Jessica Bowman
Changing Office Hours

Starting in the month of November, HVUUC's office hours will be changing from 10:00am to 3:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  These are the same number of hours before, but are being shifted to an hour later. 

As usual, Rev. Tiffany is available by appointment as well, and those appointments can be made using this link: https://calendly.com/tiffanysappuu

Changing Office Hours
Jessica Bowman
The End of the World as We Know It

Join us for church on Oct 19, 2025!

  • 9:30am Religious Education

  • 11:00am Sunday Service

  • 12:00pm Coffee Hour

“The End of the World as We Know It”

What does the genre of Apocalyptic literature teach us about human nature? For years as a young evangelical Rev. Tiffany was intensely interested in end-times stories. Now, with an entirely different perspective, she explores what these stories are and what they are not, and gleans what wisdom we can from them.

The End of the World as We Know It
Jessica Bowman
Collecting Holiday Decor for Helene Victims

It has been a year since Hurricane Helene brought so much destruction to our neighbors in East Tn and NC. During this first year the survivors had to focus on restoring their basic needs like housing, clothing, and food. Now, let's help them regain some of their joy related to the holidays and begin making new positive memories.

Between now and Nov 28, there will be a bin in the fellowship hall to collect new or gently used Christmas decorations that will be donated to the Helene survivors in TN and NC.

If you are downsizing or just changing your decorations this year, please donate your old decorations in the bin. We will also be adding some home made decorations. If you knit or like to do Christmas crafts, please feel free to add your original creations.

Collecting Holiday Decor for Helene Victims
Jessica Bowman
Piano Accompanist Staff Opening

Piano Accompanist Staff Opening – Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Gray, TN

2-3 hours a week in the church building on Sunday mornings, plus separate practice time to prepare for playing hymns and special music accompaniment.


Pay and benefits begin at $90 a week, but will raise after a probationary period.


Start Date:  November 9, 2025, but could be sooner if everyone is agreeable.

 

Your typical week with us:

Sundays: During our 11am Sunday morning service, we typically sing 3 hymns that are in one of our two hymnals (all sheet music provided).  Sometimes the pianist will also play an instrumental special music piece, or will accompany a solo singer or band that is performing special music.  You’ll show up at 10am to warm up on the piano, check in with the rest of the worship team, and rehearse the hymns with the choir.  Service runs from 11am to noon.  Sometimes, you may need to stay after for a longer choir rehearsal after service.

The Rest of the Week: The rest of the week, on your own schedule, you will need to look up what the hymns are in the service spreadsheet and practice playing them until you can play well and confidently.  You’ll also need to be in communication with the Music Director about any needs for additional playing.

 

Minimum Requirements:

·         Can play the piano

·         Can sight read sheet music

·         Willing to receive feedback, communicate clearly with supervisors and musicians

·         Flexible mindset and a can-do attitude regarding music requests


About Us:

Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church seeks an Accompanist for our steadily growing congregation of about 155 members.

We are a pluralistic religious community where many Unitarian Universalists hold additional identities.  For example, our congregation includes people who consider themselves to be UUs, but also liberal Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans, agnostics and atheists.  We are guided by a common set of principles and ethical covenant.   We are passionate about justice in society.  We are LGBTQ+ affirming.  Located in Gray, TN, just minutes from Exit 10 of I-26, we are right between Johnson City and Kingsport.  The majority of our congregation comes from one of those two cities, with others coming from as far as Bristol, Elizabethton, Greenville and Roan Mountain.


We are looking for someone who is not necessarily Unitarian Universalist but is willing to be in community with us, and embrace our diverse musical tastes. You can learn more about Unitarian Universalism here: https://hvuuc.org/unitarian-universalism

If this sounds like you, and if you’re interested, please let us know by sending your resume and cover letter to minister@hvuuc.org no later than October 28th. Though earlier would be received with enthusiasm!



HVUUC values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. HVUUC encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
If you are excited about this role but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply. We are open to the possibility that you will thrive and grow into the position with us

Piano Accompanist Staff Opening
Jessica Bowman
Director of Religious Education Wanted

Director of Religious Education Staff Opening – Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Gray, TN

20 hour a week position with semi-flexible hours. The set hours are 9:00 to noon on Sundays for 75% of the Sundays in any given month, and either Tuesday or Thursday from 9:00am to 2:30pm for shared staff office hours.  The rest of the hours can be worked at your discretion, either in the church office or from your own office space.

Pay and benefits within UUA Fair Compensation Guidelines Rates begin at $18.73 per hour but will be higher depending on education and experience. Paid Time Off and a Professional Development Expense Account are part of the benefit package we offer.


