Search Results

Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. Lend a Hand! Ways to help at the Holiday Fair When in doubt, email Fair Chair Desiree at fair@uuse.org to offer your time or your stuff. What to Donate & Who to Ask about It It’s time to craft, create, bake, and assemble your stuff! We sell all sorts of things at the fair, from beautiful, handcrafted pieces to fabulous finds from your attic, vintage jewelry to cookies. We group items by “shop” led by various people/teams. Used/Vintage Items Jewelry: We’re in need of a leader for this area! Peggy Webbe and Diana Sherman are happy to advise but have pressing matters that mean they don’t have the bandwidth to donate as much time as they have in the past. Talk to Desiree or email fair@uuse.org if you can set up. We will take donations NOW. Drop off box is in the coatroom. Please label and focus on items of value. Books: Hardcover and “Trade Paperbacks” only please. Be kind! Sort and dust your books before you drop them off. If they’re in bad shape, throw them out at home. Contact Dottie Keating ( dewey190@aol.com ). We’re looking for a co-chair for books who can take over next year. Tag Sale: Don’t use it any more? Let someone else! We need LOTS of items in good condition and are especially looking for a few high ticket items for the Fabulous Finds booth. Contact Sandy Karosi and Deb Gould ( slkarosi@comcast.net , dagould59@comcast.net ) for tag sale and Lesley Schurmann for Fabulous Finds ( Lesley57@cox.net ). Children’s Books, Games, Small Toys, Puzzles: The kids love to shop for treasures. Contact Laurie Semprebon ( lsemprebon@charter.net ). Handcrafts & Arts Original Works of Art: whatever you make, note cards, prints, pottery, jewelry. Talk to Nancy Madar. ( nancymadar@hotmail.com ) Handmade Holiday Crafts or Traditional Items: Any holiday décor, ornaments, etc. are welcome! Talk to Louisa Graver. ( lgraver163@gmail.com ) Sewn & Knitted Items: Contact Phil Sawyer ( psawyer215@gmail.com ) or Carol Marion ( cmarion333@gmail.com ). Especially needed: mitten makers! Phil has patterns if you need them. Justice Table Items: We are looking for items to show our allyship and commitment to justice. This means pride, BLM, economic justice, social justice, gender equality, and all ways we live our values. Contact Desiree Holian-Borgnis at fair@uuse.org . Whimsy Booth : We are looking for items that are fun, whimsical and bring a special flair. They can be earth based, fun or fantastical. Contact Gina Campellone at ginacampellone@comcast.net . Woodworking: Anyone who makes items out of wood is encouraged to donate their handiwork and/or their time working at the table. Contact Bill Graver at billgraver30@gmail.com . Silent Auction: If you have something you think might be right for the auction, contact Mary Ellen Vigeant ( mevig@sbcglobal.net ), Carolyn Gimbrone ( bowbrone@aol.com ), or Jan Knotts ( jknotts43@yahoo.com ). Food There are LOTS of opportunities to bake! Contact Jennifer Klee ( jenduvklee@gmail.com ) for all things food related. Friday Night Dessert : a recipe will be provided. Grab and Go Refreshments on Saturday ( things that can be served on a napkin and eaten by hand ), so we need bars, muffins, cookies, etc., both savory and sweet. The Bake Shop will need its usual cookies, breads and fruit breads, pies, etc. If you bake it, we will sell it! We always sell out of everything. Jams & Jellies: Contact Jennifer Klee at jenduvklee@gmail.com with a list of what and how many you plan to donate and she will make labels for you. Frozen Pies: Last year’s experiment was a success so we will assemble a team to meet at UUSE and make pies to freeze. Interested in helping? Contact Jennifer Klee. Frozen Soup is also under consideration! Watch for eblast notices from Anne Carr. When to Donate Donations of books, tag sale items, children’s items, etc., will be accepted starting after Sunday services on Nov. 17 and Monday through Wednesday (9 am to 8 pm). For everything else, please contact the area coordinators. Help Wanted! Need a job? We’ve got plenty! Only enthusiasm, not experience, required! Starting Now Are you willing to apprentice this year so you can run a booth next year? Let us know! Organize Lunch for the Fair Workers: Easy! Order take out and set/clean it up. After Fair Party Coordinator: Find and reserve a fun venue. Garden Level Coordinator: Organize the team that empties out and resets the Children & Youth Ministry Rooms. Help put up signs. Tell your friends all about it! Share Facebook posts, email the flyer. Watch the eBlast for more opportunities and requests. Sunday, November 17 12:30 – 2 p.m. Set up tables Pack up the Garden Level Start bringing in your donations of books, tag sale & children’s shop items. During the week of Nov. 17 to 20 The areas that can use the most help during set up week are the Book Shop, the Tag Sale, Jewelry and the Children’s Shop but contact ANY of the shop leaders if you have time. Any amount of time you can give is great. Friday Night, November 22 Sneak Peek open from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Greeters in Lobby Serve Refreshments Sales in All Areas Clean Up Saturday, November 23 Doors Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Greeters in Lobby Sell Refreshments Sales in All Areas Clean Up: 3 p.m. til it’s done This is a great time for some fresh legs to arrive! If you can’t help any other time, please think about coming at the end to help then! Set up Garden Level for CYM. Contact fair@uuse.org with any questions, suggestions or offers to help! The UUSE Holiday Fair’s 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. So, what draws bids? Last year, we had a beautiful set of wooden jigsaw puzzles featuring some “whimsy” pieces that attracted numerous bids. A few years back, we had a member buy a new car, and the dealership gave each buyer a new gas grill—which they didn’t need, so they gave it to the auction. A member upgraded her iPad, wiped the old one clean of personal information, and donated it. We’ve had a quilting frame, a fancy Franklin Mint commemorative Monopoly game, sports memorabilia, jewelry a little too high-end for the jewelry sale, gently used designer purses, and decorative home items (did you all see the beautiful inlaid table we had last year?) As it is a holiday fair, themed baskets full of goodies that can be given as a gift are usually a big draw (think spa night basket, pet owner basket, hostess gift basket, etc.) And, of course, we love to feature work from our many talented UUSE artists and crafters! Might you have something for the auction? Share your ideas with Mary Ellen Vigeant Carolyn Gimbrone, or new member, Jan Knotts.

