Sunday Services Schedule

November Ministry Theme: Healing

Join us at 9 or 11 AM

The 11 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.

Sunday, November 1st: Transgender Day of Remembrance. 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.

Sunday, November 8th: UU Values Series: Justice. This morning Rev. Josh Pawelek continueshis sermon series on Unitarian Universalism’s shared values. He’ll explore what it means to

his sermon series on Unitarian Universalism’s shared values. He’ll explore what it means tovalue justice as a faith community. Of course, this is also the Sunday following the United States mid-term elections. We will attempt to make sense of what we know of the election outcomes. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.

value justice as a faith community. Of course, this is also the Sunday following the United States mid-term elections. We will attempt to make sense of what we know of the election outcomes. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.

Sunday, November 15th: How Shall We Mend You, Sweet Soul? Our November ministrytheme is healing. Rev. Josh Pawelek will offer some reflections on how we heal, mend, fix,

theme is healing. Rev. Josh Pawelek will offer some reflections on how we heal, mend, fix,patch, repair and renew our lives. We are also joined this morning by the Grammy-winning

patch, repair and renew our lives. We are also joined this morning by the Grammy-winningcellist and songwriter, Leah Coloff. Coordinators: Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek.

cellist and songwriter, Leah Coloff. Coordinators: Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek.

Sunday, November 22nd: Healing Through Small Joys. Healing doesn't have to come through grand actions and movements. Often, the simple joys can lead to the biggest difference. Join us as we reflect on how to claim more joy in our daily lives. Coordinators: Sam Taylor and Sandy Karosi.Sunday, November 22nd at 3 PM: Manchester Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Join

Sunday, November 22nd at 3 PM: Manchester Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. JoinManchester faith leaders and residents at Temple Beth Shalom B’Nai Israel for this annual event. Keynote address by Maria Cruz, Manchester’s Town Clerk and Founder of the Manchester Latino Affairs Council. Donations accepted for the MACC Charities food pantry.

Manchester faith leaders and residents at Temple Beth Shalom B’Nai Israel for this annual event. Keynote address by Maria Cruz, Manchester’s Town Clerk and Founder of the Manchester Latino Affairs Council. Donations accepted for the MACC Charities food pantry.

Sunday, November 29th: For All That is Our Life. On this first Sunday of Advent when thedaylight hours are shortest, in the wake of Thanksgiving, we ask ourselves that simple yet

daylight hours are shortest, in the wake of Thanksgiving, we ask ourselves that simple yetprofoundly spiritual question: For what are we grateful? Coordinator: Rev. Josh.

profoundly spiritual question: For what are we grateful? Coordinator: Rev. Josh.Pulpit Announcements: Send an email to uuseoffice@uuse.org, provide the date(s) the

Pulpit Announcements: Send an email to uuseoffice@uuse.org, provide the date(s) theannouncement should be made, and the text of the announcement, and please keep it concise! Annie will forward the announcement request to the relevant service coordinators. Requests must be received by the Thursday prior to the service.

announcement should be made, and the text of the announcement, and please keep it concise! Annie will forward the announcement request to the relevant service coordinators. Requests must be received by the Thursday prior to the service.

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Community Outreach Ministry

Charitable Giving for November

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:

Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org, David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at uuseoffice@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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2026/2027 Ministry Themes

July/August: None

September: Beginnings

October: Courage

November: Healing

December: Awe

January: Thresholds 

February: Commitment

March: Balance

April: Emergence 

May: Play 

June: Horizons

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Quick Look:

UUSE Fall Music Lineup

Watch this newsletter or the weekly eblast for more details!

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Minister's Column

Dear UUSE Members and Friends:

Our ministry theme for October is healing. I love this theme. It reminds me that, in response to injury, harm, trauma, etc., living things have many ways to heal. In my November 15th sermon, I am planning to share the late Rev. Nancy Shaffer’s piece entitled “Mending,” in which she asks the question, “How shall we mend you, sweet Soul?” Her response to the question is multifaceted: “I would offer you so much, sweet soul: This banana, sliced in rounds of palest yellow atop hot cereal…. I would offer cellos in the background singing melodies Vivaldi heard and wrote for us to keep. [I] would hold out to you everything colored blue or lavender or light green.” And she goes on. There are many sources of healing.

Of course, contemplating this theme also reminds me that healing does not happen in the blink of an eye, does not happen all at once. We are rarely, all-of-the-sudden, fixed. Healing can be difficult. Depending on the injury or the illness, healing can take years if not decades. Sometimes we may not heal in the ways we hope for, though we discover other broken pieces of our lives have healed. I’ve always loved the stories in spiritual writer Rachel Naomi Remen’s books, especially her first book, Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal. Over the years, I’ve gone back to her stories again and again as prompts for my own reflections on healing. This time around, her words emphasize for me just how much patience, quiet, stillness, and time are necessary for healing. And, often, though we want to get back to our lives the way they were, the waiting and the time become gifts in themselves. Remen tells us that our waiting leads us to wisdom, and that “healing is a question of time.” And there is so much we receive along the way. My favorite Remen quote: “Anything good you’ve ever been given is yours forever.”

