Affinity Groups are birds of a feather, where everyone can stick together. Affinity Groups They say birds of a feather flock together. Our affinity groups are where like-minded individuals meet on a monthly basis to discuss books, art, religion and other ideas. Contact the office for details email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Always check the Upcoming Events Calendar for up-to-date weekly information and cancelations. Book Lovers 2nd Tuesdays 3:30 to 5:30 PM 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. • September 8, 2026: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray: Published April 2024, 544 pages. Discussion leader: Sande Hartdagen • October 13, 2026: The Correspondent - A Novelby Virginia Evans: Pub. April 2025, 304 pages. Discussion leader: Carolyn Gimbrone #SeptemberNewsletter Next Meeting Buddhist Group 1st Tuesdays 7:00 PM Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month 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. Next Meeting God Talk 4th Tuesdays 4:30 PM 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. Next Meeting Humanist Group 3rd Tuesdays 4:30 PM 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. Next Meeting Pagan Group Meets Occasionally Welcoming all paths. Ceremonies include but are not limited to: Summer and Winter Solstices, Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, Beltane (May Day), Imbolc, Litha, Lughnasa, and others as inspired. Contact Rev. Josh for details. Contact Office for Times Science and Religion Discussion Group 4th Thursdays 4:30 PM Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? Meet 4th Thursdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. #SeptemberNewsletter Next Meeting Women’s Circle 3rd Tuesdays 7:00 PM Zoom Only 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. Contact Office for Times Writers Group 2nd Mondays Bi-Monthly 7:00 PM The UUSE Writers Group is on hiatus. Check Newsletter

Repeating Events AA - Mondays at Noon Every Monday Noon Small Title Next Meeting Book Lovers 2nd Tuesdays 3:30 to 5:30 PM Small Title Next Meeting Buddhist Group 1st Tuesdays 7:00 PM Small Title Next Meeting Coffeehouse & Open Mic 1st Saturdays 6:00-9:00 PM Small Title Next Meeting Fair Trade Coffee 2nd Sundays Small Title Next Meeting God Talk 4th Tuesdays 4:30 PM Small Title Next Meeting Humanist Group 3rd Tuesdays 4:30 PM Small Title Next Meeting Ladies at Lunch Alternating Thu/Fri Noon Small Title Next Meeting Manchester Women's Sacred Singing Circle Thursdays 7:00PM Small Title Next Meeting Meditation Group Silent Meditation 3rd Monday - 3:30PM Small Title Next Meeting Pagan Group Meets Occasionally Small Title Next Meeting ROMEOS 2nd Tuesdays Noon Small Title Next Meeting More...

Kirtan Music + Mantra@UUSE With Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, November 8, 3pm I always struggle to explain kirtan to someone who hasn’t experienced it yet. At its core, kirtan is a way to connect through music—to something bigger than yourself, to your own heart, and to the people around you. People come to listen and to sing back the mantras. It’s call and response, so you sing the mantra back the best you can, mispronunciations and all. Your offering may not be perfect, and you can let go of that too. A kirtan is a place to let go. All of it is welcome. All of you is welcome . While you sing (or just listen), you start to lose yourself in the music and the mantras, in the many voices that become one. People call it spiritual. People call it healing. People call it transcendent. Or they don’t call it anything. Like the spaces between the notes, the pauses between each song, there’s sweetness in the silence. Born in India centuries ago, kirtan is a practice that travels surprisingly well into a modern, overthinking, overbooked life. If you find it hard to sit and meditate, kirtan may be a doorway for you. For an hour or two, the noise in your head, the isolation, the weight you’ve been carrying—it all gets offered up into the music. And for a moment you’re free. If you’re searching for spiritual music events in CT or a form of meditative music that doesn’t ask you to sit still, come find out what kirtan is all about. About Heart Centered Kirtan Since 2013, Heart Centered Kirtan has shared its unique blend of Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras with Western musical influences throughout New England. Their kirtans are uplifting, inclusive, and always from the heart. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com . Musicians: Wali Libby Volckening (keys/vox) Dan Thomas (guitar) Zach Gregory (bass) Jimmy Robitaille (drums) All are welcome. Newcomers and experienced chanters alike. Families are welcome. Suggested donation: $30 (no one is turned away). FAQs Do I need a ticket? No ticket is required. How much does it cost? A $30 donation is suggested, but we never turn people away. We’d rather you come. How long does it last? About 90 minutes. Is parking free? Yes. Free parking is available on-site. Is there food and drink? No. Bring your own water bottle. There is a water fountain. What should I wear? Whatever is comfortable. And you can leave shoes at the door when you enter or wear them. What should I bring? Chairs are provided. If you'd rather sit on the floor, bring your own cushion or backjack . People have brought blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, and even gravity chairs. Is the space wheelchair accessible? Yes. The venue and parking are wheelchair accessible. Is this scent-free? Yes. UUSE asks that you avoid using perfumes, incense, and essential oils before attending. Can I bring kids? Yes, families are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Do I need any experience to come? No. Kirtan doesn't have beginners or experts. Everyone in the room is doing the same thing. You can sing, hum along, get up and move, or just listen. Will I have to sing? No. Sing as much or as little as you want. Some people sing every word; some dance; some sit quietly and take it in. All expressions are welcome. What if I can't pronounce the words? That's normal, and it's part of it. Nobody's listening for perfect pronunciation. Is this a religious event? Kirtan comes from India's devotional tradition, and we respect that lineage. But you don't need any belief, faith, or spiritual practice to take part. No prior background is expected or required. And no one will try to “convert” you. Music + Mantra is a welcoming, contemporary music event open to anyone. < Previous Next >

Music plays a key role in our services and in our congregational life. Music Music plays a huge part in our worship and in our community, and there's room for everyone to participate in our music programs. Many talented individuals take part in our services individually, in groups, in singing circles, and in choirs. Whether it's leading hymns, participating in choirs, playing piano or guitar, or even gifted professional musicians providing spirited musical themes, everyone can play a part. Our music director, Mary Bopp, with help from a very active music committee, plays a key role in all of the musical offerings that take place at UUSE. 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. Choir News

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Social Justice is a central point of any liberal religion. Social Justice UUSE is committed to social justice in all its forms. The Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee partners with organizations in Manchester and the greater Hartford area on a variety of racial, economic, and social justice initiatives. As a member of the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA) and the Connecticut UU Justice Ministry, we join with others across the state in efforts to address injustice. The Committee also draws on the resources and justice initiatives of the UUA. The issues we engage with are driven by the concerns of our community partners, the priorities of the coalitions of which we are a part, and the interests of our members and the broader congregation. In recent years, we have mobilized around Black Lives Matter, voter turnout, affordable housing and tenant protections, healthcare access, reform of state fiscal policy, immigrant rights, and trans rights. The Committee also engages in service initiatives. We have an active partnership (including tutoring and other supports) with one of the Manchester schools. Many UUSE members and friends are part of our Good Neighbor Teams which respond to financial and material needs of individuals and families identified by partner organizations.For additional information on the committee, to stay up-to-date on the committee’s activities, and/or to join our monthly meetings, contact the office or reach out to the co-chairs listed in the directory. #Sept-2026 Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA) UUSE fully supports GHIAA is all its endeavors. To find out more check the GHIAA website

Reverend Josh Pawelek's monthly column, a message of meaning and hope. President's Column for ${month} Trisha Corey-Lisle President Bio Here

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > T T he Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committee is one of the co-sponsors of a two-part series exploring Christian Nationalism's ascent to power in the US. It will be available in person and on zoom. Part 1: Book Discussion: "Baptizing America" moderated by Rev. Dr. David Grafton Sunday, September 27 , noon-2pm Universalist Church of West Hartford Part 2: Screening and Discussion of the documentary "Bad Faith." Sunday, Octotber 18 , noon-2 pm Temple Sinai in Newington. Register here or email uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -09-16

