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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled NLDC Annual Recruitment The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 30, 2024 What Renews Your Spirit? June is a time for celebrations, transitions, and looking forward to abundant summer. The worship theme of renewal fits perfectly for this time of year. We will explore renewal with members' reflections, music, and readings. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Sande Hartdagen #eBlast-06-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 28, 2024 Spinoza's God: Wisdom from the 1600s July 28: “Spinoza's God: Wisdom from the 1600s.” Spinoza wrote that God is the world and the entire world is in God. He used a rationalistic perspective to show that human life is subject to the universal laws of nature. Learn about the remarkable ways in which this early philosophy mirrors the fundamental principles of Unitarian Universalism. Guest Presenter: Malcolm Barlow Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 31, 2024 Shine on Me: A Celebration of Easter. All-Congregational Service. Join us for our annual Easter music service. Through story and song, we explore the deeper meanings at the heart of Easter. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek, #eBlast-03-27 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: Sunday Service: "Reflections and Hopes." Join us at 10 AM for shared reflections on the year gone by and our hopes for the upcoming year. Coordinators: Gianna DiMaiolo and Kate Kimmerle.  One Service at 10:00 AM Sunday, December 28, 2025 Gathering music starts at 9:50 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 the December 21, 2025 service, "Where the Light Begins (Again)." #eBlast-12-24 Sunday Service: "Reflections and Hopes." Join us at 10 AM for shared reflections on the year gone by and our hopes for the upcoming year. Coordinators : Gianna DiMaiolo and Kate Kimmerle.  One Service at 10:00 AM Sunday, December 28, 2025 Gathering music starts at 9:50 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 the December 21, 2025 service, "Where the Light Begins (Again)." #eBlast -12-24 OOS Sermon YouTube

48845dad-0966-425a-95d8-356345eef178 < Back Community Outreach Ministries Guides and supervises collections for UUSE’s outreach ministry. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:00:14 PM

< To Upcoming Services Mar 12, 2026 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! For more information visit Meetup. 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! For more information visit Meetup . OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Special Congregational Meeting Notice Special Congregational Meeting Dear UUSE Voting Members: UUSE's Policy Board is calling a special congregational meeting to take place on Sunday, March 30th, following the second service. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on recommendations from our Constitutional Change and UUA Discernment Task Forces. There will be an option to join and vote on Zoom using the Sunday Service link. Our Constitution requires a quorum of voting members to be present at the meeting to vote on business items. Please plan to attend either in person or on Zoom to help us accomplish this important Society business! And please feel free to bring lunch and eat during the meeting. The agenda for the special congregational meeting will include: 1) A vote to approve the Constitutional Change Task Force's recommendations. Any changes approved will enter the UUSE Constitution. The final version of these recommendations after congregational feedback is here. You can also pick up a copy on the UUSE Welcome Table in the Meeting House lobby, or contact the UUSE office to have one mailed to you. 2) A vote to approve the Discernment Task Force's recommendation to change Article XV of the UUSE Constitution, known as the Dissolution clause. This change, if approved, will also enter the UUSE Constitution. The proposed new language is the following: In the event this Society ceases to function and the membership votes to dissolve the corporation at a duly called Congregational Meeting, the net assets of the society shall be distributed to charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that the congregation determines have similar values to those of the Society and may include the Unitarian Universalist Association, and also with the objective of caring for the needs of the Memorial Garden. The vote to dissolve the corporation shall be by a two-thirds vote of the quorum present at such meeting. There are four ways you may vote at the March 30th meeting: A) in person at UUSE; B) by mail/email absentee voting form; C) by proxy; and D) by Zoom vote during the meeting. Mail/Email Voting Form: If you are unable to be present for the meeting but wish to vote absentee, click here for the form or pick one up on the Welcome Table. You can also contact Annie in the UUSE office to send you a copy. Print and return a hard copy to the UUSE office at 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042, or email a photo of the completed form to uuseoffice@uuse.org by Friday, March 28th at noon. Proxy Form: If you would like to vote by proxy, click here for the proxy form or pick one up from the UUSE Welcome Table. You can also request a copy from Annie in the UUSE office. Be sure to advise your proxy of your wishes in advance of the meeting. Your proxy can bring your completed form with them to the congregational meeting, or you can send the completed proxy form to the UUSE office by Friday, March 28th at noon. To request childcare, please contact the UUSE office by Monday, March 24th. We look forward to seeing you on March 30th and keeping our connection to UUSE strong! Sincerely, Peggy J. Webbe, President Anne Carr, Vice President Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister Special Congregational Meeting Dear UUSE Voting Members: UUSE's Policy Board is calling a special congregational meeting to take place on Sunday, March 30th , following the second service. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on recommendations from our Constitutional Change and UUA Discernment Task Forces. There will be an option to join and vote on Zoom using the Sunday Service link. Our Constitution requires a quorum of voting members to be present at the meeting to vote on business items. Please plan to attend either in person or on Zoom to help us accomplish this important Society business! And please feel free to bring lunch and eat during the meeting. The agenda for the special congregational meeting will include: 1) A vote to approve the Constitutional Change Task Force's recommendations. Any changes approved will enter the UUSE Constitution. The final version of these recommendations after congregational feedback is here . You can also pick up a copy on the UUSE Welcome Table in the Meeting House lobby, or contact the UUSE office to have one mailed to you. 2) A vote to approve the Discernment Task Force's recommendation to change Article XV of the UUSE Constitution, known as the Dissolution clause. This change, if approved, will also enter the UUSE Constitution. The proposed new language is the following: In the event this Society ceases to function and the membership votes to dissolve the corporation at a duly called Congregational Meeting, the net assets of the society shall be distributed to charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that the congregation determines have similar values to those of the Society and may include the Unitarian Universalist Association, and also with the objective of caring for the needs of the Memorial Garden. The vote to dissolve the corporation shall be by a two-thirds vote of the quorum present at such meeting. There are four ways you may vote at the March 30th meeting: A) in person at UUSE; B) by mail/email absentee voting form; C) by proxy; and D) by Zoom vote during the meeting. Mail/Email Voting Form : If you are unable to be present for the meeting but wish to vote absentee, click here for the form or pick one up on the Welcome Table. You can also contact Annie in the UUSE office to send you a copy. Print and return a hard copy to the UUSE office at 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042, or email a photo of the completed form to uuseoffice@uuse.org by Friday, March 28th at noon. Proxy Form : If you would like to vote by proxy, click here for the proxy form or pick one up from the UUSE Welcome Table. You can also request a copy from Annie in the UUSE office. Be sure to advise your proxy of your wishes in advance of the meeting. Your proxy can bring your completed form with them to the congregational meeting, or you can send the completed proxy form to the UUSE office by Friday, March 28th at noon. To request childcare, please contact the UUSE office by Monday, March 24th . We look forward to seeing you on March 30th and keeping our connection to UUSE strong! Sincerely, Peggy J. Webbe, President Anne Carr, Vice President Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Author Event With S.J. Taylor Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 PM “The more a story is forbidden, the more it demands to be told…” New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True, a children’s fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. Twelve-year-old Madsi is searching for her older sister, who has been kidnapped by the Northern Lights. Madsi sets off on a journey to rescue her sister, joined by a very annoying neighbor boy and a magical girl who lives in the Lights. She is also the author of “The Witch of Festa Falls” in the Being Ace anthology—a short story likewise steeped in Norwegian folklore and featuring Birga, who grows up to become the village witch in Madsi the True. Ms. Taylor will read from Madsi the True and discuss her work. Copies of all her books will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to UUSE. This event is co-sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 West Vernon St., Manchester, CT #AprilNewsletter Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 PM “The more a story is forbidden, the more it demands to be told…” New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True, a children’s fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. Twelve-year-old Madsi is searching for her older sister, who has been kidnapped by the Northern Lights. Madsi sets off on a journey to rescue her sister, joined by a very annoying neighbor boy and a magical girl who lives in the Lights. She is also the author of “The Witch of Festa Falls” in the Being Ace anthology—a short story likewise steeped in Norwegian folklore and featuring Birga, who grows up to become the village witch in Madsi the True. Ms. Taylor will read from Madsi the True and discuss her work. Copies of all her books will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to UUSE. This event is co-sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 West Vernon St., Manchester, CT #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 8, 2025 Unchecked Sunday Service: "Unchecked" This morning, we welcome Manchester's amazing poet laureate, Nadia Sims, who will help us explore our June ministry theme, freedom . The larger society puts us in boxes which often limit our sense of freedom, sometimes without our realizing it. Perhaps it's time to uncheck some of those boxes! We will also welcome new members into our congregation. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-06-04 Sunday Service: "Unchecked" This morning, we welcome Manchester's amazing poet laureate, Nadia Sims, who will help us explore our June ministry theme, freedom . The larger society puts us in boxes which often limit our sense of freedom, sometimes without our realizing it. Perhaps it's time to uncheck some of those boxes! We will also welcome new members into our congregation. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, June 8, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -06-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 7, 2025 Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs Sunday Service: "Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs" Join us for our annual Homecoming service. Let's celebrate UUSE--a beacon of spiritual light for all those seeking beloved, liberal religious community east of the Connecticut River. Our chalice flame lights the way as we offer opportunity, passion, action, comfort, and belonging to long-time members and newcomers alike. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-03 Sunday Service: "Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs" Join us for our annual Homecoming service. Let's celebrate UUSE--a beacon of spiritual light for all those seeking beloved, liberal religious community east of the Connecticut River. Our chalice flame lights the way as we offer opportunity, passion, action, comfort, and belonging to long-time members and newcomers alike. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, September 7, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -09-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 10, 2026 GHIAA's Winter 2026 Organizing Leadership Training GHIAA (The Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance) is holding its Winter Organizing Leadership Training in person on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm in Newington, from Feb 10 to March 10. Join us to explore the fundamentals of faith-based organizing, practice the tools of relational culture (individual meetings and house meetings), consider how we build and wield power, share our process of identifying issues and developing campaigns, and build our skills for action. For more detailed info and to register click here. Version shared directly with members and friends. #FebruaryNewsletter GHIAA (The Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance) is holding its Winter Organizing Leadership Training in person on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm in Newington, from Feb 10 to March 10. Join us to explore the fundamentals of faith-based organizing, practice the tools of relational culture (individual meetings and house meetings), consider how we build and wield power, share our process of identifying issues and developing campaigns, and build our skills for action. For more detailed info and to register click here . Version shared directly with members and friends. #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube