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< To Upcoming Services Jan 31, 2026 How You Can Help - FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS! What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Rides, weeding, a scrapbook or pet portrait? Collectibles, sports equipment, art, or something else that needs a new home? Contact merchants for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake… all are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost, and space! Email with your luscious ideas! Join the Fun! Saucy Cook-Off 2.0 The competition is hot and heavy for the title of ‘UUSE Top Chef.’ Jump into the contest with your terrific tetrazzini or perfect pesto. Then everyone enjoys a luscious free pasta dinner prepared by UU friends who want YOUR votes! Going, going, gone!! Live Auction Snag meals in members’ homes, special activities, vacation getaways and Rev. Josh’s personalized sermon only at the meetinghouse on January 31! For the Kids No grownups allowed! Lots of low-cost items at the Kids Bid Table and ONLY children can bid! There will also be fun activities and childcare available. Raffle Baskets Committees and small groups donate delightful themed baskets. Buy tickets before/after services starting January 17. Drawing will be at the auction. To claim your theme, email auction@uuse.org . #JanuaryNewsletter What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Rides, weeding, a scrapbook or pet portrait? Collectibles, sports equipment, art, or something else that needs a new home? Contact merchants for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake… all are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost, and space! Email with your luscious ideas! Join the Fun! Saucy Cook-Off 2.0 The competition is hot and heavy for the title of ‘UUSE Top Chef.’ Jump into the contest with your terrific tetrazzini or perfect pesto. Then everyone enjoys a luscious free pasta dinner prepared by UU friends who want YOUR votes! Going, going, gone!! Live Auction Snag meals in members’ homes, special activities, vacation getaways and Rev. Josh’s personalized sermon only at the meetinghouse on January 31! For the Kids No grownups allowed! Lots of low-cost items at the Kids Bid Table and ONLY children can bid! There will also be fun activities and childcare available. Raffle Baskets Committees and small groups donate delightful themed baskets. Buy tickets before/after services starting January 17. Drawing will be at the auction. To claim your theme, email auction@uuse.org. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 22, 2024 Equinox: Harvest and Balance. The Mabon mid-harvest festival is a time of giving thanks and honoring the balance between light and dark. It’s a time of plenty, of gratitude and of sharing our abundance with those less fortunate. It’s also a time of balance and reflection, following the theme of equal hours of light and dark. Coordinators: Vivian Carlson, Ellen Williams and Kate Kimmerle. #eBlast-09-18 "Equinox: Harvest and Balance." The Mabon mid-harvest festival is a time of giving thanks and honoring the balance between light and dark. It’s a time of plenty, of gratitude and of sharing our abundance with those less fortunate. It’s also a time of balance and reflection, following the theme of equal hours of light and dark. Coordinators: Vivian Carlson, Ellen Williams and Kate Kimmerle. OOS Sermon YouTube

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Sunday Service: Sunday Service: "I Am Today" Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators : Sam Taylor & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 25, 2026 Gathering music starts at 8:50 and 10:50 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 -01-21

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Yoga - No Yoga this Week Holiday Notes: Due to the Christmas Eve service setup, the Wednesday, December 24 yoga class has been cancelled. All are welcome to these gentle-to-moderate yoga classes for all abilities. $5 drop-in fee. Bring a yoga mat (we have some extras). Bring a friend! Questions to: Susan at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Yoga is a UUSE adult education offering. #JanuaryNewsletter Holiday Notes: Due to the Christmas Eve service setup, the Wednesday, December 24 yoga class has been cancelled. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Feb 16, 2026 AA - Mondays at Noon . Every Monday at Noon Every Monday at Noon OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Piano Bash 2025 Piano Bash 2025 Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 P.M. On Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 P.M., piano lovers of all ages and levels are invited to play our two Steinway pianos in the UUSE meeting room. This is a fun, informal event. If you like to play the piano and want to perform or have questions, send an email to Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . Listeners are welcome to attend! This is a free event. #eBlast-11-05 Piano Bash 2025 Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 P.M. On Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 P.M., piano lovers of all ages and levels are invited to play our two Steinway pianos in the UUSE meeting room. This is a fun, informal event. If you like to play the piano and want to perform or have questions, send an email to Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . Listeners are welcome to attend! This is a free event. #eBlast -11-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Author Event With S.J. Taylor Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 PM “The more a story is forbidden, the more it demands to be told…” New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True, a children’s fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. Twelve-year-old Madsi is searching for her older sister, who has been kidnapped by the Northern Lights. Madsi sets off on a journey to rescue her sister, joined by a very annoying neighbor boy and a magical girl who lives in the Lights. She is also the author of “The Witch of Festa Falls” in the Being Ace anthology—a short story likewise steeped in Norwegian folklore and featuring Birga, who grows up to become the village witch in Madsi the True. Ms. Taylor will read from Madsi the True and discuss her work. Copies of all her books will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to UUSE. This event is co-sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 West Vernon St., Manchester, CT #AprilNewsletter Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 PM “The more a story is forbidden, the more it demands to be told…” New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True, a children’s fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. Twelve-year-old Madsi is searching for her older sister, who has been kidnapped by the Northern Lights. Madsi sets off on a journey to rescue her sister, joined by a very annoying neighbor boy and a magical girl who lives in the Lights. She is also the author of “The Witch of Festa Falls” in the Being Ace anthology—a short story likewise steeped in Norwegian folklore and featuring Birga, who grows up to become the village witch in Madsi the True. Ms. Taylor will read from Madsi the True and discuss her work. Copies of all her books will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to UUSE. This event is co-sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 West Vernon St., Manchester, CT #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 9, 2024 May the River Renew Us Our ministry theme for June is renewal. Given all the trends in the wider world that wear us down these days, finding avenues for renewal seems essential. When you feel down, what renews your spirit? We will also be welcoming new members into our congregation this morning. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-06-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

