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This is the page with our minister, our director of child and youth ministries, and our music director. Our Staff Rev. Josh Pawelek Minister Josh came to us in 2002. He often expresses his gratitude for the work and love of our community, but rest assured we know exactly how lucky we are to have his leadership. A theistic Unitarian Universalist, Josh is a spiritual leader dedicated to transformative preaching, teaching, healing and social justice ministries. He lives that dedication to the greater good. The man works tirelessly for social justice for all human beings, at national, state, and local levels - plus, he participates in every level of our services, beyond preaching. He happily plays parts in children's stories, leads hymns, and supports the creativity of our whole spiritual community. Well, after all, he was a drummer in a rock band, as you will see during some services! (860) 652-8961. minister@uuse.org Emmy Galbraith Director of Children and Youth Ministry UUSE’s Committee for Children and Youth Ministry, Policy Board, and Rev. Josh Pawelek are overjoyed to announce the hiring of Emmy Galbraith as our new Director of Children and Youth Ministry (DCYM). Emmy has worked with UUSE’s Children and Youth Ministry in the past as a staff member, a volunteer and a parent. She brings to the position a wide range of work experience, great passion and enthusiasm, and a commitment both to Unitarian Universalism and to children’s spiritual development. dcym@uuse.org Mary Bopp Music Director Mary has served UUSE since 2015, after over 30 years as a professional full-time musician in New York City! An award-winning artist, Mary brings more than hymns and classical composers' music to our services. She is also an improv-magician to many, directs our choir with her unique creativity and adaptability, and brings a variety of professional artists to perform at services and more! Mary is a beloved inspiration to us all. music@uuse.org Annie Gentile Office Manager Annie Gentile joined UUSE as office administrator in 2000. She is, among other things, the friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you call weekdays and is always happy to help you with any of your questions about our church organization. 860 646-5151 uuseoffice@uuse.org Molly Vigeant Nursery Coordinator I've gone to UUSE since I was in nursery myself. I'm a special needs paraprofessional and a mom. UUSE's youth programs met my incessant curiosity with consistent open-minded love and compassion, it is my goal as nursery coordinator to be one of the people who shares their open-minded love and compassion with future generations. uusecym@uuse.org Jane Osborn Building Manger / Tech Leader Jane manages all aspects of our building maintenance, but she is also our amazing tech guru, assuring the excellent sound and visual quality of our hybrid Sunday services. On top of this, over 10 years ago, she independently founded the ever-growing Manchesters Women's Sacred Singing Circle, housed here at UUSE. As an artisan and builder, Jane has also built canoes, musical instruments, and more— come join us as we see what's next! 860 646-5151 sexton@uuse.org

< To Upcoming Services May 28, 2023 What Shared Ministry Means to Me, Part II. This is a follow-up to the service when Rev Josh preached on this topic January 8, 2023. Several members of the Sunday Services Committee will present their thoughts about how much this model means to their experience on the committee and at UUS:E. Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson, Nancy Madar OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Hands Off Rally Hands Off Rally Saturday, April 5 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the State Capitol in Hartford The Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee invites you to the Hands Off Rally. Co-sponsored by many organizations including Women's March, 50501 and others, this rally protests the current assault on our country, our Constitution, our government services and so much more. More information at https://handsoff2025.com/ If you would like to carpool, gather at UUSE at 2:30 P.M. Or contact Sid Soderholm. #eBlast-04-02 Hands Off Rally Saturday, April 5 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the State Capitol in Hartford The Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee invites you to the Hands Off Rally. Co-sponsored by many organizations including Women's March, 50501 and others, this rally protests the current assault on our country, our Constitution, our government services and so much more. More information at https://handsoff2025.com/ If you would like to carpool, gather at UUSE at 2:30 P.M. Or contact Sid Soderholm. #eBlast -04-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

04269124-ce32-47d4-ab1c-e02dbe7b3727 < Back Denominational Affairs Committee Denominational Affairs Committee : Keeps congregation informed of UUA and District programs and encourages participation. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:00:56 PM