In this season of gratitude and cheer, mixed with so much anxiety and fear at events in the wider world, I wish for you healing. I wish for you a steady patience. I wish for you the capacity to slow down and be still. I wish for you a quiet, peaceful place for contemplation. And I pray that these things will bring healing, however you need it most.

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As I write in late October, we have just learned that our beloved Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Emmy Galbraith, is taking an extended leave of absence. While this certainly presents our CYM program with challenges, and while we don’t yet know precisely how we will meet these challenges, I want to assure everyone that I am confident we will meet these challenges. I will do my best to communicate with the CYM families and the larger congregation about the steps we are taking as we know them. Though we want to move quickly, we also want to move, as best we can, with thoughtfulness, intention and wisdom. If you wish to connect with me about this situation, please do not hesitate to reach out at minister@uuse.org, or call at the UUSE office, (860) 646-5151.

With love and care,

Rev. Josh

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What is UUSC?

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is an organization that advances human rights and social justice around the world. I would like to raise awareness at UUSE about the work of this important UU organization. While the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) supports and guides UU congregations, the UUSC is an independent human rights organization that partners with frontline communities worldwide to advance justice through advocacy and grantmaking. While both share important values for advancing social justice, the UUA grounds Unitarian Universalists in faith, while UUSC equips people to take action on global human rights issues.

For over three-quarters of a century, UUSC has cultivated partnerships with oppressed communities. With roots in helping Jewish people flee Nazi Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, UUSC has a dynamic history of showing up for communities facing injustice and oppression. From Central America to Ukraine, UUSC’s history has shown a commitment to support people in building power and expanding their rights.

Look for more information about UUSC in future newsletters or visit their website (UUSC.org) for more detailed information.

-- Louisa Graver, UUSC Liaison

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Green Sanctuary News

November 2026

UU Ministry for Earth

The latest community read from UUMFE is RADICALLY REFRAMING CLIMATE CHANGE, A Guide to Saving Ourselves by Will Hackman

He writes about how we can change the way we talk about Climate Change with people who agree with us, and especially people who don’t agree with us. He also reminds us that saving the Earth is misleading because the earth will survive in some way, but Humanity is what we need to save. It’s Humanity that is threatened by more severe storms, by air pollution, by unsafe water, by wildfires, flooding, drought, and all those other things that threaten our existence.

He reminds us that we may need to change at the personal level and how we talk about climate with people who don’t agree that it’s important. We need to talk with parents who worry about the future their children are facing, and those grandparents who want the world for their grandchildren to be better than it is now, and especially young people who want to know if they have a future.

Learn more about the Community Read program, which continues for several more months, at the UUMFE website: uumfe.org.

If you’re interested in the book, it is available from Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble if you don’t want to order it from Amazon. Or check your library.

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Do you have small appliances or other items that need to be repaired? We now have The Fixery at the Work Space on Main Street. Signups are required. https://www.manchesterct.gov/Government/Sustainable-Manchester/Resident-Resources/The-Fixery-WORK_SPACE The next one will be Saturday, December 12. Volunteer “FIXERS” are needed too. Attendees may have to pay for parts.

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If you still have jack-o-lanterns or pumpkins left from Halloween, there’s a farm here in Manchester that would love to have them, and you don’t have to throw them in the trash! Here’s their info:

Aussakita Acres Farm, 555 Lydall Street, Manchester, 860-646-5151

www.aussakita-acres.com

For more info on any of these items, contact Anne Vaughan at uuseoffice@uuse.org

Don’t forget, the Sustainable Living Committee sells Equal Exchange products on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Help support small farmers who grow sustainable products!

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Author Event at UUSE With S.J. Taylor

November 1st at 1 PM

Join Author S. J. (Sam) Taylor as she discusses 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.

S. J. Taylor writes stories steeped in folklore and magic, where young protagonists tackle big

adventures and bigger questions. Although she grew up in Arizona's desert, her heart yearns for the Nordic lands. When she's not writing, she can often be found knitting yet another sweater (sweater weather is the best weather).

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Heart Centered Kirtan

Sunday, November 8, from 3 PM

$30 suggested donation at the door. All are welcome - No one turned away.

About Heart Centered Kirtan

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.

UUSE Is A Welcoming Congregation

Scent-Free Space: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils.

Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Bring a cushion if you prefer to sit on the floor. Bring whatever makes you comfortable.

Invite Your Friends

Can't wait to share the heartspace with you once again!

Love and Petals, Sudha.

Families are welcome. Children must be with an adult.

$30 suggested donation at the door. No one turned away.

Unitarian Universalist Society East (UUSE), 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT

For questions, contact the UUSE Office at uuseoffice@uuse.org.

