d53b4ce8-49bd-4717-b17e-17ce90367835 < Back to Newsletter undefined Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Sunday Services Worship Page Sunday Services Schedule September Ministry Theme: Beginnings Join us at 10 AM. The 10 AM Zoom service login and call-in information is shared through the congregational eblasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Starting September 13th, 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 Service: "Coffee House" Join us for our annual coffee house service at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer Schedule Sunday, August 30 at 10:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -08-26 Sunday Service: "Labor in the Pulpit" This Labor Day weekend we're participating in "Labor in the Pulpit," a program of the AFL-CIO. We'll be joined by the president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, Ed Hawthorne. Mr. Hawthorne is a skilled organizer and speaker. We'll have an opportunity to engage in dialogue with him about the state of the labor movement in Connecticut and nationally. Learn more about Ed Hawrthorne here . Learn more about the CT AFL-CIO here . Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Rob Napier. Summer Schedule Sunday, September 6th at 10:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -09-02 Sunday, September 13th: Homecoming . All-Congregational service. This morning we kick off our congregational year. We’ll review our covenant, principles and values. We’ll bless backpacks (briefcases, purses, bags, etc.), and we’ll celebrate with our homecoming picnic following the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, September 20th: Beginnings. Our ministry theme for September is, appropriately, beginnings. Rev. Josh delivers his first sermon of the congregational year—on beginnings. Let’s look forward to a year full of spiritual growth, learning, exploration, justice-seeking, service, and beloved community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, September 27th: Building a UU Justice Movement in Connecticut! This morning we welcome the Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao into our pulpit. Rev. Gerfao is the executive director of the newly-founded CT UU Social Justice Ministry. She’ll preach on her vision for this ministry and how all of us can participate in it. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Mar 29, 2026 Transgender Day of Visibility Sunday, March 29th: Transgender Day of Visibility. Mindful that March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility, we will lift up transgender lives in our morning service. We will also explore the work of recertifying UUSE as a Welcoming Congregation. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, March 29th: Transgender Day of Visibility . Mindful that March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility, we will lift up transgender lives in our morning service. We will also explore the work of recertifying UUSE as a Welcoming Congregation. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Heart Centered Kirtan Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Kirtan returns to the UUSE sanctuary on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 P.M. with Heart-Centered Kirtan, led by Libby Volckening. Kirtan is a spiritual practice from India that involves group singing of simple, repetitive chants or mantras--often in a call-and-response format--to create a sense of connection, calm and community. $20 suggested donation. #eBlast-09-17 Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Kirtan returns to the UUSE sanctuary on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 P.M. with Heart-Centered Kirtan, led by Libby Volckening. Kirtan is a spiritual practice from India that involves group singing of simple, repetitive chants or mantras--often in a call-and-response format--to create a sense of connection, calm and community. $20 suggested donation. #eBlast -09-17 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Peter Mayer Minnesota's Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time for over 20 years, performing in venues across the United States and beyond. He writes songs for a small planet--songs that celebrate life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence--songs about the vast cosmos that surrounds us and how we are a part of it all. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and even love and freight trains just like a good folk musician should. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name a few. His work has been included in song books, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country. Peter has eleven albums to his credit, and has sold over 100,000 of them. He lives in Stillwater, Minnesota with his wife and two daughters. Tickets can be purchased in advance on line at https://tinyurl.com/4mrf2632 Or $25 at the door. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "General (Assembly) Reflections" Sunday Service: "General (Assembly) Reflections" Rev. Josh Pawelek will share his reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Baltimore; and maybe a few more general reflections on summer, the state of the nation, etc. Special Music by Jenn Richard. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 20, 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 13th service, "Sing! Sing! Sing!" #eBlast-07-16 Sunday Service: "General (Assembly) Reflections" Rev. Josh Pawelek will share his reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Baltimore; and maybe a few more general reflections on summer, the state of the nation, etc. Special Music by Jenn Richard. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 20, 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 13th service, "Sing! Sing! Sing!" #eBlast -07-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

< 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