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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled NLDC Annual Recruitment The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter 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

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UU SpiritLife - The Peace of the Divine Reality UUSpiritLife Mark your calendars. The next SpiritLife Conversation meets on Zoom on Saturday, December 16, 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. when we will consider The Peace of Divine Reality by Thich Nhat Hahn. Open to members of all three area UU churches. Drop in. No registration required. Read the article here and see the reflections here. Jot a few notes and log in here. Nicholas Bartoli will facilitate this lively conversation! #eBlast-12-13 Mark your calendars. The next SpiritLife Conversation meets on Zoom on Saturday, December 16 , 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. when we will consider The Peace of Divine Reality by Thich Nhat Hahn. Open to members of all three area UU churches. Drop in. No registration required. Read the article here and see the reflections here . Jot a few notes and log in here . Nicholas Bartoli will facilitate this lively conversation! #eBlast -12-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Special Screening: Intersexion Tuesday night, March 25th, at the UUSE meeting house 7:00 PM Co-sponsored by UUSE’s Adult Religious Education and Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committees. We’ve heard it said recently that there are only two genders. Indeed, the first question most new parents ask … “Is it a boy or a girl?” What if it’s neither? Fact: 1 in 2,000 babies is born with genitalia so ambiguous that the doctors cannot easily answer this question. In this groundbreaking documentary, intersex individuals reveal the secrets of their unconventional lives – and how they have navigated their way through this strictly male/female world, when they fit somewhere in between. #FebruaryNewsletter Tuesday night, March 25th, at the UUSE meeting house 7:00 PM Co-sponsored by UUSE’s Adult Religious Education and Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committees. We’ve heard it said recently that there are only two genders. Indeed, the first question most new parents ask … “Is it a boy or a girl?” What if it’s neither? Fact: 1 in 2,000 babies is born with genitalia so ambiguous that the doctors cannot easily answer this question. In this groundbreaking documentary, intersex individuals reveal the secrets of their unconventional lives – and how they have navigated their way through this strictly male/female world, when they fit somewhere in between. #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

This is a calendar of internal events. It has things like committee meetings, maintenance and cleaning, and set up for other events.

ba558317-52bb-4a35-b389-294e27e45847 < Back Adult Education Adult Religious Education: Provides workshops that explore various aspects of Unitarian Universalism as well as other theological perspectives and promotes a deeper understanding of the part religion plays in our lives. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:15:19 PM

This is the page with our minister, our director of child and youth ministries, and our music director. Our Staff Rev. Josh Pawelek Minister Josh came to us in 2002. He often expresses his gratitude for the work and love of our community, but rest assured we know exactly how lucky we are to have his leadership. A theistic Unitarian Universalist, Josh is a spiritual leader dedicated to transformative preaching, teaching, healing and social justice ministries. He lives that dedication to the greater good. The man works tirelessly for social justice for all human beings, at national, state, and local levels - plus, he participates in every level of our services, beyond preaching. He happily plays parts in children's stories, leads hymns, and supports the creativity of our whole spiritual community. Well, after all, he was a drummer in a rock band, as you will see during some services! (860) 652-8961. minister@uuse.org 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 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. music@uuse.org Annie Gentile Office Manager Annie Gentile joined UUSE as office administrator in 2000. She is, among other things, the friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you call weekdays and is always happy to help you with any of your questions about our church organization. 860 646-5151 uuseoffice@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 Jane Osborn Building Manger / Tech Leader Jane manages all aspects of our building maintenance, but she is also our amazing tech guru, assuring the excellent sound and visual quality of our hybrid Sunday services. On top of this, over 10 years ago, she independently founded the ever-growing Manchesters Women's Sacred Singing Circle, housed here at UUSE. As an artisan and builder, Jane has also built canoes, musical instruments, and more— come join us as we see what's next! 860 646-5151 sexton@uuse.org

< To Upcoming Services May 28, 2023 What Shared Ministry Means to Me, Part II. This is a follow-up to the service when Rev Josh preached on this topic January 8, 2023. Several members of the Sunday Services Committee will present their thoughts about how much this model means to their experience on the committee and at UUS:E. Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson, Nancy Madar OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Hands Off Rally Hands Off Rally Saturday, April 5 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the State Capitol in Hartford The Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee invites you to the Hands Off Rally. Co-sponsored by many organizations including Women's March, 50501 and others, this rally protests the current assault on our country, our Constitution, our government services and so much more. More information at https://handsoff2025.com/ If you would like to carpool, gather at UUSE at 2:30 P.M. Or contact Sid Soderholm. #eBlast-04-02 Hands Off Rally Saturday, April 5 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the State Capitol in Hartford The Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee invites you to the Hands Off Rally. Co-sponsored by many organizations including Women's March, 50501 and others, this rally protests the current assault on our country, our Constitution, our government services and so much more. More information at https://handsoff2025.com/ If you would like to carpool, gather at UUSE at 2:30 P.M. Or contact Sid Soderholm. #eBlast -04-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

04269124-ce32-47d4-ab1c-e02dbe7b3727 < Back Denominational Affairs Committee Denominational Affairs Committee : Keeps congregation informed of UUA and District programs and encourages participation. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:00:56 PM

Small group ministries are what keep people connected at UUSE. Small Group Ministry Small Group Ministry is a network of small groups (maximum size 8-10) whose main objective is to create an open and safe environment for mutual ministry and spiritual growth. Groups meet monthly, have a regular format, develop a covenant, and explore mutually agreed to topics that promote UU principles and spiritual development. They are an opportunity to explore meaningful topics such as trust, compassion, good and evil, or mindful living. Contact Reverend Josh for details.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Come Sing, Chant, and Reconnect With Us! Save These Kirtan Dates –Led by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! • Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 • Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 • Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee #OctoberNewsletter Save These Kirtan Dates – L ed by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee #OctoberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube