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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Youth Group Bottle and Can drive Bottle and Can Drive The Youth Group is running a UUS:E Bottle and Can Drive to be held Saturday morning, April 29 in conjunction with the May Fair. All proceeds to benefit UUS:E. So save up your empties and help raise money for our community! OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Improv for UUSE Adult Members & Friends Improv for UUSE Adult Members & Friends Wednesday, June 4th at 6:30 P.M. in the Meeting Room Come join a free improv workshop for UUSE adult members and friends facilitated by UUSE member, Megan Corning. Improv offers an opportunity to practice being fully present, affirming each other's ideas and building mutual trust through the act of play. Wit and comic ability are not required. Exercises typically involve physical movement and standing for several minutes at a time. Adaptations can be made to accommodate different abilities and comfort levels. Please share any such needs when RSVPing. Please RSVP by June 1st to Megan at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-06-04 Improv for UUSE Adult Members & Friends Wednesday, June 4th at 6:30 P.M. in the Meeting Room Come join a free improv workshop for UUSE adult members and friends facilitated by UUSE member, Megan Corning. Improv offers an opportunity to practice being fully present, affirming each other's ideas and building mutual trust through the act of play. Wit and comic ability are not required. Exercises typically involve physical movement and standing for several minutes at a time. Adaptations can be made to accommodate different abilities and comfort levels. Please share any such needs when RSVPing. Please RSVP by June 1st to Megan at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -06-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled GHIAA's Winter 2026 Organizing Leadership Training GHIAA (The Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance) is holding its Winter Organizing Leadership Training in person on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm in Newington, from Feb 10 to March 10. Join us to explore the fundamentals of faith-based organizing, practice the tools of relational culture (individual meetings and house meetings), consider how we build and wield power, share our process of identifying issues and developing campaigns, and build our skills for action. For more detailed info and to register click here. Version shared directly with members and friends. #FebruaryNewsletter GHIAA (The Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance) is holding its Winter Organizing Leadership Training in person on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm in Newington, from Feb 10 to March 10. Join us to explore the fundamentals of faith-based organizing, practice the tools of relational culture (individual meetings and house meetings), consider how we build and wield power, share our process of identifying issues and developing campaigns, and build our skills for action. For more detailed info and to register click here . Version shared directly with members and friends. #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

d8f255a7-b138-46db-b931-39e92fb6d8c1 < Back to Newsletter April Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Minister's Column Dear Ones: Our ministry theme for April is Embracing Possibility. Our friends at Soul Matters (the independent Unitarian Universalist resource hub that provides materials for the exploration of the ministry themes) offered the following quote about who we are as Unitarian Universalists: Of all our themes this year, Embracing Possibility is arguably most central to our faith. It has distinguished Unitarian Universalists from our beginning. Historically, when others saw depravity and sin at the core of human identity, we saw potential. When many were preaching that this world is fallen, we fell in love with the possibility of heaven on earth. Theologically, you might say we were the people who believed that God hadn’t given up on us and so we shouldn’t give up on each other or this world. Psychologically, it’s led to us being a people of “why not?” Why not give people another chance? Why not fight what seems like a losing battle? Why not risk a little failure? Or forgiveness? Why not trust in the possibility of a new dawn? I think this is a wonderful “elevator speech” to begin a conversation about Unitarian Universalism with someone who is unfamiliar with our faith. But for now, I offer it as a guide for our spiritual reflection during April. While I am not asking anyone to turn away from all that is happening in our country and the world, all the cruelty and corruption, all the depravity and sin we witness on a daily basis (indeed, we ignore it at our peril), I am inviting you to focus on where you see potential. I am inviting you to focus on when you fell in love with the possibility of heaven on earth. If we’re spiritually descended from the people who believed that God hasn’t given up on humanity, who are you not giving up on now? What in this world are you not giving up on now? Or, right now, to what new idea—no matter how wild or unreasonable—are you say “why not?” And if there is no new idea in your life, is it time to grab hold of one? Why not? Who in your life deserves another chance? What losing battle still seems worth fighting, even if it means failing over and over again? What apology might you owe to someone who is waiting to offer forgiveness? What new dawn are you waiting for? Can you trust that it is possible? We’ll be asking these questions in a variety of ways this month – in Sunday services, in small groups, in Children and Youth Ministry, and more. I urge you to let these questions seep into your consciousness. And as always, I am interested to learn your answers. Feel free to reach out either by email or phone. If you want to get together in person to talk more, please don’t be shy. I’d like to know more about whatever new dawn you trust is possible. With love, care, hope … and possibility, Rev. Josh #AprilNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Easter Egg Hunt Easter Egg Hunt Easter Sunday, April 20th at 10:30 A.M. Join CYM for an Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30 A.M. (before the 2nd service) on Easter Sunday in the back field. Open to all kids middle school age and under. Bring your Easter baskets and we'll see you there! #eBlast-04-16 Easter Egg Hunt Easter Sunday, April 20th at 10:30 A.M. Join CYM for an Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30 A.M. (before the 2nd service) on Easter Sunday in the back field. Open to all kids middle school age and under. Bring your Easter baskets and we'll see you there! #eBlast -04-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 13, 2024 All That We Let In Our ministry theme for October is deep listening. Rev. Josh will continue our exploration of this theme. Even in this era of polarization, listening isn't impossible. It is quite possible. It is, in fact, essential. Special Guest Musician: Jenn Richard. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-10-09 Our ministry theme for October is deep listening. Rev. Josh will continue our exploration of this theme. Even in this era of polarization, listening isn't impossible. It is quite possible. It is, in fact, essential. Special Guest Musician: Jenn Richard. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast -10-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 2, 2023 Let Freedom Ring! On this 4th of July weekend, join us to hear from Judy Robbins, a member of the Unitarian Society of Hartford, as she explores freedom in its historical context, defining for us what was meant by freedom and liberalism at our country's inception, how that has evolved, and how it shows up in our practice of Unitarian-Universalism today. She delivered this sermon one year ago at her home congregation. Welcome Judy! Coordinator(s): Sande Hartdagen OOS Sermon YouTube

b7794ba0-7405-4953-96fc-b72d62176572 < Back Communications and Technology Committee Communications and Technology Committee : Responsible for all society technology and communications to both internal and external audiences. The committee also oversees and manages phone, internet, computers, sound and office equipment. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:16:24 PM

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Choir Rehearsal. Do you love to sing? Do you love to have fun? If you answered “yes” to these questions you can sing with the UUSE Choir! You don't have to audition. Check the weekly eBlast and monthly Newsletters for rehearsals dates. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . 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

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Calling All Photographers, Painters, and Poets A Spring exhibit at UUSE will be installed on Thursday, March 27th. The new triptych and exhibit will remain in place until mid-June. Please register your entries at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Include your name, title and photo of the work, the price, if for sale. Drop off will be on March 27 from 12 noon - 1:30 P.M. Questions? Call Carolyn Emerson at 860-646-5151 #FebruaryNewsletter A Spring exhibit at UUSE will be installed on Thursday, March 27th. The new triptych and exhibit will remain in place until mid-June. Please register your entries at uuseoffice@uuse.org. Include your name, title and photo of the work, the price, if for sale. Drop off will be on March 27 from 12 noon - 1:30 P.M. Questions? Call Carolyn Emerson at 860-646-5151 #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Women's History Month Celebration Women's History Month Celebration Monday, March 31, 2025 - 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Location: Work Space, 903 Main Street, Manchester, CT All are welcome to join the African American and Black Affairs Council as it presents Unshaken: Black Women, Leadership, Power and Progress in a Changing America. Networking and a meal at 5:00 P.M. with a panel discussion at 6:00 P.M. Panelists include Shanda Comeaux, LCSW - founder of Catherine's Heart Counseling Services, Tracy Patterson, MBA - Chair of the Manchester Board of Education and Event Moderator; Rhonda Philbert, MPH - Retired Race and Equity Coordinator, Manchester Public Schools; UUSE's Rev. Josh Pawelek; Pam Floyd-Cranford, MSW, LCSW, SSW - owner of Elite Tertiary Education Consulting and member of the Manchester Board of Directors; Nadia Sims - Manchester's Poet Laureate, and Ohanna Boahen - President of the Black Student Union at Manchester High School. #eBlast-03-26 Women's History Month Celebration Monday, March 31, 2025 - 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Location: Work Space, 903 Main Street, Manchester, CT All are welcome to join the African American and Black Affairs Council as it presents Unshaken: Black Women, Leadership, Power and Progress in a Changing America. Networking and a meal at 5:00 P.M. with a panel discussion at 6:00 P.M. Panelists include Shanda Comeaux, LCSW - founder of Catherine's Heart Counseling Services, Tracy Patterson, MBA - Chair of the Manchester Board of Education and Event Moderator; Rhonda Philbert, MPH - Retired Race and Equity Coordinator, Manchester Public Schools; UUSE's Rev. Josh Pawelek; Pam Floyd-Cranford, MSW, LCSW, SSW - owner of Elite Tertiary Education Consulting and member of the Manchester Board of Directors; Nadia Sims - Manchester's Poet Laureate, and Ohanna Boahen - President of the Black Student Union at Manchester High School. #eBlast -03-26 OOS Sermon YouTube