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< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > EBlast Weekly News June 17, 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: "Flourishing" Our ministry theme for June is "Flourishing Together." This morning, Rev. Josh delivers his last sermon of the 2025-2026 congregational year. He'll reflect on the year in ministry with a focus on how our congregation is flourishing. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer Schedule Sunday, June 21 at 10:00 A.M. Gathering music starts at 9:50 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#. ------------------------------ Death Cafe Tuesday, June 23rd, 1:00 P.M. at UUSE On Tuesday, June 23rd at 1:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room, UUSE will be holding its next Death Cafe. Death Cafe is a free gathering where people come together to share thoughts, questions, experiences and reflections about death and dying in a supportive and welcoming environment. The objective is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their finite lives." There is no agenda, no presentations and no pressure -- just meaningful conversation guided by the interests of those who attend. All are welcome. Refreshments will be available. ------------------------------ Calling All Artists, Photographers and Poets A new art exhibit for the Sanctuary will open on June 21st. Signups by June 15th. Drop-off for entries is June 18th from 11 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Our summer theme, "Nature, Animal and Vegetable," invites us to explore the living world around us. "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer" -- F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby Register your entries with Carol Marion at uuseoffice@uuse.org . 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 June 15th . If you would like to include a photo or a small piece of artwork, please send it along as well. Questions? Please contact Eric Vogel or Janet Heller. ------------------------------ Gender-Free Contra Dance Saturday, June 20, 2026, 4 - 7 P.M. at UUSE Here's your next chance to kick up your heels with all your friends in a joyous, life-affirming, beginner-friendly folk dance. All are welcome! Hannah Johlas will bring the tailored instruction, and The First Time String Band will bring the electrifying music! Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. Sponsored by the Music Committee. Unitarian Universalist Society East Meetinghouse, 153 Vernon St. West, Manchester, CT. For more info, click here , email contra@uuse.org or talk to Jane Osborn and Meghan MacRae. ------------------------------ Music Salon Unplugged Friday, June 26, 6:30 P.M. in the Meeting Room Time to start thinking "Music Salon" again! If you like music and fun, you will like the Salon. We play instruments of all types for each other, sometimes sing, sometimes solo, sometimes in groups ... lots of variety. This is a low-keyed group of friendly folks that are happy to hear and participate in music of different types. If you are an amateur, a sometimes professional, a beginner, a player who is rusty on an instrument you used to play... ALL ARE WELCOME. You may play alone or with others. Or, just come to listen. We typically try to play a couple of pieces together as a group. We want to hear from you, so please, share your ideas with us. Questions? Comments? Email Peggy Webbe at 000 or Mary Bopp at Musicdirector@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Hymn Sing 2026 Hybrid Hymn Sing Service on June 28th Our third post-Covid hybrid Hymn Sing service is happening on June 28th. While we hope many attend in person, we want it to be accessible to those who Zoom the service. Therefore, the hymns must be chosen in advance, so slides of the lyrics can be made. We are looking for many people to tell us a favorite hymn, and for a few people to speak about what that hymn means to them. So, please, as soon as possible, let Martha Larson ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) know what hymn you really love, and if you would like to talk about it. Also let Mary Bopp know if you want to play it on an instrument. If you have questions, ask Martha Larson or Stacey Musulin , coordinators. ------------------------------ Hope in Hard Times Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 3:00 P.M. at UUSE In these troubling times, many of us feel anxious, despondent, or alone. On Tuesday, June 30 at 3:00 P.M. , Rev. Josh Pawelek and members of the Pastoral Friends Committee will host a hybrid gathering for anyone who is looking for camaraderie and conversation geared towards finding hope in hard times. This will be a hybrid meeting. Watch these Wednesday morning eblasts for a Zoom link. ------------------------------ Swing Into the Fun! Saturday, August 1 -- Liberty Bank Pavillion at Dunkin' Park On Saturday evening, August 1 , the 3 area UU societies (Fern Street, USH and UUSE) will be at the Liberty Bank Pavillion at Dunkin' Park. It's a picnic package which will include standard ballpark fare and vegetarian options, free water and soft drinks and a chance to meet other UUs in the area. Doors and the picnic open at 4:30 p.m. with the game scheduled to start at 6:10 p.m. The picnic will remain open and serving food until about 7:00 p.m. A fireworks show follows the game. We are excited our 3 societies are exploring how we can work and play together. Tickets are $50 per person and must be sold by June 30th, but if you need some help, some financial assistance is available . Interested? Sign