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Important topics around the UUA, including General Assembly. UUA Live your values aloud, not alone. Our open-minded, open-hearted spiritual communities help people lead lives of justice, love, learning and hope. Demonination Affairs Forum Here

Fun and fellowship! A typical meeting might include time to check in, discuss events or topics of interest, enjoy games, movies, or other activities. Opportunities for community service and other special events such as outings or parties are also offered throughout the year. < Back Junior Youth Group (Gr 6-8) Fun and fellowship! A typical meeting might include time to check in, discuss events or topics of interest, enjoy games, movies, or other activities. Opportunities for community service and other special events such as outings or parties are also offered throughout the year. Previous Next

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

Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. Deck The Halls There is no Deck the Halls Scheduled for 2023. Deck The Halls is where kids and families get together to decorate the sanctuary for the holiday season, making constrution paper chains, threading popcorn, hanging lights and ornaments on the tree, singing carols and enjoying good cheer. Heading 2

Liberal Religious traditions are all about justice, including social justice and sustainability and green action. Other Programs Other programs include our justice efforts, which are grounded in our social justice and green advocacy statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. Also take a look at our wide variety of Affinity Groups and fun activities for adults, as well as the entire family. You might also be interested in our Intro to UU class.

Writers Group The UUSE Writers Group is on hiatus. < Previous Check Newsletter Next >

Buddhist Group The Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month 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. < Previous Next Meeting Next >

This class is based upon episodes of the original “Twilight Zone” series, which tackled a range of social issues and political statements not generally seen in shows of its time. It’s host, Rod Serling, was himself a Unitarian! At each class, an entire episode is viewed. After viewing, the class engages in discussion and activities, designed to encourage deep contemplation of issues. To signup to volunterr with Twilight Zone (6th, 7th and 8th grades) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-5thdimension < Back Twilight Zone (Gr 6-7) This class is based upon episodes of the original “Twilight Zone” series, which tackled a range of social issues and political statements not generally seen in shows of its time. It’s host, Rod Serling, was himself a Unitarian! At each class, an entire episode is viewed. After viewing, the class engages in discussion and activities, designed to encourage deep contemplation of issues. To signup to volunterr with Twilight Zone (6th, 7th and 8th grades) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-5thdimension Previous Next

This is the page with our minister, our director of child and youth ministries, and our music director. CYM Staff 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 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 Angela Attardo Children and Youth Ministry Program Assistent Say hello to Angela CYMAsst@uuse.org

