Child programs, kids, toddlers, sunday school, youth programs, adult education. Children & Youth Ministry The Children & Youth Ministry (CYM) at UUSE offers a thriving program for all young people from infancy through senior high and more! Classes are held on the Garden Level at UUSE, concurrently with the second (11am) service from September through June. In the summer months, we offer a lighter schedule which runs concurrent with the 10am service. Registration Form About Children & Youth Ministry Our Children and Youth Ministry (CYM) offers a thriving program for all young people from infancy through senior high and more! The CYM program is a cooperative effort; we utilize a team approach, with one adult from each family volunteering in some capacity in CYM. We urge families to become informed about UUSE philosophy, themes, and activities by attending services, participating in parent meetings, engaging in discussions with the Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Minister, CYM committee members, classroom volunteers, and other families. The CYM Committee also sponsors many multi-generational events, including winter holiday celebrations, Trunk-or-Treat, game nights, movie nights and more. UU Principles, Children’s Version: • Every person is important. • Be kind in all you do. • We’re free to learn together. • We can search for what is true. • All people need a voice. • Build a fair and peaceful world. • We care for the earth. Sources We Draw From: The living tradition we share draws from many sources, including: • Direct experience of mystery and wonder; • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men; • Wisdom from the world’s religions; • Jewish and Christian teachings; • Humanist teachings using reason and science; • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions. Program Goals: • Continue to make community and connection the primary focus of our ministry, in order to build a strong support system for our children, youth, and families. • Foster UU identity formation by providing opportunities for children and adults of all ages to engage in fun and meaningful activities together. • Strengthen our commitment to dismantling systemic racism by selecting curricula, books, music, and movies with an anti-racist lens. • Build a community that cultivates pre-emptive radical inclusivity. New or Visiting? Be sure to let a greeter know if you’re visiting a service and would like to know more about our program. They will be happy to put you in touch with our Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Emmy Galbraith, on the Garden Level. We are happy to welcome you into our program at any time! If you are able, we strongly encourage that you connect with Emmy prior to a first visit so your child can know what to expect. Her direct email is dcym@uuse.org . Additionally, the CYM Committee is always available for questions or comments at our dedicated email: uusecym@uuse.org . Contact Us Emmy, the Director of CYM, can be reached by email at dcym@uuse.org And the CYM Committee is available for questions or comments at uusecym@uuse.org

< To Upcoming Services Sep 20, 2026 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 Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-16 Sunday Service: "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 Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, September 20, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -09-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 27, 2026 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. 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. #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

This page has driving directions for people who what to try to find our hidden gem of a church. Visit Us We’re a little off the beaten path, but well worth the journey! While our location can be a bit tricky to find, Google Maps or MapQuest will lead you right to us—have faith! To help you get your bearings: West Vernon Street in Manchester connects Taylor Street in Talcottville/Vernon with Vernon Street in Manchester, in the northeastern part of town. If you’re seeking peace, community, and a deeper spiritual connection, we believe you’ll find your effort rewarded here at UUSE. Unitarian Universalist Society East 153 Vernon St. W Manchester, CT 06042-2209 phone: 860 646-5151 email: info@uuse.org Wheelchair accessible building and parking lot Assistive listening devices available Nursery Available Children & Youth Ministry Low Scent Policy

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled HSYG Holiday Bake Sale HSYG Holiday Bake Sale Sunday, December 14th after each service Please join us on Sunday, December 14th after each service in the main lobby to support the High School Youth Group Holiday 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. #eBlast-12-10 HSYG Holiday Bake Sale Sunday, December 14th after each service Please join us on Sunday, December 14th after each service in the main lobby to support the High School Youth Group Holiday 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. #eBlast -12-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Calling All UUSE Moms! Calling All UUSE Moms! Calling all UUSE moms for help in developing a celebratory tribute to the diversity of moms! Do the prompts below move you? If so, please email your responses (or thoughts on being a mom) to Sam Taylor at uuseoffice@uuse.org by May 1st to contribute to our Mother's Day service on May 10th. Thank you for your responses! #eBlast-04-29 Calling All UUSE Moms! Calling all UUSE moms for help in developing a celebratory tribute to the diversity of moms! Do the prompts below move you? If so, please email your responses (or thoughts on being a mom) to Sam Taylor at uuseoffice@uuse.org by May 1st to contribute to our Mother's Day service on May 10th . What does being a mom mean to you? How has your identify shifted since becoming a mom? What is your favorite memory of your mom? What values do you hope to instill in your children? How do you approach motherhood? What advice would you give a mom? What do your children call you? Thank you for your responses! #eBlast -04-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Annual Appeal 2026 Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is Belonging and Thriving - Together. As we are confronted with national discord and uncertainty about our future, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to each other and to communities of faith committed to justice work. This orientation is especially resonant this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our UUSE caring community of faith, where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. Rev. Josh will kick off the 2026 Annual Appeal with the March 1 Sunday service. Each member and friend will receive a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027). This year we again ask each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return them to the church office. In addition, we will offer pledging potlucks to be together and share our hopes and dreams for UUSE. If you have not returned your letter or attended a potluck by March 16, a steward will contact you. The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6. In our forthcoming letter, we describe financial challenges we continue to face that with your creativity and generosity, we can overcome. This is what makes us a resilient and thriving community. We look forward to sharing our talents, time, and treasure with you and this beloved community. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes (chair), Jerry Myers, and Phil Sawyer #FebruaryNewsletter Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is Belonging and Thriving - Together. As we are confronted with national discord and uncertainty about our future, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to each other and to communities of faith committed to justice work. This orientation is especially resonant this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our UUSE caring community of faith, where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. Rev. Josh will kick off the 2026 Annual Appeal with the March 1 Sunday service. Each member and friend will receive a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027). This year we again ask each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return them to the church office. In addition, we will offer pledging potlucks to be together and share our hopes and dreams for UUSE. If you have not returned your letter or attended a potluck by March 16, a steward will contact you. The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6. In our forthcoming letter, we describe financial challenges we continue to face that with your creativity and generosity, we can overcome. This is what makes us a resilient and thriving community. We look forward to sharing our talents, time, and treasure with you and this beloved community. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes (chair), Jerry Myers, and Phil Sawyer #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE "Community Suppers" Are Back! UUSE "Community Suppers" Are Back! Would you like to be a host? The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a "Community Supper" at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email at uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone 860-646-5151 by April 15 and let her know the date and time you would like to host and how many guests. She'll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish. Guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts, etc. We'll put sign-up sheets in the lobby after each service on April 20 and 27. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carol Boster. #eBlast-04-09 UUSE "Community Suppers" Are Back! Would you like to be a host? The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a "Community Supper" at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email at uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone 860-646-5151 by April 15 and let her know the date and time you would like to host and how many guests. She'll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish. Guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts, etc. We'll put sign-up sheets in the lobby after each service on April 20 and 27. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carol Boster . #eBlast -04-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 13, 2026 ROMEOS Retired Old Men Eating Out, or The ROMEOs, is a social group that gets together once a month for lunch. Contact the office for details. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 24, 2023 Why UUSE is Home. Our congregational family is uniquely special to many of our members and friends. But why exactly? Come hear members of the UUSE family share their thoughts about what UUSE means to them and why they are committed members of our community. Coordinators: David Klotz and Marsha Howland #eBlast OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Pagan Celebration of the Vernal Equinox The UUSE Pagan Group is holding a ritual to celebrate the Vernal Equinox and the start of spring on Saturday, March 23, at 1 PM. After the ritual, we will share a potluck meal. All are welcome! Pagan Group Activity Vernal Equinox Saturday, March 23, at 1 PM The UUSE Pagan Group is holding a ritual to celebrate the Vernal Equinox and the start of spring. After the ritual, we will share a potluck meal. All are welcome! OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 21, 2023 Flower Communion—100 Years Strong All-Congregation Service. Join us for our annual observance of the Unitarian Universalist Flower Communion. This is a special year as it is the 100th anniversary of the follower communion. Through story, song, and music, we celebrate the beauty of our individuality, and the strength and warmth of our community. Bring flowers to share. We also welcome new members into our congregation. Our Annual Meeting will begin shortly after the second service. Coordinator(s): Gina Campellone and Rev. Josh Pawelek OOS Sermon YouTube