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7b4d2691-c507-4285-b7f6-ccf079e36fe5 < Back Members-at-Large Provide liaison to congregation. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:17:39 PM

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Responses from the February 15th Service: The Strategic Planning Task Force thanks everyone for their thoughtful and considerate responses during the February 15th service. It’s a great way to kick off our brainstorming as we begin our revision considerations. After reviewing nearly 100 responses to our current vision statement, the six most popular words in our current vision statement that people strongly feel speak to them include (in order by most selected) justice, spiritually, alive, social, environmental, and diverse. To review all of the chosen words, review our WordArt presenting all of the chosen selections (the larger the word appears, the more times it was selected). #MarchNewsletter  The Strategic Planning Task Force thanks everyone for their thoughtful and considerate responses during the February 15th service. It’s a great way to kick off our brainstorming as we begin our revision considerations. After reviewing nearly 100 responses to our current vision statement, the six most popular words in our current vision statement that people strongly feel speak to them include (in order by most selected) justice, spiritually, alive, social, environmental, and diverse. To review all of the chosen words, review our WordArt presenting all of the chosen selections (the larger the word appears, the more times it was selected). #MarchNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Indivisible Indivisible Thursday, February 12 - 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. If you missed Indivisible's recent meeting at UUSE and wished you could have made it, you have another opportunity! The local Indivisible chapter will be meeting again at UUSE on Thursday, February 12 and all are welcome to attend. The group will also be discussing the potential for meeting at UUSE on a regular basis. For more information about this grassroots nationwide movement, click here. #eBlast-02-11 Indivisible Thursday, February 12 - 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. If you missed Indivisible's recent meeting at UUSE and wished you could have made it, you have another opportunity! The local Indivisible chapter will be meeting again at UUSE on Thursday, February 12 and all are welcome to attend. The group will also be discussing the potential for meeting at UUSE on a regular basis. For more information about this grassroots nationwide movement, click here . #eBlast -02-11 OOS Sermon YouTube

218a9f20-5dd3-444f-9506-200b8a95d07b < Back to Newsletter March Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Romeos for Lunch Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meet at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for lunch and conversation at various local restaurants. If you are retired or simply have free time, feel welcome to participate. Contact Annie at the church office to be included on the email call list. #MarchNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Dec 29, 2024 Sunday Service Lessons from 2024 One Service Only at 10:00AM - As we approach the new year, perhaps with apprehension, we take time today to look back with positivity at the year now ending. As has become tradition at UUSE, three people will reflect on what they learned in 2024. Speakers: Micah Baxter, Maureen Flanagan and Pat Eaton-Robb. #eBlast-12-03 Sunday, December 29, one service at 10:00 AM : Lessons from 2024 . Speakers: Micah Baxter, Maureen Flanagan, and Pat Eaton-Robb. Coordinators: Martha Larson & Ellen Williams. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

Community bonds are strengthened in a variety of activities that bring families together! Events like our annual Trunk-or-Treat (featuring a special not-too-spooky hallway designed by members of the High School Youth Group), Holiday Card-Making & Cocoa, Family Game Nights, and more. < Back Events for Families of All Ages Community bonds are strengthened in a variety of activities that bring families together! Events like our annual Trunk-or-Treat (featuring a special not-too-spooky hallway designed by members of the High School Youth Group), Holiday Card-Making & Cocoa, Family Game Nights, and more. Previous Next

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Annual Appeal 2025 Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Strengthen Our Connections.” This idea is especially important this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our community of faith where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. We are grateful for our faith partners in the quest for a more just and caring world. The Annual Appeal began in March and you should have received a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026). The letter and forms are on our website at uuse.org. We have asked each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return to the church office by April 6. Please consider this a friendly reminder to send your pledge if you haven’t done so. A steward may contact you if we haven’t received your pledge. DON’T FORGET TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TWO CHALLENGE GRANTS AVAILABLE! The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6. We look forward to your support of UUSE’s mission in the wider community and our day-to-day operation. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes and Phil Sawyer #AprilNewsletter Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Strengthen Our Connections.” This idea is especially important this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our community of faith where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. We are grateful for our faith partners in the quest for a more just and caring world. The Annual Appeal began in March and you should have received a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026). The letter and forms are on our website at uuse.org. We have asked each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return to the church office by April 6. Please consider this a friendly reminder to send your pledge if you haven’t done so. A steward may contact you if we haven’t received your pledge. DON’T FORGET TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TWO CHALLENGE GRANTS AVAILABLE! The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6. We look forward to your support of UUSE’s mission in the wider community and our day-to-day operation. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes and Phil Sawyer #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

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: March 22 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 Flyer Click 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 opportunities for reflection, belonging, and shared expression through music for people of all backgrounds.

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Author Event with S. J. Taylor Author Event with S. J. Taylor Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 P.M. at UUSE New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True, a children's fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. 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 sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees. For more information, contact the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151. #eBlast-04-09 Author Event with S. J. Taylor Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 P.M. at UUSE New UUSE member, S. J. Taylor, is the author of Madsi the True , a children's fantasy book steeped in Norwegian folklore. 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 sponsored by the UUSE Children and Youth Ministry and Adult Religious Education Committees. For more information, contact the UUSE office at (860) 646-5151. #eBlast -04-09 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! New Sanctuary Exhibit Starting Thursday, December 4 A new sanctuary exhibit will go up on Thursday, December 4th. There is no specific theme for this show. Choose one of your favorites to share with the congregation. Please register your entries with uuseoffice@uuse.org and include title, medium, price (if for sale) and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets, please send your poems to Carol for mounting by November 30th. If you want to add a photo or a small piece of art, send it as well. INCOMING WORK: Drop-off is December 12/4/25 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. (Please note the new times.) If you can't make that window, kindly drop off your entry in Annie's office any time before the deadline. OUTGOING WORK: Pick up your art by the end of the second service on Sunday, November 16th, so that Fair setup can begin. When you pick up your artwork, check your name off the list posted near the entry doors. Artwork not picked up will be in Annie's office. REGISTRATION starts now through Tuesday, 12/2/25. That's not a lot of time so get your entries in. Let's make this a wonderfully eclectic display! The next exhibit will go up in early April. Questions? Contact Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-11-26 Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! New Sanctuary Exhibit Starting Thursday, December 4 A new sanctuary exhibit will go up on Thursday, December 4th. There is no specific theme for this show. Choose one of your favorites to share with the congregation. Please register your entries with uuseoffice@uuse.org and include title, medium, price (if for sale) and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets , please send your poems to Carol for mounting by November 30th. If you want to add a photo or a small piece of art, send it as well. INCOMING WORK : Drop-off is December 12/4/25 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. (Please note the new times.) If you can't make that window, kindly drop off your entry in Annie's office any time before the deadline. OUTGOING WORK : Pick up your art by the end of the second service on Sunday, November 16th, so that Fair setup can begin. When you pick up your artwork, check your name off the list posted near the entry doors. Artwork not picked up will be in Annie's office. REGISTRATION starts now through Tuesday, 12/2/25 . That's not a lot of time so get your entries in. Let's make this a wonderfully eclectic display! The next exhibit will go up in early April. Questions? Contact Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -11-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 1, 2025 Affirmation Sunday Service: "Affirmation" Affirmation is our long-standing 'coming-of-age' program for youth. This morning we honor and celebrate two UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements, and we will hear form their mentors. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-05-28 Sunday Service: "Affirmation" Affirmation is our long-standing 'coming-of-age' program for youth. This morning we honor and celebrate two UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements, and we will hear form their mentors. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, June 1, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -05-28 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 12, 2025 Finding My Way Out of the Darkness "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness" This morning, we welcome award-winning author Tony Ferraiolo to our pulpit. In conversation with Rev. Josh, Tony will discuss themes in his recent book, “Finding My Way Out of the Darkness: How I Found Love and Acceptance.” Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-10-08 "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 12, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -10-08 OOS Sermon YouTube