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The monthly C&YM column holds a trove of interesting ideas for your kids. Director's Corner Emmy's Update For Sunday September 28th Greetings CYM Families & Friends! Pictured above are some members of our Junior Youth Group, walking the UUSE grounds last week, as they will most Sundays. Here they are scooping bones (likely opossum) out of the vernal spring on the land we steward. We talked about how bones are stories. The youth connected that idea to the “CSI” television show and how scientists use bones to put together a story. Bones are used in modern science, as well as in spirituality rooted in ancient practices. We discovered that science and spirituality overlap a lot more than we might think. And our church is a place to talk about the life cycle with both lenses, like a pair of glasses. This week we will continue to settle into our 2025-2026 programming spaces. Here’s what’s happening in CYM this Sunday, September 28, 2025: NEW THIS SUNDAY : I will lead Children’s Chapel at 10:15 am on the Garden Level! Caregivers may relax with a cup of coffee or book while I bring the children through the ritual of sharing worship space, personal joys and concerns, and introducing Autumnal spiritual themes. Children’s worship is open to all ages, nursery through high school, with or without a parent, as you are comfortable. Items to loan to the autumn altar are most welcome! Nursery : Childcare will be available in our nursery at 11 AM for children age 3 and under. Sunday Service : “Imagining a Congregational Year, Part II” - Because one service on kicking off the congregational year could not possibly cover everything, Rev. Josh will continue exploring the themes he introduced in his September 14th service. Special Guest Music Leader: Andy Ricci. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek . Time For All Ages : Children and youth in grades 2-12 will attend the beginning of the Sunday service in the Sanctuary on the Main Level. The first two rows on the right are reserved for children and youth to sit together, and families are welcome to join them. After the “Time For All Ages” segment of Sunday service, children and youth will be dismissed to the Garden Level to attend further programming. Spirit Play : “Student Orientation” - Following last week’s Family Orientation, this week our Spirit Play students will attend class, leaving their caregivers at the door. The first story basket of the program year is all about a group of animals in the forest, on their first day of Spirit Play. Young UUs : “Our Congregation” - This Sunday, UUSE Music Director Mary Bopp will visit our Young UUs classroom to teach a simple hymn, “Mediation on Breathing,” which will be sung at the Ancestor’s Day service next month. After Mary’s visit, our students will put together a visual board of the leaders at UUSE using our latest picture directory. Rounding out the day may include opportunity to draw of write simple notes for our young adult care packages, or time outdoors. Jr Youth Group : “Bones and Goldenrod” - Our Junior Youth will further study their nature finds from last week, as well as prep some ethically harvested Goldenrod for next week’s project! Please send youth in footwear and clothes appropriate for walking around outside. High School Youth Group : “Care Packages and Survey Results” - High School Youth Group will meet and continue to work on care packages for young adults, as well as go over survey results for future activities. Young Adult Care Packages : Each year we collect for and put together care packages for our young adults who are moving on with their post-high-school plans. Don’t know what to donate? Ear buds, candy, snacks, cocoa, fidget toys, laundry detergent packs, microwave popcorn and other foods are just a few ideas. Or look for the flyers around the building with the care package symbol, scan the QR code and purchase something from our Amazon wish list ( https://tinyurl.com/2025CarePackages ) by November 2nd. (Donations being collected on site through November 9th.) Write a note of encouragement to any of this year’s recipients: Becky Ayers, Indigo bender, Graham Bornhorst, Logan Breen, Casey Campellone, Lilly-Rose Coleman, Mateo Garcia, Teagan Mabrysmith, Althea Nelson-Woodward, Sadie Nitzan, Max Pawelek, Molly Rourke, Jessica Slogesky and Anya Stolzman. Thank you for your support! See you Sunday! Autumn Happenings : Sept 28: @10:15am: Weekly Children’s Chapel offered between services @11am: CYM programming @11am: Spirit Play Student Orientation (helpful for all students to attend) Sat, Oct 25: Trunk-or-Treat: set-up @ 5:30pm, event runs 6-7:30pm. Open to the public Sun, Oct 26 : Ancestors’ Day Service @ 11am Sat, Nov 1: Mr. Lobster Concert @ 2pm Thurs, Nov 27*: Friendsgiving at UUSE (reach out to me to express interest and receive more details) *tentative Sun, Dec 14: Holiday Music Service @ 11am Sun, Dec 14: CYM Winter Holiday Party @ 12:30pm With Gratitude, Emmy Galbraith Director of Children & Youth Ministry dcym@uuse.org Office: (860)646-5151 Cell: (860)576-7889 CYM Committee Members: Michelle Spadaccini, co-chair Sudha, co-chair Heather Alexson, co-chair Desiree Holian-Borgnis Paula Baker Kaitlyn Guilmette Committee email: uusecym@uuse.org Angela Attardo, CYM Program Assistant CYMAsst@uuse.org Director of Children and Youth Ministry's Monthly Column for October Autumn Equinox: Abundance from Within This past February, I found myself praying, asking for clarity, a sign, for direction – on how to help myself survive capitalism in a world where rent is too high, children and caregivers are underserved, and wages are at a historical low when compared to the “cost of living.” Cost of living. Disgusting concept. So there I was, shuffling oracle cards while on my weekly zoom meeting component of my yoga instructor certification training, listening to the workshop leader we had the previous weekend, reflect on our journey together. The workshop leader’s name is Michelle Johnson, a yogi and social activist out of North Carolina and author of “Wisdom of the Hive.” She was the first person who I heard talk about “Brave Space vs. Safe Space.” She drew a circle and created a container for a diverse group of people to do deep social justice and somatic healing work together. It was life changing. What a priceless gift I received. Although the workshop did actually have a price, one I struggled to justify. But the price was actually heavily discounted due to the nature of the program – an effort to bring free yoga to underserved people. So, of course there is a for-profit partner supplementing the cost as a marketing tool. I digress. Back to the story – there I was, behind on rent and my astronomical car payment for my 10-year-old car, already working 32 hours a week for a paycheck, working many additional unpaid hours to maintain strong mental health, and managing a household with three children who I always feel I’m not doing enough for. How would I generate more income to become square in this capitalistic society, and how would I do it without taking away more from my children, and my own well-being? Feeling the heat, the spark of anger, I shuffled the cards harder. Listening to Michelle reflecting on the powerful workshop, asking us all to check in about how we felt a week later. A card jumped out of my deck and onto the floor, face up. If you work with tarot or any kind of cards, then you know that we are to pay attention to a jumping card. I looked at it. “Abundance from Within.” I laughed angrily, tearing up now as I write this. Abundance from Within. That surely is NOT the answer, these cards clearly don’t understand I am grappling with how to create more output, to survive in a society which measures our value based on what we produce outwardly. I pick up the card, smugly smirking at the perceived suggestion that I must somehow find more within myself to use and give. I put the card back in the deck and continue to shuffle, directing my question more strongly now. What guidance can the universal wisdom offer me, what is the answer. How can I produce more, give out more of myself, sell my parts, in exchange to live. Michelle continues with the check-in, I’m soothed by her voice and those of my classmates. I’m reminded of the gift of being in that weekend workshop and the way I advocated and believed in my worthiness, finding a way to pay to be there, to take up space in the world and in my own life. I feel my shoulders relax, my breath slows and the hot air leaves me. I continue to shuffle and shuffle the cards until I feel moved to draw again. In a position of always monetizing my time, knowing there will always be more asked of me than I can give. Knowing I need to find peace, and clarity, wisdom and direction in that. Half my mind on my late rent, and half my mind in a spiritual practice. I pull the card. Again, I receive “Abundance from Within.” I laugh this time, and say ok, I hear you. Thank you. When it’s my turn, I share the experience with my fellow yogis and Michelle laughs too. She says, I hope it's ok to affirm that, of course you got that card. Of course, after it jumped out at you and you reshuffled, of course it stayed, speaking to you with gentle strength. Of course, when asking the universal intelligence, how do I earn more, how do I hold more to give away, how do I thrive in this system outside of me. The answer is, Abundance from Within. So moved was I by this conversation with myself and others, that I became deeply inspired, strengthening my resolve, my inner peace, and the knowing that I am on the right path, in spite of all my flailing and kicking and denial. I had a spiritual mentor once, she was devout Christian, and we connected for deeper reasons than the brand of our spirituality. She helped me through some dark times as a single mom, having been there herself. And when the world was unjust with systems not designed to support me and my family, and it felt impossible to give what the world asked of me, she said to me, “God is your employer.” Not the man or woman in a suit, not the teller at the back, or the landlord, or the grocer, or the school principal, or the psychologist, or the mother or father, the preacher, or priestess. God alone, is my employer. The only force, which I personally name and describe in infinite ways, which I must give to. And because I have learned that God comes to me through other people and through nature, that God is therefore in me, as others receive divine messages through my words and deeds, and that I am not just connected to nature, I am nature. Whatever God is or is called, lives inside me, too. Of course there is Abundance from Within. And, of course, it is way more complex than what I put out or take in. And of course, I can find my way through this universal truth I was offered. As the wheel turns and the veil thins, May we remember what we harvest was once a prayer And what we release becomes the seed. Emmy Galbraith (she/her/hers) Director of Children and Youth Ministry #OctoberNewsletter

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Reverend Josh Pawelek's monthly column, a message of meaning and hope. Minister's Column for October Rev. Josh Pawelek Minister I am a theistic Unitarian Universalist; an aspiring antiracist, feminist, queer ally; a liberal, suburban American minister practicing a modern version of New England’s old “congregational way;” a loving husband and father; and a spiritual leader dedicated to transformative preaching, teaching, healing and social justice ministries. Serving as the parish minister of UUSE has blessed my life in many ways. Most importantly, UUSE has allowed me—and continues to allow me—to serve as a spiritual leader striving to provide excellence in ministry. I am deeply grateful. Dear Ones: “How do I engage in constructive dialogue with people who think, feel, believe and act radically differently than I do?” Do you recognize this question? Does it resonate? I ask because I hear it frequently. I hear it from members and friends of UUSE. I hear it from family members. I hear it from colleagues. I hear it from neighbors. People often come to me with some form of this question, hoping that as a pastor I might have some insight to impart. It’s a particularly poignant question these days. As I write these words in late September, the nation is reeling from recent political violence, and witnessing a marked uptick in violent rhetoric towards vulnerable communities. Somehow, we have to be able to talk to each other across all that divides us. Confession: I don’t have a lot of experience bridging divides with people who think, feel, believe and act radically differently from me. I understand very clearly that the people who participate in our congregation more or less agree when it comes to politics, society and culture. This is true of my family and friends as well—more or less. This is true of the people I engage with in the wider community and my larger community of UU ministerial colleagues. This is certainly true of my social media community. I live in a bubble. I don’t have significant interaction with people who think, feel, believe and act radically differently from me. With that caveat, I have a few thoughts. First, I am convinced that the vast majority of human beings want the same basic things in life: clean water, healthy food, reliable shelter, affordable health care, decent education, meaningful work, a living wage, freedom, safety, dignity, self-expression, acceptance, belonging, etc. When I encounter polarization, when I encounter vast differences of opinion, when I encounter anger and vague (and not-so-vague) threats of violence, I take a breath and remind myself that somewhere deep inside, the people who seem so far from me in their views, actually want the same things I want for myself and those whom I love. Second, I recently read Liberated to the Bone by the writer, healer and cultural worker, Susan Raffo. I was struck by her chapter on the similarities between love and hate—how they can feel very much the same. I plan to say more about this in my October 19th sermon. For now, let me propose that our bodies (and our collective body) may be confused about what it means to hate and what it means to love. Moving beyond this confusion may aid our attempts at dialogue in the midst of polarization. Maybe. Finally, our October ministry theme is cultivating compassion. I am not sure what it will take to enter into constructive dialogue with people who think, feel, believe and act radically differently than we do, but I am sure that such dialogue is impossible without cultivating compassion. Somehow, we human beings have to find it in ourselves to feel compassion for those who sit across the political, religious and cultural divides from us, even if those who sit across from us don’t seem interested in treating us with the same compassion. I know that for some this is, for good reason—for reasons of safety—a non-starter. I know to some I must sound amazingly naïve. Well, so be it. If there is to be constructive dialogue, it begins with compassion. Amen. Blessed be. Rev. Josh #OctoberNewsletter

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. October Newsletter Website Edition Sign up here to receive the full newsletter by email Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Sunday Services Schedule ------------------------------ October Ministry Theme: Cultivating Compassion 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, September 28th: Imagining a Congregational Year: Part II. Because one service on kicking off the congregational year could not possibly cover everything, Rev. Josh will continue exploring the themes he introduced in his September 14th service. Special Guest Music Leader: Andy Ricci. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, October 5th: How do You Cultivate Compassion? Cultivating compassion can take many forms. Whether given or received, for yourself or for others, compassion helps us grow spiritually and enriches our lives. Join us to hear our reflections on cultivating compassion. Sunday, October 12th: Finding My Way Out of the Darkness. This morning, we welcome award-winning author Tony Ferraiolo to our pulpit. In conversation with Rev. Josh, Tony will discuss themes in his recent book, “Finding My Way Out of the Darkness: How I Found Love and Acceptance.” Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, October 19th: Who knew Love and Hatred Feel So Much Alike? Diving into our October ministry theme, “cultivating compassion,” Rev. Josh examines the ways we regard our fellow humans across the various divisions in society. Even when we disagree vehemently, how do we honor the humanity of the other? This sermon was purchased by Bill Coleman at the 2024 goods and services auction. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, October 25th: Ancestor Day. All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved-one or Ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lesson do you take from their life? Together we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors’ lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, November 2nd : On Gratitude. As the familiar hymn states, “For all that is our life, we give our thanks and praise!” The season of Thanksgiving is upon us. We begin reflecting on our November ministry theme of “gratitude.” We are also joined in worship by Sharon Gunderson, Anhared Stowe and Ryan Ford who will be playing J.S. Bach’s “Double Concerto in D Minor.” Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Mary Bopp. ------------------------------ Community Outreach Ministry Charitable Giving for October As always, thank you for your generosity. We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves, but to share with the larger community. Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month will be shared with: MARC, Inc. UR Community Cares. (new)  Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org , David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at n uuseoffice@uuse.org . Make checks out to UUSE. If the memo line: ✓ is blank or “pledge” - all will go toward your pledge. ✓ has “COM” or the name of the charity - all will go to the charity. ✓ has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM” - it will be divided equally. ------------------------------ 2025/2026 Ministry Themes September : Building Belonging October : Cultivating Compassion November: Nurturing Gratitude December : Choosing Hope January : Practicing Resistance February : Embodying Resilience March : Paying Attention April : Embracing Possibility May : Awakening Curiosity June : Flourishing Together ------------------------------ Minister's Column Dear Ones: “How do I engage in constructive dialogue with people who think, feel, believe and act radically differently than I do?” Do you recognize this question? Does it resonate? I ask because I hear it frequently. I hear it from members and friends of UUSE. I hear it from family members. I hear it from colleagues. I hear it from neighbors. People often come to me with some form of this question, hoping that as a pastor I might have some insight to impart. It’s a particularly poignant question these days. As I write these words in late September, the nation is reeling from recent political violence, and witnessing a marked uptick in violent rhetoric towards vulnerable communities. Somehow, we have to be able to talk to each other across all that divides us. Confession: I don’t have a lot of experience bridging divides with people who think, feel, believe and act radically differently from me. I understand very clearly that the people who participate in our congregation more or less agree when it comes to politics, society and culture. This is true of my family and friends as well—more or less. This is true of the people I engage with in the wider community and my larger community of UU ministerial colleagues. This is certainly true of my social media community. I live in a bubble. I don’t have significant interaction with people who think, feel, believe and act radically differently from me. With that caveat, I have a few thoughts. First, I am convinced that the vast majority of human beings want the same basic things in life: clean water, healthy food, reliable shelter, affordable health care, decent education, meaningful work, a living wage, freedom, safety, dignity, self-expression, acceptance, belonging, etc. When I encounter polarization, when I encounter vast differences of opinion, when I encounter anger and vague (and not-so-vague) threats of violence, I take a breath and remind myself that somewhere deep inside, the people who seem so far from me in their views, actually want the same things I want for myself and those whom I love. Second, I recently read Liberated to the Bone by the writer, healer and cultural worker, Susan Raffo. I was struck by her chapter on the similarities between love and hate—how they can feel very much the same. I plan to say more about this in my October 19th sermon. For now, let me propose that our bodies (and our collective body) may be confused about what it means to hate and what it means to love. Moving beyond this confusion may aid our attempts at dialogue in the midst of polarization. Maybe. Finally, our October ministry theme is cultivating compassion. I am not sure what it will take to enter into constructive dialogue with people who think, feel, believe and act radically differently than we do, but I am sure that such dialogue is impossible without cultivating compassion. Somehow, we human beings have to find it in ourselves to feel compassion for those who sit across the political, religious and cultural divides from us, even if those who sit across from us don’t seem interested in treating us with the same compassion. I know that for some this is, for good reason—for reasons of safety—a non-starter. I know to some I must sound amazingly naïve. Well, so be it. If there is to be constructive dialogue, it begins with compassion. Amen. Blessed be. Rev. Josh ------------------------------ Director of Children & Youth Ministry Column Autumn Equinox: Abundance from Within This past February, I found myself praying, asking for clarity, a sign, for direction – on how to help myself survive capitalism in a world where rent is too high, children and caregivers are underserved, and wages are at a historical low when compared to the “cost of living.” Cost of living. Disgusting concept. So there I was, shuffling oracle cards while on my weekly zoom meeting component of my yoga instructor certification training, listening to the workshop leader we had the previous weekend, reflect on our journey together. The workshop leader’s name is Michelle Johnson, a yogi and social activist out of North Carolina and author of “Wisdom of the Hive.” She was the first person who I heard talk about “Brave Space vs. Safe Space.” She drew a circle and created a container for a diverse group of people to do deep social justice and somatic healing work together. It was life changing. What a priceless gift I received. Although the workshop did actually have a price, one I struggled to justify. But the price was actually heavily discounted due to the nature of the program – an effort to bring free yoga to underserved people. So, of course there is a for-profit partner supplementing the cost as a marketing tool. I digress. Back to the story – there I was, behind on rent and my astronomical car payment for my 10-year-old car, already working 32 hours a week for a paycheck, working many additional unpaid hours to maintain strong mental health, and managing a household with three children who I always feel I’m not doing enough for. How would I generate more income to become square in this capitalistic society, and how would I do it without taking away more from my children, and my own well-being? Feeling the heat, the spark of anger, I shuffled the cards harder. Listening to Michelle reflecting on the powerful workshop, asking us all to check in about how we felt a week later. A card jumped out of my deck and onto the floor, face up. If you work with tarot or any kind of cards, then you know that we are to pay attention to a jumping card. I looked at it. “Abundance from Within.” I laughed angrily, tearing up now as I write this. Abundance from Within. That surely is NOT the answer, these cards clearly don’t understand I am grappling with how to create more output, to survive in a society which measures our value based on what we produce outwardly. I pick up the card, smugly smirking at the perceived suggestion that I must somehow find more within myself to use and give. I put the card back in the deck and continue to shuffle, directing my question more strongly now. What guidance can the universal wisdom offer me, what is the answer. How can I produce more, give out more of myself, sell my parts, in exchange to live. Michelle continues with the check-in, I’m soothed by her voice and those of my classmates. I’m reminded of the gift of being in that weekend workshop and the way I advocated and believed in my worthiness, finding a way to pay to be there, to take up space in the world and in my own life. I feel my shoulders relax, my breath slows and the hot air leaves me. I continue to shuffle and shuffle the cards until I feel moved to draw again. In a position of always monetizing my time, knowing there will always be more asked of me than I can give. Knowing I need to find peace, and clarity, wisdom and direction in that. Half my mind on my late rent, and half my mind in a spiritual practice. I pull the card. Again, I receive “Abundance from Within.” I laugh this time, and say ok, I hear you. Thank you. When it’s my turn, I share the experience with my fellow yogis and Michelle laughs too. She says, I hope it's ok to affirm that, of course you got that card. Of course, after it jumped out at you and you reshuffled, of course it stayed, speaking to you with gentle strength. Of course, when asking the universal intelligence, how do I earn more, how do I hold more to give away, how do I thrive in this system outside of me. The answer is, Abundance from Within. So moved was I by this conversation with myself and others, that I became deeply