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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UU SpiritLife - Who Speaks UU SpiritLife UUSpiritLife Conversations is a monthly drop-in Zoom to talk about spiritual topics. On Saturday, November 18, 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., we will be considering Marsha Sinetar's article Who Speaks? David Gonci will facilitate. Click here to find the article to read and the Zoom link. See you on the small screen! #eBlast-11-15 UU SpiritLife Conversations is a monthly drop-in Zoom to talk about spiritual topics. On Saturday, November 18, 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. , we will be considering Marsha Sinetar's article Who Speaks? David Gonci will facilitate. Click here to find the article to read and the Zoom link. See you on the small screen! #eBlast -11-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled CCIU and UUs Present: CCIU and UUs Present: To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor Sunday, July 20th, 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. at UUSE Bring a lunch on Sunday and join us for the last of a 3-part series as we explore three different religions - the Bahai Faith, Hinduism and Unitarian Universalism. This lively, candid and highly informative question-and-answer forum, is produced by the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding. It will include three panelists from different religions who will answer your questions about what it means to practice their beliefs. #eBlast-07-16 CCIU and UUs Present: To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor Sunday, July 20th, 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. at UUSE Bring a lunch on Sunday and join us for the last of a 3-part series as we explore three different religions - the Bahai Faith, Hinduism and Unitarian Universalism. This lively, candid and highly informative question-and-answer forum, is produced by the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding. It will include three panelists from different religions who will answer your questions about what it means to practice their beliefs. #eBlast -07-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 17, 2024 Roots and Wings: The Paradox of Transformation Our March ministry theme is transformation. Although it may be true that "change alone is unchanging," it is also true that "some things never change." There's a paradox there that may be summed up in our very human need for both roots and wings. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-03-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 15, 2023 Protecting Our Women and Girls. This service serves as an informative platform, shedding light on the daily challenges and threats faced by women. We aim to provide a trigger warning for sensitive topics such as sexual and physical abuse. While our content may be emotionally challenging, it can also be a valuable resource for those experiencing abuse or those seeking to help someone in need. Join us as Jessey Ina-Lee and Madeleine Cahill discuss this heart-wrenching issue and the imperative to protect the well-being of women and girls. The disparities between women's and men's lives will become evident as we delve into this important discussion. Coordinator: Alan Ayers #eBlast OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled One-Day Course: Mental Health First Aid Thursday, November 6th, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Presented by the National Council for Mental Wellness. Sponsored by the UUSE Emergency Response Taskforce UUSE’s Emergency Response Taskforce is offering a one-day course entitled Mental Health First Aid, Thursday November 6, 9am to 5pm. The course is presented by the National Council for Mental Wellness. Register with Annie Gentile in the UUSE office. Certificates will be issued to those successfully completing the course. During these stressful times we all are experiencing heightened anxiety. Psychologists define mental health as being relatively free from anxiety and disabling symptoms that can create difficulty in effectively meeting the ordinary demands and stresses of life. What do we say when someone quietly tells us of their suicidal thoughts? Or how should we respond if someone in a group meeting starts shouting out loudly and angrily as if intoxicated? The Mental Health First Aid course offers pathways for responding when a friend, family member, or fellow UUSE parishioner exhibits signs that their stress has overwhelmed their ability to cope normally. The National Council for Mental Wellness has offered its highly regarded “Mental Health First Aid” course across the nation. This course develops a citizen’s ability to recognize the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including people with suicidal thoughts. Participants learn how to interact with someone in an immediate mental health crisis, as well as how to connect that person with the appropriate follow-up care. All are welcome, though there is a 30-person limit. If you are interested, register with the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 to ensure your place in the class. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org or (860) 652-8961. #OctoberNewsletter Thursday, November 6th, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Presented by the National Council for Mental Wellness. Sponsored by the UUSE Emergency Response Taskforce UUSE’s Emergency Response Taskforce is offering a one-day course entitled Mental Health First Aid, Thursday November 6, 9am to 5pm. The course is presented by the National Council for Mental Wellness. Register with Annie Gentile in the UUSE office. Certificates will be issued to those successfully completing the course. During these stressful times we all are experiencing heightened anxiety. Psychologists define mental health as being relatively free from anxiety and disabling symptoms that can create difficulty in effectively meeting the ordinary demands and stresses of life. What do we say when someone quietly tells us of their suicidal thoughts? Or how should we respond if someone in a group meeting starts shouting out loudly and angrily as if intoxicated? The Mental Health First Aid course offers pathways for responding when a friend, family member, or fellow UUSE parishioner exhibits signs that their stress has overwhelmed their ability to cope normally. The National Council for Mental Wellness has offered its highly regarded “Mental Health First Aid” course across the nation. This course develops a citizen’s ability to recognize the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including people with suicidal thoughts. Participants learn how to interact with someone in an immediate mental health crisis, as well as how to connect that person with the appropriate follow-up care. All are welcome, though there is a 30-person limit. If you are interested, register with the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 to ensure your place in the class. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org or (860) 652-8961. #OctoberNewsletter 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 Mar 24, 2024 On Donkeys, Palms, and Money-Changers: A Meditation for Palm Sunday. Rev. Josh takes us through Jesus' entry into Jerusalem a week prior to his execution. What might this ancient story tell us about the previous balance between humility and rage? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-03-20 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Downsizing for Wellness, Sustainability and Joy Downsizing for Wellness, Sustainability and Joy TUESDAY, October 14 at 1:30 P.M. in the Garden Level Chapel (a previous eblast incorrectly listed this event with the wrong day of the week!) Want to simplify your life? Join us for an engaging and practical presentation on how downsizing and decluttering can open the door to a simpler, safer and more sustainable life. Presented by Sheila Gavish, Senior Move Advocate & Outreach Coordinator with Amston Home Transition Solutions, and Dr. Stefanie C. Toise, PhD who will highlight the health and wellness benefits of living in a simplified, orderly environment. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee, this event is open to all who are interested in making positive changes for themselves, their families and the planet. #eBlast-10-08 Downsizing for Wellness, Sustainability and Joy TUESDAY, October 14 at 1:30 P.M. in the Garden Level Chapel (a previous eblast incorrectly listed this event with the wrong day of the week!) Want to simplify your life? Join us for an engaging and practical presentation on how downsizing and decluttering can open the door to a simpler, safer and more sustainable life. Presented by Sheila Gavish, Senior Move Advocate & Outreach Coordinator with Amston Home Transition Solutions, and Dr. Stefanie C. Toise, PhD who will highlight the health and wellness benefits of living in a simplified, orderly environment. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee, this event is open to all who are interested in making positive changes for themselves, their families and the planet. #eBlast -10-08 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Congregational Meeting Congregational Meeting March 17th - Save the Date! On Sunday, March 17th at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, UUSE will hold a congregational meeting to vote on two questions related to Article II. This meeting will be held both in-person and on Zoom. For questions or to reserve childcare, please contact Carrie Kocher at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-03-13 On Sunday, March 17th at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, UUSE will hold a congregational meeting to vote on two questions related to Article II. This meeting will be held both in-person and on Zoom. For questions or to reserve childcare, please contact Carrie Kocher at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -03-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Special Congregational Meeting Notice Special Congregational Meeting Dear UUSE Voting Members: UUSE's Policy Board is calling a special congregational meeting to take place on Sunday, March 30th, following the second service. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on recommendations from our Constitutional Change and UUA Discernment Task Forces. There will be an option to join and vote on Zoom using the Sunday Service link. Our Constitution requires a quorum of voting members to be present at the meeting to vote on business items. Please plan to attend either in person or on Zoom to help us accomplish this important Society business! And please feel free to bring lunch and eat during the meeting. The agenda for the special congregational meeting will include: 1) A vote to approve the Constitutional Change Task Force's recommendations. Any changes approved will enter the UUSE Constitution. The final version of these recommendations after congregational feedback is here. You can also pick up a copy on the UUSE Welcome Table in the Meeting House lobby, or contact the UUSE office to have one mailed to you. 2) A vote to approve the Discernment Task Force's recommendation to change Article XV of the UUSE Constitution, known as the Dissolution clause. This change, if approved, will also enter the UUSE Constitution. The proposed new language is the following: In the event this Society ceases to function and the membership votes to dissolve the corporation at a duly called Congregational Meeting, the net assets of the society shall be distributed to charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that the congregation determines have similar values to those of the Society and may include the Unitarian Universalist Association, and also with the objective of caring for the needs of the Memorial Garden. The vote to dissolve the corporation shall be by a two-thirds vote of the quorum present at such meeting. There are four ways you may vote at the March 30th meeting: A) in person at UUSE; B) by mail/email absentee voting form; C) by proxy; and D) by Zoom vote during the meeting. Mail/Email Voting Form: If you are unable to be present for the meeting but wish to vote absentee, click here for the form or pick one up on the Welcome Table. You can also contact Annie in the UUSE office to send you a copy. Print and return a hard copy to the UUSE office at 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042, or email a photo of the completed form to uuseoffice@uuse.org by Friday, March 28th at noon. Proxy Form: If you would like to vote by proxy, click here for the proxy form or pick one up from the UUSE Welcome Table. You can also request a copy from Annie in the UUSE office. Be sure to advise your proxy of your wishes in advance of the meeting. Your proxy can bring your completed form with them to the congregational meeting, or you can send the completed proxy form to the UUSE office by Friday, March 28th at noon. To request childcare, please contact the UUSE office by Monday, March 24th. We look forward to seeing you on March 30th and keeping our connection to UUSE strong! Sincerely, Peggy J. Webbe, President Anne Carr, Vice President Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister Special Congregational Meeting Dear UUSE Voting Members: UUSE's Policy Board is calling a special congregational meeting to take place on Sunday, March 30th , following the second service. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on recommendations from our Constitutional Change and UUA Discernment Task Forces. There will be an option to join and vote on Zoom using the Sunday Service link. Our Constitution requires a quorum of voting members to be present at the meeting to vote on business items. Please plan to attend either in person or on Zoom to help us accomplish this important Society business! And please feel free to bring lunch and eat during the meeting. The agenda for the special congregational meeting will include: 1) A vote to approve the Constitutional Change Task Force's recommendations. Any changes approved will enter the UUSE Constitution. The final version of these recommendations after congregational feedback is here . You can also pick up a copy on the UUSE Welcome Table in the Meeting House lobby, or contact the UUSE office to have one mailed to you. 2) A vote to approve the Discernment Task Force's recommendation to change Article XV of the UUSE Constitution, known as the Dissolution clause. This change, if approved, will also enter the UUSE Constitution. The proposed new language is the following: In the event this Society ceases to function and the membership votes to dissolve the corporation at a duly called Congregational Meeting, the net assets of the society shall be distributed to charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that the congregation determines have similar values to those of the Society and may include the Unitarian Universalist Association, and also with the objective of caring for the needs of the Memorial Garden. The vote to dissolve the corporation shall be by a two-thirds vote of the quorum present at such meeting. There are four ways you may vote at the March 30th meeting: A) in person at UUSE; B) by mail/email absentee voting form; C) by proxy; and D) by Zoom vote during the meeting. Mail/Email Voting Form : If you are unable to be present for the meeting but wish to vote absentee, click here for the form or pick one up on the Welcome Table. You can also contact Annie in the UUSE office to send you a copy. Print and return a hard copy to the UUSE office at 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042, or email a photo of the completed form to uuseoffice@uuse.org by Friday, March 28th at noon. Proxy Form : If you would like to vote by proxy, click here for the proxy form or pick one up from the UUSE Welcome Table. You can also request a copy from Annie in the UUSE office. Be sure to advise your proxy of your wishes in advance of the meeting. Your proxy can bring your completed form with them to the congregational meeting, or you can send the completed proxy form to the UUSE office by Friday, March 28th at noon. To request childcare, please contact the UUSE office by Monday, March 24th . We look forward to seeing you on March 30th and keeping our connection to UUSE strong! Sincerely, Peggy J. Webbe, President Anne Carr, Vice President Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UU SpiritLife - Leaning Into the Light 2023 October 21. Leaning Into the Light, Stephen Levine. The late Stephen Levine was a spiritual teacher and writer. Many of us have read and re-read “A Gradual Awakening,” “Who Dies?,” “Healing into Life and Death,” and others. His article “Leaning Toward the Light,” picks up familiar spiritual themes. To paraphrase Levine: “I find myself using the term “God” and am comfortable with that term because I don’t have the foggiest idea what it means.” What else are we to call that spiritual stirring that tugs at our hearts when we look into the eyes of a baby or study any living thing up close? Is that thing we call “God” a constant in our lives or is it something we long for and seek, even as we question its existence? UUs are often called a community of seekers but are we ever finders? Why is all this important? Click this link for the Article. https://g0kaba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/handbook/Stephen%20Levine%20Essay.pdf And for Discussion Questions and Things to Think About Click Here. https://g0kaba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/handbook/Levine%20study%20Qs.pdf Facilitator: Judy Robbins. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled September Ministry Theme: Building Belonging Regular Hours begin on September 7th, 9 AM and 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. #SeptemberNewsletter  Building Belonging Regular Hours begin on September 7th, 9 AM and 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. #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube