🌉 RE Bridge Weekly | Balance & Beauty | Youth Group Gathering
October 18, 2026
💜 A Note from the DRE
Hello, you gorgeous souls!
Libra season invites us to explore balance in our lives—not simply in how we manage our responsibilities, but in how intentionally we make time and space to enjoy and nurture the people, experiences, and things we love and value.
With Equity among our shared UU values, the timing couldn't have been more fitting for this past weekend's Pride festivities! Although the parade was canceled, the spirit of Pride was certainly alive and well within our classrooms, sanctuary, and our More Than Words Pronouns Workshop following potluck. What a beautiful community to be part of!
Libra season also calls to our artsy, beauty-loving sides. So, I invite you to consider: What do you find beauty in?
Take a stroll through nature's changing colors. Wander into a small gallery and inspire your heart's eye. Enjoy the crisp autumn air at a concert in the park. Find opportunities to be in community with those you love and value—and those who love and value you in return.
Soak it all in! Let the beauty, connection, and joy of this season nourish you, restore your balance, and fuel your spirit for all that lies ahead. 🍂✨
Love & Light, Jess Ox
🎃 HVUUC Annual Trunk or Treat!
Sunday, October 25, 2026 - Immediately following service
🚨 LAST CALL FOR TRUNK SIGN-UPS! 🚨
Monday, October 19 is the FINAL DAY to register your trunk! If you've been thinking about joining the decorating fun, now's the time to claim your spot!
Everyone who signs up to decorate a vehicle is automatically entered into our Trunk Decorating Contest, complete with prizes and plenty of Halloween fun!
🚗 Sign Up to Decorate a Trunk:
https://form.jotform.com/262644541863058
Let's make this a spooktacular celebration of creativity, connection, and community! 🎃
🌟 Youth Group Gathering — This Sunday!
Sunday, October 18 • 4–6 PM • REZ Youth Room
We're getting the crew back together! 💜
Join Jess and Lee as we catch up, reflect on our amazing Youth-Led Service, explore how to put last year's hunger-fund proceeds to work, and discuss a possible new fundraiser!
And, of course, we'll leave plenty of room for games, laughter, and simply enjoying each other's company.
We've missed you! See you Sunday! 🎲✨
🌎 Adult 1: Curious Conversations — An Exploratorium of Their Own!
Our Adult 1 Curious Conversations group has created its very own Exploratorium!
For the remainder of October, participants will explore Cherokee history and the interconnected stories of the Georgia Gold Rush, the Trail of Tears, and specifically Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
They'll also learn about Amoyeli Gunahita, the Cherokee name for Long Island of the Holston, with plans to visit this local piece of history together.
A beautiful example of curiosity leading to deeper understanding, meaningful conversation, and exploration beyond the classroom!
🎂 Happy October Birthdays!
Sending a big burst of birthday joy to:
🎉 Heather Swope
🎉 Chelsea Collea
🎉 Traci Day
🎉 Amanda Hester
🎉 Alex — UU Youth
🎉 Abigail — UU Kiddo
May your next trip around the sun bring plenty of joy, wonder, connection, and reasons to celebrate! 🥳
🌈 Celebrating Our Newest HVUUC Members!
This past Sunday, we had the joy of welcoming new members into our HVUUC congregation during our New Member Ceremony!
A heartfelt congratulations to Kat and Craig Evertson, Sharon Shuttle, Molly, and Bevin Sedgwick on completing the Path to Membership class and choosing to make HVUUC their spiritual home.
Membership is a beautiful expression of connection, shared values, and the choice to grow together in community.
Welcome, welcome! We're so glad you're here! 💜✨
💜 Gratitudes Across the Bridge
There are so many beautiful ways our community continues to show up for one another.
This week, we're sending love and appreciation across the bridge to:
● Doug Chaffin — For donating a box for our K–5 Zen Garden creations!
● Brooklynn — For leading our 6–12 Worth & Wonder class in inspired conversations around creative projects and self-expression.
● Kat — For jumping in to facilitate Adult 2 and guiding a meaningful exploration of the Doors of Belonging within ourselves.
● Michael Jones — For designing and communicating an exciting new discussion series for Adult 1 throughout the remainder of October!
● Beth — For co-piloting Wonder Worship with Jess as our young UUs explored the open and welcoming doors of Unitarian Universalism through our shared values.
● Olivia & Mary — For generously staying late in the nursery during our Pronouns Workshop, making it possible for more members of our community to participate.
● Alesha & Jess Ox — For bringing the More Than Words Pronouns Workshop to life, and to everyone who attended with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn and grow together!