Weekly News

August 12, 2026

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Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East

Email our office to receive a visitor packet or to find out more. We schedule several newcomer events throughout the year after Sunday services.

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Sunday Service:

"Our Poetry Connection"

Many things bind our beloved community together--too many to name here. Among them are the arts, and for this service, poetry. Join us as members and friends share poems they wrote or by their favorite poet that inspire them and hold personal meaning. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi and Martha Larson

Summer Schedule

Sunday, August 16 at 10:00 A.M.

Gathering music starts at 9:50 A.M.

Join the virtual service at 10:00 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#.

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Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project

Wednesdays, August 12 and August 19

UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act - Connecticut's Defending Democracy team, will be gathering in the main meeting room on Wednesday, August 12 and again on Wednesday, August 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. to write get-out-the-vote postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP). The goal is to turn infrequent-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text, pens and snacks are provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny for further information.

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Ladies at Lunch

Friday, August 14th at noon

Ladies at Lunch has reserved space at Red Heat, 400 Evergreen Way in South Windsor for Friday, August 14th. We'll meet at noon. Please join us if you can! If you plan to attend, please let Sharon Huber know by Thursday afternoon on the 13th. uuseoffice@uuse.org or text/call 860-646-5151.

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Paddle Into Nature

A Beginner-Friendly Kayak Adventure - With Instruction

Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 P.M.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the beauty of Mansfield Hollow Lake by kayak! Whether you're new to kayaking or simply looking fora peaceful paddle with friendly company, this outing is designed to help you feel comfortable on the water. We'll begin with an introduction to kayak safety, paddling techniques, and basic boating skills before launching

Date and Time: Saturday, August 15, 2:00 p.m.

Rain Date: Sunday, August 16, 2:00 p.m.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours

Location: Mansfield Hollow Dam State Park - meet at 151 Bassetts Bridge Rd, Mansfield, CT entrance

Bring: Water shoes or old sneakers, weather appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, change of clothes

Experience: No previous kayaking experience required. Instruction provided.

Health & Safety: Please participate only if medically cleared for this activity and comfortable being on the water. A signed waiver is required.

Cost: $10 per person

Group Size: Maximum of 5 participants

Registration: Call Annie at the UUSE office: 860-646-5151

Kayaks are provided through the Columbia Canoe Club,

a nonprofit paddling organization based at Mansfield Hollow State Park.

Learn more at columbiacanoeclub.weebly.com

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Pagan Group

Tuesday, August 19th, 7:00 P.M. in the Chapel

The Pagan Group is meeting monthly again! Please join us on August 19th-- third Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 P.M. in the Garden Level Chapel.

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Death Cafe

Tuesday, August 25th, 1:00 - 2:30 P.M. in the Meeting Room

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 about 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. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

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Music Salon Unplugged

Join the Musical Fun!

Friday, August 28th, 6:30 p.m.

Time to start thinking "Music Salon" again! It's coming up on August 28th 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. This is a low-key group of friendly folks that are happy to hear and participate in music of different types. If you are an amateur, a sometimes professional, a beginner, a player who is rusty on an instrument you used to play... ALL ARE WELCOME. You may play alone or with others. Or, you may just listen. We typically try to play a couple of pieces together as a group. Also, share any ideas you may have with us. We want to hear from you. If you have questions or comments, please contact Peggy Webbe at uuseoffice@uuse.org or Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org.

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Protest Music Sing-Along Concert

Sunday, August 30th, 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Center Memorial Park in Manchester

Join UUSE and Emanuel Lutheran Church for a joint sing-along in Center Memorial Park in Manchester. Local musicians including Emmanuel Lutheran Church Choir members, Meetinghouse, Music from the Heart as well as our own Sandy Johnson and Andy Ricci (and maybe more) will present a retrospective of American protest music. Bring a lawn chair and your voice! Admission is free but includes an opportunity to donate to local community organizations.

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"In an Emergency, the Plan is Useless"

Learning beforehand what is in the plan is essential!

AUGUST'S MESSAGE

For nearly a decade, UUSE has had an Emergency Management Plan as its policy. It defines immediate actions to be taken for ten different hazards risking life, limb or property before 911 responders arrive. But when an emergency strikes there is no time to find and read that plan. One must learn ahead what to do. To be prepared, here's one action to know for one of the hazards.

You can obtain a printed copy of the UUSE Emergency Management Plan at the church office. A quick way to learn all the actions for any hazard would be to ask for a discussion or tabletop exercise. At a future committee or group meeting, this will only take 10 to 15 minutes to learn and practice the details. Contact Annie in the office at (860) 646-5151 if interested in holding a table top exercise.

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The 2027 Goods & Services Auction

It's not too early to start thinking about it!

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The Chili Cook-Off is Back! January 30, 2027! Enjoy a free, delicious chili dinner with our vibrant beloved community, including beer & wine, cornbread, salad and dessert, plus pizza for those who don’t eat chili.

Exclusive Live Event Items -- Places at dinners and activities offered by our members and fabulous auction items like Rev. Josh’s sermon will only be available at the live event.

The Auction is one of our biggest fundraisers and fun family events. It’s important to our congregation. We know, it’s far away, but things get busy in the Fall.

How You Can Help This Summer and Fall?

Donate! What can you contribute to auction off at this extraordinary event? Could you teach, repair, entertain, bake? Share your talent in other ways? We’ll have the ever-popular dinners, group activities, lessons, services and select items that need a new home. As you are out and about this summer, contact your favorite merchants to ask for donations. If you love a place, others will, too.

Stop by our table after services on August 23rd to pick up a merchant donation letter or email auction@uuse.org.

Think About Entering the Chili Cook-Off! It’s never too early to dream of your favorite chili! Who makes the best chili? Enter your tried and true family recipe or a new experiment you’ve been wanting to try. Vegan, vegetarian, and with meat—all are welcome! Bragging rights and a beautiful UUSE Chili Cook-Off Apron are up for grabs for the winners! Entry is limited, so contact Auction@uuse.org ASAP to reserve your spot.

Questions? When in doubt, email Auction@uuse.org or talk to any of the Auction Committee members -- Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Colin Guerrette, Stan McMillen, or Nancy Pappas.

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Jam Jars Needed!

Yes, it's August--a long time away from the Holiday Fair--but it's also berry picking time and Sue McMillen needs your jam jars if she's going to make jam for our all-important fundraiser. If you have extra jam jars to spare, please leave them for her on the shelf in the coat closet. Sue (and all of us jam and jelly lovers) will appreciate it!

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Pastoral Friends

The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the months of July or August, contact Jackie Muschiano.

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Ongoing Happenings at UUSE!

There’s Always Something Good Going On

• Stop & Shop Gift Card sales after services on 1st Sundays
• Fair Trade Coffee/Tea/Chocolate sales after services on 2nd Sundays
• Yoga, every Wednesday at 10 A.M. All welcome!
• Manchester Women's Sacred Singing Circle, every Thursday at 7 P.M.
• Book Lovers, 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30 P.M. in person and on Zoom. August 11: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. Discussion leader: Martha Larson
• Women's Circle, 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M. (Zoom only December through March) Email Nora Alpers-Leon atuuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link.
• Romeos, a monthly lunch for retired men on second Tuesdays - contact the UUSE office to be put on the email list.
• Ladies at Lunch, a monthly women's lunch typically on second Thursdays - advertised in the weekly eblasts.
• Buddhist Group, 1st Tuesdays at 7 P.M.
• Meditation Group, 3rd Mondays, 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
• God Talk, 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. - Does not meet in July/August.
• Humanist Group, 3rd Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. - Does not meet in July/August.
• Science and Religion Discussion Group, 4th Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. Note: No meeting in July.

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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.

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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

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