The Pastoral Friends are a caring group of individuals that can help in times of need. School Partners August 2023 As part of our partnership with Verplanck Elementary in Manchester, ten UUSE members have been providing weekly assistance to struggling readers in kindergarten and first grade. Our members report they’ve had a wonderful experience getting to know the children and helping the teachers. This opportunity is organized by RSVP Reads, a federal program that’s sponsored locally by Community Renewal Team. Here's how the program describes itself: “READS volunteers partner with students, providing reading guidance and support to students just below grade level for one hour per week from October-May of each school year. No previous professional educational background is required. RSVP READs tutors make reading interesting, fun, and act as positive adult role models, all while helping students improve academically.” Does this interest you? RSVP Director Theresa Strong can be reached at 860-519-3484 or email strongt@crtct.org Or email Nancy Pappas with your questions. Meantime, please drop off backpacks in the UUSE coat room by August 22. The kids and parents are so grateful for all of the UUSE donations!

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Mark Your Calendar for May Fair! Mark Your Calendar for May Fair! Saturday, May 2, 2026 -- 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. -- All over the UUSE Grounds Fun for Everyone! Here's a link to the facebook event with all of the details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7x8cS7wN/ Be sure to share it widely! • Beltane Ritual at 11 AM • Reggaeton Music Demonstration at 1 PM • Bike Rodeo and Children's Activities • Food Truck • Tag Sale • Bake Sale • Plant Sale There are also many ways you can help out! ***NEW ASK*** Do you have a pop-up that we can borrow for the day? Contact Anne Carr or sign up in the lobby on Sundays. ***NEW ASK***Beltane Ritual organizers are looking for a couple of people to participate in the staging of the ritual itself, drummers and a firekeeper. Contact Ellen Williams to get more involved. Tag Sale - No theme; we'll gladly take household goods, tools and electronics, gardening items, sports equipment and even small pieces of furniture in good condition. NO CLOTHING. Contacts: Sandy Karosi and Deb Gould. Bake Sale - Contact Gail Crook if you can make something. Plant Sale - Contact Sharon Gresk if you have plants to donate. Houseplants or garden plants, but please NOTHING INVASIVE. Donations Timeline You can drop off your donations on Thursday & Friday, April 30 and May 1 during office hours (9 - 4). Please bring them to the garden level; tag sale items can be put on the back porch. You can also bring things early on Saturday morning by 8 AM. Volunteer for a Shift Set up, clean up, help at a sale table - Sign up in the lobby or contact Anne Carr. #eBlast-04-15 Mark Your Calendar for May Fair! Saturday, May 2, 2026 -- 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. -- All over the UUSE Grounds Fun for Everyone! Here's a link to the facebook event with all of the details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7x8cS7wN/ Be sure to share it widely! Beltane Ritual at 11 AM Reggaeton Music Demonstration at 1 PM Bike Rodeo and Children's Activities Food Truck Tag Sale Bake Sale Plant Sale There are also many ways you can help out! ***NEW ASK*** Do you have a pop-up that we can borrow for the day? Contact Anne Carr or sign up in the lobby on Sundays. ***NEW ASK***Beltane Ritual organizers are looking for a couple of people to participate in the staging of the ritual itself, drummers and a firekeeper. Contact Ellen Williams to get more involved. Tag Sale - No theme; we'll gladly take household goods, tools and electronics, gardening items, sports equipment and even small pieces of furniture in good condition. NO CLOTHING. Contacts: Sandy Karosi and Deb Gould . Bake Sale - Contact Gail Crook if you can make something. Plant Sale - Contact Sharon Gresk if you have plants to donate. Houseplants or garden plants, but please NOTHING INVASIVE. Donations Timeline You can drop off your donations on Thursday & Friday, April 30 and May 1 during office hours (9 - 4). Please bring them to the garden level; tag sale items can be put on the back porch. You can also bring things early on Saturday morning by 8 AM. Volunteer for a Shift Set up, clean up, help at a sale table - Sign up in the lobby or contact Anne Carr . #eBlast -04-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Summer Bittersweet Clearing Summer Bittersweet Clearing Saturday, July 12th, 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Continuing our long-term project to manage invasive bittersweet, we're going to cut down vines in their prime, before the berries ripen. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our Summer Invasives Clearing on Saturday, July 12th from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 a.m. We recommend protecting your skin with long sleeves and pants, closed shoes and work gloves. Bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply cold beverages. Children and youth with responsible adults are welcome. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. #eBlast-07-09 Summer Bittersweet Clearing Saturday, July 12th, 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Continuing our long-term project to manage invasive bittersweet, we're going to cut down vines in their prime, before the berries ripen. Join the Building & Grounds Committee for our Summer Invasives Clearing on Saturday, July 12th from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 a.m. We recommend protecting your skin with long sleeves and pants, closed shoes and work gloves. Bring loppers and pruning shears. We'll supply cold beverages. Children and youth with responsible adults are welcome. Contact Cory Clark or Jane Osborn for more information. #eBlast -07-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Community Screening of My Friend Kim Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. Click here to sign up for the event. There is no fee. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim’s strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation has been introduced in Connecticut more than a dozen times since 1994, yet each effort has failed to pass. Supporters of MAID will likely reintroduce a new bill in the Connecticut General Assembly this year, renewing statewide conversation about end-of-life choice, patient autonomy, and compassionate care. Post-Screening Discussion Panel: • Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society East • Joy Cipollo, Kim Hoffman’s wife • Maribeth Abrams, Director of My Friend Kim • Mark Kwapis, Executive Producer, Skyline Films Rev. Pawelek’s congregation, Unitarian Universalist Society East, plays a meaningful role both in the film and as the location for this event, highlighting the intersection of faith, ethics, and autonomy at the end of life. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion exploring Medical Aid in Dying, personal autonomy, and how communities can support individuals and families facing terminal illness. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . Or download the flyer here. #FebruaryNewsletter Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. Click here to sign up for the event. There is no fee. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim’s strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation has been introduced in Connecticut more than a dozen times since 1994, yet each effort has failed to pass. Supporters of MAID will likely reintroduce a new bill in the Connecticut General Assembly this year, renewing statewide conversation about end-of-life choice, patient autonomy, and compassionate care. Post-Screening Discussion Panel: Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society East Joy Cipollo, Kim Hoffman’s wife Maribeth Abrams, Director of My Friend Kim Mark Kwapis, Executive Producer, Skyline Films Rev. Pawelek’s congregation, Unitarian Universalist Society East, plays a meaningful role both in the film and as the location for this event, highlighting the intersection of faith, ethics, and autonomy at the end of life. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion exploring Medical Aid in Dying, personal autonomy, and how communities can support individuals and families facing terminal illness. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . Or download the flyer here . #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Special Service: Sunday, November 24th at 5 PM Special Service: Sunday, November 24th at 5 PM at Temple Beth Shalom B’Nai Israel: Manchester’s Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Service. Manchester’s Faith community lifts up the spirit of gratitude. Watch our November eblasts for more information on this uplifting community event. Special Service: Sunday, November 24th at 5 PM at Temple Beth Shalom B’Nai Israel: Manchester’s Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Service. Manchester’s Faith community lifts up the spirit of gratitude. Watch our November eblasts for more information on this uplifting community event. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 16, 2026 Yoga . 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. 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. #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 14, 2025 Where the Light Begins "Where the Light Begins" This morning, we celebrate the holidays with our annual, all-congregational music service. Let us welcome the solstice; let us welcome Hanukkah; let us welcome Christmas in this season where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-10 "Where the Light Begins" This morning, we celebrate the holidays with our annual, all-congregational music service. Let us welcome the solstice; let us welcome Hanukkah; let us welcome Christmas in this season where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 14, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -12-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Feb 4, 2024 Reflecting God's Light into the Dark Places This Sunday we welcome Rabbi Randall Konigsburg of Beth Sholom B'nai Israel in Manchester to the pulpit. Rabbi Konigsburg will explore the ever-spiritual topic of meaning in our lives. Coordinator: Sande Hartdagen #eBlast-01-31 February 4: “What is the Meaning of Life?” This Sunday we welcome Rabbi Randall Konigsburg of Beth Sholom B'nai Israel in Manchester to the pulpit. Rabbi Konigsburg will explore the everspiritual topic of meaning in our lives. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 25, 2025 Imagination As a Sacred Tool. Sunday, May 25th: Imagination As a Sacred Tool. Our UU faith asks us to work for a more just and equitable world. In the words of Rev. Heather Concannon, “one of the sacred tools we must draw on is imagination. The tool of not just denouncing the world as it is, but of announcing: here’s what I imagine a better world to look like.” This service explores the ways that members of our UUSE community use imagination to conjure “the world our hearts know is possible”. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker. Sunday, May 25th: Imagination As a Sacred Tool. Our UU faith asks us to work for a more just and equitable world. In the words of Rev. Heather Concannon, “one of the sacred tools we must draw on is imagination. The tool of not just denouncing the world as it is, but of announcing: here’s what I imagine a better world to look like.” This service explores the ways that members of our UUSE community use imagination to conjure “the world our hearts know is possible”. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker. #JuneNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 15, 2026 On War, Women and Witness or Do UU Know Your History? Part III  or "Do UU Know Your History? Part III" Rev. Josh will share his reflections on the ongoing United States War in Iran with a nod to Women's History month and our ministry theme of paying attention . Josh will draw on the wartime witness of some famous Unitarian and Universalist women. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Illustrated by Sarah Green from "Brave Clara Barton" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-11  or "Do UU Know Your History? Part III" Rev. Josh will share his reflections on the ongoing United States War in Iran with a nod to Women's History month and our ministry theme of paying attention . Josh will draw on the wartime witness of some famous Unitarian and Universalist women. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Illustrated by Sarah Green from "Brave Clara Barton" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 15, 2026 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-11 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Come Play, Sing, or Listen. May 5, 7 to 8:30 PM. Acoustic jam circle at the Napiers' in Tolland. All levels welcome for a group play-and-sing-along. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org for details. #MayNewsletter May 5, 7 to 8:30 PM. Acoustic jam circle at the Napiers' in Tolland. All levels welcome for a group play-and-sing-along. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org for details. #MayNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled SING, SING, SING! Sing, Sing, Sing! Please be a part of the July 13 Hymn Sing service. This is our second hybrid hymn sing, and in order to make it accessible to those on Zoom, we need to make slides of the lyrics. Therefore, hymns must be chosen in advance. EVERYONE - please send the title of your favorite hymn to Martha Larson at uuseoffice@uuse.org starting as soon as you read this. The most popular hymns will be chosen and perhaps some lesser known but worthy hymns as well. If you would like to speak in the service about why a particular hymn is important to you, please let Martha Know. A few short talks add meaning to the service - and give Mary a break! #eBlast-06-18 Sing, Sing, Sing! Please be a part of the July 13 Hymn Sing service . This is our second hybrid hymn sing, and in order to make it accessible to those on Zoom, we need to make slides of the lyrics. Therefore, hymns must be chosen in advance. EVERYONE - please send the title of your favorite hymn to Martha Larson at uuseoffice@uuse.org starting as soon as you read this. The most popular hymns will be chosen and perhaps some lesser known but worthy hymns as well. If you would like to speak in the service about why a particular hymn is important to you, please let Martha Know. A few short talks add meaning to the service - and give Mary a break! #eBlast -06-18 OOS Sermon YouTube