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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 Mar 31, 2024 Shine on Me: A Celebration of Easter. All-Congregational Service. Join us for our annual Easter music service. Through story and song, we explore the deeper meanings at the heart of Easter. Coordinators: Rev. Josh Pawelek, #eBlast-03-27 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Community of the Earth The congregation is invited to view a new art show collaborative entitled, “The Community of Earth.” Families are welcome. refreshments will be served. “Mahjabeen “ is one of a series of portraits I’m working on of world religious leaders that I met at a conference on Star Island last summer. The conference was on Cross-cultural Conversations, and this resonated with me as an important and necessary component of our Community of Earth. That is what inspired me to coordinate this themed exhibit and to ask all of the artists to express their own interpretation of the Community of Earth. Jane Penfield OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Come Sing, Chant, and Reconnect With Us! Save These Kirtan Dates –Led by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! • Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 • Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 • Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee #OctoberNewsletter Save These Kirtan Dates – L ed by Heart-Centered Kirtan with Libby Volckening, Dan Thomas, Zach Gregory, Chris Ball, and Brie Sullivan. No experience needed! Sunday, 3 PM, February 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, March 22, 2026 Sunday, 3 PM, May 17, 2026 Suggested Donation: $20 (more or less is always OK—no one turned away). Scent-Free: Please no incense, perfume, or essential oils. Seating: Chairs provided. Some cushions. Best to bring a cushion if you prefer floor seating. For more info: https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/kirtan Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT Sudha, Central CT Community Kirtan And the UUSE Music Committee #OctoberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jan 11, 2026 The Arts as Resistance "The Arts as Resistance" The Arts as Resistance - the artistic voice as a means of expression. Throughout history, artists, writers, and musicians have conveyed their vision and values through their work. UUSE artists talk about their creative process and what inspires them to make the world better. Coordinators : Jane Penfield and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-01-07 "The Arts as Resistance" The Arts as Resistance - the artistic voice as a means of expression. Throughout history, artists, writers, and musicians have conveyed their vision and values through their work. UUSE artists talk about their creative process and what inspires them to make the world better. Coordinators : Jane Penfield and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 11, 2026 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -01-07 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 3, 2023 Holy Clues. UUSE welcomes Rev. Stephen Kendrick as our guest speaker. Coordinator: Anne Vogel #eBlast-11-29 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled General Assembly 2025 News from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. (More info on the CSAI process). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here. Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. (More info on the AIW process). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). • We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights • Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom • Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter from the Denominational Affairs Committee The annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (GA) took place in Baltimore, MD, from June 18 -22. General Assembly is the main denomination-wide event; it takes place every year in June and involves worship, music, social justice, networking, and fellowship. A total of 3,279 people attended GA – 2,483 attended in person and 796 attended remotely. UUSE delegates to GA included: Monica van Beusekom, Patricia Corey-Lisle, Carrie Kocher, and Rev. Joshua Pawelek as a ministerial delegate. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to serve the congregation in this way. Delegates cast their votes on a number of ballots during GA. These included an election ballot (UUA Moderator, as well as positions on the Board of Trustees, Commission on Appraisal, and Nominating Committee; results here ), a Business Resolution ballot, a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) ballot, and a ballot on the three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). Of the three proposed CSAIs, delegates chose the CSAI: Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation for three years of study, reflection, and action. The purpose of a CSAI is to provide congregations with the opportunity to study and mobilize around a common issue. After two years of study and feedback, a Statement of Conscience may be developed during the third year that reflects a UU position on the issue. ( More info on the CSAI process ). This year’s CSAI, “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” defines its aims as follows: “Abolition is a holistic approach to systemic social change that includes, but is not limited to: the abolition of slavery; replacing systems and cultures of violence, coercion and control with transformative justice and relational practices; and dismantling the prison-industrial complex as we now know it. It requires the transformation of our society and the replacement of our current public theologies of retributive justice and violence.” To read the CSAI in its entirety, click here . Actions of Immediate Witness are statements about significant issues that call for immediate action on the part of UUs. ( More info on the AIW process ). Delegates overwhelmingly voted (98%) to affirm all three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity Going forward into 2025-26 and beyond, we will be considering how we as a congregation can take action on both the CSAI and the AIWs. We welcome your input. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Help with Bottle and Can Drive Fundraiser Help with Bottle and Can Drive Fundraiser We are looking for help with the Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in conjunction with Mayfair. Come for an hour or stay the whole time -- whatever works for you! We will be sorting and counting bottles and cans for placement into large bags to bring to the redemption center. And we have fun meeting people as folks drop off their bottles and cans! Please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org to sign up to help or with any questions. Thank you in advance! #eBlast-04-30 Help with Bottle and Can Drive Fundraiser We are looking for help with the Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in conjunction with Mayfair. Come for an hour or stay the whole time -- whatever works for you! We will be sorting and counting bottles and cans for placement into large bags to bring to the redemption center. And we have fun meeting people as folks drop off their bottles and cans! Please contact Michelle Spadaccini at uuseoffice@uuse.org to sign up to help or with any questions. Thank you in advance! #eBlast -04-30 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled General Assembly is ONLY two months away! General Assembly is ONLY two months away! UUA General Assembly, the main UU denominational event of 2025, will be held this year in Baltimore from June 18 - 22. The event will be held in a hybrid format, so you can attend online or in-person. Check out the following links for more information: For general information about GA 2025: Click here. To register for GA 2025: Click here To view the programs and schedule: Click here. To find delegate information: Click here. For more information on how you can serve as a delegate from UUSE to GA, please contact Carrie Kocher at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-04-23 General Assembly is ONLY two months away! UUA General Assembly, the main UU denominational event of 2025, will be held this year in Baltimore from June 18 - 22. The event will be held in a hybrid format, so you can attend online or in-person. Check out the following links for more information: For general information about GA 2025: Click here . To register for GA 2025: Click here To view the programs and schedule: Click here . To find delegate information: Click here . For more information on how you can serve as a delegate from UUSE to GA, please contact Carrie Kocher at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -04-23 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 12, 2025 Finding My Way Out of the Darkness "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness" This morning, we welcome award-winning author Tony Ferraiolo to our pulpit. In conversation with Rev. Josh, Tony will discuss themes in his recent book, “Finding My Way Out of the Darkness: How I Found Love and Acceptance.” Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-10-08 "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 12, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -10-08 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 5, 2025 How Do You Cultivate Compassion? Sunday Service: "How Do You Cultivate Compassion?" Cultivating compassion can take many forms. Whether given or received, for yourself or for others, compassion helps us grow spiritually and enriches our lives. Join us to hear our reflections on cultivating compassion. We also welcome Tret Fure as our special guest speaker and musician to the service. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-10-01 Sunday Service: "How Do You Cultivate Compassion?" Cultivating compassion can take many forms. Whether given or received, for yourself or for others, compassion helps us grow spiritually and enriches our lives. Join us to hear our reflections on cultivating compassion. We also welcome Tret Fure as our special guest speaker and musician to the service. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 5, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -10-01 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! New Sanctuary Exhibit Starting Thursday, December 4 A new sanctuary exhibit will go up on Thursday, December 4th. There is no specific theme for this show. Choose one of your favorites to share with the congregation. Please register your entries with uuseoffice@uuse.org and include title, medium, price (if for sale) and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets, please send your poems to Carol for mounting by November 30th. If you want to add a photo or a small piece of art, send it as well. INCOMING WORK: Drop-off is December 12/4/25 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. (Please note the new times.) If you can't make that window, kindly drop off your entry in Annie's office any time before the deadline. OUTGOING WORK: Pick up your art by the end of the second service on Sunday, November 16th, so that Fair setup can begin. When you pick up your artwork, check your name off the list posted near the entry doors. Artwork not picked up will be in Annie's office. REGISTRATION starts now through Tuesday, 12/2/25. That's not a lot of time so get your entries in. Let's make this a wonderfully eclectic display! The next exhibit will go up in early April. Questions? Contact Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-11-26 Attention Artists, Photographers and Poets! New Sanctuary Exhibit Starting Thursday, December 4 A new sanctuary exhibit will go up on Thursday, December 4th. There is no specific theme for this show. Choose one of your favorites to share with the congregation. Please register your entries with uuseoffice@uuse.org and include title, medium, price (if for sale) and photo (if you wish to have your submission included in the sanctuary slide show). Poets , please send your poems to Carol for mounting by November 30th. If you want to add a photo or a small piece of art, send it as well. INCOMING WORK : Drop-off is December 12/4/25 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. (Please note the new times.) If you can't make that window, kindly drop off your entry in Annie's office any time before the deadline. OUTGOING WORK : Pick up your art by the end of the second service on Sunday, November 16th, so that Fair setup can begin. When you pick up your artwork, check your name off the list posted near the entry doors. Artwork not picked up will be in Annie's office. REGISTRATION starts now through Tuesday, 12/2/25 . That's not a lot of time so get your entries in. Let's make this a wonderfully eclectic display! The next exhibit will go up in early April. Questions? Contact Carol Marion, 860-646-5151, uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -11-26 OOS Sermon YouTube