< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Help Hartford Area UUs Help Hartford Area UUs Ask How Connecticut's Next Governor Will Lead UUism calls us not only to value democracy, but also to practice it by seeking reliable information, listening across differences, asking difficult questions, and holding public leaders accountable for how they use power. Ahead of Connecticut's August 11th primary, Hartford area UU congregations are organizing a nonpartisan gubernatorial candidate questionnaire. All candidates will be invited to answer the same questions developed by members of our congregations that are focused on where candidates stand on issues related to UU principles and values. For this reason, we need your questions! What do you want the candidates to explain about how they would govern Connecticut? What should they be asked about their priorities, use of executive authority, or responsibility to communities across the state? Please submit your questions to uuseoffice@uuse.org by noon on July 19th. Also, be on the lookout after the service on the 19th for the "Democracy Discussion Dropbox" in the lobby where you can submit your questions by hand. You need not include any identifying information on your submission. Note that participating congregations will not endorse or oppose any candidate. We provide this initiative only for voter education. Due to limited space, not all questions will be selected for presentation to the candidates. Contact the Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee with any questions. #eBlast-07-15 Help Hartford Area UUs Ask How Connecticut's Next Governor Will Lead UUism calls us not only to value democracy, but also to practice it by seeking reliable information, listening across differences, asking difficult questions, and holding public leaders accountable for how they use power. Ahead of Connecticut's August 11th primary, Hartford area UU congregations are organizing a nonpartisan gubernatorial candidate questionnaire. All candidates will be invited to answer the same questions developed by members of our congregations that are focused on where candidates stand on issues related to UU principles and values. For this reason, we need your questions! What do you want the candidates to explain about how they would govern Connecticut? What should they be asked about their priorities, use of executive authority, or responsibility to communities across the state? Please submit your questions to uuseoffice@uuse.org by noon on July 19th. Also, be on the lookout after the service on the 19th for the "Democracy Discussion Dropbox" in the lobby where you can submit your questions by hand. You need not include any identifying information on your submission. Note that participating congregations will not endorse or oppose any candidate. We provide this initiative only for voter education. Due to limited space, not all questions will be selected for presentation to the candidates. Contact the Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee with any questions. #eBlast -07-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 19, 2026 The Pulse of Love Join us this morning for a joyful, musical celebration of love in its many guises--love that grounds us, love that moves us, and love that pulses with a connection to our UU values and principles. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Summer Schedule #eBlast-07-15 Sunday Service: "The Pulse of Love" Join us this morning for a joyful, musical celebration of love in its many guises--love that grounds us, love that moves us, and love that pulses with a connection to our UU values and principles. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Summer Schedule Sunday, July 19th at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -07-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled NLDC Annual Recruitment The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UU SpiritLife - The Peace of the Divine Reality UUSpiritLife Mark your calendars. The next SpiritLife Conversation meets on Zoom on Saturday, December 16, 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. when we will consider The Peace of Divine Reality by Thich Nhat Hahn. Open to members of all three area UU churches. Drop in. No registration required. Read the article here and see the reflections here. Jot a few notes and log in here. Nicholas Bartoli will facilitate this lively conversation! #eBlast-12-13 Mark your calendars. The next SpiritLife Conversation meets on Zoom on Saturday, December 16 , 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. when we will consider The Peace of Divine Reality by Thich Nhat Hahn. Open to members of all three area UU churches. Drop in. No registration required. Read the article here and see the reflections here . Jot a few notes and log in here . Nicholas Bartoli will facilitate this lively conversation! #eBlast -12-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Hands Off Rally Hands Off Rally Saturday, April 5 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the State Capitol in Hartford The Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee invites you to the Hands Off Rally. Co-sponsored by many organizations including Women's March, 50501 and others, this rally protests the current assault on our country, our Constitution, our government services and so much more. More information at https://handsoff2025.com/ If you would like to carpool, gather at UUSE at 2:30 P.M. Or contact Sid Soderholm. #eBlast-04-02 Hands Off Rally Saturday, April 5 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the State Capitol in Hartford The Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee invites you to the Hands Off Rally. Co-sponsored by many organizations including Women's March, 50501 and others, this rally protests the current assault on our country, our Constitution, our government services and so much more. More information at https://handsoff2025.com/ If you would like to carpool, gather at UUSE at 2:30 P.M. Or contact Sid Soderholm. #eBlast -04-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Declare Your Love and Gratitude for UUSE! Declare Your Love and Gratitude for UUSE! Paula Baker and Sandy Karosi are organizing a service for November 23 entitled "Gratitude for UUSE," and we want to include messages from our congregation! We're looking for an answer to the question: "What is it about UUSE that fills you with gratitude?" Maybe it's the community, the building and grounds, a committee, our staff, an experience you've had, relationships formed, or an event your family loves! While it might be hard to pick just one thing, we need to keep responses to a single, brief sentence. Looking for messages from all ages! Send your message by November 9 to either Paula (uuseoffice@uuse.org ) or Sandy (uuseoffice@uuse.org ). #eBlast-11-05 Declare Your Love and Gratitude for UUSE! Paula Baker and Sandy Karosi are organizing a service for November 23 entitled "Gratitude for UUSE," and we want to include messages from our congregation! We're looking for an answer to the question: "What is it about UUSE that fills you with gratitude?" Maybe it's the community, the building and grounds, a committee, our staff, an experience you've had, relationships formed, or an event your family loves! While it might be hard to pick just one thing, we need to keep responses to a single, brief sentence . Looking for messages from all ages! Send your message by November 9 to either Paula ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) or Sandy ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ). #eBlast -11-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

a1360c5c-96d0-4e4b-8b45-16ca36a21962 < Back Program Council Program Council coordinates the Society's programs for fellowship, service, recreation, and peronal growth; inclues chairs of standing committees and coordinators. The Program Council is presided over by the Vice President Program Council includes the following committees and groups Adult Education Children and Youth Ministries Committee Committee on Ministry Community Outreach Ministries Emergency Preparedness Taskforce Membership Committee Music Committee Nominating and Leadership Development Committee Pastoral Care Ministry Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee Stewardship Committee Sunday Services Committee Sustainable Living Committee / Climate Action Team Updated October 9, 2025 at 10:28:29 AM

< 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 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 Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Ladies At Lunch Ladies at Lunch meet on 2nd Thursdays or Fridays. Check the eBlast for location and day. Ladies at Lunch meet on 2nd Thursdays or Fridays. Check the eBlast for location and day. 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

a7040890-befd-4680-97c0-6b285305c1fe < Back to Newsletter September Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > God Talk A discussion group for UU theists 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores how UUs can name and experience God in meaningful, useful ways. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. #SeptemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.