< To Upcoming Services Feb 22, 2026 02-22-26 Generous Spirit Rev. Josh explores the many ways we manifest generosity and why it matters that we continually cultivate generous spirits. Kate Kimmerle purchased this service at the 2025 UUSE Goods and Services Auction. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-02-18 Rev. Josh explores the many ways we manifest generosity and why it matters that we continually cultivate generous spirits. Kate Kimmerle purchased this service at the 2025 UUSE Goods and Services Auction. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, February 22, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -02-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 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. Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake… all are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost, and space! Email with your luscious ideas! Join the Fun! 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 . #JanuaryNewsletter 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. Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake… all are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost, and space! Email with your luscious ideas! Join the Fun! 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. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Peter Mayer Minnesota's Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time for over 20 years, performing in venues across the United States and beyond. He writes songs for a small planet--songs that celebrate life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence--songs about the vast cosmos that surrounds us and how we are a part of it all. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and even love and freight trains just like a good folk musician should. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name a few. His work has been included in song books, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country. Peter has eleven albums to his credit, and has sold over 100,000 of them. He lives in Stillwater, Minnesota with his wife and two daughters. Tickets can be purchased in advance on line at https://tinyurl.com/4mrf2632 Or $25 at the door. 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

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Request for Large Stockpots The High School Youth Group is looking for large stockpots they can borrow to make soup on February 22 for their soup fundraiser. Please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Thank you! #eBlast-01-29 The High School Youth Group is looking for large stockpots they can borrow to make soup on February 22 for their soup fundraiser. Please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Thank you! #eBlast -01-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 9, 2026 The 4 Agreements, Part 2 Don't make assumptions Always do your best Sam Taylor and Liz Garmise close their two-part series about the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz with the last two agreements: Don't make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best. We know what happens when we ass/u/me... but how do we avoid falling into that trap, especially with the people we know best? And how do we find a balance between always doing our best ... and running ourselves ragged? Please join us for a thought-provoking morning as we explore how Ruiz's agreements can help us better live the UU principles and values. Coordinators: Sam Taylor and Liz Garmise  Summer Schedule #eBlast-08-05 Sunday Service: "The 4 Agreements, Part 2" Don't make assumptions Always do your best Sam Taylor and Liz Garmise close their two-part series about the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz with the last two agreements: Don't make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best. We know what happens when we ass/u/me... but how do we avoid falling into that trap, especially with the people we know best? And how do we find a balance between always doing our best ... and running ourselves ragged? Please join us for a thought-provoking morning as we explore how Ruiz's agreements can help us better live the UU principles and values. Coordinators: Sam Taylor and Liz Garmise  Summer Schedule Sunday, August 9 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Ryan Ford Concert Ryan Ford Concert Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Join us at 3:00 P.M. on May 3rd at UUSE for a fun afternoon of classical and modern music with Ryan Ford, his daughter Margeaux, and accompianist Lan-Ya Huang. Suggested donation (to benefit UUSE): $20. No one will be turned away! #eBlast-04-29 Ryan Ford Concert Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Join us at 3:00 P.M. on May 3rd at UUSE for a fun afternoon of classical and modern music with Ryan Ford, his daughter Margeaux, and accompianist Lan-Ya Huang. Suggested donation (to benefit UUSE): $20. No one will be turned away! #eBlast -04-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Feb 22nd 2026 Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Feb 22nd 2026 Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE A welcoming community of music, meditation, and connection Join us for Music + Mantra, a recurring series of live kirtan gatherings at the Unitarian Universalist Society East (UUSE) in Manchester, CT. Led by Heart Centered Kirtan, these events offer a warm, inclusive space to connect through music, mantra, and shared presence. What is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of participatory music that blends melody, rhythm, and meditation. Rooted in the devotional singing traditions of India, kirtan invites people of all backgrounds to join in simple, call-and-response chanting. You don’t need to be a singer or have any experience—just an open heart and a willingness to listen and participate. The focus is on community, not performance. Through music and repetition, we create a shared space for reflection, connection, and joy. Led by Heart Centered Kirtan Our gatherings are led by Libby Volckening (vocals/keys), Ezra Landis (guitar), Reed Sutherland (bass), and Chris Ball (drums). Together, they bring a contemporary sound to this ancient practice—grounded in authenticity, openness, and community spirit. When and Where All Music + Mantra events are held on Sundays at 3:00 PM in the UUSE sanctuary:153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Upcoming 2026 dates: February 22 March 22 May 17 Admission: By free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. No one is ever turned away. Chair seating is available, or bring your own floor cushion.Please note: UUSE is a scent-free space. Download the FlyerClick here to download the latest event flyer and share it with friends: Music+Mantra Flyer PDF . All Are Welcome These gatherings are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and spiritual traditions. Whether you come for the music, the meditation, or the sense of community, you’ll find a place where everyone’s voice belongs. Stay Connected Join the local kirtan community on Facebook: Central CT Community Kirtan . About UUSE The Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming congregation. Our Music + Mantra series reflects our values by creating opport unities for reflection, belonging, and shared expression through music for people of all backgrounds. OOS Sermon YouTube

88c23fb5-6289-4482-bd59-8a384084c99d < Back Policy Board THE POLICY BOARD directs UUSE’s business, financial, and administrative affairs, including formulating policy and overseeing church staff; it has charge of the Society’s property. President - Acts as Society’s secular leader and spokesperson; presides at meetings of Society and Policy Board. Vice President - Chairs the Program Council and acts for President in his/her absence. Clerk - Takes minutes at Policy Board and Society meetings; assures proper notice of business meetings and votes. Updated October 9, 2025 at 10:27:12 AM

< To Upcoming Services May 7, 2023 The Inspired Life, Why Creativity Matters Beth Hankins and Stacey Musulin coordinate an exploration of creativity, its importance apart from “talent” and the deep connection to spirituality. Sharon Gresk is a featured speaker, describing a new area of creativity in her life. Join us for words, ideas and some hands-on fun. Coordinator(s): Beth Hankins and Stacey Musulin OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE “Community Suppers” Are Back! Would you like to be a host? The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a “Community Supper” at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone (860-646-5151) by April 15 and let her know the date & time you would like to host, and how many guests; she’ll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish; guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts etc. We’ll put sign-up sheets in the lobby, after each service on April 20 and 27. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster uuseoffice@uuse.org . #AprilNewsletter Would you like to be a host? The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a “Community Supper” at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone (860-646-5151) by April 15 and let her know the date & time you would like to host, and how many guests; she’ll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish; guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts etc. We’ll put sign-up sheets in the lobby, after each service on April 20 and 27. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster uuseoffice@uuse.org . #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled A Concert for Two Pianos A Concert for Two Pianos Come hear the two UUSE Steinway grands in a blockbuster program of duo piano works by Mozart, Liszt and Gershwin, performed by virtuosos Paul Bisaccia and Corbin Beisner on Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 P.M. at the UUSE Meetinghouse. The suggested donation is $15 but no one will be turned away. #eBlast-04-23 A Concert for Two Pianos Come hear the two UUSE Steinway grands in a blockbuster program of duo piano works by Mozart, Liszt and Gershwin, performed by virtuosos Paul Bisaccia and Corbin Beisner on Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 P.M. at the UUSE Meetinghouse. The suggested donation is $15 but no one will be turned away. #eBlast -04-23 OOS Sermon YouTube