< To Upcoming Services Feb 15, 2027 Strategic Plan Task Force The Strategic Plan Task Force has collected, collated, and synthesized input from our congregation, beginning with the February 15, 2026 Sunday service at which we asked members and friends what their visions and hopes for UUSE were. We followed that successful service with two workshops at which we had deeper conversations about the future of our beloved community. In April and May, we placed our current Mission and Vision statements in the lobby and asked members and friends to make changes and offer ideas for new statements on sticky notes. Green dots indicated agreement with the current statements. In June and July, we collated, organized, and synthesized the input we received and came up with a proposed Vision and Mission statement: The proposed Vision: UUSE will grow an inclusive spiritual community centered by love and justice. The proposed Mission: We will use our resources to nurture the spiritual growth and wellbeing of our youth and adults within UUSE and the wider community. As a framework for constructing the Plan, we developed five goals or potential pillars of the Plan: We hope you will consider these statements and offer your thoughts as we add substance to the framework. Thank you. Rob Napier, Maureen Flanagan, Jen Edgerton, Stan McMillen, Trisha Corey-Lisle, Kate Kimmerle, Michelle Spadacini #OctoberNewsletter The Strategic Plan Task Force has collected, collated, and synthesized input from our congregation, beginning with the February 15, 2026 Sunday service at which we asked members and friends what their visions and hopes for UUSE were. We followed that successful service with two workshops at which we had deeper conversations about the future of our beloved community. In April and May, we placed our current Mission and Vision statements in the lobby and asked members and friends to make changes and offer ideas for new statements on sticky notes. Green dots indicated agreement with the current statements. In June and July, we collated, organized, and synthesized the input we received and came up with a proposed Vision and Mission statement: The proposed Vision: UUSE will grow an inclusive spiritual community centered by love and justice. The proposed Mission: We will use our resources to nurture the spiritual growth and wellbeing of our youth and adults within UUSE and the wider community. As a framework for constructing the Plan, we developed five goals or potential pillars of the Plan: We hope you will consider these statements and offer your thoughts as we add substance to the framework. Thank you. Rob Napier, Maureen Flanagan, Jen Edgerton, Stan McMillen, Trisha Corey-Lisle, Kate Kimmerle, Michelle Spadacini #OctoberNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 3, 2023 Spiritual Connection This month’s theme is Welcome. There’s a feeling of being welcomed and connected when we join a club or fraternal organization. And then there are the connections that spring from our hearts and the connections we feel when we share a common bond. Today’s service is about spiritual connection. Coordinator(s): Sheila Foran and Sandy Karosi 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: March 22 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.

This highly acclaimed Montessori based program engages children using stories from many traditions and group “wonderings”. Children choose work activities, sing songs, and partake in a “Feast” (snack). < Back Spirit Play (4-5 yrs) This highly acclaimed Montessori based program engages children using stories from many traditions and group “wonderings”. Children choose work activities, sing songs, and partake in a “Feast” (snack). Previous Next

< To Upcoming Services Nov 20, 2026 The UUSE Artisan Holiday Market Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 6 - 8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek: $5 Admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert Sat. Nov. 21, 2025, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Free Admission! Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 6 - 8:30 PM Friday Night Sneak Peek: $5 Admission includes mulled apple cider and dessert Sat. Nov. 21, 2025, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Free Admission! OOS Sermon YouTube

Writers Group The UUSE Writers Group is on hiatus. < Previous Check Newsletter Next >

< To Upcoming Services Mar 2, 2025 Strengthening Our Connections Sunday Service: "Strengthening Our Connections" This morning, we kick off our 2025 Annual Appeal. We celebrate our recent achievements. We articulate the challenges that lie ahead. We ponder the meaning and the value UUSE has in our lives. We strengthen our connections to each other. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-02-26 Sunday Service: "Strengthening Our Connections" This morning, we kick off our 2025 Annual Appeal. We celebrate our recent achievements. We articulate the challenges that lie ahead. We ponder the meaning and the value UUSE has in our lives. We strengthen our connections to each other. Coordinator : Rev. Josh Pawelek Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 2, 2025 #eBlast -02-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

29599093-98ec-4d2f-b6b9-f82f79d54b7d < Back to Newsletter October Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > UUSE Coffeehouse and Open Mic Will Return on October 3rd! Sign-up starts at 6 PM-- performances start at 6:30 PM Join us on the first Saturday of each month, October through May, for an evening of music, poetry, stories, and community! Bring your own songs, poems, stories, or any creative offering — or simply come enjoy the warm, supportive atmosphere as part of our appreciative audience. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 PM, and family friendly performances start at 6:30 PM. We feature 12 slots, each about 10 minutes or two songs. Bring your own drinks, your own dinner, and your own friends — we’ll provide the coffee! Donations accepted but not required. Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT #OctoberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

a0114c54-5120-4b82-846d-b90f2c03e4b8 < Back to Newsletter October Newsletter Article < Previous Article Next Article > Ladies at Lunch Friday, October 9, we will have lunch at Pasha Turkish Restaurant. It is located in the Broad Street Plaza, 397 Broad Street, Manchester. We meet at noon. Do join us! All are welcome. If you will attend please let Sharon Huber know by Thursday the 8th afternoon. uuseoffice@uuse.org or 860-646-5151 . #OctoberNewsletter Contact Information modified in accordance with UUSE Privacy Policies.

< To Upcoming Services Oct 19, 2026 AA - Mondays at Noon . Every Monday at Noon Every Monday at Noon 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