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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 Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled A Conversation on CT's Fiscal Roadblocks A Conversation on CT's Fiscal Roadblocks Tuesday, April 8, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland Street, Hartford Join House Speaker Matt Ritter and members of the Hartford Legislative Delegation for this important conversation. This is a GHIAA and CT For All event to compel policy change on CT's path to passing a budget that invests in community needs. ASL & Spanish interpretation provided. Please register here. #eBlast-04-02 A Conversation on CT's Fiscal Roadblocks Tuesday, April 8, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland Street, Hartford Join House Speaker Matt Ritter and members of the Hartford Legislative Delegation for this important conversation. This is a GHIAA and CT For All event to compel policy change on CT's path to passing a budget that invests in community needs. ASL & Spanish interpretation provided. Please register here . #eBlast -04-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

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. • July 14, 2026: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides: Pub. June 2002, 544 pages. Discussion leader: Janet Heller • August 11, 2026: Cloud Cuckoo Landby Anthony Doerr: Pub. Sept. 2022, 608 pages. Discussion leader: Martha Larson • 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 #JulyNewsletter 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 Tuesdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. #JulyNewsletter 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

25f3a1b9-a9a6-44ac-8953-2a5f7495a22e < Back to Newsletter July Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > 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. #JulyNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Indivisible - Special Guests Indivisible - Special Guests Tuesday, April 28th at UUSE What is being done to safeguard Connecticut's elections? How can we help educate and register voters? Manchester's Registrars of Voters will address these concerns on Tuesday, April 28th. The two elected officials will be the guests of the Manchester Indivisible chapter which meets at UUSE on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Contact Nancy Pappas with questions.. #eBlast-04-22 Indivisible - Special Guests Tuesday, April 28th at UUSE What is being done to safeguard Connecticut's elections? How can we help educate and register voters? Manchester's Registrars of Voters will address these concerns on Tuesday, April 28th . The two elected officials will be the guests of the Manchester Indivisible chapter which meets at UUSE on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Contact Nancy Pappas with questions.. #eBlast -04-22 OOS Sermon YouTube

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. 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 #JulyNewsletter

< To Upcoming Services Aug 3, 2026 AA - Mondays at Noon- Every Monday at Noon Every Monday at Noon OOS Sermon YouTube

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. Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. #JulyNewsletter < Previous Next Meeting Next >

< To Upcoming Services Mar 16, 2025 Hows Your Rhythm Section? Sunday Service: "How's Your Rhythm Section?" Continuing our exploration of trust, Rev. Josh reflects on his rock 'n' roll days, when a solid rhythm section made all the difference. What does it mean to be part of a trustworthy rhythm section? What does it mean to trust the rhythm section? And more to the point, how's your rhythm section doing? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-12 Sunday Service: "How's Your Rhythm Section?" Continuing our exploration of trust, Rev. Josh reflects on his rock 'n' roll days, when a solid rhythm section made all the difference. What does it mean to be part of a trustworthy rhythm section? What does it mean to trust the rhythm section? And more to the point, how's your rhythm section doing? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 16, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-12 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Winter Woods Work Party Winter Woods Work Party Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 10 AM - 1 PM The Building & Grounds Committee invites you to its second annual winter woods work party on Saturday, January 17, 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. This is a de-vine opportunity to clip twining vines and invasive shrubs while they are dormant in winter. Bring pruning shears and loppers (we will also have some to lend). Children and youth are welcome with a responsible adult. Snacks and beverages provided. Wet weather cancels. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. Here are the top five reasons to do this work in winter: 1. No bugs! 2. No sweat! 3. No sunburn! 4. No poison ivy! 5. Hot chocolate! #eBlast-01-14 Winter Woods Work Party Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 10 AM - 1 PM The Building & Grounds Committee invites you to its second annual winter woods work party on Saturday, January 17 , 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. This is a de-vine opportunity to clip twining vines and invasive shrubs while they are dormant in winter. Bring pruning shears and loppers (we will also have some to lend). Children and youth are welcome with a responsible adult. Snacks and beverages provided. Wet weather cancels. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. Here are the top five reasons to do this work in winter: 1. No bugs! 2. No sweat! 3. No sunburn! 4. No poison ivy! 5. Hot chocolate! #eBlast -01-14 OOS Sermon YouTube

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. < Previous Next Meeting Next >

