Weekly News

October 21, 2026

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:

"Ancestor Day"

All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved one or ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lessons do you take from their life? With special music, stories, and more, we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors' lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek.

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Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M.

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Gathering music starts at 8:50 and 10:50 A.M.

Join the virtual service at 11:00 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#.

In Case You Missed It

Click here for a Youtube link to the October 18 service, "Gathering Courage"

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Requesting Announcements from the Pulpit

When requesting an announcement from the pulpit, the Sunday Services Committee asks that you use the following process: Send an email to uuseoffice@uuse.org, provide the date(s) the announcement should be made, and the text of the announcement (please keep it concise!). Annie will forward the announcement request to the relevant service coordinators. These requests must be received ty the Thursday prior to the service.

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New UUSE Directories Are In!

Each year in October, UUSE offers a new Directory of Members and Friends which contains the most up-to-date information we have on file. The directory also includes a Who's Who At UU section in front providing useful staff, leadership, committee and group information. Be sure to pick up a copy in the lobby. They're a bright Halloween orange, so you can't miss them!

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CYM Registration

It's time to register your child(ren) and youth for dedicated programming at UUSE! Your early registration helps us to anticipate each child's needs, keep everyone safe on the property, and support funding requests for our Children and Youth Ministry! As always, our programming is designed for all children, birth through 12th grade, with mutual support from our families and community members. If you are looking for a place where your family can show up authentically, meet like minded people and new experiences, and see and share your gifts in a meaningful and supportive setting, come visit us at UUSE!

To receive more information about our program, register here.

Also, the CYM committee is seeking non-parenting adult volunteers with help with their program. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill out the attached form here.

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Donations Needed

CYM is seeking a donation of a popcorn air popper as well as an electric water kettle. If anyone has either of these items to donate, please contact CYM Assistant, Kristina Jablonski at cymasst@uuse.org.

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Council of Elders

Inaugural Meeting (Reboot)

Wednesday, October 21, 1:00 P.M. in the UUSE Sanctuary

Rev. Josh is reconvening the UUSE Council of Elders. The initial purpose of this convening is to explore how UUSE can best provide ministry to elders. Are you an elder? Should you attend this meeting? For the time-being, we're defining an elder as someone who is 70 years or older, along with anyone younger who would like to participate. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org. Planning to attend the inaugural meeting? Please let us know in the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org

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Trunk-or-Treat

Saturday, October 24 from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. at UUSE

Trunk-or-Treat returns to UUSE on Saturday, October 24 from 6 to 7:30 P.M., and we need your trunk. This is one of our favorite nights of the year: kids in costume, candy and a parking lot full of decorated cars welcoming families from all over Manchester and surrounding towns. But it's only fun if enough of us show up to make it happen. Here's how you can help: Decorate a trunk. Pick a theme - go as simple or as elaborate as you like, and hand out treats, small toys or games, stickers, or other amusements to trick-or-treaters. Wear a costume. Not into decorating? We can use extra hands to set up and welcome families as they arrive. Spread the word! Invite a friend or neighbor. This is a great way to introduce new families to UUSE. Questions? Want to volunteer? Contact the CYM Committee at uusecym@uuse.org. Let's make this the best Trunk-or-Treat yet!

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Free At Last Players Present "Annie"

Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE

The Free At Last Players use performance art to combat the stigma of mental illness. Acting in the belief that everyone has something to contribute to society, they seek to mend the fences that separate the diagnosed from the larger world. Please join them Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE as they present a reimagining of the beloved musical, Annie. All are welcome. A free will offering will be taken.

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Death Cafe

Tuesday, October 27 at UUSE

UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, October 27 from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. This will be a hybrid meeting. To join the discussion on Zoom, use this link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link. 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 abut 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. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org.

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Music Salon Unplugged

Friday, October 30th, 6:30 P.M.

Time to start thinking "Music Salon" again! It's coming up on October 30th 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. If you're an amateur, a sometimes professional, a beginner, a player who is rusty on an instrument you used to play ... ALL ARE WELCOME. Play alone or with others. Share ideas. Or just come and listen. We typically try to play a couple of pieces together as a group. Questions? Contact Peggy Webbe, uuseoffice@uuse.org or Mary Bopp, uuseoffice@uuse.org.

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Hope in Hard Times

Tuesday, November 3 at 3:00 P.M.

In these troubling times, many of us feel anxious, despondent, or alone. On Tuesday, November 3 at 3:00 P.M., Rev. Josh Pawelek and members of the Pastoral Friends Committee will host a hybrid gathering for anyone who is looking for camaraderie and conversation geared towards finding hope in hard times. To join the meeting by Zoom, use this link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link

The Fair is coming! The Fair is coming! The Fair is coming!

What: The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market

When: Friday, November 20th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

& Saturday, November 21st 9:30 am - 2:30 pm.

What to Expect: Baked Goods, an Auction, Jewelry, Pottery, Mosaics, Art Prints, Knit, Crochet & Sewn Items, UUSE Swag, Kid's Toys, Books, Tag Sale Goodies Christmas Crafts, One-Of-A-Kind Wood Items, Antiques and so much more!

What Can You Do: Volunteer Your Time: set-up, break-down, in a booth, covering breaks, security, finance, greeter. Donate: books, jewelry, kid's items, antiques, household items, something for the auction. Make: Baked goods, handmade items, UUSE branded swag, knit, crochet, & sewn items.

Questions? Email the Fair Team at Fair@uuse.org.

Thank you in advance for helping to make this Holiday Fair the most successful ever!

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"Holiday Crafters

Please let Louisa Graver know if you are making items for the Holiday Table at the UUSE Artisan Holiday Market (also known as "The Fair.") We welcome all types of handmade Christmas decor--ornaments, small quilted pieces, small gifts, holiday decorations, gift tags, etc. Put on your creative hat and make some items to donate. If you just have an idea, maybe she can help--let her know: uuseoffice@uuse.org

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Author Event: "Helga the Fair"

Sunday, November 1st at 1:00 P.M.

Join Author S. J. (Sam) Taylor here at UUSE on Sunday, November 1st at 1:00 P.M. She'll discuss her latest book, Helga the Fair. A reimagining of several Icelandic sagas, this story follows 13-year-old Helga as she allies with unlikely friends to fight against an invasion of vengeful monsters who've taken over the valley and threaten their families. There are undead shenanigans and a friendly ghost seal.

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"Living Our Faith"

Do you have an experience of our UU faith in action bringing healing to yourself or someone else? Perhaps it was a small act of kindness: a casserole left on a doorstep, a visit, a phone call. Maybe you reached out to someone, or someone reached out to you, and a burden was lifted, something was mended, or a dark place felt lighter. Would you be willing to share your experience as part of a service on Sunday, November 1st? Contact Liz Garmise (uuseoffice@uuse.org) or Paula Baker (uuseoffice@uuse.org) and help us honor the many ways in which we are healed when we put our faith in action.

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"Heart-Centered Kirtan"

Sunday, November 8 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE

Live music and call-and-response mantra singing, led by walli Libby Volckening (vocals and keys), with Dan Thomas (guitar), Zach Gregory (bass), and Jimmy Robitaille (drums). Since 2013, Heart-Centered Kirtan has been offering a heart-opening blend of Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras and modern Western musical styles. $30 suggested donation. All are welcome - No one turned away.

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Pastoral Friends

The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the month of October, contact Sue McMillen.

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Ongoing Happenings at UUSE!

There’s Always Something Good Going On

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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.

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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