Dan's Test Blog

Greetings CYM Families & Friends!

Happy Halloween and Blessed Samhain! Our CYM program kids had a ton of fun at our annual UUSE Trunk-or-Treat last Saturday evening. It was sweet to see them running around, hiding out, trading candy, greeting members of the public, and overall having a night to remember. Thank you to our dedicated UUSE community members who came to deck out their trunks and make it a special night for them! We appreciate you!

This Sunday we’ll continue to ponder our relationship with the holiday, the ancestors, and take a look ahead to the darkest time of the year. (Don’t forget, this weekend marks daylights savings and we set the clocks back an hour!)

Here’s what’s happening in CYM this Sunday, November 2, 2025:

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL WILL BE HELD AT 10:00 AM THIS SUNDAY

Nursery: Childcare will be available in our nursery at 11 AM for children age 3 and under.

Sunday Service: “On Gratitude” - The season of Thanksgiving is upon us. We begin reflecting on our November ministry theme of gratitude. We are also joined in worship by Sharon Gunderson, Anhared Stowe, and Ryan Ford who will be playing J.S. Back’s Double Violin Concerto in D Minor. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Mary Bopp

Time For All Ages: Children and youth in grades 2-8 will attend the beginning of the Sunday service in the Sanctuary on the Main Level. The first two rows on the right are reserved for children and youth to sit together, and families are welcome to join them. After the “Time For All Ages” segment of Sunday service, children and youth will be dismissed to the Garden Level to attend further programming.

Spirit Play: “William’s Doll” - Our students will hear a story about a boy who loves playing with his dolls, and a grandmother who nurtures his inner nurturer. This story ties in nicely with our November ministerial theme: Nurturing Gratitude.

Young UUs: “Seeking Knowledge” - Last class our Young UUs discussed their “big questions” that people often look to religion and spirituality to answer. This class we’ll explore the possible answers to those big questions, while learning that UUs young and old spend time as spiritual explorers seeking answers and knowledge. Please dress your child in layers as we will spend class time outdoors.

Jr Youth Group: “Stillness in Nature” - Junior Youth will spend class outdoors, taking their regular walk of the grounds while scouting out a Sit Spot. Then they will play a lively game of Eagle Eye, subtly learning about stillness in nature and seeing the world as animals. Please send youth in footwear and clothes appropriate for walking around outside.

High School Youth Group does not meet.

Affirmation: does not meet.

How You Can Help:

Friendsgiving Contributions: Look for jars in both kitchen windows to place monetary donations towards a “Friendsgiving” community meal on the Thanksgiving holiday.

MACC (Manchester Area Council of Churches) Food Pantry Donations: UUSE member and MACC chef Ctaci has shared the pantry manager’s urgent list of needs. Please bring any donations to the pantry, or to UUSE, and we will get them delivered. Donations can be dropped off at MACC 460 Main Street Monday-Friday 7:30-3:30 later on Thursday (5pm) (2pm Fridays) or UUSE Garden Level Kitchen (please label purpose.) Monetary donations are always welcomed as well! Items Needed: Instant Potatoes, Chili, Canned, Vegetables, Mayonnaise, Cake or Brownie Mix, Rice and Rice Mixes (rice a roni, knorr), Baked Beans, CORN, Stuffing, Sugar, Flour, Pasta Sauce, Ramen, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Cooking Oil.

Young Adult Care Packages: Each year we collect for and put together care packages for our young adults who are moving on with their post-high-school plans. Don’t know what to donate? Ear buds, candy, snacks, cocoa, fidget toys, laundry detergent packs, microwave popcorn and other foods are just a few ideas. Or look for the flyers around the building with the care package symbol, scan the QR code and purchase something from our Amazon wish list (https://tinyurl.com/2025CarePackages ) by November 2nd. (Donations being collected on site through November 9th.) Write a note of encouragement to any of this year’s recipients: Becky Ayers, Indigo bender, Graham Bornhorst, Logan Breen, Casey Campellone, Lilly-Rose Coleman, Mateo Garcia, Teagan Mabrysmith, Althea Nelson-Woodward, Sadie Nitzan, Max Pawelek, Molly Rourke, Jessica Slogesky and Anya Stolzman. Thank you for your support!

See you Sunday!

Autumn Happenings:

Sat, Nov 8: Mr. Lobster Concert @ 2pm

Thurs, Nov 27: Friendsgiving at UUSE (reach out to me to express interest and receive more details)

Sun, Dec 14: Holiday Music Service @ 11am

Sun, Dec 14: CYM Winter Holiday Party @ 12:30pm

With Gratitude,

Emmy Galbraith

Director of Children & Youth Ministry

dcym@uuse.org

Office: (860)646-5151

Cell: (860)576-7889

CYM Committee Members:

Sudha, co-chair

Michelle Spadaccini, co-chair

Desiree Holian-Borgnis

Paula Baker

Kaitlyn Guilmette

Committee email: uusecym@uuse.org

Angela Attardo, CYM Program Assistant

CYMAsst@uuse.org