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< To Upcoming Services Jan 2, 2026 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! Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is more than a fundraiser, it’s the biggest party of the UUSE year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. Key Dates and Deadlines • NOW: It’s never too early to claim your spot in the Get Saucy Cooking Competition! • Throughout December: Plan your donations and email the committee at auction@uuse.org ! Include: Thorough description, Approximate value and minimum bid (optional), Time, date, number of spaces, several photos with plain backgrounds are best. • By January 2: Claim your basket theme. 10 basket limit and we want them all to be different. • By January 9: Submit basket description, list of contents, several photos. • January 12-15: Drop the baskets off at the meetinghouse. We can help package it. • January 16: Absolute deadline to send donation details to auction@uuse.org . Sooner is better. • January 17 and 24: Baskets are displayed in the lobby; raffle tickets sold • January 19: Online auction opens at 8 AM • January 30: Online auction closes at 10 PM. Set up crew works through afternoon. • January 31: Live Extravaganza at the meetinghouse with exclusive auction items, the Get Saucy Cooking Competition and free dinner starts at 5 pm. Snow date is February 14. #NovemberNewsletter 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! Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is more than a fundraiser, it’s the biggest party of the UUSE year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. Key Dates and Deadlines NOW : It’s never too early to claim your spot in the Get Saucy Cooking Competition! Throughout December : Plan your donations and email the committee at auction@uuse.org !  Include : Thorough description, Approximate value and minimum bid (optional), Time, date, number of spaces, several photos with plain backgrounds are best. By January 2: Claim your basket theme. 10 basket limit and we want them all to be different. By January 9 : Submit basket description, list of contents, several photos. January 12-15 : Drop the baskets off at the meetinghouse. We can help package it. January 16 : Absolute deadline to send donation details to auction@uuse.org. Sooner is better. January 17 and 24 : Baskets are displayed in the lobby; raffle tickets sold January 19 : Online auction opens at 8 AM January 30 : Online auction closes at 10 PM. Set up crew works through afternoon. January 31 : Live Extravaganza at the meetinghouse with exclusive auction items, the Get Saucy Cooking Competition and free dinner starts at 5 pm. Snow date is February 14. #NovemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "We Believe - Adult Credos" Sunday Service: "We Believe - Adult Credos" Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Lason Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 27, 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 20th service, "General (Assembly) Reflections." #eBlast-07-23 Sunday Service: "We Believe - Adult Credos" Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator : Martha Lason Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 27, 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 20th service, "General (Assembly) Reflections." #eBlast -07-23 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Adult Affirmation The class will meet on the 3rd Sunday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm each month until May. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the theological and spiritual quesetions related to God, humanity and human nature, the earth, the role of the individual in community, and social and environmental justice engagement. Participants will also craft a credo--a statement of their personal theology. Want to sign up? Contact our office at uuseoffice@uuse.org or (860) 646-5151. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh. The class will meet on the 3rd Sunday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm each month until May. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the theological and spiritual quesetions related to God, humanity and human nature, the earth, the role of the individual in community, and social and environmental justice engagement. Participants will also craft a credo--a statement of their personal theology. Want to sign up? Contact our office at uuseoffice@uuse.org or (860) 646-5151. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh. OOS Sermon YouTube

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. November Newsletter Website Edition Sign up here to receive the full newsletter by email Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Sunday Services Schedule November Ministry Theme: Nurturing Gratitude Join us at 9 or 11 AM. The 11 AM Zoom service login and call-in information is shared through the congregational eblasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Subscribe to the eblast by sending a message to uuseoffice@uuse.org or call the UUSE office at 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Sunday, October 25th: 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, November 2nd: On Gratitude . As the familiar hymn states, For all that is our life, we give our thanks and praise! The season of Thanksgiving is upon us. We begin reflecting on our November ministry theme of gratitude. We are also joined in worship by Sharon Gunderson Anhared Stowe and Ryan Ford who will be playing J.S. Back’s Double Concerto in D Minor. