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< To Upcoming Services Mar 21, 2026 Save the Date Community Contra Dance March 21, 2026, 4-7 PM in the UUSE Meeting Room Live music! Gender-free! Beginner friendly! All are welcome! Contact: Meghan MacRae, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #JanuaryNewsletter Community Contra Dance March 21, 2026, 4-7 PM in the UUSE Meeting Room Live music! Gender-free! Beginner friendly! All are welcome! Contact: Meghan MacRae, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

2e547f80-2c95-436d-a7c2-5af8f803a473 < Back Music Committee Music Committee : Advises and supports the Director of Music. Sustains and broadens the music program of the Society. Encourages children and teens, as well as adults, to share their musical talents. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:20:39 PM

< To Upcoming Services Sep 24, 2023 Why UUSE is Home. Our congregational family is uniquely special to many of our members and friends. But why exactly? Come hear members of the UUSE family share their thoughts about what UUSE means to them and why they are committed members of our community. Coordinators: David Klotz and Marsha Howland #eBlast OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 20, 2025 General (Assembly) Reflections Sunday Service: "General (Assembly) Reflections" Rev. Josh Pawelek will share his reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Baltimore; and maybe a few more general reflections on summer, the state of the nation, etc. Special Music by Jenn Richard. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-07-16 Sunday Service: "General (Assembly) Reflections" Rev. Josh Pawelek will share his reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Baltimore; and maybe a few more general reflections on summer, the state of the nation, etc. Special Music by Jenn Richard. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 20, 2025 In case you missed it #eBlast -07-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. 2025-26 Annual Appeal Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Strengthen Our Connections.” This idea is especially important this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our community of faith where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. We are grateful for our faith partners in the quest for a more just and caring world. Our current fiscal year (FY25) has been rich with new beginnings and a wide variety of church and community events. Below are some of the highlights for this year: All the new members that have joined our communty! There were 17 in 2024 and so far, there are 7-8 in 2025. Our strong, ongoing commitment to participation in local and statewide community social justice events and coalitions. This year 65 UUSE members attended the GHIAA Power Summit. Members also have opportunities to learn how to support immigrants through court accompaniment and other means. The excellent work of our UUA Discernment and Constitutional Change Task Forces Adding the “Time for All Ages” discussion with the children to Sunday Services The ongoing success of our fund raisers and the wonderful connections they build among us A wide variety of musical events that attract new talent and people from outside of our church. Our ongoing support for Verplank Elementary School; 11 members are tutors The current fiscal year 24-25 is an unusual year for UUSE from a financial perspective. Due to a combination of member financial challenges and concerns about the UUA this year, our income declined for the first time in many years. At the same time, the church expenses increased significantly. HR was especially impacted by a $~20,000 increase in healthcare premium and other benefit expenses. The FY25 budget gap between income and expenses was covered with reserves and pledge grant income. When we cover a gap with non-repetitive income sources, then the next year we face a similar gap again. The FY26 budget proposal is broadly based and includes participation from every sector of the budget to close the gap between income and expenses. Here are the highlights: A 4% increase in member pledge income for this year Deferral/expense cuts in staff salaries and benefits for this year Committee expense cuts Additional Reduction in UUA dues An income contribution from reserves that can be repeated each year. Removed contribution to Building Reserve to a separate project This is a ‘bare bones’ budget. If we can exceed the 4% rate, then we could eliminate the reductions in staff benefits. Additional income could also provide a cushion for pledge income lost during the year and unexpected expenses. Are some of you able to exceed the 4% amount? Below are some examples: Annual Increase Monthly Higher Pledge Rate Increase Increase $1,000 4% $3 $5 $3,000 4% $10 $15 - $20 Please do not underestimate the significance of your contribution. The aggregate of many contributions is what makes a church community work! As many of you are aware, we need to establish a robust Building Reserve that will enable the church to have sufficient funds for repair and replacement of B&G assets. The level of funding required exceeds what can be covered in an operating budget. The Policy Board has some preliminary thoughts about how to build up the reserve and will make proposals to the congregation as their ideas become more concrete. You can send your pledge directly to the church office or attend a fun potluck and fill out the forms there. If the church office has not received your pledge by March 17, a steward will contact you to see if they can provide assistance. As always, we are deeply grateful for your generous giving. We are all stewards of Unitarian Universalist Society East. If you have any questions, you can contact any one of us on the Stewardship Committee. Yours in Spirit, Patricia Wildes, Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Phil Sawyer How Much? Pledge Form EFT Form Ways to Give

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor 3 Conversations on the Religions of Our Neighbors The Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding and UU's are providing an opportunity to explore nine different religions at 3 Unitarian Universalist meetinghouses in a lively, candid and highly informative question-and-answer forum: Sunday, May 4th from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. at the Universalist Church of West Hartford, 433 Fern Street in West Hartford (Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism). Sunday, June 1st from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. at the Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Avenue in Hartford (Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism). Sunday, July 20th from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. at our own UUSE, 153 Vernon St. West, in Manchester (Bahai Faith, Hinduism, Unitarian Universalism). For questions or more information, please contact uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151. See also the flyers around the UUSE building. #eBlast-04-30 To Love Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighbor 3 Conversations on the Religions of Our Neighbors The Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding and UU's are providing an opportunity to explore nine different religions at 3 Unitarian Universalist meetinghouses in a lively, candid and highly informative question-and-answer forum: Sunday, May 4th from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. at the Universalist Church of West Hartford, 433 Fern Street in West Hartford (Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism). Sunday, June 1st from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. at the Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Avenue in Hartford (Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism). Sunday, July 20th from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. at our own UUSE, 153 Vernon St. West, in Manchester (Bahai Faith, Hinduism, Unitarian Universalism). For questions or more information, please contact uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151. See also the flyers around the UUSE building. #eBlast -04-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

136c0d20-4e8d-4243-ba13-5530b430213a < Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Ladies at Lunch Thursday, January 8th , we will enjoy lunch at Kobe Asian Bistro, 1155 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester (in the Plaza at Burr Corners). We meet at noon. Join us! If you will attend, please let Sharon Huber know by Wednesday, January 7. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. #JanuaryNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled SUNDIALS: Out from the Shadows SUNDIALS: Out from the Shadows (A Cliff Pelletier Memorial Lecture) October 6, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the UUSE Meeting Room Long-time member Fred Sawyer will provide an overview of the 3,500-year-long history of the sundial as a scientific device--perhaps humanity's first. Dozens of varieties and instruments and how they evolved will be discussed and illustrated with opportunities for the audience to ask questions. Fred is President and editor of the North American Sundial Society and the Patron of the British Sundial Society. He has published nine books on Sciatherics -- the study of sundials. This event is offered in memory of UUSE member Cliff Pelletier who loved science and was very generous to UUSE. #eBlast-10-01 SUNDIALS: Out from the Shadows (A Cliff Pelletier Memorial Lecture) October 6, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the UUSE Meeting Room Long-time member Fred Sawyer will provide an overview of the 3,500-year-long history of the sundial as a scientific device--perhaps humanity's first. Dozens of varieties and instruments and how they evolved will be discussed and illustrated with opportunities for the audience to ask questions. Fred is President and editor of the North American Sundial Society and the Patron of the British Sundial Society. He has published nine books on Sciatherics -- the study of sundials. This event is offered in memory of UUSE member Cliff Pelletier who loved science and was very generous to UUSE. #eBlast -10-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< 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

Affinity Groups are birds of a feather, where everyone can stick together. Affinity Groups They say birds of a feather flock together. Our affinity groups are where like-minded individuals meet on a monthly basis to discuss books, art, religion and other ideas. Contact the office for details email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Always check the Upcoming Events Calendar for up-to-date weekly information and cancelations. Book Lovers 2nd Tuesdays 3:30 to 5:30 PM The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone. • January 13, 2026: James - A Novel by Percival Everett: Pub. March 2024, 320 pages. Discussion leader: Nancy Thompson • February 10, 2026: The Correspondent- A Novel by Virginia Evans: Pub. April 2025, 304 pages. Discussion leader: Carolyn Gimbrone • March 10, 2026: The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong: Pub. May 2025, 416 Pages. Discussion leader: Jeannine Gluck #JanuaryNewsletter Next Meeting Buddhist Group 1st Tuesdays 7:00 PM Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link. Next Meeting God Talk 4th Tuesdays 4:30 PM 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. Next Meeting Humanist Group 3rd Tuesdays 4:30 PM Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Next Meeting Pagan Group Meets Occasionally Welcoming all paths. Ceremonies include but are not limited to: Summer and Winter Solstices, Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, Beltane (May Day), Imbolc, Litha, Lughnasa, and others as inspired. Contact Rev. Josh for details. Contact Office for Times Science and Religion Discussion Group 4th Thursdays 4:30 PM Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? Meet 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. #JanuaryNewsletter Next Meeting Women’s Circle 3rd Tuesdays 7:00 PM Zoom Only Women’s Circle with Nora Alpers-Leon Third Tuesdays at 7:00 Zoom Only December-March Contact alpers6@gmail.com for zoom link Nora describes this women’s circle as a “judgment-free comfort zone.” She invites participants to “sit, connect and share.” Bring a journal and a pen and a cushion or mat to sit on if you prefer that to a chair. Nora Mijares Alpers-Leon is an indigenous (Colombian) mother, developmental psycholinguist and educator, who has a background in dance, yoga, and mindfulness. She completed 2 bachelor and 2 master degrees and a graduate certificate between UW-Madison and UConn. She did her Yoga Teacher Training in the Berkshires, and has led mindfulness workshops and talking circles in the United States and Colombia with both adults and children. To sign up for this circle, or if you want more information, contact Nora. Contact Office for Times Writers Group 2nd Mondays Bi-Monthly 7:00 PM The UUSE Writers Group is on hiatus. Check Newsletter

< To Upcoming Services May 14, 2023 Spiraling This morning we reflect on the spiritual power of spirals. Where do we encounter spirals in the natural world? What do they symbolize? What guidance might they provide for our spiritual searching? Ted and Nancy Pappas purchased this morning’s sermon at the 2022 UUS:E Goods and Services Auction. Coordinator(s): Rev. Josh Pawelek OOS Sermon YouTube

48845dad-0966-425a-95d8-356345eef178 < Back Community Outreach Ministries Guides and supervises collections for UUSE’s outreach ministry. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:00:14 PM