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.
Sunday morning your Minister, Board President, and Facilities representative will assess whether we feel it is safe to have church open or not. IF we decide to close church, you can find out about the closure in two ways:
-Our Facebook Page
-In the text of our Home Page at www.hvuuc.org
We are unable to share this timely information via ENews when it happens because of a delay built into our ENews system. So please monitor these other sources of information on Sunday morning.
If church is cancelled we will post an abbreviated version of the church service to YouTube by Sunday night, you can access our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/HolstonValleyUnitarianUniversalistChurch/featured
Join us for church on January 12, 2024!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Potluck
How do we make principled decisions? Can we create a solid foundation so that we can go beyond reactions and triggers and live the life we want to live? Today Rev. Tiffany explores how Systems Theory approaches to life and community can help us in navigating the big questions of life.
We are watching the weather and want to inform you about how you can find out IF church is cancelled on Sunday morning. Read on for more detail!
Sunday morning your Minister, Board President, and Facilities representative will assess whether we feel it is safe to have church open or not. IF we decide to close church, you can find out about the closure in two ways:
-Our Facebook Page
-In the text of our Home Page at www.hvuuc.org
We are unable to share this timely information via ENews when it happens because of a delay built into our ENews system. So please monitor these other sources of information on Sunday morning.
If church is cancelled we will post an abbreviated version of the church service to YouTube by Sunday night, you can access our YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/HolstonValleyUnitarianUniversalistChurch/featured
Interested in learning and discussing Unitarian Universalist history?
George Cross and Bryan Kleske are facilitating a Small Covenant Group, starting on
February 4th, and meet on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays through April for a total of six meetings.
The first meeting will be at HVUUC. We will discuss further meeting format to possibly include
an in person and zoom combo.
We will be watching Long Strange Trip, a six-part video series by Ron Cordes, that explores
the history of Unitarian and Universalist thought and practice from the early, liberal strands
in faith at the beginning of the Christian era to what we know today as Unitarian Universalism.
The video parts will be emailed out for viewing prior to the planned 2 hour meetings.
Only 8 spots are available so email uuhistory@hvuuc.org to claim your spot before the class fills up!
HVUUC will be hosting Comprehensive Sexuality Education for 3-5 graders beginning in January during normal RE hours. The program will begin with a Guardian Orientation on Sunday, January 12, from 9:30 - 10:45 AM in the Meditation Hall of the REZ. Subsequent workshops will begin on January 26 from 9:30 - 10:45 am. Please see the registration page for more information and full details and schedule. Registration is free and we are limited to 15 spaces so please sign up as soon as possible.
Please follow the link to the registration page: https://hvuuc-3.betterworld.org/events/our-whole-lives-sexuality-educat
If you have questions or would like more information please reach out to our DRE, Justin Ridley dre@hvuuc.org
Join us for church on January 21, 2024!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
Are you tired? You're not alone. Google searches for "why am I tired all the time?" reached an all time high this year. This Sunday we explore Seven Types of Rest and contemplate which Rests we may each actually need. And will explore how we can support each other in getting what we need when we are Not the ones who are tired.
The "Fellowship Committee" will operate as a social program to expand social activities and complete current Coffee Hour functions. The committee will also review and complete kitchen tasks with training and volunteering.
At the first meeting the Fellowship Trustee will offer guidance and advise on leadership, new social function ideas, varied responsibilities and current volunteer needs.
Many small tasks are vital to create any church social time.
Coffee hour and kitchen tasks, as just one example, requires many helping hands.
The first meeting will review tasks requiring immediate help, and the need for more participation discussed.
A chairperson/coordinator to assist in organizing the group, to regularly review procedures, train new volunteers, review the current church fellowship activities, discuss how and where volunteer help is needed right now.
To learn more and/or to join the Fellowship Committee
EMAIL: FELLOWSHIP@HVUUC.ORG
A mutual date to meet up in person or future zoom meeting, will be the first item to be decided.
Thank You.
Cynthia Goodman
Fellowship Trustee
HVUUC
The Gerald Keep family has requested a Memorial Service to be held at church on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Reception immediately following.
All HVUUC members and friends are cordially invited.
For any further information please contact
Minister@hvuuc.org
Or memorialreception@hvuuc.org
Thank you.
Ann and Wayne Johnson have a tree near their house that needs to be taken down. We will meet Saturday February 3rd at their house at 10:00 AM. If you have a chainsaw please bring it to help cut the tree up once we have it down. Please wear safety gear! I'm going to get a rope in the trees branch's to pull the tree away from the house. If you have a way to get a string up and over 60 feet branches please respond. If it's not safe we will not take the tree down.
Email macho@hvuuc.org with any questions and for location details.
Join us for church on January 14, 2024!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00PM Coffee Hour
12:30PM Social Justice Call to Action Meeting
Hear the story of the Civil Rights movement in a way you never had before. This script for many voices, written by Unitarian Universalists of color, invites us to hear this important part of our collective history as told by those who participated in these changes from their center.
The Church is getting ready for our upcoming pledge drive! Before the Stewardship Team can ask for a pledge the Board of Trustees needs to know how much money we need to spend. Our fine staff and minister need to be paid and receive healthcare insurance. All Church groups who receive money to fund your activities. I'm asking to have a budget submitted by the Board of Trustee meeting in February!
Email stewardship@hvuuc.org
Registration is now open for 6-8th grade Stellar Sex ED.
In collaboration with RISE: Healthy for Life, HVUUC is offering Stellar Sex ED for 6-8 grade youth. Beginning January 14, with a guardian and student orientation. Classes will then run from January 21 - March 3 on Sundays at HVUUC. The cost is free. Please follow the link for more information and to register.
https://risehealthylife.betterworld.org/events/middle-school-stellar-sex-ed-at
Email dre@hvuuc.org with any questions.
A Meal Train has been set up for the Chaffin Family who are currently going through a difficult time.
We all know the Chaffins who are always helping others and are very active in all HVUUC activities including Social Justice, MACHO, the Giving Tree, Pancakes & Jam, the Music Program, etc.
Now it is our turn to give back.
Kim’s Mother is currently hospitalized with a serious illness & then this Thursday, Jan 11th, Alesha is having hip surgery which will require recovery time with limited activity.
We can help with a Meal Train beginning this Thursday. As requested, restaurant gift cards are even available on the Train for non cooks.
Please review all details under "Recipient Info" on the Meal Train! You are invited to join at the link below:
Storytelling Event
Monday, 1/15/2024
9 am – 12 pm
Carver Recreation Center
Peace Walk
Monday, 1/15/2024
12 pm
Carver Recreation Center
Blood Drive
Monday, 1/15/2024
1pm – 6 pm
Carver Recreation Center
Community Information Session
Monday, 1/15/2024
1 pm – 3 pm
Carver Recreation Center
Community Dinner
Monday, 1/15/2024
6 pm – 8 pm
Carver Recreation Center
Food Drive
Timeframe: 12/13/23 – 1/15/2024
Locations: McKinney Center, Langston, Good Sam, etc.
Food supports Good Sam and JAMA Food Pantries
Vincent Dial Student Art Exhibit
Public Reception: Thursday, 1/18/2024
Exhibit Timeframe: 1/15/24 – 1/19/24
McKinney Center
2024 Event: The Importance of MLK to the Hispanic Community
Thursday, 1/25/2024
7 pm
Langston Centre
Community Building Conference
Saturday, 1/27/24
10 am – 1 pm
Location: Langston Centre
Our new RE semester begins this month! Welcome back to our kids and youth after a couple of weeks off for the holidays!
Our K-2 class begins on January 14 with a new curriculum focused on cultures around the world.
Our 3-5 grades class will be starting January 7, with some new teachers and a new curriculum focused on change!
Our 6-12 grade RE class will not be meeting January through March due to Stellar Sex ED taking place for our 6-8th graders.
Also, our Adult RE 1 and Adult RE 2 classes continue to meet.
Come on out to the REZ at 9:30 on Sunday mornings! We hope to see you there!
Email our director of religious education, Justin, with any questions at DRE@hvuuc.org
The end of this week’s service will include some celebratory drumming. If you have a personal drum (NOT a drum kit) please feel free to bring it.
Join us for church on January 7, 2024
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
Begin the New Year by letting go of the old year! Fire Communion is a chance to contemplate what in your life you want to burn up and leave behind in 2024. This clears the way for what is good and new in the new year. Come celebrate the possibilities with us!
It’s time to say goodbye to the Giving Tree until next November. If you can help remove and pack up our decorations from the tree, please meet us at the tree (near the end of McClure St, Johnson City) at 4:00pm Monday 1/8/24. If you can transport an 8-9’ ladder, it would be most helpful as well. Thanks so much everyone for a wonderful year of giving to our community! Email thegivingtree@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Headlines
Minister’s Note
Religious Trauma Workshop
Treasury Report
·Women’s Gift Exchange
·Social Justice Initiatives
MLK Day Activities
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.
Up to date church info is always available at www.hvuuc.org
Stellar Sex Ed for Grades 6 - 8
Dates and Time
January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 3
9:30 - 10:45 at HVUUC REZ - Meditation Hall
Guardian Orientation - Required
Sunday, January 14, 9:30 - 10:45 am at HVUUC - REZ Meditation Hall
Guardians, we want to make sure we have your informed consent for your youth to participate in Stellar Sex Ed, so please plan to attend this meeting if you’re thinking about signing them up. We will have consent forms for you to fill out after the meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, please reach out to Justin Ridley at DRE@hvuuc.org.
What is Stellar Sex Ed?
Stellar Sex Ed engages participants in an expansive exploration of their inner and outer space. It fundamentally changes the way we approach sexuality education. Free of judgment, Stellar Sex Ed dismantles stigma and invites honest, compassionate curiosity about bodies, identities, and relationships.
Over the course of seven lessons, participants will cover whole people, basic internal and external anatomy, intersex, body image, gender, orientation, power dynamics, healthy relationships, bias and discrimination, pregnancy, STIs, and prevention methods.
HVUUC is offering Stellar Sex Ed, developed by RISE: Healthy for Life, to this age group because it is a contemporary, inclusive, affirming approach to sex ed.
It is with great sorrow we inform you that Gerald Timothy Keep passed away during the morning of December 21, 2023, having lost his battle with stage 4 sarcoma. Gerald opted to have his body donated to science via Restore Life, USA. Linda and Nic plan to hold a memorial service once his ashes are received in approximately 30 days.