< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Atrium Brass Quintet Celebrate the Holidays with The Atrium Brass Quartet at UUSE on Sunday December 1st at 3PM at the UUSE Meetinghouse in Manchester. Admission is free. This concert is given in memory of Lynn and Roland Chirico, longtime members of UUSE. Celebrate the Holidays with The Atrium Brass Quartet at UUSE on Sunday December 1st at 3PM at the UUSE Meetinghouse in Manchester. Admission is free. This concert is given in memory of Lynn and Roland Chirico, longtime members of UUSE. --- The Atrium Brass Quintet formed in 1991 uniting five friends who shared a love of brass music. Jim Lendvay (tuba) serves as the group’s director and librarian. His goal from the beginning was to create a brass group dedicated to top 40 music. That’s the top 40 of the last four or five centuries! The group typically plays ceremonial music at graduations, weddings, and church services, but is just as happy to play music for concerts and cocktails. Their library is expansive and varied, and includes selections from the renaissance to today, including circus marches and music of contemporary artists like Freddy Mercury and Sting. While audiences may not know the titles of every piece Atrium performs, they’ll find it familiar to the ear. As Jim likes to joke, “it’s all the music you didn’t know you wanted to hear!” Performers for our December 1st concert will be: Steve Owens and Steve Lyons, trumpets; Beth Pratt, French horn; Fred Bagnall, trombone; and Jim Lendvay, tuba. nday service, "Sitting at the Messianic Table." Click here to watch on YouTube. OOS Sermon YouTube

Committee work is done through weekly or monthly meetings, and the documents that support those meetings are kept in Basecamp. Committees & Community It takes a lot of people to make our Society function. Help from the congregation is always needed and members and friends are invited to volunteer at any time for committees and groups by speaking with the committee chairperson or group leader. People interested in serving as elected officers or as appointees should speak to the President, the Minister, or a member of the Nominating Committee. Policy Board THE POLICY BOARD directs UUSE business, financial, and administrative affairs, including formulating policy and overseeing church staff; it has charge of the Society’s property. Aesthetics Committee Building and Grounds Committee Communications and Technology Committee Denominational Affairs Finance Committee Members-at-Large Memorial Garden Trustees Personnel Committee Program Council THE PROGRAM COUNCIL coordinates Society programs for fellowship, service, recreation, and personal growth; includes chairs of standing committees and coordinators including: Adult Education Children and Youth Ministries Committee Community Outreach Ministries Emergency Preparedness Taskforce Membership Committee Music Committee Nominating and Leadership Development Committee Pastoral Care Ministry Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee Stewardship Committee Sunday Services Committee Sustainable Living Committee / Climate Action Team Committees in Alphabetical Order Listings here Affinity Group s and Other Activities Buddhist Group Humanist Group Ladies at Lunch Manchester Woman's Sacred Singing Circle Pagan Study Group ROMEOs - Retired Men’s Group Science and Religion Discussion Group Small Group Ministry Theist Group, “God Talk” Book Lovers Group Writers Group Yoga Fund Raisers FUND (AND FUN!) RAISERS provide creative opportunities, social contact with other members and friends, while assisting the Society’s financial operations. Annual Appeal Goods & Services Auction Holiday Fair

< To Upcoming Services Oct 26, 2025 Ancestor Day.. Sunday, October 26th: Ancestor Day. All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved-one or Ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lesson do you take from their life? Together we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors’ lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, October 26th: Ancestor Day. All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved-one or Ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lesson do you take from their life? Together we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors’ lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek. #OctoberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Special Presentation on the Connecticut TRUST Act With Tabitha Sookdeo Tuesday Evening, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM The UUSE Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee welcomes Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director of Connecticut Students for a Dream, for an update on the status of Connecticut’s TRUST Act. Ms. Sookdeo will join us by Zoom. UUSE members and friends are invited to join the SJ/AO Committee at UUSE, or they can join online. Please contact Monica van Beusekom or Rev. Josh Pawelek for the login information. #MayNewsletter With Tabitha Sookdeo Tuesday Evening, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM The UUSE Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee welcomes Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director of Connecticut Students for a Dream, for an update on the status of Connecticut’s TRUST Act. Ms. Sookdeo will join us by Zoom. UUSE members and friends are invited to join the SJ/AO Committee at UUSE, or they can join online. Please contact Monica van Beusekom or Rev. Josh Pawelek for the login information. #MayNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled With Tabitha Sookdeo With Tabitha Sookdeo Tuesday Evening, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. The UUSE Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee welcomes Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director of Connecticut Students for a Dream, for an update on the status of Connecticut's TRUST Act. Ms. Sookdeo will join us by Zoom. UUSE members and friends are invited to join the SJ/AO committee at UUSE , or they can join online. Please contact Monica van Beusekom or Rev. Josh Pawelek for the login information. #eBlast-04-30 With Tabitha Sookdeo Tuesday Evening, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. The UUSE Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee welcomes Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director of Connecticut Students for a Dream, for an update on the status of Connecticut's TRUST Act. Ms. Sookdeo will join us by Zoom. UUSE members and friends are invited to join the SJ/AO committee at UUSE , or they can join online. Please contact Monica van Beusekom or Rev. Josh Pawelek for the login information. #eBlast -04-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 27, 2026 Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 - 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act--Connecticut's Defending Democracy team--will be gathering to write postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), in order to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. On September 27 we'll gather in Room 3 and on October 4 we'll be in the Children' Chapel/Room 1 Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text and pens provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny for further information. #eBlast-09-02 Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 - 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act--Connecticut's Defending Democracy team--will be gathering to write postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), in order to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. On September 27 we'll gather in Room 3 and on October 4 we'll be in the Children' Chapel/Room 1 Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text and pens provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny for further information. #eBlast -09-02 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 Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday, July 27th: Sunday, August 3rd: 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 Sunday, August 10th: Science and Spirit on an Island. Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. “Shoalers” – those who attend – consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year’s conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators: Jane Penfield & David Klotz Sunday, August 17th: Sacred Spaces. Affordable Housing as a Moral Imperative through MISAC. Join UUSE MISAC board members to hear the story of one of the most effective social outreach efforts involving UUSE. Learn how the Manchester Interfaith Social Action Committee (MISAC) has provided high-quality, affordable housing to Manchester families for 56 years, while awarding over $2.5M to housing-related grant projects over the past 12 years. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Sunday, August 24th: Coffee House Worship! Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Sunday, August 31st: 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 #AugustNewsletter Sunday, August 3rd: 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 Sunday, August 10th : Science and Spirit on an Island. Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. “Shoalers” – those who attend – consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year’s conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators: Jane Penfield & David Klotz Sunday, August 17th: Sacred Spaces. Affordable Housing as a Moral Imperative through MISAC. Join UUSE MISAC board members to hear the story of one of the most effective social outreach efforts involving UUSE. Learn how the Manchester Interfaith Social Action Committee (MISAC) has provided high-quality, affordable housing to Manchester families for 56 years, while awarding over $2.5M to housing-related grant projects over the past 12 years. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Sunday, August 24th: Coffee House Worship! Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Sunday, August 31st: 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 #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled NLDC Annual Recruitment The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled GHIAA News! GHIAA News! Meet GHIAA Organizer Nina Vazquez Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. Join the SJ/AO committee meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 P.M. for a conversation with new GHIAA organizer, Nina Vazquez. This is an opportunity for Nina to meet UUSE and for you to meet Nina and learn more about the issues GHIAA is focusing on. All are welcome! Come to the Meetinghouse or join us online. Participate in GHIAA House Meetings in October & November Concerned about immigrant rights and protections? Affordable housing? The impact of our state's inequitable fiscal policies? Join a GHIAA House Meeting and share your stories. Each of the house meetings is issue specific. You are welcome to attend more than one. For details, including dates & locations, and to sign up, click here. #eBlast-10-01 GHIAA News! Meet GHIAA Organizer Nina Vazquez Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. Join the SJ/AO committee meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 P.M. for a conversation with new GHIAA organizer, Nina Vazquez. This is an opportunity for Nina to meet UUSE and for you to meet Nina and learn more about the issues GHIAA is focusing on. All are welcome! Come to the Meetinghouse or join us online . Participate in GHIAA House Meetings in October & November Concerned about immigrant rights and protections? Affordable housing? The impact of our state's inequitable fiscal policies? Join a GHIAA House Meeting and share your stories. Each of the house meetings is issue specific. You are welcome to attend more than one. For details, including dates & locations, and to sign up, click here . #eBlast -10-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 19, 2025 On Love and Hate "On Love and Hate" Diving into our October ministry theme, “cultivating compassion,” Rev. Josh examines the ways we regard our fellow humans across the various divisions in society. Even when we disagree vehemently, how do we honor the humanity of the other? This sermon was purchased by Bill Coleman at the 2024 goods and services auction. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-10-15 "Who Knew Love and Hatred Feel So Much Alike?" Diving into our October ministry theme, “cultivating compassion,” Rev. Josh examines the ways we regard our fellow humans across the various divisions in society. Even when we disagree vehemently, how do we honor the humanity of the other? This sermon was purchased by Bill Coleman at the 2024 goods and services auction. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 19, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled The State of Transgender Rights The State of Transgender Rights Friday, October 17th at 7:00 P.M. Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St, Hartford (corner of Farmington Ave. and Woodland St.) All are welcome to an evening with Jennifer Levi, Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights, GLAD Law for a lecture on the state of transgender rights. Jennifer Levi is the Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights and a nationally recognized expert on transgender legal issues. Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD LAW) works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identify and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation. Join us! #eBlast-10-15 The State of Transgender Rights Friday, October 17th at 7:00 P.M. Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St, Hartford (corner of Farmington Ave. and Woodland St.) All are welcome to an evening with Jennifer Levi, Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights, GLAD Law for a lecture on the state of transgender rights. Jennifer Levi is the Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights and a nationally recognized expert on transgender legal issues. Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD LAW) works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identify and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation. Join us! #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube