Weekly News

July 29, 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:

"Art and Spirituality"

What is your relationship to art? Are you a creator or an appreciator? How does art groud 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 Vitali and Jane Penfield. Coordinators: Jane Penfield and David Klotz

Summer Schedule

Sunday, August 2nd 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#.

In Case You Missed It

Click here for a link to the 7/26/2026 service, "Summering."

Also, a number of you asked about the song "Woyaya," (#1020 in Singing the Journey).

Here's a link to the original version by Osibisa. And here's a link to Wiyaala's version, on which we based our version in the July 26th service.

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Guitar Jam!

Come play, sing, or listen. Acoustic jam at the Napiers' in Tolland, August 6, 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org or see the flier in the lobby for details.

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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, and whether the animal is living or has passed - 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 Paula 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 7.

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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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"In an Emergency, the Plan is Useless"

Learning beforehand what is in the plan is essential!

July'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 July 12 and 26 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? Email Auction@uuse.org or talk to any Auction Committee member -- Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Colin Guerrette, Stan McMillen, or Nancy Pappas.

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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 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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