Kirtan Music and Mantra @UUSE Heart-Centered Kirtan returns to Manchester, CT Come chant, breathe, and reconnect through the joy of kirtan. Join us in Manchester, CT, where live music, mantra singing, and community come together in a shared spiritual practice. Upcoming Dates All sessions begin at 3pm in the UUSE sanctuary: · Sunday, September 21, 2025 · Sunday, February 22, 2026 · Sunday, March 22, 2026 · Sunday, May 17, 2026 Each gathering is led by Heart-Centered Kirtan , offering a powerful and inclusive group chanting experience in Connecticut. Save the dates and come sing with us, dance, do yoga, or just soak it in. What Is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of chanting meditation rooted in Indian spiritual traditions. Through call-and-response singing of simple, repetitive mantras, participants are invited into a shared state of peace, energy, and connection. Whether you're looking for spiritual music events in CT, interested in meditative music, or simply want to try something new, kirtan offers a welcoming space for all. About Heart-Centered Kirtan Led by Libby Volckening , with Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, and Chris Ball , Heart-Centered Kirtan weaves Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras into a blend of Western musical styles. Their Unitarian Universalist kirtan gatherings are known for being grounding, joyful, and openhearted. Since 2013, they’ve led kirtan across Connecticut and New England, bringing people together through the healing power of music and mantra. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com What to Know Donation: $20 suggested (more or less is always OK—no one is turned away). All are welcome: No experience needed. Families are encouraged to attend. Scent-free space: Please avoid perfumes and essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided; bring a cushion if you prefer the floor. If you're searching for inclusive spiritual events in CT or want to explore community chanting , this is a great place to begin. < Previous Next >

Meditation Group Meditation Group - 3:30PM in the Sanctuary < Previous Next >

AA - Mondays at Noon Every Monday at Noon Times Are Listed Here Next >

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Author Event With S.J. Taylor Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 PM “The more a story is forbidden, the more it demands to be told…” New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True, a children’s fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. Twelve-year-old Madsi is searching for her older sister, who has been kidnapped by the Northern Lights. Madsi sets off on a journey to rescue her sister, joined by a very annoying neighbor boy and a magical girl who lives in the Lights. She is also the author of “The Witch of Festa Falls” in the Being Ace anthology—a short story likewise steeped in Norwegian folklore and featuring Birga, who grows up to become the village witch in Madsi the True. Ms. Taylor will read from Madsi the True and discuss her work. Copies of all her books will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to UUSE. This event is co-sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 West Vernon St., Manchester, CT #AprilNewsletter Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 PM “The more a story is forbidden, the more it demands to be told…” New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True, a children’s fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. Twelve-year-old Madsi is searching for her older sister, who has been kidnapped by the Northern Lights. Madsi sets off on a journey to rescue her sister, joined by a very annoying neighbor boy and a magical girl who lives in the Lights. She is also the author of “The Witch of Festa Falls” in the Being Ace anthology—a short story likewise steeped in Norwegian folklore and featuring Birga, who grows up to become the village witch in Madsi the True. Ms. Taylor will read from Madsi the True and discuss her work. Copies of all her books will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to UUSE. This event is co-sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 West Vernon St., Manchester, CT #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

Affinity Groups Affinity Groups < Previous Next Meeting Next >

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. < Previous Next Meeting Next >

Women’s Circle Women’s Circle with Nora Alpers-Leon Third Tuesdays at 7:00 Zoom Only December-March Contact alpers6@gmail.com for zoom link Nora describes this women’s circle as a “judgment-free comfort zone.” She invites participants to “sit, connect and share.” Bring a journal and a pen and a cushion or mat to sit on if you prefer that to a chair. Nora Mijares Alpers-Leon is an indigenous (Colombian) mother, developmental psycholinguist and educator, who has a background in dance, yoga, and mindfulness. She completed 2 bachelor and 2 master degrees and a graduate certificate between UW-Madison and UConn. She did her Yoga Teacher Training in the Berkshires, and has led mindfulness workshops and talking circles in the United States and Colombia with both adults and children. To sign up for this circle, or if you want more information, contact Nora. < Previous Contact Office for Times Next >

*OFFERED NEXT YEAR & ALTERNATE YEARS Students are advised by a mentor from our congregation as they work toward distilling their beliefs within Unitarian Universalism. The year includes a trip to the historically significant Arlington Street Church in Boston and culminates in a written credo statement presented to the congregation on Affirmation Sunday. < Back Affirmation (High School) *OFFERED NEXT YEAR & ALTERNATE YEARS Students are advised by a mentor from our congregation as they work toward distilling their beliefs within Unitarian Universalism. The year includes a trip to the historically significant Arlington Street Church in Boston and culminates in a written credo statement presented to the congregation on Affirmation Sunday. Previous Next