Our annual appeal raises over 90% of our operating budget each year. 2026-27 Annual Appeal Welcome to our Annual Appeal for Fiscal Year 27! Our theme this year is “ Belonging and Thriving - Together .” As we are confronted with national uncertainty and discord, it is vitally important that we build and strengthen our connection to one another and to other supportive communities. Our shared dedication to community outreach and social justice is essential. Here are the key dates for this year’s Annual Appeal: 03/01 Sunday Service kickoff & signup table for pledging potlucks 03/06 & 13 Pledging potluck weekends 03/17 Pledges due to Annie in the church office 03/19 Stewarding outreach begins 04/06 Annual Appeal ends You can submit your pledge forms by mail, by dropping off into Annie’s inbox, by attending a pledge potluck, or through a steward visit. We are encouraging in-person visits this year! If you would like to have an in-person visit to discuss your pledge and/or your ideas about the church, you can contact Phil Sawyer at Psawyer215@gmail.com or 860-633-8655 Our financial goals for the FY27 fiscal year include contracting professional bookkeeping services and restoring some of the financial cuts that were made last year. The targeted goal is to restore the salary “bump” increases; restore professional expense budgets to 90% of the typical amount; fund the B&G reserve at $10,000 (request was $25,000); and fund the emergency response equipment at $1500 (request was $3000). Achieving the FY27 budget rests on an increase in pledge income of 5% with a pledge rate increase of 5-7%. Here are some examples of the monthly increase amount: Annual Pledge 5% 7% $500 $2 $3 $1000 $4 $6 $3000 $13 $18 It is with gratitude and joy that we share that we have received a $15,000 grant to encourage us to participate in the increase pledge rate of 5–7% for this year! Pledge increases of 5% or more will be matched 100%. Please join this challenge grant if you can and if you are not able to meet this rate, please know that your pledges add up to a powerful contribution. If you would like to establish another pledge match grant for this year, you can contact Louisa Graver at lgraver163@gmail.com or 860-645-1377. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our church works through the process of balancing our aspirations and our available resources. Later this year, Trisha Corey-Lisle will lead us in a “ reimagined method of budgeting” to help us achieve this balance. If you have any questions, you can contact any one of us on the Stewardship Committee. Yours in Spirit, Patricia Wildes (chair), Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Jerry Myers, and Phil Sawyer Testimonials

Committee work is done through weekly or monthly meetings, and the documents that support those meetings are kept in Basecamp. Basecamp Committees and Task Forces use a collaborative planning, file sharing, and task management system called Basecamp. If you are a member of a Committee or Task Force click below to access Basecamp. Go To Basecamp Looking for Seework (Basecamp Classic)? Click here.

45bf3413-b454-4a2f-9764-9ca98d365ac9 < Back to Newsletter September Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Postcarding for the Environmental Voter Project Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1 to 3 PM, in Room 3, and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1 to 3 PM, in Children’s Chapel We’re having more postcarding parties! Our August gatherings were a great success—in addition to some socializing, we got 500 cards written and stamped in less than 4 hours—so UUSE's Sustainable Living Committee, in conjunction with Third Act—Connecticut's Defending Democracy team, will be gathering again to write get-out-the-vote postcards for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), in order to turn infrequently-voting people in swing states whose highest priority is the environment, into reliable voters. Postcards, stamps, addresses, message text, and pens will be provided. All are welcome! Contact Carole Tenny, uuseoffice@uuse.org , for further information. #SeptemberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

