< To Upcoming Services Oct 18, 2026 Gathering Courage In times of difficulty, whether personal or global, we often ask ourselves what we can do. How do we know what the right thing is? Are we looking for comfort or guidance? This service will draw from Bishop Mariann Budde's book, How We Learn to Be Brave . Coordinators: Jane Penfield and David Klotz ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-10-14 Sunday Service: "Gathering Courage" In times of difficulty, whether personal or global, we often ask ourselves what we can do. How do we know what the right thing is? Are we looking for comfort or guidance? This service will draw from Bishop Mariann Budde's book, How We Learn to Be Brave . Coordinators: Jane Penfield and David Klotz ------------------------------ Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 18, 2026 #eBlast -10-14 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 22, 2024 Equinox: Harvest and Balance. The Mabon mid-harvest festival is a time of giving thanks and honoring the balance between light and dark. It’s a time of plenty, of gratitude and of sharing our abundance with those less fortunate. It’s also a time of balance and reflection, following the theme of equal hours of light and dark. Coordinators: Vivian Carlson, Ellen Williams and Kate Kimmerle. #eBlast-09-18 "Equinox: Harvest and Balance." The Mabon mid-harvest festival is a time of giving thanks and honoring the balance between light and dark. It’s a time of plenty, of gratitude and of sharing our abundance with those less fortunate. It’s also a time of balance and reflection, following the theme of equal hours of light and dark. Coordinators: Vivian Carlson, Ellen Williams and Kate Kimmerle. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 7, 2024 The Many Faces of Truth will explore the differences between deeply held beliefs and the truth(s) that surround them; we will ponder the issue of why my truth may be different from yours. Guest Presenter: Peggy Webbe. Coordinator: Sheila Foran #eBlast-07-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jan 14, 2024 The Spirit of Aging. Elders from this congregation will share personal thoughts about aging, with reflections on letting go, loss, change, identity, and humor. Music by Mary Bopp and Jeannine Westbrook. Coordinators: Sande Hartdagen & Nancy Madar #eBlast-01-10 January 14: “The Spirit of Aging.” Elders from this congregation will share personal thoughts about aging, with reflections on letting go, loss, change, identity, and humor. Music by Mary Bopp and Jeanine Westbrook. Coordinator(s): Sande Hartdagen & Nancy Madar OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 11, 2024 Unearthing Our Spiritual Roots. For many, gardening in the summer is a spiritual practice. From tending small plants, to harvesting their bounty, gardening nourishes both our bodies and our souls. Join us for this mid-summer service as members share the roots of their spiritual connection to gardening. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi and Kate Kimmerle #eBlast-08-07 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 10, 2025 Star Island - Science and Spirit on an Island Sunday Service: "Star Island -  Science and Spirit on an Island" Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. "Shoalers" - those who attend - consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year's conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators : Jane Penfield and David Klotz. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-08-06 Sunday Service: "Star Island -  Science and Spirit on an Island" Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. "Shoalers" - those who attend - consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year's conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators : Jane Penfield and David Klotz. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, August 10, 2025 #eBlast -08-06 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 24, 2025 Coffee House Worship! Sunday Service: "Coffee House Worship!" Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-08-20 Sunday Service: "Coffee House Worship!" Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, August 24, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-20 OOS Sermon YouTube

04269124-ce32-47d4-ab1c-e02dbe7b3727 < Back Denominational Affairs Committee Denominational Affairs Committee : Keeps congregation informed of UUA and District programs and encourages participation. Want more information about who's who in a committee? Pick up a paper copy of the UUSE Directory in the lobby to get the details! Updated October 9, 2025 at 10:00:56 AM

< 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 Adult Affirmation The class will meet on the 3rd Sunday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm each month until May. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the theological and spiritual quesetions related to God, humanity and human nature, the earth, the role of the individual in community, and social and environmental justice engagement. Participants will also craft a credo--a statement of their personal theology. Want to sign up? Contact our office at uuseoffice@uuse.org or (860) 646-5151. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh. The class will meet on the 3rd Sunday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm each month until May. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the theological and spiritual quesetions related to God, humanity and human nature, the earth, the role of the individual in community, and social and environmental justice engagement. Participants will also craft a credo--a statement of their personal theology. Want to sign up? Contact our office at uuseoffice@uuse.org or (860) 646-5151. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh. OOS Sermon YouTube

ba558317-52bb-4a35-b389-294e27e45847 < Back Adult Education Adult Religious Education: Provides workshops that explore various aspects of Unitarian Universalism as well as other theological perspectives and promotes a deeper understanding of the part religion plays in our lives. Want more information about who's who in a committee? Pick up a paper copy of the UUSE Directory in the lobby to get the details! Updated October 9, 2025 at 10:15:19 AM

< To Upcoming Services May 12, 2024 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 OOS Sermon YouTube