< 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 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 Oct 18, 2026 Climate Future Film Festival - Chapter 2 October 18th at 2 PM The Sustainable Living Committee invites you to a free showing of The Climate Future Film Festival - Chapter 2! This new collection of 12 short films from around the world, explores the interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic and emotional. Whether or not you have seen the original, chapter 1 set of films, shown at UUSE in Sept. 2025, you will be moved by these powerful short films to renewed action to fight the causes of and mitigate the harms done by climate change. Honorary judges are four-time academy award nominee and sustainability voice, Edward Norton, and ground-breaking author and climate leader, Bill McKibben. Come early to share info and ideas. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee at UUSE. For more information, contact uuseoffice@uuse.org , call 860-646-5151, or visit uuse.org #SeptemberNewsletter October 18th at 2 PM The Sustainable Living Committee invites you to a free showing of The Climate Future Film Festival - Chapter 2! This new collection of 12 short films from around the world, explores the interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic and emotional. Whether or not you have seen the original, chapter 1 set of films, shown at UUSE in Sept. 2025, you will be moved by these powerful short films to renewed action to fight the causes of and mitigate the harms done by climate change. Honorary judges are four-time academy award nominee and sustainability voice, Edward Norton, and ground-breaking author and climate leader, Bill McKibben. Come early to share info and ideas. Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee at UUSE. For more information, contact uuseoffice@uuse.org , call 860-646-5151, or visit uuse.org #SeptemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Feb 1, 2026 The Nature of Resilience "The Nature of Resilience" As the light returns and the natural world begins to stir, we reflect on nature's many lessons in resilience. Coordinators : Paula Baker & Stacey Musulin. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-01-28 "The Nature of Resilience" As the light returns and the natural world begins to stir, we reflect on nature's many lessons in resilience. Coordinators : Paula Baker & Stacey Musulin. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, February 1, 2026 #eBlast -01-28 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 11, 2024 Unearthing Our Spiritual Roots. For many, gardening in the summer is a spiritual practice. From tending small plants, to harvesting their bounty, gardening nourishes both our bodies and our souls. Join us for this mid-summer service as members share the roots of their spiritual connection to gardening. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi and Kate Kimmerle #eBlast-08-07 OOS Sermon YouTube

Liberal Religious traditions are all about justice, including social justice and sustainability and green action. Other Programs Other programs include our justice efforts, which are grounded in our social justice and green advocacy statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. Also take a look at our wide variety of Affinity Groups and fun activities for adults, as well as the entire family. You might also be interested in our Intro to UU class.

All of the information you need to know about renting our building. Rent our Building Did you know you can rent our Unitarian Universalist Society East space? We're available for weddings, memorial services, special events and celebrations, or if you just need a simple, comfortable meeting room. It is a truly flexible space, with tables and a full kitchen available. Contact our office at 860 646 5151 or info@uuse.org for detailed information and to arrange a visit the UUSE facility. Meeting Space We have what you need for just about any kind of meeting: from creative to informational workshops, from club to association meetings-- you name it. Whether you want great accoustics for music, flexible seating space with or without tables, or access to a kitchen during your rental time, we want to accommodate your needs. Special Events Our flexible space is perfect for all sorts of celebrations: birthday partiies, family reunions, awards ceremonies, anniversary parties, and more. Funerals The location of the UUSE meeting house in the woods inspires serenity. You will have a sanctuary that is beautiful in its light and simplicity in which to develop a meaningful memorial service for a loved one. Weddings This is an ideal venue for a wedding. All couples are welcome. Our pastor and music director can be hired, as well as renting the space. UUSE would love to work with you on developing the wedding of your dreams.

< To Upcoming Services Dec 15, 2024 Dona Nobis Pacem All-congregational Holiday Music service. Through music and song, story and homily, we celebrate the season and articulate our many faceted prayer that peace may prevail. Join us! Coordinators: Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek. #eBlast-12-11 Sunday, December 15 : Dona Nobis Pacem . All congregational Holiday Music service. Through music and song, story and homily, we celebrate the season and articulate our many- faceted prayer that peace may prevail. Join us! Coordinators: Mary Bopp, Emmy Galbraith, Rev. Josh Pawelek #DecemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 27, 2025 Adult Credos. Sunday, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson. Sunday, July 27th: Adult Credos. Some of the adults who participated in this year's Affirmation Class will share their credos. This is a time to reflect on what, how, and why we believe. Coordinator: Martha Larson. #AugustNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jun 14, 2026 CYM Sunday Please join us for a celebration of this year's accomplishments within the Children & Youth Ministry program at UUSE! Rejoice with CYM staff, committee members, volunteers, children, youth and families as we reflect on all the gifts both given and received this year. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Michelle Spadaccini. Summer Schedule #eBlast-06-10 Sunday Service: Please join us for a celebration of this year's accomplishments within the Children & Youth Ministry program at UUSE! Rejoice with CYM staff, committee members, volunteers, children, youth and families as we reflect on all the gifts both given and received this year. Coordinators: Paula Baker and Michelle Spadaccini. Summer Schedule Sunday, June 14 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -06-10 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 14, 2025 Imagining a Congregational Year, Part II Sunday Service: "Imagining a Congregational Year, Part II" #eBlast-09-24 Sunday Service: "Imagining a Congregational Year, Part II" Because one service on kicking off the congregational year could not possibly cover everything, Rev. Josh will continue exploring the themes he introduced in his September 14th service. Special Guest Music Leader: Andy Ricci. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -09-24 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Dec 1, 2024 The Practice of Presence "The Practice of Presence." Our December theme is "The Practice of Presence." We can find profound meaning and comfort in practicing awareness of what is present: here and now. In this service, we encourage awareness of the lessons nature offers about acceptance, coping, and the importance of trust and community. We'll also reflect on the idea that the greatest present we can give ourselves and those we love, is that of our presence. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Anne Vogel Services at 9:00 and 11:00 AM Sunday, November 24, 2024 Gathering music starts at 8:55 and 10:55 A.M. Join the virtual service at 11:00 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#. #eBlast-11-27 Sunday, December 1 : The Present of Presence. Our December theme is “The Practice of Presence.” We can find profound meaning and comfort in practicing awareness of what is present: here and now. In this service, we encourage awareness of the lessons nature offers about acceptance, coping, and the importance of trust and community. We’ll also reflect on the idea that the greatest present we can give ourselves and those we love is that of our presence. Coordinators: Anne Vogel and Stacey Musulin #DecemberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube