< To Upcoming Services Mar 22, 2026 Ferry Beach Retreat Participants in this service will provide information about Ferry Beach and share thoughts about experiences they have had there. Coordinators : Nancy Madar and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. #eBlast-03-18 Participants in this service will provide information about Ferry Beach and share thoughts about experiences they have had there. Coordinators : Nancy Madar and David Klotz Services at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday, March 22, 2026 In Case You Missed It: #eBlast -03-18 OOS Sermon YouTube

224af6d3-8557-463a-94bb-b88f3359b50b < Back Nominating and Leadership Development Committee Prepares list of nominees for Society offices to present for vote at annual meeting; fills vacancies; identifies and nurtures leaders. Updated October 9, 2025 at 10:21:22 AM

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Amuse Blues Jazz Trio Enjoy an afternoon with our very own beloved Amuse Blues Jazz trio. as Paul Shumsky, Zack Bates, and Steve Dauphinais turn out tasty tunes with an eclectic mix of jazz standards and original compositions by Paul Shumsky. Sunday, November 2nd at 3:00PM. $20 Freewill Donation, no one turned away. Enjoy an afternoon with our very own beloved Amuse Blues Jazz trio. as Paul Shumsky, Zack Bates, and Steve Dauphinais turn out tasty tunes with an eclectic mix of jazz standards and original compositions by Paul Shumsky. Sunday, November 2nd at 3:00PM. $20 Freewill Donation, no one turned away. 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 Community Screening of My Friend Kim Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. Click here to sign up for the event. There is no fee. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim’s strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation has been introduced in Connecticut more than a dozen times since 1994, yet each effort has failed to pass. Supporters of MAID will likely reintroduce a new bill in the Connecticut General Assembly this year, renewing statewide conversation about end-of-life choice, patient autonomy, and compassionate care. Post-Screening Discussion Panel: • Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society East • Joy Cipollo, Kim Hoffman’s wife • Maribeth Abrams, Director of My Friend Kim • Mark Kwapis, Executive Producer, Skyline Films Rev. Pawelek’s congregation, Unitarian Universalist Society East, plays a meaningful role both in the film and as the location for this event, highlighting the intersection of faith, ethics, and autonomy at the end of life. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion exploring Medical Aid in Dying, personal autonomy, and how communities can support individuals and families facing terminal illness. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . Or download the flyer here. #FebruaryNewsletter Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. A special community screening of the short documentary My Friend Kim will take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:00–8:30 PM at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT 06042. Click here to sign up for the event. There is no fee. My Friend Kim is a powerful 30-minute documentary that follows Kim Hoffman, a Connecticut woman living with terminal illness, as she advocates for compassion, autonomy, and the right to the option of Medical Aid in Dying. The film highlights Kim’s strength, clarity, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of her wife, Joy Cipollo. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation has been introduced in Connecticut more than a dozen times since 1994, yet each effort has failed to pass. Supporters of MAID will likely reintroduce a new bill in the Connecticut General Assembly this year, renewing statewide conversation about end-of-life choice, patient autonomy, and compassionate care. Post-Screening Discussion Panel: Rev. Josh Pawelek, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society East Joy Cipollo, Kim Hoffman’s wife Maribeth Abrams, Director of My Friend Kim Mark Kwapis, Executive Producer, Skyline Films Rev. Pawelek’s congregation, Unitarian Universalist Society East, plays a meaningful role both in the film and as the location for this event, highlighting the intersection of faith, ethics, and autonomy at the end of life. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion exploring Medical Aid in Dying, personal autonomy, and how communities can support individuals and families facing terminal illness. For more information, please contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at minister@uuse.org . Or download the flyer here . #FebruaryNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Apr 26, 2026 The Possibilities in Us. Sunday, April 26th: The Possibilities in Us. In this service, we'll explore how there is hardly ever a single answer to a question, a single solution to a problem, or a single path to take. The unknown can certainly be daunting. However, the act of embracing possibility can afford us inspiration, growth, excitement, hope, and liberation. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Ellen Williams Sunday, April 26th: The Possibilities in Us. In this service, we'll explore how there is hardly ever a single answer to a question, a single solution to a problem, or a single path to take. The unknown can certainly be daunting. However, the act of embracing possibility can afford us inspiration, growth, excitement, hope, and liberation. Coordinators: Stacey Musulin and Ellen Williams #MayNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Special Screening: Dawnland Special Screening: Dawnland A documentary about cultural survival and stolen children Tuesday, May 27th, 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room For decades, child welfare authorities have been removing Native American children from their homes to "save them from being Indian." In Maine, the first official Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the United States begins a historic investigation. Dawnland goes behind-the scenes as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation and charts a new course for state and tribal relations. This event is co-sponsored by the Adult Religious Education and Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committees. All are welcome. Adult themes include family separation, boarding school, adoption and fostering. For additional information or to receive a study guide email Meghan MacRae. #eBlast-05-21 Special Screening: Dawnland A documentary about cultural survival and stolen children Tuesday, May 27th, 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room For decades, child welfare authorities have been removing Native American children from their homes to "save them from being Indian." In Maine, the first official Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the United States begins a historic investigation. Dawnland goes behind-the scenes as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation and charts a new course for state and tribal relations. This event is co-sponsored by the Adult Religious Education and Social Justice/Anti-Oppression Committees. All are welcome. Adult themes include family separation, boarding school, adoption and fostering. For additional information or to receive a study guide email Meghan MacRae . #eBlast -05-21 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Aug 30, 2026 Coffee House Join us for our annual coffee house service at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer Schedule #eBlast-08-26 Sunday Service: "Coffee House" Join us for our annual coffee house service at which many of our UUSE musicians and poets share their talents. This service has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition for us. Always fun, always meaningful, always a wonderful reflection of the diversity and passion within the UUSE community. Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek. Summer Schedule Sunday, August 30 at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -08-26 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Sep 15, 2026 Humanist Group Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. Join us in on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:30 PM. This ongoing group explores Religious Humanism and its applications to life, both historically and today. All welcome. Contact Rev. Josh at minister@uuse.org for the Zoom link. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services May 25, 2025 Imagination As a Sacred Tool. Sunday, May 25th: Imagination As a Sacred Tool. Our UU faith asks us to work for a more just and equitable world. In the words of Rev. Heather Concannon, “one of the sacred tools we must draw on is imagination. The tool of not just denouncing the world as it is, but of announcing: here’s what I imagine a better world to look like.” This service explores the ways that members of our UUSE community use imagination to conjure “the world our hearts know is possible”. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker. Sunday, May 25th: Imagination As a Sacred Tool. Our UU faith asks us to work for a more just and equitable world. In the words of Rev. Heather Concannon, “one of the sacred tools we must draw on is imagination. The tool of not just denouncing the world as it is, but of announcing: here’s what I imagine a better world to look like.” This service explores the ways that members of our UUSE community use imagination to conjure “the world our hearts know is possible”. Coordinators: Sandy Karosi & Paula Baker. #JuneNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled UUSE “Community Suppers” Are Back! Would you like to be a host? The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a “Community Supper” at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone (860-646-5151) by April 15 and let her know the date & time you would like to host, and how many guests; she’ll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish; guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts etc. We’ll put sign-up sheets in the lobby, after each service on April 20 and 27. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster uuseoffice@uuse.org . #AprilNewsletter Would you like to be a host? The Membership Committee is once again organizing Springtime Community Suppers! But we need your help. If you would like to host a “Community Supper” at your home sometime during the merry month of May, please contact Sue Myers via email uuseoffice@uuse.org or phone (860-646-5151) by April 15 and let her know the date & time you would like to host, and how many guests; she’ll send you back a quick questionnaire to gather further details for the sign-up sheet. Hosts are asked to provide a main dish; guests will bring the appetizers, sides, desserts etc. We’ll put sign-up sheets in the lobby, after each service on April 20 and 27. Questions? Ask Sue Myers or Carole Boster uuseoffice@uuse.org . #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Watch the eBlast for the next scheduled Annual Appeal 2025 Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Strengthen Our Connections.” This idea is especially important this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our community of faith where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. We are grateful for our faith partners in the quest for a more just and caring world. The Annual Appeal began in March and you should have received a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026). The letter and forms are on our website at uuse.org. We have asked each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return to the church office by April 6. Please consider this a friendly reminder to send your pledge if you haven’t done so. A steward may contact you if we haven’t received your pledge. DON’T FORGET TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TWO CHALLENGE GRANTS AVAILABLE! The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6. We look forward to your support of UUSE’s mission in the wider community and our day-to-day operation. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes and Phil Sawyer #AprilNewsletter Our theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Strengthen Our Connections.” This idea is especially important this year in the swirl of unrest here and around the world. We are grateful for our community of faith where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings without fear of reprisal. We are grateful for our faith partners in the quest for a more just and caring world. The Annual Appeal began in March and you should have received a letter with information on our accomplishments from this past year and our aspirations for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026). The letter and forms are on our website at uuse.org. We have asked each member and friend to complete a pledge form and electronic funds transfer (EFT) form (if desired) and return to the church office by April 6. Please consider this a friendly reminder to send your pledge if you haven’t done so. A steward may contact you if we haven’t received your pledge. DON’T FORGET TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TWO CHALLENGE GRANTS AVAILABLE! The Annual Appeal ends on Sunday, April 6. We look forward to your support of UUSE’s mission in the wider community and our day-to-day operation. Thank you for your contribution. The Stewardship Committee: Louisa Graver, Larry Lunden, Stan McMillen, Patricia Wildes and Phil Sawyer #AprilNewsletter OOS Sermon YouTube