< 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

Book Lovers The Book Lovers meet in person and simultaneously on Zoom every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM . You are welcome even if you haven’t finished the book. The link is sent out the weekend before by Carolyn Gimbrone. #OctoberNewsletter < Previous Next Meeting Next >

< To Upcoming Services Jul 9, 2023 Expectations “Expectations are what we think will happen, while reality is what actually transpires.*” Anne Vogel and Susan Gabriel coordinate a provocative service about how expectations can either bring you disappointment or joy. They will present true stories about how expectations affected their lives. Jenn Richard will be our featured musician. Coordinator(s): Anne Vogel and Susan Gabriel *Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D, verywell mind, April 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/expectation-vs-reality-trap-4570968 OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Nov 3, 2026 Buddhist Group Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link. The Buddhist Group meets at 7 PM on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month for meditation and discussion of a Buddhist perspective on the monthly ministry theme. Email Nancy Thompson at uuseoffice@uuse.org for details or the Zoom link. OOS Sermon YouTube

< To Upcoming Services Jul 12, 2026 The 4 Agreements Part I The Four Agreements, a 1997 book by spiritual guide and author Don Miguel Ruiz, is often touted as "a roadmap to enlightenment and freedom." Please join Liz Garmise and Sam Tayor on July 12th for the first of our two-part series as we explore--and critique!--the first two agreements: Be Impeccable With Your Word and Don't Take Anything Personally. How do these agreements relate to our UU principles and values? Can any roadmap to enlightenment really be complete with just four agreements? The series will continue on August 9th with the last two agreements: Don't Make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best. Coordinators: Liz Garmise and Sam Taylor. Summer Schedule #eBlast-07-08 Sunday Service: "The 4 Agreements Part I" The Four Agreements, a 1997 book by spiritual guide and author Don Miguel Ruiz, is often touted as "a roadmap to enlightenment and freedom." Please join Liz Garmise and Sam Tayor on July 12th for the first of our two-part series as we explore--and critique!--the first two agreements: Be Impeccable With Your Word and Don't Take Anything Personally. How do these agreements relate to our UU principles and values? Can any roadmap to enlightenment really be complete with just four agreements? The series will continue on August 9th with the last two agreements: Don't Make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best. Coordinators: Liz Garmise and Sam Taylor. Summer Schedule Sunday, July 12th at 10:00 A.M. In Case You Missed It #eBlast -07-08 OOS Sermon YouTube

< 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 >