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Gathering Music (Mary Bopp) Welcome and Announcements (Rev. Josh Pawelek) Centering Prelude "Improvisation I" Kristen Dockendorff Chalice Lighting and Opening Words excerpt from Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Opening Song "What a Wonderful World" Bob Thiele and George David Weiss I see trees of green Red roses too I see them bloom For me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world. I see skies of blue And clouds of white The bright blessed day The dark sacred night And I think to myself What a wonderful world. The colors of the rainbow So pretty in the sky Are also on the faces Of people going by I see friends shaking hands Saying, "How do you do?" They're really saying I love you. I hear babies cry I watch them grow They'll learn much more Than I'll ever know And I think to myself What a wonderful world Yes, I think to myself What a wonderful world Ooh, yes. Time For All Ages Musical Meditation Joys and Concerns Responsorial Song "Prayer for Connection" Words by Cyndi Krupa Music by Mary Bopp May peace, light and love Infuse all living beings With a feeling of connection And knowing we are one. Offering The recipient of our April Community Outreach offering is the Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network, or IREJN, Connecticut's only faith-based environmental non-profit organization. Their mission is to inspire and equip Connecticut's religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy. Offering Music "Improvisation II" Kristen Dockendorff Song "Prayer for Pollinators" By Nancy Schimmel, arr. by Joyse Gilbrick For this our food we thank the bees That pollinate the flowers. We thank the moths that do the same In the evening hours. We thank the birds and butterflies In ev'ry habitat. And when we eat bananas We sing to thank the bat. We all are links upon a chain, The eater and the fruit, The light upon the busy leaf, The water at the root. We join our hands together when Another day is done. We praise the winged workers And feed upon the sun. Sermon Grace for Everything Rev. Josh Pawelek Closing Song #163 "For the Earth Forever Turning" Words by Kim Oler, music by Nick Page For the earth forever turning; for the skies, for ev'ry sea; for our lives, for all we cherish, sing we our joyful song of peace. For the mountains, hills, and pastures in their silent majesty; for the stars, for all the heavens, sing we our joyful song of peace. For the sun, for rain and thunder, for the seasons' harmony, for our lives, for all creation, sing we our joyful praise to Thee. For the world we raise our voices, for the home that gives us birth; in our joy we sing returning home to our bluegreen hills of earth. Extinguishing the Chalice Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come.

Gathering Music Welcome Centering Prelude "The Word" Music & Lyrics by John Lennon & Paul McCartney Performed by Sandy Johnson & Dan Thompson Chalice Lighting and Opening Words "Morning Blessings of the Celtic Dawn" Written by Dee Hennessy, as published on Insight Timer Opening Hymn #298 "Wake, Now, My Senses" Words by Thomas J.S. Mikelson, Traditional Irish Melody Mary Bopp, piano (1st 4 verses) Wake, now, my senses, and hear the earth call; feel the deep power of being in all; keep, with the web of creation your vow, giving, receiving as love shows us how. Wake, now, my reason, reach out to the new; join with each pilgrim who quests for the true; honor the beauty and wisdom of time; suffer thy limit, and praise the sublime. Wake, now, compassion, give heed to the cry; voices of suffering fill the wide sky; take as your neighbor both stranger and friend, praying and striving their hardship to end. Wake now my conscience, with justice thy guide; join with all people whose rights are denied; take not for granted a privileged place; God's love embraces the whole human race. Introduction to the Service - Liz Garmise Time For All Ages A Performance of Magic By Eliot Garcia of the UUSE Junior Youth Group Hymn #1057 "Go Lifted Up" Words & Music by Mortimer Barron (repeat 2x) Go lifted up, Love bless your way, moonlight, starlight guide your journey into peace and the brightness of day. Announcements Joys and Concerns Musical Interlude Offering The recipient of our community outreach offering for the month of April is the Inter-religious Ecojustice Network, whose mission is to insprie and equip Connecticut's religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy. Offering Music "Anticipation" Music & Lyrics by Carly Simon Performed by Sandy Johnson & Dan Thompson Poetry Reading "Crocus/Spring Equinox" Written and read by Sudha Sevin Poetry Reading "Spring Parade" Written and read by Coryn Clark Homily - Liz Garmise Closing Hymn #108 "My Life Flows On In Endless Song" Words - Early Quaker Song, Music: American Gospel Tune Mary Bopp, piano (1st 2 verses only) My life flows on in endless song above earth's lamentation. I hear the real though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing. It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing! What though the tempest 'round me roars, I know the truth, it liveth. What through the darkness 'round me close, songs in the night it giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging. Since love prevails in heav'n and earth, how can I keep from singing! Extinguishing the Chalice and Closing Words Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come.

Gathering Music Welcome and Announcements Centering Prelude "Earth Blessing" by Helen Yeomans UUSE Choir Vera Elzerman, percussion Chalice Lighting and Opening Words "Alleluia!" by the Rev. Jeanne Lloyd Opening Hymn "Morning Has Broken" Words by Eleanor Farjeon Music: Gaelic Melody Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word ! Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden sprung in completeness where God's feet pas s. Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God's recreation of the new day! Time for All Ages "Seed Blessing" Joys and Concerns Musical Response Offering The recipient of our April Community Outreach offering is the Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network, or IREJN, Connecticut's only faith-based environmental non-profit organization. Their mission is to inspire and equip Connecticut's religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy. Offering Music "Slavonic Dance op. 46, no. 8" by Antonin Dvorak Dorothy Bognar and Mary Bopp, pianos Music "Agnus Dei" by Eugene Butler UUSE Choir Music "Let There Be Music" by Joel Raney UUSE Choir Homily "Let There Be Music" Rev. Josh Pawelek Closing Hymn "Lo, the Day of Days is Here" Words by Frederick Lucian Hosmer Music by Robert Williams Lo, the day of days is here, Alleluia! Festival of hope and cheer! Alleluia! At the south wind's genial breath -- Alleluia! Nature wakes from seeming death, Alleluia! Fields are smiling in the sun, Alleluia! Loosened streamlets seaward run, Alleluia! Tender blade and leaf appear; Alleluia! 'Tis the spring-tide of the year, Alleluia! Lo, the Eastertide is here, Alleluia! Music thrills the atmosphere. Alleluia! Join, you people all, and sing -- Alleluia! Love and praise and thanksgiving, Alleluia! Closing Music "Welcome Spring" by Andy Beck UUSE Choir Extinguishing the Chalice Closing Circle May faith in the spirit of life And hope for the community of earth And love of the light in each other Be ours now, and in all the days to come.

