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< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Classical Trio Concert Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at UUSE UUSE is pleased to host a classical concert featuring the world premieres of Serenades and Divertimento by New York City composer, Bruce Lazarus, a trio for oboe, cello and piano. The performers include Kurt Kaufman (cello), Emily Ferguson (oboe) and Bruce Lazarus (piano). Lazarus will also perform selections from Musical Explorations of Messier Star Clusters and Nebulae , inspired by French astronomer Charles Messier's catalogue of celestial objects. Bring the family and enjoy this wonderful performance. Suggested donation $20, $10 for students, under 12 free. No one will be turned away. Contact info@uuse.org . #eBlast -01-01

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Save the Date! Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 5 P.M. at the Meetinghouse Save the date for UUSE's 2025 Goods and Services Auction and .... drum roll please .... Sauce Competition! We're mixing it up and will have a competition for the best sauce . Any kind of sauce that you would serve on a noodle -- marinara, Bolognese, alfredo, pesto. But don't limit it to Italian flavors. Mac & cheese sauce, stroganoff, tetrazzini, goulash, sesame or lo mein are great options too! Whatever your favorite recipe is! Start thinking about how you'd like to contribute and send any and all questions to auction@uuse.org ! From your saucy Auction Committee--Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Chris Larson, Stan McMillen, and Nancy Pappas. #eBlast -01-01

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Coffeehouse Saturday, January 4th at 6:30 P.M. The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring you rdinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast -01-01

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Stop & Shop Card Sales Sunday, January 5th in the lobby Stop & Shop cards will be sold this Sunday after the 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. services. Cards come in $50, $100 and $250 denominations. Come out and support this UUSE fundraiser. #eBlast -01-01

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > eBlast Sunday Service "On the Road to Positivity" Given the human brain's capacity to reorganize its synaptic connections--what scientists refer to as neuroplasticity--it should be possible through sustained practice to change our thinking, to transform the tendency toward negative thinking into a much more satisfying, useful and positive encounter with the world. This service was purchased at last year's goods and services auction by Skip Gatting. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 5, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In case you missed it For a Youtube video of the December 29, 2024 service "Lessons from 2024," click here . For a Youtube video of the Christmas Eve service, click here . -------------------------------------- Coffeehouse Saturday, January 4th at 6:30 P.M. The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring you rdinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. -------------------------------------- Stop & Shop Card Sales Sunday, January 5th in the lobby Stop & Shop cards will be sold this Sunday after the 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. services. Cards come in $50, $100 and $250 denominations. Come out and support this UUSE fundraiser. -------------------------------------- Ladies at Lunch Join us for lunch at 110 Grill, 1127 Tolland Turnpike, Plaza at Burr Corners in Manchester on Thursday, January 9th . We meet at noon . Everyone is welcome! If you can attend, please RSVP to Sharon Huber by Wednesday afternoon, January 8th. Contact Sharon at uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. -------------------------------------- Rob Laurens and Friends in Concert Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. , come to the meeting house to experience award-winning, Boston-based singer-songwriter, Rob Laurens . Rob is currently celebrating the release of his new album, "Jubilee." Many UUSE members will remember his heart-warming original song, "You Are Welcome Here." Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance here or on the night of the show. -------------------------------------- A Celebration of World Religion Day Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford All faith traditions and all ages are welcome to a celebration of World Religion Day at the Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street in West Hartford. The keynote address will be by Eric Dozier, cultural activist and musician dedicated to using the power of music to inspire unity and foster global reconciliation. A special interfaith choir created exclusively for this event and directed by Eric Dozier will perform at the event. Other program participants include CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Chorus, Rasa Dance Project Group and choreographer Rachna Ramya. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of West Hartford and the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding. -------------------------------------- Intro to UU Sunday, January 12, 1:00 - 4:00 PM UUSE Chapel/Rm1 or Zoom Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our Intro to UU Session. Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar, which will include: ➢ A brief history and background of our theology ➢ UUSE's mission, programs and facilities ➢ Opportunity to meet others interested in Unitarian Universalism ➢ Sharing of stories about what brings us together. To register, please contact Annie Gentile at 860- 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, January 9. (Let us know if you need childcare.) Questions? Please contact Carole Boster or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org . -------------------------------------- Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the months of January or February, please contact Sid Soderholm . -------------------------------------- Picture Directory Dear Members and Long-Time Friends If you haven't received a copy of the picture directory, please email Annie at uuseoffice@uuse.org , and she'll send you a digital copy. Please note: The directory contains pictures only -- no addresses, phone or email info. Copies of the regular annual directory are available on the Welcome Table. -------------------------------------- Yoga Schedule change for New Year's Day Due to the New Year's Day holiday, our UUSE yoga will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3. Also, I've mentioned Atul Gawande's excellent book, available at the library (print, e-book, or audio-book): Being Mortal is not only wise and deeply moving, it is an essential and insightful book for our times, as one would expect from Atul Gawande, one of our finest physician writers." -- Oliver Sacks. -------------------------------------- Program Your Mind to Achieve Your Goals January 15, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House With discoveries in neuroscience, we know how to program our mind. By understanding the process, we can take control of our thoughts and emotions and create a more fulfilling life. In this presentation by Skip Gatting, you will learn the skills needed to start rewiring your subconscious mind to send you ideas throughout the day that lead you to achieving your goals. Learn more at Happiness-Success.com . Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee. -------------------------------------- Winter Invasives De-vining Saturday, January 18th Help with an innovative way to manage invasive vines damaging the trees on our grounds. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our first Winter Invasives De-vining on Saturday, January 18th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dress for the weather, bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply snacks and hot cocoa. Children and youth with responsible adults are especially invited. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. -------------------------------------- Science & Religion January 23 at 4:30 p.m. in the Chapel and on Zoom We'll pick discussion topics and coordinators for the upcoming year. Come with your always fascinating ideas! Contact Linda Duncan for the Zoom link. -------------------------------------- Save the Date! Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 5 P.M. at the Meetinghouse Save the date for UUSE's 2025 Goods and Services Auction and .... drum roll please .... Sauce Competition! We're mixing it up and will have a competition for the best sauce . Any kind of sauce that you would serve on a noodle -- marinara, Bolognese, alfredo, pesto. But don't limit it to Italian flavors. Mac & cheese sauce, stroganoff, tetrazzini, goulash, sesame or lo mein are great options too! Whatever your favorite recipe is! Start thinking about how you'd like to contribute and send any and all questions to auction@uuse.org ! From your saucy Auction Committee--Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Chris Larson, Stan McMillen, and Nancy Pappas. -------------------------------------- Classical Trio Concert Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at UUSE UUSE is pleased to host a classical concert featuring the world premieres of Serenades and Divertimento by New York City composer, Bruce Lazarus, a trio for oboe, cello and piano. The performers include Kurt Kaufman (cello), Emily Ferguson (oboe) and Bruce Lazarus (piano). Lazarus will also perform selections from Musical Explorations of Messier Star Clusters and Nebulae , inspired by French astronomer Charles Messier's catalogue of celestial objects. Bring the family and enjoy this wonderful performance. Suggested donation $20, $10 for students, under 12 free. No one will be turned away. Contact info@uuse.org . -------------------------------------- Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! There’s Always Something Good Going On New! Adult Affirmation , 3rd Sundays at 1 P.M. Stop & Shop Gift Card sales after services on 1st Sundays Fair Trade Coffee/Tea/Chocolate sales after services on 2nd Sundays Yoga , every Wednesday at 10 A.M. (Friday, Dec. 27 at 10 A.M. instead of Christmas Day; Friday, Jan. 3 at 10:00 A.M. instead of New Year's Day) Manchester Women's Singing Circle , every Thursday at 7 P.M. Book Lovers , 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30 P.M. on Zoom. Women's Circle , 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M. (Zoom only December through March) Email Nora Alpers-Leon at uuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Buddhist Group , 1st Tuesdays at 7 P.M. God Talk , 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Humanist Group , 3rd Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Science and Religion Discussion Group , 4th Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. -------------------------------------- Our Mission Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming, open-minded spiritual community seeking truth and meaning in its many forms. We share responsibility for building a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world. -------------------------------------- UUSE Links and Information • Monthly Newsletter • Website • Previous Sunday Services • Children & Youth Ministry • Facebook • New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association uuse.org • 860-646-5151 -------------------------------------- Here's a link to the latest Order of Service #eBlast -01-01

eBlast for January 2nd Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone : 860.646.5151 Sign up here to receive the full eBlast by email Sunday Service "On the Road to Positivity" Given the human brain's capacity to reorganize its synaptic connections--what scientists refer to as neuroplasticity--it should be possible through sustained practice to change our thinking, to transform the tendency toward negative thinking into a much more satisfying, useful and positive encounter with the world. This service was purchased at last year's goods and services auction by Skip Gatting. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 5, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In case you missed it For a Youtube video of the December 29, 2024 service "Lessons from 2024," click here . For a Youtube video of the Christmas Eve service, click here . -------------------------------------- Coffeehouse Saturday, January 4th at 6:30 P.M. The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring you rdinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. -------------------------------------- Stop & Shop Card Sales Sunday, January 5th in the lobby Stop & Shop cards will be sold this Sunday after the 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. services. Cards come in $50, $100 and $250 denominations. Come out and support this UUSE fundraiser. -------------------------------------- Ladies at Lunch Join us for lunch at 110 Grill, 1127 Tolland Turnpike, Plaza at Burr Corners in Manchester on Thursday, January 9th . We meet at noon . Everyone is welcome! If you can attend, please RSVP to Sharon Huber by Wednesday afternoon, January 8th. Contact Sharon at uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. -------------------------------------- Rob Laurens and Friends in Concert Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. , come to the meeting house to experience award-winning, Boston-based singer-songwriter, Rob Laurens . Rob is currently celebrating the release of his new album, "Jubilee." Many UUSE members will remember his heart-warming original song, "You Are Welcome Here." Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance here or on the night of the show. -------------------------------------- A Celebration of World Religion Day Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford All faith traditions and all ages are welcome to a celebration of World Religion Day at the Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street in West Hartford. The keynote address will be by Eric Dozier, cultural activist and musician dedicated to using the power of music to inspire unity and foster global reconciliation. A special interfaith choir created exclusively for this event and directed by Eric Dozier will perform at the event. Other program participants include CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Chorus, Rasa Dance Project Group and choreographer Rachna Ramya. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of West Hartford and the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding. -------------------------------------- Intro to UU Sunday, January 12, 1:00 - 4:00 PM UUSE Chapel/Rm1 or Zoom Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our Intro to UU Session. Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar, which will include: ➢ A brief history and background of our theology ➢ UUSE's mission, programs and facilities ➢ Opportunity to meet others interested in Unitarian Universalism ➢ Sharing of stories about what brings us together. To register, please contact Annie Gentile at 860- 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, January 9. (Let us know if you need childcare.) Questions? Please contact Carole Boster or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org . -------------------------------------- Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the months of January or February, please contact Sid Soderholm . -------------------------------------- Picture Directory Dear Members and Long-Time Friends If you haven't received a copy of the picture directory, please email Annie at uuseoffice@uuse.org , and she'll send you a digital copy. Please note: The directory contains pictures only -- no addresses, phone or email info. Copies of the regular annual directory are available on the Welcome Table. -------------------------------------- Yoga Schedule change for New Year's Day Due to the New Year's Day holiday, our UUSE yoga will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3. Also, I've mentioned Atul Gawande's excellent book, available at the library (print, e-book, or audio-book): Being Mortal is not only wise and deeply moving, it is an essential and insightful book for our times, as one would expect from Atul Gawande, one of our finest physician writers." -- Oliver Sacks. -------------------------------------- Program Your Mind to Achieve Your Goals January 15, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House With discoveries in neuroscience, we know how to program our mind. By understanding the process, we can take control of our thoughts and emotions and create a more fulfilling life. In this presentation by Skip Gatting, you will learn the skills needed to start rewiring your subconscious mind to send you ideas throughout the day that lead you to achieving your goals. Learn more at Happiness-Success.com . Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education Committee. -------------------------------------- Winter Invasives De-vining Saturday, January 18th Help with an innovative way to manage invasive vines damaging the trees on our grounds. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our first Winter Invasives De-vining on Saturday, January 18th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dress for the weather, bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply snacks and hot cocoa. Children and youth with responsible adults are especially invited. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. -------------------------------------- Science & Religion January 23 at 4:30 p.m. in the Chapel and on Zoom We'll pick discussion topics and coordinators for the upcoming year. Come with your always fascinating ideas! Contact Linda Duncan for the Zoom link. -------------------------------------- Save the Date! Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 5 P.M. at the Meetinghouse Save the date for UUSE's 2025 Goods and Services Auction and .... drum roll please .... Sauce Competition! We're mixing it up and will have a competition for the best sauce . Any kind of sauce that you would serve on a noodle -- marinara, Bolognese, alfredo, pesto. But don't limit it to Italian flavors. Mac & cheese sauce, stroganoff, tetrazzini, goulash, sesame or lo mein are great options too! Whatever your favorite recipe is! Start thinking about how you'd like to contribute and send any and all questions to auction@uuse.org ! From your saucy Auction Committee--Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Chris Larson, Stan McMillen, and Nancy Pappas. -------------------------------------- Classical Trio Concert Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at UUSE UUSE is pleased to host a classical concert featuring the world premieres of Serenades and Divertimento by New York City composer, Bruce Lazarus, a trio for oboe, cello and piano. The performers include Kurt Kaufman (cello), Emily Ferguson (oboe) and Bruce Lazarus (piano). Lazarus will also perform selections from Musical Explorations of Messier Star Clusters and Nebulae , inspired by French astronomer Charles Messier's catalogue of celestial objects. Bring the family and enjoy this wonderful performance. Suggested donation $20, $10 for students, under 12 free. No one will be turned away. Contact info@uuse.org . -------------------------------------- Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! There’s Always Something Good Going On New! Adult Affirmation , 3rd Sundays at 1 P.M. Stop & Shop Gift Card sales after services on 1st Sundays Fair Trade Coffee/Tea/Chocolate sales after services on 2nd Sundays Yoga , every Wednesday at 10 A.M. (Friday, Dec. 27 at 10 A.M. instead of Christmas Day; Friday, Jan. 3 at 10:00 A.M. instead of New Year's Day) Manchester Women's Singing Circle , every Thursday at 7 P.M. Book Lovers , 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30 P.M. on Zoom. Women's Circle , 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M. (Zoom only December through March) Email Nora Alpers-Leon at uuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Buddhist Group , 1st Tuesdays at 7 P.M. God Talk , 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Humanist Group , 3rd Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Science and Religion Discussion Group , 4th Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. -------------------------------------- Our Mission Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming, open-minded spiritual community seeking truth and meaning in its many forms. We share responsibility for building a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world. -------------------------------------- UUSE Links and Information • Monthly Newsletter • Website • Previous Sunday Services • Children & Youth Ministry • Facebook • New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association uuse.org • 860-646-5151 -------------------------------------- Here's a link to the latest Order of Service #eBlast-01-01

< To Upcoming Services Jan 12, 2025 Intro to UU Sunday, January 12, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, UUSE Chapel/Rm1 or Zoom Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our Intro to UU Session. Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar, which will include: To register, please contact Annie Gentile at 860- 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, January 9. (Let us know if you need childcare.) Questions? Please contact Carole Boster or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org . #JanuaryNewsletter Sunday, January 12, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, UUSE Chapel/Rm1 or Zoom Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our Intro to UU Session. Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar, which will include: A brief history and background of our theology UUSE's mission, programs and facilities Opportunity to meet others interested in Unitarian Universalism Sharing of stories about what brings us together. To register, please contact Annie Gentile at 860- 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, January 9. (Let us know if you need childcare.) Questions? Please contact Carole Boster or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org . #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Women's Circle 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M . - Zoom only from December through March Nora Alpers-Leon leads a women's circle with a chance for women to share and listen without judgement and to support one another. Bring a pen, journal and your beautiful self! Contact Nora at uuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link. #JanuaryNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

Giving Giving includes many aspects of congregational life: fellowship, time, and talents, as well as treasure, as you see throughout this site. Here are some ways we offer treasure to both UUSE and the greater community. Donate At UUSE, we encourage a culture of giving. Every gift makes an incredible difference to our incredible church, to the people of Manchester and the surrounding towns, and to our work in the world. Give a single gift online or in person, and you can even set up recurring donations. We are so grateful for your commitment and generosity. Donate Directly to UUSE Donate to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Emergency Response Fund for Ukraine and Haiti Community Outreach Ministry Charitable Giving Charitable Giving for January As always, thank you for your generosity. We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves, but to share with the larger community. Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month will be shared between: Moral Monday CT Power Up Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org , David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at n uuseoffice@uuse.org . Checks made out to UUSE will be treated as follows. If the memo line: ✓ is blank or “pledge” - all will go toward your pledge. ✓ has “COM” or the name of the charity - all will go to the charity. ✓ has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM” - it will be divided equally. #JanuaryNewsletter Stewardship We think it is taking care of things that matter: the earth, our families and friends, the marginalized and historically oppressed. Closer to home, it means taking care of our spiritual home, Unitarian Universalist Society East. This is where we make the connections that matter. We are mindful of the many generous gifts of time, talent and treasure that support and sustain our mission. We come together to celebrate and to do the important work that makes the world a better place. We come to rejuvenate our senses, to create a holy space, and to strengthen our resolve. Each March we conduct our Annual Appeal that raises funds for the continued operation of our Meetinghouse and its many programs. We also encourage newcomers, members and friends, to make pledges throughout the year. We hope you will join us in this spirit of generosity. Annual Appeal Link The 2024-25 Stewardship Committee – Louisa Graver, Jean Knapp, Larry Lunden, Phil Sawyer, Stan McMillen, and Patricia Wildes Legacy Giving Program The Legacy Giving Program was initiated as part of the Unitarian Universalist Society East (UUSE) 50th anniversary celebration with the goal of significantly expanding the UUSE General Endowment Fund. A larger Endowment Fund (e.g. $4 million by 2035) will enable using a portion of the income to fund special activities. Legacy Bequest A legacy bequest is a gift of personal property or financial assets made through the provisions of a will, a trust, or as a beneficiary of a retirement plan. It is generally the largest gift a member will give to their church and can be based on a fixed amount or on a percent of the remaining balance of a member’s estate. Legacy bequests are revocable, which means that if your circumstances change over time, you can change your will or your retirement plan beneficiary. If you want to make or change a legacy bequest please contact the UUSE office. Gift and Endowment Policies Link to Gift Policy Link to Endowment Policy

Ministry Themes 2024-25 September : Invitation October : Deep Listening November: Repair December : Presence January : Story February : Inclusion March : Trust April : Joy May : Imagination June : Freedom #JanuaryNewsletter

Social Justice UUSE is committed to social justice in all its forms. Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA) UUSE fully supports GHIAA is all its endeavors. To find out more check the GHIAA website Social Justice News for ${month}

Director's Corner Emmy's Friday Update For Sunday December 22nd Greetings CYM Families & Friends! A family and fellowship filled Sunday is awaiting us all this Sunday! Come and join the UUSE tradition of an annual service devoted to holiday music! It’s a family favorite guaranteed to lift your spirits and your toes. After service, you are invited to a potluck lunch on the Garden Level! Here’s what’s happening in Children & Youth Ministry on Sunday, December 15, 2024 @11 AM: All Congregation Worship All children and youth are invited to join their families in the Sanctuary for the entire worship service this Sunday. The nursery is open and available for children age 3 and younger. Sunday Service: “Dona Nobis Pacem” - All congregational Holiday Music service. Through music and song, story and homily, we celebrate the season and articulate our many-faceted prayer that peace may prevail. Join us! Coordinators: Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Nursery: Childcare is available in our Nursery on the Garden Level at 11 AM for children 3 and under. Care is provided by two regular childcare staff including our Nursery Coordinator Molly, our Nursery Assistant Lilly-Rose. Our nursery staff have grown up at UUSE, and are 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. High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12): HSYG Holiday Party! Please send your youth with a wrapped present (approx. $20 value) for a Yankee Gift Swap (financial support available, just reach out to Michelle.) CYM Potluck Lunch @ 12:30PM (Garden Level) open to all! Folks without children in CYM are also welcome to attend! An excellent opportunity to share conversation across generations. This week we will host a discernment taskforce conversation over lunch. RSVPs preferred but not required for this engagement opportunity. Junior Youth Group: Will meet after a quick bite at the CYM potluck lunch at 12:30PM. The Junior Youth Group will then meet from 1PM-3PM on the Garden Level. Affirmation: UUSE’s ongoing intergenerational Affirmation class will meet from 1PM-2:30PM in the Sanctuary. Please review the previously distributed information in Josh’s email to prepare for the meeting. End of Year Programming: Sun 12/22: Regular CYM Programming Pre-K through 8th grade @ 11AM Tues 12/24: Christmas Eve Service @ 7PM (Families welcome!) Sun 12/29: One service @ 10AM to reflect on the year’s end (Families welcome!) *NO CYM programming including NO nursery care available 12/29 Sun 1/5: Regular CYM Programming Pre-K through 12th grade @ 11AM UUSE Happenings: December Engagement Opportunities to discuss UUSE’s relationship with the UUA We invite YOU to participate! We would like to encourage everyone to participate. All voices are important –including those of folks who don’t see themselves as having strong views on the issues and those who haven’t been involved thus far. When we all share our views and listen to the perspectives of others, we develop a richer understanding of who we are as a congregation. Come share your perspectives on A2 and the UUA and deeply listen to the views of others so that we are able to find a way forward as a unified congregation. Thematic analysis of the notes capturing the major ideas shared in each session will be presented in a final report to the congregation recommending ways forward. Three more Focus Groups Focus Group (3-hour commitment) with an outside facilitator Highly participatory structured whole group conversation (8-10 participants) · Sunday, Dec. 15, 3-6 pm · Monday, Dec 16, 1-4 pm · Saturday, Dec. 21, 1-4 pm One more Task Force Led Conversation Dec. 15 at the CYM Potluck after the 11 am service Folks without children in CYM are also welcome to attend! An excellent opportunity to share conversation across generations. RSVPs preferred but not required for this engagement opportunity. If you need childcare for any of the above opportunities, please let us know when you sign up. Please sign up as soon as possible -- with a preferred choice and a back-up choice by emailing monica.vanbeusekom@gmail.com OR by texting or calling Sid Soderholm at 301-789-8638 OR by signing up in person after services on Sundays And lastly, if you haven’t been to CYM yet this year, please join us this Sunday! Children in the Nursery through 12th grade need to be registered every year for the Children & Youth Ministry program, so please register here if you haven’t already. Thank you! With Love and Gratitude, Emmy Galbraith dcym@uuse.org Cell: (860)576-7889 CYM Committee Members: Desiree Holian-Borgnis, Chair Michelle Spadaccini Paula Baker Sudha Sevin Committee email: uusecym@uuse.org Angela Attardo, CYM Program Assistant CYMAsst@uuse.org Director of Children and Youth Ministry's Monthly Column for January Winter Some years I think a lot about the return of the light, the encouragement gained from added minutes of sunlight day by day. After years of bargaining with seasonal depression and finally making peace with (that part of) my human experience, I’ve been able to get comfortable in the warm, cozy dark - that room inside myself. When fear is resting I’m able to look around that room and see what’s in there. It’s small and dark with dirt floors and a cast iron cook stove like the one I grew up with. A kettle steams and a rocking chair invites sitting. I’m wearing an apron my mother lovingly picked out for me. The pockets hold herbs planted in the spring, encouraged in the summer, and harvested in the autumn. The herbs have to be held still to be useful now. Intentional hands and a seasoned mind transform them once more, into medicine. A cold wind whistles across the door and clouds block rays of light trying to reach me in the dark room. A recent storm invites me to pull on my boots and grab my shovel to clear a path, should I need it. I clear it but I don’t plan on going anywhere. I sit in the room adorned with garland and stocked with books. Some to read and some with empty pages to write on. My beloved cat curls up on the rug in front of the stove. Telltales of Spring and Summer rest in mason jars lining the room. A quilt stitched together by grandmothers lays across a humble bed. I wrap a shawl tighter across my shoulders. A faint smile dances across my face while my eyes are open but out of focus. Daydreams blend with memories and I sit and watch it play. This is just right, just how it’s supposed to be. Not forced, not rushed out the door, the curtains allowed to keep cover of the windows. I am not missing something out there nor inside me. This room is meant to be lived in. Stillness is a sacred part of being alive. Darkness is the heart of winter’s embrace. May we dwell in peace, in this time of natural rest. Emmy Galbraith (she/her/hers) Director of Children and Youth Ministry #JanuaryNewsletter