inspired, strengthening my resolve, my inner peace, and the knowing that I am on the right path, in spite of all my flailing and kicking and denial. I had a spiritual mentor once, she was devout Christian, and we connected for deeper reasons than the brand of our spirituality. She helped me through some dark times as a single mom, having been there herself. And when the world was unjust with systems not designed to support me and my family, and it felt impossible to give what the world asked of me, she said to me, “God is your employer.” Not the man or woman in a suit, not the teller at the back, or the landlord, or the grocer, or the school principal, or the psychologist, or the mother or father, the preacher, or priestess. God alone, is my employer. The only force, which I personally name and describe in infinite ways, which I must give to. And because I have learned that God comes to me through other people and through nature, that God is therefore in me, as others receive divine messages through my words and deeds, and that I am not just connected to nature, I am nature. Whatever God is or is called, lives inside me, too. Of course there is Abundance from Within. And, of course, it is way more complex than what I put out or take in. And of course, I can find my way through this universal truth I was offered. As the wheel turns and the veil thins, May we remember what we harvest was once a prayer And what we release becomes the seed. Emmy Galbraith (she/her/hers) Director of Children and Youth Ministry ------------------------------ Upcoming Events ------------------------------ Tret Fure Concert Sunday, October 5th, at 3:00 PM Tret Fure, an iconic singer-songwriter whose career spans more than fifty years, is coming to UUSE with her critically acclaimed 18th album, Lavender Moonshine (2023). From her early days touring with Spencer Davis to her foundational role in the women’s music movement, Fure has been celebrated for heartfelt storytelling, courageous lyricism, and masterful musicianship. With a career forged both in the spotlight and behind the scenes—as performer, producer, engineer, and mentor—Fure has shaped the sound of folk and women’s music for decades. Her songs tell deep truths with a rare blend of empathy, insight, and artistry. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music that will inspire, move, and connect us all. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street W, Manchester CT, 06042 - $20 freewill donation. ------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------ Healing Singing Bowls & Gongs Sound Bath October 12th, 3 pm Join us for a relaxing meditative session using Himalayan singing bowls & gongs played by Reiki Master Priscilla Gale. As the sweet vibration of the bowls envelops the room, their calming song enters the body in targeted ways to balance, heal, restore feelings of well-being, reduce pain, and release tension and stress. The music will also provide feelings of peace, joy, confidence, more energy, and clarity of thought. Reflect, Refresh, Rejuvenate & Renew This concert will be held on October 12, 3 pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Society East, located at 153 Vernon Street West in Manchester. Suggested donation is $20, but no one will be turned away. ------------------------------ One-Day Course: Mental Health First Aid Thursday, November 6th, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Presented by the National Council for Mental Wellness. Sponsored by the UUSE Emergency Response Taskforce UUSE’s Emergency Response Taskforce is offering a one-day course entitled Mental Health First Aid, Thursday November 6, 9am to 5pm. The course is presented by the National Council for Mental Wellness. Register with Annie Gentile in the UUSE office. Certificates will be issued to those successfully completing the course. During these stressful times we all are experiencing heightened anxiety. Psychologists define mental health as being relatively free from anxiety and disabling symptoms that can create difficulty in effectively meeting the ordinary demands and stresses of life. What do we say when someone quietly tells us of their suicidal thoughts? Or how should we respond if someone in a group meeting starts shouting out loudly and angrily as if intoxicated? The Mental Health First Aid course offers pathways for responding when a friend, family member, or fellow UUSE parishioner exhibits signs that their stress has overwhelmed their ability to cope normally. The National Council for Mental Wellness has offered its highly regarded “Mental Health First Aid” course across the nation. This course develops a citizen’s ability to recognize the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including people with suicidal thoughts. Participants learn how to interact with someone in an immediate mental health crisis, as well as how to connect that person with the appropriate follow-up care. All are welcome, though there is a 30-person limit. If you are interested, register with the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 to ensure your place in the class. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org or (860) 652-8961. ------------------------------ Mr Lobster Concert for Kids and Families Saturday, November 8th, at 2:00 PM Mr. Lobster (Christian Loftus) brings fun, family-friendly music to UUSE on Saturday, November 8, at 2:00 PM. Join us at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. Suggested donation: $15 for adults; kids attend free. ------------------------------ Piano Bash 2025 November 9th at 2 PM Piano lovers of all ages and levels are invited to play our two Steinway pianos in the UUSE meeting room. This is a fun, informal event. If you like to play the piano and want to perform or have questions send an email to Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org. Listeners are welcome to attend! This is a free event. ------------------------------ Come Sing, Chant, and Reconnect With Us! Save These Kirtan Dates – L ed by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee ------------------------------ Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here . ------------------------------ Coming Soon: UUSE Choir Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera-If you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals start on Wednesday, October 1st at 7:00 PM in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on December 14th. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org ------------------------------ UUSE Coffeehouse is Back! October 4th! Sign-up starts at 6 PM-- performances will start at 6:30 PM  UUSE's monthly coffeehouse opens its 25th season. Sign up starts at 6 pm -- performances will start at 6:30 pm NEW START TIME. Poets, singers, songwriters, storytellers, bagpipers, and performers of all kinds may sign up for a 10-minute or two-song slot. Non-performing audience members are warmly welcomed. We provide the coffee -- BYO food or libations. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT ------------------------------ Green Sanctuary News Are there Democrats/Liberals/Progressives in “RED” States?? Sometimes, we who live in a “blue” state on the East Coast may think that “red” states don’t have any “blue” voters. Let us remember that an organization that popped up in Nebraska, called Bold Nebraska and led by Jane Kleeb, successfully stopped the Keystone XL Pipeline! More recently, this group has worked in many other states to help stop CO2 pipelines from North Dakota, Mississippi, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, and more. For more information, go to this website. https://pipelinefighters.org/ Another YouTube video featured a speech by Justin Pearson, the young Democrat legislator from Memphis, Tennessee. His speech at a meeting of Netroots Nation in New Orleans about fighting for our climate should make everyone stand up and cheer! We hope you’ll listen. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDFSULSCYYg Our Children’s Trust Back in 2015, a group of young people, with the aid of a legal team, sued in court, saying that their future lives were in jeopardy due to the continued use of fossil fuels and the destruction of Earth’s forests and more. They have been stonewalled at the federal level since then, but at the state level, there are many extraordinary young people that are still fighting for the future. The latest case in Montana has won in the Montana State Court. Find more info at https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/ Earthjustice has had some wins lately, such as: Court Reaffirms Protections for Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, Reinstating Sustainable Farming and Agriculture Grants, a Win for Building Electrification in New York. Check out their website here https://earthjustice.org/ We thank those who came to our Climate Café on September 14th We showed ten films from 4 continents in 2 hours, exploring the artistic and human response to Climate Change. The films were produced by artists from countries around the world. The Festival was introduced by Honorary Judge Bill McKibben of Third Act. Equal Exchange Did you know the coffee we happily drink after services comes from Equal Exchange? This Fellowship Coffee Blend is ground coarse for use in percolators. Be sure to stop by our table on the 2nd Sunday of every month to get your chocolate, tea, and coffee, and know that your purchases are supporting small, sustainable farmers across the world. In Memoriam: We remember Robert Redford, who died at the age of 89 on September 16th. Not only do we remember him as a great actor and filmmaker, we especially remember his advocacy for Climate Justice issues. Thank you, Robert Redford! ------------------------------ Young Adult Care Packages The High School Youth Group will be collecting items for Care Packages now until November 9th to send to our young adults beginning the post-high school chapter of their lives. Please consider donating protein bars, soup, tea, candy, snacks, toiletries, stationery, fun items - anything that a college student or young adult just starting out might enjoy. Not sure what to buy? Please consider purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish at this link: https://tinyurl.com/UUSE-Care-Package or make a monetary donation to help with mailing costs. Can't help financially? We would welcome handwritten notes of encouragement to pass along to our young adults. Look for the bins in the lobby and on the Garden Level for the collection location. Please contact Kaitlyn Blesso at uuseoffice@uuse.org for more information. Thanks for your support! ------------------------------ The Fair! The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market (because it’s so much more than a run-of-the-mill fair). Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, 6 to 8:30 PM, Friday Night Sneak Peek: $5 Admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert.  Sat. Nov. 22, 2025, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free admission! ------------------------------ Everything at the fair is made or donated by our talented artists and craftspeople. We promote eco-friendly practices through the tag sale, vintage jewelry, and book shops. Desserts and refreshments will be available, too. You’ll find a gift for everyone on your list. The fair is our biggest fundraiser and is especially important because a large portion of the funds raised come from the public and not from our pockets. So be sure to advertise far and wide! Tell everyone you know! How to Help 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. Don’t bring anything to UUSE until fair week or if we specifically ask! There is no storage space…The ONLY thing we will take now is jewelry. If you have questions about what to donate AND to let them know about what is on its way contact our wonderful people who have stepped up to chair a booth! Used/Vintage Items Jewelry: Peggy Webbe (uuseoffice@uuse.org) for fine jewelry and Jacquie Heintz (uuseoffice@uuse.org) for costume Books: Sande Hartdagen (uuseoffice@uuse.org) and Marcie Brown (uuseoffice@uuse.org) Tag Sale Sandy Karosi and Deb Gould (uuseoffice@uuse.org, uuseoffice@uuse.org) Fabulous Finds: Lesley Schurmann (uuseoffice@uuse.org) Children’s Books, Games, Small Toys, Puzzles: Laurie Semprebon (uuseoffice@uuse.org) ------------------------------ Handcrafts & Arts Original Works of Art: Chair Needed! Handmade Holiday Crafts or Traditional Items: Louisa Graver. (uuseoffice@uuse.org) Sewn & Knitted Items: Phil Sawyer (uuseoffice@uuse.org) for knitting or Carol Marion (uuseoffice@uuse.org) for sewn Justice Table: Chair Needed! Woodworking: Bill Graver (uuseoffice@uuse.org) Silent Auction: Mary Ellen Vigeant (uuseoffice@uuse.org)  Baked Goods and Anything Food-Related Jennifer Klee (uuseoffice@uuse.org) Watch the eblast for: Upcoming workshops to help make items to sell. It’s fun creating together. All skill levels welcome, all supplied will be provided! Specific items that you have that our craftspeople could use, like canning jars or craft supplies or freezer space Volunteering time to help set up, work at the fair itself, clean up Volunteer Opportunities Needed NOW The Gallery, our fine arts offerings, needs a chair. Don’t worry, you don’t have to make everything, we need a leader to set up and coordinate it. Coordinate lunch for the fair workers (easy! order take out and set it up) After Fair Party Coordinator (find and reserve a fun venue) The Justice Table, where we show all the ways we live our values, needs a chair to work with Desiree. When in doubt, email Fair Chair Desiree at fair@uuse.org to offer your time or your stuff. ------------------------------ BOOKS for the FAIR!! It's time to put aside all the books you're willing to part with to help make our Holiday Fair a success. Books may be brought to the Meetinghouse after the second service on Sunday, November 16th through Wednesday, November 19th. Please no textbooks, encyclopedia/reference books, or moldy deteriorated books. Questions? Contact Sande Hartdagen or Marcie Brown ------------------------------ Ongoing Groups, Activities, and Fun ------------------------------ Book Cart Volunteers Needed! Drop by the book cart to take or leave a book, or talk about books with our friendly volunteers. The book cart is in the lobby each Sunday during the summer months, after the 10:00 am service ------------------------------ Ladies at Lunch Siam, 45 Welles Street, Glastonbury, is where we will meet for lunch in October. Date and time: Friday, October 10th, at noon. Join us if you can ~ all are welcome. If you will attend please let Sharon Huber know by Thursday afternoon, October 9th. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151. ------------------------------ Romeos for Lunch Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meet at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for lunch and conversation at various local restaurants. If you are retired or simply have free time, feel welcome to participate. Contact Annie at the church office to be included on the email call list. ------------------------------ Yoga at the Meetinghouse Wednesdays at 10:00 AM 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@uuse.org . Yoga is a UUSE adult education offering. ------------------------------ 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 earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information visit Meetup . ------------------------------ Books, Classes, and Discussions Adult Religious Education ------------------------------ Book Lovers The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM . You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone. Oct. 14th: An Amerikan Family: The Shakurs and the Nation They Created by Santi Elijah Holley; discussion leader Jean Wahlstrom Nov. 11th: Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service by Michael Lewis; discussion leader Lesley Schurmann Dec. 9th: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge; discussion leader Louisa Graver ------------------------------ Buddhist Group The UUSE Buddhist Group will not meet Oct. 7. The next meeting is Nov. 4, at 7 PM on Zoom for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link. ------------------------------ 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 minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. ------------------------------ Science and Religion Discussion Group Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? Meet 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. Sept - Current Theories Around Big Bang - Steve Simon Oct - Human Evolution/ Spirituality - Andy Ricci Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. ------------------------------ God Talk A discussion group for UU theists 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores how UUs can name and experience God in meaningful, useful ways. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. ------------------------------  Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair September/October: Sue McMillen. PastoralFriends@uuse.org. ------------------------------ Help Us Spread the Word Are you on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, etc?) please promote UUSE and its events by "liking" or sharing our posts on social media. Facebook: UUSEast Instagram: uu_society_east . UUSE Happenings on Facebook is a private page for sharing things among members. You also can share events or posts in other groups on Facebook. If you have any suggestions for places to publicize events, email uuseoffice@uuse.org , the Communications/Technology Committee. ------------------------------ Newsletter Submissions Submit articles using newsletter@uuse.org or use this publicity form . Deadline for the Newsletter is the 20th of each month. ------------------------------ UUSE General Information UUSE Office Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Meetinghouse Office: 860-646-5151 Office Administrator: Annie Gentile email: uuseoffice@uuse.org Minister: Rev. Joshua Pawelek, 860-646-5151, minister@uuse.org Minister Office Hours: Tuesday 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM Director of Children & Youth Ministry: Emmy Galbraith, 860-646-5151, dcym@uuse.org President: Trisha Corey-Lisle, 805-750--3488, uuseoffice@uuse.org Newsletter Editor: Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, newsletter@uuse.org Website Coordinator: uuse.web@uuse.org UUSE Website : https://www.uuse.org ------------------------------

