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.
Repentance, Repair, and Peace
Join us for church on September 22, 2024!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
12:15pm Choir Rehearsal
“Repentance, Repair, and Peace”
How can we create and preserve a meaningful peace that goes beyond silencing opposition, but is rooted in justice? This International Peace Day we explore the wisdom of "Repentance and Repair" by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg to understand a path toward lasting and authentic peace, and the hard work it takes to get there.
Coming Out?
Our congregation is celebrating National Coming Out Day on Sunday October 6th and we are looking for some help for the service.
If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community in any way, and would like to help with the service, we are looking for readers and candle lighters.
Rev Tiffany has a variety of poetry, readings and reflections you could choose from to read during the service or you could even suggest your own favorite piece for the service.
Email minister@hvuuc.org to join in the celebration, no later than 9/29, but sooner would be better as this is a first-come-first-serving opportunity
Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to host coffee hour on October 20 and October 27. If you can help, please sign the calendar posted beside the large coffee urn in the kitchen. If you want to learn how to set up coffee hour, please contact coffeehour@hvuuc.org.
Sign Up for Service Auction
It’s your turn to have fun at the Service Auction! The Auctria Website is up and running, so you can add your items to the auction. You can go to https://auctria.events/2024HVUUCauction! The first page has a DONATE button, click on it. You will be asked to fill in information about your item and you.
Please choose a date for your activity, it is impossible to get everyone who bids on your item to agree on a date after they purchase it. We accept items for silent auctions as well as a paper items (the bidding). If you’re not sure call Greg Kramer or email auction@hvuuc.org.
Pool parties, game nights, specialty meals, movie nights, and the sky is the limit, it’s your turn to make the service auction fun!
MACHO BBQ, Mabon Ritual, and Service Auction
We Belong
Join us for church on September 15, 2024!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
4:00PM Youth Group
“We Belong”
The Unitarian Universalist value of Equity invites us to contemplate how we can create an environment where people of all backgrounds and identities to thrive. While we are doing this in our congregation, our local DEI Alliance is doing it in our wider community. Explore the diverse faces and stories of East Tennessee with us today.
MACHO BBQ, Climate Justice Revival, and Let's Chat Covenant Group
Can I Speak to the Architect
Join us for church on September 8, 2024!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
12:15pm Choir Rehearsal (all welcome!)
“Can I Speak to the Architect”
Was this existence planned or did it just happen? What role to chaos and intentionality play in the world we live in? Today's service invites us to explore some big unanswerable questions. Maybe we'll find awe. Maybe we'll find grief. But we'll definitely find our own power to shape our world.
Service Auction
Our Annual Service Auction is November 16th!
Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church’s biggest fund raiser is our service auction. 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. Do you have a special meal you like to make? Can you offer 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.
Let's Chat Covenant Group
"Let's Chat" Covenant Group is looking for new members! We discuss a variety of topics; Individuality, authenticity, joy, laughter, and many other topics. This is a discussion of how you feel about the topic. The session is a page or so of light reading will prepare you for the meeting. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday's of the month! If you are interested please contact Greg Kramer if you're interested. Come Let's Chat.
email letschat@hvuuc.org
September 2024 Newsletter
Headlines
·Minister’s Note
Climate Justice Revival
Astronomy and Geology
Service Auction
bUUk Club
Wednesday Night Supper
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
Music Director Job Opening
Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church is seeking applications for our next Music Program Director through Friday September 6th. Please spread the word to talented people that you know!
Resume and cover letter should go to minister@hvuuc.org and pastpresident@hvuuc.org
You can also email for pay information or any other questions you have.
Read the full job description at the link below.
Music Director Job Description
Five Things the Bible Never Said (and one thing it absolutely does say)
The Social Justice Committee will be hosting another voter postcard writing campaign after Coffee Hour this Sunday starting at 12:30. Be sure to stick around for refreshments and fellowship for another fun post card event!
Join us for church on August 25, 2024!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
12:30pm Reclaim the Vote Postcard Writing Campaign for the November election.
“Five Things the Bible Never Said (and one thing it absolutely does say).”
Around here in East Tennessee, it's not uncommon to hear a sentence start with "The Bible says... " But does it? So often people are putting words, or beliefs, into the Bible that just aren't there. This Sunday Rev. Tiffany dusts off her Bible-scholar hat to explore five things that the Bible never said, and one thing that it absolutely does say.
Archiving our Church History
Are there any history buffs in the house? Our church office is undergoing a re-organization and part of that is consolidating and storing church archives and church history information. If you are a fan of history or are curious about our church's history, join our newly forming church history team by emailing history@hvuuc.org
We anticipate this project may take 2 or 3 meetings max, involving sorting through old church materials and deciding what needs to be preserved and what needs to be recycled. All are welcome, though those with a longer history with the church will be especially appreciated.
September Newsletter Deadline
Office Clean Up Help
It is time for a major clean up of the church office! If you or your committee have used the office to store items please arrange with our Office Manager Jessica to come by and help us tidy by removing unnecessary clutter.
Items may include but are not limited to:
yard signs
holiday decor
posters
books
Thank you so much for helping out. Email office@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Game Night, Church Picnic, and Voter Postcard Writing Party
Staff Changes in the Works
In case you missed our big news during Candles time this last Sunday, we want you to keep you informed:
Our longtime Music Director Charis Carter shared during this Sunday's candles time: 'It is with a heavy mind and heart that I announce that my majestic companion in life, my 91 year old Nana is meeting her most challenging task of losing independent life. I will be stepping down as your Music Program Director and transitioning to be her full-time caretaker. I am joyous for the opportunity to honor this role with Nana and to watch from afar as this community continues to grow." Charis' last day will be on September 8th, please join us to celebrate her and the considerable ways that she has made HVUUC a joyous and inspiring place to gather together on Sunday mornings.
Jenna, our Nursery Supervisor, is also moving on to other opportunities. Just last week, after receiving applications and conducting interviews, our Personnel Committee has determined that the best person for our open Nursery Supervisor position is our own nursery worker Olivia Leath. We all feel really good about her leadership in this position, and are confident that your kids are in very good hands.
We will be working on hiring additional nursery personnel and a new Music Director soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that information!
Water Communion
This Sunday, August 18th, is our Water Communion. Bring water from your travels or from a meaningful location in the area, to participate in this this much beloved tradition.
Join us for church on August 18, 2024!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Water Communion”
Our annual interactive and intergenerational service where we celebrate our interconnectivity.