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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled New World Trio “Treasured Trios” Concert Works for piano trio by Enescu, Beethoven, and Dvorak with violinist Anhared Stowe, cellist Peter Zay, and pianist David Ballena. 3 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026. George Enescu composed his beautiful Serenade Lointaine for piano trio when he was just 21 years old. Although composed in 1903, the trio was discovered only recently. This opening work explores the Romantic side of the piano trio, and the warmness of Enescu’s textures highlight his influences from the Romantic era. In his Trio #1, Op 1, Beethoven places content over form for the first time, creating an unprecedented equality between the instruments. Here, the composer is no longer simply accommodating a listener’s desire for formulaic comfort but is instead leading his audience into his own sensibilities. Beethoven’s brilliance is so compelling that his privileged-class patrons only dimly realize that he has created a pathway for artists to emerge as a significant moral force. Antonin Dvorak’s Dumky Trio is one of the composer’s best-known works, and most original. Of Ukrainian origin, dumky refers to epic, lamenting ballads. During the nineteenth century, Slavic composers began transforming these songs into a classical form. Their brooding, introspective themes are contrasted with lively, cheerful sections. Dvorak’s trio is the most-loved of these legendary ballads. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. Suggested donation $20. For information 860-646-5151, www.newworldtrio.org #JanuaryNewsletter Works for piano trio by Enescu, Beethoven, and Dvorak with violinist Anhared Stowe, cellist Peter Zay, and pianist David Ballena. 3 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026. George Enescu composed his beautiful Serenade Lointaine for piano trio when he was just 21 years old. Although composed in 1903, the trio was discovered only recently. This opening work explores the Romantic side of the piano trio, and the warmness of Enescu’s textures highlight his influences from the Romantic era. In his Trio #1 , Op 1, Beethoven places content over form for the first time, creating an unprecedented equality between the instruments. Here, the composer is no longer simply accommodating a listener’s desire for formulaic comfort but is instead leading his audience into his own sensibilities. Beethoven’s brilliance is so compelling that his privileged-class patrons only dimly realize that he has created a pathway for artists to emerge as a significant moral force. Antonin Dvorak’s Dumky Trio is one of the composer’s best-known works, and most original. Of Ukrainian origin, dumky refers to epic, lamenting ballads. During the nineteenth century, Slavic composers began transforming these songs into a classical form. Their brooding, introspective themes are contrasted with lively, cheerful sections. Dvorak’s trio is the most-loved of these legendary ballads. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. Suggested donation $20. For information 860-646-5151, www.newworldtrio.org #JanuaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

04269124-ce32-47d4-ab1c-e02dbe7b3727 < Back Denominational Affairs Committee Denominational Affairs Committee : Keeps congregation informed of UUA and District programs and encourages participation. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:00:56 PM

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Heart Centered Kirtan Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Kirtan returns to the UUSE sanctuary on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 P.M. with Heart-Centered Kirtan, led by Libby Volckening. Kirtan is a spiritual practice from India that involves group singing of simple, repetitive chants or mantras--often in a call-and-response format--to create a sense of connection, calm and community. $20 suggested donation. #eBlast-09-17 Heart Centered Kirtan Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at UUSE Kirtan returns to the UUSE sanctuary on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 P.M. with Heart-Centered Kirtan, led by Libby Volckening. Kirtan is a spiritual practice from India that involves group singing of simple, repetitive chants or mantras--often in a call-and-response format--to create a sense of connection, calm and community. $20 suggested donation. #eBlast -09-17 OOS Sermon YouTube

88c23fb5-6289-4482-bd59-8a384084c99d < Back Policy Board THE POLICY BOARD directs UUSE’s business, financial, and administrative affairs, including formulating policy and overseeing church staff; it has charge of the Society’s property. President - Acts as Society’s secular leader and spokesperson; presides at meetings of Society and Policy Board. Vice President - Chairs the Program Council and acts for President in his/her absence. Clerk - Takes minutes at Policy Board and Society meetings; assures proper notice of business meetings and votes. Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:27:12 PM

< To Upcoming Services Dec 21, 2025 Where the Light Begins. "Where the Light Begins." Let's try it again! This morning, we celebrate the winter solstice and continue with our annual, all-congregational holiday music service (postponed last week due to snow). Come and be joyful where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-17 "Where the Light Begins." Let's try it again! This morning, we celebrate the winter solstice and continue with our annual, all-congregational holiday music service (postponed last week due to snow). Come and be joyful where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp and Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 21, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -12-17 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Choir coming back UUSE Choir coming back Rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 P.M. 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 in the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7:00 P.M. in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast-01-21 UUSE Choir coming back Rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 P.M. 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 in the UUSE Choir! Weekly rehearsals start on Wednesday, January 21st in the Meeting Room at 7:00 P.M. in preparation for the Holiday Music Services on April 5th. For more information, contact Jenn Richard at uuseoffice@uuse.org . #eBlast -01-21 OOS Sermon YouTube

Buddhist Group The Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link. < Previous Next Meeting Next >

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled New World Trio Concert New World Trio Concert Join us at UUSE Sunday, January 11th at 3:00 PM for a chamber music program with Anhared Stowe, violin; Peter Zay, cello; and David Ballena, piano. The program will feature three remarkable pieces by great composers of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries -- Rachmaninoff, Hagen and Shostakovich. Suggested donation $20 to benefit UUSE. Join us at UUSE Sunday, January 11th at 3:00 PM . for a chamber music program with Anhared Stowe, violin; Peter Zay, cello; and David Ballena, piano. The program will feature three remarkable pieces by great composers of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries -- Rachmaninoff, Hagen and Shostakovich. Suggested donation $20 to benefit UUSE. OOS Sermon YouTube

< 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 Equal Exchange Coffee Sale Equal Exchange Coffee Sale Sunday, September 14 after each service The Sustainable Living Committee will be holding their regular second Sunday sale of Equal Exchange coffee, chocolate and tea in the lobby following each service. Keep in mind that when you buy Equal Exchange products, you aren't just getting great coffee, tea or chocolate. You're helping to support sustainable agriculture, worker owned co-ops, and business structures that bring fair labor and democracy to the workplace. #eBlast-09-10 Equal Exchange Coffee Sale Sunday, September 14 after each service The Sustainable Living Committee will be holding their regular second Sunday sale of Equal Exchange coffee, chocolate and tea in the lobby following each service. Keep in mind that when you buy Equal Exchange products, you aren't just getting great coffee, tea or chocolate. You're helping to support sustainable agriculture, worker owned co-ops, and business structures that bring fair labor and democracy to the workplace. #eBlast -09-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Loss and Change Group UUSE Loss and Change Group If you intend to visit our UUS:E Loss And Change Discussion/Support Group, contact Pam Maccabee and get on the mailing list so that you can receive any important meeting venue, date, and time changes. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 14, 2025 Where the Light Begins "Where the Light Begins" This morning, we celebrate the holidays with our annual, all-congregational music service. Let us welcome the solstice; let us welcome Hanukkah; let us welcome Christmas in this season where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-12-10 "Where the Light Begins" This morning, we celebrate the holidays with our annual, all-congregational music service. Let us welcome the solstice; let us welcome Hanukkah; let us welcome Christmas in this season where the light begins. Coordinators : Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek  Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, December 14, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -12-10 OOS Sermon YouTube