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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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Intro to UU

Sunday, November 15, 2026, 1 to 4 PM in the UUSE minister's Office or Zoom

Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? If yes, please attend our next Intro to UU.

Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar which will include:

To register, please contact Annie Gentile at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org. Please RSVP by Thursday, November 12th, 2026. And let us know if you need childcare.

Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at 860-646-5151 or minister@uuse.org.

Unitarian Universalist Society East

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The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market

Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 6 - 8:30 PM, and Friday Night Sneak Peek, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2025, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

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The Fair is coming! The Fair is coming!

The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market (because it’s so much more than a run-of-the-mill fair) will be held on

Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 6 - 8:30 PM

Sat. Nov. 21, 2025, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

The fair is our biggest fundraiser and is especially important because a large portion of the funds raised come from the public and not from our pockets. So be sure to advertise far and wide! Tell everyone you know!

How to Help

It’s time to create and start gathering things to donate!

If you have questions about what to donate AND to let them know about what is on its way contact our wonderful people who have stepped up to chair a booth!

Used/Vintage Items

Handcrafts & Arts

Watch the eblast for: Specific items that you have that our craftspeople could use, like canning jars or craft supplies or freezer space.

Benefits of Volunteering

Help Needed!

Email the fair if you are interested in volunteering and to get on the volunteer list.

When in doubt, email Fair Chair Desiree at fair@uuse.org to offer your time or your stuff.

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The UUSE Holiday Artisan’s Market Silent Auction is Looking for Donations

Can you help? We are fortunate to have some very kind UUs who own local businesses or are accomplished artists who help us out yearly with generous contributions. Still, one of the great joys of the silent auction is discovering what surprises you all have to donate. What draws bids? All sorts of items! A few years back, we had a beautiful set of wooden jigsaw puzzles featuring some “whimsy” pieces that attracted numerous bids. We’ve had a new gas grill (a dealer incentive for purchasing a car). A member upgraded her iPad and donated her previous device. We’ve had a quilting frame, a Franklin Mint Monopoly game, sports memorabilia, jewelry a little too high-end for the jewelry sale, gently used designer purses, and decorative home items. As it is a holiday fair, themed baskets full of goodies that can be given as gifts are a big draw. And, of course, the work of our many talented UUSE artists and crafters always brings bids! UUSE artists, might you have a piece you’d be willing to donate? As you pull together books and tag sale items for the fair, see if you might have something for the auction. Share your ideas with Mary Ellen Vigeant, uuseoffice@uuse.org, Carolyn Gimbrone, uuseoffice@uuse.org, or Jan Knotts, uuseoffice@uuse.org.

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Hi Book Lovers!

A reminder that the Fair is coming up, and we want all the great books you can spare!

Thank you, Marcie Brown & Sande Hàrtdagen

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Mark your calendar for the 2027 Goods & Services Auction

Live Event Saturday, January 30, 2027 at 5 PM at the Meetinghouse

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UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic

First Saturday of Each Month

Sign-up starts at 6 PM-- performances start at 6:30 PM

Join us on the first Saturday of each month, October through May, for an evening of music, poetry, stories, and community! Bring your own songs, poems, stories, or any creative offering — or simply come enjoy the warm, supportive atmosphere as part of our appreciative audience.

Sign-ups begin at 6:00 PM, and family friendly performances start at 6:30 PM. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. Bring your own drinks, your own dinner, and your own friends — we’ll provide the coffee! Donations accepted but not required.

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

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Ladies at Lunch

Thursday, November 12, we will have lunch at Simply Thai, 409 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon at noon. Do join us if you can, all are welcome. If you will attend please let Sharon Huber know by Wednesday afternoon, the 11th. 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!

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Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair  

November: Laurie Semprebon

PastoralFriends@uuse.org. 

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Pagan Group

The Pagan Group is meeting on third Tuesday at 7 pm in garden level chapel. We are exploring eldering process.

Contact Ellen Williams with questions, uuseoffice@uuse.org

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Meditation Group

The Meditation Group will meet third Mondays from 3:30 PM in the Youth Group room (room 2) on the garden level to meditate in community. Everyone is welcome; no experience required. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions,

uuseoffice@uuse.org.

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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.

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Buddhist Group

The UUSE Buddhist Group will meet on the 1st Tuesday, at 7 PM on Zoom 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 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 4th Thursdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom.

Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link.

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God Talk

A discussion group for UU theists

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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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Address Changes

Clare Dimaiolo

400 6th Avenue, Apt 3C

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Christina Bailey

902 Brookside Court

Manchester, CT 06042

Paul Lorenzo

47 Addison Pond Road

Glastonbury, CT 06033

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Name and Address Change

Bonnie Schlectweg has changed her name to Bonnie Steele

860-646-5151

email: uuseoffice@uuse.org

882 Avery Street

South Windsor, CT 06074

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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.

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: dcym@uuse.org

President: Trisha Corey-Lisle, 860-646-5151, 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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