98c914d5-abb4-41bd-baa6-7b28c5972213 < Back Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee: Participates in and encourages others to participate in a wide variety of racial, economic, and social justice initiatives with partner organizations in Manchester and the greater Hartford region. Participates in faith-based social justice coalitions in greater Hartford and the state. Engages in service initiatives in the community. 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 3:43:29 PM

< To Upcoming Services Jul 20, 2025 General (Assembly) Reflections Sunday Service: "General (Assembly) Reflections" Rev. Josh Pawelek will share his reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Baltimore; and maybe a few more general reflections on summer, the state of the nation, etc. Special Music by Jenn Richard. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-07-16 Sunday Service: "General (Assembly) Reflections" Rev. Josh Pawelek will share his reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Baltimore; and maybe a few more general reflections on summer, the state of the nation, etc. Special Music by Jenn Richard. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 20, 2025 In case you missed it #eBlast -07-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 5, 2023 Beacons Who Light Our Way. As we reach for inspiration in these times, our peace-building spiritual ancestors feed us with their light. We'll meet three women: dialogue leader Dr. Paula Green, activist Juanita Nelson, and from a hundred years ago, pacifist Unitarian minister Rev. Anita Pickett. Led by Rev. Sarah Pirtle, award-winning author and musician. Coordinator: Martha Larson #eBlast-11-01 As we reach for inspiration in these times, our peace-building spiritual ancestors feed us with their light. We’ll meet three women: dialogue leader Dr. Paula Green, activist Juanita Nelson, and from a hundred years ago, pacifist Unitarian minister Rev. Anita Pickett. Led by Rev. Sarah Pirtle, award-winning author and musician. Guest: Rev. Sarah Pirtle Coordinator(s): Martha Larson OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 21, 2025 Where the Light Begins. "Where the Light Begins." Let's try it again! This morning, we celebrate the winter solstice and continue with our annual, all-congregational holiday music service (postponed last week due to snow). Come and be joyful where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-17 "Where the Light Begins." Let's try it again! This morning, we celebrate the winter solstice and continue with our annual, all-congregational holiday music service (postponed last week due to snow). Come and be joyful where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 21, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -12-17 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 9, 2023 Expectations “Expectations are what we think will happen, while reality is what actually transpires.*” Anne Vogel and Susan Gabriel coordinate a provocative service about how expectations can either bring you disappointment or joy. They will present true stories about how expectations affected their lives. Jenn Richard will be our featured musician. Coordinator(s): Anne Vogel and Susan Gabriel *Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D, verywell mind, April 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/expectation-vs-reality-trap-4570968 OOS Sermon YouTube

Committee work is done through weekly or monthly meetings, and the documents that support those meetings are kept in Basecamp. Committees & Community It takes a lot of people to make our Society function. Help from the congregation is always needed and members and friends are invited to volunteer at any time for committees and groups by speaking with the committee chairperson or group leader. People interested in serving as elected officers or as appointees should speak to the President, the Minister, or a member of the Nominating Committee. Policy Board THE POLICY BOARD directs UUSE business, financial, and administrative affairs, including formulating policy and overseeing church staff; it has charge of the Society’s property. Aesthetics Committee Building and Grounds Committee Communications and Technology Committee Denominational Affairs Finance Committee Members-at-Large Memorial Garden Trustees Personnel Committee Program Council THE PROGRAM COUNCIL coordinates Society programs for fellowship, service, recreation, and personal growth; includes chairs of standing committees and coordinators including: Adult Education Children and Youth Ministries Committee Community Outreach Ministries Emergency Preparedness Taskforce Membership Committee Music Committee Nominating and Leadership Development Committee Pastoral Care Ministry Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee Stewardship Committee Sunday Services Committee Sustainable Living Committee / Climate Action Team Committees in Alphabetical Order Listings here Affinity Group s and Other Activities Buddhist Group Humanist Group Ladies at Lunch Manchester Woman's Sacred Singing Circle Pagan Study Group ROMEOs - Retired Men’s Group Science and Religion Discussion Group Small Group Ministry Theist Group, “God Talk” Book Lovers Group Writers Group Virtual Team Yoga Fund Raisers FUND (AND FUN!) RAISERS provide creative opportunities, social contact with other members and friends, while assisting the Society’s financial operations. Annual Appeal Goods & Services Auction Holiday Fair

< To Upcoming Services Oct 4, 2026 Cultivating a Hopeful Courage (i.e. Courage is not just for Superheroes!) When you think of "courage," what comes to mind? Activists and prophets risking their lives for their beliefs? Superheroes wielding powers beyond human capacity? In this service, we explore ways to grow the courage that resides within each of us in ordinary, but effective ways. These practices won't go viral nor bring fame but can inspire hope and grow strength within ourselves, our families and our communities. We'll have special music guests -- the band Meetinghouse -- playing inspirational, contemporary songs. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Sam Taylor. ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-30 Sunday Service: "Cultivating a Hopeful Courage  (i.e. Courage is not just for Superheroes!)" When you think of "courage," what comes to mind? Activists and prophets risking their lives for their beliefs? Superheroes wielding powers beyond human capacity? In this service, we explore ways to grow the courage that resides within each of us in ordinary, but effective ways. These practices won't go viral nor bring fame but can inspire hope and grow strength within ourselves, our families and our communities. We'll have special music guests -- the band Meetinghouse -- playing inspirational, contemporary songs. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Sam Taylor. ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 4, 2026 #eBlast -09-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

< 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

< To Upcoming Services Jan 11, 2026 The Arts as Resistance "The Arts as Resistance" The Arts as Resistance - the artistic voice as a means of expression. Throughout history, artists, writers, and musicians have conveyed their vision and values through their work. UUSE artists talk about their creative process and what inspires them to make the world better. Coordinators : Jane Penfield and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-01-07 "The Arts as Resistance" The Arts as Resistance - the artistic voice as a means of expression. Throughout history, artists, writers, and musicians have conveyed their vision and values through their work. UUSE artists talk about their creative process and what inspires them to make the world better. Coordinators : Jane Penfield and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 11, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -01-07 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Women’s Circle Women’s Circle with Nora Alpers-Leon Third Tuesdays at 7:00 Zoom Only December-March Contact alpers6@gmail.com for zoom link Nora describes this women’s circle as a “judgment-free comfort zone.” She invites participants to “sit, connect and share.” Bring a journal and a pen and a cushion or mat to sit on if you prefer that to a chair. Nora Mijares Alpers-Leon is an indigenous (Colombian) mother, developmental psycholinguist and educator, who has a background in dance, yoga, and mindfulness. She completed 2 bachelor and 2 master degrees and a graduate certificate between UW-Madison and UConn. She did her Yoga Teacher Training in the Berkshires, and has led mindfulness workshops and talking circles in the United States and Colombia with both adults and children. To sign up for this circle, or if you want more information, contact Nora. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 23, 2025 Love Will Guide Us Sunday Service: "Love Will Guide Us  Through the Hard Night" This morning, we welcome the Rev. Carolyn Patierno to our pulpit. Drawing on our Universalist spiritual heritage, Rev. Patierno will explore how we tap into the power of love to find resilience and hope. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-19 Sunday Service: "Love Will Guide Us  Through the Hard Night" This morning, we welcome the Rev. Carolyn Patierno to our pulpit. Drawing on our Universalist spiritual heritage, Rev. Patierno will explore how we tap into the power of love to find resilience and hope. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 23, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-19 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 23, 2026 AA - Mondays at Noon . Every Monday at Noon Every Monday at Noon OOS Sermon YouTube