We embrace diversity within the congregation’s membership and in theology. We are committed to being a vital and growing progressive congregation within our larger community. And we promote spiritual growth, religious freedom, and ethical action.
We hope you will visit our church. Our worship services are at 11:00am; children’s and adult religious education classes are at 9:30am.
Sunday Schedule
9:30 a.m. Religious Education Classes
11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service
12:00 p.m. Coffee Hour
Past Services: HVUUC YouTube
Upcoming Services (Sundays @ 11 a.m.)
Is the story of Persephone and Hades just an ancient myth explaining the reason for changing seasons, or something deeper? Join Erin Jenkins in discussing this ancient story, and what we can learn from its strong female archetypes even in our modern world.
On the last Sunday of October, our congregation is visited by all sorts of interesting characters dressed up in their Halloween best! Rev. Tiffany hosts a very special service where we explore femininity with Tinker Belle, fear and mortality with the Grim Reaper, and joys of competition from the cast of the Great British Baking Show, and many many other insightful characters. Come in costume and stay for the Trunk or Treat!
On the first Sunday in November, our congregation gathers to remember those we have lost this year, both within the congregation, and those we have lost as part of the world community. This interactive and multigenerational service creates a loving and supportive container for our grief journey.
What do the characters of the Medusa myth and the characters of the Moana Disney movie have in common? They can teach us a lot about the paths to healing, both when they work and when they don't work. Come explore these complexities with Rev. Tiffany (content warning for trauma stories and a brief mention of sexual assault)
The " Walk A Mile in my Shoes" exhibit is a project that began by helping women and children in shelters tell their stories with domestic abuse. Today we will be unveiling our exhibit in the sanctuary while we listen and hold space for survivors stories in our community and beyond.
Explore the topics of Community and Generosity with story and ritual, in a multigenerational experience led by Rev. Tiffany.
🌟 Youth Group Gathering — We’re Back!
Sunday, October 18 • 4–6 PM
REZ Youth Room • With Lee & Jess
FINALLY!!! 🎉
After having to cancel last month’s gathering, we are so ready to get our incredible HVUUC Youth back together—and we have plenty to catch up on!
We’ll finally get to have our Youth-Led Service debrief, sharing what the experience was like, what we learned while creating it together, what we loved, and what we might want to carry into future youth-led worship opportunities.
We’ve also got some youth business to tackle! We’ll talk about:
● 💜 Last year’s hunger-fund proceeds and how the youth would like to put those funds to work
● 💡 A possible new fundraiser opportunity and what we think about it
● 🎭 What we learned from creating and leading our Youth-Led Service
● 🎲 And, of course, plenty of room for games, laughter, catching up, and just being together
There’s a lot to talk about—but this is Youth Group, so there will always be time to simply hang out and enjoy one another’s wonderfully weird and brilliant company. 😆✨
We’ve missed you! Come ready to talk, play, laugh, and help decide what our Youth Group does next.
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Get those costumes ready and start dreaming up those decorated trunks—HVUUC's Annual Trunk or Treat is coming! 🎃🚗✨
And Trunk Decorating Sign-Ups are officially OPEN!
Anyone who signs up to bring and decorate a vehicle will automatically be entered into our Trunk Decorating Contest, with prizes in three fun categories:
🎨 Most Creative
👻 Spookiest Trunk
✨ Best Overall Experience
Go big, get silly, make it spooky, create a whole experience—or just have fun with it!
Not decorating a trunk? Come anyway! Dress up, bring the family, enjoy the decorated vehicles, and join us for an afternoon of Halloween fun and community.
🚗 Sign Up to Decorate a Trunk!
https://form.jotform.com/262644541863058
Save the date: Sunday, October 25! We can't wait to see what you create! 🎃✨
You are welcome to "A Walk in My Shoes" workshop on Sun., Nov. 1st at 1 p.m. in REZ Room 1. This workshop will be an opportunity to express your journey from victim, survivor, to thriver through art.
