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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 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

Science and Religion Discussion Group Where do science and religion meet? Where are they in opposition? Meet 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 in the Chapel, and on Zoom. Contact Chris Larson for the Zoom link. #MarchNewsletter < Previous Next Meeting Next >

< To Upcoming Services Nov 19, 2023 We Give Thanks. Don't miss the fun this Sunday at our All Congregational Service when we will honor Thanksgiving and the meaning of our November theme, "Generosity." Our own Jerry Myers will be our guest speaker; Laurie Semprebon and Chris Crossgrove will play a couple of duets; and our DCYM Emmy Galbraith will read us a story ... WITH PICTURES! #eBlast-11-15 November 19: “We Give Thanks .” Don’t miss this all-congregational service when we will be honoring Thanksgiving and defining what it means to be generous. The two guest speakers will be Jerry Myers and Meadow Bornhorst. Our new Children and Youth Ministry Director, Emmy Galbraith, will also be reading a story for all to enjoy. Coordinator(s): Anne Vogel and David Klotz OOS Sermon YouTube

7b4d2691-c507-4285-b7f6-ccf079e36fe5 < Back Members-at-Large Provide liaison to congregation. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:17:39 PM

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Responses from the February 15th Service: The Strategic Planning Task Force thanks everyone for their thoughtful and considerate responses during the February 15th service. It’s a great way to kick off our brainstorming as we begin our revision considerations. After reviewing nearly 100 responses to our current vision statement, the six most popular words in our current vision statement that people strongly feel speak to them include (in order by most selected) justice, spiritually, alive, social, environmental, and diverse. To review all of the chosen words, review our WordArt presenting all of the chosen selections (the larger the word appears, the more times it was selected). #MarchNewsletter  The Strategic Planning Task Force thanks everyone for their thoughtful and considerate responses during the February 15th service. It’s a great way to kick off our brainstorming as we begin our revision considerations. After reviewing nearly 100 responses to our current vision statement, the six most popular words in our current vision statement that people strongly feel speak to them include (in order by most selected) justice, spiritually, alive, social, environmental, and diverse. To review all of the chosen words, review our WordArt presenting all of the chosen selections (the larger the word appears, the more times it was selected). #MarchNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Indivisible Indivisible Thursday, February 12 - 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. If you missed Indivisible's recent meeting at UUSE and wished you could have made it, you have another opportunity! The local Indivisible chapter will be meeting again at UUSE on Thursday, February 12 and all are welcome to attend. The group will also be discussing the potential for meeting at UUSE on a regular basis. For more information about this grassroots nationwide movement, click here. #eBlast-02-11 Indivisible Thursday, February 12 - 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. If you missed Indivisible's recent meeting at UUSE and wished you could have made it, you have another opportunity! The local Indivisible chapter will be meeting again at UUSE on Thursday, February 12 and all are welcome to attend. The group will also be discussing the potential for meeting at UUSE on a regular basis. For more information about this grassroots nationwide movement, click here . #eBlast -02-11 OOS Sermon YouTube

218a9f20-5dd3-444f-9506-200b8a95d07b < Back to Newsletter March Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Romeos for Lunch Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meet at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for lunch and conversation at various local restaurants. If you are retired or simply have free time, feel welcome to participate. Contact Annie at the church office to be included on the email call list. #MarchNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

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: March 22 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 Flyer Click 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 opportunities for reflection, belonging, and shared expression through music for people of all backgrounds.

All about the Unitarian Universalist Society East UUSE Church, its staff, happenings, sunday services, sunday school, music, social justice projects, and fun activities for all ages. Unitarian Universalist Society East No matter what your spiritual beliefs, all are welcome. Everyone Belongs! ABOUT UUSE UUSE is a welcoming, spiritually diverse community of people from many religious orientations. Together we worship, learn, build community, and advocate for a more just society and a sustainable planet. Our goal is to make our spiritual home a place of peace, joy, and love for all. We invite you to join us because all are welcome here. Let our church become your church. Learn more about us... Sign up for our Newsletter & get invitations to our Virtual Services Contact Us Unitarian Universalist Society East 153 Vernon St. W Manchester, CT 06042-2209 phone: 860 646-5151 email: Info@uuse.org