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< To Upcoming Services Feb 24, 2026 Community Screening of My Friend Kim Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. Click here to sign up for the event. There is no fee. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim’s strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation has been introduced in Connecticut more than a dozen times since 1994, yet each effort has failed to pass. Supporters of MAID will likely reintroduce a new bill in the Connecticut General Assembly this year, renewing statewide conversation about end-of-life choice, patient autonomy, and compassionate care. Post-Screening Discussion Panel: • Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society East • Joy Cipollo, Kim Hoffman’s wife • Maribeth Abrams, Director of My Friend Kim • Mark Kwapis, Executive Producer, Skyline Films Rev. Pawelek’s congregation, Unitarian Universalist Society East, plays a meaningful role both in the film and as the location for this event, highlighting the intersection of faith, ethics, and autonomy at the end of life. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion exploring Medical Aid in Dying, personal autonomy, and how communities can support individuals and families facing terminal illness. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . Or download the flyer here. #FebruaryNewsletter Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. Click here to sign up for the event. There is no fee. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim’s strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation has been introduced in Connecticut more than a dozen times since 1994, yet each effort has failed to pass. Supporters of MAID will likely reintroduce a new bill in the Connecticut General Assembly this year, renewing statewide conversation about end-of-life choice, patient autonomy, and compassionate care. Post-Screening Discussion Panel: Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society East Joy Cipollo, Kim Hoffman’s wife Maribeth Abrams, Director of My Friend Kim Mark Kwapis, Executive Producer, Skyline Films Rev. Pawelek’s congregation, Unitarian Universalist Society East, plays a meaningful role both in the film and as the location for this event, highlighting the intersection of faith, ethics, and autonomy at the end of life. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion exploring Medical Aid in Dying, personal autonomy, and how communities can support individuals and families facing terminal illness. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . Or download the flyer here . #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Mayfair Cookie Competition Mayfair Cookie Competition Who makes the best cookie? Enter your tried-and-true family recipe or a new experiment you’ve been wanting to try. It’s a multi-generational competition—There will be prizes for an adult and a kid winner. Bragging rights and a beautiful UUSE Master Cookie Baker Apron are up for grabs! To Enter 1. Contact Jennifer Klee at jenduvklee@gmail.com to reserve your spot in the competition. 2. Bake! Since this is a competition and we want everyone to sample many cookies, please make 6-8 dozen SMALL, bite sized cookies. 3. Send the list of ingredients to Jennifer so we can have that information available for people with allergies. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Yoga - No Yoga this Week Holiday Notes: Due to the Christmas Eve service setup, the Wednesday, December 24 yoga class has been cancelled. All are welcome to these gentle-to-moderate yoga classes for all abilities. $5 drop-in fee. Bring a yoga mat (we have some extras). Bring a friend! Questions to: Susan at uuseoffice@uuse.org . Yoga is a UUSE adult education offering. #JanuaryNewsletter Holiday Notes: Due to the Christmas Eve service setup, the Wednesday, December 24 yoga class has been cancelled. #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Piano Bash 2025 Piano Bash 2025 Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 P.M. On Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 P.M., piano lovers of all ages and levels are invited to play our two Steinway pianos in the UUSE meeting room. This is a fun, informal event. If you like to play the piano and want to perform or have questions, send an email to Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . Listeners are welcome to attend! This is a free event. #eBlast-11-05 Piano Bash 2025 Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 P.M. On Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 P.M., piano lovers of all ages and levels are invited to play our two Steinway pianos in the UUSE meeting room. This is a fun, informal event. If you like to play the piano and want to perform or have questions, send an email to Mary Bopp at music@uuse.org . Listeners are welcome to attend! This is a free event. #eBlast -11-05 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Coffeehouse and Open Mic Coffeehouse and Open Mic February 7th - 6:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring your dinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast-02-04 Coffeehouse and Open Mic February 7th - 6:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is held monthly on first Saturdays October through May. Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers share their talents. Performer signups start at 6:00 P.M. with 12 slots of 10 minutes each. Performances start at 6:30 P.M. Bring your dinner. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite beverage. We'll provide the coffee. A $5 suggested donation goes directly to UUSE. Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Music Committee. #eBlast -02-04 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Choir is back! It's not too late to join! Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera, if you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals started on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7 PM, in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. There is still time to join. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org #FebruaryNewsletter Do you love to sing? You don't have to audition. Whether you sing in your car or with the Metropolitan Opera, if you like to have fun, you can sing with the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals started on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7 PM, in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. There is still time to join. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Spring Spruce-Up Spring Spruce-Up Please join the Building and Grounds Committee on Saturday May 17th, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. for our annual spring work party to spruce up the grounds. Nothing like communing with nature and UUs to lift your spirits! We'll prepare the grounds for summer and share information about upcoming B&G projects. This is a time for all ages - kids and youth welcome with a responsibe adult. Dress for the weather and bring your favorite lawn tools (we do have some to borrow). We'll provide snacks, beverages, and some guidance. For more information, contact Jane Osborn or Cory Clark. See you then! #eBlast-05-14 Spring Spruce-Up Please join the Building and Grounds Committee on Saturday May 17th, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. for our annual spring work party to spruce up the grounds. Nothing like communing with nature and UUs to lift your spirits! We'll prepare the grounds for summer and share information about upcoming B&G projects. This is a time for all ages - kids and youth welcome with a responsibe adult. Dress for the weather and bring your favorite lawn tools (we do have some to borrow). We'll provide snacks, beverages, and some guidance. For more information, contact Jane Osborn or Cory Clark. See you then! #eBlast -05-14 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 3, 2024 America the Beautiful As we approach election day, Rev. Josh reflects on what is noble and good about the United States of America, and what is at stake as voters go to the polls. No matter the outcome on November 5th, how do we support each other in the aftermath? How do we, together, remain true to the American vision peace, liberty and justice for all? Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. #eBlast-10-30 Sunday, November 3rd: Election Day I Tuesday, November 5th is a big day for the United States of America. On the Sundays surrounding the election, Rev. Josh will address what’s at stake in this election. What’s at stake for us as UUs and liberal religious people? What’s at stake for our communities? What’s at stake for country? Our November ministry theme is repair. Rev. Josh sincerely hopes these services can focus on repair, but so much remains unknown. And there is so much at stake. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek . #NovemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Speak: Young Voices Out Loud Speak: Young Voices Out Loud A Youth Poetry Slam Sunday, June 29, 2025, 12:00 P.M. at UUSE Come hear the raw power, creativity, and passion of young poets taking the mic. Original voices. Bold stories. Live and unfiltered. Please support these amazing young poets as they prepare for Brave New Voices 2025!! Hosted by our very own Elizabeth Thomas. All are welcome -- come cheer them on! No cost. #eBlast-06-18 Speak: Young Voices Out Loud A Youth Poetry Slam Sunday, June 29, 2025, 12:00 P.M. at UUSE Come hear the raw power, creativity, and passion of young poets taking the mic. Original voices. Bold stories. Live and unfiltered. Please support these amazing young poets as they prepare for Brave New Voices 2025!! Hosted by our very own Elizabeth Thomas. All are welcome -- come cheer them on! No cost. #eBlast -06-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 19, 2024 Flower Communion. All-Congregational Worship. Through wonderful music and our annual flower communion, we celebrate our beloved multigenerational community. Please bring a flower or flowers to share! We also revisit some important moments in 20th-century UU history. Coordinators: Emmy Galbraith, Mary Bopp, #eBlast-05-15 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Mar 17, 2024 Roots and Wings: The Paradox of Transformation Our March ministry theme is transformation. Although it may be true that "change alone is unchanging," it is also true that "some things never change." There's a paradox there that may be summed up in our very human need for both roots and wings. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek #eBlast-03-13 OOS Sermon YouTube

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: February 22 March 22 May 17 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.