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< To Upcoming Services Aug 13, 2023 Poetry by Our Poets. August 13: “Poetry by Our Poets.” Come hear members of our UUSE community read their poems and offer reflections on what writing and sharing poems mean to them. Coordinator(s): Marsha Howland OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled New Strategic Plan Coming! New Strategic Plan Coming! The Strategic Planning Task Force started the new year with new planning toward revised vision and mission statements for the congregation. Task Force members interviewed eight individuals to better understand community goals. Then they brainstormed future vision and mission statements and strategized ways to involve all UUSE community members in setting congregation priorities. Stay tuned for the February 15th congregation service for more information about the Strategic Planning Task Force and the work that we can all do together for drafting our new plans as a community! #eBlast-02-04 New Strategic Plan Coming! The Strategic Planning Task Force started the new year with new planning toward revised vision and mission statements for the congregation. Task Force members interviewed eight individuals to better understand community goals. Then they brainstormed future vision and mission statements and strategized ways to involve all UUSE community members in setting congregation priorities. Stay tuned for the February 15th congregation service for more information about the Strategic Planning Task Force and the work that we can all do together for drafting our new plans as a community! #eBlast -02-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled SUNDIALS: Out from the Shadows (A Cliff Pelletier Memorial Lecture) Monday, October 6th, 7 PM Expert Fred Sawyer will provide an overview of the 3,500-year history of the sundial as a scientific device -- perhaps humanity's first. Over that period, the sundial has changed in diverse ways to accommodate our evolving concept of what it means to measure time. Many varieties of sundials will be discussed and illustrated with slides and actual instruments on display. Time will be allocated for the audience to ask questions about how the various unusual and unfamiliar dials work to let us order our days. This event is in memorial honor of UUSE member Cliff Pelletier, who loved science and was very generous to UUSE. Fred Sawyer is a retired actuary and longtime member of UUSE. He graduated from Yale and the U. of Pittsburgh with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy and the History of Philosophy and Science. He is the President and editor of the North American Sundial Society and the Patron of the British Sundial Society. He is a featured speaker each year at the NASS conference in the U.S. and Canada and the BSS conference in England. He has provided the layouts for a number of sundials in Connecticut and has published nine books on Sciatherics -- the study of sundials. This event is appropriate for adults and high school students. Unitarian Universalist Society East -- 153 Vernon St. West, Vernon, CT. #OctoberNewsletter Monday, October 6th, 7 PM Expert Fred Sawyer will provide an overview of the 3,500-year history of the sundial as a scientific device -- perhaps humanity's first. Over that period, the sundial has changed in diverse ways to accommodate our evolving concept of what it means to measure time. Many varieties of sundials will be discussed and illustrated with slides and actual instruments on display. Time will be allocated for the audience to ask questions about how the various unusual and unfamiliar dials work to let us order our days. This event is in memorial honor of UUSE member Cliff Pelletier, who loved science and was very generous to UUSE. Fred Sawyer is a retired actuary and longtime member of UUSE. He graduated from Yale and the U. of Pittsburgh with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy and the History of Philosophy and Science. He is the President and editor of the North American Sundial Society and the Patron of the British Sundial Society. He is a featured speaker each year at the NASS conference in the U.S. and Canada and the BSS conference in England. He has provided the layouts for a number of sundials in Connecticut and has published nine books on Sciatherics -- the study of sundials. This event is appropriate for adults and high school students. Unitarian Universalist Society East -- 153 Vernon St. West, Vernon, CT. #OctoberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. Deck The Halls There is no Deck the Halls Scheduled for 2023. Deck The Halls is where kids and families get together to decorate the sanctuary for the holiday season, making constrution paper chains, threading popcorn, hanging lights and ornaments on the tree, singing carols and enjoying good cheer. Heading 2

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Heart of the Arts Friday, May 22nd at 7:00 P.M. UUSE will host an unforgettable evening of music and poetry featuring Christian Loftus, Manchester's own troubadour, and Nadia Sims, the town's celebrated Poet Laureate. This unique collaboration brings together two of Manchester's most gifted artists for a night of soul-stirring songs and evocative spoken word. Loftus's heartfelt melodies and rich storytelling will intertwine with Sims's powerful poetry, offering a performance that is both moving and inspiring. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Admission is free but donations to UUSE are welcome. #MayNewsletter Friday, May 22nd at 7:00 P.M. UUSE will host an unforgettable evening of music and poetry featuring Christian Loftus, Manchester's own troubadour, and Nadia Sims, the town's celebrated Poet Laureate. This unique collaboration brings together two of Manchester's most gifted artists for a night of soul-stirring songs and evocative spoken word. Loftus's heartfelt melodies and rich storytelling will intertwine with Sims's powerful poetry, offering a performance that is both moving and inspiring. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Admission is free but donations to UUSE are welcome. #MayNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 29, 2024 Sunday Service Lessons from 2024 One Service Only at 10:00AM - As we approach the new year, perhaps with apprehension, we take time today to look back with positivity at the year now ending. As has become tradition at UUSE, three people will reflect on what they learned in 2024. Speakers: Micah Baxter, Maureen Flanagan and Pat Eaton-Robb. #eBlast-12-03 Sunday, December 29, one service at 10:00 AM : Lessons from 2024 . Speakers: Micah Baxter, Maureen Flanagan, and Pat Eaton-Robb. Coordinators: Martha Larson & Ellen Williams. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Apr 13, 2025 Gracefully Amazing Sunday Service: "Gracefully Amazing" This morning we offer a multifaceted exploration of the hymn Amazing Grace. We'll experience different musical approaches to this hymn, and we'll probe its history and lyrics for spiritual guidance. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-09 Sunday Service: "Gracefully Amazing" This morning we offer a multifaceted exploration of the hymn Amazing Grace. We'll experience different musical approaches to this hymn, and we'll probe its history and lyrics for spiritual guidance. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, April 13, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -04-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Feb 25, 2024 For the Love of ... Place Guest Minister: The Rev. Alison Cornish. For each of us, there are places that hold a special place in our hearts. We love them because of what we have experienced there, or the discoveries we have made, or even the relationships we have with the more-than-human who also inhabit that place. But is it possible for us to experience love from a place as well as for it? What might that feel like? What liberation might it offer? (Rescheduled from January 7.) Coordinator: Sheila Foran #eBlast-02-21 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 27, 2023 Peace is Every Step August 27: “Peace Is Every Step.” Fred Louis, from the Unitarian Society of Hartford joins us in a lay pulpit exchange. A Viet Nam veteran, he was blessed to attend about 12 Buddhist retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh and others and he will share some of his experiences and Buddhist teachings. Fred gave this reflection in Hartford on January 29, 2023. Members of the Manchester Women's Sacred Singing Circle will provide some of the music. Coordinator(s): Martha Larson OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled How You Can Help - FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS! What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Rides, weeding, a scrapbook or pet portrait? Collectibles, sports equipment, art, or something else that needs a new home? Contact merchants for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake… all are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost, and space! Email with your luscious ideas! Join the Fun! Saucy Cook-Off 2.0 The competition is hot and heavy for the title of ‘UUSE Top Chef.’ Jump into the contest with your terrific tetrazzini or perfect pesto. Then everyone enjoys a luscious free pasta dinner prepared by UU friends who want YOUR votes! Going, going, gone!! Live Auction Snag meals in members’ homes, special activities, vacation getaways and Rev. Josh’s personalized sermon only at the meetinghouse on January 31! For the Kids No grownups allowed! Lots of low-cost items at the Kids Bid Table and ONLY children can bid! There will also be fun activities and childcare available. Raffle Baskets Committees and small groups donate delightful themed baskets. Buy tickets before/after services starting January 17. Drawing will be at the auction. To claim your theme, email auction@uuse.org . #JanuaryNewsletter What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Rides, weeding, a scrapbook or pet portrait? Collectibles, sports equipment, art, or something else that needs a new home? Contact merchants for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake… all are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost, and space! Email with your luscious ideas! Join the Fun! Saucy Cook-Off 2.0 The competition is hot and heavy for the title of ‘UUSE Top Chef.’ Jump into the contest with your terrific tetrazzini or perfect pesto. Then everyone enjoys a luscious free pasta dinner prepared by UU friends who want YOUR votes! Going, going, gone!! Live Auction Snag meals in members’ homes, special activities, vacation getaways and Rev. Josh’s personalized sermon only at the meetinghouse on January 31! For the Kids No grownups allowed! Lots of low-cost items at the Kids Bid Table and ONLY children can bid! There will also be fun activities and childcare available. Raffle Baskets Committees and small groups donate delightful themed baskets. Buy tickets before/after services starting January 17. Drawing will be at the auction. To claim your theme, email auction@uuse.org. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled The Stewardship Committee is looking for UUSE members and friends to host a potluck during the weekends of March 7 - 9 and March 14 - 16, 2025. The Stewardship Committee is looking for UUSE members and friends to host a potluck during the weekends of March 7 - 9 and March 14 - 16, 2025. Again, this year we hope that potential potluck hosts will team up to create an astounding potluck offering. We would especially welcome a potluck offering from our 'younger' members and friends. The potlucks are often dinners but could be a brunch, lunch or perhaps dessert & coffee/tea. You can steward attendees at your own potluck, or another steward will facilitate the conversation about pledging if you choose. We need to gather a list of hosts (and co-hosts) with dates and times of their potlucks by February 9, 2025. These potlucks are a way to come together in community, enjoy good food and have a deeper conversation about our connection to UUSE and our hopes and dreams for our future. We hope you will consider being a host or a team! Signups for potlucks will begin after services February 16, February 23 and March 2, 2025 when the annual Appeal officially kicks off. Please contact Stan McMillen at 860-72-8447 or uuseoffice@uuse.org to host a pledging potluck in March. THANK YOU! #eBlast-02-13 The Stewardship Committee is looking for UUSE members and friends to host a potluck during the weekends of March 7 - 9 and March 14 - 16, 2025. Again, this year we hope that potential potluck hosts will team up to create an astounding potluck offering. We would especially welcome a potluck offering from our 'younger' members and friends. The potlucks are often dinners but could be a brunch, lunch or perhaps dessert & coffee/tea. You can steward attendees at your own potluck, or another steward will facilitate the conversation about pledging if you choose. We need to gather a list of hosts (and co-hosts) with dates and times of their potlucks by February 9, 2025 . These potlucks are a way to come together in community, enjoy good food and have a deeper conversation about our connection to UUSE and our hopes and dreams for our future. We hope you will consider being a host or a team! Signups for potlucks will begin after services February 16, February 23 and March 2, 2025 when the annual Appeal officially kicks off. Please contact Stan McMillen at 860-72-8447 or uuseoffice@uuse.org to host a pledging potluck in March. THANK YOU! #eBlast -02-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 3:00-5:00PM Experience the soothing songs of Crystal Singing Bowls and float blissfully into a deep meditative state where the tumultuous stresses of everyday life are cleared, cleansed and washed away. Sound vibration is extremely effective for reducing stress and anxiety - a leading cause of diseases. Journey from sacred Root to expansive Crown in a deeply immersive, full body experience. As the vibrations from the bowls envelop the room, experience the gentle yet therapeutic and restorative gifts to receive deep rest and relaxation for cleansing awareness, bringing balance, renewed feelings of well-being along with peace, joy, confidence and clarity of thought. OOS Sermon YouTube