Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. 2026-27 Annual Appeal Welcome to our Annual Appeal for Fiscal Year 27! Our theme this year is “ Belonging and Thriving - Together .” As we are confronted with national uncertainty and discord, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to one another and to other supportive communities. Our shared dedication to community outreach and social justice is essential. Here are the key dates for this year’s Annual Appeal: 03/01 Sunday Service kickoff & signup table for pledging potlucks 03/06 & 13 Pledging potluck weekends 03/17 Pledges due to Annie in the church office 03/19 Stewarding outreach begins 04/06 Annual Appeal ends You can submit your pledge forms by mail, by dropping off into Annie’s inbox, by attending a pledge potluck, or through a steward visit. We are encouraging in-person visits this year! If you would like to have an in-person visit to discuss your pledge and/or your ideas about the church, you can contact Phil Sawyer at Psawyer215@gmail.com or 860-633-8655 Our financial goals for the FY27 fiscal year include contracting professional bookkeeping services and restoring some of the financial cuts that were made last year. The targeted goal is to restore the salary “bump” increases; restore professional expense budgets to 90% of the typical amount; fund the B&G reserve at $10,000 (request was $25,000); and fund the emergency response equipment at $1500 (request was $3000). Achieving the FY27 budget rests on an increase in pledge income of 5% with a pledge rate increase of 5-7%. Here are some examples of the monthly increase amount: Annual Pledge 5% 7% $500 $2 $3 $1000 $4 $6 $3000 $13 $18 It is with gratitude and joy that we share that we have received a $15,000 grant to encourage us to participate in the increase pledge rate of 5–7% for this year! Pledge increases of 5% or more will be matched 100%. Please join this challenge grant if you can and if you are not able to meet this rate, please know that your pledges add up to a powerful contribution. If you would like to establish another pledge match grant for this year, you can contact Louisa Graver at lgraver163@gmail.com or 860-645-1377. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our church works through the process of balancing our aspirations and our available resources. Later this year, Trisha Corey-Lisle will lead us in a “ reimagined method of budgeting” to help us achieve this balance. If you have any questions, you can contact any one of us on the Stewardship Committee. Yours in Spirit, Patricia Wildes (chair), Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Jerry Myers, and Phil Sawyer Testimonials

< To Upcoming Services Nov 5, 2026 Manchester Women's Sacred Singing Circle Every Thursday at 7 PM We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information contact Jane at sexton@uuse.org Every Thursday at 7 PM We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information contact Jane at sexton@uuse.org OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 4, 2023 Affirmation: A Coming-of-Age Celebration. The UUSE Affirmation program provides a modern Rite of Passage experience that welcomes and affirms youth as they embark on their journey towards young adulthood. This morning we affirm our coming-of-age youth as they share their credo statements with the congregation. This is always one of our most rewarding, thought-provoking services. Coordinator(s): Gina Campellone & Gianna DiMaiolo OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 7, 2025 Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs Sunday Service: "Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs" Join us for our annual Homecoming service. Let's celebrate UUSE--a beacon of spiritual light for all those seeking beloved, liberal religious community east of the Connecticut River. Our chalice flame lights the way as we offer opportunity, passion, action, comfort, and belonging to long-time members and newcomers alike. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-03 Sunday Service: "Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs" Join us for our annual Homecoming service. Let's celebrate UUSE--a beacon of spiritual light for all those seeking beloved, liberal religious community east of the Connecticut River. Our chalice flame lights the way as we offer opportunity, passion, action, comfort, and belonging to long-time members and newcomers alike. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, September 7, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -09-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

All about the Unitarian Universalist Society East UUSE Church, its staff, happenings, sunday services, sunday school, music, social justice projects, and fun activities for all ages. Unitarian Universalist Society East No matter what your spiritual beliefs, all are welcome. Everyone Belongs! ABOUT UUSE UUSE is a welcoming, spiritually diverse community of people from many religious orientations. Together we worship, learn, build community, and advocate for a more just society and a sustainable planet. Our goal is to make our spiritual home a place of peace, joy, and love for all. We invite you to join us because all are welcome here. Let our church become your church. Learn more about us... Sign up for our Newsletter & get invitations to our Virtual Services Contact Us Unitarian Universalist Society East 153 Vernon St. W Manchester, CT 06042-2209 phone: 860 646-5151 email: Info@uuse.org Data Privacy Policy

Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE A welcoming community of music, meditation, and connection Join us for Music + Mantra, a recurring series of live kirtan gatherings at the Unitarian Universalist Society: East (UUSE) in Manchester, CT. Led by Heart Centered Kirtan, these events offer a warm, inclusive space to connect through music, mantra, and shared presence. What is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of participatory music that blends melody, rhythm, and meditation. Rooted in the devotional singing traditions of India, kirtan invites people of all backgrounds to join in simple, call-and-response chanting. You don’t need to be a singer or have any experience—just an open heart and a willingness to listen and participate. The focus is on community, not performance. Through music and repetition, we create a shared space for reflection, connection, and joy. Led by Heart Centered Kirtan Our gatherings are led by Libby Volckening (vocals/keys), Ezra Landis (guitar), Reed Sutherland (bass), and Chris Ball (drums). Together, they bring a contemporary sound to this ancient practice—grounded in authenticity, openness, and community spirit. When and Where All Music + Mantra events are held on Sundays at 3:00 PM in the UUSE sanctuary: 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Upcoming 2026 dates: March 22 Admission: By free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. No one is ever turned away. Chair seating is available, or bring your own floor cushion. Please note: UUSE is a scent-free space. Download the Flyer Click here to download the latest event flyer and share it with friends: Music+Mantra Flyer PDF . All Are Welcome These gatherings are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and spiritual traditions. Whether you come for the music, the meditation, or the sense of community, you’ll find a place where everyone’s voice belongs. Stay Connected Join the local kirtan community on Facebook: Central CT Community Kirtan . About UUSE The Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming congregation. Our Music + Mantra series reflects our values by creating opportunities for reflection, belonging, and shared expression through music for people of all backgrounds.

< To Upcoming Services Jun 28, 2026 Hymn Sing Join us in person or online for our third hybrid hymn sing. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Stacey Musulin. Summer Schedule #eBlast-06-24 Sunday Service: "Hymn Sing" Join us in person or online for our third hybrid hymn sing. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Stacey Musulin. Summer Schedule Sunday, June 28 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -06-24 OOS Sermon YouTube

081b8519-79d5-4326-ad10-f049f1f5b181 < Back Sunday Services Committee Sunday Services Committee : Shares responsibility with minister for planning and conducting Sunday services. Want more information about who's who in a committee? Pick up a paper copy of the UUSE Directory in the lobby to get the details! Updated October 9, 2025 at 10:31:32 AM

UUSE has Sunday School options for children and youth from 1 year olds up to high schoolers, and even programs for adults. Religious Education Click to Redirect to Children and Youth Ministry

7d055e67-6a26-4453-beb6-e6e0c6d4803f < Back Children and Youth Ministry Committee Children & Youth Ministry : Administers Children & Youth Ministry (CYM) program for children and youth; establishes church school organization, curricula, standards, and objectives. uusecym@uuse.org Want more information about who's who in a committee? Pick up a paper copy of the UUSE Directory in the lobby to get the details! Updated October 13, 2026 at 3:32:15 PM

< To Upcoming Services Mar 30, 2025 The Truth About Trust Sunday Service: "The Truth About Trust" What makes a person trustworthy? In this service for all ages, we'll explore some of the components of trust as it relates to developing and maintaining relationships. Telling the truth and doing the right thing isn't always easy, especially when we've made mistakes, and we fear the consequences. However difficult it is, doing our best to be people worthy of others' faith and trust is important life-long work. Coordinators : Stacey Musulin & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-26 Sunday Service: "The Truth About Trust" What makes a person trustworthy? In this service for all ages, we'll explore some of the components of trust as it relates to developing and maintaining relationships. Telling the truth and doing the right thing isn't always easy, especially when we've made mistakes, and we fear the consequences. However difficult it is, doing our best to be people worthy of others' faith and trust is important life-long work. Coordinators : Stacey Musulin & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 30, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-26 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 . UUSE Choir is Back - 7:15 PM Do you love to sing? Do you love to have fun? You don't have to audition. If you answered “yes” to these questions you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals start Wednesday, October 30th at 7:15 PM. in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on December 15th. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . #NovemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube