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< To Upcoming Services Jun 1, 2025 Affirmation Sunday Service: "Affirmation" Affirmation is our long-standing 'coming-of-age' program for youth. This morning we honor and celebrate two UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements, and we will hear form their mentors. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-05-28 Sunday Service: "Affirmation" Affirmation is our long-standing 'coming-of-age' program for youth. This morning we honor and celebrate two UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements, and we will hear form their mentors. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, June 1, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -05-28 OOS Sermon YouTube

The Pastoral Friends are a caring group of individuals that can help in times of need. Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee offers help for those in need and gives support in times of stress. Whether it's providing transportation, visiting to offer comfort and encouragement, delivering meals, helping obtain medical equipment, or organizing help with pets or other household responsibilities in times of crisis, Pastoral Friends is here to help. Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair 2024-25 Use this email address to contact the current chairperson - pastoralfriends@uuse.org July/August: Jackie Muschiano PastoralFriends@uuse.org. #AugustNewsletter

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled An Important Notice About Absentee Ballots An Important Notice About Absentee Ballots Annual Meeting, May 17th following the 11:00 A.M. service. Our annual meeting will be held this Sunday, May 17th shortly after the 11:00 A.M. service. If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, please PRINT your name next to your signature. Every vote should count, but unfortunately, we have received an absentee ballot with an indecipherable signature, and unless we can find out who it is from, it cannot be counted. If this might be your ballot, please contact Annie Gentile in the office at 860-646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Thank you! #eBlast-05-13 An Important Notice About Absentee Ballots Annual Meeting, May 17th following the 11:00 A.M. service. Our annual meeting will be held this Sunday, May 17th shortly after the 11:00 A.M. service. If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, please PRINT your name next to your signature. Every vote should count, but unfortunately, we have received an absentee ballot with an indecipherable signature, and unless we can find out who it is from, it cannot be counted. If this might be your ballot, please contact Annie Gentile in the office at 860-646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Thank you! #eBlast -05-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

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 < Previous Times Are Listed Here Next >

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Mr. Lobster Concert for Kids and Families Mr. Lobster Concert for Kids and Families Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 P.M. Mr. Lobster (Christian Loftus) brings fun, family-friendly music to UUSE on Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 P.M. Join us in the UUSE Meeting Room. Suggested donation: $15 for adults; kids attend free. #eBlast-11-05 Mr. Lobster Concert for Kids and Families Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 P.M. Mr. Lobster (Christian Loftus) brings fun, family-friendly music to UUSE on Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 P.M. Join us in the UUSE Meeting Room. Suggested donation: $15 for adults; kids attend free. #eBlast -11-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday, April 26th: The Possibilities in Us. In this service, we'll explore how there is hardly ever a single answer to a question, a single solution to a problem, or a single path to take. The unknown can certainly be daunting. However, the act of embracing possibility can afford us inspiration, growth, excitement, hope, and liberation. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Ellen Williams Sunday, May 3rd: This Land. UUSE’s meetinghouse sits on four acres at the top of Elm Hill, on the Manchester-Vernon line, above the Hockanum River Valley. What is our collective obligation to these four acres? What is our role on this land? Note: This service will be followed by a land stewarding project. Wear work clothes if you wish to participate. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, May 10th: How to Spot A Mom. This Mother’s Day, experience a tribute to the joys and challenges of motherhood, inspired by the tongue-in-cheek children’s book “How to Spot a Mom,” and supplemented with the wisdom and whimsy of our very own UUSE moms. Coordinators: Kate Kimmerle and Sam Taylor. Sunday, May 17th: Flower Communion. All Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved, multigenerational community. Please bring a flower to share! And that’s not all: this morning we are also conducting a child dedication ceremony. And that’s still not all: Our 2026 Annual Meeting will begin shortly after the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Return to one service at 10 AM Return to one service at 10 AM Sunday, May 24th: Rooted in Solidarity. This worship service tells eight stories from our Unitarian, Universalist, and UU histories: stories about how ordinary people showed up, in very different ways and in particular contexts, to side with love and show up for justice. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi and Martha Larson. Sunday, May 31st: On Pride, Labyrinths and Cultural Humility. This morning we welcome Kamora Herrington, founder of Kamora’s Cultural Corner and the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve in Hartford. A one-time staff-member with True Colors, Ms. Herrington is an insightful historian, activist, consultant, mother, music lover and community-builder. She has the green light to speak about whatever is on her heart from UUSE’s free pulpit. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, June 7th: Affirmation. Affirmation is our long-standing ‘coming-of-age’ program for youth. This morning we honor and celebrate five UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements and we will hear from their mentors. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. #MayNewsletter Sunday, May 3rd: This Land. UUSE’s meetinghouse sits on four acres at the top of Elm Hill, on the Manchester-Vernon line, above the Hockanum River Valley. What is our collective obligation to these four acres? What is our role on this land? Note: This service will be followed by a land stewarding project. Wear work clothes if you wish to participate. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, May 10th: How to Spot A Mom. This Mother’s Day, experience a tribute to the joys and challenges of motherhood, inspired by the tongue-in-cheek children’s book “How to Spot a Mom,” and supplemented with the wisdom and whimsy of our very own UUSE moms. Coordinators: Kate Kimmerle and Sam Taylor. Sunday, May 17th: Flower Communion. All Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved, multigenerational community. Please bring a flower to share! And that’s not all: this morning we are also conducting a child dedication ceremony. And that’s still not all: Our 2026 Annual Meeting will begin shortly after the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Return to one service at 10 AM Return to one service at 10 AM Sunday, May 24th: Rooted in Solidarity. This worship service tells eight stories from our Unitarian, Universalist, and UU histories: stories about how ordinary people showed up, in very different ways and in particular contexts, to side with love and show up for justice. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi and Martha Larson. Sunday, May 31st: On Pride, Labyrinths and Cultural Humility. This morning we welcome Kamora Herrington, founder of Kamora’s Cultural Corner and the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve in Hartford. A one-time staff-member with True Colors, Ms. Herrington is an insightful historian, activist, consultant, mother, music lover and community-builder. She has the green light to speak about whatever is on her heart from UUSE’s free pulpit. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, June 7th: Affirmation . Affirmation is our long-standing ‘coming-of-age’ program for youth. This morning we honor and celebrate five UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements and we will hear from their mentors. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. #MayNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jan 14, 2024 The Spirit of Aging. Elders from this congregation will share personal thoughts about aging, with reflections on letting go, loss, change, identity, and humor. Music by Mary Bopp and Jeannine Westbrook. Coordinators: Sande Hartdagen & Nancy Madar #eBlast-01-10 January 14: “The Spirit of Aging.” Elders from this congregation will share personal thoughts about aging, with reflections on letting go, loss, change, identity, and humor. Music by Mary Bopp and Jeanine Westbrook. Coordinator(s): Sande Hartdagen & Nancy Madar OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 22, 2023 Seasons of Love. As the leaves turn with the fall season, imagine if every leaf was the same color. No reds, oranges, or yellows - no color, no diversity. Just as the universe expresses love with the changing colors of the leaves, we are human expressions of that same love. Join us as our guest, the Reverend Aaron Miller from the Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford, preaches about faith in this universal love that knows no boundaries and has no end. Coordinator: Sandy Karosi #eBlast OOS Sermon YouTube

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.

< To Upcoming Services Jul 16, 2023 Among the Trees Throughout history, humans have looked to trees for inspiration, protection, food, and wisdom. This morning's service will be a combination of spiritual, practical, metaphorical, and scientific thoughts about why trees matter. Our two speakers, Emery Gluck, retired DEEP forester, and John Hankins, president of Joshua's Tract Conservation Trust, will share their experiences in Connecticut's forests. Coordinator(s): Beth Hankins and Sandy Karosi OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled NEW ENGLAND PRIDE 247-365 CONCERT New England PRIDE 247-365 Concert New England PRIDE 247-365 will perform an eclectic mix of material spanning the decades, celebrating queer composers, lyricists, poets, icons and women. An intergenerational collective of queer performers and allies and based in Hartford, they will be performing at UUSE on Sunday, May 4th at 3:00 P.M. There is a $15 voluntary donation. #eBlast-04-30 New England PRIDE 247-365 Concert New England PRIDE 247-365 will perform an eclectic mix of material spanning the decades, celebrating queer composers, lyricists, poets, icons and women. An intergenerational collective of queer performers and allies and based in Hartford, they will be performing at UUSE on Sunday, May 4th at 3:00 P.M. There is a $15 voluntary donation. #eBlast -04-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

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