Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East
Sunday Services at 9:00 and 11:00
May Newsletter Article
Newsletter
Sunday Services Schedule
May Ministry Theme: Awakening Curiosity
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.
Summer hours starting May 24th. One service at 10 AM.
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, April 26th: The Possibilities in Us. In this service, we'll explore how there is hardly ever a single answer to a question, a single solution to a problem, or a single path to take. The unknown can certainly be daunting. However, the act of embracing possibility can afford us inspiration, growth, excitement, hope, and liberation. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Ellen Williams
Sunday, May 3rd: This Land. UUSE’s meetinghouse sits on four acres at the top of Elm Hill, on the Manchester-Vernon line, above the Hockanum River Valley. What is our collective obligation to these four acres? What is our role on this land? Note: This service will be followed by a land stewarding project. Wear work clothes if you wish to participate. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
Sunday, May 10th: How to Spot A Mom. This Mother’s Day, experience a tribute to the joys and challenges of motherhood, inspired by the tongue-in-cheek children’s book “How to Spot a Mom,” and supplemented with the wisdom and whimsy of our very own UUSE moms. Coordinators: Kate Kimmerle and Sam Taylor.
Sunday, May 17th: Flower Communion. All Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved, multigenerational community. Please bring a flower to share! And that’s not all: this morning we are also conducting a child dedication ceremony. And that’s still not all: Our 2026 Annual Meeting will begin shortly after the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Return to one service at 10 AM
Return to one service at 10 AM
Sunday, May 24th: Rooted in Solidarity. This worship service tells eight stories from our Unitarian, Universalist, and UU histories: stories about how ordinary people showed up, in very different ways and in particular contexts, to side with love and show up for justice. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi and Martha Larson.
Sunday, May 31st: On Pride, Labyrinths and Cultural Humility. This morning we welcome Kamora Herrington, founder of Kamora’s Cultural Corner and the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve in Hartford. A one-time staff-member with True Colors, Ms. Herrington is an insightful historian, activist, consultant, mother, music lover and community-builder. She has the green light to speak about whatever is on her heart from UUSE’s free pulpit. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
Sunday, June 7th: Affirmation. Affirmation is our long-standing ‘coming-of-age’ program for youth. This morning we honor and celebrate five UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements and we will hear from their mentors. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.
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Community Outreach Ministry
Charitable Giving for May
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:
- Hartford Deportation Defense
- CT Students for a Dream
- Unidad Latinas en Accion
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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Minister's Column
Dear Ones:
Our ministry theme for May is Awakening Curiosity. While curiosity isn’t mentioned in the Unitarian Universalist principles, and while it isn’t a core Unitarian Universalist value, I do think Unitarian Universalists are, by nature, spiritually curious people. In a recent session of our Introduction to Unitarian Universalism class, a high number of participants spoke about childhood experiences in other faith traditions in which their (innocent) questions were rebuffed by people in authority (clergy, Sunday School teachers, etc.). The implicit—and sometimes explicit—message was, “don’t ask questions, just accept what we teach.” As a Unitarian Universalist minister, I can’t imagine ever telling anyone not to ask questions, especially questions of a spiritual nature.
Here’s an idea: I encourage every member and friend of UUSE to formulate a spiritual question during the month of May. Then, find some way to ask your question out loud. Kids too! Bring your question to me. Share it with someone you know (or someone you’ve just met) during coffee hour on Sunday morning. Ask it as part of your check-in at a committee, small group, or affinity group meeting. And I can’t believe I am saying this, but if you can ask it in no more than two sentences, share it during joys and concerns on a Sunday morning. Or put it in the online chat on Sunday morning. If everyone does this, it will be a little chaotic, but also a lot of fun. Well, at least fun for me….
What kinds of questions might you ask? The sky is the limit! You might ask about the arguments for the existence or nonexistence of God. You might ask someone who believes in God what they really mean by “God.” You might ask an atheist what they really mean by “atheism.” You might also ask an agnostic what they hope is true, even if they don’t know it to be true. You could ask, “What is pantheism?” Or, if you’re really bold, you could ask, “What is panentheism?”
You might ask how best to learn more regarding another religion you’re curious about. You could ask someone to share about their spiritual identity or practices. You could ask about the role of religion in public life. You could ask someone how their religion or spiritual life guides them in being good, kind, compassionate, etc. You could ask someone to tell you what book has most dramatically shaped their spiritual outlook, and then commit to reading that book. (Note: if they say it’s the Bible, ask them to narrow it down to one biblical book!) You could ask the same about a poem, a movie, or a work of visual art. You could ask about church history. You could ask about Unitarian, Universalist, or Unitarian Universalist history. You could ask a question aimed at deepening your spiritual life in some way.
The bottom line for me is that we UUs, by nature, are spiritually curious people. We have a skeptical streak. We ask questions. Our theme for the month is Awakening Curiosity. So let’s be curious. Let’s very intentionally discern and then ask our spiritual questions. I am looking forward to it! And I hope you are too!
With love, care … and curiosity,
Rev. Josh
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Green Sanctuary News
By the time you see this newsletter, the 2026 legislative year in Hartford will be just about over. Yet there may still be time to ask your state representative and or senator to vote for some important environmental legislation.
Find out if the SOLAR Bill HB 5340 has been passed and if the governor has signed it. If not, there may still be time, but if not, we will try again in 2027.
What does the solar bill do?
- First, it offers clean, affordable energy that cuts pollution.
- It provides strong residential solar programs.
- It allows plug-in solar options for those who can’t put solar on their roof.
- It will start a program to create agrivoltaics, ways to combine solar and agriculture, benefitting both.
- It provides real ways to lower energy bills.
These are other important state bills we hope get passed, and if not, we will continue to support next year:
- Environmental Rights Amendment (SJ 37)
- Superfund Bill (HB5156),
- The State’s Waste Management Bill (HB 5524)
The CT League of Conservation Voters has an amazing information sheet about these and many other bills that you can read about and support:
https://www.ctlcv.org/watchlist.html
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Vision & Mission: Community Post-It Wall with the Strategic Planning Task Force
For those who have not yet had an opportunity to share their opinions on the current vision and mission statements or for those who would like to add additional comments, we look forward to your opinions.
We hope to get feedback from everyone to best represent the whole congregation with the upcoming work. There are two ways to participate.
- In person in the Sanctuary lobby and on the Garden level, after or before services until the end of May, you can suggest revision ideas on a Post-It or place a green dot to show satisfaction with the current wording.
- Online at any time in the next four weeks, you can go to the following link (or QR Code) to post revision ideas or simply a smiling emoji 😀 to show satisfaction with the current wording.
Your input is greatly appreciated! Many thanks for your thoughts. The Strategic Planning Task Force
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Upcoming Events
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Ryan Ford Concert
3 PM May 3rd
Join us at 3:00 PM on May 3rd at Unitarian Universalist Society East for a fun afternoon of classical and modern music with Ryan Ford, his daughter Margeaux, and accompanist Lan-Ya Huang.
Suggested donation (to benefit UUSE): $20. No one will be turned away!
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Heart of the Arts
Friday, May 22nd at 7:00 P.M.
UUSE will host an unforgettable evening of music and poetry featuring Christian Loftus, Manchester's own troubadour, and Nadia Sims, the town's celebrated Poet Laureate. This unique collaboration brings together two of Manchester's most gifted artists for a night of
soul-stirring songs and evocative spoken word. Loftus's heartfelt melodies and rich storytelling will intertwine with Sims's powerful poetry, offering a performance that is both moving and inspiring. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Admission is free but donations to UUSE are welcome.
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Boston Area Sanctuary Campus
The Sanctuary Campus is a UU Boston Area Campus Ministry offering Small Group Ministry, vibrant Campus Worship, Student Meetups, Student Retreats, Social Justice, and more!
Are you a college student in the Boston area OR an alumni of a college in the Boston area? Check them out!
https://www.thesanctuaryboston.org/campus
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Gender-free CONTRA DANCE
Saturday, June 20th, 4 - 7 PM, beginner lesson at 3:45 PM
There are no "ladies" or "gents" in a gender-free dance. Dance with anyone you want! It's like a rollercoaster you make yourselves! Contra is a community folk dance with partners in long lines; the caller teaches the dances as you go. Bring a friend or come solo. Everyone is welcome!
Calling by Hannah Johlas with live music by The First Time String Band!
Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. Sponsored by the Music Committee. For more information, contact Meghan MacRae or Jane Osborn.
Unitarian Universalist Society East, Meeting Room, 153 Vernon St. W, Manchester, CT 06042.
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Greater Hartford U.U.'s at Dunkin Donuts Park
On Saturday evening, August 1, 2026
Join the three area UU Societies (Fern Street, USH, and UUSE) at the Liberty Bank Pavilion, Dunkin Donuts Park. It's the picnic package, which will include standard ballpark fare and vegetarian options, free waters and soft drinks, and a chance to meet other UU's in the area. Doors and the picnic open at 4:30 with the game scheduled to start at 6:10 p.m.
The picnic will remain open and serving food until about 7 p.m. A firework show follows the game. We are excited that the 3 Societies are exploring how we can work and play together, enjoy our UU values, and celebrate one another. Cost is $50 per person, but if you need help, financial assistance is available.
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Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here.
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Sing Out Love Listening Sessions
Wednesday evenings, April 29th
Are you interested in hearing (and maybe even singing) music from the UUA’s new online hymnal, Sing Out Love? Join our Music Director, May Bopp, and Rev. Josh Pawelek for an exploration of the music in this wonderful new resource. Wednesday, April 29, 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the meetinghouse. All are welcome.
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High School Youth Group Bake Sale
Sunday, April 26th
Please join us on Sunday, April 26th, after each service in the main lobby to support the High School Youth Group Bake Sale!
Proceeds will be shared between the HSYG activity fund and the UUSE general fund. Contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org with questions.
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Join us for Mayfair
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with good company, food and music on the UUSE grounds —it’ll be fun for everyone!
Saturday, May 2, 10 AM to 2 PM
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Rain or shine (Rain will move all activities indoors and cancel the Bike Rodeo.)
- Beltane Ritual at 11 AM— Beltane honors spring's peak, fertility, and the return of light through fire, flowers, and nature-focused rituals. It is a time for planting, celebrating love, and honoring the earth.
- Reggaeton Music at 1 PM—This interactive demo will introduce you to Reggaeton, a high-energy dance music genre that originated in Panama and Puerto Rico, merging Caribbean reggae with American hip-hop. It is defined by the "dembow"—a steady, syncopated 4-on-the-floor beat. Be ready to make music and dance.
- Bike Rodeo—Bring your bike and helmet
- Children’s Activities—Crafts and active fun
- Tag Sale—Congregation-wide tag sale
- Bake Sale—Loads of homemade goodies
- Plant Sale—Plants for your garden just in time for planting and houseplants
- Food Truck—For a snack or full meal
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There are many ways you can help!
Tag Sale
No theme; we’ll gladly take household goods, tools and electronics, gardening items, sports equipment, and even small pieces of furniture in good condition. NO CLOTHING. Contacts: Sandy Karosi and Deb Gould.
Bake Sale
Contact Gail Crook if you can make something.
Plant Sale
Contact Sharon Gresk if you have plants to donate. Houseplants or garden plants, but please NOTHING INVASIVE.
Donations Timeline
You can drop off your donations on Thursday & Friday, Apr. 30 and May 1 during office hours (9-4). Please bring them to the garden level; tag sale items can be put on the back porch. You can also bring things early on Saturday morning by 8 AM.
Volunteer for a Shift
Set up, clean up, help at a sale table — Sign up in the lobby or contact Deb Gould or Sandy Karosi with any questions or to sign up to volunteer.
Click here to download and share the flyer. Invite your friends!
Here's a link to the Facebook event with all of the details. Be sure to share it widely!:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7x8cS7wN/
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Come Play, Sing, or Listen.
May 5, 7 to 8:30 PM.
Acoustic jam circle at the Napiers' in Tolland. All levels welcome for a group play-and-sing-along. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org for details.
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General Assembly 2026
Virtual gathering June 14th - June 21st
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process. The 2026 GA will be held virtually June 14th-21st.
Are you interested in representing UUSE at this year's General Assembly? Questions? Email Desiree at uuseoffice@uuse.org
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Spring Spruce-Up
Saturday, May 16 th, 8:30 – 11:30 AM
Please join the Building and Grounds Committee on Saturday, May 16 th , 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, for our annual spring work party to spruce up the grounds. Here is an opportunity to steward the land that is home to UUSE. We’ll prepare the grounds for summer and share information about upcoming B&G projects. This is a time for all ages – kids and youth are welcome with a responsible adult. Dress for the weather and bring your favorite lawn tools (we do have some to lend). We’ll provide snacks, beverages, and some guidance. For more information contact Jane Osborn or Cory Clark. See you then!
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A Belated Thank You
Thank you for the Care Package. It was very thoughtful and a pleasant surprise when I opened it. I really enjoyed the food, as I brought it with me to a leadership conference and it kept me fed. Thank you so much and I will try to visit sometime soon.
-- From Mateo Garcia:
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Ongoing Groups, Activities, and Fun
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UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic
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 performances start at 6:30 PM. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends — we’ll provide the coffee!
Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT
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Ladies at Lunch
Join us Thursday, May 14, for lunch at Pizza Mia, 55 E. Center Street, Manchester. We meet at noon. Everyone is welcome. If you will attend, please let Sharon Huber know by Wednesday afternoon, May 13.
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
March/April: Ellen Williams
May/June: Roy Maynard
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Books, Classes, and Discussions
Adult Religious Education
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Meditation Group
The Meditation Group will meet third Mondays from 3:30 PM in the Sanctuary to meditate in community. The group started because members of the Buddhist Group, which meets on Zoom, wanted to gather in person. You don’t have to be a member of the Buddhist Group or interested in Buddhism to join. 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.
- May 12, 2026: What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris: Pub. Feb. 2021, 288 pages. Discussion leader: Louisa Graver
- June 9, 2026: A Death in the Family by James Agee: Pub. 1957, 310 pages. Discussion leader: Jacquie Heintz
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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 Tuesdays 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
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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Directory Change
Carol Marion and Jane Osborn's home phone number has been disconnected. Please contact them by cell phone.
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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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