< To Upcoming Services Jul 30, 2023 Breaking Bread Join us this morning as members of the congregation reflect on cooking as an expression of love in their lives. Coordinator(s): Gianna DiMaiolo and Sande Hartegan OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 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! #SeptemberNewsletter 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! #SeptemberNewsletter 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

< To Upcoming Services May 28, 2023 What Shared Ministry Means to Me, Part II. This is a follow-up to the service when Rev Josh preached on this topic January 8, 2023. Several members of the Sunday Services Committee will present their thoughts about how much this model means to their experience on the committee and at UUS:E. Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson, Nancy Madar OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 10, 2026 How to Spot a Mom This Mother's Day, experience a tribute to the joys and challenges of motherhood inspired by the tongue-in-cheek childen' book "Hot to Spot a Mom," and supplemented with the wisdom and whimsy of our very own UUSE moms. Coordinators: Kate Kimmerle and Sam Taylor. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-05-06 Sunday Service: "How to Spot a Mom" This Mother's Day, experience a tribute to the joys and challenges of motherhood inspired by the tongue-in-cheek childen' book "Hot to Spot a Mom," and supplemented with the wisdom and whimsy of our very own UUSE moms. Coordinators: Kate Kimmerle and Sam Taylor. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, May 10 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -05-06 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 3, 2023 Spiritual Connection This month’s theme is Welcome. There’s a feeling of being welcomed and connected when we join a club or fraternal organization. And then there are the connections that spring from our hearts and the connections we feel when we share a common bond. Today’s service is about spiritual connection. Coordinator(s): Sheila Foran and Sandy Karosi 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

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Paddle Into Nature Paddle Into Nature A Beginner-Friendly Kayak Adventure - With Instruction Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 P.M. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the beauty of Mansfield Hollow Lake by kayak! Whether you're new to kayaking or simply looking fora peaceful paddle with friendly company, this outing is designed to help you feel comfortable on the water. We'll begin with an introduction to kayak safety, paddling techniques, and basic boating skills before launching Date and Time: Saturday, August 15, 2:00 p.m. Rain Date: Sunday, August 16, 2:00 p.m. Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours Location: Mansfield Hollow Dam State Park - meet at 151 Bassetts Bridge Rd, Mansfield, CT entrance Bring: Water shoes or old sneakers, weather appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, change of clothes Experience: No previous kayaking experience required. Instruction provided. Health & Safety: Please participate only if medically cleared for this activity and comfortable being on the water. A signed waiver is required. Cost: $10 per person Group Size: Maximum of 5 participants Registration: Call Annie at the UUSE office: 860-646-5151 Kayaks are provided through the Columbia Canoe Club, a nonprofit paddling organization based at Mansfield Hollow State Park. Learn more at columbiacanoeclub.weebly.com #eBlast-08-12 Paddle Into Nature A Beginner-Friendly Kayak Adventure - With Instruction Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 P.M. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the beauty of Mansfield Hollow Lake by kayak! Whether you're new to kayaking or simply looking fora peaceful paddle with friendly company, this outing is designed to help you feel comfortable on the water. We'll begin with an introduction to kayak safety, paddling techniques, and basic boating skills before launching Date and Time : Saturday, August 15, 2:00 p.m. Rain Date : Sunday, August 16, 2:00 p.m. Duration : Approximately 2-3 hours Location : Mansfield Hollow Dam State Park - meet at 151 Bassetts Bridge Rd, Mansfield, CT entrance Bring : Water shoes or old sneakers, weather appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, change of clothes Experience : No previous kayaking experience required. Instruction provided. Health & Safety: Please participate only if medically cleared for this activity and comfortable being on the water. A signed waiver is required. Cost : $10 per person Group Size : Maximum of 5 participants Registration : Call Annie at the UUSE office: 860-646-5151 Kayaks are provided through the Columbia Canoe Club, a nonprofit paddling organization based at Mansfield Hollow State Park. Learn more at columbiacanoeclub.weebly.com #eBlast -08-12 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Children and Youth Ministry News Sun, March 8, 2026: Interfaith Film Series: Soul. Co-presented with the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding. Location: Wadsworth Antheneum Museum of Art at 600 Main Street, Hartford, CT Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher, finally gets his big break playing jazz in New York City, only to find himself unexpectedly separated from his body and transported to the realm where souls develop before birth. There, he teams up with a reluctant soul named 22 to rediscover what it means to live a full and purposeful life. Soul offers a moving reflection on creativity, destiny, and what truly makes life worth living. Free. Museum admission not included. Registration encouraged. 1 hour, 40 minutes. Rated PG. Sat, Mar 28: Nightlight Mission in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford): Families with children/youth meet at 2PM to sort clothes & prepare soup, coffee and sandwiches; at 8PM distribute clothing and food to the unhoused. Be on the lookout for an announcement of an upcoming zoom call with CYM for initial talks about logistics for this event. Thank you, Emmy #MarchNewsletter Sun, March 8, 2026: Interfaith Film Series: Soul. Co-presented with the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding. Location: Wadsworth Antheneum Museum of Art at 600 Main Street, Hartford, CT Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher, finally gets his big break playing jazz in New York City, only to find himself unexpectedly separated from his body and transported to the realm where souls develop before birth. There, he teams up with a reluctant soul named 22 to rediscover what it means to live a full and purposeful life. Soul offers a moving reflection on creativity, destiny, and what truly makes life worth living. Free. Museum admission not included. Registration encouraged. 1 hour, 40 minutes. Rated PG. Sat, Mar 28: Nightlight Mission in partnership with USH (Unitarian Society of Hartford): Families with children/youth meet at 2PM to sort clothes & prepare soup, coffee and sandwiches; at 8PM distribute clothing and food to the unhoused. Be on the lookout for an announcement of an upcoming zoom call with CYM for initial talks about logistics for this event. Thank you, Emmy #MarchNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled One of UUSE’s Biggest Fun(d)raisers!! Mark your calendar now for Fun, Food & Friends!! Here’s what to expect: Saucy Cook-Off 2.0 The competition is hot and heavy for the title of ‘UUSE Top Chef.’ Jump into the contest with your terrific tetrazzini or perfect pesto. Then everyone enjoys a luscious free pasta dinner prepared by UU friends who want YOUR votes! Going, going, gone!! Live Auction Snag meals in members’ homes, special activities, vacation getaways and Rev. Josh’s personalized sermon only at the meetinghouse on January 31! For the Kids No grownups allowed! Lots of low-cost items at the Kids Bid Table and ONLY children can bid! There will also be fun activities and childcare available. Raffle Baskets Committees and small groups donate delightful themed baskets. Buy tickets before/after services starting January 17. Drawing will be at the auction. To claim your theme, email auction@uuse.org . How You Can Help - FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS! What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Rides, weeding, a scrapbook or pet portrait? Collectibles, sports equipment, art, or something else that needs a new home? Contact merchants for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. #NovemberNewsletter Mark your calendar now for Fun, Food & Friends!! Here’s what to expect: Saucy Cook-Off 2.0 The competition is hot and heavy for the title of ‘UUSE Top Chef.’ Jump into the contest with your terrific tetrazzini or perfect pesto. Then everyone enjoys a luscious free pasta dinner prepared by UU friends who want YOUR votes! Going, going, gone!! Live Auction Snag meals in members’ homes, special activities, vacation getaways and Rev. Josh’s personalized sermon only at the meetinghouse on January 31! For the Kids No grownups allowed! Lots of low-cost items at the Kids Bid Table and ONLY children can bid! There will also be fun activities and childcare available. Raffle Baskets Committees and small groups donate delightful themed baskets. Buy tickets before/after services starting January 17. Drawing will be at the auction. To claim your theme, email auction@uuse.org . How You Can Help - FILL THE CATALOG WITH EXCITING DONATIONS! What can you donate that will thrill and amaze? Rides, weeding, a scrapbook or pet portrait? Collectibles, sports equipment, art, or something else that needs a new home? Contact merchants for a donation – if you love a place, others will too. #NovemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled September Ministry Theme: Building Belonging Regular Hours begin on September 7th, 9 AM and 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. #SeptemberNewsletter  Building Belonging Regular Hours begin on September 7th, 9 AM and 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. #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 5, 2026 Armond and Angelina's Native American Flute Playshop Armond and Angelina's Native American Flute Playshop Monday, October 5th at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE For centuries people have been mesmerized by the hypnotic sounds from these gentle, easy to play flutes. Whether you have a musical background or have always wanted to play a musical instrument, THIS PLAYSHOP IS FOR YOU. Practice flutes are available, or you may purchase one. Armand and Angelina are a full-time Interfaith Musical Ministry. They have taught Native American Flute Playshops at over 500 Interfaith churches across the country. Recommended $20 freewill donation. Help Children Learn to Read Can you spare an hour a week to help young students become stronger readers? UUSE volunteers work with kindergarten and first grade students at Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester. Last year (2025-26) we helped to pioneer a new model: The same students got 15 minutes of one-on-one help four days a week. Educators found the "intervention group" made progress more quickly than other classmates. Equally important, the children seem to look forward to their time with our volunteers. We hope to recruit 16 volunteers to commit to an hour per week in late morning. Training will be in early October and then tutors meet their students. It is truly rewarding to visit this public school each week, see talented teachers in action and support what the faculty calls "our scholars." Please email Nancy Thompson, uuseoffice@uuse.org , by September 20 with your questions and (we hope) commitment. Thank you! #eBlast-09-16 Armond and Angelina's Native American Flute Playshop Monday, October 5th at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE For centuries people have been mesmerized by the hypnotic sounds from these gentle, easy to play flutes. Whether you have a musical background or have always wanted to play a musical instrument, THIS PLAYSHOP IS FOR YOU. Practice flutes are available, or you may purchase one. Armand and Angelina are a full-time Interfaith Musical Ministry. They have taught Native American Flute Playshops at over 500 Interfaith churches across the country. Recommended $20 freewill donation. Help Children Learn to Read Can you spare an hour a week to help young students become stronger readers? UUSE volunteers work with kindergarten and first grade students at Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester. Last year (2025-26) we helped to pioneer a new model: The same students got 15 minutes of one-on-one help four days a week. Educators found the "intervention group" made progress more quickly than other classmates. Equally important, the children seem to look forward to their time with our volunteers. We hope to recruit 16 volunteers to commit to an hour per week in late morning. Training will be in early October and then tutors meet their students. It is truly rewarding to visit this public school each week, see talented teachers in action and support what the faculty calls "our scholars." Please email Nancy Thompson, uuseoffice@uuse.org , by September 20 with your questions and (we hope) commitment. Thank you! #eBlast -09-16 OOS Sermon YouTube