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Mary Bopp. Sunday, November 9th: Supporting Dignity through Compassion and Love. This service recognizes November as National Hospice/Palliative Care Month. Two of our members will speak about providing care to patients to enable them to live the end of their lives as fully as possible with dignity, compassion and love. Co-coordinators: Kate Kimmerle, David Klotz and Nancy Madar. Speakers: Nancy Madar and Peter Morotto Speakers: Nancy Madar and Peter Morotto Sunday, November 16th: Do UU Know Your History? Rev. Josh offers a primer on Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist history. Where have we come from as a people of faith? This sermon was purchased at last year’s goods and services auction by Josh’s mother-in-law, Elaine Pascetta. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, November 23rd: Gratitude for UUSE. UUSE members express their gratitude for UUSE, and the many ways in which our beloved community makes our lives richer. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi and Paula Baker. Sunday, November 23rd at 5:00 PM: Manchester Interfaith Thanksgiving Service . Join Manchester faith leaders and residents at Temple Beth Shalom B’Nai Israel for this annual event. Keynote address by Latasha Easterling-Turnquest, the chief of Family Partnerships and Student Engagement for Manchester Public Schools. Donations accepted for the MACC Charities food pantry. Sunday, November 23rd at 5:00 PM: Manchester Interfaith Thanksgiving Service . Join Manchester faith leaders and residents at Temple Beth Shalom B’Nai Israel for this annual event. Keynote address by Latasha Easterling-Turnquest, the chief of Family Partnerships and Student Engagement for Manchester Public Schools. Donations accepted for the MACC Charities food pantry. Sunday, November 30th: Awake My Soul . Rev. Josh continues his exploration of what it means to identify love as the center of our Unitarian Universalist faith. Jennifer Richard provides the music, including a rendition of Awake My Soul by Mumford and Sons (In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die / And where you invest your love, you invest your life.) Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. ------------------------------ Community Outreach Ministry Charitable Giving for November As always, thank you for your generosity. We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves, but to share with the larger community. Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month will be shared with: Manchester Senior, Adult and Family Services Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org , David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at n uuseoffice@uuse.org . Make checks out to UUSE. If the memo line: ✓ is blank or “pledge” - all will go toward your pledge. ✓ has “COM” or the name of the charity - all will go to the charity. ✓ has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM” - it will be divided equally. ------------------------------ 2025/2026 Ministry Themes September : Building Belonging October : Cultivating Compassion November: Nurturing Gratitude December : Choosing Hope January : Practicing Resistance February : Embodying Resilience March : Paying Attention April : Embracing Possibility May : Awakening Curiosity June : Flourishing Together ------------------------------ Minister's Column Dear Ones: Our ministry theme for November is, appropriately, gratitude. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: This is a season for focusing on all the blessings of our lives, all our sources of joy, all that we love, all that makes us feel hopeful, all for which we are grateful. If you’ve ever wanted to begin a gratitude practice but haven’t quite gotten around to it, now is the time!! I love this reading entitled Thanksgiving from my colleague, the Rev. Lynn Ungar, originally published in her 1996 meditation manual, Blessing the Bread: I have been trying to read the script cut in these hills— a language carved in the shimmer of stubble and the solid lines of soil, spoken in the thud of apples falling and the rasp of corn stalks finally bare. The pheasants shout it with a rusty creak as they gather in the fallen grain, the blackbirds sing it over their shoulders in parting, and gold leaf illuminates the manuscript where it is written in the trees. Transcribed onto my human tongue I believe it might sound like a lullaby, or the simplest grace at table. Across the gathering stillness simply this: For all that we have received, dear God, make us truly grateful. In the end, it’s a very simple prayer. May I be grateful. Simple words to say, yes, but for so many reasons—complicated reasons—gratitude can be difficult to truly feel. So I urge you, in this season of thanksgiving, to study the script cut into the hills, the thud of falling apples, the pheasants’ rusty creak, the departing blackbirds’ song, the trees’ gold-leaf illuminated manuscript. Study with an eye toward gratitude. Do you feel it? If not, then sing a lullaby. Say a simple grace. And whether or not you have a concept of divinity, try pronouncing Rev. Ungar’s words out loud: For all that I have received, dear God, make me truly grateful. For all that we have received, may we be grateful. And may our gratitude transform our lives. Amen. Blessed be. Rev. Josh ------------------------------ Director of Children & Youth Ministry Column Abundance and Gratitude: The Work is in the Receiving I’ve been really into strawberries for the past year. You can find their likeness adorning my vintage kitchen, dangling in my car, and even tattooed on my shoulder. “So you like, really like strawberries, eh?” Is a question I’ve been asked more than once. As I was listening to the audiobook version of “Braiding Sweetgrass” last month, I heard Robin Wall Kimmerer speak to the significance of the native strawberry whilst explaining the difference between the indigenous peoples’ gift economy as it compares to today’s market economy. Here is an excerpt from her book: “In a way, I was raised by strawberries, fields of them. Not to exclude the maples, hemlocks, white pines, goldenrod, asters, violets, and mosses of upstate New York, but it was the wild strawberries, beneath dewy leaves on an almost-summer morning, who gave me my sense of the world, my place in it… White petals with a yellow center -- like a little wild rose -- they dotted the acres of curl grass in May during the Flower Moon, waabigwanigiizis. We kept good track of them, peeking under the trifoliate leaves to check their progress as we ran through on our way to catch frogs. After the flower finally dropped its petals, a tiny green nub appeared in its place, and as the days got longer and warmer it swelled to a small white berry. These were sour, but we ate them anyway, impatient for the real thing. You could smell ripe strawberries before you saw them, the fragrance mingling with the smell of sun on damp ground. It was the smell of June, the last day of school, when we were set free, and the Strawberry Moon, ode'mini-giizis. I'd lie on my stomach in my favorite patches, watching the berries grow sweeter and bigger under the leaves. Each tiny wild berry was scarcely bigger than a raindrop, dimpled with seeds under the cap of leaves. From that vantage point, I could pick only the reddest of the red, leaving the pink ones for tomorrow. Even now, after more than fifty Strawberry Moons, finding a patch of wild strawberries still touches me with a sensation of surprise, a feeling of unworthiness and gratitude for the generosity and kindness that comes with an unexpected gift all wrapped in red and green. "Really? For me? Oh, you shouldn't have." After fifty years they still raise the question of how to respond to their generosity. Sometimes it feels like a silly question with a very simple answer: eat them.” As a typical American woman, I struggle with receiving. Giving has long been cast as the role society values and expects of me in a female’s body. Add the obsession with individual success that defines Americans of all genders, and you’ve got a reliable recipe for a deliciously baked cake that is difficult to eat. My wise sister reminded me recently, the work is in the receiving. She will at times repeat the words I said in a different setting back at me, and they are surprisingly difficult to let in, to receive. Just this morning, she said, “Setting strong boundaries is being kind to others.” I said this very same thing to someone else in my life last week. This is one of the ways spirit speaks to me through people. And it gets me thinking. Science and logic might point to a contradiction here. The woman who struggles to receive also struggles to set strong boundaries (otherwise understood as openly receiving everything). This isn’t a coincidence, I realize, these stem from the same root beneath the earth. I’ve been exploring my own relationship with my female identity and energy, as it relates to my experience of male energy I both encounter and hold within myself. And I swirl around questions and opinions about asking such a question, in a world I understand to be non-binary and a place where I also experience sacred feminine and masculine to exist, in addition to the truth that gender is a social construct. Unlike science, the answers are in the unknowing. I have a peace with that. Probably one of the many reasons I am drawn to exploring spirituality is the opportunity I receive to play, that I find difficult to find elsewhere. I became aligned with the strawberry a year and a half ago, uncovering that it symbolized abundance, prosperity, strength, harmony, sweetness, joy, and play. Being an intuitive person I am observing, noticing, and cataloging a lot all the time. I think any caregiver would tell you the art is in receiving this kind of information from both the external and internal. So there is a level of receiving that is always happening within me. In my hands, my eyes, the nerves in my arms, breath in my chest and swirl in my stomach – I am receiving from the external and internal and discerning how to give based on this information. It’s like the water cycle we were taught in elementary school. It comes in, collects, and goes back out. The process blends with me, but it is not me. Now I am beginning to understand a different type of receiving, the frequency I struggle to receive. It's deeper, louder, more solid, reverberates further and longer. Guttural. On a deeper level, I know I am meant to receive and allow that to live deeply and take up space in me. In a society profiting off of my relationship with symbols they bombard me with, I decorate my life with the strawberry to keep my meaningful spiritual symbols at least in competition with all else there is to perceive. It is a reminder to say “thank you” when I receive a compliment, and not devalue it. It is a reminder to say “yes” when someone offers to do something for me. It is a reminder to say “yes” when my body and soul ask me to do something for me. It is a reminder that we can interrupt the karmic flow when we deny gifts from others and from ourselves. All November, we will hear and talk about generosity, giving, and gratitude. I urge you not to skip out on the receiving, as well. Emmy Galbraith (she/her/hers) Director of Children and Youth Ministry ------------------------------ Green Sanctuary News I’m writing this article on Oct. 18 after the No Kings Rally in Hartford and other towns and cities across CT and the USA. Many of us UUs took part in person or in spirit. We refuse to give up our democracy and the rights of the people. We hold this administration responsible for the unlawful, inhumane, and vengeful actions happening daily while ignoring Congress, the Constitution, and human decency. Among our many concerns are the actions ending programs, projects, and scientific research essential to caring for our land, water and air, and protecting us from the devastations from climate change, including many clean energy projects, all while ignoring past actions of Congress and subverting the powers of Congress and the courts as much as possible.  