🌉 RE Bridge Weekly | Trunk or Treat | CPR Training
October 25, 2026
💜 A Note from the DRE
Boo! I see you! 👻
Can you believe we're nearing the end of October already?!
The first half of the month welcomed us with crisp weather, changing colors, and some of the lighter aspects of transformation. As we approach the month's end, we're invited to explore transformation a little more deeply—especially within ourselves.
With our Halloween service and Trunk or Treat just around the corner, many of us are preparing costumes and masks! In RE classes, we'll even explore the masks we create and wear in our everyday lives. Who's the real you behind the mask? And are you wearing it to hide, or simply to enjoy the beautiful versatility of being human?
Perhaps this season is inviting your authentic self to shed a few layers and reveal even more of its magnificent colors. Because you are powerful. You are amazing. You are worthy.
And masks or no masks, you are seen, welcomed, and loved in this community. 💜
Love & Light, Jess Ox
🤝 Religious Exploration Collaborative (REC)
Your Voice. Your Ideas. Our Community!
As many of you know, I subscribe to the idea that we create our own realities and experiences—and REC is an opportunity to help create your experience at HVUUC!
REC is a space where your voice is heard, your ideas are encouraged, and your participation helps shape the community we share. Be part of our collective manifestation and revel in the ownership of your individual power, made even more potent through community collaboration!
Currently, REC meets via Zoom on the first Sunday of each month at 5:00 PM. However, we recognize that this time is challenging for many, so we're inviting everyone to help us find a more aligned meeting day and time!
📋 Please complete our REC Scheduling When2Meet by the evening of Monday, October 26.
👉 https://www.when2meet.com/?39382554-Kb5Ai
We'll review the responses on Tuesday and share our new meeting schedule in the November 1 Bridge Weekly and Congregational News.
Your voice matters. Help us create a REC that works for YOU! 💜
🎃 HVUUC Annual Trunk or Treat!
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Immediately Following Service
It's HERE!! 🎉👻
We're so excited to see our community come together for this year's Trunk or Treat! We've already had some wonderfully creative trunk themes registered, and we can't wait to see everyone's imagination come to life!
And of course, we'll have a little friendly competition! Be sure to cast your ballot for your favorites:
● 🎨 Most Creative — For the cleverest, most imaginative concept!
● 👻 Spookiest Trunk — Creepy, eerie, silly-spooky...bring on those Halloween vibes!
● ✨ Best Overall Experience — For the trunk that brings it all together: decorations, theme, costumes, interaction, and FUN!
Come ready to celebrate, connect, and enjoy some Halloween magic with your HVUUC community!
🌟 Youth Group — Big Ideas Are Brewing!
What an AWESOME Youth Group Gathering we had this past Sunday!
It was so wonderful to reconnect with our youth, hear their incredible ideas, and feel their excitement for what's ahead! They've got some fantabulous events and projects in the works, and they're looking forward to becoming even more involved in church happenings.
Their creativity, enthusiasm, and desire to contribute are such beautiful reminders of the gifts our youth bring to this community. Stay tuned—these young changemakers have some exciting things in store! 💜
❤️CPR Certification Training — Participant Reminder
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Fred Ball Room
A friendly reminder to all volunteers registered for CPR Certification Training!
Our class is officially FULL! 🎊 For those attending, please remember to bring your own snacks and a meal for our lunch break.
Thank you for investing your time in learning skills that help keep our congregation and community safe!
🧸 Nursery Families — Please Register Your Littles!
Help us create a safe, welcoming, and fun experience for our youngest explorers!
If your child uses the nursery, please be sure to complete their RE registration. Registration is required each new church year, even if your child was registered previously.
This information helps our caregivers understand emergency contacts, medical and accessibility needs, and other important details that allow us to provide thoughtful, individualized care.
We've made registration as convenient as possible! Simply click the link below or scan one of the QR codes located at:
● The nursery sign-in sheet
● The front lobby
● The sanctuary back table
● The Fellowship Hall table
● My office door
● Various locations throughout the REZ building
Thank you for helping us keep your littles safe and supported by registering: https://form.jotform.com/262060977369064
🌎 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 are exploring Cherokee history and the interconnected stories of the Georgia Gold Rush, the Trail of Tears, and Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
They're also learning about Amoyeli Gunahita, the Cherokee name for Long Island of the Holston, with plans to visit this local piece of history together.
What 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! 🥳💜
💜 Gratitudes Across the Bridge
This week, we're sending waves of appreciation to some wonderful people who help make our RE community shine!
🌟 Greg and Sue — For leading our K–5 class with flexibility, creativity, and innovation as they engage a beautiful mix of ages, interests, and energies!
🌟 Byron — For facilitating Adult 2's exploration of perspective and the powerful role it plays in shaping the stories we tell and the experiences we create.
🌟 Brooklynn — For copiloting Wonder Worship with me as our young explorers embraced autumn's transitions, learned about Persephone and the changing seasons from a peer, and delighted in the simple joy of crunching leaves beneath their feet!
🌟 Lee — For copiloting our Youth Group Gathering, sharing enlightenment with our youth, and introducing a new game that we will ABSOLUTELY be playing soon!
Thank you all for sharing your time, energy, wisdom, and hearts with our community. Every contribution helps us build something beautiful together! 💜