< 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

< To Upcoming Services Mar 16, 2025 Hows Your Rhythm Section? Sunday Service: "How's Your Rhythm Section?" Continuing our exploration of trust, Rev. Josh reflects on his rock 'n' roll days, when a solid rhythm section made all the difference. What does it mean to be part of a trustworthy rhythm section? What does it mean to trust the rhythm section? And more to the point, how's your rhythm section doing? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-12 Sunday Service: "How's Your Rhythm Section?" Continuing our exploration of trust, Rev. Josh reflects on his rock 'n' roll days, when a solid rhythm section made all the difference. What does it mean to be part of a trustworthy rhythm section? What does it mean to trust the rhythm section? And more to the point, how's your rhythm section doing? Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 16, 2025 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-12 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 7, 2026 Affirmation Service  Affirmation Service" Affirmation is our long-standing 'coming of age' program for youth. This morning, we honor and celebrate five UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements, and we will hear from their mentors. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer Schedule #eBlast-06-03 Sunday Service:  Affirmation Service" Affirmation is our long-standing 'coming of age' program for youth. This morning, we honor and celebrate five UUSE youth who have participated in the Affirmation class over the past congregational year. They will share their credo statements, and we will hear from their mentors. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer Schedule Sunday, June 7 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -06-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

Coffeehouse & Open Mic Join us on the first Saturday of each month, October through May, for an evening of music, poetry, stories, and community! Bring your own songs, poems, stories, or any creative offering — or simply come enjoy the warm, supportive atmosphere as part of our appreciative audience. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 PM, and performances start at 6:30 PM. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. BYOB, BYO dinner, and BYO friends — we’ll provide the coffee!. < Previous Next Coffeehouse 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

This page has driving directions for people who what to try to find our hidden gem of a church. Visit Us We’re a little off the beaten path, but well worth the journey! While our location can be a bit tricky to find, Google Maps or MapQuest will lead you right to us—have faith! To help you get your bearings: West Vernon Street in Manchester connects Taylor Street in Talcottville/Vernon with Vernon Street in Manchester, in the northeastern part of town. If you’re seeking peace, community, and a deeper spiritual connection, we believe you’ll find your effort rewarded here at UUSE. Unitarian Universalist Society East 153 Vernon St. W Manchester, CT 06042-2209 phone: 860 646-5151 email: info@uuse.org Wheelchair accessible building and parking lot Assistive listening devices available Nursery Available Children & Youth Ministry Low Scent Policy

< To Upcoming Services Jul 27, 2025 Adult Credos. Sunday, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson. Sunday, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube