< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "General Assembly Sunday Worship" Sunday Service: "General Assembly Sunday Worship" This morning we will join this year's UU General Assembly Sunday worship via live stream. Worship will begin at 11:00 A.M. Join us as we come together to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson Special time: 11:00 A.M. Sunday, June 22, 2025 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#. #eBlast-06-18 Sunday Service: "General Assembly Sunday Worship" This morning we will join this year's UU General Assembly Sunday worship via live stream. Worship will begin at 11:00 A.M. Join us as we come together to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. Coordinator : Vivian Carlson Special time: 11:00 A.M. Sunday, June 22, 2025 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#. #eBlast -06-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Community Screening of Community Screening of My Friend Kim Tuesday, February 24 from 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. at UUSE A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at UUSE. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim's strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. The documentary is an official selection of the Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival. The film maker has created an Eventbrite page so people can sign up to attend. There's no fee, but it's helpful if people pre-register. Click here for the Eventbrite link. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast-02-18 Community Screening of My Friend Kim Tuesday, February 24 from 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. at UUSE A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at UUSE. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim's strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. The documentary is an official selection of the Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival. The film maker has created an Eventbrite page so people can sign up to attend. There's no fee, but it's helpful if people pre-register. Click here for the Eventbrite link. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . #eBlast -02-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 8, 2026 Music + Mantra: Heart Centered Kirtan Music + Mantra@UUSE With Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, November 8, 3pm I always struggle to explain kirtan to someone who hasn’t experienced it yet. At its core, kirtan is a way to connect through music—to something bigger than yourself, to your own heart, and to the people around you. People come to listen and to sing back the mantras. It’s call and response, so you sing the mantra back the best you can, mispronunciations and all. Your offering may not be perfect, and you can let go of that too. A kirtan is a place to let go. All of it is welcome. All of you is welcome. While you sing (or just listen), you start to lose yourself in the music and the mantras, in the many voices that become one. People call it spiritual. People call it healing. People call it transcendent. Or they don’t call it anything. Like the spaces between the notes, the pauses between each song, there’s sweetness in the silence. Born in India centuries ago, kirtan is a practice that travels surprisingly well into a modern, overthinking, overbooked life. If you find it hard to sit and meditate, kirtan may be a doorway for you. For an hour or two, the noise in your head, the isolation, the weight you’ve been carrying—it all gets offered up into the music. And for a moment you’re free. If you’re searching for spiritual music events in CT or a form of meditative music that doesn’t ask you to sit still, come find out what kirtan is all about. About Heart Centered Kirtan Since 2013, Heart Centered Kirtan has shared its unique blend of Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras with Western musical influences throughout New England. Their kirtans are uplifting, inclusive, and always from the heart. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com. Musicians: Wali Libby Volckening (keys/vox) Dan Thomas (guitar) Zach Gregory (bass) Jimmy Robitaille (drums) All are welcome. Newcomers and experienced chanters alike. Families are welcome. Suggested donation: $30 (no one is turned away). FAQs Do I need a ticket? No ticket is required. How much does it cost? A $30 donation is suggested, but we never turn people away. We’d rather you come. How long does it last? About 90 minutes. Is parking free? Yes. Free parking is available on-site. Is there food and drink? No. Bring your own water bottle. There is a water fountain. What should I wear? Whatever is comfortable. And you can leave shoes at the door when you enter or wear them. What should I bring? Chairs are provided. If you'd rather sit on the floor, bring your own cushion or backjack. People have brought blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, and even gravity chairs. Is the space wheelchair accessible? Yes. The venue and parking are wheelchair accessible. Is this scent-free? Yes. UUSE asks that you avoid using perfumes, incense, and essential oils before attending. Can I bring kids? Yes, families are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Do I need any experience to come? No. Kirtan doesn't have beginners or experts. Everyone in the room is doing the same thing. You can sing, hum along, get up and move, or just listen. Will I have to sing? No. Sing as much or as little as you want. Some people sing every word; some dance; some sit quietly and take it in. All expressions are welcome. What if I can't pronounce the words? That's normal, and it's part of it. Nobody's listening for perfect pronunciation. Is this a religious event? Kirtan comes from India's devotional tradition, and we respect that lineage. But you don't need any belief, faith, or spiritual practice to take part. No prior background is expected or required. And no one will try to “convert” you. Music + Mantra is a welcoming, contemporary music event open to anyone. Music + Mantra@UUSE With Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, November 8, 3pm I always struggle to explain kirtan to someone who hasn’t experienced it yet. At its core, kirtan is a way to connect through music—to something bigger than yourself, to your own heart, and to the people around you. People come to listen and to sing back the mantras. It’s call and response, so you sing the mantra back the best you can, mispronunciations and all. Your offering may not be perfect, and you can let go of that too. A kirtan is a place to let go. All of it is welcome. All of you is welcome . While you sing (or just listen), you start to lose yourself in the music and the mantras, in the many voices that become one. People call it spiritual. People call it healing. People call it transcendent. Or they don’t call it anything. Like the spaces between the notes, the pauses between each song, there’s sweetness in the silence. Born in India centuries ago, kirtan is a practice that travels surprisingly well into a modern, overthinking, overbooked life. If you find it hard to sit and meditate, kirtan may be a doorway for you. For an hour or two, the noise in your head, the isolation, the weight you’ve been carrying—it all gets offered up into the music. And for a moment you’re free. If you’re searching for spiritual music events in CT or a form of meditative music that doesn’t ask you to sit still, come find out what kirtan is all about. About Heart Centered Kirtan Since 2013, Heart Centered Kirtan has shared its unique blend of Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras with Western musical influences throughout New England. Their kirtans are uplifting, inclusive, and always from the heart. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com . Musicians: Wali Libby Volckening (keys/vox) Dan Thomas (guitar) Zach Gregory (bass) Jimmy Robitaille (drums) All are welcome. Newcomers and experienced chanters alike. Families are welcome. Suggested donation: $30 (no one is turned away). FAQs Do I need a ticket? No ticket is required. How much does it cost? A $30 donation is suggested, but we never turn people away. We’d rather you come. How long does it last? About 90 minutes. Is parking free? Yes. Free parking is available on-site. Is there food and drink? No. Bring your own water bottle. There is a water fountain. What should I wear? Whatever is comfortable. And you can leave shoes at the door when you enter or wear them. What should I bring? Chairs are provided. If you'd rather sit on the floor, bring your own cushion or backjack . People have brought blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, and even gravity chairs. Is the space wheelchair accessible? Yes. The venue and parking are wheelchair accessible. Is this scent-free? Yes. UUSE asks that you avoid using perfumes, incense, and essential oils before attending. Can I bring kids? Yes, families are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Do I need any experience to come? No. Kirtan doesn't have beginners or experts. Everyone in the room is doing the same thing. You can sing, hum along, get up and move, or just listen. Will I have to sing? No. Sing as much or as little as you want. Some people sing every word; some dance; some sit quietly and take it in. All expressions are welcome. What if I can't pronounce the words? That's normal, and it's part of it. Nobody's listening for perfect pronunciation. Is this a religious event? Kirtan comes from India's devotional tradition, and we respect that lineage. But you don't need any belief, faith, or spiritual practice to take part. No prior background is expected or required. And no one will try to “convert” you. Music + Mantra is a welcoming, contemporary music event open to anyone. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Climate Future Film Festival Climate Future Film Festival Sunday, September 14 at 2:30 P.M. in the Meetingroom On Sunday, September 14, the Sustainable Living Committee will show the CLIMATE FUTURE FILM FESTIVAL on the big screen with 10 award-winning films from four continents that explore the human and artistic response to climate change. Come early and talk to people working on these issues. The films should be over by 5:00 P.M. Stay afterwards to briefly discuss the impact of the films and ways to act on the climate crisis. Contact Janet Heller - uuseoffice@uuse.org - with questions. The event is free. For more details, visit: https://www.climatefuturefilm.com/ #eBlast-09-10 Climate Future Film Festival Sunday, September 14 at 2:30 P.M. in the Meetingroom On Sunday, September 14, the Sustainable Living Committee will show the CLIMATE FUTURE FILM FESTIVAL on the big screen with 10 award-winning films from four continents that explore the human and artistic response to climate change. Come early and talk to people working on these issues. The films should be over by 5:00 P.M. Stay afterwards to briefly discuss the impact of the films and ways to act on the climate crisis. Contact Janet Heller - uuseoffice@uuse.org - with questions. The event is free. For more details, visit: https://www.climatefuturefilm.com/ #eBlast -09-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jan 18, 2026 Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" Rev. Josh takes another dive into Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist history. This time, in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. national observance, he explores some oft-forgotten racial justice stories from our collective past. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-01-14 "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" Rev. Josh takes another dive into Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist history. This time, in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. national observance, he explores some oft-forgotten racial justice stories from our collective past. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 18, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -01-14 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 23, 2026 Blessed Are the Animals As Unitarian Universalists, we believe all life is sacred. For anyone who has had a connection to an animal, you have felt the interdependence of all life. On August 23rd, we will lift up our non-human family and celebrate all that they bring to our lives. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Ellen Williams Summer Schedule #eBlast-08-19 Sunday Service: "Blessed Are the Animals" As Unitarian Universalists, we believe all life is sacred. For anyone who has had a connection to an animal, you have felt the interdependence of all life. On August 23rd, we will lift up our non-human family and celebrate all that they bring to our lives. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Ellen Williams Summer Schedule Sunday, August 23 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-19 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 14, 2024 Principles and Values: Reflections on Article 2 This morning Rev. Josh Pawelek shares his thoughts on the outcomes of the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly. What do the results mean for our congregation? What do the results mean for Unitarian Universalism? Special music by Pat Eaton-Robb. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Coordinator: Sheila Foran #eBlast-07-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Feb 22nd 2026 Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Feb 22nd 2026 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: February 22 March 22 May 17 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 FlyerClick 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 opport unities for reflection, belonging, and shared expression through music for people of all backgrounds. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 15, 2026 On War, Women and Witness or Do UU Know Your History? Part III  or "Do UU Know Your History? Part III" Rev. Josh will share his reflections on the ongoing United States War in Iran with a nod to Women's History month and our ministry theme of paying attention . Josh will draw on the wartime witness of some famous Unitarian and Universalist women. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Illustrated by Sarah Green from "Brave Clara Barton" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-11  or "Do UU Know Your History? Part III" Rev. Josh will share his reflections on the ongoing United States War in Iran with a nod to Women's History month and our ministry theme of paying attention . Josh will draw on the wartime witness of some famous Unitarian and Universalist women. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Illustrated by Sarah Green from "Brave Clara Barton" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 15, 2026 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-11 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 1, 2024 The Practice of Presence "The Practice of Presence." Our December theme is "The Practice of Presence." We can find profound meaning and comfort in practicing awareness of what is present: here and now. In this service, we encourage awareness of the lessons nature offers about acceptance, coping, and the importance of trust and community. We'll also reflect on the idea that the greatest present we can give ourselves and those we love, is that of our presence. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Anne Vogel Services at 9:00 and 11:00 AM Sunday, November 24, 2024 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 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#. #eBlast-11-27 Sunday, December 1 : The Present of Presence. Our December theme is “The Practice of Presence.” We can find profound meaning and comfort in practicing awareness of what is present: here and now. In this service, we encourage awareness of the lessons nature offers about acceptance, coping, and the importance of trust and community. We’ll also reflect on the idea that the greatest present we can give ourselves and those we love is that of our presence. Coordinators: Anne Vogel and Stacey Musulin #DecemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 3, 2024 Love is the Spirit of This Church This morning, we kick off our 2024 Annual Appeal. We are joined on this truly celebratory morning by the Unitarian Universalist folk rock group Meetinghouse! Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-02-28 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Apr 28, 2024 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 OOS Sermon YouTube