What's happening at UUSE? Lots of things. So many events here to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy. Sound Healing with Maria Del Carmen April 17, 2026 Sound Healing with Maria Del Carmen Friday, April 17th at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE Join us as we host seasoned Sound Practitioner Maria del Carmen for this Sound Meditation series. Partici... Earth Day. April 19, 2026 Sunday, April 19th: Earth Day. Our April ministry theme is embracing possibility. While we often feel like solving the climate crisis is impossible due to political and economic for... Mark Your Calendar for May Fair! May 2, 2026 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 ... Ryan Ford Concert May 3, 2026 3 PM May 3rd Join us at 3:00 PM on May 3rd at Unitarian Universalist Society East for a fun afternoon of classical and modern music with Ryan Ford, his daughter Margeaux, and accomp... The Heart of the Arts May 22, 2026 The Heart of the Arts Friday, May 22nd at 7:00 P.M. UUSE will host an unforgettable evening of music and poetry featuring Christian Loftus, Manchester's own troubadour, and Nadia S... Happenings There’s Always Something Good Going On Affinity Groups Birds of a feather Read More Yoga Wednesdays 10:00AM Read More Ladies at Lunch Alternating Thu/Fri Read More Women's Sacred Singing Circle Thursdays Read More ROMEOS 2nd Tuesdays Read More Upcoming Events Calendar Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Refresh Tuesday 4/14/26 Read More ROMEOS Retired Old Men Eating Out, or The ROMEOs, is a social group that gets together once a month for lunch. Contact the office for details. Tuesday 4/14/26 Read More Book Lovers The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the ... Wednesday 4/15/26 Read More 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... Wednesday 4/15/26 Read More Sing Out Love Listening Sessions Sing Out Love Listening Sessions Wednesday evenings, April 15th, 22nd and 29th Are you interested in hearing (and maybe even singing) music from the UUA's new online hymnal, Sing Ou... Thursday 4/16/26 Read More 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 e... Friday 4/17/26 Read More Sound Healing with Maria Del Carmen Sound Healing with Maria Del Carmen Friday, April 17th at 7:00 P.M. at UUSE Join us as we host seasoned Sound Practitioner Maria del Carmen for this Sound Meditation series. Partici... Sunday 4/19/26 Read More Intro to UU Intro to UU Sunday, April 19th -- 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at UUSE Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and Unitarian Universalist Society East? Please attend our ... Monday 4/20/26 Read More AA - Mondays at Noon- Every Monday at Noon Monday 4/20/26 Read More Meditation Group Meditation Group - 3:30PM in the Sanctuary Tuesday 4/21/26 Read More Humanist Group Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at... Wednesday 4/22/26 Read More 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... Thursday 4/23/26 Read More 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 e... More...

A list of all of our past services, including links to the sermons. Past Services This is a list of past services. Upcoming services can be found here . 4/12/26 OOS Sermon YouTube Anticipation In keeping with our April ministry theme of embracing possibility, we will explore anticipation. Hopefully, it has stopped snowing, and we are starting to see signs of spring. What are you anticipating as this new season emerges? What possibilities lie ahead? Join us for the magic that is unleashed when we anticipate the possibilities! Coordinators : Liz Garmise and Paula Baker Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-08 4/5/26 OOS Sermon YouTube Let There Be Music! Our annual, all-congregation Easter celebration. Join us for music, story, and song as we consider the enduring themes of Easter. What stones are you rolling away? What new life is emerging in you? Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-04-01 3/29/26 OOS Sermon YouTube Transgender Day of Visibility Sunday, March 29th: Transgender Day of Visibility. Mindful that March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility, we will lift up transgender lives in our morning service. We will also explore the work of recertifying UUSE as a Welcoming Congregation. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. 3/22/26 OOS Sermon YouTube Ferry Beach Retreat Participants in this service will provide information about Ferry Beach and share thoughts about experiences they have had there. Coordinators : Nancy Madar and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-18 Show More

This is the listing of upcoming services. It is automatically updated from the events database. Old services are moved to the past services page. Upcoming Services Reminder: UUSE has a Low Scent Policy Here's a list of upcoming services. Past services can be found here . 4/19/26 Earth Day. OOS Sermon YouTube Sunday, April 19th: Earth Day. Our April ministry theme is embracing possibility. While we often feel like solving the climate crisis is impossible due to political and economic forces, this morning we direct our attention to what is possible. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek and members of the UUSE Sustainable Living Committee. 4/26/26 The Possibilities in Us. OOS Sermon YouTube Sunday, April 26th: The Possibilities in Us. In this service, we'll explore how there is hardly ever a single answer to a question, a single solution to a problem, or a single path to take. The unknown can certainly be daunting. However, the act of embracing possibility can afford us inspiration, growth, excitement, hope, and liberation. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Ellen Williams 5/3/26 This Land. OOS Sermon YouTube Sunday, May 3rd: This Land. UUSE’s meetinghouse sits on four acres at the top of Elm Hill, on the Manchester-Vernon line, above the Hockanum River Valley. What is our collective obligation to steward these four acres? What is our role on this land? Note: A land stewarding project will follow this service. Wear work clothes if you wish to participate. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek.