< To Upcoming Services Mar 31, 2024 Shine on Me: A Celebration of Easter. All-Congregational Service. Join us for our annual Easter music service. Through story and song, we explore the deeper meanings at the heart of Easter. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek, #eBlast-03-27 OOS Sermon YouTube

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Requesting Announcements from the Pulpit When requesting an announcement from the pulpit, the Sunday Services Committee asks that you use the following process: Send an email to uuseoffice@uuse.org , provide the date(s) the announcement should be made, and the text of the announcement (please keep it concise!). Annie will forward the announcement request to the relevant service coordinators. These requests must be received ty the Thursday prior to the service. #eBlast -10-21

b57e0872-bc8d-4009-a8e7-5292619f0781 < Back Membership Committee Membership Committee : Welcomes all newcomers to UUSE and implements the "path to membership" through coordinating the Welcome Table, Greeter and Hospitality volunteers and providing information about UUSE's programs and activities. The committee coordinates multiple programs/events for newcomers such as "Meet the Church and the "Introduction to UU." The membership committee also promotes fellowship among members and friends by planning all society events. Finally, the committee supports maintaining the membership list and publishes an annual directory. Want more information about who's who in a committee? Pick up a paper copy of the UUSE Directory in the lobby to get the details! Updated October 13, 2026 at 3:37:47 PM

Childcare for infants and toddlers is provided year-round in our child-proofed nursery room on the Garden Level, during the 11 AM service from September through June, and the 10 AM service during the summer months. Check The Director's Corner for Nursery availability https://www.uuse.org/cym-update To sign up to volunteer for Nursery (ages 3 and under) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-nursery < Back Nursery (Infant to 3yrs) Childcare for infants and toddlers is provided year-round in our child-proofed nursery room on the Garden Level, during the 11 AM service from September through June, and the 10 AM service during the summer months. Check The Director's Corner for Nursery availability https://www.uuse.org/cym-update To sign up to volunteer for Nursery (ages 3 and under) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-nursery Previous Next

167e7711-a675-41c8-85d6-a81d4ebbf222 < Back to Newsletter October Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Council of Elders Inaugural Meeting (Reboot) Wednesday, October 21, 1:00 PM in the UUSE Sanctuary A message from Rev. Josh At our September 13th Homecoming service, I mentioned that I would like to reconvene the UUSE Council of Elders. The Council of Elders came into existence in the late 2000s. Its purpose was twofold: 1) to explore how best to provide excellent ministry to elders; and 2) to explore how elders can use their wisdom and life-experience to strengthen the congregation. Our premise in founding the Council of Elders was that we live in a larger United States culture that doesn’t value elders. That is still true twenty years later. We wanted to become counter-cultural, to engage with elders not as a problem to be solved, but as a vital and essential part of the community. One of my goals for the 2026-2027 congregational year is to reconvene the Council of Elders. Full disclosure: I have also offered to write a paper for my clergy study group on how congregations can provide excellent ministry to and with elders. I am convening an inaugural meeting of the Council of Elders on Wednesday afternoon, October 21, in the sanctuary of UUSE. Are you an elder? Should you attend this meeting? Of course, what constitutes elderhood is an open debate. I note that, among Unitarian Universalist clergy, some of my colleagues consider me an elder at almost 60 years old. For the time-being, I am defining elder the way we did 20 years ago. Anyone who is 70 years or older qualifies as an elder, along with anyone younger who would like to participate (back in the 2000s we had people in the 60s and even some in their late 50s who participated). When we gather, I’ll ask you to respond to some general questions: What's working well in terms of ministry to elders? What could work better? And there’s a deeper, perhaps more existential question: "What does it mean to you to be an elder?" "What are the feelings associated with being an elder in United States culture and at UUSE?" If you are planning to attend the inaugural meeting, please let us know at the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . #OctoberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Armond and Angelina's Native American Flute Playshop Monday, October 5th at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE For centuries people have been mesmerized by the hypnotic sounds from these gentle, easy to play flutes. Whether you have a musical background or have always wanted to play a musical instrument, THIS PLAYSHOP IS FOR YOU. Practice flutes are available, or you may purchase one. Armand and Angelina are a full-time Interfaith Musical Ministry. They have taught Native American Flute Playshops at over 500 Interfaith churches across the country. Recommended $20 freewill donation. #eBlast-09-30 Monday, October 5th at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE For centuries people have been mesmerized by the hypnotic sounds from these gentle, easy to play flutes. Whether you have a musical background or have always wanted to play a musical instrument, THIS PLAYSHOP IS FOR YOU. Practice flutes are available, or you may purchase one. Armand and Angelina are a full-time Interfaith Musical Ministry. They have taught Native American Flute Playshops at over 500 Interfaith churches across the country. Recommended $20 freewill donation. #eBlast -09-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