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 Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled A New Piece of Art Gifted To UUSE! A New Piece of Art Gifted To UUSE! There's a new painting now hanging in the UUSE Program Room! This pastel painting, entitled "We Are One" and created by Eric Vogel, is a montage of hands. The nine vignettes of hands represent how we are a community of creative and compassionate people sharing the same values. The center vignette showing cupped hands holding a lighted candle is representative of our flaming chalice emitting light from the darkness that unites us all. We will hold a brief dedication ceremony for this painting prior to our Annual Meeting on May 18th. #eBlast-04-02 A New Piece of Art Gifted To UUSE! There's a new painting now hanging in the UUSE Program Room! This pastel painting, entitled "We Are One" and created by Eric Vogel, is a montage of hands. The nine vignettes of hands represent how we are a community of creative and compassionate people sharing the same values. The center vignette showing cupped hands holding a lighted candle is representative of our flaming chalice emitting light from the darkness that unites us all. We will hold a brief dedication ceremony for this painting prior to our Annual Meeting on May 18th. #eBlast -04-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

A list of social services contact information. Looking for Help? IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Mental Health, Health, Suicide Prevention and Addiction Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 9-8-8 - call text or chat if you or someone you know has thoughts about suicide Mobile Crisis 2-1-1 is a statewide, community based and family supportive clinical intervention service for children & adolescents experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis. Mobile Crisis provides rapid emergency crisis stabilization for children and their families as well as short-term follow-up care and connection to other services. Call 2-1-1 and ask for mobile crisis. A child can receive Mobile Crisis services in: Their home At school At their doctor’s office In the Emergency Department (ED) Any other community setting Arrive within 45 minutes or less Convenient Hours: Mobile hours are 6am-10pm M-F; 1pm-10pm weekends/holidays. Available by phone all other hours https://www.TurningPointCT.org - Mental Wellness Website for and by CT youth who want to chat, text, talk about young people in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. "We know what it’s like to feel alone, stressed, worried, sad, and angry. We’ve lived through the ups and downs of self- harm, drugs and alcohol, and the struggle to find help." Planned Parenthood of CT https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-southern-new-england (birth control, STDs, HIV/AIDs testing, reproductive care, abortion https://www.plannedparenthood.org/online-tools/chat 1-800-230-PLAN Toivo - Center for Holistic Healing Hartford, CT Anti-Violence and Safety Resources CT Alliance to End Sexual Violence 24 Hour Hotline: 1-888-999-5545 ENGLISH (Call or Text) 1-888-568-8332 ESPAÑOL CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence (intimate partner violence, family violence) https://www.ctsafeconnect.org/ Help with Basic Needs United Way health and human services hotline 2-1-1 (help with food, child care, housing, fuel, other basic needs) https://www.211ct.org/

