Weekly News

September 9, 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:

"Homecoming"

All-Congregational service. This morning we kick off our congregational year. We'll review our covenant, principles and values. We'll bless backpacks (briefcases, purses, bags, etc.), and we'll celebrate with our homecoming picnic following the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh Pawelek

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

Sunday, September 13, 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 August 30 "Coffeehouse 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.

CYM Annual Harvest Brunch!

Join us for the CYM Annual Harvest Brunch on Sunday, September 27, between services (10 a.m.-ish) on the Garden Level. Bring your appetite, your own place setting an a dish to share as you are able. Open to the entire congregation, visitors, friends, and family.

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Ladies at Lunch

Thursday, September 10th, Noon at Pizza Mia

Join us for lunch at Pizza Mia, 55 E. Center Street in Manchester on Thursday, September 10th. We meet at noon. All are welcome! If you plan to attend, let Sharon Huber know by Wednesday afternoon, September 9th. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151.

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Support the Fixery!!!

Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Members of the Sustainable Living Committee have long been wishing they had a "repair cafe" where people could bring their broken or non-functioning items instead of trashing and buying new all the time. Willimantic does have a Repair Cafe. Now the concept has come to Manchester! It is called THE FIXERY and is a pop-up project meeting at WORK_SPACE on a second Saturday every few months. The next date is Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 - 2:00 P.M.

Click here for a link to the event. And click here to access the registration form.

You can also contact Rebecca Fowler here, especially if you would like to volunteer to be a FIXER. Rebecca is Manchester's recycling coordinator. The Sustainable Living Committee supports this project and asks us all to do the same.

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Homecoming Potluck Picnic

Sunday, September 13th after the second service in the lower parking lot

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Come spend time with your UUSE family and celebrate Homecoming! Please bring a dish (and service utensil) to share! Bring your own place setting/drinkware. UUSE will provide water and lemonade.

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Exploring Christian Nationalism

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The Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee is one of the co-sponsors of a two-part series exploring Christian Nationalism's ascent to power in the US. It will be available in person and on zoom.

Part 1: Book Discussion: "Baptizing America" moderated by Rev. Dr. David Grafton

Sunday, September 27, noon-2pm Universalist Church of West Hartford

Part 2: Screening and Discussion of the documentary "Bad Faith."

Sunday, Octotber 18, noon-2 pm Temple Sinai in Newington. Register here or email uuseoffice@uuse.org.

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Walking with Grief

Support for the Journey of Loss

Wednesdays 9/16 - 11/4, 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M.

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This eight-week series will be held at The Spiritual Life Center at 76 Sherman Street in the West End of Hartford with Nancy Janiszewski and Donna Dellacamera.

A small community of participants will be guided through spiritual exploration as they navigate the path of loss and the grieving process. The group experience will offer deep listening, compassion, and camaraderie while encouraging self-care and patience. Through the sharing of our stories, we will deepen our understanding of grief and what it asks of us. As we grow in conscious awareness of grief's movement within us, we find that awareness itself becomes a source of support and healing. Grounded in a spiritual direction model of support, this is a space of presence, not solutions, where the path toward healing unfolds at its own pace. We welcome you wherever you are on your own journey.

For more information and to register, click here.

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"The Art Child: The Turning of the Seasons"

Friday, September 18th, 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at UUSE

On Friday night, September 18th, UUSE will host an art opening entitled "The Art Child: The Turning of the Seasons." The artist, known as August, explores nature's cycles through original artwork inspired by growth, transformation and renewal. The program will be held at UUSE and is free and open to the public.

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Gender-Free Contra Dance

Saturday, September 19, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House

Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Kick up your heels in joyous celebration of the season and community. Greenfield-based contra caller Liz Nelson is known for her clear, easy-to-follow teaching style and welcoming energy so folks of all ages and experience levels can find joy and success dancing. Rebecca Weiss and Friends will sweep you along with new tunes and old favorites! Newcomer workshop at 3:45 p.m. More info here.

Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. All are welcome! Sponsored by the UUSE Committee. For more information, , contact contra@uuse.org or ask Jane Osborn and Meghan MacRae. Sponsored by the Music Committee.

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Pangea Worldbeat in Concert

Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE

This seven-member ensemble weaves an eclectic tapestry of Caribbean, Latin and African-infused jazz, featuring keyboard, saxophone/flute, guitars, vocals, drum set, conga drums and yet more percussion. Pangea Worldbeat is a high-energy blend of Afrobeat, Space-Funk, Soul, Psyche-Rock and Global Rhythms that will lift you out of your seat! Admission is by free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. For more information, contact uuseoffice@uuse.org, call 860-646-5151 or visit uuse.org.

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Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project

Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 - 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.

UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act--Connecticut's Defending Democracy team--will be gathering to write postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), in order to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. On September 27 we'll gather in Room 3 and on October 4 we'll be in the Children' Chapel/Room 1 Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text and pens provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny for further information.

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Intro to Unitarian Universalism

Sunday, September 27, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. - Garden Level Chapel

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Please attend our next Intro to UU. Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar which will include a brief history and background of our theology, UUSE's mission, programs and facilities, an opportunity to meet others interested in Unitarian Universalism and a sharing of stories about what brings us together. There is no cost or obligation. To register, please contact Annie Gentile at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org. RSVP by Thursday, September 24th and let us know if you will need childcare. We hope you will join us!

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The 2027 Goods & Services Auction

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 the fabulous live 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 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. For a merchant donation letter, 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 an 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

Help Children Learn to Read

Can you spare an hour a week to help young students become stronger readers? UUSE volunteers work with kindergarten and first grade students at Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester. Last year (2025-26) we helped to pioneer a new model: The same students got 15 minutes of one-on-one help four days a week. Educators found the "intervention group" made progress more quickly than other classmates. Equally important, the children seem to look forward to their time with our volunteers.

We hope to recruit 16 volunteers to commit to an hour per week in late morning. Training will be in early October and then tutors meet their students. It is truly rewarding to visit this public school each week, see talented teachers in action and support what the faculty calls "our scholars." Please email Nancy Pappas, uuseoffice@uuse.org, by September 20 with your questions and (we hope) commitment. Thank you!

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"In an Emergency, the Plan is Useless"

September's Message

For nearly a decade, UUSE has had an Emergency Management Plan as its policy. This 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 tabletop exercise.

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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 September or October contact Sue McMillen.

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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. September 8: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray: Published April 2024, 544 pages. Discussion leader: Sande Hartdagen.
• 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. in the Youth Group room on the Garden Level.
• God Talk, 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M.
• Humanist Group, 3rd Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M.
• Science and Religion Discussion Group, 4th Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. September's topic: Science, Spirituality and Cymatics led by Jackie Muschiano.

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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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