HVUUC will display this art exhibit, starting on Sun., Nov. 22nd - Sat., Dec. 5th to commemorate the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW).
Every year on Nov. 25th, the world marks the IDEVAW, which serves as a global reminder that violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations, yet too often stays silent, hidden and unreported. Established to raise awareness, mobilize action and demand change, the day calls on governments, civil society and communities to step up.
We would love to include your art and testimony in the "A Walk in My Shoes" exhibit. Bring a shoe from your own closet which symbolizes your strength, or we will have shoes which you can choose from. Art supplies to "transform" your shoe will be provided. We will also have a short writing exercise, which pairs with the shoe, to describe your healing, recovery & growth.
Email shoes@hvuuc.org with any questions or talk to Jenna W. or Sophia P.
November 7th is our annual Service Auction.
What is a Service Auction?
Great question! A service auction is a Fun Raiser in which friends and members donate services. We, all the members and friends of this HVUUC community, can bid on these services to win them. The winning bidders will pay the church, while the donor of the service provides the service.
What does a service mean?
A service can be something like a movie night for four with snacks, a murder mystery game night, homemade soup for delivery in January, a dinner for eight, four hours of handy work or garden tending, a ladies evening by the pool, or leading a hike.
I’ve not seen anyone offer a decluttering service; do you have that skill to offer? Ideas are nearly limitless. If it sounds daunting, you can team up with someone else to offer a service. The auction is also open to donated goods for sale – solicit business gift cards or business donations, etc.
Finally - the night of the auction is a terrific social event featuring a live auction with auctioneer, and a silent auction. Please bring finger foods to share!
Donate Items and Services Now:
https://2026hvuucserviceauction.auctria.events/
Email auction@hvuuc.org with any questions.
You are invited to a Giving Tree Party! Volunteers are needed to stay after service on Sun., Nov. 15th at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall to bag items in preparation for this year’s Giving Tree.
Our tree will be in need of items for children, women, and men such as: handwarmers, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and underwear. The Giving Tree donation bin will be in the Fred Ball room. You may leave items as they are, packaged or not. We will collect items all through the holiday season to keep the tree replenished. Additionally, monetary donations are welcomed, and we will do the shopping for you!
Email givingtree@hvuuc.org with any questions.
The Social Justice Committee invites you to a Giving Tree Decoration Party on Sat., Nov. 28th at 12 p.m.!
This year, we were unable to secure a tree through Candyland Christmas. It was implied that the reason for this is due to Johnson City Chamber of Commerce's guidelines of "no removable items" on the tree allowed.
The good news is that our Giving Tree will still be in downtown Johnson City and will be located in front of the Appalachian Liberation Library (419 W Market St.).
We will be collecting Giving Tree items for children, women, and men. Some of the most important items we need are hand warmers and individually wrapped, non perishable snacks but gloves, scarves, hats, undies, and socks would also be appreciated.
The Giving Tree donation bin will be in the Fred Ball room. You may leave items as they are, packaged or not. We will collect items all through the holiday season to keep the tree replenished. Additionally, monetary donations are welcomed, and we will do the shopping for you!
Email givingtree@hvuuc.org with any questions.
🌉 RE Bridge Weekly | Balance & Beauty | Youth Group Gathering
💜 A Note from the DRE
🎃 HVUUC Annual Trunk or Treat!
🌟 Youth Group Gathering — This Sunday!
🌎 Adult 1: Curious Conversations — An Exploratorium of Their Own!
🎂 Happy October Birthdays!
🌈 Celebrating Our Newest HVUUC Members!
💜 Gratitudes Across the Bridge
Our Giving Tree will be in need of items for children, women, and men such as:
handwarmers
warm socks
undies
hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste)
feminine products
gallon-size freezer/storage backs (double zipper only)
We currently have a large supply of hats, gloves, and scarves and are not in need of those items at this time. The Giving Tree donation bin will be in the Fred Ball room. You may leave items as they are, packaged or not. We will collect items all through the holiday season to keep the tree replenished.
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
Join us for church on Oct 11, 2026.
9:30am RE
11:00am Service
12:00pm Potluck
1:00pm More Than Words Pronoun Workshop
“Queer Voices Within World Religions”
As religions are often keepers of tradition, it's natural to assume that most religions are not LGBTQ+ friendly, and this is supported by the vocal components of many world religions that equate their own bigotry with the tenets of their faith. And yet, there are strong, beautiful, and sometimes ancient queer voices in most world religions that say otherwise. This day after Tri-Pride Rev. Tiffany explores a few world religions and the LGBTQ+ voices within them.
Due to weather concerns, Tri-Pride’s organizers have cancelled this Saturday’s parade and festival. Come see us Sunday instead and we’ll have our own Pride at HVUUC!
MORE THAN WORDS: A Pronouns Workshop
Sunday, October 11 • 1–3 PM Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church 136 Bob Jobe Rd, Gray TN 37615
Pronouns may be small words, but they can carry a whole lot of meaning — and sometimes, a little curiosity can open the door to a whole lot more understanding.
More Than Words is an interactive workshop for anyone who wants to better understand pronouns, and explore how the words we choose can help people feel seen, respected, and affirmed.
💜 A Note from the DRE
🗣️More Than Words: Pronouns Workshop
🎃 HVUUC Annual Trunk or Treat!
🌟 Youth Group Gathering — Next Week!
🎂 Happy October Birthdays!
❤️ 🩹Healing Vibes Across Our Community
💜 Gratitudes Across the Bridge
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
Join us for church on Oct 4, 2026.
9:30am RE
11:00am Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Let Books Be - Protecting the Freedom to Read”
Come kick off Banned Books Week with Rev. Tiffany as we look at some of the books that were banned or challenged this year and why.
Headlines …
TriPride
Church Dance Party
Pronoun Workshop
The Giving Tree
Service Auction
Trunk or Treat
Women’s Night
Click here to read the entire newsletter.
Click here for past newsletters.
You can also find a few printed copies at our visitors table in the sanctuary.
Planning to attend this year’s Service Auction on Nov 7? We’d love for you to bring a finger food to share! After all, bidding wars are much more fun when there are snacks involved.
Bring your favorite appetizer, nibble, or tasty little something—and come prepared to bid, laugh, and have a great time!
Email fellowship@hvuuc.org with any questions.
💜 A Note from the DRE
🤝 Join a Religious Exploration Collaborative (REC) Monthly Meeting
🗣️More Than Words: Pronouns Workshop
🎃 HVUUC Annual Trunk or Treat!
✨ Many Gifts, One Community
🎂 Happy October Birthdays!
💜 Gratitudes Across the Bridge
What is a Service Auction?
Great question! A service auction is a Fun Raiser in which friends and members donate services. We, all the members and friends of this HVUUC community, can bid on these services to win them. The winning bidders will pay the church, while the donor of the service provides the service.
What does a service mean? ….
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
✨ Many Gifts, One Community
Religious Exploration is growing—and with that growth comes more opportunities for our whole community to help bring it to life! 💜
Volunteering with RE doesn't have to mean becoming a teacher. There are so many ways to share your time, interests, skills, and gifts:
● Lead a class and help guide exploration and conversation.
● Assist a lead facilitator and be an extra supportive presence.
● Support Wonder Worship and help create meaningful worship experiences for our youngest UUs.
● Help with communications, organization, or behind-the-scenes projects.
● Lend a hand where needed without committing to an ongoing role.
If you've been a friend of HVUUC for 3 months or longer, stop by the Volunteer Sign-Up Board in the church lobby and see where you might like to jump in!
For the safety of our children and youth, background checks are required for volunteers working directly with them and are fully provided by the church.
Our programs don't happen because of one person. They happen because a community of people chooses to show up, share what they have, and create something meaningful together.
You don't have to do everything. Come share your something. 💜✨