Sunday Services Schedule

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July/August Ministry Theme: None

Summer Hours: 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, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson.

Sunday, August 3rd: Bittersweet August. In this service, we explore the unique bittersweetness of August, when in the midst of our slow savoring of summer, we are reminded of its transition into shorter, busier, unfamiliar days ahead. Like all of life’s seasons, how do we remain present for the savoring and curious about the possibilities ahead? Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker

Sunday, August 10th: Science and Spirit on an Island. Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. “Shoalers” – those who attend – consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year’s conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators: Jane Penfield & David Klotz

Sunday, August 17th: Sacred Spaces. Affordable Housing as a Moral Imperative through MISAC. Join UUSE MISAC board members to hear the story of one of the most effective social outreach efforts involving UUSE. Learn how the Manchester Interfaith Social Action Committee (MISAC) has provided high-quality, affordable housing to Manchester families for 56 years, while awarding over $2.5M to housing-related grant projects over the past 12 years. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle

Sunday, August 24th: Coffee House Worship! Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek

Sunday, August 31st: Weaving Our Lives General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson

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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:

• MACC Food Pantry
• Hockanum Valley Food Pantry
• CT Mutual Aid East of River Food Pantry
• August 31st Special Collectionfor The TLC Foundation.

The TLC Foundation is a private, nonprofit transitional living center in Manchester. providing a safe, structured home for local children and

youth who, through no fault of their own, cannot live with their families.

They remain enrolled in Manchester Public Schools and receive the care and stability they need until they can be safely reunited with family or transition to independent living.

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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2025/2026 Ministry Themes

September: Building Belonging

October: Cultivating Compassion

November: Nurturing Gratitude

December: Choosing Hope

January: Practicing Resistance

February: Embodying Resilience

March: Paying Attention

April: Embracing Possibility

May: Awakening Curiosity

June: Flourishing Together

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General Assembly 2025 News

from the Denominational Affairs Committee

The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely.

UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way.

Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs).

Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. (More info on the CSAI process).

This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here.

Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. (More info on the AIW process). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs).

• We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights
• Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom
• Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity

Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input.

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Update on UUA Bylaws Renewal

from the Denominational Affairs Committee

Many members and friends at UUSE are aware that the UUA Bylaws are under review. This article provides a status update on that process.

Conversations about the limits of current UUA governance structures are not new. They date back to key reports issued in 1993 (Commission on Governance), 2014 (Strengthening Governance), and 2020 (Commission on Institutional Change). Then in 2020-21, the pandemic introduced us to the opportunities and challenges of hybrid and virtual meetings and added new dimensions to the conversation about how UUA governance structures might be reformed to make them more nimble and democratic. In 2022, the GA adopted a resolution to review the UUA Bylaws. The resolution noted that the UUA was “hampered by our overly complicated and inefficient governance, enshrined in our bylaws, which date from our founding more than 60 years ago.” A Bylaws Renewal team was appointed and charged with proposing substantial changes that would “provide role clarity, accountability to our values, and flexibility that allows for innovation and meaningful participation.”

The Bylaws Renewal Team provided an update during the 2025 General Assembly outlining the way they plan to approach their work over the next several years. They have adopted what they are calling a “wave strategy.” Each “wave” addresses a set of thematically related bylaws and has a four-year cycle.

• Year 1: Study: engage in study of section; reaching out to stakeholders
• Year 2: Develop: develop proposed changes based on what is learned
• Year 3: Vote: proposed amendments are discussed and voted on at GA
• Year 4: Implement (or in some cases, 2nd vote): adopted changes go into effect (unless 2-step vote is required)

Waves will overlap. As one set of articles moves into year two (Develop), a new set of articles will begin year one (Study).

Beginning in 2025-26, the Bylaws Renewal Team will focus on sections of Article 4 General Assembly, and Article 5 Committees of the Association. (current UUA Bylaws)

Beginning in 2026-27, the Team will begin studying Article 6 Board of Trustees, Article 7 Committees of the Board of Trustees, Article 8 Officers of the Association, and Article 9 Nominations and Elections.

Only the first two waves have been mapped out so far because the Bylaws Renewal Team wants to remain nimble and allow for adjustments if, say, more time is needed for a particular wave. The Team will be using webinars, discussions, surveys, emails etc. as they seek input from stakeholders.

During our UUA Discernment process at UUSE, members expressed concern in particular about the revision of Article 3 Membership. The review of this article is not yet on the calendar. That said, we encourage folks to remain engaged with the bylaws renewal process as it unfolds. The Denominational Affairs Committee will endeavor to keep the congregation informed of opportunities to participate.

The Bylaws Renewal Team webpage

The Bylaws Renewal Team email address: uuseoffice@uuse.org 

If you would like to see the GA 2025 presentation of the Bylaws Renewal Team, you can access it at the recording of the GA Business General Session 3. It begins at the 2:03:00 mark and lasts about 10 minutes.

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Green Sanctuary News

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, September 14, at 2:30 we are showing the CLIMATE FUTURES FILM FESTIVAL right here at UUSE. Ten award-winning films from four continents explore the human and artistic response to climate change. These short films use various artistic ways, through drama, documentary, humor, and stunning animation, to express human feelings about climate change – hope and cynicism, denial and grief, rage and heartbreak, resilience and resolve. There will be tables and people to talk with working on these issues to give us ways to take action. Come early!

For more information about the festival see https://www.climatefuturefilm.com/ 

Coming this fall:

Elders Climate Action https://www.eldersclimateaction.org/. This organization will be one of several groups promoting SUN Day September 20-21. They are highlighting solar and wind power. We’ll be learning more about this important event.

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Upcoming Events

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Mad Agnes Concert

Sunday, Sept 7th at 3:00 PM

Mad Agnes has won hearts on two continents with their signature intricate harmonies and compelling songwriting. The genre-bending trio—Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones, and Mark Saunders—weaves contemporary folk with a nod to Celtic, an element of vocal improv, and top-notch arrangements into an exciting, inclusive performance. Their 5th original CD, Likely Story–An Eclectic Collection of Songs for the Soul, charted #10/#16 Feb/Mar 2024 on FAI FOLK CHART TOP ALBUMS OF THE

MONTH.

Their current iteration sees them using only one microphone, around which they form and re-form, early radio style. This encourages more playfulness and connection, as they transport and tickle audiences with robust harmonies, incisive songwriting, and well-crafted

instrumentation, using guitars, mandolin, percussion, an inventive keyboard, and three-part harmonies as tight as jeans from the dryer.

Mad Agnes continues to play for long-time fans and they’re excited to be creating new ones as well. In short, they exemplify three voices, one soul, and forty years of harmony and mayhem.

$20 Freewill Donation

At Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. 860-646-5151 - uuse.org

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Borderland | The Line Within

Special Screening: September 23, 2025, 7:00 PM

In Borderland, we journey with immigrants resisting and organizing for their human rights in the shadow of the vast border industrial complex, a multi-billion-dollar business of surveillance, detention, and deportation, effectively embedding the border in every corner of our nation. The interwoven stories of courageous immigrants seeking a way forward shed light on the human cost of the struggle, as the threat to themselves and democracy looms with immigration used as a wedge issue for political gain and a gateway to authoritarian rule.

Tickets $5. To benefit: CT Students for a Dream. Q&A with filmmakers Pamela Yates and Paco de Onís following the film. Spanish subtitles.

All are welcome. For tickets and additional information, click here. IG: @skylightpix and Pamela @pameladyates. FB: @skylight.is and Pamela @pamela.yates.3133

At Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT.

860-646-5151 - uuse.org

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Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here.

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UUSE Mid-summer Community Suppers

Seats for the August Community Suppers in members' homes are filling fast, but there are still a few available, so if you would like to participate, please sign up soon! Sign-up sheets will be out in the lobby one more time after this Sunday's service with all the details. Feel free to contact Sue Myers or Carole Boster if you have any questions, or if you wish to sign up but can't be at this Sunday' service.

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Help Youngsters Improve Reading Skills!

Can you spare an hour a week to help young students become stronger readers? For the fourth year, UUSE members are volunteering in Verplanck Elementary School classrooms, working with kindergarten, first, and second-grade kids. Note: We previously worked with a federally funded program known as RSVP. Now that has been eliminated, but we’ll be working directly with the school staff.

Here’s an opportunity to see talented teachers in action and support what the Verplanck faculty calls “our scholars.” Please email Nancy Pappas uuseoffice@uuse.org by August 20 with your questions and (we hope) commitment. We expect to begin toward the end of September, so we’ll have more details soon.

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Book Cart Volunteers Needed!

Drop by the book cart to take or leave a book, or talk about books with our friendly volunteers. The book cart is in the lobby each Sunday during the summer months, after the 10:00 am service

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Ladies at Lunch

We'll have lunch Friday, August 8th, 12:00, at Lakeview Restaurant, 50 Lake Street, in Coventry. Do join us if you can. If you will attend, please let Sharon Huber know by Thursday the 7th 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!

For more information visit Meetup.

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Join us again for Coffeehouse in October.

Coffeehouse is taking a summer vacation. The monthly Coffeehouse events will resume on October 4th.

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Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair

July/August: Jackie Muschiano. 

PastoralFriends@uuse.org. 

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Books, Classes, and Discussions 

Adult Religious Education

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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 12th: How We Learn to Be Brave by Bishop Budde; Shared discussion leading with each participant coming up with a question for the group; background on the author provided by Laurie Semprebon; Carolyn Gimbrone will facilitate
• Sept. 9th: 1984- A Novel by George Orwell; discussion leader Lorry King
• Oct. 14th: An Amerikan Family: The Shakurs and the Nation They Created by Santi Elijah Holley; discussion leader Jean Wahlstrom
• Nov. 11th: Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service by Michael Lewis; discussion leader Lesley Schurmann
• Dec. 9th: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge; discussion leader Louisa Graver

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Buddhist Group

The next Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday, Aug. 6th 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 August 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 at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom.

• Aug - Near Death Experiences - Bob Leo
• Sept - Current Theories Around Big Bang - Steve imon
• Oct - Human Evolution/ Spirituality - Andy Ricci

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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Your Rights in Your Pocket

A message from the Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee

All people in the United States have certain rights and protections under the Constitution. Quick-reference pocket cards from the Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. The ILRC cards are available in the meetinghouse lobby in English, Spanish, and Portuguese versions. See https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas for more information and templates in additional languages.

- UUSE Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee

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Help Us Spread the Word

Are you on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, etc?) please promote UUSE and its events by "liking" or sharing our posts on social media.

• Facebook: UUSEast
• Instagram: uu_society_east.
• UUSE Happenings on Facebook is a private page for sharing things among members.
• You also can share events or posts in other groups on Facebook.

If you have any suggestions for places to publicize events, email uuseoffice@uuse.org, the Communications/Technology Committee.

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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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