Weekly News

October 28, 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:

"Faith is a Verb"

In this service, we explore what it means to put our faith into action, to make our principles and our values evident and tangible in our lives, and the healing available to ourselves and others when we "walk the walk." Coordinators: Liz Garmise and Paula Baker

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

Sunday, November 1, 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 25 service, "Ancestor Day."

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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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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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Music Salon Unplugged

If you are in the mood, you are welcome to dress for the season!

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

This group is practicing hard for the Salon ... just like you!

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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"Tag Sale"

The Artisan Holiday Market will be here before we know it, and so is the best tag sale east of the Connecticut River! Your household goods, sports equipment, electronics, and holiday decorations are needed to make this year's Artisan Holiday Market Tag Sale another rousing success!

A reminder: Please no clothes or textiles. Electronics must be in good working condition. Note that we cannot accept knives. And we're sorry, but your old Christmas lights from 1972 just won't sell. Lastly, please be sure your items are clean and presentable.

So, start organizing your donations now and stay tuned for drop off dates and times in November. Thank you! Contact Sandy Karosi (uuseoffice@uuse.org) or Deb Gould (uuseoffice@uuse.org) with any questions.

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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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Fall Clean-Up

Saturday, November 7th

Looking for a way to connect with others in the UUSE community? The Building & Grounds Committee has the perfect event for newcomers, long-time members, young and old: the annual Fall Clean-up on Saturday, November 7th, 9am - 12 noon. Bring what you have for raking and pruning and we'll supply the rest: snacks, coffee, cider equipment, guidance and a few laughs. Let's get the grounds ready for the holiday fair and winter. Children and youth with responsible adults are welcome. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information.

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"Sunday Services Workshop!"

Sunday, November 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. on the Garden Level

The Sunday Services Committee is holding a workshop where we'll do a deep-dive along with Rev. Josh into the various components of a typical order of service - Centering, Chalice-Lighting, Offering, etc. With this as our general framework, it will likely be a varied and lively session! How do we remain faithful to our liturgy while introducing new ideas where we can? Are we rememering to include all of the most important elements? Are we adequately engaging our Zoom-ers? What are some new possibilities for Time For All Ages? Eye contact, lapel mics and more! We're opening this to members of the congregation who may not be on the committee but are interested in what goes into the "secret sauce" of a Sunday Service. Join us November 8th at 1:00 p.m. on the Garden Level.

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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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Ladies at Lunch

Thursday, November 12 at Noon.

Calling all ladies! Join us if you can on Thursday, November 12th at noon at Simply Thai, 409 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. We meet at noon. If you plan to attend, please let Sharon Huber know by Wednesday afternoon on the 11th. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151.

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Intro to UU

Sunday, November 15, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our upcoming Intro to UU session on Sunday, Nov. 15 in the minister's office or on Zoom. The Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar to include a brief history and background of our theology, UUSE's mission, programs and facilities, an opportunity to meet others interested in UUism, and a sharing of stories about what brings us together. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about UUism and UUSE. To register, contact Annie Gentile at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org. RSVP by Thursday, November 12, and let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Contact Sylvia Ounpuu or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at 860-646-5151 or minister@uuse.org.

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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. For November, contact Laurie Semprebon.

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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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