up here or scan the QR code on the poster on the large bulletin board in the main hallway. ------------------------------ "In an Emergency, the Plan is Useless" Learning beforehand what is in the plan is essential! June Message For nearly a decade, UUSE has had an Emergency Management Plan as its policy. It defines immediate actions to be taken for ten different hazards risking life, limb or property before 911 responders arrive. But when an emergency strikes there is no time to find and read that plan. One must learn ahead what to do. To be prepared, here's one action to know for one of the hazards. During a Sunday Service, you're singing a hymn upstairs. Your child is downstairs with the CYM program. Suddenly, the fire alarm goes off, and you are told to evacuate. Leaving the sanctuary, you immediately go downstairs to pick up your child. Is this what the Emergency Management Plan describes you should do? In any fire or smoke emergency, the safest actions require each person to leave the building quickly. The plan defines children will be quickly led to their exits at the ground level. In small groups, they will go up with adults to the parking lot. Thus, any parent going downstairs will find it impossible to locate their child and will not be where their child will be looking for them. You can obtain a printed copy of the UUSE Emergency Management Plan at the church office. A quick way to learn all the actions for any hazard would be to ask for a discussion or tabletop exercise. At a future committee or group meeting, this will only take 10 to 15 minutes to learn and practice the details. Contact Annie in the office (860) 646-5151 if interested in holding a tabletop exercise. ------------------------------ Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the month of June, contact Roy Maynard . ------------------------------ 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. June 9: A Death in the Family by James Agee . Discussion leader: Jacquie Heintz 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. 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. June's topic: "Memory" - led by Chris Larson. ------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Help with Bottle and Can Drive Fundraiser Help with Bottle and Can Drive Fundraiser We are looking for help with the Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in conjunction with Mayfair. Come for an hour or stay the whole time -- whatever works for you! We will be sorting and counting bottles and cans for placement into large bags to bring to the redemption center. And we have fun meeting people as folks drop off their bottles and cans! Please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org to sign up to help or with any questions. Thank you in advance! #eBlast-04-30 Help with Bottle and Can Drive Fundraiser We are looking for help with the Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in conjunction with Mayfair. Come for an hour or stay the whole time -- whatever works for you! We will be sorting and counting bottles and cans for placement into large bags to bring to the redemption center. And we have fun meeting people as folks drop off their bottles and cans! Please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org to sign up to help or with any questions. Thank you in advance! #eBlast -04-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 1, 2024 You're Invited!   Sunday, September 1, 2024 Summer Schedule One service only at 10:00 a.m. The service is also live-streamed. Note: We return to the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. two-service schedule next Sunday. Gathering music begins at 9:55 a.m. “You’re Invited!” As we begin a new congregational year, we come together to explore the spiritual practice of Invitation. How does invitation relate to our UU values centering on love? Are we taking action to invite and include? How do we respond to invitations in our own lives? Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Paula Baker #eBlast-08-28 Sunday, September 1st : You're Invited. As we begin a new congregational year, we come together to explore the spiritual practice of Invitation. How does Invitation relate to our UU values centering on Love? Are we taking action to invite and include? How do we respond to invitations in our own lives? Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Paula Baker OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 13, 2025 Sing! Sing! Sing! Sunday Service: "Sing! Sing! Sing!"  Our second annual hybrid hymn sing service will feature favorite hymns with some sharing about why they are meaningful. Coordinators : Martha Larson and Stacey Musulin. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-07-09 Sunday Service: "Sing! Sing! Sing!"  Our second annual hybrid hymn sing service will feature favorite hymns with some sharing about why they are meaningful. Coordinators : Martha Larson and Stacey Musulin. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 13, 2025 #eBlast -07-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Brainstorm Vision and Mission Ideas Workshops with the Strategic Planning Task Force! The Strategic Planning Task Force is offering three upcoming dates in March to join us in brainstorming our current vision and mission statements and what revision ideas we may want to consider to help guide our next five years and future strategic plan. During the short workshop (about 2 hours), participants will review both statements and give their ideas to help with brainstorming our new vision and mission statements. • Sunday, March 22, at 12:30 in the Children’s Chapel right after services • Tuesday, March 24 at 7p in the Children’s Chapel • Sunday, March 29 at 1:30p in the Children’s Chapel after the Chocolate Auction We’d love to hear your thoughts and incorporate your ideas! Please RSVP using the Google Form. #MarchNewsletter The Strategic Planning Task Force is offering three upcoming dates in March to join us in brainstorming our current vision and mission statements and what revision ideas we may want to consider to help guide our next five years and future strategic plan. During the short workshop (about 2 hours), participants will review both statements and give their ideas to help with brainstorming our new vision and mission statements. Sunday, March 22, at 12:30 in the Children’s Chapel right after services Tuesday, March 24 at 7p in the Children’s Chapel Sunday, March 29 at 1:30p in the Children’s Chapel after the Chocolate Auction We’d love to hear your thoughts and incorporate your ideas! Please RSVP using the Google Form . #MarchNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 7:00 pm Eclectica is a Connecticut-based ensemble performing original arrangements of (mostly Western) music spanning centuries, continents, styles, and cultures, using voice and an eclectic variety of instruments including hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp, viola da gamba, violin, viola, accordion, and recorders. Eclectica has been arranging and performing together since 2016. “Wheeling Through Time” will take the UUSE audience on a soulful musical journey through time and place – from the 13 th to the 21 st centuries - with original arrangements of tunes from classical, folk, klezmer and more. Beautiful images accompany each piece in a slide show of art and photography curated just for this program, for a truly immersive experience. Visit Eclectica’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EclecticaCT $20 Suggested freewill donation. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 7:00 pm Eclectica is a Connecticut-based ensemble performing original arrangements of (mostly Western) music spanning centuries, continents, styles, and cultures, using voice and an eclectic variety of instruments including hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp, viola da gamba, violin, viola, accordion, and recorders. Eclectica has been arranging and performing together since 2016. “Wheeling Through Time” will take the UUSE audience on a soulful musical journey through time and place – from the 13 th to the 21 st centuries - with original arrangements of tunes from classical, folk, klezmer and more. Beautiful images accompany each piece in a slide show of art and photography curated just for this program, for a truly immersive experience. Visit Eclectica’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EclecticaCT $20 Suggested freewill donation. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 2, 2024 Free at Last! This morning, we welcome back the Free At Last Players, a community-based theater troop that educates audiences on mental illness and mental wellness. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-05-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore and will be a hybrid format. Here are some important links for those interested in attending: UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore and will be a hybrid format. Here are some important links for those interested in attending: For general information about GA, click here. To register for GA, click here. For delegate information, click here. For an early draft of the business agenda for 2025, click here. UUSE is entitled to 8 delegates in 2025: 6 lay delegates, plus the minister and CYM director. For more information about being a delegate, please check out the links above and let Carrie Kocher, uuseoffice@uuse.org know if you have any questions or are interested in serving as a delegate. #eBlast-03-19 UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore and will be a hybrid format. Here are some important links for those interested in attending: For general information about GA, click here . To register for GA, click here . For delegate information, click here . For an early draft of the business agenda for 2025, click here . UUSE is entitled to 8 delegates in 2025: 6 lay delegates, plus the minister and CYM director. For more information about being a delegate, please check out the links above and let Carrie Kocher, uuseoffice@uuse.org know if you have any questions or are interested in serving as a delegate. #eBlast -03-19 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "Bittersweet August" Sunday Service: "Bittersweet August" In this service, we explore the unique bittersweetness of August, when in the midst of our slow savoring of summer, we are reminded of its transition into shorter, busier, unfamiliar days ahead. Like all of life’s seasons, how do we remain present for the savoring and curious about the possibilities ahead? Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, August 3, 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#. In case you missed it Click here for a Youtube link to the July 27th service, "We Believe - Adult Credos." #eBlast-07-30 Sunday Service: "Bittersweet August"  In this service, we explore the unique bittersweetness of August, when in the midst of our slow savoring of summer, we are reminded of its transition into shorter, busier, unfamiliar days ahead. Like all of life’s seasons, how do we remain present for the savoring and curious about the possibilities ahead? Coordinators : Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, August 3, 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#. In case you missed it Click here for a Youtube link to the July 27th service, "We Believe - Adult Credos." #eBlast -07-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Handler Levesque Guitar Duo Judy Handler and Mark Levesque Guitar Duo WORLD CAFÉ - A Musical World Tour for Mandolin & Guitar Sunday, April 21st, 3:00PM Come and enjoy a musical journey through many countries with Judy Handler & Mark Levesque. They perform their own inspiring arrangements on guitars and mandolin and will include music from the U.S., Europe, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Latin America and more! Audiences respond with enthusiasm to their extraordinary sound, passionate performance, amusing anecdotes, and the joyful spirit of their music. Judy Handler and Mark Levesque Guitar Duo WORLD CAFÉ - A Musical World Tour for Mandolin & Guitar Sunday, April 21st, 3:00PM Come and enjoy a musical journey through many countries with Judy Handler & Mark Levesque. They perform their own inspiring arrangements on guitars and mandolin and will include music from the U.S., Europe, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Latin America and more! Audiences respond with enthusiasm to their extraordinary sound, passionate performance, amusing anecdotes, and the joyful spirit of their music. Husband and wife duo, Handler & Levesque, have performed over 2,500 concerts together over the past 30 years throughout the United States & Europe. They create unique programs of guitar duets and music for guitar & mandolin. Their friendly and entertaining way of chatting with audiences immediately makes a personal and authentic connection. "It's a perfect musical marriage. A rich, zesty guitar gumbo, Handler & Levesque crackle with tasty elements of classical, swing, Gypsy, Brazilian and a dizzying array of world-music flavorings." Owen McNally, music critic, Hartford Courant “What made this eclectic concert so wonderful was the incredible unity of their two instruments, which to the ear sounded as a single instrument...They are so accomplished that if you hear them once, you will want to hear them again. But even once in a single performance their precision blend echoes in one’s memory.” Kevin T. McEneaney, The Millbrook Independent OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS! Online Auction: The online auction runs Monday, January 13, 8 AM through Friday, January 24, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid. Bid high and bid often! Share the link with friends and watch for new items. What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Will you offer rides to the airport, a couple of hours of weeding, a photo scrapbook or house portrait? Do you have collectibles, sports equipment, a piece of art or something else that needs a new home? Contact your favorite merchants to ask for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Email auction@uuse.org by January 1 to let us know what you’ll contribute. 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 sorts of culinary adventures are popular! What can you offer? ***Added in 2024!*** A buddy system for hosts!! Not everyone has the space, time AND the skills to host. If you would like to pair up with someone else, watch for the sign-up board in the lobby! Create a Themed Basket We ask committees, small groups etc to create themed baskets for a teacup raffle. We will display the baskets and sell tickets on Sunday, January 12 and 19. Drawing will be January 25. Claim your theme by January 1; capacity is only 10 baskets. Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers – and certainly the biggest party of the year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? We need help with set up, clean up and during the event. Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. We look forward to seeing you! #JanuaryNewsletter Online Auction: The online auction runs Monday, January 13, 8 AM through Friday, January 24, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid. Bid high and bid often! Share the link with friends and watch for new items. What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Will you offer rides to the airport, a couple of hours of weeding, a photo scrapbook or house portrait? Do you have collectibles, sports equipment, a piece of art or something else that needs a new home? Contact your favorite merchants to ask for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Email auction@uuse.org by January 1 to let us know what you’ll contribute. 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 sorts of culinary adventures are popular! What can you offer? ***Added in 2024!*** A buddy system for hosts!! Not everyone has the space, time AND the skills to host. If you would like to pair up with someone else, watch for the sign-up board in the lobby! Create a Themed Basket We ask committees, small groups etc to create themed baskets for a teacup raffle. We will display the baskets and sell tickets on Sunday, January 12 and 19. Drawing will be January 25. Claim your theme by January 1; capacity is only 10 baskets. Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers – and certainly the biggest party of the year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? We need help with set up, clean up and during the event. Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. We look forward to seeing you! #JanuaryNewsletter 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