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< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Feb 22nd 2026 Music + Mantra: Kirtan at UUSE 3:00PM Sunday Feb 22nd 2026 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 FlyerClick 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 opport unities for reflection, belonging, and shared expression through music for people of all backgrounds. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Meals to tickle the tastebuds! Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake… all are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost and space! Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is more than a fundraiser, it’s the biggest party of the UUSE year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. Key Dates and Deadlines • NOW: It’s never too early to claim your spot in the Get Saucy Cooking Competition! • Throughout December: Plan your donations and email the committee at auction@uuse.org ! Include: Thorough description, Approximate value and minimum bid (optional), Time, date, number of spaces, several photos with plain backgrounds are best. • By January 2: Claim your basket theme. 10 basket limit and we want them all to be different. • By January 9: Submit basket description, list of contents, several photos. • January 12-15: Drop the baskets off at the meetinghouse. We can help package it. • January 16: Absolute deadline to send donation details to auction@uuse.org . Sooner is better. • January 17 and 24: Baskets are displayed in the lobby; raffle tickets sold • January 19: Online auction opens at 8 AM • January 30: Online auction closes at 10 PM. Set up crew works through afternoon. • January 31: Live Extravaganza at the meetinghouse with exclusive auction items, the Get Saucy Cooking Competition and free dinner starts at 5 pm. Snow date is February 14. #NovemberNewsletter Meals are our most popular offerings. Italian dinners, picnic lunches, wine tasting, pool parties, DIY dessert classes, brunches by a lake… all are popular! And you can buddy up to share the work, cost and space! Lend a Hand… It’s Fun and Rewarding The auction is more than a fundraiser, it’s the biggest party of the UUSE year. Can you spare an hour or two to help this event run smoothly? Contact auction@uuse.org if you can take a shift. Key Dates and Deadlines NOW : It’s never too early to claim your spot in the Get Saucy Cooking Competition! Throughout December : Plan your donations and email the committee at auction@uuse.org !  Include : Thorough description, Approximate value and minimum bid (optional), Time, date, number of spaces, several photos with plain backgrounds are best. By January 2: Claim your basket theme. 10 basket limit and we want them all to be different. By January 9 : Submit basket description, list of contents, several photos. January 12-15 : Drop the baskets off at the meetinghouse. We can help package it. January 16 : Absolute deadline to send donation details to auction@uuse.org. Sooner is better. January 17 and 24 : Baskets are displayed in the lobby; raffle tickets sold January 19 : Online auction opens at 8 AM January 30 : Online auction closes at 10 PM. Set up crew works through afternoon. January 31 : Live Extravaganza at the meetinghouse with exclusive auction items, the Get Saucy Cooking Competition and free dinner starts at 5 pm. Snow date is February 14. #NovemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Important Notice - Next Week's Eblast Important Notice - Next Week's Eblast Have something you need to get in the eblast next week? Annie will be away on vacation from the 4th of July through Friday, July 11th. In the interim, please send your notices to Susan Barlow at uuseoffice@uuse.org . By the way, this also means that if you need to get into the UUSE building next week, please call ahead to see if someone will be there or bring a building key. #eBlast-07-02 Important Notice - Next Week's Eblast Have something you need to get in the eblast next week? Annie will be away on vacation from the 4th of July through Friday, July 11th. In the interim, please send your notices to Susan Barlow at uuseoffice@uuse.org . By the way, this also means that if you need to get into the UUSE building next week, please call ahead to see if someone will be there or bring a building key. #eBlast -07-02 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE Artisan Holiday Market. UUSE Artisan Holiday Market 📅 Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 • 6–8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek – $5 admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 9 AM–3 PM Free Admission! UUSE Artisan Holiday Market 📅 Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 • 6–8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek – $5 admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 9 AM–3 PM Free Admission! OOS Sermon YouTube

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 visit Meetup . < Previous Times Are Listed Here Next >

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled CT Crank-In 2025 CT Crank-In 2025 June 11 to June 14 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at UUSE The Connecticut Crank-In 2025 is a gathering of circular sock knitting machine enthusiasts from New England and beyond who share their fascination with and knowledge of these modern and antique machines. UUSE members and friends are invited to drop in anytime and check out what the fascination is all about. #eBlast-06-11 CT Crank-In 2025 June 11 to June 14 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at UUSE The Connecticut Crank-In 2025 is a gathering of circular sock knitting machine enthusiasts from New England and beyond who share their fascination with and knowledge of these modern and antique machines. UUSE members and friends are invited to drop in anytime and check out what the fascination is all about. #eBlast -06-11 OOS Sermon YouTube

Fun and fellowship! A typical meeting might include time to check in, discuss events or topics of interest, enjoy games, movies, or other activities. Opportunities for community service and other special events such as outings or parties are also offered throughout the year. < Back Junior Youth Group (Gr 6-8) Fun and fellowship! A typical meeting might include time to check in, discuss events or topics of interest, enjoy games, movies, or other activities. Opportunities for community service and other special events such as outings or parties are also offered throughout the year. Previous Next

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday Service: "Coffee House Worship!" Sunday Service: "Coffee House Worship!" Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, August 24, 2025 Gathering music starts at 9:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 10:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link. Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In Case You Missed It Click here for a Youtube link to the 8/10/25 service, "Science and Spirit on an Island" Click here for a Youtube link to the 8/17/25 service, "Sacred Spaces - MISAC" #eBlast-08-20 Sunday Service: "Coffee House Worship!" Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer schedule: 10:00 A.M. service Sunday, August 24, 2025 Gathering music starts at 9:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 10:00 A.M. via our Zoom link: Contact the Office for Zoom Link . Or join by phone. Call 1-860-646-5151 Meeting ID 357 815 420#. In Case You Missed It Click here for a Youtube link to the 8/10/25 service, "Science and Spirit on an Island" Click here for a Youtube link to the 8/17/25 service, "Sacred Spaces - MISAC" #eBlast -08-20 OOS Sermon YouTube

b44cfe74-7415-447d-857e-6dabf5b8ad69 < Back Pastoral Care Ministry Pastoral Friends : Works with Minister to provide caring and assistance to members and friends in times of challenge and/or crisis. Contact: PastoralFriends@uuse.org Updated October 9, 2025 at 2:22:28 PM

< To Upcoming Services May 31, 2026 On Pride, Labyrinths This morning we welcome Kamora Herrington, founder of Kamora's Cultural Corner and the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve in Hartford. A one-time staff-member with True Colors, Ms. Herrington is an insightful historian, activist, consultant, mother, music lover and community-builder. She has the green light to speak about whatever is on her heart from UUSE's free pulpit. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer Schedule #eBlast-05-27 Sunday Service: "On Pride, Labyrinths This morning we welcome Kamora Herrington, founder of Kamora's Cultural Corner and the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve in Hartford. A one-time staff-member with True Colors, Ms. Herrington is an insightful historian, activist, consultant, mother, music lover and community-builder. She has the green light to speak about whatever is on her heart from UUSE's free pulpit. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Summer Schedule Sunday, May 31 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -05-27 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Planning for a New Year, a New Vision, and a NEW STRATEGIC PLAN! The Strategic Planning Task Force started the new year with new planning toward revised vision and mission statements for the congregation. Task Force members interviewed eight individuals to better understand community goals. Then they brainstormed future vision and mission statements and strategized ways to involve all UUSE community members in setting congregation priorities. Stay tuned for the February 15th congregation service for more information about the Strategic Planning Task Force and the work that we can all do together for drafting our new plans as a community! Going Down Memory Lane: Trivia Game The Strategic Planning Task Force invites you to go down memory lane back to the world events of 2010–2011, when our current vision, mission, and strategic plan documents were being created. Through this activity, we can remind ourselves of how much has changed and what remains the same as we work together to reimagine these statements. Play the trivia game here. #FebruaryNewsletter The Strategic Planning Task Force started the new year with new planning toward revised vision and mission statements for the congregation. Task Force members interviewed eight individuals to better understand community goals. Then they brainstormed future vision and mission statements and strategized ways to involve all UUSE community members in setting congregation priorities. Stay tuned for the February 15th congregation service for more information about the Strategic Planning Task Force and the work that we can all do together for drafting our new plans as a community! Going Down Memory Lane: Trivia Game The Strategic Planning Task Force invites you to go down memory lane back to the world events of 2010–2011, when our current vision, mission, and strategic plan documents were being created. Through this activity, we can remind ourselves of how much has changed and what remains the same as we work together to reimagine these statements. Play the trivia game here . #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Sunday, July 27th: Sunday, August 3rd: Bittersweet August. In this service, we explore the unique bittersweetness of August, when in the midst of our slow savoring of summer, we are reminded of its transition into shorter, busier, unfamiliar days ahead. Like all of life’s seasons, how do we remain present for the savoring and curious about the possibilities ahead? Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker Sunday, August 10th: Science and Spirit on an Island. Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. “Shoalers” – those who attend – consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year’s conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators: Jane Penfield & David Klotz Sunday, August 17th: Sacred Spaces. Affordable Housing as a Moral Imperative through MISAC. Join UUSE MISAC board members to hear the story of one of the most effective social outreach efforts involving UUSE. Learn how the Manchester Interfaith Social Action Committee (MISAC) has provided high-quality, affordable housing to Manchester families for 56 years, while awarding over $2.5M to housing-related grant projects over the past 12 years. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Sunday, August 24th: Coffee House Worship! Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Sunday, August 31st: Weaving Our Lives General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson #AugustNewsletter Sunday, August 3rd: Bittersweet August. In this service, we explore the unique bittersweetness of August, when in the midst of our slow savoring of summer, we are reminded of its transition into shorter, busier, unfamiliar days ahead. Like all of life’s seasons, how do we remain present for the savoring and curious about the possibilities ahead? Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker Sunday, August 10th : Science and Spirit on an Island. Star Island, in the Isles of Shoals, operates as a retreat and conference center. “Shoalers” – those who attend – consider it a spiritual home. David and Jane have been part of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science for decades, and this year were joined by Stan McMillen. The service will share some insights from this year’s conference on Science and Spirituality. Coordinators: Jane Penfield & David Klotz Sunday, August 17th: Sacred Spaces. Affordable Housing as a Moral Imperative through MISAC. Join UUSE MISAC board members to hear the story of one of the most effective social outreach efforts involving UUSE. Learn how the Manchester Interfaith Social Action Committee (MISAC) has provided high-quality, affordable housing to Manchester families for 56 years, while awarding over $2.5M to housing-related grant projects over the past 12 years. Coordinator: Kate Kimmerle Sunday, August 24th: Coffee House Worship! Back by popular demand! This morning we bring the all-congregational coffee house to Sunday morning worship! Enjoy music, poetry, and community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek Sunday, August 31st: Weaving Our Lives General Assembly 2024. We will be presenting an edited version of the 2024 GA Sunday Worship service featuring inspiring stories and music focused on the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part. Coordinator: Vivian Carlson #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube