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Past Services This is a list of past services. Upcoming services can be found here . 5/12/24 OOS Sermon YouTube Longing to Belong: Reflections on Pluralism Since the founding of the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1961, religious, theological and spiritual pluralism have been central to our identity--and had been increasingly central to the identities of the precursor American Unitarian Association and Universalist Church of America. How do we experience and navigate pluralism today? In our congregations? In the wider society? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-05-08 5/5/24 OOS Sermon YouTube Lifted by Pluralism. UUSE celebrates religious pluralism through an exchange of diverse ideas, where everyone has the rights, freedoms, and safety to worship or not, according to their conscience. This Sunday, Janice Knotts, Nancy Thompson and Ellen Williams will share how Christianity, Buddhism and Paganism inform their spiritual practices and enrich their search for truth and meaning. Coordinator: Gianna DiMaiolo #eBlast-05-01 4/28/24 OOS Sermon YouTube Shine. Sometimes we get what we don't deserve ... and it's wonderful. One traditional religious term for this phenomenon is grace, though Unitarian Universalists typically don't embrace this term. Given, that, what might grace look like for UUs? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-04-24 4/21/24 OOS Sermon YouTube Earth Day and the Arts: We Wont Give Up! Art has the power to inspire change. Join us as some of our artists and writers share their thoughts about the artwork they have created for our new Earth Day art exhibit. Coordinators: Janet Heller, Chris Larson, #eBlast-04-17 Show More

Intro to UU The Intro to UU program is taught periodically by the minister. There's not one scheduled at the moment. Keep an eye on the Happenings section of the website to see when the next session might be coming.

< To Upcoming Services May 23, 2024 Science and Religion September Topic: Linda Duncan, AI Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? What about evolutionary biology, artificial intelligence, climate change, the brain, genetics? Members select favorite topics. Contact Linda Duncan for questions and Zoom link. Future topics can be found here: https://www.uuse.org/newslettercontents/science-and-religion-discussion-group meets on 4th Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. How does science inform our beliefs? Where do science and religion meet? Wher e are they in opposition? Members of this ongoing group will select and discuss readings covering myriad topics and the way we look at the Big Questions. This hybrid group meets at UUSE in the Children's Chapel on the lower level, and you can also participate via Zoom. All are welcome . Contact Linda Duncan for a list of discussion questions and to get the Zoom link. May Topic : "Spontaneous Healing and the Power of Belief" coordinated by Jackie Muschiano. #eBlast-05-15 OOS Sermon

< To Upcoming Services May 22, 2024 Yoga! All welcome to these gentle-to-moderate yoga classes in the UUS:E Meetinghouse, Wednesdays at 10:00 AM. $5 drop-in fee. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable clothes. All welcome, including beginners! Bring a friend or neighbor; you do not have to be a UUS:E member to come to the classes. Yoga provides an opportunity to quiet the mind as well as strengthen and relax the body. Yoga is one of the UUS:E adult education offerings. OOS Sermon

< To Upcoming Services May 29, 2024 Yoga- All welcome to these gentle-to-moderate yoga classes in the UUS:E Meetinghouse, Wednesdays at 10:00 AM. $5 drop-in fee. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable clothes. All welcome, including beginners! Bring a friend or neighbor; you do not have to be a UUS:E member to come to the classes. Yoga provides an opportunity to quiet the mind as well as strengthen and relax the body. Yoga is one of the UUS:E adult education offerings. OOS Sermon

Music Music plays a huge part in our worship and in our community, and there's room for everyone to participate in our music programs. Many talented individuals take part in our services individually, in groups, in singing circles, and in choirs. Whether it's leading hymns, participating in choirs, playing piano or guitar, or even gifted professional musicians providing spirited musical themes, everyone can play a part. Our music director, Mary Bopp, with help from a very active music committee, plays a key role in all of the musical offerings that take place at UUSE. Mary Bopp Music Director Mary has served UUSE since 2015, after over 30 years as a professional full-time musician in New York City! An award-winning artist, Mary brings more than hymns and classical composers' music to our services. She is also an improv-magician to many, directs our choir with her unique creativity and adaptability, and brings a variety of professional artists to perform at services and more! Mary is a beloved inspiration to us all. CHOIR News Do you love to sing? Do you love to have fun? You don't have to audition. If you can sing in the shower, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Rehearsals will start on February 14, 2024 for our next holiday music service on March 31, 2024. Masks optional. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . Musical Events Calendar Contact the office for details - email: info@uuse.org phone: 860.646.5151 Thursday 6/13/24 Read More Crys Matthews A powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls "the poster-child for intersectionality," Crys Matthews is mad... More... Music Reporting The Music Report lists all of the music performed at UUSE Sunday Services during the reporting period Starting Mon Jan 01 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) today is Sun May 19 2024 06:15:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) -------------------------------------------------------- "For the Love of ... Place" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, January 7, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Heart is Where the Home Is" - Improvisation – Mary Bopp Opening Hymn --------------------- - "For the Beauty of the Earth" - #21 in - Words: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint, 1835-1917 adapt. - Music: Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872, abridged Offering Music --------------------- - Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Music: Harold Arlen. Lyrics: Yip Harburg - Performed. By Sandy Johnson & Dan Thompson Closing Hymn --------------------- - Blue Boat Home - #1064 in - Words: Peter Mayer, 1963 - , ©2002 Peter Mayer - Music: Roland Hugh Prichard, 1811-1887, adapted by Peter Mayer - Keyboard arr: Jason Shelton, 1972- -------------------------------------------------------- "The Spirit of Aging" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, January 14, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Try to Remember" - by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt Hymn --------------------- - "Dark of Winter" - #55 in - Words & Music: Shelley Jackson Denham Offertory Music --------------------- - "Fields of Gold" - by Sting - arranged by Eva Cassidy Hymn --------------------- - "Voice Still and Small" - #391 in - Words & Music: John Corrado -------------------------------------------------------- "Applying Our UU Values to Housing in Connecticut" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, January 21, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - Selections from Dvorak's New World Symphony - Dorothy Bognar, piano Opening Hymn --------------------- - #1 "May Nothing Evil Cross This Door" - Words: Louis Untermeyer; Music: Robert N. Quaile - Dorothy Bognar, piano Musical Interlude --------------------- - "UU Benediction" - by Dorothy Bognar - Dorothy Bognar, piano Musical Interlude --------------------- - "Home, Sweet Home" - by Sir Henry Bishop and John Howard Payne - Dorothy Bognar, piano Offering Music --------------------- - "Ave verum corpus" - By W. A. Mozart, - Arranged by Franz Liszt - Dorothy Bognar, piano Closing Hymn --------------------- - #1008 "When Our Heart Is in a Holy Place" - Words & music: Joyce Poley - Keyboard arr. Lorne Kellett -------------------------------------------------------- "How We Love" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, January 28, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Lovingly" - Improvisation by Mary Bopp Offering Music --------------------- - "Answering the Call of Love" - Music by Jason Shelton; Arranged by Mary Bopp Closing Hymn --------------------- - "I've Got Peace Like a River" - #100 in - Words and Music: Marvin V. Frey -------------------------------------------------------- "Reflecting God's Light into the Dark Places" - UUSE Virtual Worship, February 4, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Illumination" - Improvisation by Mary Bopp Opening Hymn --------------------- - #159 "This is My Song" - Words: Lloyd Stone; Music: Jean Sibelius Closing Hymn --------------------- - #118 "This Little Light of Mine" - Words & Music: African American spiritual -------------------------------------------------------- "Some Things are Worth Praying For" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, February 11, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - Violin and Oboe Concerto in C Minor, Movement I - by J. S. Bach Opening Hymn --------------------- - #347 "Gather the Spirit" - words and music by Jim Scott Musical Meditation --------------------- - #123 "Spirit of Life" - by Carolyn McDade Offering Music --------------------- - Violin and Oboe Concerto in C Minor, Movement II - by J. S. Bach Closing Music --------------------- - Violin and Oboe Concerto in C Minor, Movement III - by J. S. Bach -------------------------------------------------------- "That Long Arc of the Moral Universe" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, February 18, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Love Can Build a Bridge" - by Naomi Judd, John Barlow Jarvis and Paul Overstreet - Jeannine Westbrook, vocals - Kate Howard-Bender, vocals, guitar Opening Hymn --------------------- - #153 "Oh, I Woke Up This Morning" - African American spiritual, c. 1750-1875 - adapted during the American Civil Rights Movement Offering Music --------------------- - "Hands" - by Jewel Kilcher and Patrick Leonard - Jeannine Westbrook, vocals - Kate Howard-Bender, vocals, piano Closing Hymn --------------------- - #155 "Circle 'Round for Freedom" - by Linda Hirschhorn -------------------------------------------------------- "For the Love of ... Place" - UUSE Virtual Worship, February 25, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "For the Love of Place" - Created by Dan Thompson for UUSE - Dan Thompson guitar, bass, drums, keys, manipulated vocal samples (video) Opening Hymn --------------------- - #21 "For the Beauty of the Earth" - Words: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint; Music: Conrad Kocher Offering Music --------------------- - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - Music: Harold Arlen; Lyrics: Yip Harburg Closing Hymn --------------------- - #1064 "Blue Boat Home" - Words: © 2002 Peter Mayer; Music: Roland Hugh Prichard -------------------------------------------------------- "Love is the Spirit of This Church" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, March 3, 2024 Gathering Music --------------------- - "Thankful" - by the Juicebox Jukebox Prelude --------------------- - "Count on Me" - by Bruno Mars Opening Hymn --------------------- - #1 "May Nothing Evil Cross This Door" - words by Louis Untermeyer - music by Robert N. Quaile Music --------------------- - "Count on Me" (Reprise) - by Bruno Mars Offering Music --------------------- - "Brighter than the Sun" - by Colbie Caillat Closing Music --------------------- - "Stand by You" - by Rachel Platten -------------------------------------------------------- "What Is Sacred?" - UUSE Virtual Worship, March 10, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Opening a Channel" - by Mary Bopp Opening Hymn --------------------- - #1008 "When Our Heart is In a Holy Place" - by Joyce Poley Offering Music --------------------- - "I Walk With the Goddess" - by Kellianna Closing Hymn --------------------- - #1053 "How Could Anyone" - by Libby Roderick -------------------------------------------------------- "Roots and Wings: The Paradox of Transformation" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, March 17, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Departure" - by Lily Coleman Opening Hymn --------------------- - #38 "Morning Has Broken" - Words by Eleanor Farjeon - Music: Gaelic Melody Responsive Hymn --------------------- - "What is this Church?" - Words adapted from Eugene Sander - Music by Jean Sibelius Musical Meditation --------------------- - "Exit from the Drift" - by Lily Coleman Offering Music --------------------- - "Being, Becoming" - by Mary Bopp Closing Hymn --------------------- - #1057 "Go Lifted Up" - Words and music by Mortimer B. Barron -------------------------------------------------------- "On Donkeys, Palms, and Money-Changers: A Meditation for Palm Sunday" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, March 24, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Ride On, Ride On in Majesty" - by John Bacchus Dykes; arr. by Mary Bopp Opening Hymn --------------------- - "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" - Words by Jennette Threlfal (v. 1,2); John Howard Lathrop (v. 3) - Music from X.L. Hartig's Vollstandige Sammlung, c. 1833 Meditation --------------------- - Matthew 21: 1-11 Musical Offering --------------------- - "All You Fascists" - by Woody Guthrie Closing Hymn --------------------- - #276 "O Young and Fearless Prophet" - Words by S. Ralph Harlow - Music by William Lloyd -------------------------------------------------------- "Shine On Me: A Celebration of Easter" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, March 31, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Water is Life" - by Sara Thomsen Opening Hymn --------------------- - #347 "Gather the Spirit" - Words and music by Jim Scott Music --------------------- - "Rise Up" - by Andra Day - Jeannine Westbrook, vocals Offering Music --------------------- - "To the Spring" - by Edvard Grieg - Mary Bopp and Dorothy Bognar, piano Music --------------------- - "We Got All the Love" - by Helen Yeomans Music --------------------- - "Shine on Me" - by Rollo Dilworth Closing Music --------------------- - "Draw the Circle Wide" - by Mark A. Miller Closing Hymn --------------------- - #269 "Lo the Day of Days is Here" - Words by Frederick Lucian Hosmer - Music by Robert Williams -------------------------------------------------------- "People Need People" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, April 7, 2024 Gathering Music --------------------- - "The Rainbow Connection" - Words and music by Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher - "Sing" - Words and music by Joe Raposa - Dorothy Bognar, piano Prelude --------------------- - "People" - Music by Jule Styne; lyrics by Bob Merrill - Dorothy Bognar, piano Opening Hymn --------------------- - #134 "Our World is One World" - Words and music by Cecily Taylor - Dorothy Bognar, piano Offertory Music --------------------- - "In My Life" - by John Lennon - Andy Ricci, guitar and vocals Hymn --------------------- - #298 "Wake Now My Senses" - Words: Thomas J. S. Mikelson - Music: traditional Irish melody - Dorothy Bognar, piano Music --------------------- - “Imagine” - By John Lennon - Andy Ricci, guitar and vocals -------------------------------------------------------- "Notes on Interdependence" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, April 14, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "The Oneness of Everything" - by Jim Scott Opening Hymn --------------------- - #203 "All Creatures of the Earth and Sky" - Words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi - Music from - Verses 1-3 Offering Music --------------------- - "Sarabande" from Suite Pour le Piano - Claude Debussy Closing Hymn --------------------- - #7 "The Leaf Unfurling" - words by Don Cohen; music by John Corrado -------------------------------------------------------- "Earth Day and the Arts: We Won't Give Up!" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, April 21, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Big Yellow Taxi" - Words and Music by Joni Mitchell Opening Hymn --------------------- - #1064 "Blue Boat Home" - Words: Peter Mayer - Music: Roland Hugh Prichard, adapted by Peter Mayer Offering Music --------------------- - "Hymn to Gaia" - by Mary Bopp -------------------------------------------------------- "Shine" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, April 28, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "I Can See Clearly Now" - by Johnny Nash - Jennifer Richard, guitar and vocals Opening Hymn --------------------- - #126 "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" - Words by Robert Robinson and Eugene B. Navias - Music by John Wyeth Hymn --------------------- - #15 "The Lone, Wild Bird" verse 1 - Words by H. R. MacFayden - Music: William Walker's Hymn --------------------- - #15 "The Lone, Wild Bird" verse 2 - Words by H. R. MacFayden - Music: William Walker's Offering Music --------------------- - "Shine" - by Ed Roland (and Collective Soul) - Jennifer Richard, guitar and vocals Closing Hymn --------------------- - #131 "Love Will Guide Us" - Words by Sally Rogers - Music: traditional, arr. by Betty A. Wylder -------------------------------------------------------- "Lifted by Pluralism" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, May 5, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - Members of the Manchester Women's Sacred Singing Circle Opening Hymn --------------------- - "Come, Come, Whoever You Are" - #188 in - Words adapted from Rumi, Music by Lynn Adair Ungar Hymn --------------------- - "Meditation on Breathing" - #1009 in - Music and Lyrics by Sarah Dan Jones Offering Music --------------------- - "Journeys" - Original Piece by Mary Bopp Closing Hymn --------------------- - "When Our Heart is in a Holy Place" - #1008 in - Music and Lyrics by Joyce Poley -------------------------------------------------------- "Longing to Belong: Reflections on Pluralism" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, May 12, 2024 Prelude --------------------- - "Bad Kids from Out of Town" - by Luke Harper Opening Hymn --------------------- - #1023 "Building Bridges" - Words: The women of the Greenham Common peace occupation in England, 1983 - Music: Contemporary English Quaker Road Offering Music --------------------- - "Star Trek" - by Luke Harper Closing Song --------------------- - #162 "Gonna Lay Down My Sword and Shield" - words and music: African American spiritual -------------------------------------------------------- "Flower Communion" -- UUSE Virtual Worship, May 19, 2024 Processional Hymn --------------------- - #361 "Enter, Rejoice and Come In" - Words and music by Louise Ruspini Prelude --------------------- - "The Chrysanthemum" - by Scott Joplin Music --------------------- - "Andante Cantabile" - "by unknown" Offering Music --------------------- - "Intermezzo" - by Heinz Provost - Anhared Stowe, violin; Mary Bopp, piano Hymn --------------------- - #8 "Mother Spirit, Father Spirit" - words and music by Norbert F. Capek Closing Hymn --------------------- - #12 "O Life That Maketh All Things New" - Words by Samuel Longfellow - Music: Thomas Williams's

Upcoming Services Reminder: UUSE has a Low Scent Policy Here's a list of upcoming services. Past services can be found here . 5/19/24 Flower Communion. OOS Sermon All-Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved multigenerational community. Please bring a flower or flowers to share! We also revisit some important moments in 20th-century UU history. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, #eBlast-05-15 5/26/24 Aging—What’s Next? OOS Sermon May 26: “Aging—What’s Next?”This is the second service we have had this year on aging. As we get older, we may find ourselves making decisions about numerous things including where we will live. Today we will hear from three members who have chosen different options.Coordinator(s): Nancy Madar and David Klotz #MayNewsletter 6/2/24 Free at Last! OOS Sermon June 2: “Free at Last!”This morning, we welcome back the Free at Last Players, a community-based theater troop that educates audiences on mental illness and mental wellness.Coordinator(s): Rev. Josh Pawelek #MayNewsletter

< To Upcoming Services May 30, 2024 Women's Sacred Singing Circle- This group was started in 2010 keeps growing. We meet weekly and on any given night we might have 8 to 20 women singing. You do not need to be a trained or fabulous singer; we are about joining together for the sheer joy of singing. Any woman or child 8 and older is welcome to join us. You just need to like to sing. It is amazing what happens when women join together in song. No matter how many say they can't carry a tune, magically it sounds terrific, and is transformative. 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 earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! The group meets at 7:00PM at the church. For more information visit https://www.meetup.com/Manchester-Womens-Singing-Circle/events OOS Sermon

< To Upcoming Services Jun 6, 2024 Women's Sacred Singing Circle This group was started in 2010 keeps growing. We meet weekly and on any given night we might have 8 to 20 women singing. You do not need to be a trained or fabulous singer; we are about joining together for the sheer joy of singing. Any woman or child 8 and older is welcome to join us. You just need to like to sing. It is amazing what happens when women join together in song. No matter how many say they can't carry a tune, magically it sounds terrific, and is transformative. 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 earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! The group meets at 7:00PM at the church. For more information visit https://www.meetup.com/Manchester-Womens-Singing-Circle/events OOS Sermon

< To Upcoming Services May 25, 2024 Game Night Game Night every fourth Saturday at 7 pm. It's Free! All ages welcome. Bring a friend! Bring a favorite game if you want. There will be plenty of games at the Meetinghouse. Questions: contact Ellen Williams Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. We're starting our monthly game night at UUSE. It will be on the 4th Saturday of each month. Join us for board games and video games. Bring your favorites! All are invited . Hope to see you there! #eBlast-02-14 OOS Sermon

Flower Communion. This Week's Service: Materials and Detailed Information for the Upcoming Congregational Meeting Unitarian Universalist Society East No matter what your spiritual beliefs, all are welcome. Everyone Belongs! ABOUT UUSE UUSE is a welcoming, spiritually diverse community of people from many religious orientations--from atheist to theist, agnostic to pagan, and more. Together we worship, learn, build community, and advocate for a more just society and a sustainable planet. Our goal is to make our spiritual home a place of peace, joy, and love for all. We invite you to join us because all are welcome here. Let our church become your church. We affirm many faiths and no faith. We create a beloved community through deeds, not creeds. Sign up for our Newsletter & get invitations to our Virtual Services Contact Us Unitarian Universalist Society East 153 Vernon St. W Manchester, CT 06042-2209 phone: 860 646-5151 email: Info@uuse.org

< To Upcoming Services May 23, 2024 Women's Sacred Singing Circle! This group was started in 2010 keeps growing. We meet weekly and on any given night we might have 8 to 20 women singing. You do not need to be a trained or fabulous singer; we are about joining together for the sheer joy of singing. Any woman or child 8 and older is welcome to join us. You just need to like to sing. It is amazing what happens when women join together in song. No matter how many say they can't carry a tune, magically it sounds terrific, and is transformative. 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 earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! The group meets at 7:00PM at the church. For more information visit https://www.meetup.com/Manchester-Womens-Singing-Circle/events OOS Sermon