< To Upcoming Services Oct 4, 2026 Cultivating a Hopeful Courage (i.e. Courage is not just for Superheroes!) When you think of "courage," what comes to mind? Activists and prophets risking their lives for their beliefs? Superheroes wielding powers beyond human capacity? In this service, we explore ways to grow the courage that resides within each of us in ordinary, but effective ways. These practices won't go viral nor bring fame but can inspire hope and grow strength within ourselves, our families and our communities. We'll have special music guests -- the band Meetinghouse -- playing inspirational, contemporary songs. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Sam Taylor. ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-30 Sunday Service: "Cultivating a Hopeful Courage  (i.e. Courage is not just for Superheroes!)" When you think of "courage," what comes to mind? Activists and prophets risking their lives for their beliefs? Superheroes wielding powers beyond human capacity? In this service, we explore ways to grow the courage that resides within each of us in ordinary, but effective ways. These practices won't go viral nor bring fame but can inspire hope and grow strength within ourselves, our families and our communities. We'll have special music guests -- the band Meetinghouse -- playing inspirational, contemporary songs. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Sam Taylor. ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 4, 2026 #eBlast -09-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Women’s Circle Women’s Circle with Nora Alpers-Leon Third Tuesdays at 7:00 Zoom Only December-March Contact alpers6@gmail.com for zoom link Nora describes this women’s circle as a “judgment-free comfort zone.” She invites participants to “sit, connect and share.” Bring a journal and a pen and a cushion or mat to sit on if you prefer that to a chair. Nora Mijares Alpers-Leon is an indigenous (Colombian) mother, developmental psycholinguist and educator, who has a background in dance, yoga, and mindfulness. She completed 2 bachelor and 2 master degrees and a graduate certificate between UW-Madison and UConn. She did her Yoga Teacher Training in the Berkshires, and has led mindfulness workshops and talking circles in the United States and Colombia with both adults and children. To sign up for this circle, or if you want more information, contact Nora. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 3, 2024 America the Beautiful As we approach election day, Rev. Josh reflects on what is noble and good about the United States of America, and what is at stake as voters go to the polls. No matter the outcome on November 5th, how do we support each other in the aftermath? How do we, together, remain true to the American vision peace, liberty and justice for all? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. #eBlast-10-30 Sunday, November 3rd: Election Day I Tuesday, November 5th is a big day for the United States of America. On the Sundays surrounding the election, Rev. Josh will address what’s at stake in this election. What’s at stake for us as UUs and liberal religious people? What’s at stake for our communities? What’s at stake for country? Our November ministry theme is repair. Rev. Josh sincerely hopes these services can focus on repair, but so much remains unknown. And there is so much at stake. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek . #NovemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. 2026-27 Annual Appeal Welcome to our Annual Appeal for Fiscal Year 27! Our theme this year is “ Belonging and Thriving - Together .” As we are confronted with national uncertainty and discord, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to one another and to other supportive communities. Our shared dedication to community outreach and social justice is essential. Here are the key dates for this year’s Annual Appeal: 03/01 Sunday Service kickoff & signup table for pledging potlucks 03/06 & 13 Pledging potluck weekends 03/17 Pledges due to Annie in the church office 03/19 Stewarding outreach begins 04/06 Annual Appeal ends You can submit your pledge forms by mail, by dropping off into Annie’s inbox, by attending a pledge potluck, or through a steward visit. We are encouraging in-person visits this year! If you would like to have an in-person visit to discuss your pledge and/or your ideas about the church, you can contact Phil Sawyer at Psawyer215@gmail.com or 860-633-8655 Our financial goals for the FY27 fiscal year include contracting professional bookkeeping services and restoring some of the financial cuts that were made last year. The targeted goal is to restore the salary “bump” increases; restore professional expense budgets to 90% of the typical amount; fund the B&G reserve at $10,000 (request was $25,000); and fund the emergency response equipment at $1500 (request was $3000). Achieving the FY27 budget rests on an increase in pledge income of 5% with a pledge rate increase of 5-7%. Here are some examples of the monthly increase amount: Annual Pledge 5% 7% $500 $2 $3 $1000 $4 $6 $3000 $13 $18 It is with gratitude and joy that we share that we have received a $15,000 grant to encourage us to participate in the increase pledge rate of 5–7% for this year! Pledge increases of 5% or more will be matched 100%. Please join this challenge grant if you can and if you are not able to meet this rate, please know that your pledges add up to a powerful contribution. If you would like to establish another pledge match grant for this year, you can contact Louisa Graver at lgraver163@gmail.com or 860-645-1377. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our church works through the process of balancing our aspirations and our available resources. Later this year, Trisha Corey-Lisle will lead us in a “ reimagined method of budgeting” to help us achieve this balance. If you have any questions, you can contact any one of us on the Stewardship Committee. Yours in Spirit, Patricia Wildes (chair), Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Jerry Myers, and Phil Sawyer Testimonials

< To Upcoming Services Dec 3, 2023 Holy Clues. UUSE welcomes Rev. Stephen Kendrick as our guest speaker. Coordinator: Anne Vogel #eBlast-11-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

A list of social services contact information. Looking for Help? IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Mental Health, Health, Suicide Prevention and Addiction Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 9-8-8 - call text or chat if you or someone you know has thoughts about suicide Mobile Crisis 2-1-1 is a statewide, community based and family supportive clinical intervention service for children & adolescents experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis. Mobile Crisis provides rapid emergency crisis stabilization for children and their families as well as short-term follow-up care and connection to other services. Call 2-1-1 and ask for mobile crisis. A child can receive Mobile Crisis services in: Their home At school At their doctor’s office In the Emergency Department (ED) Any other community setting Arrive within 45 minutes or less Convenient Hours: Mobile hours are 6am-10pm M-F; 1pm-10pm weekends/holidays. Available by phone all other hours https://www.TurningPointCT.org - Mental Wellness Website for and by CT youth who want to chat, text, talk about young people in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. "We know what it’s like to feel alone, stressed, worried, sad, and angry. We’ve lived through the ups and downs of self- harm, drugs and alcohol, and the struggle to find help." Planned Parenthood of CT https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-southern-new-england (birth control, STDs, HIV/AIDs testing, reproductive care, abortion https://www.plannedparenthood.org/online-tools/chat 1-800-230-PLAN Toivo - Center for Holistic Healing Hartford, CT Anti-Violence and Safety Resources CT Alliance to End Sexual Violence 24 Hour Hotline: 1-888-999-5545 ENGLISH (Call or Text) 1-888-568-8332 ESPAÑOL CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence (intimate partner violence, family violence) https://www.ctsafeconnect.org/ Help with Basic Needs United Way health and human services hotline 2-1-1 (help with food, child care, housing, fuel, other basic needs) https://www.211ct.org/

< To Upcoming Services Sep 20, 2026 Beginnings Our ministry theme for September is, appropriately, beginnings. Rev. Josh delivers his first sermon of the congregational year--on beginnings. Let's look forward to a year full of spiritual growth, learning, exploration, justice-seeking, service, and beloved community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-16 Sunday Service: "Beginnings" Our ministry theme for September is, appropriately, beginnings. Rev. Josh delivers his first sermon of the congregational year--on beginnings. Let's look forward to a year full of spiritual growth, learning, exploration, justice-seeking, service, and beloved community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, September 20, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -09-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jan 14, 2024 The Spirit of Aging. Elders from this congregation will share personal thoughts about aging, with reflections on letting go, loss, change, identity, and humor. Music by Mary Bopp and Jeannine Westbrook. Coordinators: Sande Hartdagen & Nancy Madar #eBlast-01-10 January 14: “The Spirit of Aging.” Elders from this congregation will share personal thoughts about aging, with reflections on letting go, loss, change, identity, and humor. Music by Mary Bopp and Jeanine Westbrook. Coordinator(s): Sande Hartdagen & Nancy Madar OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 22, 2026 Ferry Beach Retreat Participants in this service will provide information about Ferry Beach and share thoughts about experiences they have had there. Coordinators : Nancy Madar and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-18 Participants in this service will provide information about Ferry Beach and share thoughts about experiences they have had there. Coordinators : Nancy Madar and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 22, 2026 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 18, 2025 Flower Communion Sunday, May 18th: Flower Communion. All Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved, multigenerational community. Please bring a flower to share! Note: Our 2025 Annual Meeting will begin shortly after the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, May 18th : Flower Communion . All Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved, multigenerational community. Please bring a flower to share! Note: Our 2025 Annual Meeting will begin shortly after the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek. #MayNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 2, 2024 Free at Last! This morning, we welcome back the Free At Last Players, a community-based theater troop that educates audiences on mental illness and mental wellness. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-05-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 8, 2026 Caring for Parents, Children and Their Families in These Times  and Their Families in These Times" The Surgeon General states that parents are more stressed than perhaps ever before; our young people experience unprecedented mental health challenges; and the rights of our beloveds are at grave risk. Yet many families with children show up at our doors seeking community and care. What can we do as a congregation to best respond to the needs of our families? Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Vivian Carlson. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-04  and Their Families in These Times" The Surgeon General states that parents are more stressed than perhaps ever before; our young people experience unprecedented mental health challenges; and the rights of our beloveds are at grave risk. Yet many families with children show up at our doors seeking community and care. What can we do as a congregation to best respond to the needs of our families? Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Vivian Carlson. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 8, 2026 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-04 OOS Sermon YouTube