Social Justice is a central point of any liberal religion. Social Justice UUSE is committed to social justice in all its forms. Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA) UUSE fully supports GHIAA is all its endeavors. To find out more check the GHIAA website Conversation on CT’s Fiscal Roadblocks w/ Speaker Ritter April 8 A Conversation on CT's Fiscal Roadblocks with House Speaker Matt Ritter, joined by members of the Hartford Legislative Delegation A GHIAA and CT For All event to compel policy change on CT's path to passing a budget that invests in community needs. Tuesday, April 8, 6:00-7:30 pm Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St., Hartford ASL & Spanish interpretation provided Please register here We are grateful for the collaboration between Immanuel Congregational Church, Asylum Hill Congregational Church, GHIAA, and CT for All in organizing this event

Every year we have ten to twelve ministry themes, usually one a month. These ministry themes guide us and provide a framework for services held that month. 2025/2026 Ministry Themes September : Building Belonging October : Cultivating Compassion November: Nurturing Gratitude December : Choosing Hope January : Practicing Resistance February : Embodying Resilience March : Paying Attention April : Embracing Possibility May : Awakening Curiosity June : Flourishing Together #OctoberNewsletter

2bce9508-c92c-469d-98f0-c0e7435565f3 < Back to Newsletter undefined Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Sunday Services Schedule October Ministry Theme: Cultivating Compassion 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, September 28th: Imagining a Congregational Year: Part II. Because one service on kicking off the congregational year could not possibly cover everything, Rev. Josh will continue exploring the themes he introduced in his September 14th service. Special Guest Music Leader: Andy Ricci. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, October 5, 2025 - Updated - Sunday Service: "How Do You Cultivate Compassion?" Cultivating compassion can take many forms. Whether given or received, for yourself or for others, compassion helps us grow spiritually and enriches our lives. Join us to hear our reflections on cultivating compassion. We also welcome Tret Fure as our special guest speaker and musician to the service. #eBlast -10-01 "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 12, 2025 - Updated #eBlast -10-08 "Who Knew Love and Hatred Feel So Much Alike?" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 19, 2025 Diving into our October ministry theme, “cultivating compassion,” Rev. Josh examines the ways we regard our fellow humans across the various divisions in society. Even when we disagree vehemently, how do we honor the humanity of the other? This sermon was purchased by Bill Coleman at the 2024 goods and services auction. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. - Updated #eBlast -10-15 Sunday, October 25th: Ancestor Day. All Congregation Worship! Bring a memento of a deceased loved-one or Ancestor to place on our altar of remembrance. What lesson do you take from their life? Together we will share the ongoing power of our ancestors’ lives in our collective life. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, November 2nd : On Gratitude. As the familiar hymn states, “For all that is our life, we give our thanks and praise!” The season of Thanksgiving is upon us. We begin reflecting on our November ministry theme of “gratitude.” We are also joined in worship by Sharon Gunderson, Anhared Stowe and Ryan Ford who will be playing J.S. Bach’s “Double Concerto in D Minor.” Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Mary Bopp. Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

The Pastoral Friends are a caring group of individuals that can help in times of need. Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee offers help for those in need and gives support in times of stress. Whether it's providing transportation, visiting to offer comfort and encouragement, delivering meals, helping obtain medical equipment, or organizing help with pets or other household responsibilities in times of crisis, Pastoral Friends is here to help. Pastoral Friends Rotating Chair 2024-25 Use this email address to contact the current chairperson - pastoralfriends@uuse.org September/October: Sue McMillen. PastoralFriends@uuse.org. #OctoberNewsletter

Yes, please, donate your money, but also donate your time and experiences. Giving Giving includes many aspects of congregational life: fellowship, time, and talents, as well as treasure, as you see throughout this site. Here are some ways we offer treasure to both UUSE and the greater community. Donate At UUSE, we encourage a culture of giving. Every gift makes an incredible difference to our incredible church, to the people of Manchester and the surrounding towns, and to our work in the world. Give a single gift online or in person, and you can even set up recurring donations. We are so grateful for your commitment and generosity. Donate Directly to UUSE Donate to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Emergency Response Fund for Ukraine and Haiti Community Outreach Ministry Charitable Giving Charitable Giving for October As always, thank you for your generosity. We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves, but to share with the larger community. Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community beyond our walls, fifty percent of our Sunday plate collections for the month will be shared with: MARC, Inc. UR Community Cares. (new)  Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org , David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at n uuseoffice@uuse.org . Make checks out to UUSE. If the memo line: ✓ is blank or “pledge” - all will go toward your pledge. ✓ has “COM” or the name of the charity - all will go to the charity. ✓ has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM” - it will be divided equally. #OctoberNewsletter Stewardship We think it is taking care of things that matter: the earth, our families and friends, the marginalized and historically oppressed. Closer to home, it means taking care of our spiritual home, Unitarian Universalist Society East. This is where we make the connections that matter. We are mindful of the many generous gifts of time, talent and treasure that support and sustain our mission. We come together to celebrate and to do the important work that makes the world a better place. We come to rejuvenate our senses, to create a holy space, and to strengthen our resolve. Each March we conduct our Annual Appeal that raises funds for the continued operation of our Meetinghouse and its many programs. We also encourage newcomers, members and friends, to make pledges throughout the year. We hope you will join us in this spirit of generosity. Annual Appeal Link The 2024-25 Stewardship Committee – Louisa Graver, Jean Knapp, Larry Lunden, Phil Sawyer, Stan McMillen, and Patricia Wildes Legacy Giving Program The Legacy Giving Program was initiated as part of the Unitarian Universalist Society East (UUSE) 50th anniversary celebration with the goal of significantly expanding the UUSE General Endowment Fund. A larger Endowment Fund (e.g. $4 million by 2035) will enable using a portion of the income to fund special activities. Legacy Bequest A legacy bequest is a gift of personal property or financial assets made through the provisions of a will, a trust, or as a beneficiary of a retirement plan. It is generally the largest gift a member will give to their church and can be based on a fixed amount or on a percent of the remaining balance of a member’s estate. Legacy bequests are revocable, which means that if your circumstances change over time, you can change your will or your retirement plan beneficiary. If you want to make or change a legacy bequest please contact the UUSE office. Gift and Endowment Policies Link to Gift Policy Link to Endowment Policy

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. eBlast for October 15th Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone : 860.646.5151 Sign up here to receive the full eBlast by email Weekly News October 15, 2025 ------------------------------ Welcome to Unitarian Universalist Society East Email our office t o receive a visitor packet or to find out more. We schedule several newcomer events throughout the year after Sunday services. ------------------------------ Sunday Service: "Who Knew Love and Hatred Feel So Much Alike?" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 19, 2025 Gathering music starts at 8:50 and 10:50 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In Case You Missed It Click here for a Youtube link to the 10/12/25 service, "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness." ------------------------------ CYM News CYM is thriving and caregivers are doing a fantastic job teaching classes, but we need more support in our "Young UUs" class (grades 2-5)! This class is learning all about their Unitarian Universalist identity through discussion, games, music, movement, art and time outdoors. We are looking for an assistant teacher on the following Sundays: Oct. 19, Nov. 2, 23 & 30, and Dec. 7 & 21 . Lessons are all planned and prepped, and a lead teacher will guide you in the classroom. Please reach out to DCYM Emmy Galbraith at dcym@uuse.org to sign up for a classroom date! We all thank you! Are you a retired special education (or other) teacher? Or looking for meaningful ways to plug into the community? CYM is building a team of support for a 5-year-old in our congregation with an intellectual disability, who needs one-on-one support in the Spirit Play classroom this year. We have a few high school youth on the team, and we are looking for a few adults as well. Team members would take turns as their schedules allow. (Sitting on the floor is not required; team members would be offered a chair.) Please reach out to DCYM Emmy Galbraith at dcym@uuse.org to express interest in joining the team! ------------------------------ Artisan Holiday Market (Yes, the Fair!) News Renew, Reuse, Recycle! An important part of the fair is our "Renew, Reuse, Recycle aka Vintage" booths--the Tag Sale, Fabulous Finds, Jewelry, Book Shop and Children's Room. It's time to start dusting off your no-longer-loved items to give them new life for the fair. Jewelry : You can donate costume jewelry, vintage jewelry and fine jewelry. Please put costume jewelry in a bag or box marked "Fair Jewelry" and leave it in the UUSE coat room. Fine jewelry (gold, silver, precious or semi-precious stones) should be left in the office with Annie. Contact Peggy Webbe ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) with questions. This is the only area that will take donations NOW. Items to get ready to drop off Nov. 16 - 19: Books : Hardcover and "Trade Paperbacks" preferred. Be kind! Sort and dust your books before you drop them off. If they're in bad shape, throw them out at home. Please no textbooks, encyclopedia/reference books or moldy deteriorated books. Contact Sande Hartdagen ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) and Marcie Brown ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ). Tag Sale : Don't use it anymore? 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 ( uuseoffice@uuse.org , uuseoffice@uuse.org ) for tag sale and Lesley Schurmann for Fabulous Finds ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ). Children's Books, Games, Small Toys Puzzles : The kids love to shop for treasures. Contact Laurie Semprebon ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ). And go ahead and share the dates of our fair with everyone you know. Use the flyer below to email, text and post! ------------------------------ Auction Team Needs You! Would you like to engage with a vibrant and fun group to plan and run our annual Auction? Consider joining our team. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7 P.M. via Zoom during September, October, November, December and January. We will have a pasta sauce contest (Get Saucy!) and live Auction event on Saturday, January 31 (snow date February 14) 2026. Send your resume (just kidding) to auction@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Friendsgiving! Interested in joining a Friendsgiving on the American Thanksgiving Holiday (Thursday, November 27 ) at UUSE? Emmy is gauging interest in gathering as a group to share a meal, redefine the holiday, and be in community. Whether blood family is far by miles or by the heart, a Friendsgiving may be a healing approach to the holiday. Friends of UUSE folks would be welcome to join. Please reach out to Emmy Galbraith at dcym@uuse.org to express interest or ask any questions. ------------------------------ Crafts & Kids Do you enjoy doing crafts? Working with kids? Peggy Gagne is organizing crafts activities for children who live in Squire Village, an affordable housing complex off Silver Lane in Manchester. This is an extension of our partnerships with Verplanck School and PowerUp. She's planning activities on October 20 at 4:00 P.M. (4th grade). She needs at least two adults to help . She'll have the plans and supplies. You just need to show up! Please contact uuseoffice@uuse.org . And thank you! ------------------------------ GHIAA House Meetings! Concerned about immigrant rights and protections? Affordable housing? The impact of our state's inequitable fiscal policies? Join a GHIAA House Meeting in October and November and share your stories. Each of the house meetings is issue specific. You are welcome to attend more than one. For details, including dates & locations, and to sign up, click here . ------------------------------ Wendell Potter and Midas Insurance Forum and Screening Wednesday, October 15th at 6:00 P.M. at the CT Legislative Office Building, Room 2E Every day, health insurance companies make billions of dollars for executives and shareholders by denying people care. Join us for a screening of Midas, an electrifying movie about a group of young people who take on the broken health care system. This will be followed by a panel discussion with national and state leaders, including national health insurance reformer Wendell Potter, Midas filmmaker TJ Noel-Sullivan , Senator Saud Anwar , and Senator Matt Lesser. Moderated by Rose Ferraro . Click here to register. ------------------------------ The State of Transgender Rights Friday, October 17th at 7:00 P.M. Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St, Hartford (corner of Farmington Ave. and Woodland St.) All are welcome to an evening with Jennifer Levi, Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights, GLAD Law for a lecture on the state of transgender rights. Jennifer Levi is the Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights and a nationally recognized expert on transgender legal issues. Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD LAW) works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identify and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation. Join us! ------------------------------ Carpool to No Kings Hartford Saturday, October 18th What: No Kings Rallies When: Saturday, October 18 , 12:00 to 2:00 P.M> and 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. Where: CT State Capitol, north steps and lawn Who: Sponsored by CT Shoreline Indivisible, Orange Indivisible, Orange Indivisible, and 50501 How: Meet in the UUSE parking lot at 11:00 A.M. on October 18 to form carpool groups. Groups will leave at 11:20 for the rally. Carpool groups will each decide how long they plan to stay. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org for information. Register for rally details : NO KINGS 2 Hartford 12-2P and NO KINGS Hartford 2-5P . ------------------------------ Sitting in Silence Together Monday, October 20th at 3:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room Join the UUSE Buddhist Group for in-person meditation at 3:00 P.M. Monday, October 20th , in the Meeting Room. At a recent service, Rev. Josh talked about how rare it is to be quiet together with other people--and how it is beneficial for us. Here's your chance. There'll be some instruction, then we'll sit. We may do some optional walking meditation. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions: uuseoffice@uuse.org ------------------------------ Book Drive for Immigrant Families Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. at UUSE "Books and Blankets," a new Connecticut-based nonprofit, will visit UUSE on Thursday evening, October 23rd at 5:00 P.M. They are collecting children's books and blankets to bring to families living in detention along the US southern border. Learn more here . Join us on the 23rd at 5:00 P.M. to hear more about this exciting project. Children's books and blankets welcome! Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at uuseoffice@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Death Cafe Tuesday, October 28th at 1:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, October 28th from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Death Cafe is a global movement with a simple goal: to provide participants in any stage of life with an opportunity for an open-ended discussion about death and dying. There is no formal agenda, but there is tea, cake, and a comfortable place to discuss this issue that will touch all of us at some point in our lives. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . ------------------------------ Coffeehouse & Open Mic Saturday, November 1st Join us on the first Saturday of each month, October through May, for an evening of music, poetry, stories and community! Bring your own songs, poems, stories, or any creative offering--or simply come enjoy the warm, supportive atmosphere as part of our appreciative audience. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 P.M., and performances start at 6:30 P.M. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends -- we'll provide the coffee! ------------------------------ Intro to UU Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. in the Garden Level Chapel Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and UUSE? Please attend our Intro to UU. This informative seminar will include a brief history and background of our theology, UUSE's mission, programs and facilities, an opportunity to meet others interested in UUism, and a sharing of stories about what brings us together. To register, contact Annie Gentile at (860) 871-0010 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, October 30th and let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu or Janet Dauphin a t membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . ------------------------------ TAG SALE! The Artisan Holiday Market will be here before we know it, and so is the best tag sale east of the Connecticut River! Your household goods, sports equipment, electronics and holiday decorations are needed to make this year's Artisan Holiday Market Tag Sale another rousing success! A reminder: Please no clothes or textiles. Electronics must be in good working condition. Note that we cannot accept knives. And we're sorry, but your old Christmas lights from 1972 just won't sell. Lastly, please be sure your items are clean and presentable. So, start organizing your donations now and stay tuned for drop off dates and times in November. Contact Sandy Karos i ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) or Deb Gould ( uuseoffice@uuse.org ) with any questions. ------------------------------ Young Adult Care Packages Collection runs through November 9 Each year we collect for and put together care packages for our young adults who are moving on with their post-high-school plans. Don't know what to donate? Ear buds, candy, snacks, cocoa, fidget toys, laundry detergent packs, microwave popcorn and other foods are just a few ideas. Or look for the flyers around the building with the care package symbol, scan the QR code and purchase something from our Amazon wish list by November 2 . Drop off your items in the bins in the coat closet upstairs or in the lobby on the Garden Level by November 9 . Write a note of encouragement to any of this year's recipients: Becky Ayers, Indigo Bender, Graham Bornhorst, Logan Breen, Casey Campellone, Lilly-Rose Coleman, Mateo Garcia, Teagan Mabrysmith, Althea Nelson-Woodard, Sadie Nitzan, Max Pawelek, Molly Rourke, Jessica Slogesky and Anya Stolzman. Thank you for your support! ------------------------------ Mental Health First Aid Thursday, November 6th, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Presented by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing UUSE's Emergency Response Taskforce is offering a one-day course entitled Mental Health First Aid to be presented by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This course develops a citizen's ability to recognize the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including people with suicidal thoughts. Participants learn how to interact with someone in an immediate mental health crisis, as well as how to connect that person with the appropriate follow-up care. All are welcome, but there is a 30-person limit. If you are interested, register with Annie in the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151 to ensure your place in the class. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org or (860) 652-8961. ------------------------------ Directories Are IN! Copies of the new UUSE Directory of Members and Friends for 2025/2026 are now available in the church lobby. Be sure to pick up a copy. (Note: Do not share directories with people outside the congregation. These are printed simply for ease in contacting one another.) Also, a couple of corrections: Please remove the Vogel's land line. Add Deb Gould to the NLDC, as she was inadvertently removed. And please remove Robin Byrne from the Membership Committee listing. We have plenty of directories available and any new printings will reflect these changes. ------------------------------ Pastoral Friends The Pastoral Friends Committee has a rotating chair throughout the year. Should you need pastoral care during the month of October , please contact Sue McMillen . ------------------------------ Ongoing Happenings at UUSE! There’s Always Something Good Going On Stop & Shop Gift Card sales after services on 1st Sundays Fair Trade Coffee/Tea/Chocolate sales after services on 2nd Sundays Yoga , every Wednesday at 10 A.M. All welcome! Manchester Women's Singing Circle , every Thursday at 7 P.M. Book Lovers , 2nd Tuesdays at 3:30 P.M. in person and on Zoom. Women's Circle , 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 P.M. (Zoom only December through March) Email Nora Alpers-Leon at uuseoffice@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Romeos , a monthly lunch for retired men on second Tuesdays - contact the UUSE office to be put on the email list. Ladies at Lunch , a monthly women's lunch typically on second Thursdays - advertised in the weekly eblasts. Buddhist Group , 1st Tuesdays at 7 P.M. God Talk , 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Humanist Group , 3rd Tuesdays at 4:30 P.M. Science and Religion Discussion Group , 4th Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. October 23 - "Evolution of Information" -- Andy Ricci ------------------------------ Our Mission  Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming, open-minded spiritual community seeking truth and meaning in its many forms. We share responsibility for building a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world. ------------------------------ UUSE Links and Information • Monthly Newsletter • Website • Previous Sunday Services • Children & Youth Ministry • Facebook • New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association uuse.org • 860-646-5151 ------------------------------

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Death Cafe Death Cafe Tuesday, October 28th at 1:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, October 28th from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Death Cafe is a global movement with a simple goal: to provide participants in any stage of life with an opportunity for an open-ended discussion about death and dying. There is no formal agenda, but there is tea, cake, and a comfortable place to discuss this issue that will touch all of us at some point in our lives. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast-10-15 Death Cafe Tuesday, October 28th at 1:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room UUSE's next Death Cafe will be held at the meeting house on Tuesday, October 28th from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Death Cafe is a global movement with a simple goal: to provide participants in any stage of life with an opportunity for an open-ended discussion about death and dying. There is no formal agenda, but there is tea, cake, and a comfortable place to discuss this issue that will touch all of us at some point in our lives. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast -10-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

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