Liberal Religious traditions are all about justice, including social justice and sustainability and green action. Other Programs Other programs include our justice efforts, which are grounded in our social justice and green advocacy statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. Also take a look at our wide variety of Affinity Groups and fun activities for adults, as well as the entire family. You might also be interested in our Intro to UU class.

Committee work is done through weekly or monthly meetings, and the documents that support those meetings are kept in Basecamp. Basecamp Committees and Task Forces use a collaborative planning, file sharing, and task management system called Basecamp. If you are a member of a Committee or Task Force click below to access Basecamp. Go To Basecamp Looking for Seework (Basecamp Classic)? Click here.

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

What you might traditionally call Sunday School is what we call Programs for Children under Child and Youth Ministries. The CYM Program Calendar 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

This page has driving directions for people who what to try to find our hidden gem of a church. Visit Us We’re a little off the beaten path, but well worth the journey! While our location can be a bit tricky to find, Google Maps or MapQuest will lead you right to us—have faith! To help you get your bearings: West Vernon Street in Manchester connects Taylor Street in Talcottville/Vernon with Vernon Street in Manchester, in the northeastern part of town. If you’re seeking peace, community, and a deeper spiritual connection, we believe you’ll find your effort rewarded here at UUSE. Unitarian Universalist Society East 153 Vernon St. W Manchester, CT 06042-2209 phone: 860 646-5151 email: info@uuse.org Wheelchair accessible building and parking lot Assistive listening devices available Nursery Available Children & Youth Ministry Low Scent Policy

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market UUSE Artisan Holiday Market 📅 Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 • 6–8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek – $5 admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 9 AM–3 PM Free Admission! UUSE Artisan Holiday Market 📅 Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 • 6–8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek – $5 admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 9 AM–3 PM Free Admission! OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Cards and Cocoa Cards and Cocoa from 1 - 3PM in the Sanctuary. Enjoy cocoa while handcrafting holiday cards for your loved ones! Free. Cards and Cocoa from 1 - 3PM in the Sanctuary. Enjoy cocoa while handcrafting holiday cards for your loved ones! Free. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Join us as we celebrate the summer solstice which represents the triumph of light over darkness and the peak of nature's abundance. The solstice also reminds us to celebrate, reflect and use the energy of the sun for personal growth. The wisdom of our ancestors emphasizes finding meaning in our lives by living simply. Coordinators: Vivian Carlson and Ellen Williams. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 6, 2025 Gathering music starts at 9:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 10:00 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#. #eBlast-07-02 Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Join us as we celebrate the summer solstice which represents the triumph of light over darkness and the peak of nature's abundance. The solstice also reminds us to celebrate, reflect and use the energy of the sun for personal growth. The wisdom of our ancestors emphasizes finding meaning in our lives by living simply. Coordinators : Vivian Carlson and Ellen Williams. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 6, 2025 Gathering music starts at 9:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 10:00 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#. #eBlast -07-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 1, 2024 The Practice of Presence "The Practice of Presence." Our December theme is "The Practice of Presence." We can find profound meaning and comfort in practicing awareness of what is present: here and now. In this service, we encourage awareness of the lessons nature offers about acceptance, coping, and the importance of trust and community. We'll also reflect on the idea that the greatest present we can give ourselves and those we love, is that of our presence. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Anne Vogel Services at 9:00 and 11:00 AM Sunday, November 24, 2024 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#. #eBlast-11-27 Sunday, December 1 : The Present of Presence. Our December theme is “The Practice of Presence.” We can find profound meaning and comfort in practicing awareness of what is present: here and now. In this service, we encourage awareness of the lessons nature offers about acceptance, coping, and the importance of trust and community. We’ll also reflect on the idea that the greatest present we can give ourselves and those we love is that of our presence. Coordinators: Anne Vogel and Stacey Musulin #DecemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 18, 2026 Climate Future Film Festival - Chapter 2 October 18th at 2 PM The Sustainable Living Committee invites you to a free showing of The Climate Future Film Festival - Chapter 2! This new collection of 12 short films from around the world, explores the interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic and emotional. Whether or not you have seen the original, chapter 1 set of films, shown at UUSE in Sept. 2025, you will be moved by these powerful short films to renewed action to fight the causes of and mitigate the harms done by climate change. Honorary judges are four-time academy award nominee and sustainability voice, Edward Norton, and ground-breaking author and climate leader, Bill McKibben. Come early to share info and ideas. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee at UUSE. For more information, contact uuseoffice@uuse.org , call 860-646-5151, or visit uuse.org #SeptemberNewsletter October 18th at 2 PM The Sustainable Living Committee invites you to a free showing of The Climate Future Film Festival - Chapter 2! This new collection of 12 short films from around the world, explores the interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic and emotional. Whether or not you have seen the original, chapter 1 set of films, shown at UUSE in Sept. 2025, you will be moved by these powerful short films to renewed action to fight the causes of and mitigate the harms done by climate change. Honorary judges are four-time academy award nominee and sustainability voice, Edward Norton, and ground-breaking author and climate leader, Bill McKibben. Come early to share info and ideas. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee at UUSE. For more information, contact uuseoffice@uuse.org , call 860-646-5151, or visit uuse.org #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Book Drive for Immigrant Families Book Drive for Immigrant Families Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. at UUSE "Books and Blankets," a new Connecticut-based nonprofit, will visit UUSE on Thursday evening, October 23rd at 5:00 P.M. They are collecting children's books and blankets to bring to families living in detention along the US southern border. Learn more here. Join us on the 23rd at 5:00 P.M. to hear more about this exciting project. Children's books and blankets welcome! Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-10-22 Book Drive for Immigrant Families Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. at UUSE "Books and Blankets," a new Connecticut-based nonprofit, will visit UUSE on Thursday evening, October 23rd at 5:00 P.M. They are collecting children's books and blankets to bring to families living in detention along the US southern border. Learn more here . Join us on the 23rd at 5:00 P.M. to hear more about this exciting project. Children's books and blankets welcome! Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -10-22 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Annie's Vacation Schedule and Wednesday E-blast Annie's Vacation Schedule and Wednesday E-blast July 5 - July 11 Please note that Annie will be away on vacation next week (July 5 through July 11). If you plan to come to the church during this time and are unsure if anyone will be there to let you in, please be sure to bring a key. Additionally, if you wish to have a notice included in the Wednesday, July 8 eblast, contact Susan Barlow. #eBlast-07-01 Annie's Vacation Schedule and Wednesday E-blast July 5 - July 11 Please note that Annie will be away on vacation next week (July 5 through July 11). If you plan to come to the church during this time and are unsure if anyone will be there to let you in, please be sure to bring a key. Additionally, if you wish to have a notice included in the Wednesday, July 8 eblast, contact Susan Barlow . #eBlast -07-01 OOS Sermon YouTube