Thankfully, nations around the world are continuing to move forward on clean energy and other environmental efforts. CT and many other states are fighting back. We can help support state actions and efforts in our towns and homes as well to increase and support sustainability.  Did you know that Manchester has just been “recognized for achieving Sustainable CT Gold certification. Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, is awarding Gold to Manchester and a few other towns, including Vernon. “Earning Gold Certification is not just a milestone, it’s a reflection of Manchester’s values,” said Mayor Jay Moran. You can read all about it here: https://www.manchesterct.gov/Government/Latest-News/Gold-Certification-from-Sustainable-CT . So far this fall the Sustainable Living Committee at UUSE sponsored and showed the Climate Future Film Festival, promoted and attended the SUNday events in New Britian celebrating and promoting Solar Energy’s growth and promise, and sponsored a program on Downsizing helping us to simplify our lives and reduce our wastefulness and energy consumption. Let’s keep these ideas in mind as we enter the holiday season by focusing on what’s most important in our lives and communities. Can we protect the earth, water, and air we live in by consuming less and wasting less? ------------------------------ Upcoming Events ------------------------------ UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic Saturday, November 1st! Sign-up starts at 6 PM-- performances will start at 6:30 PM  Join us on the first Saturday of each month, October through May, for an evening of music, poetry, stories, and community! Bring your own songs, poems, stories, or any creative offering — or simply come enjoy the warm, supportive atmosphere as part of our appreciative audience. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 PM, and performances start at 6:30 PM. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends — we’ll provide the coffee! Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT ------------------------------ Intro to UU Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. Garden Level Chapel Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and UUSE?  Please attend our Intro to UU. This informative seminar will include a brief history and background of our theology, UUSE's mission, programs, and facilities, an opportunity to meet others interested in UUism, and a sharing of stories about what brings us together. To register, contact Annie Gentile at (860) 871-0010 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, October 30th, and let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . ------------------------------ One-Day Course: Mental Health First Aid Thursday, November 6th, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Presented by the National Council for Mental Wellness. Sponsored by the UUSE Emergency Response Taskforce UUSE’s Emergency Response Taskforce is offering a one-day course entitled Mental Health First Aid, Thursday November 6, 9am to 5pm. The course is presented by the National Council for Mental Wellness. Register with Annie Gentile in the UUSE office. Certificates will be issued to those successfully completing the course. During these stressful times we all are experiencing heightened anxiety. Psychologists define mental health as being relatively free from anxiety and disabling symptoms that can create difficulty in effectively meeting the ordinary demands and stresses of life. What do we say when someone quietly tells us of their suicidal thoughts? Or how should we respond if someone in a group meeting starts shouting out loudly and angrily as if intoxicated? The Mental Health First Aid course offers pathways for responding when a friend, family member, or fellow UUSE parishioner exhibits signs that their stress has overwhelmed their ability to cope normally. The National Council for Mental Wellness has offered its highly regarded “Mental Health First Aid” course across the nation. This course develops a citizen’s ability to recognize the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including people with suicidal thoughts. Participants learn how to interact with someone in an immediate mental health crisis, as well as how to connect that person with the appropriate follow-up care. All are welcome, though there is a 30-person limit. If you are interested, register with the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 to ensure your place in the class. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org or (860) 652-8961. ------------------------------ Mr Lobster Concert for Kids and Families Saturday, November 8th, at 2:00 PM Mr. Lobster (Christian Loftus) brings fun, family-friendly music to UUSE on Saturday, November 8, at 2:00 PM. Join us at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. Suggested donation: $15 for adults; kids attend free. ------------------------------ Piano Bash 2025 November 9th at 2 PM 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. ------------------------------ The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market (Because it’s so much more than a run-of-the-mill fair). Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, 6 to 8:30 PM , Friday Night Sneak Peek: $5 Admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. Sat. Nov. 22, 2025, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m ., free admission! ------------------------------ Everything at the fair is made or donated by our talented artists and craftspeople. We promote eco-friendly practices through the tag sale, vintage jewelry, and book shops. Desserts and refreshments will be available, too. You’ll find a gift for everyone on your list. The fair is our biggest fundraiser and is especially important because a large portion of the funds raised come from the public and not from our pockets. So be sure to advertise far and wide! Tell everyone you know! Click on the flyer to download a copy! ------------------------------ Watch for the UUSE Artisan Holiday Market special eblast to discover how you can be a part of this amazing event. ------------------------------ 2026 Goods & Services Auction January 31, 2026 ------------------------------ One of UUSE’s Biggest Fun(d)raisers!! Mark your calendar now for Fun, Food & Friends!! Here’s what to expect: 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 . 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! Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is more than a fundraiser, it’s the biggest party of the UUSE year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. Key Dates and Deadlines NOW : It’s never too early to claim your spot in the Get Saucy Cooking Competition! Throughout December : Plan your donations and email the committee at auction@uuse.org !  Include : Thorough description, Approximate value and minimum bid (optional), Time, date, number of spaces, several photos with plain backgrounds are best. By January 2: Claim your basket theme. 10 basket limit and we want them all to be different. By January 9 : Submit basket description, list of contents, several photos. January 12-15 : Drop the baskets off at the meetinghouse. We can help package it. January 16 : Absolute deadline to send donation details to auction@uuse.org. Sooner is better. January 17 and 24 : Baskets are displayed in the lobby; raffle tickets sold January 19 : Online auction opens at 8 AM January 30 : Online auction closes at 10 PM. Set up crew works through afternoon. January 31 : Live Extravaganza at the meetinghouse with exclusive auction items, the Get Saucy Cooking Competition and free dinner starts at 5 pm. Snow date is February 14. ------------------------------ Questions??? When in doubt, email uuseoffice@uuse.org or talk to any of the Auction Committee members—Robin Byrne, Anne Carr, Dan Covino, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Stan McMillen & Nancy Pappas ------------------------------ Come Sing, Chant, and Reconnect With Us! Save These Kirtan Dates – L ed by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee ------------------------------ Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here . ------------------------------ Young Adult Care Packages The High School Youth Group will be collecting items for Care Packages now until November 9th to send to our young adults beginning the post-high school chapter of their lives. Please consider donating protein bars, soup, tea, candy, snacks, toiletries, stationery, fun items - anything that a college student or young adult just starting out might enjoy. Not sure what to buy? Please consider purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish at this link: https://tinyurl.com/UUSE-Care-Package or make a monetary donation to help with mailing costs. Can't help financially? We would welcome handwritten notes of encouragement to pass along to our young adults. Look for the bins in the lobby and on the Garden Level for the collection location. Please contact Kaitlyn Blesso at uuseoffice@uuse.org for more information. Thanks for your support! ------------------------------ Children and Youth Ministry News CYM is thriving and caregivers are doing a fantastic job teaching classes, but we need more support in our "Young UUs" class (grades 2-5)! This class is learning all about their Unitarian Universalist identity through discussion, games, music, movement, art and time outdoors. We are looking for an assistant teacher on the following Sundays: Nov. 2, 23 & 30, and Dec. 7 & 21 . Lessons are all planned and prepped, and a lead teacher will guide you in the classroom. Please reach out to DCYM Emmy Galbraith at dcym@uuse.org to sign up for a classroom date! We all thank you! Are you a retired special education (or other) teacher? Or looking for meaningful ways to plug into the community? CYM is building a team of support for a 5-year-old in our congregation with an intellectual disability, who needs one-on-one support in the Spirit Play classroom this year. We have a few high school youth on the team, and we are looking for a few adults as well. Team members would take turns as their schedules allow. (Sitting on the floor is not required; team members would be offered a chair.) Please reach out to DCYM Emmy Galbraith at dcym@uuse.org to express interest in joining the team! ------------------------------ Fall Clean-up, Saturday, November 16th Saturday, November 15th, 9 am – 12 noon What’s the bit that you can do to care for the land UUSE inhabits? Join the Building & Grounds Committee for the annual Fall Clean-up on Saturday, November 15th, 9 am – 12 noon. Bring what you have for raking and pruning, and we'll supply the rest: snacks, coffee, cider, equipment, guidance, and a few laughs. Children and youth with responsible adults are especially invited. We can share with you what we have learned about ecological landscaping. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. ------------------------------ Crafts & Kids Wednesday, November 5th, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Peggy Gagne is running craft activities for children who live in Squire Village, an affordable housing complex off Silver Lane in Manchester. This is an extension of our partnerships with Verplanck School and PowerUp. She's doing this on Wednesday, November 5th from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (3rd, 4th & 5th grades). Although she has one adult (thank you Louisa Graver!), she could use 1 or 2 more helpers. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE CRAFTY -- JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN! She'll have the plans and supplies. You just need to show up! Please contact Peggy at uuseoffice@uuse.org or call or text 860-646-5151 so she knows who wants to play. And thank you! ------------------------------ Strategic Planning Task Force IT's COMING... The long awaited Strategic Planning Task Force is starting their work! Watch for upcoming announcements for how YOU CAN BE INVOLVED in creating new VISION and MISSION statements and a NEW 5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN for the future of our beloved Congregation! ------------------------------ Verplanck Tutoring Project The Verplanck Tutoring project could use three or four more volunteers to spend one hour per week helping kindergarten and first grade students learn to read. Most urgently, they hope to find two people who can jump in from now through the beginning of December. It's a structured one-on-one program with excellent teacher support, so please consider helping out. Email uuseoffice@uuse.org or text 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ The Yuletide Festival Saturday, December 6th As we approach the Winter Solstice and the season of holidays and celebrations, the Unitarian Society of Hartford is planning a holiday event-- The Yuletide Festival. We would love to invite and include UU friends and families from nearby congregations to celebrate with us on what is sure to be a fun and festive day. The event will host craft workshops, a vendor area, and an ongoing lineup of musicians throughout the day. We invite members from your congregation to reach out if they would like to perform, participate, volunteer, or set up a vendor stall. We’re looking forward to sharing talent, sharing time, making new friends, and making magic this upcoming Yuletide! Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105, (860) 233-9897, Email: uuseoffice@uuse.org ------------------------------ Ongoing Groups, Activities, and Fun ------------------------------ Book Cart Volunteers Needed! Drop by the book cart to take or leave a book, or talk about books with our friendly volunteers. The book cart is in the lobby each Sunday during the summer months, after the 10:00 am service ------------------------------ Ladies at Lunch Our November lunch will be held at the Nutmeg Restaurant, 297 S. Main Street, East Windsor . We'll meet at noon on Thursday, November 13th . Do join us if you can; all are welcome. If you will attend, let Anne Vogel know by Wednesday afternoon the 12th. Our November lunch will be held at the Nutmeg Restaurant, 297 S. Main Street, East Windsor. We'll meet at noon on Thursday, November 13th. Do join us if you can; all are welcome. If you will attend, let Anne Vogel know by Wednesday afternoon the 12th. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Romeos for Lunch Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meet at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for lunch and conversation at various local restaurants. If you are retired or simply have free time, feel welcome to participate. Contact Annie at the church office to be included on the email call list. ------------------------------ Yoga at the Meetinghouse Wednesdays at 10:00 AM On Wednesday, November 5 , yoga instructor Susan Barlow will be out of town, but Dan Thompson has offered to play a yoga video as a "substitute." This session will be no charge. She has suggested these two "Yoga with Adriene" videos that add up to about one hour: https://youtu.be/AB3Y-4a3ZrU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G5q66RExDU 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. ------------------------------ 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 visit Meetup . ------------------------------ Books, Classes, and Discussions Adult Religious Education ------------------------------ Book Lovers The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM . You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone. Nov. 11th: Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service by Michael Lewis; discussion leader Lesley Schurmann Dec. 9th: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge; discussion leader Louisa Graver ------------------------------ Buddhist Group The UUSE Buddhist Group will meet on Nov. 4, at 7 PM on Zoom for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link. ------------------------------ Humanist Group Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. ------------------------------ Science and Religion Discussion Group Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? Meet 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. ------------------------------ God Talk A discussion group for UU theists 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores how UUs can name and experience God in meaningful, useful ways. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. ------------------------------  Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair November/December:  Laurie Semprebon. PastoralFriends@uuse.org. ------------------------------ Directory Updates Please note: The Vogels no longer have a land line. ------------------------------ Help Us Spread the Word Are you on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, etc?) please promote UUSE and its events by "liking" or sharing our posts on social media. Facebook: UUSEast , Instagram: uu_society_east . UUSE Happenings on Facebook is a private page for sharing things among members. You also can share events or posts in other groups on Facebook. If you have any suggestions for places to publicize events, email uuseoffice@uuse.org , the Communications/Technology Committee. ------------------------------ Newsletter Submissions Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.org or use this publicity form . Deadline for the Newsletter is the 20th of each month. ------------------------------ UUSE General Information UUSE Office Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Meetinghouse Office: 860-646-5151 Office Administrator: Annie Gentile email: uuseoffice@uuse.org Minister: Rev. Joshua Pawelek, 860-646-5151, minister@uuse.org Minister Office Hours: Tuesday 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM Director of Children & Youth Ministry: Emmy Galbraith, 860-646-5151, dcym@uuse.org President: Trisha Corey-Lisle, 805-750--3488, uuseoffice@uuse.org Newsletter Editor: Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, newsletter@uuse.org Website Coordinator: uuse.web@uuse.org UUSE Website : https://www.uuse.org ------------------------------

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!

21628e50-e2e6-4bed-b197-e913b9dae43f < Back to Newsletter November Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Book Lovers The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM . You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone. Nov. 11th: Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service by Michael Lewis; discussion leader Lesley Schurmann Dec. 9th: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge; discussion leader Louisa Graver #NovemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

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 Rob Laurens Concert Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M., come to the meeting house to experience award-winning, Boston-based singer-songwriter, Rob Laurens. Rob is currently celebrating the release of his new album, "Jubilee." Many UUSE members will remember his heart-warming original song, "You Are Welcome Here." Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance here or on the night of the show. #eBlast-12-18 Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. , come to the meeting house to experience award-winning, Boston-based singer-songwriter, Rob Laurens . Rob is currently celebrating the release of his new album, "Jubilee." Many UUSE members will remember his heart-warming original song, "You Are Welcome Here." Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance here or on the night of the show. #eBlast -12-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Cards and Cocoa Cards and Cocoa from 1 - 3PM in the Sanctuary. Enjoy cocoa while handcrafting holiday cards for your loved ones! Free. Cards and Cocoa from 1 - 3PM in the Sanctuary. Enjoy cocoa while handcrafting holiday cards for your loved ones! Free. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Prophetic Listening Session Monday, January 20th at noon UUSE chapel or on Zoom Bishop John Selders of Moral Monday CT and Rev. Josh Pawelek, in alignment with Repairers of the Breach, will host an MLK/Inauguration Day listening session and discussion. Join us in the UUSE chapel or by Zoom at noon. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast-01-15 Monday, January 20th at noon UUSE chapel or on Zoom Bishop John Selders of Moral Monday CT and Rev. Josh Pawelek, in alignment with Repairers of the Breach , will host an MLK/Inauguration Day listening session and discussion. Join us in the UUSE chapel or by Zoom at noon. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast -01-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Yoga on June 11th Yoga on June 11th Due to a multi-day special event in the Meeting Room during the second week of June, the June 11th Yoga class will be held at Samadhi Yoga Studio at 283 East Center Street in Manchester. Additionally, the class will be held at 11:00 A.M. (not the usual 10:00 A.M.) The regular 10:00 A.M. class will resume at UUSE on June 18th. #eBlast-06-11 Yoga on June 11th Due to a multi-day special event in the Meeting Room during the second week of June, the June 11th Yoga class will be held at Samadhi Yoga Studio at 283 East Center Street in Manchester. Additionally, the class will be held at 11:00 A.M. (not the usual 10:00 A.M.) The regular 10:00 A.M. class will resume at UUSE on June 18th. #eBlast -06-11 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 12, 2025 Yoga. 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. #SeptemberNewsletter 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. #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube