, 14, 21, 28 • Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M., in person (location being confirmed in Hartford), June 3, 10, 17, 24 Registration is online. Questions? Contact Monica van Beusekom or Rev. Josh Pawelek. #eBlast-05-07 GHIAA Training Opportunities Are you interested in learning more about faith-based organizing? Are you interested in becoming more involved with UUSE's participation in the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance? If so, GHIAA has just announced its Spring 2025 Leadership Training . They invite all interested UUSE members and friends to join them for a workshop on the fundamentals of faith-based organizing, the tools of relational culture, techniques for building and wielding power, and the process for identifying issues and developing campaigns. There are two options for training this spring (each series will cover the same content): Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 P.M., via Zoom, May 7, 14, 21, 28 Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M., in person (location being confirmed in Hartford), June 3, 10, 17, 24 Registration is online . Questions? Contact Monica van Beusekom or Rev. Josh Pawelek. #eBlast -05-07 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "Earth Day" Sunday Service: "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 Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network, commonly known as IREJN. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 27, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link. Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In Case You Missed It: Click here for a Youtube link to our 4/20/25 service, "In the Morning Joy: A Service for Easter." #eBlast-04-23 Sunday Service: "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 Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network, commonly known as IREJN. Coordinators : Martha Larson and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 27, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In Case You Missed It: Click here for a Youtube link to our 4/20/25 service, "In the Morning Joy: A Service for Easter." #eBlast -04-23 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 29, 2025 Sunday, June 29th: What Does Your Quilt Say? Sunday, June 29th: What Does Your Quilt Say? As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to "live our values aloud" and work for a more just world in which all may thrive. In this service, we'll explore together the concept of "freedom" as an inherent human right as well as a responsibility to uphold for others. Summer holidays and events marking Memorial Day, Pride Month, Juneteenth, the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and Independence Day offer moments for us to reflect on what freedom means to each of us and how we communicate and act on what we value. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson. Sunday, June 29th: What Does Your Quilt Say? As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to "live our values aloud" and work for a more just world in which all may thrive. In this service, we'll explore together the concept of "freedom" as an inherent human right as well as a responsibility to uphold for others. Summer holidays and events marking Memorial Day, Pride Month, Juneteenth, the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and Independence Day offer moments for us to reflect on what freedom means to each of us and how we communicate and act on what we value. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson. #JulyNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled SUNDIALS: Out from the Shadows (A Cliff Pelletier Memorial Lecture) Monday, October 6, 7 PM, Unitarian Universalist Society East -- 153 Vernon St. West, Vernon, CT. Expert Fred Sawyer will provide an overview of the 3,500-year history of the sundial as a scientific device -- perhaps humanity's first. Over that period, the sundial has changed in diverse ways to accommodate ur evolving concept of what it means to measure time. Many varieties of sundials will be discussed and illustrated with slides and actual instruments on display. Time will be allocated for the audience to ask questions about how the various unusual and unfamiliar dials work to let us order our days. This event is in memorial honor of UUSE member, Cliff Pelletier, who loved science and was very generous to UUSE (attach photo) . Fred Sawyer is a retired actuary and longtime member of UUSE. He graduated from Yale and the U. of Pittsburgh with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy and the History of Philosophy and Science. He is the President and editor of the North American Sundial Society and the Patron of the British Sundial Society. He is a featured speaker each year at the NASS conference in the U.S. and Canada and the BSS conference in England He has provided the layouts for a number sundials in Connecticut and has published nine books on Sciatherics -- the study of sundials. THIS EVENT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ADULTS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. Monday, October 6, 7 PM, Unitarian Universalist Society East -- 153 Vernon St. West, Vernon, CT. Expert Fred Sawyer will provide an overview of the 3,500-year history of the sundial as a scientific device -- perhaps humanity's first. Over that period, the sundial has changed in diverse ways to accommodate ur evolving concept of what it means to measure time. Many varieties of sundials will be discussed and illustrated with slides and actual instruments on display. Time will be allocated for the audience to ask questions about how the various unusual and unfamiliar dials work to let us order our days. This event is in memorial honor of UUSE member, Cliff Pelletier, who loved science and was very generous to UUSE (attach photo) . Fred Sawyer is a retired actuary and longtime member of UUSE. He graduated from Yale and the U. of Pittsburgh with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy and the History of Philosophy and Science. He is the President and editor of the North American Sundial Society and the Patron of the British Sundial Society. He is a featured speaker each year at the NASS conference in the U.S. and Canada and the BSS conference in England He has provided the layouts for a number sundials in Connecticut and has published nine books on Sciatherics -- the study of sundials. THIS EVENT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ADULTS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 7:00 pm Eclectica is a Connecticut-based ensemble performing original arrangements of (mostly Western) music spanning centuries, continents, styles, and cultures, using voice and an eclectic variety of instruments including hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp, viola da gamba, violin, viola, accordion, and recorders. Eclectica has been arranging and performing together since 2016. “Wheeling Through Time” will take the UUSE audience on a soulful musical journey through time and place – from the 13 th to the 21 st centuries - with original arrangements of tunes from classical, folk, klezmer and more. Beautiful images accompany each piece in a slide show of art and photography curated just for this program, for a truly immersive experience. Visit Eclectica’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EclecticaCT $20 Suggested freewill donation. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 7:00 pm Eclectica is a Connecticut-based ensemble performing original arrangements of (mostly Western) music spanning centuries, continents, styles, and cultures, using voice and an eclectic variety of instruments including hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp, viola da gamba, violin, viola, accordion, and recorders. Eclectica has been arranging and performing together since 2016. “Wheeling Through Time” will take the UUSE audience on a soulful musical journey through time and place – from the 13 th to the 21 st centuries - with original arrangements of tunes from classical, folk, klezmer and more. Beautiful images accompany each piece in a slide show of art and photography curated just for this program, for a truly immersive experience. Visit Eclectica’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EclecticaCT $20 Suggested freewill donation. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 24, 2023 Why UUSE is Home. Our congregational family is uniquely special to many of our members and friends. But why exactly? Come hear members of the UUSE family share their thoughts about what UUSE means to them and why they are committed members of our community. Coordinators: David Klotz and Marsha Howland #eBlast OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Healing Singing Bowls & Gongs Sound Bath Healing Singing Bowls & Gongs Sound Bath Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Join us for a relaxing meditative session using Himalayan singing bowls & gongs played by Reiki Maser Priscilla Gale. As the sweet vibration of the bowls envelope the room, their calming song enters the body in targeted ways to balance, heal, restore feelings of well-being, reduce pain and release tension and stress. The music will also provide feelings of peace, joy, confidence, more energy and clarity of thought. Suggested donation is $20, but no one will be turned away. #eBlast-10-08 Healing Singing Bowls & Gongs Sound Bath Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Join us for a relaxing meditative session using Himalayan singing bowls & gongs played by Reiki Maser Priscilla Gale. As the sweet vibration of the bowls envelope the room, their calming song enters the body in targeted ways to balance, heal, restore feelings of well-being, reduce pain and release tension and stress. The music will also provide feelings of peace, joy, confidence, more energy and clarity of thought. Suggested donation is $20, but no one will be turned away. #eBlast -10-08 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled GHIAA News! GHIAA News! Meet GHIAA Organizer Nina Vazquez Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. Join the SJ/AO committee meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 P.M. for a conversation with new GHIAA organizer, Nina Vazquez. This is an opportunity for Nina to meet UUSE and for you to meet Nina and learn more about the issues GHIAA is focusing on. All are welcome! Come to the Meetinghouse or join us online. Participate in GHIAA House Meetings in October & November Concerned about immigrant rights and protections? Affordable housing? The impact of our state's inequitable fiscal policies? Join a GHIAA House Meeting and share your stories. Each of the house meetings is issue specific. You are welcome to attend more than one. For details, including dates & locations, and to sign up, click here. #eBlast-10-01 GHIAA News! Meet GHIAA Organizer Nina Vazquez Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. Join the SJ/AO committee meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 P.M. for a conversation with new GHIAA organizer, Nina Vazquez. This is an opportunity for Nina to meet UUSE and for you to meet Nina and learn more about the issues GHIAA is focusing on. All are welcome! Come to the Meetinghouse or join us online . Participate in GHIAA House Meetings in October & November Concerned about immigrant rights and protections? Affordable housing? The impact of our state's inequitable fiscal policies? Join a GHIAA House Meeting and share your stories. Each of the house meetings is issue specific. You are welcome to attend more than one. For details, including dates & locations, and to sign up, click here . #eBlast -10-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 19, 2025 On Love and Hate "On Love and Hate" Diving into our October ministry theme, “cultivating compassion,” Rev. Josh examines the ways we regard our fellow humans across the various divisions in society. Even when we disagree vehemently, how do we honor the humanity of the other? This sermon was purchased by Bill Coleman at the 2024 goods and services auction. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-10-15 "Who Knew Love and Hatred Feel So Much Alike?" Diving into our October ministry theme, “cultivating compassion,” Rev. Josh examines the ways we regard our fellow humans across the various divisions in society. Even when we disagree vehemently, how do we honor the humanity of the other? This sermon was purchased by Bill Coleman at the 2024 goods and services auction. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 19, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 6, 2026 Looking for Hosts for 2026 Annual Appeal Pledging Potlucks! HOORAY! HOORAY! This spring, the Stewardship Committee will offer Pledging Potlucks for two weekends: March 6 – 8 and March 13 – 15. We are looking for people who will host a potluck during those weekends. This year we hope that potential potluck hosts will team up to create an astounding offering. We would especially welcome a potluck offering from our ‘younger’ members and friends. The potlucks are often dinners but could be a brunch, lunch or perhaps dessert & coffee/tea. You can steward your own potluck, or a steward will attend to facilitate the conversation about pledging if you choose. We need to gather a list of hosts (and co-hosts) with dates and times of their potlucks by February 8, 2026. These potlucks are a way to come together in community, enjoy good food and have a deeper conversation about our connection to UUSE and our hopes and dreams for our future. We hope you will consider being a host or a team! Signups for potlucks will begin after services February 15, 22 and March 1, 2026, when the Annual Appeal officially kicks off. Please contact Stan McMillen at 860-646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org to host a pledging potluck in March. THANK YOU! #JanuaryNewsletter HOORAY! HOORAY! This spring, the Stewardship Committee will offer Pledging Potlucks for two weekends: March 6 – 8 and March 13 – 15. We are looking for people who will host a potluck during those weekends. This year we hope that potential potluck hosts will team up to create an astounding offering. We would especially welcome a potluck offering from our ‘younger’ members and friends. The potlucks are often dinners but could be a brunch, lunch or perhaps dessert & coffee/tea. You can steward your own potluck, or a steward will attend to facilitate the conversation about pledging if you choose. We need to gather a list of hosts (and co-hosts) with dates and times of their potlucks by February 8, 2026. These potlucks are a way to come together in community, enjoy good food and have a deeper conversation about our connection to UUSE and our hopes and dreams for our future. We hope you will consider being a host or a team! Signups for potlucks will begin after services February 15, 22 and March 1, 2026 , when the Annual Appeal officially kicks off. Please contact Stan McMillen at 860-646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org to host a pledging potluck in March. THANK YOU! #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Middletown Pride Parade - June 7 Middletown Pride Parade - June 7 Middletown Pride is one of Connecticut's largest Pride celebrations. Our friends at the Universalist Church of West Hartford have invited us to march with them in the Middletown Pride Parade this coming Saturday, June 7th at 1:00 PM. Meet up for carpooling from the Universalist Church (433 Fern St., West Hartford) at 10:00 AM. Or find the UU contingent in the parade's third division on Pease Street by 12:30 PM. Parking in Middletown is recommended at the Kidcity lot off of Broad St., Russell Library lot off of Broad St., or Melilli Parking lot next to City Hall. Contact the UUSE office to let us know you're coming. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh or check out Middletown Pride. #eBlast-06-04 Middletown Pride Parade - June 7 Middletown Pride is one of Connecticut's largest Pride celebrations. Our friends at the Universalist Church of West Hartford have invited us to march with them in the Middletown Pride Parade this coming Saturday, June 7th at 1:00 PM . Meet up for carpooling from the Universalist Church (433 Fern St., West Hartford) at 10:00 AM. Or find the UU contingent in the parade's third division on Pease Street by 12:30 PM. Parking in Middletown is recommended at the Kidcity lot off of Broad St., Russell Library lot off of Broad St., or Melilli Parking lot next to City Hall. Contact the UUSE office to let us know you're coming. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh or check out Middletown Pride . #eBlast -06-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 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. #AprilNewsletter 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. #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube