What you might traditionally call Sunday School is what we call Programs for Children under Child and Youth Ministries. UUSE Children & Youth Ministry Program 2025-2026 Curricula: Children’s Chapel : New this year, Emmy will lead dedicated Children’s worship in the Children’s Chapel on the Garden Level at 10:15 AM most Sundays. (Please see weekly Friday Update from Emmy to confirm each week.) Children’s worship will center around nature-based teachings, mythology, and practices. A time for sharing joys and concerns, seasonal conversation, crafts and singing will take place. Children’s Chapel will wrap up about 10:45, to allow time to transition to the Sanctuary. Time For All Ages : Children and youth in grades 2-12 will begin in the Sanctuary every Sunday to participate in worship including opening music and words, chalice lighting, and a specially prepared child-centered activity. After the Time For All Ages, children and youth will be dismissed to the Garden Level for classes. Nursery : Childcare will be available in our Nursery at 11 AM for children 3 and under. Care is provided by two regular childcare staff including our Nursery Coordinator Molly, and an assistant teacher. Molly grew up at UUSE and is equipped with loads of experience, patience, and creativity to keep our youngest UUs safe and engaged. Families are always welcome to tour and stay in the nursery at any time. Pre-K – 1st Grade, Spirit Play : The goal of Spirit Play is to help children live into their own answers to the existential questions: Where did we come from? What are we doing here? How do we choose to live our lives? This highly successful Montessori based program engages children using stories from many traditions and group “wonderings”. Children choose work activities, sing songs, and partake in a “feast” each week. Spirit Play participants start in their classroom at 11 AM. Grades 2-5, UU Identity : Our young UUs will engage in hands-on exploration of broad religious concepts and questions through a wide range of activities led by professional staff and volunteers. A typical class will include a lesson explored through art, storytelling, yoga, nature, games & more. A hallmark of this program is the chance for the children to come together with adult members of the congregation who share their time, talents, warmth & wisdom! Grades 6-8, Junior Youth Group : The junior youth group will follow a nature-based program, focusing on connecting with the land, for both spiritual and practical purposes. We will be using a curriculum called "Wonders of Nature", inspired by the works of "Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature" written by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGown, as well as Richard Louv’s "The Last Child in the Woods”, and "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The bulk of the class takes place outdoors on UUSE grounds. Grades 9-12, High School Youth Group : Several different types of programming are incorporated to best meet the needs and interests of our high school youth. At bi-monthly meetings the group will get together to talk, play games, cook, eat, watch a movie, attend a service together or work on a service project. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. Many of these activities will enable youth to work toward the Distinguished Youth Service Award (DYSA) if they choose. Affirmation : A Coming of Age program for our 10th graders to explore their own spiritual beliefs as emerging young adults. This year-long program is led by a dedicated teacher team including a facilitator, two assistant facilitators, the DCYM, and our Minister. Youth will also be paired with mentors who will serve as “spiritual peers with more years of lived experience,” and attend an overnight field trip and pilgrimage to Boston. Contact Us Emmy, the Director of CYM, can be reached by email at dcym@uuse.org And the CYM Committee is available for questions or comments at uusecym@uuse.org

< To Upcoming Services Nov 16, 2025 Do UU Know Your History? "Do UU Know Your History?" Rev. Josh offers a primer on Unitarian Universalist and Unitarian Universalist history. Where have we come from as a people of faith? This sermon was purchased at last year's goods and services auction by Josh's mother-in-law, Elaine Pascetta. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-11-12 "Do UU Know Your History?" Rev. Josh offers a primer on Unitarian Universalist and Unitarian Universalist history. Where have we come from as a people of faith? This sermon was purchased at last year's goods and services auction by Josh's mother-in-law, Elaine Pascetta. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, November 16, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -11-12 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 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

45bf3413-b454-4a2f-9764-9ca98d365ac9 < Back to Newsletter September Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1 to 3 PM, in Room 3, and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1 to 3 PM, in Children’s Chapel We’re having more postcarding parties! Our August gatherings were a great success—in addition to some socializing, we got 500 cards written and stamped in less than 4 hours—so UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act—Connecticut's Defending Democracy team, will be gathering again to write get-out-the-vote postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), in order to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text, and pens will be provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny, uuseoffice@uuse.org , for further information. #SeptemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< 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 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

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 Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Pastoral Book Review Adult Religious Education Community Read: Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village by the Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Holmes Dr. Holmes’ book describes the spiritual practice of contemplation that emerges during crisis, both individually and in community. We will discuss passages from the book and engage together in Holmes’ recommended spiritual exercises. This book is short—136 pages. Purchases it anywhere books are sold. If you need financial support to make the purchase, or if you have any other questions, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at (860) 652-8961 or minister@uuse.org . This offering is co-sponsored by UUS:E’s Pastoral Friends and Adult Religious Education Committees. OOS Sermon YouTube