Start Date:  November 9th, but we can offer flexibility in start-date if needed

 

You can view the full Job Description and Programming details here:

Director of Religious Education Job Description


We are looking for someone who is not necessarily Unitarian Universalist but is willing to grow into an understanding of our Principles and our Values, and our never-ending journey to live out our values. You can learn more about Unitarian Universalism here: https://hvuuc.org/unitarian-universalism
We are looking for someone who understands that youth and families are our future, and are enthusiastic about helping our program grow. We are also looking for an intergenerational awareness that can ensure our adult population is getting what they need to learn and thrive.


About Us:

Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church seeks a Director of Religious Education for our steadily growing congregation of about 155 adult members and 20 children who are enrolled in our Sunday morning Religious Exploration Program

We are a pluralistic religious community where many Unitarian Universalists hold additional identities.  For example, our congregation includes people who consider themselves to be UUs, but also liberal Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans, Agnostics and Atheists.  We are guided by a common set of principles and ethical covenant.  We seek education opportunities that will lead to growth and transformation, both personally and as a community for people of all ages — including children and adults.  We are passionate about justice in society.  We are LGBTQ+ affirming.  Located in Gray, TN, just minutes from Exit 10 of I-26, we are right between Johnson City and Kingsport.  The majority of our congregation comes from one of those two cities, with others coming from as far as Bristol, Elizabethton, Greeneville and Roan Mountain.


If this sounds like you, and if you’re interested, please let us know by sending your resume and cover letter to minister@hvuuc.org no later than 10/28/2025.  Though earlier would be received with enthusiasm!

HVUUC values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. HVUUC encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.


If you are excited about this role but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply. We are open to the possibility that you will thrive and grow into the position with us

 

Director of Religious Education Wanted

COVID Notification

COVID Notification

We have learned of a person who tested positive for COVID after being at the church last Sunday. Folks who were in close contact have been notified. Thank you for remaining vigilant--washing/sanitizing your hands often, covering a cough or sneeze, respecting others' distancing needs, staying home if you feel ill, and letting us know if you test positive. This helps us all stay safe and healthy--and make informed decisions for ourselves and our families.

Speaking Truth to Power

Speaking Truth to Power

Join us for church on September 17, 2023

  • 9:30 Religious Education

  • 11:00 Sunday Service

Join us after the service for coffee hour!

“Speaking Truth to Power”

The Second Sunday in our "Exploring our Sources" series, the second source of Unitarian Universalism is "Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love." Let's explore why prophetic is such a loaded and powerful word and what it means in the context of Unitarian Universalism's mission and message. Also on this Sunday we will recognize Rev. Jeff Briere as our Minister Emeritus.

Fall Programming from Side With Love: Learn, Gather, and Connect

Fall Programming from Side With Love: Learn, Gather, and Connect

This can be a bittersweet time of year for so many, but we are taking joy in what UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt reminds us is the time when we “come back to each other in our congregations and communities.”

Whether you are coming back to your community after a long time away or whether you have been there all summer, we are grateful for your shared ministry toward collective liberation and beloved community.

This summer, Side With Love program and field staff created a wealth of events, resources, and opportunities to balance the need to rest and play with the necessity of honing our skills and staying informed and prepared to respond to the ongoing attacks on communities and people beloved of us.

Whether you need a space to grieve and pray, the opportunity to gather with others doing the work, or dedicated time to learn, they have something that will serve you.

Click here to learn about the many opportunities available this Fall to Learn, Gather, and Connect.

What is a Service Auction?

What is a Service Auction?

Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church’s biggest fund raiser is our service auction. A Service Auction is where congregants offer services to each other. On November 4th we will be auctioning off these items. Anybody can offer a service and on Auction Night that service will go to the highest bidder or bidders.

What services have been offered before?

Do you have a favorite hike you’d like to share with others? Or a special meal you like to make? Handyperson services, gardening, decluttering, or other household services. We have several murder mystery dinners where you play a character in a thrilling play as you run through your meal courses. Pool parties, Superbowl, New Years, St Patrick’s Day, July 4th, or unbirthday parties.

There is much more to come that will be in the News and Announcements. If you have any questions contact Greg Kramer auction@hvuuc.org.

COVID Still Among Us

COVID Still Among Us

Yes, COVID is still around. In the interest of full transparency, we share that one of our members who attended the service last Sunday just tested positive. They've already notified everyone they were close to so those folks can be aware and take precautions.

Thank you all for washing/sanitizing your hands often, respecting others' distancing needs, covering your mouth if you cough, and staying home if you're not feeling well. Thank you, too, for letting us know if you discover you have COVID after being at church. These are all ways we live our covenant--and help keep our community safe and healthy.