< To Upcoming Services Jan 26, 2025 The Power of Protest Sunday, January 26: The Power of Protest.Coordinators: Mary Lawrence & David Klotz #JanuaryNewsletter Sunday, January 26 : The Power of Protest. Coordinators: Mary Lawrence & David Klotz #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

Children engage in hands-on exploration of UU principles through a wide range of activities led by professional staff and volunteers. A typical class begins with Children’s Chapel (lighting the chalice, sharing of joys & concerns) followed by a themed workshop which might include music, art, poetry, yoga, woodworking, nature, games & more. A hallmark of this program is the chance for the children to come together with adult members of the congregation who share their time, talents, warmth & wisdom! To sign up to volunteer to work with Workshop Adventure (Grades 1 through 5) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-workshop < Back Elementary Workshops (Gr 1-5) Children engage in hands-on exploration of UU principles through a wide range of activities led by professional staff and volunteers. A typical class begins with Children’s Chapel (lighting the chalice, sharing of joys & concerns) followed by a themed workshop which might include music, art, poetry, yoga, woodworking, nature, games & more. A hallmark of this program is the chance for the children to come together with adult members of the congregation who share their time, talents, warmth & wisdom! To sign up to volunteer to work with Workshop Adventure (Grades 1 through 5) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-workshop Previous Next

< To Upcoming Services May 5, 2024 Lifted by Pluralism. UUSE celebrates religious pluralism through an exchange of diverse ideas, where everyone has the rights, freedoms, and safety to worship or not, according to their conscience. This Sunday, Janice Knotts, Nancy Thompson and Ellen Williams will share how Christianity, Buddhism and Paganism inform their spiritual practices and enrich their search for truth and meaning. Coordinator: Gianna DiMaiolo #eBlast-05-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Apr 14, 2024 Notes on Interdependence. Our ministry theme for April is interdependence. This morning Rev. Josh offers his latest reflections on this concept that is central to Unitarian Universalist theology and spirituality. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-04-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled A Concert for Two Pianos A Concert for Two Pianos Come hear the two UUSE Steinway grands in a blockbuster program of duo piano works by Mozart, Liszt and Gershwin, performed by virtuosos Paul Bisaccia and Corbin Beisner on Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 P.M. at the UUSE Meetinghouse. The suggested donation is $15 but no one will be turned away. #eBlast-04-23 A Concert for Two Pianos Come hear the two UUSE Steinway grands in a blockbuster program of duo piano works by Mozart, Liszt and Gershwin, performed by virtuosos Paul Bisaccia and Corbin Beisner on Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 P.M. at the UUSE Meetinghouse. The suggested donation is $15 but no one will be turned away. #eBlast -04-23 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 19, 2024 Flower Communion. All-Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved multigenerational community. Please bring a flower or flowers to share! We also revisit some important moments in 20th-century UU history. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, #eBlast-05-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Special Screening: Dawnland Special Screening: Dawnland A documentary about cultural survival and stolen children Tuesday, May 27th, 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room For decades, child welfare authorities have been removing Native American children from their homes to "save them from being Indian." In Maine, the first official Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the United States begins a historic investigation. Dawnland goes behind-the scenes as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation and charts a new course for state and tribal relations. This event is co-sponsored by the Adult Religious Education and Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committees. All are welcome. Adult themes include family separation, boarding school, adoption and fostering. For additional information or to receive a study guide email Meghan MacRae. #eBlast-05-21 Special Screening: Dawnland A documentary about cultural survival and stolen children Tuesday, May 27th, 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room For decades, child welfare authorities have been removing Native American children from their homes to "save them from being Indian." In Maine, the first official Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the United States begins a historic investigation. Dawnland goes behind-the scenes as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation and charts a new course for state and tribal relations. This event is co-sponsored by the Adult Religious Education and Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committees. All are welcome. Adult themes include family separation, boarding school, adoption and fostering. For additional information or to receive a study guide email Meghan MacRae . #eBlast -05-21 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Let's Dance! 6 to 9pm Save the date - Saturday, October 12th - 6 pm to 9pm - for an evening of fun for the whole family. Sponsored by the Membership Committee and open to all UUSE members and friends. We'll have music and dancing, children's activities, prizes, tee shirts and more. Come as you are. You don't have to dance, but we may teach you a dance anyway! Reservations required. Sign up with Jacquie Heintz in the lobby on October 6th, call her at 860-729-0626, or email her at jacqonstance@gmail.com by 8pm, Wednesday, October 9th. This is a free event, but a donation of your favorite cookie or beverage would be appreciated. Save the date - Saturday, October 12th - 6 pm to 9pm - for an evening of fun for the whole family. Sponsored by the Membership Committee and open to all UUSE members and friends. We'll have music and dancing, children's activities, prizes, tee shirts and more. Come as you are. You don't have to dance, but we may teach you a dance anyway! Reservations required. Sign up with Jacquie Heintz in the lobby on October 6th, call her at 860-729-0626, or email her at jacqonstance@gmail.com by 8pm, Wednesday, October 9th. This is a free event, but a donation of your favorite cookie or beverage would be appreciated. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 10, 2023 Earth Centered Faith. It is a stark reminder that, with the comfort of air conditioning, artificial lighting, and the prevalence of computers and electronics, we have effectively isolated ourselves from the wonders of the natural world. In today's service, Sandy Johnson will tell her story of becoming a pagan and what that means to her. Cory Clark will talk about how nature frees her spirit and rejuvenates her from the stress and toil of everyday life. Coordinator: Alan Ayers #eBlast-12-06 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 9, 2025 Trust in Action Sunday Service: "Trust in Action" By trusting in each other's unique gifts, we are able to build a community of love, support and action at UUSE. Do you manifest trust as a spiritual leader? And if so, how? Please join our speakers as they reflect on their personal engagement with trust. Coordinators : Sandy Karosi & Kate Kimmerle Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-05 Sunday Service: "Trust in Action" By trusting in each other's unique gifts, we are able to build a community of love, support and action at UUSE. Do you manifest trust as a spiritual leader? And if so, how? Please join our speakers as they reflect on their personal engagement with trust. Coordinators : Sandy Karosi & Kate Kimmerle Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 9, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

The Pastoral Friends are a caring group of individuals that can help in times of need. School Partners August 2023 As part of our partnership with Verplanck Elementary in Manchester, ten UUSE members have been providing weekly assistance to struggling readers in kindergarten and first grade. Our members report they’ve had a wonderful experience getting to know the children and helping the teachers. This opportunity is organized by RSVP Reads, a federal program that’s sponsored locally by Community Renewal Team. Here's how the program describes itself: “READS volunteers partner with students, providing reading guidance and support to students just below grade level for one hour per week from October-May of each school year. No previous professional educational background is required. RSVP READs tutors make reading interesting, fun, and act as positive adult role models, all while helping students improve academically.” Does this interest you? RSVP Director Theresa Strong can be reached at 860-519-3484 or email strongt@crtct.org Or email Nancy Pappas with your questions. Meantime, please drop off backpacks in the UUSE coat room by August 22. The kids and parents are so grateful for all of the UUSE donations!