Gathering Music (Mary Bopp) Welcome (Emmy Galbraith) Announcements (Rev. Josh Pawelek) Centering (Emmy Galbraith) Prelude Chalice Lighting and Opening Words "A Spacious Welcome" by the Rev. Shari Woodbury Opening Hymn #361 "Enter, Rejoice and Come In" Words and Music by Louise Ruspini Enter, rejoice, and come in. Enter, rejoice, and come in. Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in. Open your ears to the song... Open your hearts ev'ryone... Don't be afraid of some change... Enter, rejoice, and come in... Back to School Slideshow Blessing of the Backpacks Ritual Hymn #1010 "We Give Thanks" Words and music by Wendy Luella Perkins Oh, we give thanks for this precious day, For all gather'd here, and those far away; For this time (food) we share with love and care, Oh, we give thanks for this precious day. Joys & Concerns Musical Meditation Offering Our September Community Outreach Ministry recipients are the Manchester Latino Affairs Council and She Leads Justice. The Manchester Latino Affairs Council (M.L.A.C.) was established in January of 2007. Its current mission is to address social issues with a focus on diversity, inclusivity and equality within Manchester's Latino community. She Leads Justice advocates for under-resourced, marginalized women in Connecticut. They work to close the civil legal justice gap and to create state policy for economic security. Formerly known as the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund, their work supports women who identify as cisgender and transgender, and non-binary individuals, as well as people of all marginalized gender identities. Offering Music "Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin Jeannie Westbrook, vocals UU Principles 1st Principle: The inherrent worth and dignity of every person; 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. UU Values Justice. We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love and compassion. Transformation. We adapt to the changing world. Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology. Interdependence. We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it. Generosity. We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. Our Congregational Commitment We come together as companions in the search for truth and meaning. We share in our mission of caring for one another, encouraging each other in spiritual growth, working for justice and peace in the wider world, and living in harmony with the earth. We join our gifts, trusting that a gathering of diverse souls, working together, has the power to bring freedom, healing and love. We renew our pledge to share our time, energy and talents with this congregation; to diligenly seek our spiritual truths; and to strengthen the bonds of community. Chant "Love is the spirit of this church and service its law. This is our great covenant: To dwell together in peace. Love is the spirit of this church and service its law. To seek the truth in love, and to help one another. Love is the spirit of this church and service its law. Reflection and Dialogue "Beginning a Congregational Year" Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek Closing Hymn #1028 Fire of Commitment Words by Mary Katherine Morn Music by Jason Shelton From the light of days remembered burns a beacon bright and clear Guiding hands and hearts and spirits Into faith set free from fear. When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze When our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way When we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within, Then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin. From the stories of our living rings a song both brave and free, Calling pilgrims still to witness to the life of liberty. When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze When our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way When we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within, Then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin. From the dreams of youthful vision comes a new prophetic voice, Which demands a deeper justice built by our courageous choice. When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul a blaze When our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way When we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within, Then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin. Extinguishing the Chalice Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come.

Gathering Music "That's Why I Stand by the Union" Written and Performed by Dan Thompson, guitar Welcome Announcements Centering Prelude "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton Performed by Dan Thompson, guitar Chalice Lighting Open Words Rose Schneiderman's 1912 speech to the Women's Trade Union League "What the woman who labors wants is the right to live, not simply exist -- the right to live as the rich woman has the right to life, and the sun and music and art. You have nothing that the humblest worker has not a right to have also. The worker must have bread, but she must have roses, too." Opening Hymn #109 "As We Come Marching, Marching" Words by James Oppenheim Music by Caroline Kohlsaat Performed by Mary Bopp, piano As we come marching, marching, in the beauty of the day, a million darkened kitchens, a thousand workshops gray, are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses: for the people hear us singing, "Bread and roses, bread and roses!" As we come marching, marching, we battle too for men, for they are women's children, and we mother them again. Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes: hearts starve as well as bodies -- give us bread, but give us roses! As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women dead go crying, through our singing, their ancient song of bread! Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew: yes it is bread we fight for, but we fight for roses too! As we come marching, marching, we bring the greater days: the rising of the women means the rising of the race. No more the drudge and idler, ten that toil where one reposes, but a sharing of life's glories -- bread and roses, bread and roses! Time for All Ages Musical Interlude (Mary Bopp) Joys and Concerns Musical Interlude (Mary Bopp) Offering Our September Community Outreach Ministry recipients are the Manchester Latino Affairs Council and She Leads Justice. The Manchester Latino Affairs Council (M.L.A.C.) was established in January of 2007. Its current mission is to address social issues with a focus on diversity, inclusivity and equality within Manchester's Latino community. She Leads Justice advocates for under-resourced, marginalized women in Connecticut. They work to close the civil legal justice gap and to create state policy for economic security. Formerly known as the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund, their work supports women who identify as cisgender and transgender, and non-binary individuals, as well as people of all marginalized gender identities. Offering Music "Rich Men Earning North of a Million" By Billy Bragg Performed by Dan Thompson, guitar Homily "Labor in the Pulpit" Ed Hawthorne Musical Interlude (Mary Bopp) Dialogue Closing Hymn "We Belong to One Another" Music by John Wyeth Lyrics by Amanda Udis-Kessler Performed by Mary Bopp, piano We belong to one another. To each other we are bound As we build a world together full of joy that we have found. What we are, we owe to others; when they need us, we respond. We belong to one another and we hold a common bond. We rely on one another at the dawning of our days, When we learn from those around us how to live in loving ways. As we grow, we need each other and the gifts that we can share. As our lives come to their ending, how we need each other's care! We give thanks for one another, for each heart and hand and face. We are grateful for the blessings that infuse our lives with grace. May we offer our abundance; as we're given, may we give. In our thanks for one another, may we help each other live. Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words The flame in our hearts never ceases burning. Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come. About Our Speaker Ed Hawthorne is President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, the democratic state federation of hundreds of local unions that represents more than 250,000 working people across the state. President Hawthorne was unanimously elected at the state federation's Constitutional Convention in October 2021, making him the youngest president in the organization's history. Under President Hawthorne's leadership, he led the organization's efforts to pass legislation to limit an employer's use of anti-union captive audience meetings - becoming the second state in the country to pass this law and inspiring a nationwide campaign to curtail the use of this union busting tactic. He also oversaw a dynamic political program that helped elect dozens of union members while holding elected officials accountable in both Hartford and Washington, D.C. With over a decade experience in the field of law, President Hawthorne previously worked as an Appeals Referee for the Connecticut Department of Labor where he conducted unemployment appeals hearings as an administrative law judge. As a member of AFSCME, he formerly served as President of the Western Connecticut Area Labor Federation, Vice President of AFSCME Local 269, and an executive board member for AFSCME Council 4 and the Connecticut AFL-CIO. President Hawthorne is currently the chair of the Second Injury Fund, and is a member of the Governor's Workforce Council, Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, AFL-CIO State Federation AI Task Force, and Town of Wolcott Pension Committee. He also continues to serve on the Wolcott Democratic Town Committee. A graduate of Marist College, President Hawthorne earned his Juris Doctor degree at SUNY at Buffalo School of Law and graduated from the Harvard Trade Union Workshop. He is currently licensed to practice law in Connecticut and New York. Born and raised in Connecticut, President Hawthorne lives in Wolcott with his wife and their two daughters. In his free time he likes to cheer on the Buffalo Bills and is a burgeoning wing connoisseur.

Gathering Music “Samson and Delilah” by Rev Gary Davis “You Gotta Come On Up to the House” by Tom Waits Dan Thompson, guitar and vocals Welcome and Announcements (Rev. Josh Pawelek) Centering Prelude “Precious Memories” (traditional) Nancy Madar, guitar and vocals Joe Madar, vocals Chalice Lighting and Opening Words “The Summit” by Mike Baxter Opening Hymn #66 “When the Summer Sun is Shining” Words by Sydney Henry Knight Music from The Southern Harmony, 1855, arr. by Margaret W. Mealy Ben Elzerman, bagpipes, Jenn Richard, piano When the summer sun is shining over golden land and sea, and the flowers in the hedgerow welcome butterfly and bee; then my open heart is glowing, full of warmth for everyone, and I feel an inner beauty which reflects the summer sun. When the summer clouds of thunder bring the long-awaited rain, and the thirsty soil is moistened and the grass is green again; then I long for summer sunshine, but I know that clouds and tears are a part of life’s refreshment, like the rainbow’s hopes and fears. In the cool of summer evening, when the dancing insects play, and in garden, street, and meadow linger echoes of the day; then my heart is full of yearning; hopes and mem’ries flood the whole of my being, reaching inwards to the corners of my soul. Emcee’s Intro (Gymm Morey) Music “Living in the Promised Land” by Willie Nelson Peter Marotto, guitar and vocals Poem "Ancient Astronomers" by Bill Lautenbach Music “I Just Saw a Face” by Paul McCartney and John Lennon Sandy Johnson, vocals, Dan Thompson, guitar Joys and Concerns Musical Interlude "The Keelman Ower Land" Traditional Northumbrian Smallpipe melody Ben Elzerman, bagpipes Offering The recipients of our July and August community outreach offerings are the MACC Food Pantry, the Hockanum Valley Food Pantry, the CT Mutual Aid East of River food security program, and the TLC Foundation. As a reminder, you can also donate on our website. If you haven’t visited our new website, we highly recommend it. Lots to explore! There’s a yellow donate button in the top center of the home page. Offering Music “Devotion” by Amy Ray Jenn Richard, guitar and vocals Poem “Ten Commandments By Cory Clark Music Original Song By Nick Glomb Poem “On Friendship, Key West Vacation, 2023” By Elizabeth Thomas Music “Choose to Be Near” by Andy Ricci Poem “*FIFAround and Find Out” By Lisa Sementilli Music “Eve of Destruction” By Barry McGuire Pat Eaton-Robb, guitar and vocals Poem “Heaping, Helping Spoonfuls” By Marian Vitali Homily (Rev. Josh Pawelek) Music "Surprise" Doug Pease, Harmonica Closing song #95 “There is More Love” Traditional African American There is more love somewhere. There is more love somewhere. I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more love somewhere. There is more hope somewhere… There is more peace somewhere.. There is more joy somewhere… Extinguishing the Chalice Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come.

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Upcoming Concerts & Musical Events Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Saturday 9/19/26 Read More Gender Free Contra Dance Gender Free Contra Dance Saturday, September 19, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Kick up your heels in joyous celebration of ... Saturday 9/19/26 Read More Gender-free CONTRA DANCE Gender-Free Contra Dance Saturday, September 19, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Kick up your heels in joyous celebration of ... Sunday 9/27/26 Read More Pangea Worldbeat in Concert Pangea Worldbeat in Concert Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE This seven-member ensemble weaves an eclectic tapestry of Caribbean, Latin and African-infused jazz, feat... More...

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. Homecoming September 13, 2026 All-Congregational service. This morning we kick off our congregational year. We'll review our covenant, principles and values. We'll bless backpacks (briefcases, purses, bags, etc.... Happenings There’s Always Something Good Going On Affinity Groups Birds of a feather Read More ROMEOS 2nd Tuesdays Read More Coffeehouse & Open Mic 1st Saturdays Read More Yoga Wednesdays 10:00AM Read More Ladies at Lunch Alternating Thu/Fri Read More Manchester Women's Sacred Singing Circle Thursdays Read More Upcoming Events Calendar Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Refresh Thursday 9/10/26 Read More Manchester 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 e... Thursday 9/10/26 Read More Ladies at Lunch Ladies at Lunch Thursday, September 10th, Noon at Pizza Mia Join us for lunch at Pizza Mia, 55 E. Center Street in Manchester on Thursday, September 10th. We meet at noon. All are w... Saturday 9/12/26 Read More Support the Fixery!!! Support the Fixery!!! Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Members of the Sustainable Living Committee have long been wishing they had a "repair cafe" where people c... Sunday 9/13/26 Read More Homecoming Potluck Picnic Homecoming Potluck Picnic Sunday, September 13th after the second service in the lower parking lot #eBlast-09-09... Sunday 9/13/26 Read More Fair Trade Coffee Your favorite Equal Exchange coffees, chocolate, tea and more will be available on 2nd Sundays of the month following both services. Satisfy your taste buds while supporting small ... Monday 9/14/26 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon . Every Monday at Noon Tuesday 9/15/26 Read More 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... Wednesday 9/16/26 Read More Yoga . 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... Thursday 9/17/26 Read More Manchester 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 e... Friday 9/18/26 Read More "The Art Child: The Turning of the Seasons" "The Art Child: The Turning of the Seasons" Friday, September 18th, 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at UUSE On Friday night, September 18th, UUSE will host an art opening entitled "The Art Child:... Saturday 9/19/26 Read More Gender Free Contra Dance Gender Free Contra Dance Saturday, September 19, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Kick up your heels in joyous celebration of ... Saturday 9/19/26 Read More Gender-free CONTRA DANCE Gender-Free Contra Dance Saturday, September 19, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Kick up your heels in joyous celebration of ... More...

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Worship Sunday Services Schedule September Ministry Theme: Beginnings 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. Starting September 13th, 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 Service: "Coffee House" Join us for our annual coffee house service at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer Schedule Sunday, August 30 at 10:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -08-26 Sunday Service: "Labor in the Pulpit" This Labor Day weekend we're participating in "Labor in the Pulpit," a program of the AFL-CIO. We'll be joined by the president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, Ed Hawthorne. Mr. Hawthorne is a skilled organizer and speaker. We'll have an opportunity to engage in dialogue with him about the state of the labor movement in Connecticut and nationally. Learn more about Ed Hawrthorne here . Learn more about the CT AFL-CIO here . Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Rob Napier. Summer Schedule Sunday, September 6th at 10:00 A.M. - Updated #eBlast -09-02 Sunday Service: "Homecoming" All-Congregational service. This morning we kick off our congregational year. We'll review our covenant, principles and values. We'll bless backpacks (briefcases, purses, bags, etc.), and we'll celebrate with our homecoming picnic following the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, September 13, 2026 - Updated #eBlast -09-09 Sunday, September 20th: Beginnings. Our ministry theme for September is, appropriately, beginnings. Rev. Josh delivers his first sermon of the congregational year—on beginnings. Let’s look forward to a year full of spiritual growth, learning, exploration, justice-seeking, service, and beloved community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, September 27th: Building a UU Justice Movement in Connecticut! This morning we welcome the Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao into our pulpit. Rev. Gerfao is the executive director of the newly-founded CT UU Social Justice Ministry. She’ll preach on her vision for this ministry and how all of us can participate in it. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. 9/13/26 Homecoming All-Congregational service. This morning we kick off our congregational year. We'll review our covenant, principles and values. We'll bless backpacks (briefcases, purses, bags, etc.), and we'll celebrate with our homecoming picnic following the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-09 9/20/26 Beginnings. Sunday, September 20th: Beginnings. Our ministry theme for September is, appropriately, beginnings. Rev. Josh delivers his first sermon of the congregational year—on beginnings. Let’s look forward to a year full of spiritual growth, learning, exploration, justice-seeking, service, and beloved community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. 9/27/26 Building a UU Justice Movement in Connecticut! Sunday, September 27th: Building a UU Justice Movement in Connecticut! This morning we welcome the Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao into our pulpit. Rev. Gerfao is the executive director of the newly-founded CT UU Social Justice Ministry. She’ll preach on her vision for this ministry and how all of us can participate in it. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.