Water Communion Service

Water Communion Service

Join us for church on September 10, 2023

  • 9:30 Religious Education

  • 11:00 Sunday Service

Join us after the service for coffee hour!

“Water Communion”

Our annual interactive and intergenerational service where we celebrate our interconnectivity. This year we will be especially focused on how we are connected to the bodies of water in East Tennessee. While we will appreciate water brought from any source, this year, local water would be especially appreciated!

COVID Precautions and Exposure at Church

Yes, COVID is still around. In the interest of full transparency, we share that one of our members who attended the service last Sunday just tested positive. They've already notified everyone they were close to so those folks can be aware and take precautions.

Thank you all for washing/sanitizing your hands often, respecting others' distancing needs, covering your mouth if you cough, and staying home if you're not feeling well. Thank you, too, for letting us know if you discover you have COVID after being at church. These are all ways we live our covenant--and help keep our community safe and healthy.

Owning Your Religious Past Covenant Group

Owning Your Religious Past Covenant Group

In this covenant group we will be sharing stories about our religious upbringing and where it has led us in the present. This will be different from (but related to) the class Rev. Tiffany offered last year, and will focus more on sharing as a way of getting to know each other better.

The group will meet in person on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, beginning on October 9, from 6:30-8:30pm. This will be a short-term group of 4-5 sessions. The facilitators will be Wendy Hearl and George Cross. Please contact either Wendy or George, or email owningcg@hvuuc.org, by October 1 to sign up. The group will be limited to 10 members.

Covid on the Rise

Covid on the Rise

Covid is on the rise again, folks! Help us minimize our exposure risk. Please wash/sanitize your hands often, cover your mouth if you cough, and respect others’ wishes for distancing.

Masks are not required at this time. We ask that if you are not feeling well, PLEASE STAY HOME and worship with us on line.

If you test positive for Covid after being in close contact with others at church, please let appropriate staff know so that others can be informed of exposure and risk.

Thank you for doing your due diligence to keep our community safe and healthy!

UU History and Path to Membership

UU History and Path to Membership

We have listened to your feedback and are expanding our path to membership classes from one session to two in order to give more information about Unitarian Universalist history, and polity, and what it means to be a covenental community. History, polity and covenant will all be covered in the first class by Rev. Tiffany on September 17th.

If you wish to join the church, you will need to attend both the 9/17 and 9/24 sessions. Childcare is available and a sign up sheet is on the back table in the church, or you can email membership@hvuuc.org

If you’re already a member and regret not getting a chance to cover our history, or if you’re not ready to join but are curious about what this whole Unitarian Universalism thing is about, we would welcome you to the 9/17 class.

If you wish to take just the first class but NOT the second, please let Rev. Tiffany know you're coming to the first class by emailing minister@hvuuc.org

K-2 OWL - Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education

K-2 OWL - Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education

K-2nd Grade Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education

Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church is offering an 8-week relationship and healthy bodies education program for Kindergarten-2nd graders

Mandatory orientation for families and kids will be Sunday, Sept. 10 in the K-2 room on Sept. 10 during RE (9:30-10:45 a.m.).

Classes begin Sunday, Sept. 17 and run from 9:30-10:45. Proposed dates are Sept. 17 and 24, Oct. 1 and 22, Nov. 5, 12, and 19, and Dec. 10 and 17. This allows for one snow day. Youth will get the most out of the class if they attend all sessions.

If you are interested in this program for your child, please register as soon as possible as there are a limited number of spots available.

The Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education curriculum is age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and inclusive and affirming. OWL programs nurture and support the three Rs of childhood sexuality education--respect, relationships, and responsibility--by helping children increase self-respect and respect for others, build relationships with people of all genders and with many kinds of families, and understand their responsibilities regarding their own health and that of others.

It helps children:

  • Strengthen and support their sense of self and self-esteem.

  • Recognize and appreciate their bodies as good and beautiful, private and their own.

  • Gain understanding and accurate, age-appropriate information about human bodies and reproduction.

  • Develop more effective communication skills.

  • Learn to make decisions that respect themselves and others and that anticipate possible consequences.

  • Learn about healthy habits and what to do when they don’t feel safe or respected.

OWL engages families in open communication about life questions and reinforces guardians’ role as their children’s most important sexuality educators.

Our Whole Lives uses approaches that work. The curriculum is based on the Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education produced by the National Guidelines Task Force, a group of leading health, education, and sexuality professionals assembled by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS).

Although developed by two religious organizations, Our Whole Lives is a secular program that contains no religious references or doctrine.

Facilitators will communicate with guardians throughout the course, and guardians are welcome to ask questions of the facilitators.

Please use the following link to register:

https://hvuuc.betterworld.org/events/k-2nd-grade-our-whole-lives#details