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. eBlast for January 21st Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone : 860.646.5151 Sign up here to receive the full eBlast by email Weekly News January 21, 2026 ------------------------------ Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East Email our office t o receive a visitor packet or to find out more. We schedule several newcomer events throughout the year after Sunday services. ------------------------------ Sunday Service: "I Am Today" Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators : Sam Taylor & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 25, 2026 Gathering music starts at 8:50 and 10:50 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#. ------------------------------ CYM News Children & Youth Ministry caregivers, extended family, volunteers and all stakeholders (that means "anyone" interested in keeping up with the CYM news or who feels invested in its future): The email distribution program I (Emmy) have been using for my weekly Friday Update has locked us out of our account which expired without proper notice. I am unable to access the email distribution list I used on that platform. So, I am going to create a new account and distribution list! Please email if you would like to receive my weekly Friday Update which includes all the details of what each age group is doing the following Sunday, news on upcoming events, as well as reflections and spiritual care. Kindly send your request to dcym@uuse.org to be added to the new distribution list. Caregivers of children and youth registered for CYM do NOT need to email me. Thank you, Emmy. Also: We are looking for help in the Elementary (grades 2-5) class this winter! Please reach out to Emmy at dcym@uuse.org if you can help on any of these dates: (Lesson from the "Signs of Our Faith" Curriculum"). January 25: Signs of Welcome continued (need assistant) February 1: Imbolc/St. Brigid Activity (beeswax candle making) (need assistant)) February 15: Worshipping Together (need lead and assistant) March 1: Finding Beauty in Uniqueness (need lead and assistant) March 29: Fair Group Decisions (need assistant) ------------------------------ 2026 Goods & Services Auction Phase I of the 2026 Goods & Services has begun, so don't let the snow this past Sunday put you off. We'll reveal the 10 fabulous baskets for this year's teacup raffle on Sunday, January 25th! Tickets will be sold before/after both services on January 25 , and also during the January 31 party. Will you snag UConn women’s basketball tickets, a romantic Valentine’s meal, an evening in Italy or a visit to KidCity? YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!!! **** The silent auction catalog opened on Monday morning January 19 . What treasures will you find? So many talented UUs have donated artwork, scrumptious food, household assistance and more! NOW IS THE TIME to log in at uubid.fundraiser.bid to browse, register and place a bid. **** KEEP READING! A few more spaces remain in the Get Saucy Cook-off. The competition is stiff for a prized Championship Apron! If you make a mean marinara or a boffo basil pesto, please let us know at auction@uuse.org Of course, the ‘Main Event’ is Saturday January 31 from 5-8 pm . Enjoy the free dinner with old and new friends - pasta, salad and dessert. Sign-up for meals in members’ homes, bid on premium items, while the kids enjoy their own activities. Click here for the full flyer. If you have any questions, write to auction@uuse.org . Come for the pasta, stay for the party! ------------------------------ Looking for Stewards! Annual Appeal 2026 - 2027 We are looking for people to canvass members & friends. Being a steward is an opportunity to get to know new people, share your passion and commitment for UUSE and help make our Annual Appeal a success. The commitment time is short with one training session and a couple of weeks to contact 2 - 4 members or friends. The stewardship conversations are a time of fellowship and sharing our dreams and aspirations. Talking about financial commitment is a small part of a much larger conversation about generosity and community. So please consider volunteering to be a steward this year. We especially want people who have never been stewards before, especially parents! The steward will use a personal visit (if both feel comfortable), email, phone calls, texts, etc. to get in touch with people to answer any questions and remind them to fill out their pledge form and return it to Annie. Personal canvassing will be from March 18 - April 6, 2026. We will provide training on Thursday evening, March 5 or Saturday morning, March 7, 2026 . Specific times will follow. Please email Phil Sawyer at uuseoffice@uuse.org or call 860-646-5151 if you are willing to help or have any questions. ------------------------------ UUSE Choir coming back Rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 P.M. 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 in the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7:00 P.M. in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Hope in Hard Times In these troubling times, many of us feel anxious, despondent, or alone. On Tuesday, February 3 at 3:00 P.M., Rev. Josh Pawelek and members of the Pastoral Friends Committee will host a gathering for anyone who is looking for camaraderie and conversation geared towards finding hope in hard times. Our ministry theme for February is resilience. Let's cultivate resilience together. ------------------------------ Coffeehouse and Open Mic February 7th - 6:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room 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 your dinner. 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. ------------------------------ Time to Clean Up While we greatly appreciate the goodies members and friends have made for the Holiday Fair and other events here at UUSE, we really don't have the space to store empty containers and other miscellaneous items. It's time to clean house! Empty containers and various other items have been moved to the kitchen for members and friends to easily access. If you're not sure what happened to your old Tupperware type containers, chances are it's in the collection. Please take a look at what's there and take home what is yours. Items not claimed shortly will go to Goodwill. And while we have your attention ... A lot of groups and individuals use our kitchen, and sometimes things don't always get cleaned up as well as they should be. That can make things especially difficult for our faithful hospitality helpers who arrive early to make the coffee each Sunday morning. Please help them out by cleaning up before you leave - coffee pot, dishes, spills, cleaning the sink area and wiping down the counters or whatever it is that happened or was used on your watch. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated! ------------------------------ GHIAA Winter 2026 Organizing Leadership Training In Person - Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - 2/10/26 - 3/10/26 at Temple Sinai in Newington Join us to explore the fundamentals of faith-based organizing, practice the tools of relational culture (individual meetings and house meetings), consider how we build and wield power, share our process of identifying issues and developing campaigns, and build our skills for action. For more detailed info and to register, click here . ------------------------------ Ladies at Lunch Friday, February 13 at 110 Grill Join us for lunch on Friday, February 13th at the 110 Grill, 1127 Tolland Turnpike in the Plaza at Burr Corners in Manchester. We meet at noon. Everyone is welcome. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sharon Huber by Thursday afternoon, February 12: uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the months of January and February , contact Sid Soderholm . ------------------------------ Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! There’s Always Something Good Going On 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. All welcome! Manchester Women's Singing Circle , every Thursday at 7 P.M. Book Lovers , 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30 P.M. in person and on Zoom. February 10th: The Correspondent - A Novel by Virginia Evans. Discussion leader: Carolyn Gimbrone. 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. Romeos , a monthly lunch for retired men on second Tuesdays - contact the UUSE office to be put on the email list. Ladies at Lunch , a monthly women's lunch typically on second Thursdays - advertised in the weekly eblasts. Buddhist Group , 1st Tuesdays at 7 P.M. NEW! Meditation Group , 3rd Mondays, 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 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. January's topic: Sound Therapy with Heli Roy. ------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------