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Our annual goods and services auction raises important funds to keep our doors open and the lights on. Goods & Services Auction and Chili Cookoff The Chili Cook-off & Auction is coming back—and it’s better than ever! Save the date: January 27, 2024. TASTE some of the region’s best chili! BID on terrific items and experiences! And HEAT up a cold January evening in the company of friends, new and old. To volunteer or ask a question email auction@uuse.org . Click for Auction Site Online Silent Auction Monday, January 15, 8 AM through Friday, January 26, 10 PM at fundraiser.bid/uubid . You can go there now to REGISTER to participate in the auction. Live Event Saturday, January 27 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. You will be able to preview all of these offerings under the “Live Events” tab at fundraiser.bid/uubid . If you cannot go to the live event but want to bid on something, just ask a friend! Your proxy can get your bidder number from us at the registration table at the live event (or register you if you haven’t already) and your bill will go to directly to you. For the Kids There will be a Kids Bid Table with items for kids ONLY to bid on. There will also be fun activities and childcare available! Raffle Basket Drawing The winners of the raffle baskets will be drawn at the Live Event, too. You do not need to be present to win. We’ll contact you! Lend a Hand! The Auction Committee would greatly appreciate an hour of your time to help this event run smoothly! We need help with set up, clean up and during the event. Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. The auction is one of our biggest fundraisers. It’s important to our congregation. We look forward to seeing you there! How You Can Help 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. Contact your favorite merchants to ask for donations. If you love a place, others will, too. Stop by our table after services or email auction@uuse.org . Email your donation details to auction@uuse.org or complete our form ( 2024 Auction Donation ) by January 10, sooner is better. Include: • a thorough description • value of the item or service • time and date for any events (setting this in advance is a good idea!) • the number of places or offerings • photos: We can include several photos of each item. Use a plain background for best results. If you need help taking photos, let us know as soon as possible. • If you have a firm minimum bid requirement, please let us know. In general, we open bidding at 1/3 to 1/2 of the item’s value to promote active bidding. We will contact you about the timing to drop off your items. Space is very tight, so please don’t drop anything off until we ask. Raffle Baskets We are asking committees and small groups to compile and donate a themed basket for the Basket Raffle at the auction, but individuals are welcome to donate a basket, too. We will display the baskets in the lobby, and sell advance tickets for them, on Sunday, January 14 and 21. The drawing will be at the live event on Saturday, January 27. Timeline By Jan. 1: Claim your theme! There’s a 10-basket limit and we want them all to be different. Email auction@uuse.org. By January 9: Submit the description of your basket and its contents to auction@uuse.org . Write up a fun description that we can post on the auction site and estimate the value. We can include several photos in the posting, so feel free to take pictures of the contents individually or in small groups. Use a plain background for best results. If you need help taking photos, let us know as soon as possible. January 9-11: Drop the basket off at the meetinghouse. We can help package it if you need. We find that wrapping it in plastic is neither desirable nor necessary! What to include? Use your imagination! The value should Enter the Chili Cook-Off! 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. Plan on making a crock pot full. You will receive detailed instructions before the event. Bid High and Often! Online Silent Auction Monday, Jan. 15 – Friday, Jan. 26, at fundraiser.bid/uubid . Share the link with your friends! Live Event Saturday, January 27 at 5 PM at the meetinghouse The Auction Committee— Robin Byrne, Susan Gabriele, Jennifer Klee, Chris Larson, Stan McMillen & Nancy Pappas Questions? Email auction@uuse.org !

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE "Mid-summer Community Suppers" UUSE "Mid-summer Community Suppers" The Membership Committee is happy to announce that three UUSE families have come forward and offered to host summer potluck suppers in their homes, on August 2, 8 and 22. Sign-up sheets will be out in the lobby after this Sunday's service with all the details, so please sign up if you would like to join the fun! Feel free to contact Sue Myers or Carole Boster if you have any questions. #eBlast-07-16 UUSE "Mid-summer Community Suppers" The Membership Committee is happy to announce that three UUSE families have come forward and offered to host summer potluck suppers in their homes, on August 2, 8 and 22 . Sign-up sheets will be out in the lobby after this Sunday's service with all the details, so please sign up if you would like to join the fun! Feel free to contact Sue Myers or Carole Boster if you have any questions. #eBlast -07-16 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 18, 2024 Ritual and Repetition: Pathways to Spirituality. In this pulpit exchange with the Universalist Society of Hartford, we explore how familiarity with the patterns of ritual deepens the ease into a meditative state. Join us for a two-part harmony as Laurie Kelliher speaks of "In Search of Ritual" and Michael Michaud offers "Over and Over Again! Breath, Mantras, Meditation and Movement. Musicians will include Andy Ricci and Dorothy Bognar. Coordinator: Anne Vogel #eBlast-08-14 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 13, 2024 All That We Let In Our ministry theme for October is deep listening. Rev. Josh will continue our exploration of this theme. Even in this era of polarization, listening isn't impossible. It is quite possible. It is, in fact, essential. Special Guest Musician: Jenn Richard. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-10-09 Our ministry theme for October is deep listening. Rev. Josh will continue our exploration of this theme. Even in this era of polarization, listening isn't impossible. It is quite possible. It is, in fact, essential. Special Guest Musician: Jenn Richard. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast -10-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

