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< To Upcoming Services Mar 15, 2026 Paying Attention. Sunday, March 15th: Paying Attention. Our ministry theme for March is paying attention. How do you pay attention? With your eyes, your body, your heart, your soul? What grabs and holds your attention? Most importantly, are you attending to what matters? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, March 15th: Paying Attention. Our ministry theme for March is paying attention. How do you pay attention? With your eyes, your body, your heart, your soul? What grabs and holds your attention? Most importantly, are you attending to what matters? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. #MarchNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Coffeehouse Coffeehouse March 7 -- 6:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring your dinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast-03-04 Coffeehouse March 7 -- 6:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring your dinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast -03-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Looking for Hosts for 2026 Annual Appeal Pledging Potlucks! HOORAY! HOORAY! This spring, the Stewardship Committee will offer Pledging Potlucks for two weekends: March 6 – 8 and March 13 – 15. We are looking for people who will host a potluck during those weekends. This year we hope that potential potluck hosts will team up to create an astounding offering. We would especially welcome a potluck offering from our ‘younger’ members and friends. The potlucks are often dinners but could be a brunch, lunch or perhaps dessert & coffee/tea. You can steward your own potluck, or a steward will attend to facilitate the conversation about pledging if you choose. We need to gather a list of hosts (and co-hosts) with dates and times of their potlucks by February 8, 2026. These potlucks are a way to come together in community, enjoy good food and have a deeper conversation about our connection to UUSE and our hopes and dreams for our future. We hope you will consider being a host or a team! Signups for potlucks will begin after services February 15, 22 and March 1, 2026, when the Annual Appeal officially kicks off. Please contact Stan McMillen at 860-646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org to host a pledging potluck in March. THANK YOU! #JanuaryNewsletter HOORAY! HOORAY! This spring, the Stewardship Committee will offer Pledging Potlucks for two weekends: March 6 – 8 and March 13 – 15. We are looking for people who will host a potluck during those weekends. This year we hope that potential potluck hosts will team up to create an astounding offering. We would especially welcome a potluck offering from our ‘younger’ members and friends. The potlucks are often dinners but could be a brunch, lunch or perhaps dessert & coffee/tea. You can steward your own potluck, or a steward will attend to facilitate the conversation about pledging if you choose. We need to gather a list of hosts (and co-hosts) with dates and times of their potlucks by February 8, 2026. These potlucks are a way to come together in community, enjoy good food and have a deeper conversation about our connection to UUSE and our hopes and dreams for our future. We hope you will consider being a host or a team! Signups for potlucks will begin after services February 15, 22 and March 1, 2026 , when the Annual Appeal officially kicks off. Please contact Stan McMillen at 860-646-5151 or uuseoffice@uuse.org to host a pledging potluck in March. THANK YOU! #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sign Up for a Pledging Potluck! Sign Up for a Pledging Potluck! March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15. Again, this year, the Stewardship committee will provide an opportunity for members and friends to participate in a stewarding potluck during the first two weekends of the 2026 Annual Appeal. Following the meal and conversation, a steward will lead the group in a time for sharing the meaning of UUSE in our lives and discuss the goals of the Annual Appeal and the proposed budget. Participants who have not done so may privately complete their pledge forms. Sign-up sheets will be in the lobby on Sunday February 22 and March 1. If you can't make it on a Sunday to sign up, please contact Stan McMillen and let him know which potluck you would like to attend: Email: uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone 860-646-5151. If you prefer an individual visit, a steward will meet with you. PLEASE respond to their phone calls or emails!! Click here for a list of where and when the potlucks will be held. Detailed info on pets, accessibility, food allergies will be available on the signup sheets, or you can contact the potluck host directly. Attention CYM Families and Friends: Desiree Holian-Borgnis will have "office hours" from 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. in the children's chapel Sundays (TBD) during the Annual Appeal for families to come and ask questions, sign their pledge forms and hand them in. #eBlast-02-18 Sign Up for a Pledging Potluck! March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15. Again, this year, the Stewardship committee will provide an opportunity for members and friends to participate in a stewarding potluck during the first two weekends of the 2026 Annual Appeal. Following the meal and conversation, a steward will lead the group in a time for sharing the meaning of UUSE in our lives and discuss the goals of the Annual Appeal and the proposed budget. Participants