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. eBlast for February 11th Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone : 860.646.5151 Sign up here to receive the full eBlast by email Weekly News February 11, 2026 ------------------------------ Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East Email our office t o receive a visitor packet or to find out more. We schedule several newcomer events throughout the year after Sunday services. ------------------------------ Sunday Service: "Strategic Planning: A Discipline of Resilience" Hear and be heard to form our UUSE vision, mission, and planning statements. Coordinator : Kate Kimmerle. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, February 15, 2026 Gathering music starts at 8:50 and 10:50 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 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 video of the 2/8/26 service, "What Makes You Come Alive?" ------------------------------ CYM News Children & Youth Ministry caregivers, extended family, volunteers and all stakeholders (that means "anyone" interested in keeping up with the CYM news or who feels invested in its future): The email distribution program I (Emmy) have been using for my weekly Friday Update has locked us out of our account which expired without proper notice. I am unable to access the email distribution list I used on that platform. So, I am going to create a new account and distribution list! Please email if you would like to receive my weekly Friday Update which includes all the details of what each age group is doing the following Sunday, news on upcoming events, as well as reflections and spiritual care. Kindly send your request to dcym@uuse.org to be added to the new distribution list. Caregivers of children and youth registered for CYM do NOT need to email me. Thank you, Emmy. Also: We are looking for help in the Elementary (grades 2-5) class this winter! Please reach out to Emmy at dcym@uuse.org if you can help on any of these dates: (Lesson from the "Signs of Our Faith" Curriculum"). February 15: Worshipping Together (need lead and assistant) March 1: Finding Beauty in Uniqueness (need lead and assistant) March 29: Fair Group Decisions (need assistant) ------------------------------ Best Practices for Community Health Colds, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and -- yes -- Covid continue to circulate in the wider community. According to the CT Department of Public Health, these illnesses are especially dangerous for those of us who are 60 and older. This is a friendly reminder that no matter your age, if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, you always have the option to join Sunday services and other meetings and activities by Zoom from the comfort of your home. If you do need to come to the meetinghouse, keep in mind that masks have the power to protect both you and those with whom you come in contact. Let's all help keep each other as healthy as we can! From the UUSE Emergency Preparedness Task Force ------------------------------ Postcard Protest Sustainable Living Committee Take ACTION this Sunday by stopping at our table after services. Sign up to write 3 postcards, one each to your state legislators and the governor. Let them know your concerns about climate change and your hope that they will pass legislation to promote energy efficiency, clean energy and environmental protection in CT with programs that are available to everyone. Return your postcards next week to the white basket, and we will stamp and mail them. Postcards and stamps provided by the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN)! ------------------------------ Sing Out Love Listening Sessions February 12th, 26th and March 5th Are you interested in hearing (and maybe even singing) music from the UUA's new online hymnal, Sing Out Love? Join our Music Director, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh for an exploration of the music in this wonderful new resource. Thursdays, February 12th, February 26th and March 5th, 11:00 to 1:00 PM at the meeting house. All are welcome. ------------------------------ Indivisible Thursday, February 12 - 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. If you missed Indivisible's recent meeting at UUSE and wished you could have made it, you have another opportunity! The local Indivisible chapter will be meeting again at UUSE on Thursday, February 12 and all are welcome to attend. The group will also be discussing the potential for meeting at UUSE on a regular basis. For more information about this grassroots nationwide movement, click here . ------------------------------ Ladies at Lunch Friday, February 13 at 110 Grill Join us for lunch on Friday, February 13th at the 110 Grill, 1127 Tolland Turnpike in the Plaza at Burr Corners in Manchester. We meet at noon. Everyone is welcome. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sharon Huber by Thursday afternoon, February 12: uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Sign Up for a Pledging Potluck! March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15. Again, this year, the Stewardship committee will provide an opportunity for members and friends to participate in a stewarding potluck during the first two weekends of the 2026 Annual Appeal. Following the meal and conversation, a steward will lead the group in a time for sharing the meaning of UUSE in our lives and discuss the goals of the Annual Appeal and the proposed budget. Participants who have not done so may privately complete their pledge forms. Sign-up sheets will be in the lobby on Sunday February 22 and March 1. If you can't make it on a Sunday to sign up, please contact Stan McMillen and let him know which potluck you would like to attend: Email: uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone 860-646-5151. If you prefer an individual visit, a steward will meet with you. PLEASE respond to their phone calls or emails!! Click here for a list of where and when the potlucks will be held. Detailed info on pets, accessibility, food allergies will be available on the signup sheets, or you can contact the potluck host directly. Attention CYM Families and Friends : Desiree Holian-Borgnis will have "office hours" from 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. in the children's chapel Sundays (TBD) during the Annual Appeal for families to come and ask questions, sign their pledge forms and hand them in. ------------------------------ Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE with Libby Volckening - Sunday, February 22 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Join us on Sunday, February 22 at 3:00 P.M. for Music + Mantra, part of a recurring series of live kirtan gatherings at UUSE. Led by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, these events provide opportunities to connect through music, mantra and shared presence. S eating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info, visit: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan . All are welcome. A $20 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away. ------------------------------ Death Cafe February 24, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, February 24th at 1:00 P.M. Death Cafe is a global movement with a simple goal: to provide participants in any stage of life with an opportunity for an open-ended discussion about death and dying. There is no formal agenda, but there is tea, cake and a comfortable place to discuss this issue that will touch all of us at some point in our lives. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Community Screening of My Friend Kim Tuesday, February 24 from 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. at UUSE A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at UUSE. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim's strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. The documentary is an official selection of the Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival. The film maker has created an Eventbrite page so people can sign up to attend. There's no fee, but it's helpful if people pre-register. Click here for the Eventbrite link. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Gender-Free Contra Dance Save the Date - March 21 at UUSE Mark your calendars for March 21, 4:00 to 7:00 PM. (with a 3:45 PM beginner lesson). There are no "ladies" or "gents" in a gender-free contra dance, and you don't need to be an expert dancer. Contra is a community folk dance with partners in long lines with the caller teaching the dances as you go. For more information, click here . ------------------------------ Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the month of February , contact Sid Soderholm . ------------------------------ Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! There’s Always Something Good Going On Stop & Shop Gift Card sales after services on 1st Sundays Fair Trade Coffee/Tea/Chocolate sales after services on 2nd Sundays Yoga , every Wednesday at 10 A.M. All welcome! Manchester Women's Singing Circle , every Thursday at 7 P.M. Book Lovers , 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30 P.M. in person and on Zoom. March 10th: The Emperor of Gladness. Discussion leader: Jeannine Gluck. Women's Circle , 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M. (Zoom only December through March) Email Nora Alpers-Leon at uuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Romeos , a monthly lunch for retired men on second Tuesdays - contact the UUSE office to be put on the email list. Ladies at Lunch , a monthly women's lunch typically on second Thursdays - advertised in the weekly eblasts. Buddhist Group , 1st Tuesdays at 7 P.M. Meditation Group , 3rd Mondays, 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. God Talk , 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Humanist Group , 3rd Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Science and Religion Discussion Group , 4th Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. February's topic: Hertog's "Origin of Time" with Bill Bosworth. ------------------------------ Our Mission  Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming, open-minded spiritual community seeking truth and meaning in its many forms. We share responsibility for building a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world. ------------------------------ UUSE Links and Information • Monthly Newsletter • Website • Previous Sunday Services • Children & Youth Ministry • Facebook • New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association uuse.org • 860-646-5151 ------------------------------

This page has the photo credits for images you might find on our website. All photos are used with permission. Photo Credits All photos used with permission. Sources: WIX.com, Joe Madar, Nancy Thompson, Sylvia Ounpuu-Adams, Sindre Fs via pexels.com, ATC Photo via pexels.com, Linda Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Music Music plays a huge part in our worship and in our community, and there's room for everyone to participate in our music programs. Many talented individuals take part in our services individually, in groups, in singing circles, and in choirs. Whether it's leading hymns, participating in choirs, playing piano or guitar, or even gifted professional musicians providing spirited musical themes, everyone can play a part. Our music director, Mary Bopp, with help from a very active music committee, plays a key role in all of the musical offerings that take place at UUSE. 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. Choir News Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera, if you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals started on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7 PM, in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. There is still time to join. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org #FebruaryNewsletter