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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!

895839aa-c65c-45ac-8951-693e995856c4 < Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Key Dates and Deadlines NOW: It’s never too early to claim your spot in the Get Saucy Cooking Competition! uuseoffice@uuse.org 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, 5 PM: Live Extravaganza at the meetinghouse with exclusive auction items, the Get Saucy Cooking Competition and free dinner. 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, Janet Napier, Rob Napier & Nancy Pappas. #JanuaryNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

AA - Mondays at Noon Every Monday at Noon Times Are Listed Here Next >

Once is a while we'll post jobs here. We don't often post jobs, but when we do, they are here. Job Postings Nov 1, 2023 - No current job openings.

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

f843af22-a875-4c35-ad66-83d24277fa5e < Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Strategic Planning Task Force The word cloud to the right represents the top 500 repeated words from UUSE’s 2012 Strategic Plan documents. To interact with the words and explore some of the key ideas, click on the Word Cloud image to the right. With community engagement, the Strategic Planning Task Force looks forward to creating all-new Vision and Mission Statements and an updated Strategic Plan in the coming months and looks forward to exploring what words and ideas will be represented as we look to the future. #JanuaryNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

bfdfe75d-7046-4dff-9b88-d5ccd3a38833 < Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Intro to UU Learn about Unitarian Universalism &Unitarian Universalist Society East Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1 to 4 PM in the UUSE Chapel (Garden Level) This gathering will include: A discussion of Unitarian Universalist theology UUSE’s mission, programs and facilities An opportunity to meet others and share our religious journeys To register, contact Annie Gentile at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, January 15th, 2025. Let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at 860-646-5151 or minister@uuse.org We hope you will join us! #JanuaryNewsletter 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

Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. Lend a Hand! Ways to help at the Holiday Fair When in doubt, email Fair Chair Desiree at fair@uuse.org to offer your time or your stuff. What to Donate & Who to Ask about It It’s time to craft, create, bake, and assemble your stuff! We sell all sorts of things at the fair, from beautiful, handcrafted pieces to fabulous finds from your attic, vintage jewelry to cookies. We group items by “shop” led by various people/teams. Used/Vintage Items Jewelry: We’re in need of a leader for this area! Peggy Webbe and Diana Sherman are happy to advise but have pressing matters that mean they don’t have the bandwidth to donate as much time as they have in the past. Talk to Desiree or email fair@uuse.org if you can set up. We will take donations NOW. Drop off box is in the coatroom. Please label and focus on items of value. Books: Hardcover and “Trade Paperbacks” only please. Be kind! Sort and dust your books before you drop them off. If they’re in bad shape, throw them out at home. Contact Dottie Keating ( dewey190@aol.com ). We’re looking for a co-chair for books who can take over next year. Tag Sale: Don’t use it any more? Let someone else! We need LOTS of items in good condition and are especially looking for a few high ticket items for the Fabulous Finds booth. Contact Sandy Karosi and Deb Gould ( slkarosi@comcast.net , dagould59@comcast.net ) for tag sale and Lesley Schurmann for Fabulous Finds ( Lesley57@cox.net ). Children’s Books, Games, Small Toys, Puzzles: The kids love to shop for treasures. Contact Laurie Semprebon ( lsemprebon@charter.net ). Handcrafts & Arts Original Works of Art: whatever you make, note cards, prints, pottery, jewelry. Talk to Nancy Madar. ( nancymadar@hotmail.com ) Handmade Holiday Crafts or Traditional Items: Any holiday décor, ornaments, etc. are welcome! Talk to Louisa Graver. ( lgraver163@gmail.com ) Sewn & Knitted Items: Contact Phil Sawyer ( psawyer215@gmail.com ) or Carol Marion ( cmarion333@gmail.com ). Especially needed: mitten makers! Phil has patterns if you need them. Justice Table Items: We are looking for items to show our allyship and commitment to justice. This means pride, BLM, economic justice, social justice, gender equality, and all ways we live our values. Contact Desiree Holian-Borgnis at fair@uuse.org . Whimsy Booth : We are looking for items that are fun, whimsical and bring a special flair. They can be earth based, fun or fantastical. Contact Gina Campellone at ginacampellone@comcast.net . Woodworking: Anyone who makes items out of wood is encouraged to donate their handiwork and/or their time working at the table. Contact Bill Graver at billgraver30@gmail.com . Silent Auction: If you have something you think might be right for the auction, contact Mary Ellen Vigeant ( mevig@sbcglobal.net ), Carolyn Gimbrone ( bowbrone@aol.com ), or Jan Knotts ( jknotts43@yahoo.com ). Food There are LOTS of opportunities to bake! Contact Jennifer Klee ( jenduvklee@gmail.com ) for all things food related. Friday Night Dessert : a recipe will be provided. Grab and Go Refreshments on Saturday ( things that can be served on a napkin and eaten by hand ), so we need bars, muffins, cookies, etc., both savory and sweet. The Bake Shop will need its usual cookies, breads and fruit breads, pies, etc. If you bake it, we will sell it! We always sell out of everything. Jams & Jellies: Contact Jennifer Klee at jenduvklee@gmail.com with a list of what and how many you plan to donate and she will make labels for you. Frozen Pies: Last year’s experiment was a success so we will assemble a team to meet at UUSE and make pies to freeze. Interested in helping? Contact Jennifer Klee. Frozen Soup is also under consideration! Watch for eblast notices from Anne Carr. When to Donate Donations of books, tag sale items, children’s items, etc., will be accepted starting after Sunday services on Nov. 17 and Monday through Wednesday (9 am to 8 pm). For everything else, please contact the area coordinators. Help Wanted! Need a job? We’ve got plenty! Only enthusiasm, not experience, required! Starting Now Are you willing to apprentice this year so you can run a booth next year? Let us know! Organize Lunch for the Fair Workers: Easy! Order take out and set/clean it up. After Fair Party Coordinator: Find and reserve a fun venue. Garden Level Coordinator: Organize the team that empties out and resets the Children & Youth Ministry Rooms. Help put up signs. Tell your friends all about it! Share Facebook posts, email the flyer. Watch the eBlast for more opportunities and requests. Sunday, November 17 12:30 – 2 p.m. Set up tables Pack up the Garden Level Start bringing in your donations of books, tag sale & children’s shop items. During the week of Nov. 17 to 20 The areas that can use the most help during set up week are the Book Shop, the Tag Sale, Jewelry and the Children’s Shop but contact ANY of the shop leaders if you have time. Any amount of time you can give is great. Friday Night, November 22 Sneak Peek open from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Greeters in Lobby Serve Refreshments Sales in All Areas Clean Up Saturday, November 23 Doors Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Greeters in Lobby Sell Refreshments Sales in All Areas Clean Up: 3 p.m. til it’s done This is a great time for some fresh legs to arrive! If you can’t help any other time, please think about coming at the end to help then! Set up Garden Level for CYM. Contact fair@uuse.org with any questions, suggestions or offers to help! The UUSE Holiday Fair’s Silent Auction is Looking for Donations Can you help? We are fortunate to have some very kind UUs who own local businesses or are accomplished artists who help us out yearly with generous contributions. Still, one of the great joys of the silent auction is discovering what surprises you all have to donate. So, what draws bids? Last year, we had a beautiful set of wooden jigsaw puzzles featuring some “whimsy” pieces that attracted numerous bids. A few years back, we had a member buy a new car, and the dealership gave each buyer a new gas grill—which they didn’t need, so they gave it to the auction. A member upgraded her iPad, wiped the old one clean of personal information, and donated it. We’ve had a quilting frame, a fancy Franklin Mint commemorative Monopoly game, sports memorabilia, jewelry a little too high-end for the jewelry sale, gently used designer purses, and decorative home items (did you all see the beautiful inlaid table we had last year?) As it is a holiday fair, themed baskets full of goodies that can be given as a gift are usually a big draw (think spa night basket, pet owner basket, hostess gift basket, etc.) And, of course, we love to feature work from our many talented UUSE artists and crafters! Might you have something for the auction? Share your ideas with Mary Ellen Vigeant Carolyn Gimbrone, or new member, Jan Knotts.

Silent Meditation Silent Meditation - 3:30PM in the Sanctuary < Previous Next >

Kirtan Music and Mantra @UUSE Heart-Centered Kirtan returns to Manchester, CT Come chant, breathe, and reconnect through the joy of kirtan. Join us in Manchester, CT, where live music, mantra singing, and community come together in a shared spiritual practice. Upcoming Dates All sessions begin at 3pm in the UUSE sanctuary: · Sunday, September 21, 2025 · Sunday, February 22, 2026 · Sunday, March 22, 2026 · Sunday, May 17, 2026 Each gathering is led by Heart-Centered Kirtan , offering a powerful and inclusive group chanting experience in Connecticut. Save the dates and come sing with us, dance, do yoga, or just soak it in. What Is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of chanting meditation rooted in Indian spiritual traditions. Through call-and-response singing of simple, repetitive mantras, participants are invited into a shared state of peace, energy, and connection. Whether you're looking for spiritual music events in CT, interested in meditative music, or simply want to try something new, kirtan offers a welcoming space for all. About Heart-Centered Kirtan Led by Libby Volckening , with Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, and Chris Ball , Heart-Centered Kirtan weaves Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras into a blend of Western musical styles. Their Unitarian Universalist kirtan gatherings are known for being grounding, joyful, and openhearted. Since 2013, they’ve led kirtan across Connecticut and New England, bringing people together through the healing power of music and mantra. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com What to Know Donation: $20 suggested (more or less is always OK—no one is turned away). All are welcome: No experience needed. Families are encouraged to attend. Scent-free space: Please avoid perfumes and essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided; bring a cushion if you prefer the floor. If you're searching for inclusive spiritual events in CT or want to explore community chanting , this is a great place to begin. < Previous Next >

fe03d180-e7ce-4690-99de-8efe452c61b0 < Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Minister's Column Dear Ones: Our ministry theme for January is practicing resistance. I’m not surprised that our friends at Soul Matters (the independent UU resource hub that provides materials for our monthly themes) have landed on this theme at this time. Unitarian Universalists across the United States have been considering this theme in earnest since the 2024 national elections. As I have discussed elsewhere, the current administration in Washington, DC has engaged in many authoritarian actions (e.g., abducting and deporting people without due process, deploying federal troops to US cities, cutting the social safety net to pay for tax cuts for the nation’s wealthiest residents, freezing funds Congress has already appropriated, defunding universities, criticizing judges, firing federal employees without cause, using the Department of Justice to harass and attack political opponents, etc.). People of liberal faith abhor such actions. We recognize a profound threat to our time-honored democratic institutions, practices, and assumptions. We feel called to resist. So, I welcome practicing resistance as our theme for the month. Again, I am not surprised. Of course, Unitarian Universalists inherit a long tradition of practicing resistance to injustice. I intend to address pieces of that tradition—especially our tradition of resisting racism—in my January 18th service prior to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. But before that, at our January 4th service, I want to address a way of practicing resistance that isn’t as familiar to me, what I call “direct aid.” The bottom line for me is that there is an increasing number of victims of the current federal administration’s policies, and they need help. Two victim groups that stand out to me are: 1) the families of immigrants who’ve experienced the abduction and deportation of a primary bread-winner; and 2) transgender people (or families with a transgender child) who are relocating from states with anti-trans laws to states whose laws are more supportive and protective of transgender people. There are certainly other victim groups. I am keenly aware of middle-income people and families who are losing access to affordable health insurance; and lower income people and families who are finding it increasingly difficult to make financial ends meet due to chaos in the economy. But given the kinds of requests I am getting on a fairly regular basis to support immigrant families; and given what I know is a long pipeline of transgender people who are seeking aid in relocating to Connecticut, I am increasingly led to the conclusion that our congregation has a role to play in providing direct aid. This is not quite intuitive for me. During my seminary years, I received training in how to work for social change—to not simply “give to the poor,” but to dismantle the root causes of poverty. While I’ve always seen the value in providing direct aid to people in need, I’ve nevertheless focused my energy and much of our congregation’s energy on the work of social change. That work certainly continues, but the victims of the current administration’s policies can’t wait for social change. They need direct aid now. Learning as a congregation to offer such aid feels to me like one of the salient ways we can practice resistance. More to come…. With love, care, and hope, Rev. Josh #JanuaryNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.