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< 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

< To Upcoming Services Jul 5, 2026 Stop & Shop Cards Sales This Sunday, Stop & Shop cards will be sold on the first Sunday of the month after the 10:00 A.M. service. We now can use debit or credit cards for these purchases. Come support this UUSE fundraiser! OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Come Play, Sing, or Listen. May 5, 7 to 8:30 PM. Acoustic jam circle at the Napiers' in Tolland. All levels welcome for a group play-and-sing-along. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org for details. #MayNewsletter May 5, 7 to 8:30 PM. Acoustic jam circle at the Napiers' in Tolland. All levels welcome for a group play-and-sing-along. John Prine, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Rise Up Singing, or whatever you'd like to bring. Contact uuseoffice@uuse.org for details. #MayNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 7, 2025 Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs Sunday Service: "Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs" Join us for our annual Homecoming service. Let's celebrate UUSE--a beacon of spiritual light for all those seeking beloved, liberal religious community east of the Connecticut River. Our chalice flame lights the way as we offer opportunity, passion, action, comfort, and belonging to long-time members and newcomers alike. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-09-03 Sunday Service: "Homecoming: Where Fire Belongs" Join us for our annual Homecoming service. Let's celebrate UUSE--a beacon of spiritual light for all those seeking beloved, liberal religious community east of the Connecticut River. Our chalice flame lights the way as we offer opportunity, passion, action, comfort, and belonging to long-time members and newcomers alike. Coordinators : Emmy Galbraith and Rev. Josh Pawelek. Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, September 7, 2025 In Case You Missed It #eBlast -09-03 OOS Sermon YouTube

< 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 >