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This is the page with our minister, our director of child and youth ministries, and our music director. Our Staff Rev. Josh Pawelek Minister Josh came to us in 2002. He often expresses his gratitude for the work and love of our community, but rest assured we know exactly how lucky we are to have his leadership. A theistic Unitarian Universalist, Josh is a spiritual leader dedicated to transformative preaching, teaching, healing and social justice ministries. He lives that dedication to the greater good. The man works tirelessly for social justice for all human beings, at national, state, and local levels - plus, he participates in every level of our services, beyond preaching. He happily plays parts in children's stories, leads hymns, and supports the creativity of our whole spiritual community. Well, after all, he was a drummer in a rock band, as you will see during some services! (860) 652-8961. minister@uuse.org Emmy Galbraith Director of Children and Youth Ministry UUSE’s Committee for Children and Youth Ministry, Policy Board, and Rev. Josh Pawelek are overjoyed to announce the hiring of Emmy Galbraith as our new Director of Children and Youth Ministry (DCYM). Emmy has worked with UUSE’s Children and Youth Ministry in the past as a staff member, a volunteer and a parent. She brings to the position a wide range of work experience, great passion and enthusiasm, and a commitment both to Unitarian Universalism and to children’s spiritual development. dcym@uuse.org Mary Bopp Music Director Mary has served UUSE since 2015, after over 30 years as a professional full-time musician in New York City! An award-winning artist, Mary brings more than hymns and classical composers' music to our services. She is also an improv-magician to many, directs our choir with her unique creativity and adaptability, and brings a variety of professional artists to perform at services and more! Mary is a beloved inspiration to us all. music@uuse.org Annie Gentile Office Manager Annie Gentile joined UUSE as office administrator in 2000. She is, among other things, the friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you call weekdays and is always happy to help you with any of your questions about our church organization. 860 646-5151 uuseoffice@uuse.org Molly Vigeant Nursery Coordinator I've gone to UUSE since I was in nursery myself. I'm a special needs paraprofessional and a mom. UUSE's youth programs met my incessant curiosity with consistent open-minded love and compassion, it is my goal as nursery coordinator to be one of the people who shares their open-minded love and compassion with future generations. uusecym@uuse.org Jane Osborn Building Manger / Tech Leader Jane manages all aspects of our building maintenance, but she is also our amazing tech guru, assuring the excellent sound and visual quality of our hybrid Sunday services. On top of this, over 10 years ago, she independently founded the ever-growing Manchesters Women's Sacred Singing Circle, housed here at UUSE. As an artisan and builder, Jane has also built canoes, musical instruments, and more— come join us as we see what's next! 860 646-5151 sexton@uuse.org

< To Upcoming Services May 28, 2023 What Shared Ministry Means to Me, Part II. This is a follow-up to the service when Rev Josh preached on this topic January 8, 2023. Several members of the Sunday Services Committee will present their thoughts about how much this model means to their experience on the committee and at UUS:E. Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson, Nancy Madar 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

04269124-ce32-47d4-ab1c-e02dbe7b3727 < Back Denominational Affairs Committee Denominational Affairs Committee : Keeps congregation informed of UUA and District programs and encourages participation. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:00:56 PM

Small group ministries are what keep people connected at UUSE. Small Group Ministry Small Group Ministry is a network of small groups (maximum size 8-10) whose main objective is to create an open and safe environment for mutual ministry and spiritual growth. Groups meet monthly, have a regular format, develop a covenant, and explore mutually agreed to topics that promote UU principles and spiritual development. They are an opportunity to explore meaningful topics such as trust, compassion, good and evil, or mindful living. Contact Reverend Josh for details.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Come Sing, Chant, and Reconnect With Us! Save These Kirtan Dates –Led by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! • Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 • Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 • Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee #OctoberNewsletter Save These Kirtan Dates – L ed by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee #OctoberNewsletter 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 Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Jazz Group Forming Jazz Group Forming Organizational Meeting on Sunday, March 29th 2:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. on the Garden Level in Room 3 If you're interested in being part of a new jazz group at UUSE, please come to the organizational meeting on Sunday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. right after the Chocolate Auction. We'll meet on the Garden Level in Room 3. We're looking for input from people comfortable with playing or singing jazz, to put our heads together about forming a group. We'll discuss goals, interests, rehearsing, performing, availability, experience, instruments, etc. Then we'll play a song or two. So, please bring your instrument. If interested, please contact Eric Rosenberg. 860-646-5151. #eBlast-03-25 Jazz Group Forming Organizational Meeting on Sunday, March 29th 2:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. on the Garden Level in Room 3 If you're interested in being part of a new jazz group at UUSE, please come to the organizational meeting on Sunday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. right after the Chocolate Auction. We'll meet on the Garden Level in Room 3. We're looking for input from people comfortable with playing or singing jazz, to put our heads together about forming a group. We'll discuss goals, interests, rehearsing, performing, availability, experience, instruments, etc. Then we'll play a song or two. So, please bring your instrument. If interested, please contact Eric Rosenberg . 860-646-5151. #eBlast -03-25 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 18, 2024 Ritual and Repetition: Pathways to Spirituality. In this pulpit exchange with the Universalist Society of Hartford, we explore how familiarity with the patterns of ritual deepens the ease into a meditative state. Join us for a two-part harmony as Laurie Kelliher speaks of "In Search of Ritual" and Michael Michaud offers "Over and Over Again! Breath, Mantras, Meditation and Movement. Musicians will include Andy Ricci and Dorothy Bognar. Coordinator: Anne Vogel #eBlast-08-14 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! New Sanctuary Exhibit Starting Thursday, December 4 A new sanctuary exhibit will go up on Thursday, December 4th. There is no specific theme for this show. Choose one of your favorites to share with the congregation. Please register your entries with uuseoffice@uuse.org and include title, medium, price (if for sale) and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets, please send your poems to Carol for mounting by November 30th. If you want to add a photo or a small piece of art, send it as well. INCOMING WORK: Drop-off is December 12/4/25 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. (Please note the new times.) If you can't make that window, kindly drop off your entry in Annie's office any time before the deadline. OUTGOING WORK: Pick up your art by the end of the second service on Sunday, November 16th, so that Fair setup can begin. When you pick up your artwork, check your name off the list posted near the entry doors. Artwork not picked up will be in Annie's office. REGISTRATION starts now through Tuesday, 12/2/25. That's not a lot of time so get your entries in. Let's make this a wonderfully eclectic display! The next exhibit will go up in early April. Questions? Contact Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-11-26 Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! New Sanctuary Exhibit Starting Thursday, December 4 A new sanctuary exhibit will go up on Thursday, December 4th. There is no specific theme for this show. Choose one of your favorites to share with the congregation. Please register your entries with uuseoffice@uuse.org and include title, medium, price (if for sale) and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets , please send your poems to Carol for mounting by November 30th. If you want to add a photo or a small piece of art, send it as well. INCOMING WORK : Drop-off is December 12/4/25 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. (Please note the new times.) If you can't make that window, kindly drop off your entry in Annie's office any time before the deadline. OUTGOING WORK : Pick up your art by the end of the second service on Sunday, November 16th, so that Fair setup can begin. When you pick up your artwork, check your name off the list posted near the entry doors. Artwork not picked up will be in Annie's office. REGISTRATION starts now through Tuesday, 12/2/25 . That's not a lot of time so get your entries in. Let's make this a wonderfully eclectic display! The next exhibit will go up in early April. Questions? Contact Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -11-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled General Assembly 2025 News from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. (More info on the CSAI process). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here. Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. (More info on the AIW process). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). • We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights • Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom • Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here ), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. ( More info on the CSAI process ). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here . Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. ( More info on the AIW process ). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Upcoming Feedback Opportunities: Principles and Values Integration Task Force As some of you will remember, one of the recommendations from last year’s UUA Discernment Task Force was for our congregation to integrate the Unitarian Universalist principles with the Unitarian Universalist Values in our collective UUSE life. To that end, our Policy Board commissioned a Principles and Values Integration Task Force last spring with the goal of studying how we can effectively achieve this integration. The task force consisted of Vivian Carlson (Sunday Services Committee), Sudha (Children and Youth Ministry and Communications and Technology Committees), Sheila Foran (Membership Committee), Kate Kimmerle (Policy Board), Ruth Rempt (at large), and Rev. Josh Pawelek (staff). The Principles and Values Integration Task Force has completed its preliminary report and will be sharing it with the congregation in early January. Please watch for it!! We want to hear from you! During the remainder of January, the Task Force will be seeking feedback from the congregation. You will be able to give feedback by emailing principlesvalues@uuse.org . You can also attend an online feedback session on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 pm, or an in-person feedback session on Tuesday, January 20th at 1:00 PM at UUSE. Once feedback has been reviewed and integrated into the report, the task force will submit a final report to the Policy Board to be accepted at its February meeting. #JanuaryNewsletter Principles and Values Integration Task Force As some of you will remember, one of the recommendations from last year’s UUA Discernment Task Force was for our congregation to integrate the Unitarian Universalist principles with the Unitarian Universalist Values in our collective UUSE life. To that end, our Policy Board commissioned a Principles and Values Integration Task Force last spring with the goal of studying how we can effectively achieve this integration. The task force consisted of Vivian Carlson (Sunday Services Committee), Sudha (Children and Youth Ministry and Communications and Technology Committees), Sheila Foran (Membership Committee), Kate Kimmerle (Policy Board), Ruth Rempt (at large), and Rev. Josh Pawelek (staff). The Principles and Values Integration Task Force has completed its preliminary report and will be sharing it with the congregation in early January. Please watch for it!! We want to hear from you! During the remainder of January, the Task Force will be seeking feedback from the congregation. You will be able to give feedback by emailing principlesvalues@uuse.org . You can also attend an online feedback session on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 pm, or an in-person feedback session on Tuesday, January 20th at 1:00 PM at UUSE. Once feedback has been reviewed and integrated into the report, the task force will submit a final report to the Policy Board to be accepted at its February meeting. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube