Search Results

f843af22-a875-4c35-ad66-83d24277fa5e < Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Strategic Planning Task Force The word cloud to the right represents the top 500 repeated words from UUSE’s 2012 Strategic Plan documents. To interact with the words and explore some of the key ideas, click on the Word Cloud image to the right. With community engagement, the Strategic Planning Task Force looks forward to creating all-new Vision and Mission Statements and an updated Strategic Plan in the coming months and looks forward to exploring what words and ideas will be represented as we look to the future. #JanuaryNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

bfdfe75d-7046-4dff-9b88-d5ccd3a38833 < Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Intro to UU Learn about Unitarian Universalism &Unitarian Universalist Society East Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1 to 4 PM in the UUSE Chapel (Garden Level) This gathering will include: A discussion of Unitarian Universalist theology UUSE’s mission, programs and facilities An opportunity to meet others and share our religious journeys To register, contact Annie Gentile at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, January 15th, 2025. Let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at 860-646-5151 or minister@uuse.org We hope you will join us! #JanuaryNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

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

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.

Silent Meditation Silent Meditation - 3:30PM in the Sanctuary < Previous Next >

Kirtan Music and Mantra @UUSE Heart-Centered Kirtan returns to Manchester, CT Come chant, breathe, and reconnect through the joy of kirtan. Join us in Manchester, CT, where live music, mantra singing, and community come together in a shared spiritual practice. Upcoming Dates All sessions begin at 3pm in the UUSE sanctuary: · Sunday, September 21, 2025 · Sunday, February 22, 2026 · Sunday, March 22, 2026 · Sunday, May 17, 2026 Each gathering is led by Heart-Centered Kirtan , offering a powerful and inclusive group chanting experience in Connecticut. Save the dates and come sing with us, dance, do yoga, or just soak it in. What Is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of chanting meditation rooted in Indian spiritual traditions. Through call-and-response singing of simple, repetitive mantras, participants are invited into a shared state of peace, energy, and connection. Whether you're looking for spiritual music events in CT, interested in meditative music, or simply want to try something new, kirtan offers a welcoming space for all. About Heart-Centered Kirtan Led by Libby Volckening , with Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, and Chris Ball , Heart-Centered Kirtan weaves Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras into a blend of Western musical styles. Their Unitarian Universalist kirtan gatherings are known for being grounding, joyful, and openhearted. Since 2013, they’ve led kirtan across Connecticut and New England, bringing people together through the healing power of music and mantra. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com What to Know Donation: $20 suggested (more or less is always OK—no one is turned away). All are welcome: No experience needed. Families are encouraged to attend. Scent-free space: Please avoid perfumes and essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided; bring a cushion if you prefer the floor. If you're searching for inclusive spiritual events in CT or want to explore community chanting , this is a great place to begin. < Previous Next >

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Solar Program Meet and Greet Solar Program Meet and Greet Between Services September 10, 10:00am - 12:30pm OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Choir Rehearsal! Do you love to sing? Do you love to have fun? If you answered “yes” to these questions you can sing with the UUSE Choir! You don't have to audition. Check the weekly eBlast and monthly Newsletters for rehearsals dates. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . 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

55d70f18-c7af-4122-9544-f813c79f6d7e < Back to Newsletter January Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Newsletter Submissions Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.org or use this publicity form . Deadline for the Newsletter is the 20th of each month. #JanuaryNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

224af6d3-8557-463a-94bb-b88f3359b50b < Back Nominating and Leadership Development Committee Prepares list of nominees for Society offices to present for vote at annual meeting; fills vacancies; identifies and nurtures leaders. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:21:22 PM

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Climate Café with Deb Dauphinais Climate Café with Deb Dauphinais 1:00PM We'll have a presentation by our own Deb Dauphinais, a certified professional rated dive educator for over 30 years. She cares deeply about our oceans and the waters off New England and will include her stories of marine encounters. Click here for more information. The program will also be available on Zoom and a link will be provided. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee. Climate Caf é with Deb Dauphinais 1:00PM We'll have a presentation by our own Deb Dauphinais, a certified professional rated dive educator for over 30 years. She cares deeply about our oceans and the waters off New England and will include her stories of marine encounters. Click here for more information. The program will also be available on Zoom and a link will be provided. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee. OOS Sermon YouTube