< To Upcoming Services Mar 1, 2026 Belonging and Thriving -- Together! Sunday, March 1st: Belonging and Thriving -- Together! All Congregation service featuring beautiful music by the Atrium Brass Quintet! This morning we launch our 2026 Annual Appeal. Rev. Josh will discuss the goals for this year’s appeal. What needs are we trying to meet? What programs are we hoping to grow? What vision are we trying to fulfill? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Sunday, March 1st: Belonging and Thriving -- Together! All Congregation service featuring beautiful music by the Atrium Brass Quintet! This morning we launch our 2026 Annual Appeal. Rev. Josh will discuss the goals for this year’s appeal. What needs are we trying to meet? What programs are we hoping to grow? What vision are we trying to fulfill? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. #MarchNewsletter 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 Aug 23, 2026 Blessed Are the Animals As Unitarian Universalists, we believe all life is sacred. For anyone who has had a connection to an animal, you have felt the interdependence of all life. On August 23rd, we will lift up our non-human family and celebrate all that they bring to our lives. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Ellen Williams Summer Schedule #eBlast-08-19 Sunday Service: "Blessed Are the Animals" As Unitarian Universalists, we believe all life is sacred. For anyone who has had a connection to an animal, you have felt the interdependence of all life. On August 23rd, we will lift up our non-human family and celebrate all that they bring to our lives. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Ellen Williams Summer Schedule Sunday, August 23 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-19 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 30, 2026 Coffee House Join us for our annual coffee house service at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer Schedule #eBlast-08-26 Sunday Service: "Coffee House" Join us for our annual coffee house service at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer Schedule Sunday, August 30 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-26 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 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 Jul 6, 2025 Summer Solstice and Living Simply Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Join us as we celebrate the summer solstice which represents the triumph of light over darkness and the peak of nature's abundance. The solstice also reminds us to celebrate, reflect and use the energy of the sun for personal growth. The wisdom of our ancestors emphasizes finding meaning in our lives by living simply. Coordinators : Vivian Carlson and Ellen Williams. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service #eBlast-07-02 Sunday Service: "Summer Solstice and Living Simply" Join us as we celebrate the summer solstice which represents the triumph of light over darkness and the peak of nature's abundance. The solstice also reminds us to celebrate, reflect and use the energy of the sun for personal growth. The wisdom of our ancestors emphasizes finding meaning in our lives by living simply. Coordinators : Vivian Carlson and Ellen Williams. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, July 6, 2025 #eBlast -07-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 7, 2023 The Inspired Life, Why Creativity Matters Beth Hankins and Stacey Musulin coordinate an exploration of creativity, its importance apart from “talent” and the deep connection to spirituality. Sharon Gresk is a featured speaker, describing a new area of creativity in her life. Join us for words, ideas and some hands-on fun. Coordinator(s): Beth Hankins and Stacey Musulin OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 6, 2023 Resistance Music August 6: “Resistance Music.” This service celebrates the power of American protest music as a vehicle for social justice, bringing people together through song and common purpose. Friends new and familiar will perform protest songs, and we will explore the staying power of protest music. Warm up your voices and join us! Coordinator(s): David Klotz and Kate Howard-Bender OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 8, 2026 Manchester Women's Sacred Singing Circle- Every Thursday at 7 PM We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information contact Jane at sexton@uuse.org Every Thursday at 7 PM We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information contact Jane at sexton@uuse.org OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Oct 29, 2026 Manchester Women's Sacred Singing Circle. Every Thursday at 7 PM We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information contact Jane at sexton@uuse.org Every Thursday at 7 PM We sing songs and chants from a variety of traditions, including some written by women from circles around the country, including our own. All are about the earth, healing, spirit, and, of course, women. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time. Come every week or off and on, when you choose. But come! We have so much fun each week, we want you to join us in the laughter, song and community! For more information contact Jane at sexton@uuse.org OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 31, 2023 Beloved Mystery Sunday, December 31 One service only at 10:00 a.m. The service is also live-streamed. Gathering music begins at 9:50 a.m. "Beloved Mystery." December 31 is the end of the ancient winter solstice season, the sacred time between the solstice and the beginning of the new solar year. This sacred time belongs to neither the old year nor the new year. In this time of mystery, we'll come together to share our stories of grace, mercy, faith and hope as we ready ourselves to welcome the light of the new year. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson #eBlast-12-27 One Service Only at 10:00AM December 31 is the end of the ancient winter solstice season, the sacred time between the solstice and the beginning of the new solar year. This sacred time belongs to neither the old year nor the new year. In this time of mystery, we’ll come together to share our stories of grace, mercy, faith and hope as we ready ourselves to welcome the light of the new year. Coordinator(s): Vivian Carlson No CYM programming (nursery will be open for the 10 AM service as usual) OOS Sermon YouTube