A welcoming community for kids and families in Manchester, CT. Explore Children & Youth Ministry at UUSE and plan your first Sunday visit. Families at UUSE A place where kids can be curious, kind, and fully themselves. Families today are looking for community—a place where their kids can be themselves, make friends, explore meaning, and learn kindness and fairness. At UUSE, children explore big questions—without pressure or dogma. UUSE is a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Manchester, CT, serving families across Hartford County as an open and inclusive spiritual community. Our Children & Youth Ministry welcomes all identities, backgrounds, and beliefs. Here, parents find connection. Kids build friendships and confidence. You are welcome exactly as you are. New to UUSE? Start Here Plan Your Family Visit A Place Where You Belong We work together to make sure every child feels safe, respected, and included. You will see families who are: LGBTQIA+ and allies Multiracial and multicultural Neurodiverse Single parents and caregivers From many faith backgrounds Exploring spirituality for the first time Children are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and grow at their own pace. What Families Love Families come for the community. They stay because their children feel at home. Kids here can: Make real friends Feel comfortable being themselves Explore big questions about life and values Grow in confidence What happens when you visit on a Sunday? Trying a new place can feel like a big step. Here’s what you can expect. Families begin together in worship. Children join age-based groups. Younger children may attend Children’s Chapel. Parents remain in the service or help as volunteers. After the service, adults can enjoy mingling during coffee time. CYM programs meet during the 11am service from September through June. Contact us for the summer schedule. What Kids Experience Kids learn through: Stories, play, and reflection Art, music, and creative projects like woodworking Nature explorations Conversations about fairness and justice Hands-on service projects Youth also explore identity, talk about current events, and discover new ways they can make a difference. Our Values and Principles Our Children & Youth Ministry is guided by Unitarian Universalist Values and Principles. These help shape how we learn, grow, and care for one another. Children learn that: Every person has worth and dignity. Kindness and fairness matter. It’s good to ask questions. Wisdom comes from many traditions. We care for one another and the earth. We explore these ideas in open and thoughtful ways—encouraging questions, not requiring beliefs. You do not need to be Unitarian Universalist to visit. Many families are simply looking for an open, thoughtful community. Learn More About Our Values & Principles Programs by Age We offer programs from nursery through high school. Nursery—a safe, caring space Early Childhood—play and stories Elementary—hands-on learning Middle School—identity and relationships High School—community and leadership And beyond… Families stay connected as their children grow. We continue to support young adults and college students through care packages, connection, and community. Looking for details about classes, schedules, or registration? Explore our full CYM section. Community Beyond Sunday Families connect throughout the year—on Sundays and beyond. You’ll see families from Manchester, CT, and nearby towns across Hartford and Tolland Counties gathering for: Game nights Seasonal celebrations Service projects Youth events Group outings These moments help friendships grow for kids and adults alike. See Family Events Plan Your First Visit You are welcome any Sunday. If visiting with kids feels a little uncertain, we can help. When you plan your family visit ahead, we will: Greet your family Help with check-in Introduce teachers Guide your children Your children can participate at their own comfort level. No pressure. We’ll send what you need and help your first Sunday feel easy. Email the Director of CYM Plan Your Family Visit Stay Connected Join the family email list to hear about: Weekly programs Upcoming events Community gatherings Join the Family Email List Common Questions Do kids have to go to classes? No. They are always welcome to stay with you. Do we have to be Unitarian Universalist? Not at all. Many families are exploring. What should we wear? Whatever feels comfortable. What if my child is nervous? That’s okay. We will help your family ease in at your own pace. We welcome families from Manchester, CT, and surrounding communities across Hartford County, Tolland County, and the entire New England region.

The Pastoral Friends are a caring group of individuals that can help in times of need. School Partners August 2023 As part of our partnership with Verplanck Elementary in Manchester, ten UUSE members have been providing weekly assistance to struggling readers in kindergarten and first grade. Our members report they’ve had a wonderful experience getting to know the children and helping the teachers. This opportunity is organized by RSVP Reads, a federal program that’s sponsored locally by Community Renewal Team. Here's how the program describes itself: “READS volunteers partner with students, providing reading guidance and support to students just below grade level for one hour per week from October-May of each school year. No previous professional educational background is required. RSVP READs tutors make reading interesting, fun, and act as positive adult role models, all while helping students improve academically.” Does this interest you? RSVP Director Theresa Strong can be reached at 860-519-3484 or email strongt@crtct.org Or email Nancy Pappas with your questions. Meantime, please drop off backpacks in the UUSE coat room by August 22. The kids and parents are so grateful for all of the UUSE donations!

< To Upcoming Services Jan 26, 2025 The Power of Protest Sunday, January 26: The Power of Protest.Coordinators: Mary Lawrence & David Klotz #JanuaryNewsletter Sunday, January 26 : The Power of Protest. Coordinators: Mary Lawrence & David Klotz #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Feb 9, 2025 On Inclusion, Part I Sunday Service: "On Inclusion, Part I" Rev. Josh will begin a two-part sermon series on our February ministry theme, Inclusion . He'll reflect on the history of UU denominational efforts to fashion on more inclusive faith. Note: The service originally scheduled for this morning, "Desperate but Disciplined," with Rev. Kendra Ford, has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-02-05 Sunday Service: "On Inclusion, Part I" Rev. Josh will begin a two-part sermon series on our February ministry theme, Inclusion . He'll reflect on the history of UU denominational efforts to fashion on more inclusive faith. Note: The service originally scheduled for this morning, "Desperate but Disciplined," with Rev. Kendra Ford, has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, February 9, 2025 #eBlast -02-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jan 30, 2027 Goods and Services Auction and Chili Cook-Off Goods and Services Auction and Chili Cook-Off Goods and Services Auction and Chili Cook-Off OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 4, 2024 Sacred Words. August 4: “Sacred Words.”This Sunday we reflect on how poetry serves as an essential conduit to spirituality, featuring original poems and music from members of UUSE.Coordinator(s): Gianna DiMaiolo #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 10, 2026 How to Spot a Mom This Mother's Day, experience a tribute to the joys and challenges of motherhood inspired by the tongue-in-cheek childen' book "Hot to Spot a Mom," and supplemented with the wisdom and whimsy of our very own UUSE moms. Coordinators: Kate Kimmerle and Sam Taylor. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-05-06 Sunday Service: "How to Spot a Mom" This Mother's Day, experience a tribute to the joys and challenges of motherhood inspired by the tongue-in-cheek childen' book "Hot to Spot a Mom," and supplemented with the wisdom and whimsy of our very own UUSE moms. Coordinators: Kate Kimmerle and Sam Taylor. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, May 10 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -05-06 OOS Sermon YouTube

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. Youth can work toward earning the Distinguished Youth Service Award. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. To signup to volunteer with High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-high < Back HS Youth Group (Gr 9 & up) 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. Youth can work toward earning the Distinguished Youth Service Award. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. To signup to volunteer with High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-high Previous Next

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Climate Future Film Festival, Chapter 2 Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 P.M. -- Free Admission! 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 our interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic and emotional. Whether or not you saw the orignal set of films, shown at UUSE in September, 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. Come early to share info and ideas! #eBlast-10-14 Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 P.M. -- Free Admission! 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 our interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic and emotional. Whether or not you saw the orignal set of films, shown at UUSE in September, 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. Come early to share info and ideas! #eBlast -10-14 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UU SpiritLife Conversations UUSpiritLife Conversations is a monthly drop-in Zoom for the areas three UU churches to talk about spiritual topics. On Saturday, October 21, 9-10:30 A.M., Judy Robbins will facilitate a conversation about Stephen Levine's Leaning Into the Light. Go to UU SpiritLife Conversations --UU SpiritLife and you'll find an article to read and the Zoom link. See you then! OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Apr 5, 2026 Let There Be Music! Our annual, all-congregation Easter celebration. Join us for music, story, and song as we consider the enduring themes of Easter. What stones are you rolling away? What new life is emerging in you? Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-01 Our annual, all-congregation Easter celebration. Join us for music, story, and song as we consider the enduring themes of Easter. What stones are you rolling away? What new life is emerging in you? Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 5, 2026 #eBlast -04-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 31, 2025 Weaving Our Lives Sunday Service: "Weaving Our Lives" General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator : Vivian Carlson. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-08-27 Sunday Service: "Weaving Our Lives" General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator : Vivian Carlson. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, August 31, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-27 OOS Sermon YouTube