< To Upcoming Services Jul 19, 2026 The Pulse of Love Join us this morning for a joyful, musical celebration of love in its many guises--love that grounds us, love that moves us, and love that pulses with a connection to our UU values and principles. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Summer Schedule #eBlast-07-15 Sunday Service: "The Pulse of Love" Join us this morning for a joyful, musical celebration of love in its many guises--love that grounds us, love that moves us, and love that pulses with a connection to our UU values and principles. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Summer Schedule Sunday, July 19th at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -07-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 15, 2026 On War, Women and Witness or Do UU Know Your History? Part III  or "Do UU Know Your History? Part III" Rev. Josh will share his reflections on the ongoing United States War in Iran with a nod to Women's History month and our ministry theme of paying attention . Josh will draw on the wartime witness of some famous Unitarian and Universalist women. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Illustrated by Sarah Green from "Brave Clara Barton" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-11  or "Do UU Know Your History? Part III" Rev. Josh will share his reflections on the ongoing United States War in Iran with a nod to Women's History month and our ministry theme of paying attention . Josh will draw on the wartime witness of some famous Unitarian and Universalist women. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Illustrated by Sarah Green from "Brave Clara Barton" Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 15, 2026 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-11 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 20, 2026 Humanist Group Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 23, 2024 The Bitter with the Sweet. Beth Hankins and Martha Larson are coordinators of this service examining how we face adversity and uncertainty. What are the sources of strength and support available to us in the UUSE community and from our UU beliefs? This service includes thoughts on death and illness. Coordinators: Beth Hankins and Martha Larson #eBlast-06-19 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jan 25, 2026 I Am Today "I Am Today" Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators : Sam Taylor & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-01-21 "I Am Today" Being a changemaker can start today, which causes close to our heart and thoughtful advocacy. UUSE members will speak about actions they've taken to instigate positive change in our communities. Coordinators : Sam Taylor & Martha Larson Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, January 25, 2026 #eBlast -01-21 OOS Sermon YouTube

< 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 Apr 27, 2025 Earth Day Sunday, April 27th: Earth Day. In honor of the 55th Earth Day, we welcome Terri Eickel into our pulpit. Ms. Eickel is the Executive Director of Connecticut’s Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, commonly known as IREJN. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, April 27th: Earth Day . In honor of the 55th Earth Day, we welcome Terri Eickel into our pulpit. Ms. Eickel is the Executive Director of Connecticut’s Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, commonly known as IREJN. Coordinators: Martha Larson and Rev. Josh Pawelek. #MayNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday, June 8th Sunday, June 15th: CYM Sunday. Please join on us for our all All Congregation CYM Celebration Sunday service! We will reflect on everything we accomplished this year through pictures, stories, and song. Volunteer recognition and Bridging ceremonies will close out our time together! Coordinator: Emmy Galbraith, Director of Children & Youth Ministry. Special time: 11 AM. Sunday, June 22nd: General Assembly Sunday Worship. This morning we will join this year's UU General Assembly Sunday worship via live stream. Worship will begin at 11 AM. Join us as we come together to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson. Sunday, June 29th: What Does Your Quilt Say? As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to "live our values aloud" and work for a more just world in which all may thrive. In this service, we'll explore together the concept of "freedom" as an inherent human right as well as a responsibility to uphold for others. Summer holidays and events marking Memorial Day, Pride Month, Juneteenth, the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and Independence Day offer moments for us to reflect on what freedom means to each of us and how we communicate and act on what we value. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson. #JuneNewsletter Sunday, June 15th: CYM Sunday . Please join on us for our all All Congregation CYM Celebration Sunday service! We will reflect on everything we accomplished this year through pictures, stories, and song. Volunteer recognition and Bridging ceremonies will close out our time together! Coordinator: Emmy Galbraith, Director of Children & Youth Ministry. Special time: 11 AM. Sunday, June 22nd: General Assembly Sunday Worship. This morning we will join this year's UU General Assembly Sunday worship via live stream. Worship will begin at 11 AM. Join us as we come together to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson. Sunday, June 29th: What Does Your Quilt Say? As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to "live our values aloud" and work for a more just world in which all may thrive. In this service, we'll explore together the concept of "freedom" as an inherent human right as well as a responsibility to uphold for others. Summer holidays and events marking Memorial Day, Pride Month, Juneteenth, the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and Independence Day offer moments for us to reflect on what freedom means to each of us and how we communicate and act on what we value. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Martha Larson. #JuneNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Multi-Faith Service Multi-Faith Service Sunday, November 23 at 5:00 P.M. at Beth Sholom B'Nai Israel All are welcome to join Beth Sholom B'Nai Israel for their annual multi-faith service, Sunday, November 23 at 5:00 p.m., 400 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester, CT 06040. BSBI will be joined by clergy throughout Manchester for a special Thanksgiving service with a theme of Community Connections. The Keynote Speaker will be Latasha Easterling-Turnquest M. Ed., Chief of Family Partnership & Student Engagement at Manchester Public Schools. This event is free and open to the public. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the local pantry. #eBlast-11-19 Multi-Faith Service Sunday, November 23 at 5:00 P.M. at Beth Sholom B'Nai Israel All are welcome to join Beth Sholom B'Nai Israel for their annual multi-faith service, Sunday, November 23 at 5:00 p.m., 400 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester, CT 06040. BSBI will be joined by clergy throughout Manchester for a special Thanksgiving service with a theme of Community Connections. The Keynote Speaker will be Latasha Easterling-Turnquest M. Ed., Chief of Family Partnership & Student Engagement at Manchester Public Schools. This event is free and open to the public. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the local pantry. #eBlast -11-19 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Gender Free Contra Dance Gender Free Contra Dance Saturday, September 19, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Kick up your heels in joyous celebration of the season and community. Greenfield-based contra caller Liz Nelson is known for her clear, easy-to-follow teaching style and welcoming energy so folks of all ages and experience levels can find joy and success dancing. Rebecca Weiss and Friends will sweep you along with new tunes and old favorites! Newcomer workshop at 3:45 p.m. More info here. Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. All are welcome! Sponsored by the UUSE Committee. For more information, , contact contra@uuse.org or ask Jane Osborn and Meghan MacRae. #eBlast-09-02 Gender Free Contra Dance Saturday, September 19, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Meeting House Reconnect after summer break at the contra dance! Kick up your heels in joyous celebration of the season and community. Greenfield-based contra caller Liz Nelson is known for her clear, easy-to-follow teaching style and welcoming energy so folks of all ages and experience levels can find joy and success dancing. Rebecca Weiss and Friends will sweep you along with new tunes and old favorites! Newcomer workshop at 3:45 p.m. More info here . Admission $15, students $5, under 12 free. Free-will donation; no one turned away. All are welcome! Sponsored by the UUSE Committee. For more information, , contact contra@uuse.org or ask Jane Osborn and Meghan MacRae. #eBlast -09-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 2, 2025 Strengthening Our Connections Sunday Service: "Strengthening Our Connections" This morning, we kick off our 2025 Annual Appeal. We celebrate our recent achievements. We articulate the challenges that lie ahead. We ponder the meaning and the value UUSE has in our lives. We strengthen our connections to each other. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-02-26 Sunday Service: "Strengthening Our Connections" This morning, we kick off our 2025 Annual Appeal. We celebrate our recent achievements. We articulate the challenges that lie ahead. We ponder the meaning and the value UUSE has in our lives. We strengthen our connections to each other. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 2, 2025 #eBlast -02-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Chocolate Auction UUSE Chocolate Auction Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 P.M.  Chocolate is awesome, and a chocolate auction is a great way to raise $$$$ for UUSE! This year's chocolate auction helps celebrate the end of our 2026 Annual Appeal. (Note: The March newsletter incorrectly advertised the event for March 31. It is on Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 p.m. following the second service.) All are invited to create chocolate confections (cookies, brownies, cakes, cupcakes--you name it!). Bring your creations to the Meeting House on the 29th and bid on whatever looks best to you. Bring your checkbook or cash and pay when you collect your WINNINGS. It's that simple!!! #eBlast-03-25 UUSE Chocolate Auction Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 P.M.   Chocolate is awesome, and a chocolate auction is a great way to raise $$$$ for UUSE! This year's chocolate auction helps celebrate the end of our 2026 Annual Appeal. (Note: The March newsletter incorrectly advertised the event for March 31. It is on Sunday, March 29 at 12:30 p.m. following the second service.) All are invited to create chocolate confections (cookies, brownies, cakes, cupcakes--you name it!). Bring your creations to the Meeting House on the 29th and bid on whatever looks best to you. Bring your checkbook or cash and pay when you collect your WINNINGS. It's that simple!!! #eBlast -03-25 OOS Sermon YouTube