< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 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. Stop by our table after services July 12 and 26 to pick up a merchant donation letter or email 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 #JulyNewsletter 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. Stop by our table after services July 12 and 26 to pick up a merchant donation letter or email 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 #JulyNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "The Generous Spirit" Sunday Service: "The 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. Sunday, February 22, 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 video of the 2/15/26 service, "Strategic Planning: A Discipline of Resilience" #eBlast-02-18 Sunday Service: "The 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. Sunday, February 22, 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 video of the 2/15/26 service, "Strategic Planning: A Discipline of Resilience" #eBlast -02-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 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 #SeptemberNewsletter 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 #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 30, 2025 Awake My Soul "Awake My Soul" This morning Rev. Josh contemplates what it might mean to have a soul. Jennifer Richard provides the music, including a rendition of "Awake My Soul" by Mumford and Sons. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-11-26 "Awake My Soul" This morning Rev. Josh contemplates what it might mean to have a soul. Jennifer Richard provides the music, including a rendition of "Awake My Soul" by Mumford and Sons. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, November 30, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -11-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 6, 2023 Resistance Music August 6: “Resistance Music.” This service celebrates the power of American protest music as a vehicle for social justice, bringing people together through song and common purpose. Friends new and familiar will perform protest songs, and we will explore the staying power of protest music. Warm up your voices and join us! Coordinator(s): David Klotz and Kate Howard-Bender OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 24, 2024 On Donkeys, Palms, and Money-Changers: A Meditation for Palm Sunday. Rev. Josh takes us through Jesus' entry into Jerusalem a week prior to his execution. What might this ancient story tell us about the previous balance between humility and rage? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-03-20 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled General Assembly 2026 General Assembly 2026 Virtual Gathering June 14th - June 21st General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process. The 2026 GA will be held virtually June 14th - 21st. Are you interested in representing UUSE at this year's General Assembly? Questions? Email Desiree at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-06-10 General Assembly 2026 Virtual Gathering June 14th - June 21st General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process. The 2026 GA will be held virtually June 14th - 21st. Are you interested in representing UUSE at this year's General Assembly? Questions? Email Desiree at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -06-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. Lend a Hand! Ways to help at the Holiday Fair When in doubt, email Fair Chair Desiree at fair@uuse.org to offer your time or your stuff. What to Donate & Who to Ask about It It’s time to craft, create, bake, and assemble your stuff! We sell all sorts of things at the fair, from beautiful, handcrafted pieces to fabulous finds from your attic, vintage jewelry to cookies. We group items by “shop” led by various people/teams. Used/Vintage Items Jewelry: We’re in need of a leader for this area! Peggy Webbe and Diana Sherman are happy to advise but have pressing matters that mean they don’t have the bandwidth to donate as much time as they have in the past. Talk to Desiree or email fair@uuse.org if you can set up. We will take donations NOW. Drop off box is in the coatroom. Please label and focus on items of value. Books: Hardcover and “Trade Paperbacks” only please. Be kind! Sort and dust your books before you drop them off. If they’re in bad shape, throw them out at home. Contact Dottie Keating ( dewey190@aol.com ). We’re looking for a co-chair for books who can take over next year. Tag Sale: Don’t use it any more? Let someone else! We need LOTS of items in good condition and are especially looking for a few high ticket items for the Fabulous Finds booth. Contact Sandy Karosi and Deb Gould ( slkarosi@comcast.net , dagould59@comcast.net ) for tag sale and Lesley Schurmann for Fabulous Finds ( Lesley57@cox.net ). Children’s Books, Games, Small Toys, Puzzles: The kids love to shop for treasures. Contact Laurie Semprebon ( lsemprebon@charter.net ). Handcrafts & Arts Original Works of Art: whatever you make, note cards, prints, pottery, jewelry. Talk to Nancy Madar. ( nancymadar@hotmail.com ) Handmade Holiday Crafts or Traditional Items: Any holiday décor, ornaments, etc. are welcome! Talk to Louisa Graver. ( lgraver163@gmail.com ) Sewn & Knitted Items: Contact Phil Sawyer ( psawyer215@gmail.com ) or Carol Marion ( cmarion333@gmail.com ). Especially needed: mitten makers! Phil has patterns if you need them. Justice Table Items: We are looking for items to show our allyship and commitment to justice. This means pride, BLM, economic justice, social justice, gender equality, and all ways we live our values. Contact Desiree Holian-Borgnis at fair@uuse.org . Whimsy Booth : We are looking for items that are fun, whimsical and bring a special flair. They can be earth based, fun or fantastical. Contact Gina Campellone at ginacampellone@comcast.net . Woodworking: Anyone who makes items out of wood is encouraged to donate their handiwork and/or their time working at the table. Contact Bill Graver at billgraver30@gmail.com . Silent Auction: If you have something you think might be right for the auction, contact Mary Ellen Vigeant ( mevig@sbcglobal.net ), Carolyn Gimbrone ( bowbrone@aol.com ), or Jan Knotts ( jknotts43@yahoo.com ). Food There are LOTS of opportunities to bake! Contact Jennifer Klee ( jenduvklee@gmail.com ) for all things food related. Friday Night Dessert : a recipe will be provided. Grab and Go Refreshments on Saturday ( things that can be served on a napkin and eaten by hand ), so we need bars, muffins, cookies, etc., both savory and sweet. The Bake Shop will need its usual cookies, breads and fruit breads, pies, etc. If you bake it, we will sell it! We always sell out of everything. Jams & Jellies: Contact Jennifer Klee at jenduvklee@gmail.com with a list of what and how many you plan to donate and she will make labels for you. Frozen Pies: Last year’s experiment was a success so we will assemble a team to meet at UUSE and make pies to freeze. Interested in helping? Contact Jennifer Klee. Frozen Soup is also under consideration! Watch for eblast notices from Anne Carr. When to Donate Donations of books, tag sale items, children’s items, etc., will be accepted starting after Sunday services on Nov. 17 and Monday through Wednesday (9 am to 8 pm). For everything else, please contact the area coordinators. Help Wanted! Need a job? We’ve got plenty! Only enthusiasm, not experience, required! Starting Now Are you willing to apprentice this year so you can run a booth next year? Let us know! Organize Lunch for the Fair Workers: Easy! Order take out and set/clean it up. After Fair Party Coordinator: Find and reserve a fun venue. 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. Watch the eBlast for more opportunities and requests. Sunday, November 17 12:30 – 2 p.m. Set up tables Pack up the Garden Level Start bringing in your donations of books, tag sale & children’s shop items. During the week of Nov. 17 to 20 The areas that can use the most help during set up week are the Book Shop, the Tag Sale, Jewelry and the Children’s Shop but contact ANY of the shop leaders if you have time. Any amount of time you can give is great. Friday Night, November 22 Sneak Peek open from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Greeters in Lobby Serve Refreshments Sales in All Areas Clean Up Saturday, November 23 Doors Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Greeters in Lobby Sell Refreshments Sales in All Areas Clean Up: 3 p.m. til it’s done This is a great time for some fresh legs to arrive! If you can’t help any other time, please think about coming at the end to help then! Set up Garden Level for CYM. Contact fair@uuse.org with any questions, suggestions or offers to help! The UUSE Holiday Fair’s Silent Auction is Looking for Donations Can you help? We are fortunate to have some very kind UUs who own local businesses or are accomplished artists who help us out yearly with generous contributions. Still, one of the great joys of the silent auction is discovering what surprises you all have to donate. So, what draws bids? Last year, we had a beautiful set of wooden jigsaw puzzles featuring some “whimsy” pieces that attracted numerous bids. A few years back, we had a member buy a new car, and the dealership gave each buyer a new gas grill—which they didn’t need, so they gave it to the auction. A member upgraded her iPad, wiped the old one clean of personal information, and donated it. We’ve had a quilting frame, a fancy Franklin Mint commemorative Monopoly game, sports memorabilia, jewelry a little too high-end for the jewelry sale, gently used designer purses, and decorative home items (did you all see the beautiful inlaid table we had last year?) As it is a holiday fair, themed baskets full of goodies that can be given as a gift are usually a big draw (think spa night basket, pet owner basket, hostess gift basket, etc.) And, of course, we love to feature work from our many talented UUSE artists and crafters! Might you have something for the auction? Share your ideas with Mary Ellen Vigeant Carolyn Gimbrone, or new member, Jan Knotts.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Hosts Needed for UUSE Community Harvest Suppers Hosts Needed for UUSE Community Harvest Suppers The Membership Committee is planning more potlucks at the homes of UUSE members/friends this fall. But we need hosts! If you would like to host a "Community Harvest Supper" at your home sometime in October or early November, please contact Sue Myers or Carole Boster via email or phone by September 15 and let them know the date and time for your event and how many guests you can accommodate. They'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 appetizers, sides, desserts, etc. We'll have sign-up sheets in the lobby after each service in late September. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster. #eBlast-09-10 Hosts Needed for UUSE Community Harvest Suppers The Membership Committee is planning more potlucks at the homes of UUSE members/friends this fall. But we need hosts! If you would like to host a "Community Harvest Supper" at your home sometime in October or early November, please contact Sue Myers or Carole Boster via email or phone by September 15 and let them know the date and time for your event and how many guests you can accommodate. They'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 appetizers, sides, desserts, etc. We'll have sign-up sheets in the lobby after each service in late September. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster . #eBlast -09-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

All of the information you need to know about renting our building. Newsletter & eBlast Signup

This page has driving directions for people who what to try to find our hidden gem of a church. UUSE's Low Scent Policy In order to make UUSE accessible to people with multiple chemical sensitivities and environmental illness, UUSE strives to be a low scent and chemical-free congregation and facility. UUSE asks congregants, staff, and contractual visitors to limit their use of scented products as much as possible and to refrain from using perfumes and colognes

< To Upcoming Services May 11, 2025 Flower Communion Sunday Service: "Flower Communion" All Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved, multigenerational community. Please bring a flower to share! Note: Our 2025 Annual Meeting will begin shortly after the 11:00 service. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-05-14 Sunday Service: "Flower Communion" All Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved, multigenerational community. Please bring a flower to share! Note: Our 2025 Annual Meeting will begin shortly after the 11:00 service. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, May 11, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -05-14 OOS Sermon YouTube