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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled 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 Climate Café Sunday, March 3, 1:00 PM UUSE Sanctuary Jordan, our SavKat rep, will be available on Sunday, March 3, to speak with our congregation about going solar. Please save the date for our first "Climate Café" featuring a discussion of the UUSE solar energy program with SavKat. This will be an informal presentation followed by Q&A where those interested in learning about solar installations can ask questions and hear from UUSE members who have already gotten installations. The presentation begins at 1:00. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available, and everyone is welcome to bring a "brown bag" lunch (not a potluck). 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

< Back < Latest eBlast eBlast Article < Previous Article Next Article > Our Mission Our Mission  Unitarian Universalist Society East is a welcoming, open-minded spiritual community seeking truth and meaning in its many forms. We share responsibility for building a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world. #eBlast -07-08

< To Upcoming Services Jul 23, 2023 Emphasis on Covenant Rev. Josh will share his experiences of the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly in Pittsburgh. In short, where do things stand with Article 2 of the UUA bylaws? Coordinator(s): Rev. Josh Pawelek OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UU SpiritLife - Who Speaks UU SpiritLife UUSpiritLife Conversations is a monthly drop-in Zoom to talk about spiritual topics. On Saturday, November 18, 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., we will be considering Marsha Sinetar's article Who Speaks? David Gonci will facilitate. Click here to find the article to read and the Zoom link. See you on the small screen! #eBlast-11-15 UU SpiritLife Conversations is a monthly drop-in Zoom to talk about spiritual topics. On Saturday, November 18, 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. , we will be considering Marsha Sinetar's article Who Speaks? David Gonci will facilitate. Click here to find the article to read and the Zoom link. See you on the small screen! #eBlast -11-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled NLDC Annual Recruitment The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is starting our annual recruitment effort for the July 2025 - June 2026 term. On March 2nd after the 11:00 A.M. service, the NLDC will be recruiting for new chairs and committee members. We will have handouts outlining committee charters and chair responsibilities available for review and posted on the bulletin board in the Program Room. What we have learned from our conversations with chairs and members serving on UUSE committees is that congregants rarely reach out on their own to volunteer. However, when someone takes the initiative to reach out to an individual and discusses committee opportunities, then congregants are more likely to be open to serve. It is our hope that these recruiting sessions will provide an opportunity to reach out to more congregants and extend a personal invitation to serve the UUSE community. Please join us and consider volunteering for a committee. This congregation cannot continue to sustain itself without volunteers. We desperately need more volunteers, and we need them now. Please consider making time in your busy schedules usually just a few hours a month to give back to a community that enriches our lives and community in so many ways. We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it, please reach out to one of the NLDC members. Our contact information will be on the bulletin board in the program room soon. Sincerely, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Early Bird registration will be open until Early Bird registration will be open until March 31, 2025. UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore,, MD and will be in a hybrid format. General information about GA: General Assembly: The Unitarian Universalist Association's Premier Annual Gathering | UUA.org Register for GA: General Assembly Registration | General Assembly | UUA.org Delegate information: How Congregations Are Represented at General Assembly / Delegates | UUA.org Tentative Business Agenda and Being a Delegate: Shape Our Future Together at GA 2025! UUSE is entitled to 8 delegates in 2025: 6 lay delegates plus the minister and CYM Director. For more information about being a delegate, please check out the links above and let Carrie Kocher - uuseoffice@uuse.org - know if you have any questions or are interested in serving as a delegate. #eBlast-03-26 Early Bird registration will be open until March 31, 2025 . UUA General Assembly (GA) will be held June 19-25, 2025 in Baltimore,, MD and will be in a hybrid format. General information about GA: General Assembly: The Unitarian Universalist Association's Premier Annual Gathering | UUA.org Register for GA: General Assembly Registration | General Assembly | UUA.org Delegate information: How Congregations Are Represented at General Assembly / Delegates | UUA.org Tentative Business Agenda and Being a Delegate: Shape Our Future Together at GA 2025! UUSE is entitled to 8 delegates in 2025: 6 lay delegates plus the minister and CYM Director. For more information about being a delegate, please check out the links above and let Carrie Kocher - uuseoffice@uuse.org - know if you have any questions or are interested in serving as a delegate. #eBlast -03-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

Several different types of programming are incorporated to best meet the needs and interests of our high school youth. At bi-monthly meetings the group will get together to talk, play games, cook, eat, watch a movie, attend a service together or work on a service project. Youth can work toward earning the Distinguished Youth Service Award. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. To signup to volunteer with High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-high < Back HS Youth Group (Gr 9 & up) Several different types of programming are incorporated to best meet the needs and interests of our high school youth. At bi-monthly meetings the group will get together to talk, play games, cook, eat, watch a movie, attend a service together or work on a service project. Youth can work toward earning the Distinguished Youth Service Award. There will also be opportunities for social activities or other special events outside the building. To signup to volunteer with High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAC2CA3FFCE9-high Previous Next

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled A Celebration of World Religion Day Featuring an Interfaith Choir, Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 1 pm Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT, 06107 Refreshments Served - All Faith Traditions And All Ages Are Welcome! Program Highlights Keynote Address: Eric Dozier Cultural activist and musician dedicated to using the power of music to inspire unity and foster global reconciliation Special Interfaith Choir Created exclusively for this event and directed by Eric Dozier, CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Chorus Rasa Dance Project Group Choreographer: Rachna Ramya Download flyer #JanuaryNewsletter Featuring an Interfaith Choir, Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 1 pm Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT, 06107 Refreshments Served - All Faith Traditions And All Ages Are Welcome! Program Highlights Keynote Address: Eric Dozier Cultural activist and musician dedicated to using the power of music to inspire unity and foster global reconciliation Special Interfaith Choir Created exclusively for this event and directed by Eric Dozier, CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Chorus Rasa Dance Project Group Choreographer: Rachna Ramya Download flyer #JanuaryNewsletter 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

< To Upcoming Services Oct 15, 2023 Protecting Our Women and Girls. This service serves as an informative platform, shedding light on the daily challenges and threats faced by women. We aim to provide a trigger warning for sensitive topics such as sexual and physical abuse. While our content may be emotionally challenging, it can also be a valuable resource for those experiencing abuse or those seeking to help someone in need. Join us as Jessey Ina-Lee and Madeleine Cahill discuss this heart-wrenching issue and the imperative to protect the well-being of women and girls. The disparities between women's and men's lives will become evident as we delve into this important discussion. Coordinator: Alan Ayers #eBlast OOS Sermon YouTube