Reverend Josh Pawelek's monthly column, a message of meaning and hope. Minister's Column for September 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: Welcome to the 2026-2027 congregational year of the Unitarian Universalist Society East Manchester, CT – our 58th year as a congregation! (Wait?!? Didn’t we just celebrate our 50th anniversary? I guess this means we have to start thinking about an extravaganza for our 60th!) I am really looking forward to the year. As many of you have heard me say, I feel blessed to serve as minister to a congregation as healthy as UUSE. And just as importantly, I feel blessed to have work that I genuinely love: preaching, worship planning, pastoral care, teaching, collaborating with talented leaders, performing weddings, memorials and child dedications, community organizing, social and environmental justice work. I love all of it! I know why I love it. At the heart of any successful ministry lies relationship. I love the relationships I have built at UUSE and in the wider community over the years. As I contemplate the coming congregational year, I am thinking a lot about relationship-building. In the coming year, I’d like to meet one-on-one or in small groups with as many of you as possible. Whether you feel you have a strong relationship with me, or barely any relationship at all, I want to extend the invitation to meet with me. Reach out and ask for a meeting. I imagine no agenda other than getting to know each other more than we already do. I try to meet with people in this way every year, but I want to prioritize it this year. I suppose this is my response to the chaos in the world—authoritarianism, climate change, war, etc. We respond in more healthy ways to the chaos when we’re in relationship with others. Of course, when I speak of relationship-building, I’m not only referring to your relationships with me. I am also referring to your relationships with each other as members and friends of UUSE. How can you build relationships in new ways at UUSE? How can you get to know more of your congregational peers? What common ground do you share? What common work do you want to engage in? There is so much potential. I urge you to consider how you can best deepen your relationships at the meetinghouse. It will make a difference. As our friends in organized labor say, we are stronger together! I want to make one last point regarding beginning the year with a focus on relationships. I’ve been dedicating some of my summer study leave to learning as much as I can about Artificial Intelligence (AI). I have a lot to say about AI (you can expect it to show up in my preaching this year). I am, to say the least, angry and disappointed with Big Tech. I am a budding Luddite in the best sense of the word. The big AI companies promise so much, and yet very little of what is promised turns out to be real, while real human beings are losing jobs and the quality of products and services is declining rapidly. Yes, there are remarkable things AI can do, but it’s also a lot of hype, and a lot of harm. This is why relationships matter. And this is why healthy congregations aren’t going away. Healthy congregations offer real-life, flesh-and-blood, meaningful human relationships. AI will never be able to do that. Never. Welcome to our 2026-2027 congregational year. Welcome to a year of building relationships. With love, Rev. Josh #SeptemberNewsletter

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > This eight-week series will be held at This eight-week series will be held at The Spiritual Life Center at 76 Sherman Street in the West End of Hartford with Nancy Janiszewski and Donna Dellacamera. A small community of participants will be guided through spiritual exploration as they navigate the path of loss and the grieving process. The group experience will offer deep listening, compassion, and camaraderie while encouraging self-care and patience. Through the sharing of our stories, we will deepen our understanding of grief and what it asks of us. As we grow in conscious awareness of grief's movement within us, we find that awareness itself becomes a source of support and healing. Grounded in a spiritual direction model of support, this is a space of presence, not solutions, where the path toward healing unfolds at its own pace. We welcome you wherever you are on your own journey. For more information and to register, click here . #eBlast -09-16

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. September 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 September Ministry Theme: Beginnings Join us at 10 AM. The 10 AM Zoom service login and call-in information is shared through the congregational eblasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Starting September 13th, 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, August 30th: Coffee House . Join us for our annual coffee house service, at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, September 6th: Labor in the Pulpit . This Labor Day weekend we’re participating in “Labor in the Pulpit,” a program of the AFL-CIO. We’ll be joined by the president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, Ed Hawthorne. Mr. Hawthorne is a skilled organizer and speaker. We’ll have an opportunity to engage in dialogue with him about the state of the labor movement in Connecticut and nationally. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and Rob Napier. Return to two services, 9 or 11 AM. Return to two services, 9 or 11 AM. Sunday, September 13th: Homecoming . All-Congregational service. This morning we kick off our congregational year. We’ll review our covenant, principles and values. We’ll bless backpacks (briefcases, purses, bags, etc.), and we’ll celebrate with our homecoming picnic following the 11:00 service. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, September 20th: Beginnings. Our ministry theme for September is, appropriately, beginnings. Rev. Josh delivers his first sermon of the congregational year—on beginnings. Let’s look forward to a year full of spiritual growth, learning, exploration, justice-seeking, service, and beloved community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, September 27th: Building a UU Justice Movement in Connecticut! This morning we welcome the Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao into our pulpit. Rev. Gerfao is the executive director of the newly-founded CT UU Social Justice Ministry. She’ll preach on her vision for this ministry and how all of us can participate in it. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. ------------------------------ Community Outreach Ministry Charitable Giving for September 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: Manchester Latino Affairs Council SheLeadsJustice Please contact Louisa Graver at uuseoffice@uuse.org , David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at 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. ------------------------------ 2026/2027 Ministry Themes July/August: None September: Beginnings October: Courage November: Healing December: Awe January: Thresholds February: Commitment March: Balance April: Emergence May: Play June: Horizons ------------------------------ Quick Look: ------------------------------ UUSE Fall Music Lineup Saturday, Sept 19th - Contra Dance Sunday, Sept 27th - Pangea Worldbeat Saturday, Oct 3rd - Return of Coffeehouse Monday, Oct 5th - Native Flute Workshop Sunday, Oct 11th - Crystal Bowls Concert Sunday, Nov 8th - Kirtan Watch this newsletter for more details! ------------------------------ Minister's Column Dear Ones: Welcome to the 2026-2027 congregational year of the Unitarian Universalist Society East Manchester, CT – our 58th year as a congregation! (Wait?!? Didn’t we just celebrate our 50th anniversary? I guess this means we have to start thinking about an extravaganza for our 60th!) I am really looking forward to the year. As many of you have heard me say, I feel blessed to serve as minister to a congregation as healthy as UUSE. And just as importantly, I feel blessed to have work that I genuinely love: preaching, worship planning, pastoral care, teaching, collaborating with talented leaders, performing weddings, memorials and child dedications, community organizing, social and environmental justice work. I love all of it! I know why I love it. At the heart of any successful ministry lies relationship. I love the relationships I have built at UUSE and in the wider community over the years. As I contemplate the coming congregational year, I am thinking a lot about relationship-building. In the coming year, I’d like to meet one-on-one or in small groups with as many of you as possible. Whether you feel you have a strong relationship with me, or barely any relationship at all, I want to extend the invitation to meet with me. Reach out and ask for a meeting. I imagine no agenda other than getting to know each other more than we already do. I try to meet with people in this way every year, but I want to prioritize it this year. I suppose this is my response to the chaos in the world—authoritarianism, climate change, war, etc. We respond in more healthy ways to the chaos when we’re in relationship with others. Of course, when I speak of relationship-building, I’m not only referring to your relationships with me. I am also referring to your relationships with each other as members and friends of UUSE. How can you build relationships in new ways at UUSE? How can you get to know more of your congregational peers? What common ground do you share? What common work do you want to engage in? There is so much potential. I urge you to consider how you can best deepen your relationships at the meetinghouse. It will make a difference. As our friends in organized labor say, we are stronger together! I want to make one last point regarding beginning the year with a focus on relationships. I’ve been dedicating some of my summer study leave to learning as much as I can about Artificial Intelligence (AI). I have a lot to say about AI (you can expect it to show up in my preaching this year). I am, to say the least, angry and disappointed with Big Tech. I am a budding Luddite in the best sense of the word. The big AI companies promise so much, and yet very little of what is promised turns out to be real, while real human beings are losing jobs and the quality of products and services is declining rapidly. Yes, there are remarkable things AI can do, but it’s also a lot of hype, and a lot of harm. This is why relationships matter. And this is why healthy congregations aren’t going away. Healthy congregations offer real-life, flesh-and-blood, meaningful human relationships. AI will never be able to do that. Never. Welcome to our 2026-2027 congregational year. Welcome to a year of building relationships. With love, Rev. Josh ------------------------------ Green Sanctuary News September 2026 Agrivoltaics. Have you heard of this term? It’s a relatively new process integrating solar power and agriculture. Rather than having a huge acreage of valuable farmland being used just for solar panels, the agrivoltaic workers adjust the height and type of panel to work with many different crops and animals. For example, sheep love grazing under them, and appreciate the shade they provide on hot days. A higher version can be built over orchards, providing both solar power and shade for the trees. Less water is required for the trees, so it’s a win-win! Farmers on the drier and windier plains of eastern Colorado worked with a solar company to set the panels vertically, thus providing wind breaks for the wheat and other crops. There are at least two farms in Connecticut which are utilizing this technology. One is in Orange, but the other one, Mulnite Farms Inc., is nearby in East Windsor. We’ll have more about this in the future. Elders Climate Action documented some of the Agrivoltaic work done in Colorado in this movie “Save the Farm, Save the Future.” You can watch this fascinating movie here: Click here to watch . Dangerous chemicals in your yard and garden? An article in a recent Organic Consumers Association newsletter warns about the dangers of Paraquat, a commonly used herbicide. Vermont is the first state in the US to ban its use, while at least 74 countries have already banned it. Studies have shown that among other things, it can cause Parkinson’s disease. Some of the Big Ag farms use it in fields where much of our food is grown. Coming up next month: On October 18th at 2 pm, the Sustainable Living Committee will be showing “The Climate Future Film Festival” at UUSE. Some of you may remember the ones we showed last fall. Come see what’s new this year! Admission is free. Don’t forget, the Sustainable Living Committee sells Equal Exchange products on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Help support small farmers who grow sustainable products! ------------------------------ Upcoming Events ------------------------------ The Art Child The Turning of the Seasons September 18th 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 PM The Art Child, LLC presents the Turning of the Seasons, an exhibition by August exploring nature's cycles through original artwork inspired by growth, transformation, and renewal. Hosted by UUSE. For questions, please call 860-646-5151 153 West Vernon Street, Manchester, CT ------------------------------ Gender-free CONTRA DANCE Saturday,September 19, 4 - 7 PM ONLY 3 WEEKS AWAY! Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Here's your next chance to kick up your heels with all your friends in a joyous, life-affirming, beginner-friendly folk dance. Contra is danced with a partner in long lines, but you don't need to bring a partner or dance with only one. All are welcome! All ages, all experience levels. Liz Nelson, caller, with Rebecca Weiss and Friends will be an exciting combination you won't want to miss! Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. Sponsored by the Music Committee. Unitarian Universalist Society East Meetinghouse, 153 Vernon St West, Manchester, CT. For more info email contra@uuse.org , or talk to Jane Osborn and Meghan MacRae. ------------------------------ CT UU Justice Ministry Saturday, October 17, 2026 Mark your calendars! All UUs and our justice-seeking friends are invited to a first-of-its-kind annual Justice Conference hosted by the Connecticut UU Justice Ministry on Saturday, October 17th in New Haven. This conference is for everyone, whether you are a longtime organizer or brand new to taking action. There will be something for kids too, so whole families can come to this event together. Expect a chance to meet and learn from others, find inspiration and build skills. There will be engaging keynote speakers and workshops for everyone, whatever your background. ------------------------------ Pangea Worldbeat in Concert September 27, 2026 at 3PM Pangea brings their genre-bending sound to the Quiet Corner for the very first time after launching in the Nest Factory in Bridgeport, CT and quickly growing in popularity, touring from NYC to VT. This 7-member ensemble, weaves an eclectic tapestry of Caribbean, Latin, and African-infused jazz, featuring keyboard, saxophone/flute, guitars, vocals, Drum set, Conga drums, and yet more percussion. Pangea Worldbeat is a high-energy blend of Afrobeat, Space-Funk, Soul, Psyche-Rock, and Global Rhythms that will lift you out of your seat! The collective includes: Kris Studebaker, Seny Tatchol Camara, Will Diaz, Mike Rachinsky, Jeff Wickun, Georgios Giannios, and Nicholas Yost. Pangea has shared the stage with renowned ensembles such as ARMO, The Polyrhythmics, and Grammy-nominated musician Cimafunk. Admission is by free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. For more information, contact uuseoffice@uuse.org , call 860-646-5151, or visit uuse.org . Unitarian Universalist Society East, located at 153 Vernon St West, Manchester, CT. ------------------------------ Climate Future Film Festival - Chapter 2 October 18th at 2 PM The Sustainable Living Committee invites you to a free showing of The Climate Future Film Festival - Chapter 2! This new collection of 12 short films from around the world, explores the interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic and emotional. Whether or not you have seen the original, chapter 1 set of films, shown at UUSE in Sept. 2025, you will be moved by these powerful short films to renewed action to fight the causes of and mitigate the harms done by climate change. Honorary judges are four-time academy award nominee and sustainability voice, Edward Norton, and ground-breaking author and climate leader, Bill McKibben. Come early to share info and ideas. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee at UUSE. For more information, contact uuseoffice@uuse.org , call 860-646-5151, or visit uuse.org ------------------------------ Keep up to date on all UUSE happenings here . ------------------------------ Call for Volunteers The Building & Grounds committee needs help weeding perennial beds and managing invasive plants through the summer. Contact Jane Osborn or Cory Clark about joining them Thursday mornings or if another time is convenient for you. Due to heat, we start at 8:00 AM and work an hour or two. Weather permitting, we could consider Sundays after services. Any help is much appreciated! ------------------------------ Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1 to 3 PM, in Room 3, and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1 to 3 PM, in Children’s Chapel We’re having more postcarding parties! Our August gatherings were a great success—in addition to some socializing, we got 500 cards written and stamped in less than 4 hours—so UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act—Connecticut's Defending Democracy team, will be gathering again to write get-out-the-vote postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), in order to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text, and pens will be provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny, uuseoffice@uuse.org , for further information. ------------------------------ Intro to Unitarian Universalism September 27, 2026, 1 to 4 PM Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our next Intro to UU Rev. Josh Pawelek and the Membership Committee invite you to an informative seminar which will include: A brief history and background of our theology UUSE’s mission, programs, and facilities Opportunity to meet others interested in Unitarian Universalism Sharing of stories about what brings us together To register, please contact Annie Gentile at (860) 646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org . Please RSVP by Thursday, April 16th, 2026. And let us know if you need childcare. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Ounpuu or Janet Dauphin at membership@uuse.org or Rev. Josh Pawelek at 860-646-5151 or minister@uuse.org Unitarian Universalist Society East ------------------------------ The Fair is coming! The Fair is coming! The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market (because it’s so much more than a run-of-the-mill fair) will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 6 - 8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek: $5 Admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert Sat. Nov. 21, 2025, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Free Admission! 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 create and start gathering things to donate! We sell all sorts of things at the fair, from beautiful, handcrafted pieces to fabulous finds from your attic, vintage jewelry to cookies. 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 jewelry Books: Sande Hartdagen, uuseoffice@uuse.org , and Marcie Brown, uuseoffice@uuse.org Tag Sale: Sandy Karosi, uuseoffice@uuse.org , and Deb Gould, uuseoffice@uuse.org Fabulous Finds: Lesley Schurmann, uuseoffice@uuse.org Children’s Books, Games, Small Toys, Puzzles Handcrafts & Arts Original Works of Art: Chair Needed! Handmade Holiday Crafts or Traditional Items: Louisa Graver, uuseoffice@uuse.org . Co-Chair Wanted! ------------------------------ Sewn & Knitted Items: Knitting: Phil Sawyer, uuseoffice@uuse.org , Sewn items: Carol Marion, uuseoffice@uuse.org 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 Benefits of Volunteering Spending time with other awesome UUSE members and friends LOTS of time to shop! Free lunch Snacks! An afterparty to decompress after a fun, energetic weekend. A sneak peak at the fair totals! Help Needed! Email the fair if you are interested in volunteering and to get on the volunteer list. 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 Desirée. Garden Level Coordinator: Organize the team that empties out and resets the Children & Youth Ministry Rooms. Help put up signs. Tell your friends all about it! Share Facebook posts, email the flyer. When in doubt, email Fair Chair Desiree at fair@uuse.org to offer your time or your stuff. ------------------------------ Wait? What? The 2027 Goods & Services Auction Live Event Saturday, January 30, 2027 at 5 PM at the Meetinghouse ------------------------------ The Chili Cook-Off is Back! Enjoy a free, delicious chili dinner with vibrant beloved community, including beer & wine, cornbread, salad and dessert, plus pizza for those who don’t eat chili. Free! Exclusive Live Event Items Places at dinners and activities offered by members and the fabulous live auction items like Rev. Josh’s sermon will only be available at the live event. Online Silent Auction Monday, January 18, 8 AM through Friday, January 29, 2027. Details to follow. The Auction is one of our biggest fundraisers and fun family events. It’s important to our congregation. We know, it’s far away, but things get busy in the Fall . ------------------------------ How You Can Help This Summer and Fall Donate! What can you contribute to auction off at this extraordinary event? Could you teach, repair, entertain, bake? Share your talent in other ways? We’ll have the ever-popular dinners, group activities, lessons, services, and select items that need a new home. As you are out and about this summer, contact your favorite merchants to ask for donations. If you love a place, others will, too. Pick up a merchant donation letter by emailing us at auction@uuse.org . Think About Entering the Chili Cook-Off! It’s never too early to dream of your favorite chili! Who makes the best chili? Enter your tried and true family recipe or a new experiment you’ve been wanting to try. Vegan, vegetarian, and with meat—all are welcome! Bragging rights and a beautiful UUSE Chili Cook-Off Apron are up for grabs for the winners! Entry is limited, so contact auction@uuse.org ASAP to reserve your spot. Questions??? When in doubt, email uuseoffice@uuse.org or talk to any of the Auction Committee members—Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Colin Guerette, Stan McMillen & Nancy Pappas ------------------------------ Ongoing Groups, Activities, and Fun ------------------------------ UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic Will Return on October 3rd! Sign-up starts at 6 PM-- performances start at 6:30 PM 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 PM, and performances start at 6:30 PM. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends — we’ll provide the coffee! Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT ------------------------------ Ladies at Lunch Join us for lunch at Pizza Mia, 55 E. Center Street, Manchester, Thursday, September 10th. We meet at noon. All are welcome! If you will attend please let Sharon Huber know by Wednesday the 9th, afternoon. 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! ------------------------------ Books, Classes, and Discussions Adult Religious Education ------------------------------ Meditation Group The Meditation Group will meet third Mondays from 3:30 PM in the Youth Group room (room 2) on the garden level to meditate in community. Everyone is welcome; no experience required. Contact Nancy Thompson with questions, uuseoffice@uuse.org . ------------------------------ 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. September 8, 2026: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray: Published April 2024, 544 pages. Discussion leader: Sande Hartdagen October 13, 2026: The Correspondent - A Novel by Virginia Evans: Pub. April 2025, 304 pages. Discussion leader: Carolyn Gimbrone ------------------------------ Buddhist Group The UUSE Buddhist Group will meet on the 1st Tuesday, 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 Thursdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. 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: Sue McMillen PastoralFriends@uuse.org. ------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------

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