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Music + Mantra: Heart Centered Kirtan MUSIC + MANTRA KIRTAN AT UUSE A welcoming community of music, meditation, and connection. Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM Join us for an uplifting, meditative experience blending contemporary music with the call-and-response singing of mantras. Mantra set to music opens the heart and lifts the spirits. The MUSIC + MANTRA series is a welcoming community gathering where contemporary live music meets the ancient practice of kirtan — call-and-response mantra singing rooted in India’s devotional tradition. No musical experience, spiritual background, or prior knowledge is required. You are welcome to sing along, dance, listen quietly, or simply be present. WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE: • Relaxation through sound – Quiet the mental chatter and de-stress. • A sense of belonging – Singing together fosters connection in a way that feels natural and inclusive—there's no pressure and no performance. • Accessible participation – Sit in a chair, relax on a cushion, or move and dance—engage in whatever way feels right for you. • Tradition shared with care – Rooted in the Indian devotional practice of kirtan and offered in a warm, contemporary community setting that honors its origins. ABOUT THE MUSICIANS: HEART CENTERED KIRTAN • Libby Volckening — vocals and keys • Ezra Landis — guitar • Nico D'Amico — bass • Chris Ball — drums Together, they offer contemporary arrangements that honor tradition while remaining approachable for newcomers. ABOUT THE SPACE Hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Society East — a welcoming, community-centered venue committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Wheelchair accessible • Scent-free space • Chair seating provided (feel free to bring a cushion if you prefer the floor) • Free parking on site Whether you are spiritually curious, musically inclined, or simply seeking a peaceful and welcoming evening out, Music + Mantra offers a low-pressure way to connect—with yourself and with community. EVENT DETAILS Sunday, March 22 - 3pm Free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. No one is ever turned away. Kirtan is a form of participatory music that blends melody, rhythm, and meditation. Originating in the devotional singing traditions of India, kirtan invites people of all backgrounds to join in simple, call-and-response chanting. No experience is needed—just a willingness to listen, repeat, and let the music open the heart. The result is a joyful, community-centered practice that brings people together through sound and shared intention. The Music + Mantra series at UUSE features inclusive, interfaith, and community-oriented musical gatherings designed to nurture connection and reflection. All events in the series begin at 3:00 PM and are open to the public. Admission is by free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. Upcoming Music + Mantra events will take place on: • Sunday, March 22, 2026 For more information, visit uuse.org/kirtan or connect with the community at Central CT Community Kirtan on Facebook. Or download the flyer here. All are welcome to join this growing community celebration of music, mindfulness, and connection. MUSIC + MANTRA KIRTAN AT UUSE A welcoming community of music, meditation, and connection. Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM Join us for an uplifting, meditative experience blending contemporary music with the call-and-response singing of mantras. Mantra set to music opens the heart and lifts the spirits. The MUSIC + MANTRA series is a welcoming community gathering where contemporary live music meets the ancient practice of kirtan — call-and-response mantra singing rooted in India’s devotional tradition. No musical experience, spiritual background, or prior knowledge is required. You are welcome to sing along, dance, listen quietly, or simply be present. WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE: • Relaxation through sound – Quiet the mental chatter and de-stress. • A sense of belonging – Singing together fosters connection in a way that feels natural and inclusive—there's no pressure and no performance. • Accessible participation – Sit in a chair, relax on a cushion, or move and dance—engage in whatever way feels right for you. • Tradition shared with care – Rooted in the Indian devotional practice of kirtan and offered in a warm, contemporary community setting that honors its origins. ABOUT THE MUSICIANS: HEART CENTERED KIRTAN • Libby Volckening — vocals and keys • Ezra Landis — guitar • Nico D'Amico — bass • Chris Ball — drums Together, they offer contemporary arrangements that honor tradition while remaining approachable for newcomers. ABOUT THE SPACE Hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Society East — a welcoming, community-centered venue committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Wheelchair accessible • Scent-free space • Chair seating provided (feel free to bring a cushion if you prefer the floor) • Free parking on site Whether you are spiritually curious, musically inclined, or simply seeking a peaceful and welcoming evening out, Music + Mantra offers a low-pressure way to connect—with yourself and with community. EVENT DETAILS Sunday, March 22 - 3pm Free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. No one is ever turned away. Kirtan is a form of participatory music that blends melody, rhythm, and meditation. Originating in the devotional singing traditions of India, kirtan invites people of all backgrounds to join in simple, call-and-response chanting. No experience is needed—just a willingness to listen, repeat, and let the music open the heart. The result is a joyful, community-centered practice that brings people together through sound and shared intention. The Music + Mantra series at UUSE features inclusive, interfaith, and community-oriented musical gatherings designed to nurture connection and reflection. All events in the series begin at 3:00 PM and are open to the public. Admission is by free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. Upcoming Music + Mantra events will take place on: • Sunday, March 22, 2026 For more information, visit uuse.org/kirtan or connect with the community at Central CT Community Kirtan on Facebook . Or download the flyer here . All are welcome to join this growing community celebration of music, mindfulness, and connection. OOS Sermon YouTube