7b4d2691-c507-4285-b7f6-ccf079e36fe5 < Back Members-at-Large Provide liaison to congregation. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:17:39 PM

b57e0872-bc8d-4009-a8e7-5292619f0781 < Back Membership Committee Membership Committee : Welcomes all newcomers to UUSE and implements the “path to membership” through coordinating the Welcome Table, Greeter and Hospitality volunteers and providing information about UUSE’s programs and activities. The committee coordinates multiple programs/events for newcomers such as “Meet the Church and the “Introduction to UU.” The membership committee also promotes fellowship among members and friends by planning all society events. Finally, the committee supports maintaining the membership list and publishes an annual directory. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:18:00 PM

< To Upcoming Services Jul 27, 2025 Adult Credos. Sunday, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson. Sunday, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 17, 2023 Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace). Our annual holiday music service celebrates this season of light in the darkness with our entire multigenerational congregation. Come for the music, come for Emmy's story, come to be together! Coordinators: Mary Bopp, Sande Hartdagen, #eBlast-12-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Heart Based Kirtan Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Sept 21st 2025 Music and Mantra @UUSE Heart-Centered Kirtan returns to Manchester, CT Come chant, breathe, and reconnect through the joy of kirtan. Join us in Manchester, CT, where live music, mantra singing, and community come together in a shared spiritual practice. Upcoming Dates All sessions begin at 3pm in the UUSE sanctuary: · Sunday, September 21, 2025 · Sunday, February 22, 2026 · Sunday, March 22, 2026 · Sunday, May 17, 2026 Each gathering is led by Heart-Centered Kirtan , offering a powerful and inclusive group chanting experience in Connecticut. Save the dates and come sing with us, dance, do yoga, or just soak it in. What Is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of chanting meditation rooted in Indian spiritual traditions. Through call-and-response singing of simple, repetitive mantras, participants are invited into a shared state of peace, energy, and connection. Whether you're looking for spiritual music events in CT, interested in meditative music, or simply want to try something new, kirtan offers a welcoming space for all. About Heart-Centered Kirtan Led by Libby Volckening , with Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, and Chris Ball , Heart-Centered Kirtan weaves Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras into a blend of Western musical styles. Their Unitarian Universalist kirtan gatherings are known for being grounding, joyful, and openhearted. Since 2013, they’ve led kirtan across Connecticut and New England, bringing people together through the healing power of music and mantra. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com What to Know Donation: $20 suggested (more or less is always OK—no one is turned away). All are welcome: No experience needed. Families are encouraged to attend. Scent-free space: Please avoid perfumes and essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided; bring a cushion if you prefer the floor. If you're searching for inclusive spiritual events in CT or want to explore community chanting , this is a great place to begin. Location Unitarian Universalist Society East (UUSE) 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Tret Fure Concert Tret Fure Concert Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE 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. Join us Sunday, October 5 at 3:00 P.M. for an unforgettable afternoon of music that will inspire, move and connect us all. $20 free will donation. #eBlast-10-01 Tret Fure Concert Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE 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. Join us Sunday, October 5 at 3:00 P.M. for an unforgettable afternoon of music that will inspire, move and connect us all. $20 free will donation. #eBlast -10-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 29, 2025 AA - Mondays at Noon! Every Monday at Noon Every Monday at Noon OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 7:00 pm Eclectica is a Connecticut-based ensemble performing original arrangements of (mostly Western) music spanning centuries, continents, styles, and cultures, using voice and an eclectic variety of instruments including hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp, viola da gamba, violin, viola, accordion, and recorders. Eclectica has been arranging and performing together since 2016. “Wheeling Through Time” will take the UUSE audience on a soulful musical journey through time and place – from the 13 th to the 21 st centuries - with original arrangements of tunes from classical, folk, klezmer and more. Beautiful images accompany each piece in a slide show of art and photography curated just for this program, for a truly immersive experience. Visit Eclectica’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EclecticaCT $20 Suggested freewill donation. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Eclectica Concert “Wheeling Through Time” Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 7:00 pm Eclectica is a Connecticut-based ensemble performing original arrangements of (mostly Western) music spanning centuries, continents, styles, and cultures, using voice and an eclectic variety of instruments including hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp, viola da gamba, violin, viola, accordion, and recorders. Eclectica has been arranging and performing together since 2016. “Wheeling Through Time” will take the UUSE audience on a soulful musical journey through time and place – from the 13 th to the 21 st centuries - with original arrangements of tunes from classical, folk, klezmer and more. Beautiful images accompany each piece in a slide show of art and photography curated just for this program, for a truly immersive experience. Visit Eclectica’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EclecticaCT $20 Suggested freewill donation. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT OOS Sermon YouTube