who have not done so may privately complete their pledge forms. Sign-up sheets will be in the lobby on Sunday February 22 and March 1. If you can't make it on a Sunday to sign up, please contact Stan McMillen and let him know which potluck you would like to attend: Email: uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone 860-646-5151. If you prefer an individual visit, a steward will meet with you. PLEASE respond to their phone calls or emails!! Click here for a list of where and when the potlucks will be held. Detailed info on pets, accessibility, food allergies will be available on the signup sheets, or you can contact the potluck host directly. Attention CYM Families and Friends : Desiree Holian-Borgnis will have "office hours" from 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. in the children's chapel Sundays (TBD) during the Annual Appeal for families to come and ask questions, sign their pledge forms and hand them in. #eBlast -02-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 22, 2026 Music + Mantra: Heart Centered Kirtan MUSIC + MANTRA KIRTAN AT UUSE A welcoming community of music, meditation, and connection. Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM Join us for an uplifting, meditative experience blending contemporary music with the call-and-response singing of mantras. Mantra set to music opens the heart and lifts the spirits. The MUSIC + MANTRA series is a welcoming community gathering where contemporary live music meets the ancient practice of kirtan — call-and-response mantra singing rooted in India’s devotional tradition. No musical experience, spiritual background, or prior knowledge is required. You are welcome to sing along, dance, listen quietly, or simply be present. WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE: • Relaxation through sound – Quiet the mental chatter and de-stress. • A sense of belonging – Singing together fosters connection in a way that feels natural and inclusive—there's no pressure and no performance. • Accessible participation – Sit in a chair, relax on a cushion, or move and dance—engage in whatever way feels right for you. • Tradition shared with care – Rooted in the Indian devotional practice of kirtan and offered in a warm, contemporary community setting that honors its origins. ABOUT THE MUSICIANS: HEART CENTERED KIRTAN • Libby Volckening — vocals and keys • Ezra Landis — guitar • Nico D'Amico — bass • Chris Ball — drums Together, they offer contemporary arrangements that honor tradition while remaining approachable for newcomers. ABOUT THE SPACE Hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Society East — a welcoming, community-centered venue committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Wheelchair accessible • Scent-free space • Chair seating provided (feel free to bring a cushion if you prefer the floor) • Free parking on site Whether you are spiritually curious, musically inclined, or simply seeking a peaceful and welcoming evening out, Music + Mantra offers a low-pressure way to connect—with yourself and with community. EVENT DETAILS Sunday, March 22 - 3pm Free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. No one is ever turned away. Kirtan is a form of participatory music that blends melody, rhythm, and meditation. Originating in the devotional singing traditions of India, kirtan invites people of all backgrounds to join in simple, call-and-response chanting. No experience is needed—just a willingness to listen, repeat, and let the music open the heart. The result is a joyful, community-centered practice that brings people together through sound and shared intention. The Music + Mantra series at UUSE features inclusive, interfaith, and community-oriented musical gatherings designed to nurture connection and reflection. All events in the series begin at 3:00 PM and are open to the public. Admission is by free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. Upcoming Music + Mantra events will take place on: • Sunday, March 22, 2026 For more information, visit uuse.org/kirtan or connect with the community at Central CT Community Kirtan on Facebook. Or download the flyer here. All are welcome to join this growing community celebration of music, mindfulness, and connection. MUSIC + MANTRA KIRTAN AT UUSE A welcoming community of music, meditation, and connection. Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM Join us for an uplifting, meditative experience blending contemporary music with the call-and-response singing of mantras. Mantra set to music opens the heart and lifts the spirits. The MUSIC + MANTRA series is a welcoming community gathering where contemporary live music meets the ancient practice of kirtan — call-and-response mantra singing rooted in India’s devotional tradition. No musical experience, spiritual background, or prior knowledge is required. You are welcome to sing along, dance, listen quietly, or simply be present. WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE: • Relaxation through sound – Quiet the mental chatter and de-stress. • A sense of belonging – Singing together fosters connection in a way that feels natural and inclusive—there's no pressure and no performance. • Accessible participation – Sit in a chair, relax on a cushion, or move and dance—engage in whatever way feels right for you. • Tradition shared with care – Rooted in the Indian devotional practice of kirtan and offered in a warm, contemporary community setting that honors its origins. ABOUT THE MUSICIANS: HEART CENTERED KIRTAN • Libby Volckening — vocals and keys • Ezra Landis — guitar • Nico D'Amico — bass • Chris Ball — drums Together, they offer contemporary arrangements that honor tradition while remaining approachable for newcomers. ABOUT THE SPACE Hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Society East — a welcoming, community-centered venue committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Wheelchair accessible • Scent-free space • Chair seating provided (feel free to bring a cushion if you prefer the floor) • Free parking on site Whether you are spiritually curious, musically inclined, or simply seeking a peaceful and welcoming evening out, Music + Mantra offers a low-pressure way to connect—with yourself and with community. EVENT DETAILS Sunday, March 22 - 3pm Free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. No one is ever turned away. Kirtan is a form of participatory music that blends melody, rhythm, and meditation. Originating in the devotional singing traditions of India, kirtan invites people of all backgrounds to join in simple, call-and-response chanting. No experience is needed—just a willingness to listen, repeat, and let the music open the heart. The result is a joyful, community-centered practice that brings people together through sound and shared intention. The Music + Mantra series at UUSE features inclusive, interfaith, and community-oriented musical gatherings designed to nurture connection and reflection. All events in the series begin at 3:00 PM and are open to the public. Admission is by free-will donation ($20 suggested) at the door. Upcoming Music + Mantra events will take place on: • Sunday, March 22, 2026 For more information, visit uuse.org/kirtan or connect with the community at Central CT Community Kirtan on Facebook . Or download the flyer here . All are welcome to join this growing community celebration of music, mindfulness, and connection. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Final Sing Out Love Listening Session Final Sing Out Love Listening Session March 5th Are you interested in hearing (and maybe even singing) music from the UUA's new online hymnal, Sing Out Love? Join our Music Director, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh for an exploration of the music in this wonderful new resource. Thursday, March 5th, 11:00 to 1:00 PM at the meeting house. All are welcome. #eBlast-03-04 Final Sing Out Love Listening Session March 5th Are you interested in hearing (and maybe even singing) music from the UUA's new online hymnal, Sing Out Love? Join our Music Director, Mary Bopp, and Rev. Josh for an exploration of the music in this wonderful new resource. Thursday, March 5th, 11:00 to 1:00 PM at the meeting house. All are welcome. #eBlast -03-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Apr 9, 2026 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 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! For more information visit Meetup. 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 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! For more information visit Meetup . OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 9, 2024 May the River Renew Us Our ministry theme for June is renewal. Given all the trends in the wider world that wear us down these days, finding avenues for renewal seems essential. When you feel down, what renews your spirit? We will also be welcoming new members into our congregation this morning. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-06-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

Kirtan Music and Mantra @UUSE Heart-Centered Kirtan returns to Manchester, CT Come chant, breathe, and reconnect through the joy of kirtan. Join us in Manchester, CT, where live music, mantra singing, and community come together in a shared spiritual practice. Upcoming Dates All sessions begin at 3pm in the UUSE sanctuary: · Sunday, September 21, 2025 · Sunday, February 22, 2026 · Sunday, March 22, 2026 · Sunday, May 17, 2026 Each gathering is led by Heart-Centered Kirtan , offering a powerful and inclusive group chanting experience in Connecticut. Save the dates and come sing with us, dance, do yoga, or just soak it in. What Is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of chanting meditation rooted in Indian spiritual traditions. Through call-and-response singing of simple, repetitive mantras, participants are invited into a shared state of peace, energy, and connection. Whether you're looking for spiritual music events in CT, interested in meditative music, or simply want to try something new, kirtan offers a welcoming space for all. About Heart-Centered Kirtan Led by Libby Volckening , with Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, and Chris Ball , Heart-Centered Kirtan weaves Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras into a blend of Western musical styles. Their Unitarian Universalist kirtan gatherings are known for being grounding, joyful, and openhearted. Since 2013, they’ve led kirtan across Connecticut and New England, bringing people together through the healing power of music and mantra. Learn more at heartcenteredkirtan.com What to Know Donation: $20 suggested (more or less is always OK—no one is turned away). All are welcome: No experience needed. Families are encouraged to attend. Scent-free space: Please avoid perfumes and essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided; bring a cushion if you prefer the floor. If you're searching for inclusive spiritual events in CT or want to explore community chanting , this is a great place to begin. < Previous Next >

< 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