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< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > EBlast Weekly News October 21, 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: "Ancestor Day" All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved one or ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lessons do you take from their life? With special music, stories, and more, we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors' lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek. ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 25, 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 link to the October 18 service, "Gathering Courage" ------------------------------ Requesting Announcements from the Pulpit When requesting an announcement from the pulpit, the Sunday Services Committee asks that you use the following process: Send an email to uuseoffice@uuse.org , provide the date(s) the announcement should be made, and the text of the announcement (please keep it concise!). Annie will forward the announcement request to the relevant service coordinators. These requests must be received ty the Thursday prior to the service. ------------------------------ New UUSE Directories Are In! Each year in October, UUSE offers a new Directory of Members and Friends which contains the most up-to-date information we have on file. The directory also includes a Who's Who At UU section in front providing useful staff, leadership, committee and group information. Be sure to pick up a copy in the lobby. They're a bright Halloween orange, so you can't miss them! ------------------------------ CYM Registration It's time to register your child(ren) and youth for dedicated programming at UUSE! Your early registration helps us to anticipate each child's needs, keep everyone safe on the property, and support funding requests for our Children and Youth Ministry! As always, our programming is designed for all children, birth through 12th grade, with mutual support from our families and community members. If you are looking for a place where your family can show up authentically, meet like minded people and new experiences, and see and share your gifts in a meaningful and supportive setting, come visit us at UUSE! To receive more information about our program, register here . Also, the CYM committee is seeking non-parenting adult volunteers with help with their program. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill out the attached form here . ------------------------------ Donations Needed CYM is seeking a donation of a popcorn air popper as well as an electric water kettle. If anyone has either of these items to donate, please contact CYM Assistant, Kristina Jablonski at cymasst@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Council of Elders Inaugural Meeting (Reboot) Wednesday, October 21, 1:00 P.M. in the UUSE Sanctuary Rev. Josh is reconvening the UUSE Council of Elders. The initial purpose of this convening is to explore how UUSE can best provide ministry to elders. Are you an elder? Should you attend this meeting? For the time-being, we're defining an elder as someone who is 70 years or older, along with anyone younger who would like to participate. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org . Planning to attend the inaugural meeting? Please let us know in the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org ------------------------------ Trunk-or-Treat Saturday, October 24 from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. at UUSE Trunk-or-Treat returns to UUSE on Saturday, October 24 from 6 to 7:30 P.M., and we need your trunk. This is one of our favorite nights of the year: kids in costume, candy and a parking lot full of decorated cars welcoming families from all over Manchester and surrounding towns. But it's only fun if enough of us show up to make it happen. Here's how you can help: Decorate a trunk. Pick a theme - go as simple or as elaborate as you like, and hand out treats, small toys or games, stickers, or other amusements to trick-or-treaters. Wear a costume. Not into decorating? We can use extra hands to set up and welcome families as they arrive. Spread the word! Invite a friend or neighbor. This is a great way to introduce new families to UUSE. Questions? Want to volunteer? Contact the CYM Committee at uusecym@uuse.org . Let's make this the best Trunk-or-Treat yet! ------------------------------ Free At Last Players Present "Annie" Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE The Free At Last Players use performance art to combat the stigma of mental illness. Acting in the belief that everyone has something to contribute to society, they seek to mend the fences that separate the diagnosed from the larger world. Please join them Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE as they present a reimagining of the beloved musical, Annie. All are welcome. A free will offering will be taken. ------------------------------ Death Cafe Tuesday, October 27 at UUSE UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, October 27 from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. This will be a hybrid meeting. To join the discussion on Zoom, use this link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . 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 abut 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 . ------------------------------ Music Salon Unplugged Friday, October 30th, 6:30 P.M. Time to start thinking "Music Salon" again! It's coming up on October 30th at 6:30 P.M. If you like music and fun, you will like the Salon. We play instruments of all types for each other, sometimes sing, sometimes solo, sometimes in groups ... lots of variety. If you're an amateur, a sometimes professional, a beginner, a player who is rusty on an instrument you used to play ... ALL ARE WELCOME. Play alone or with others. Share ideas. Or just come and listen. We typically try to play a couple of pieces together as a group. Questions? Contact Peggy Webbe, uuseoffice@uuse.org or Mary Bopp, uuseoffice@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Hope in Hard Times Tuesday, November 3 at 3:00 P.M. In these troubling times, many of us feel anxious, despondent, or alone. On Tuesday, November 3 at 3:00 P.M. , Rev. Josh Pawelek and members of the Pastoral Friends Committee will host a hybrid gathering for anyone who is looking for camaraderie and conversation geared towards finding hope in hard times. To join the meeting by Zoom, use this link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link The Fair is coming! The Fair is coming! The Fair is coming! What: The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market When: Friday, November 20th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm & Saturday, November 21st 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. What to Expect: Baked Goods, an Auction, Jewelry, Pottery, Mosaics, Art Prints, Knit, Crochet & Sewn Items, UUSE Swag, Kid's Toys, Books, Tag Sale Goodies Christmas Crafts, One-Of-A-Kind Wood Items, Antiques and so much more! What Can You Do: Volunteer Your Time : set-up, break-down, in a booth, covering breaks, security, finance, greeter. Donate : books, jewelry, kid's items, antiques, household items, something for the auction. Make : Baked goods, handmade items, UUSE branded swag, knit, crochet, & sewn items. Questions? Email the Fair Team at Fair@uuse.org . Thank you in advance for helping to make this Holiday Fair the most successful ever! ------------------------------ "Holiday Crafters Please let Louisa Graver know if you are making items for the Holiday Table at the UUSE Artisan Holiday Market (also known as "The Fair.") We welcome all types of handmade Christmas decor--ornaments, small quilted pieces, small gifts, holiday decorations, gift tags, etc. Put on your creative hat and make some items to donate. If you just have an idea, maybe she can help--let her know: uuseoffice@uuse.org ------------------------------ Author Event: "Helga the Fair" Sunday, November 1st at 1:00 P.M. Join Author S. J. (Sam) Taylor here at UUSE on Sunday, November 1st at 1:00 P.M. She'll discuss her latest book, Helga the Fair . A reimagining of several Icelandic sagas, this story follows 13-year-old Helga as she allies with unlikely friends to fight against an invasion of vengeful monsters who've taken over the valley and threaten their families. There are undead shenanigans and a friendly ghost seal. ------------------------------ "Living Our Faith" Do you have an experience of our UU faith in action bringing healing to yourself or someone else? Perhaps it was a small act of kindness: a casserole left on a doorstep, a visit, a phone call. Maybe you reached out to someone, or someone reached out to you, and a burden was lifted, something was mended, or a dark place felt lighter. Would you be willing to share your experience as part of a service on Sunday, November 1st? Contact Liz Garmise ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) or Paula Baker ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) and help us honor the many ways in which we are healed when we put our faith in action. ------------------------------ "Heart-Centered Kirtan" Sunday, November 8 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Live music and call-and-response mantra singing, led by walli Libby Volckening (vocals and keys), with Dan Thomas (guitar), Zach Gregory (bass), and Jimmy Robitaille (drums). Since 2013, Heart-Centered Kirtan has been offering a heart-opening blend of Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras and modern Western musical styles. $30 suggested donation. All are welcome - No one turned away. ------------------------------ Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the month of October, contact Sue McMillen . ------------------------------ Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! There’s Always Something Good Going On ------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------

< To Upcoming Services Aug 23, 2026 Blessed Are the Animals As Unitarian Universalists, we believe all life is sacred. For anyone who has had a connection to an animal, you have felt the interdependence of all life. On August 23rd, we will lift up our non-human family and celebrate all that they bring to our lives. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Ellen Williams Summer Schedule #eBlast-08-19 Sunday Service: "Blessed Are the Animals" As Unitarian Universalists, we believe all life is sacred. For anyone who has had a connection to an animal, you have felt the interdependence of all life. On August 23rd, we will lift up our non-human family and celebrate all that they bring to our lives. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Ellen Williams Summer Schedule Sunday, August 23 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-19 OOS Sermon YouTube

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Council of Elders Inaugural Meeting (Reboot) Wednesday, October 21, 1:00 P.M. in the UUSE Sanctuary Rev. Josh is reconvening the UUSE Council of Elders. The initial purpose of this convening is to explore how UUSE can best provide ministry to elders. Are you an elder? Should you attend this meeting? For the time-being, we're defining an elder as someone who is 70 years or older, along with anyone younger who would like to participate. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org . Planning to attend the inaugural meeting? Please let us know in the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org #eBlast -10-21

< To Upcoming Services Aug 9, 2026 The 4 Agreements, Part 2 Don't make assumptions Always do your best Sam Taylor and Liz Garmise close their two-part series about the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz with the last two agreements: Don't make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best. We know what happens when we ass/u/me... but how do we avoid falling into that trap, especially with the people we know best? And how do we find a balance between always doing our best ... and running ourselves ragged? Please join us for a thought-provoking morning as we explore how Ruiz's agreements can help us better live the UU principles and values. Coordinators: Sam Taylor and Liz Garmise  Summer Schedule #eBlast-08-05 Sunday Service: "The 4 Agreements, Part 2" Don't make assumptions Always do your best Sam Taylor and Liz Garmise close their two-part series about the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz with the last two agreements: Don't make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best. We know what happens when we ass/u/me... but how do we avoid falling into that trap, especially with the people we know best? And how do we find a balance between always doing our best ... and running ourselves ragged? Please join us for a thought-provoking morning as we explore how Ruiz's agreements can help us better live the UU principles and values. Coordinators: Sam Taylor and Liz Garmise  Summer Schedule Sunday, August 9 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

Think green. That's what the sustainability committee does. This is their page. Sustainable Living & Climate Action UUSE is committed to ongoing efforts to save our planet through green action. We are a certified Green Sanctuary. Green Sanctuary News October 2026 The Sustainable Living Committee invites you to participate in several upcoming events: Sunday, Sept 27th at 1:00 pm, join us in room 3 and again on Oct. 4 in the children’s chapel, in writing postcards to encourage occasional voters concerned about the environment to VOTE in the upcoming elections. Everything will be provided thanks to Carole Tenny and Third Act’s CT Defending Democracy Team. Get the poster here . The Chapter 2 version of the Climate Future Film Festival will be shown at UUSE on Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 PM. This new collection of 12 short films from around the world explores the interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic, and emotional. Whether or not you have seen the original, chapter 1 set of films, shown here in Sept. 2025, you will be moved by these powerful short films to renewed action to fight the causes of and mitigate the harms done by climate change. Come early to share info and conversation before the films begin. The films run for two hours, including a short intermission. An ironic result of the rising prices of oil due to the war with Iran is explained in this interesting article in the free newsletter Yale Climate Connections at https://yaleclimateconnections.org/newsletters/ “We’ve got an Accidental Carbon Tax” You may recall that we had a chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby at UUSE for several years 10 or 12 years ago started by our Sustainable Living Committee, and we held programs and received a unanimous vote at a congregational meeting to support a bill to place a rising price on carbon. The proceeds would be returned to the people based on income, supporting lower-income people and incentivizing everyone to move towards clean energy. Well, we never got that bill passed, though we did help get the major Inflation Reduction and Infrastructure Acts passed during the Biden administration. Now we have a war-forced carbon tax, but it provides no help for lower-income people. It will certainly incentivize some movement towards clean energy, but it is also causing increased drilling for oil and gas and burning coal around the world. Perhaps you can get help for rising fuel costs by getting a heat pump or mini-splits to help heat and cool your home. I am grateful for my mini-splits and my plug-in hybrid car, which rarely needs gas for around-town traveling. You may find some energy-conservation ideas at https://www.energizect.com/. Some good news from Manchester is that along with three recently fully renovated schools, our brand-new library is also a net-zero energy building. ~ Janet Heller Don’t forget, the Sustainable Living Committee sells Equal Exchange products on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Help support small farmers who grow sustainable products! #OctoberNewsletter Go Solar! The Sustainable Living Committee is thrilled to report that UUSE has contracted with Connecticut solar provider, Savkat, to resume our popular solar program! Savkat has agreed to donate $25 to UUSE for every appointment and $1,000 for every signed solar contract. The program begins immediately, and is available to all UUSE members, family, and friends. Just tell them you were referred by UUSE! We will be hosting several informational sessions with our Savkat representative on Sunday mornings during coffee hour to answer any questions congregants may have. If you're interested in learning more about getting solar installed, you can make an appointment at this time. Already know you want to reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar? You can contact our Savkat representative, Jordan Bernstein, right away! His contact info is below. Thank you for caring about our planet! Jordan Bernstein Lead Manager 203.441.7961 Jordan@savkat.com www.savkat.com Schedule a Meeting Green Actions You Can Take Join our ecological landscaping team Help with recycling and composting Help sell "Fair Trade" coffee, tea, and chocolate after Sunday services Help with the annual organic veggie garden About the Green Sanctuary program UUSE has been a certified Green Sanctuary congregation since the spring of 2006. The Green Sanctuary program was developed and begun by the UU Ministry for Earth for UU congregations. The program at UUSE was led by the Sustainable Living Committee with approval and involvement of the policy board, staff, various committees and the full congregation. Goals and projects were developed in four different areas: worship, religious education, sustainable living and social/environmental justice. Our Action Plan for 2005 included 15 different projects, heavily focused on our response to global warming. It included implementing recommendations from an energy audit, starting our children’s organic vegetable garden program, starting recycling and composting programs, working with other state and local organizations on common goals, and much more. The congregation-wide support and success of the program led us to seek out the greenest way we could afford to implement our planned building and expansion project. Between 2007 and the spring of 2010 we were deep into the planning, fundraising for and implementation of our building project. The Growth of the Green Sanctuary Program allowed it to become a project of the UUA. And by 2011 we were encouraged to apply for Re- accreditation. Our application for Re-accreditation included various projects in the areas of worship and celebration, religious education, sustainable living, and active environmental justice efforts, such as helping to pass CT’s first environmental justice law, working with local groups to start school and other community gardens and to help low-income residents benefit from CT’s Home Energy Solutions program. We documented all the work done in the UUSE building project including energy conservation work, the geo-thermal system and eventual solar panel system, and Energy Star certification with a 98% score in 2013, as well as various ecological landscaping projects. On February 17, 2013 we received the notice we were awarded Green Sanctuary Recertification. We were encouraged to continue our efforts to become a net zero facility and continue with our outreach and advocacy work.