< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > CYM Registration CYM Registration It's time to register your child(ren) and youth for dedicated programming at UUSE! Your early registration helps us to anticipate each child's needs, keep everyone safe on the property, and support funding requests for our Children and Youth Ministry! As always, our programming is designed for all children, birth through 12th grade, with mutual support from our families and community members. If you are looking for a place where your family can show up authentically, meet like minded people and new experiences, and see and share your gifts in a meaningful and supportive setting, come visit us at UUSE! To receive more information about our program, register here . CYM Annual Harvest Brunch! Join us for the CYM Annual Harvest Brunch on Sunday, September 27 , between services (10 a.m.-ish) on the Garden Level. Bring your appetite, your own place setting an a dish to share as you are able. Open to the entire congregation, visitors, friends, and family. #eBlast -09-16

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Calling All Artists, Photographers and Poets Calling All Artists, Photographers and Poets UUSE will be hosting The Art Child, The Turning of the Seasons by Alicia Poland-Brown from September 18th to the 30th. Join us for the opening on Friday, September 18th, 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. The Fall UUSE art exhibit for the Sanctuary will open on Sunday, October 4th . Register your entries with Carol Marion at uuseoffice@uuse.org by September 28th and include title, medium, price (if for sale) and a photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show. Drop off entries on Thursday, October 1st from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Our Fall theme "Bright Colors" invites us to go beyond Fall images and colors. Let's explore color and how color influences our moods and outlook on the world. Fall themes are also welcome. Poets , please send your poems to Carol for mounting by Monday, September 28th. If you would like to include a photo or a small piece of artwork, please send it along as well. Questions? Please contact Eric Vogel or Janet Heller. For those who had pieces in the summer exhibit and have not yet picked them up, please stop by Annie's office to retrieve them. #eBlast -09-16

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 - 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act--Connecticut's Defending Democracy team--will be gathering to write 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. On September 27 we'll gather in Room 3 and on October 4 we'll be in the Children' Chapel/Room 1 Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text and pens provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny for further information. #eBlast -09-16

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > 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 family friendly performances start at 6:30 P.M. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. Bring your own drinks, your own dinner and your own friends -- we'll provide the coffee. Donations accepted but not required. 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 family friendly performances start at 6:30 P.M. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. Bring your own drinks, your own dinner and your own friends -- we'll provide the coffee. Donations accepted but not required. #eBlast -09-16

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Sunday Service: Sunday Service: "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 Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, September 20, 2026 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 September 6 service, "Labor in the Pulpit." Click here for a Youtube link to the September 13 "Homecoming Service" #eBlast -09-16

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 Community Outreach Ministry Charitable Giving 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. #SeptemberNewsletter 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 Stewardship Committee – Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Phil Sawyer, Stan McMillen, Jerry Myers, 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

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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