< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Join us as we celebrate the summer solstice which represents the triumph of light over darkness and the peak of nature's abundance. The solstice also reminds us to celebrate, reflect and use the energy of the sun for personal growth. The wisdom of our ancestors emphasizes finding meaning in our lives by living simply. Coordinators: Vivian Carlson and Ellen Williams. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 6, 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#. #eBlast-07-02 Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Join us as we celebrate the summer solstice which represents the triumph of light over darkness and the peak of nature's abundance. The solstice also reminds us to celebrate, reflect and use the energy of the sun for personal growth. The wisdom of our ancestors emphasizes finding meaning in our lives by living simply. Coordinators : Vivian Carlson and Ellen Williams. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 6, 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#. #eBlast -07-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled General Assembly 2025 News from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. (More info on the CSAI process). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here. Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. (More info on the AIW process). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). • We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights • Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom • Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here ), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. ( More info on the CSAI process ). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here . Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. ( More info on the AIW process ). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 2, 2023 Let Freedom Ring! On this 4th of July weekend, join us to hear from Judy Robbins, a member of the Unitarian Society of Hartford, as she explores freedom in its historical context, defining for us what was meant by freedom and liberalism at our country's inception, how that has evolved, and how it shows up in our practice of Unitarian-Universalism today. She delivered this sermon one year ago at her home congregation. Welcome Judy! Coordinator(s): Sande Hartdagen OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Help Children Learn to Read Help Children Learn to Read Can you spare an hour a week to help young students become stronger readers? UUSE volunteers work with kindergarten and first grade students at Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester. Last year (2025-26) we helped to pioneer a new model: The same students got 15 minutes of one-on-one help four days a week. Educators found the "intervention group" made progress more quickly than other classmates. Equally important, the children seem to look forward to their time with our volunteers. We hope to recruit 16 volunteers to commit to an hour per week in late morning. Training will be in early October and then tutors meet their students. It is truly rewarding to visit this public school each week, see talented teachers in action and support what the faculty calls "our scholars." Please email Nancy Pappas, uuseoffice@uuse.org , by September 20 with your questions and (we hope) commitment. Thank you! #eBlast-09-02 Help Children Learn to Read Can you spare an hour a week to help young students become stronger readers? UUSE volunteers work with kindergarten and first grade students at Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester. Last year (2025-26) we helped to pioneer a new model: The same students got 15 minutes of one-on-one help four days a week. Educators found the "intervention group" made progress more quickly than other classmates. Equally important, the children seem to look forward to their time with our volunteers. We hope to recruit 16 volunteers to commit to an hour per week in late morning. Training will be in early October and then tutors meet their students. It is truly rewarding to visit this public school each week, see talented teachers in action and support what the faculty calls "our scholars." Please email Nancy Pappas, uuseoffice@uuse.org , by September 20 with your questions and (we hope) commitment. Thank you! #eBlast -09-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Book Drive for Immigrant Families Book Drive for Immigrant Families Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. at UUSE "Books and Blankets," a new Connecticut-based nonprofit, will visit UUSE on Thursday evening, October 23rd at 5:00 P.M. They are collecting children's books and blankets to bring to families living in detention along the US southern border. Learn more here. Join us on the 23rd at 5:00 P.M. to hear more about this exciting project. Children's books and blankets welcome! Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-10-22 Book Drive for Immigrant Families Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. at UUSE "Books and Blankets," a new Connecticut-based nonprofit, will visit UUSE on Thursday evening, October 23rd at 5:00 P.M. They are collecting children's books and blankets to bring to families living in detention along the US southern border. Learn more here . Join us on the 23rd at 5:00 P.M. to hear more about this exciting project. Children's books and blankets welcome! Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -10-22 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 4, 2025 Lets Imagine Together Sunday Service: "Let's Imagine Together" Our ministry theme for May is Imagination. Rev. Josh will review what the scientific literature has to say about imagination and make the case that we all need to use our imagination more frequently! Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-30 Sunday Service: "Let's Imagine Together" Our ministry theme for May is Imagination. Rev. Josh will review what the scientific literature has to say about imagination and make the case that we all need to use our imagination more frequently! Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, May 4, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -04-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 1, 2026 Manchester 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 contact Jane at sexton@uuse.org 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 contact Jane at sexton@uuse.org OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 30, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 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#. #eBlast-03-26 Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 30, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 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#. #eBlast -03-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market UUSE Artisan Holiday Market 📅 Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 • 6–8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek – $5 admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 9 AM–3 PM Free Admission! UUSE Artisan Holiday Market 📅 Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 • 6–8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek – $5 admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 9 AM–3 PM Free Admission! OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled God as a Spiritual Experience God as a Spiritual Experience With special guest, Rev. Robert Forman, Ph.D., D.Hon., B.C.C. Our April 28th God Talk session in the Meeting Room (4:30 P.M. in person and on Zoom) will feature a lecture by guest speaker, the Rev. Robert Forman, entitled "God as a Spiritual Experience." Rev. Forman is a writer, teacher, and spiritual guide whose work bridges the worlds of scholarship and deep personal experience. With a lifelong dedication to exploring the mystical dimensions of life, he has shared his insights with audiences across the globe--from Sweden to Iran, Finland to Israel, and throughout the United States. Learn more about Rev. Forman and about his latest book, Christianity Reimagined. To join God Talk online, click here. #eBlast-04-22 God as a Spiritual Experience With special guest, Rev. Robert Forman, Ph.D., D.Hon., B.C.C. Our April 28th God Talk session in the Meeting Room (4:30 P.M. in person and on Zoom) will feature a lecture by guest speaker, the Rev. Robert Forman, entitled "God as a Spiritual Experience." Rev. Forman is a writer, teacher, and spiritual guide whose work bridges the worlds of scholarship and deep personal experience. With a lifelong dedication to exploring the mystical dimensions of life, he has shared his insights with audiences across the globe--from Sweden to Iran, Finland to Israel, and throughout the United States. Learn more about Rev. Forman and about his latest book, Christianity Reimagined . To join God Talk online, click here . #eBlast -04-22 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Support the Fixery!!! Support the Fixery!!! Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Members of the Sustainable Living Committee have long been wishing they had a "repair cafe" where people could bring their broken or non-functioning items instead of trashing and buying new all the time. Willimantic does have a Repair Cafe. Now the concept has come to Manchester! It is called THE FIXERY and is a pop-up project meeting at WORK_SPACE on a second Saturday every few months. The next date is Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 - 2:00 P.M. Click here for a link to the event. And click here to access the registration form. You can also contact Rebecca Fowler here, especially if you would like to volunteer to be a FIXER. Rebecca is Manchester's recycling coordinator. The Sustainable Living Committee supports this project and asks us all to do the same. #eBlast-09-09 Support the Fixery!!! Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Members of the Sustainable Living Committee have long been wishing they had a "repair cafe" where people could bring their broken or non-functioning items instead of trashing and buying new all the time. Willimantic does have a Repair Cafe. Now the concept has come to Manchester! It is called THE FIXERY and is a pop-up project meeting at WORK_SPACE on a second Saturday every few months. The next date is Saturday, September 12 , from 10:00 - 2:00 P.M. Click here for a link to the event. And click here to access the registration form. You can also contact Rebecca Fowler here , especially if you would like to volunteer to be a FIXER. Rebecca is Manchester's recycling coordinator. The Sustainable Living Committee supports this project and asks us all to do the same. #eBlast -09-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday, July 27th: Sunday, August 3rd: Bittersweet August. In this service, we explore the unique bittersweetness of August, when in the midst of our slow savoring of summer, we are reminded of its transition into shorter, busier, unfamiliar days ahead. Like all of life’s seasons, how do we remain present for the savoring and curious about the possibilities ahead? Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker Sunday, August 10th: Science and Spirit on an Island. Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. “Shoalers” – those who attend – consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year’s conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators: Jane Penfield & David Klotz Sunday, August 17th: Sacred Spaces. Affordable Housing as a Moral Imperative through MISAC. Join UUSE MISAC board members to hear the story of one of the most effective social outreach efforts involving UUSE. Learn how the Manchester Interfaith Social Action Committee (MISAC) has provided high-quality, affordable housing to Manchester families for 56 years, while awarding over $2.5M to housing-related grant projects over the past 12 years. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Sunday, August 24th: Coffee House Worship! Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Sunday, August 31st: Weaving Our Lives General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson #AugustNewsletter Sunday, August 3rd: Bittersweet August. In this service, we explore the unique bittersweetness of August, when in the midst of our slow savoring of summer, we are reminded of its transition into shorter, busier, unfamiliar days ahead. Like all of life’s seasons, how do we remain present for the savoring and curious about the possibilities ahead? Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker Sunday, August 10th : Science and Spirit on an Island. Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. “Shoalers” – those who attend – consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year’s conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators: Jane Penfield & David Klotz Sunday, August 17th: Sacred Spaces. Affordable Housing as a Moral Imperative through MISAC. Join UUSE MISAC board members to hear the story of one of the most effective social outreach efforts involving UUSE. Learn how the Manchester Interfaith Social Action Committee (MISAC) has provided high-quality, affordable housing to Manchester families for 56 years, while awarding over $2.5M to housing-related grant projects over the past 12 years. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Sunday, August 24th: Coffee House Worship! Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Sunday, August 31st: Weaving Our Lives General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube