Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East
Summer Services at 10:00AM Only
Sunday Services Schedule
July/August Ministry Theme: None
Join us at 10 AM.
The 10 AM Zoom service login and call-in information is shared through the congregational eblasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Subscribe to the eblast by sending a message to uuseoffice@uuse.org or call the UUSE office at 860-646-5151.
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Sunday, August 2nd: Art and Spirituality. What is your relationship to art? Are you a creator or an appreciator? How does art ground you, move you, lift your spirit, or make you think? Three artists from our congregation will speak about their art as a spiritual practice. Music will include improvisations by Mary Bopp. Speakers are Karin Dionne, Marian Vitale, and Jane Penfield.Coordinators: Jane Penfield and David Klotz
Coordinators: Jane Penfield and David Klotz
Sunday, August 9th: The 4 Agreements Part 2. 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
Sunday, August 16th: 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
Sunday, August 23rd: 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
Sunday, August 30th: Coffee House. Join us for our annual coffee house service, at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
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Community Outreach Ministry
Charitable Giving for July/August
As always, thank you for your generosity.
We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves, but to share with the larger community.
Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month will be shared with:
Area Food Pantries
- MACC
- Hockanum Valley
- CT Mutual Aid East of River
- TLC Foundation
Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org, David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at nuuseoffice@uuse.org.
Make checks out to UUSE. If the memo line:
✓ is blank or “pledge” - all will go toward your pledge.
✓ has “COM” or the name of the charity - all will go to the charity.
✓ has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM” - it will be divided equally.
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2026/2027 Ministry Themes
July/August: None
September: Beginnings
October: Courage
November: Healing
December: Awe
January: Thresholds
February: Commitment
March: Balance
April: Emergence
May: Play
June: Horizons
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Quick Look:
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UUSE Fall Music Lineup
- Saturday, Sept 19th - Contra Dance
- Sunday, Sept 20th - Hartford Pride 247-365
- Sunday, Sept 27th - Pangea
- Saturday, Oct 3rd - Return of Coffeehouse
- Monday, Oct 5th - Native Flute Workshop
- Sunday, Oct 11th - Crystal Bowls Concert
- Sunday, Nov 8th - Kirtan
Watch this newsletter for more details!
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Upcoming Events
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Greater Hartford UU's at Dunkin Donuts Park
On Saturday evening, August 1, 2026
Join the three area UU Societies (Fern Street, USH, and UUSE) at the Liberty Bank Pavilion, Dunkin Donuts Park. It's the picnic package, which will include standard ballpark fare and vegetarian options, free waters and soft drinks, and a chance to meet other UU's in the area. Doors and the picnic open at 4:30 with the game scheduled to start at 6:10 p.m.
The picnic will remain open and serving food until about 7 p.m. A firework show follows the game. We are excited that the 3 Societies are exploring how we can work and play together, enjoy our UU values, and celebrate one another. Cost is $50 per person, but if you need help, financial assistance is available.
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Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 and Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 2:00-4:00 PM, Main Meeting Room
We are having a postcard party! UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act - Connecticut's Defending Democracy team, will be gathering in the meeting room to write get-out-the-vote postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment into reliable voters. Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text, pens, and snacks provided.
All are welcome!
Contact Carole Tenny (uuseoffice@uuse.org) for further information.
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Gender-free CONTRA DANCE
Saturday,September 19, 4 - 7 PM
SAVE THE DATE! Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Here's your next chance to kick up your heels with all your friends in a joyous, life-affirming, beginner-friendly folk dance. Contra is danced with a partner in long lines, but you don't need to bring a partner or dance with only one. All are welcome! All ages, all experience levels.
Liz Nelson, caller, with Rebecca Weiss and Friends will be an exciting combination you won't want to miss!
Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. Sponsored by the Music Committee. Unitarian Universalist Society East Meetinghouse, 153 Vernon St West, Manchester, CT. For more info email contra@uuse.org, or talk to Jane Osborn and Meghan MacRae.
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CT UU Justice Ministry
Save the Date - Saturday, October 17, 2026
Mark your calendars! All UUs and our justice-seeking friends are invited to a first-of-its-kind annual Justice Conference hosted by the Connecticut UU Justice Ministry on Saturday, October 17th in New Haven. This conference is for everyone, whether you are a longtime organizer or brand new to taking action. There will be something for kids too, so whole families can come to this event together. Expect a chance to meet and learn from others, find inspiration and build skills. There will be engaging keynote speakers and workshops for everyone, whatever your background.
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Boston Area Sanctuary Campus
The Sanctuary Campus is a UU Boston Area Campus Ministry offering Small Group Ministry, vibrant Campus Worship, Student Meetups, Student Retreats, Social Justice, and more!
Are you a college student in the Boston area OR an alumnus of a college in the Boston area? Check them out! https://www.thesanctuaryboston.org/campus
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Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here.
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Calling All Poetry Lovers!
Do you have a poem or two that you would like to share with the congregation?
For the Poetry Service on August 16, we’re inviting all who love and/or write poetry to share a poem or two. We’ll consider poems on any topic, but poetry related to Summer and/or Hope would fit so nicely for this summer service. Please let Sandy Karosi or Martha Larson know that you’d like to participate NOW so we can begin planning. Please note that the deadline to submit your poetry to Sandy or Martha is July 28th. Thank you!
Call for Volunteers
The Building & Grounds committee needs help weeding perennial beds and managing invasive plants through the summer. Contact Jane Osborn or Cory Clark about joining them Thursday mornings or if another time is convenient for you. Due to heat, we start at 8:00 AM and work an hour or two. Weather permitting, we could consider Sundays after services. Any help is much appreciated!
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. If you have, or have had, an animal in your life that you would like to hold in spirit that day (note: we will not be blessing animals in the sanctuary), please send us a photo along with the animal's name - we would love to create a slideshow to use in the service. In addition, if you have a story, poem or song that you would be willing to share, please reach out to us. We may not be able to use all of them, but we would like to incorporate as much as possible. And we'd love to hear from the children and youth as well!! Please send photos to Paul Baker (uuseoffice@uuse.org), and if you'd like to participate, contact Paula or Ellen Williams (uuseoffice@uuse.org). Please send photos or be in touch by August 7th!
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Wait? What? The 2027 Goods & Services Auction
Live Event Saturday, January 30, 2027 at 5 PM at the Meetinghouse
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The Chili Cook-Off is Back!
Enjoy a free, delicious chili dinner with vibrant beloved community, including beer & wine, cornbread, salad and dessert, plus pizza for those who don’t eat chili. Free!
Exclusive Live Event Items
Places at dinners and activities offered by members and the fabulous live auction items like Rev. Josh’s sermon will only be available at the live event.
Online Silent Auction
Monday, January 18, 8 AM through Friday, January 29, 2027. Details to follow.
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.
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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. Pick up a merchant donation letter by emailing us at 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 uuseoffice@uuse.org
or talk to any of the Auction Committee members—Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Colin Guerette, Stan McMillen & Nancy Pappas
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Ongoing Groups, Activities, and Fun
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UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic
Will Return on October 3rd!
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Ladies at Lunch
Join us for lunch on Friday, August 14th at noon. We are reserved for lunch at Red Heat, 400 Evergreen Way, South Windsor. Please join us if you can ~ all are welcome! If you will attend please let Sharon Huber know by Thursday 13th afternoon. . uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151.
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Romeos for Lunch
Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meet at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for lunch and conversation at various local restaurants. If you are retired or simply have free time, feel welcome to participate. Contact Annie at the church office to be included on the email call list.
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Yoga at the Meetinghouse Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
All are welcome to these gentle-to-moderate yoga classes for all abilities. $5 drop-in fee. Bring a yoga mat (we have some extras). Bring a friend! Questions to: Susan at uuseoffice@uuse.org. Yoga is a UUSE adult education offering.
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Women's Sacred Singing Circle
Every Thursday at 7 PM
We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women.
Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community!
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Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair
July/August: Jackie Muschiano
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Books, Classes, and Discussions
Adult Religious Education
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Meditation Group
The Meditation Group will meet third Mondays from 3:30 PM in the Youth Group room (room 2) on the garden level to meditate in community. Everyone is welcome; no experience required. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions,
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Book Lovers
The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone.
- August 11, 2026: Cloud Cuckoo Landby Anthony Doerr: Pub. Sept. 2022, 608 pages. Discussion leader: Martha Larson
- September 8, 2026: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray: Published April 2024, 544 pages. Discussion leader: Sande Hartdagen
- October 13, 2026: The Correspondent - A Novelby Virginia Evans: Pub. April 2025, 304 pages. Discussion leader: Carolyn Gimbrone
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Buddhist Group
The UUSE Buddhist Group will meet on the 1st Tuesday, at 7 PM on Zoom for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link.
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Humanist Group
Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link.
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Science and Religion Discussion Group
Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition?
Meet 4th Thursdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom.
Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link.
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God Talk
A discussion group for UU theists
4th Tuesdays at 4:30 PM.
This ongoing group explores how UUs can name and experience God in meaningful, useful ways. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link.
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Newsletter Submissions
Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.org or use this publicity form. Deadline for the Newsletter is the 20th of each month.
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UUSE General Information
UUSE Office Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Meetinghouse Office: 860-646-5151
Office Administrator: Annie Gentile email: uuseoffice@uuse.org
Minister: Rev. Joshua Pawelek, 860-646-5151, minister@uuse.org
Minister Office Hours: Tuesday 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM
Director of Children & Youth Ministry: Emmy Galbraith, 860-646-5151, dcym@uuse.org
President: Trisha Corey-Lisle, 805-750--3488, uuseoffice@uuse.org
Newsletter Editor: Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, newsletter@uuse.org
Website Coordinator: uuse.web@uuse.org UUSE Website:https://www.uuse.org
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