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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled CoffeeHouse and Open Mic CoffeeHouse and Open Mic Saturday, May 2, 2026 at UUSE Come for MayFair, stay for the CoffeeHouse and Open Mic! Join us for an evening of music, poetry, stories and community. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 P.M., and performances start at 6:30 P.M. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends -- we'll provide the coffee! A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. CoffeeHouse is held the first Saturday of each month, October through May and is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast-04-29 CoffeeHouse and Open Mic Saturday, May 2, 2026 at UUSE Come for MayFair, stay for the CoffeeHouse and Open Mic! Join us for an evening of music, poetry, stories and community. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 P.M., and performances start at 6:30 P.M. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends -- we'll provide the coffee! A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. CoffeeHouse is held the first Saturday of each month, October through May and is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast -04-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Garden Helpers Needed Garden Helpers Needed Saturday, April 11th at 8:30 A.M. Garden Helpers are needed this Saturday morning, April 11 at 8:30 A.M. or whenever you can get to UUSE. We are working on the garden beds and paths right outside the garden level entryway. The pathways around the beds need clearing of weeds and plant escapees before we can lay down cardboard and cover with mulch. Come learn about what is growing here and what plans we are making for various areas in this garden. Bring gloves, and, if you have them, digging tools and a boxcutter for the cardboard. (We do have tools if you don't; so just come!) Questions? Contact Janet Heller at uuseoffice@uuse.org #eBlast-04-08 Garden Helpers Needed Saturday, April 11th at 8:30 A.M. Garden Helpers are needed this Saturday morning, April 11 at 8:30 A.M. or whenever you can get to UUSE. We are working on the garden beds and paths right outside the garden level entryway. The pathways around the beds need clearing of weeds and plant escapees before we can lay down cardboard and cover with mulch. Come learn about what is growing here and what plans we are making for various areas in this garden. Bring gloves, and, if you have them, digging tools and a boxcutter for the cardboard. (We do have tools if you don't; so just come!) Questions? Contact Janet Heller at uuseoffice@uuse.org #eBlast -04-08 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 12, 2024 Longing to Belong: Reflections on Pluralism Since the founding of the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1961, religious, theological and spiritual pluralism have been central to our identity--and had been increasingly central to the identities of the precursor American Unitarian Association and Universalist Church of America. How do we experience and navigate pluralism today? In our congregations? In the wider society? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-05-08 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled General Assembly 2025 News from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. (More info on the CSAI process). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here. Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. (More info on the AIW process). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). • We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights • Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom • Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here ), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. ( More info on the CSAI process ). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here . Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. ( More info on the AIW process ). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Choir is back! It's not too late to join! Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera, if you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals started on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7 PM, in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. There is still time to join. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org #FebruaryNewsletter Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera, if you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals started on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7 PM, in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. There is still time to join. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Soup Fundraiser The High School Youth Group is holding a soup fundraiser raiser to help support UUS:E and the Youth Group’s activities. Soup will be sold via pre-orders; to order, please contact Kaitlyn Blesso OR click on the link below: https://tinyurl.com/mtnc6ye9 Order no later than March 15 to be sure you get your soup! Pints of frozen soup will be available for pick up on Sunday March 19 after both services. A $5 minimum donation per pint is due at pick up. Options are: Vegan: Tuscan White Bean Vegetarian: Lilly’s Award Winning Chili Meat: Loaded Baked Potato Questions, Allergies? Contact Kaitlyn Blesso OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled The Afro-Semitic Experience The Afro-Semitic Experience On Sunday, February 11th at 2:00 p.m. The Afro-Semitic Experience is coming to UUSE to help shake off those midwinter doldrums with a World Music Jazz concert guaranteed to get you up and moving. What could be better? $15 suggested donation. #eBlast-02-07 On Sunday, February 11th at 2:00 p.m. The Afro-Semitic Experience is coming to UUSE to help shake off those midwinter doldrums with a World Music Jazz concert guaranteed to get you up and moving. What could be better? $15 suggested donation. #eBlast -02-07 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled MayFair Tag Sale MayFair Tag Sale Drop off Information The MayFair Celebration and Tag Sale are coming up soon! You may drop off your items any time on Thursday, April 30th or Friday, May 1st under the covered back porch on the garden level. You can also drop off the day of May Fair, Saturday, May 2nd between 7:00 & 9:00 A.M. at the tag sale table. Questions? Contact Sandy Karosi or Deb Gould. #eBlast-04-22 MayFair Tag Sale Drop off Information The MayFair Celebration and Tag Sale are coming up soon! You may drop off your items any time on Thursday, April 30th or Friday, May 1st under the covered back porch on the garden level. You can also drop off the day of May Fair, Saturday, May 2nd between 7:00 & 9:00 A.M. at the tag sale table. Questions? Contact Sandy Karosi or Deb Gould. #eBlast -04-22 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 7, 2025 Choosing Hope "Choosing Hope" Many holidays with themes of Hope are celebrated in the month of December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, culminating in the optimism of a New Year. Is Hope a wish? an emotion? a choice? an action? a decision? Join us as we begin to reflect on this month's theme of Choosing Hope, and ways we can expand our ideas about what hope is, and how we can cultivate it. Coordinators : Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-03 "Choosing Hope" Many holidays with themes of Hope are celebrated in the month of December: Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, culminating in the optimism of a New Year. Is Hope a wish? an emotion? a choice? an action? a decision? Join us as we begin to reflect on this month's theme of Choosing Hope, and ways we can expand our ideas about what hope is, and how we can cultivate it. Coordinators : Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 7, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -12-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Summer Bittersweet Clearing Summer Bittersweet Clearing Saturday, July 12th, 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Continuing our long-term project to manage invasive bittersweet, we're going to cut down vines in their prime, before the berries ripen. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our Summer Invasives Clearing on Saturday, July 12th from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 a.m. We recommend protecting your skin with long sleeves and pants, closed shoes and work gloves. Bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply cold beverages. Children and youth with responsible adults are welcome. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. #eBlast-07-09 Summer Bittersweet Clearing Saturday, July 12th, 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Continuing our long-term project to manage invasive bittersweet, we're going to cut down vines in their prime, before the berries ripen. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our Summer Invasives Clearing on Saturday, July 12th from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 a.m. We recommend protecting your skin with long sleeves and pants, closed shoes and work gloves. Bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply cold beverages. Children and youth with responsible adults are welcome. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. #eBlast -07-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 9, 2023 Expectations “Expectations are what we think will happen, while reality is what actually transpires.*” Anne Vogel and Susan Gabriel coordinate a provocative service about how expectations can either bring you disappointment or joy. They will present true stories about how expectations affected their lives. Jenn Richard will be our featured musician. Coordinator(s): Anne Vogel and Susan Gabriel *Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D, verywell mind, April 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/expectation-vs-reality-trap-4570968 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 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