What you might traditionally call Sunday School is what we call Programs for Children under Child and Youth Ministries. UUSE Children & Youth Ministry Program 2025-2026 Curricula: Children’s Chapel : New this year, Emmy will lead dedicated Children’s worship in the Children’s Chapel on the Garden Level at 10:15 AM most Sundays. (Please see weekly Friday Update from Emmy to confirm each week.) Children’s worship will center around nature-based teachings, mythology, and practices. A time for sharing joys and concerns, seasonal conversation, crafts and singing will take place. Children’s Chapel will wrap up about 10:45, to allow time to transition to the Sanctuary. Time For All Ages : Children and youth in grades 2-12 will begin in the Sanctuary every Sunday to participate in worship including opening music and words, chalice lighting, and a specially prepared child-centered activity. After the Time For All Ages, children and youth will be dismissed to the Garden Level for classes. Nursery : Childcare will be available in our Nursery at 11 AM for children 3 and under. Care is provided by two regular childcare staff including our Nursery Coordinator Molly, and an assistant teacher. Molly grew up at UUSE and is equipped with loads of experience, patience, and creativity to keep our youngest UUs safe and engaged. Families are always welcome to tour and stay in the nursery at any time. Pre-K – 1st Grade, Spirit Play : The goal of Spirit Play is to help children live into their own answers to the existential questions: Where did we come from? What are we doing here? How do we choose to live our lives? This highly successful Montessori based program engages children using stories from many traditions and group “wonderings”. Children choose work activities, sing songs, and partake in a “feast” each week. Spirit Play participants start in their classroom at 11 AM. Grades 2-5, UU Identity : Our young UUs will engage in hands-on exploration of broad religious concepts and questions through a wide range of activities led by professional staff and volunteers. A typical class will include a lesson explored through art, storytelling, yoga, nature, games & more. A hallmark of this program is the chance for the children to come together with adult members of the congregation who share their time, talents, warmth & wisdom! Grades 6-8, Junior Youth Group : The junior youth group will follow a nature-based program, focusing on connecting with the land, for both spiritual and practical purposes. We will be using a curriculum called "Wonders of Nature", inspired by the works of "Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature" written by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGown, as well as Richard Louv’s "The Last Child in the Woods”, and "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The bulk of the class takes place outdoors on UUSE grounds. Grades 9-12, High School Youth Group : Several different types of programming are incorporated to best meet the needs and interests of our high school youth. At bi-monthly meetings the group will get together to talk, play games, cook, eat, watch a movie, attend a service together or work on a service project. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. Many of these activities will enable youth to work toward the Distinguished Youth Service Award (DYSA) if they choose. Affirmation : A Coming of Age program for our 10th graders to explore their own spiritual beliefs as emerging young adults. This year-long program is led by a dedicated teacher team including a facilitator, two assistant facilitators, the DCYM, and our Minister. Youth will also be paired with mentors who will serve as “spiritual peers with more years of lived experience,” and attend an overnight field trip and pilgrimage to Boston. Contact Us Emmy, the Director of CYM, can be reached by email at dcym@uuse.org And the CYM Committee is available for questions or comments at uusecym@uuse.org

All of the information you need to know about renting our building. Rent our Building Did you know you can rent our Unitarian Universalist Society East space? We're available for weddings, memorial services, special events and celebrations, or if you just need a simple, comfortable meeting room. It is a truly flexible space, with tables and a full kitchen available. Contact our office at 860 646 5151 or info@uuse.org for detailed information and to arrange a visit the UUSE facility. Meeting Space We have what you need for just about any kind of meeting: from creative to informational workshops, from club to association meetings-- you name it. Whether you want great accoustics for music, flexible seating space with or without tables, or access to a kitchen during your rental time, we want to accommodate your needs. Special Events Our flexible space is perfect for all sorts of celebrations: birthday partiies, family reunions, awards ceremonies, anniversary parties, and more. Funerals The location of the UUSE meeting house in the woods inspires serenity. You will have a sanctuary that is beautiful in its light and simplicity in which to develop a meaningful memorial service for a loved one. Weddings This is an ideal venue for a wedding. All couples are welcome. Our pastor and music director can be hired, as well as renting the space. UUSE would love to work with you on developing the wedding of your dreams.

7d055e67-6a26-4453-beb6-e6e0c6d4803f < Back Children and Youth Ministry Committee Children & Youth Ministry : Administers Children & Youth Ministry (CYM) program for children and youth; establishes church school organization, curricula, standards, and objectives. Children & Youth Ministry: uusecym@uuse.org Updated October 9, 2025 at 10:13:55 AM

This page has the photo credits for images you might find on our website. All photos are used with permission. Photo Credits All photos used with permission. Sources: WIX.com, Joe Madar, Nancy Thompson, Sylvia Ounpuu-Adams, Sindre Fs via pexels.com, ATC Photo via pexels.com, Linda Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A list of social services contact information. Looking for Help? IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Mental Health, Health, Suicide Prevention and Addiction Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 9-8-8 - call text or chat if you or someone you know has thoughts about suicide Mobile Crisis 2-1-1 is a statewide, community based and family supportive clinical intervention service for children & adolescents experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis. Mobile Crisis provides rapid emergency crisis stabilization for children and their families as well as short-term follow-up care and connection to other services. Call 2-1-1 and ask for mobile crisis. A child can receive Mobile Crisis services in: Their home At school At their doctor’s office In the Emergency Department (ED) Any other community setting Arrive within 45 minutes or less Convenient Hours: Mobile hours are 6am-10pm M-F; 1pm-10pm weekends/holidays. Available by phone all other hours https://www.TurningPointCT.org - Mental Wellness Website for and by CT youth who want to chat, text, talk about young people in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. "We know what it’s like to feel alone, stressed, worried, sad, and angry. We’ve lived through the ups and downs of self- harm, drugs and alcohol, and the struggle to find help." Planned Parenthood of CT https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-southern-new-england (birth control, STDs, HIV/AIDs testing, reproductive care, abortion https://www.plannedparenthood.org/online-tools/chat 1-800-230-PLAN Toivo - Center for Holistic Healing Hartford, CT Anti-Violence and Safety Resources CT Alliance to End Sexual Violence 24 Hour Hotline: 1-888-999-5545 ENGLISH (Call or Text) 1-888-568-8332 ESPAÑOL CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence (intimate partner violence, family violence) https://www.ctsafeconnect.org/ Help with Basic Needs United Way health and human services hotline 2-1-1 (help with food, child care, housing, fuel, other basic needs) https://www.211ct.org/

Liberal Religious traditions are all about justice, including social justice and sustainability and green action. Other Programs Other programs include our justice efforts, which are grounded in our social justice and green advocacy statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. Also take a look at our wide variety of Affinity Groups and fun activities for adults, as well as the entire family. You might also be interested in our Intro to UU class.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Join Us for Manchester Pride! Join Us for Manchester Pride! June 13th at Northwest Park and June 14th at NUMC, 300 Parker Street Celebrate Pride with purpose! Join us at Northwest Park on Saturday, June 13th from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. for a day of community, connection and action with live music, food trucks and guest speakers. Then join us and other organizations and advocates in queer rights, health, mental wellness and spirituality on Sunday, June 14th at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. to continue the celebration. UUSE is a co-sponsor of both events. #eBlast-06-10 Join Us for Manchester Pride! June 13th at Northwest Park and June 14th at NUMC, 300 Parker Street Celebrate Pride with purpose! Join us at Northwest Park on Saturday, June 13th from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. for a day of community, connection and action with live music, food trucks and guest speakers. Then join us and other organizations and advocates in queer rights, health, mental wellness and spirituality on Sunday, June 14th at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. to continue the celebration. UUSE is a co-sponsor of both events. #eBlast -06-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

Committee work is done through weekly or monthly meetings, and the documents that support those meetings are kept in Basecamp. Committees & Community It takes a lot of people to make our Society function. Help from the congregation is always needed and members and friends are invited to volunteer at any time for committees and groups by speaking with the committee chairperson or group leader. People interested in serving as elected officers or as appointees should speak to the President, the Minister, or a member of the Nominating Committee. Policy Board THE POLICY BOARD directs UUSE business, financial, and administrative affairs, including formulating policy and overseeing church staff; it has charge of the Society’s property. Aesthetics Committee Building and Grounds Committee Communications and Technology Committee Denominational Affairs Finance Committee Members-at-Large Memorial Garden Trustees Personnel Committee Program Council THE PROGRAM COUNCIL coordinates Society programs for fellowship, service, recreation, and personal growth; includes chairs of standing committees and coordinators including: Adult Education Children and Youth Ministries Committee Community Outreach Ministries Emergency Preparedness Taskforce Membership Committee Music Committee Nominating and Leadership Development Committee Pastoral Care Ministry Social Justice / Anti-Oppression Committee Stewardship Committee Sunday Services Committee Sustainable Living Committee / Climate Action Team Committees in Alphabetical Order Listings here Affinity Group s and Other Activities Buddhist Group Humanist Group Ladies at Lunch Manchester Woman's Sacred Singing Circle Pagan Study Group ROMEOs - Retired Men’s Group Science and Religion Discussion Group Small Group Ministry Theist Group, “God Talk” Book Lovers Group Writers Group Yoga Fund Raisers FUND (AND FUN!) RAISERS provide creative opportunities, social contact with other members and friends, while assisting the Society’s financial operations. Annual Appeal Goods & Services Auction Holiday Fair

< To Upcoming Services Jun 14, 2026 CYM Sunday Please join us for a celebration of this year's accomplishments within the Children & Youth Ministry program at UUSE! Rejoice with CYM staff, committee members, volunteers, children, youth and families as we reflect on all the gifts both given and received this year. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Michelle Spadaccini. Summer Schedule #eBlast-06-10 Sunday Service: Please join us for a celebration of this year's accomplishments within the Children & Youth Ministry program at UUSE! Rejoice with CYM staff, committee members, volunteers, children, youth and families as we reflect on all the gifts both given and received this year. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Michelle Spadaccini. Summer Schedule Sunday, June 14 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -06-10 OOS Sermon YouTube