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.
Mental Makeover
Join us for church on March 9, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Potluck
“Mental Makeover”
Every thought we have is a neural pathway in our brain, which is why sometimes our thinking becomes a bit of a rut. But we have the power to train our brain, to make over our mind. Today Rev. Tiffany explores neuroplasticity and how it's never too late to change our brains.
Escape From Rape: A Cultural Change
Hello!
We are pleased to invite you to attend the upcoming Second Annual Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit scheduled for April 2, 2025, at the Brinkley Center This summit aims to bring together professionals, advocates, and community members to address critical issues surrounding sexual assault and domestic violence.
The summit will provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions, resource sharing, and collaborative efforts to strengthen our community's response to these challenges. With a range of expert speakers, informative sessions, and workshops, this event is designed to inspire and empower those working to make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by violence.
Event Details:
Date: April 2, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Brinkley Center, 2001 Millennium Pl, Johnson City, TN 37604
We would be honored for you to participate and contribute to the ongoing efforts to create safer, more supportive environments for survivors. For additional information, please scan the attached QR code or contact us at 423-439-8025 or taylormr1@etsu.edu.
We look forward to your attendance and hope that you can join us in advancing the conversation and making a positive impact.
All best,
Ruth Taylor Read
Women's Night, Hunger First, and March Newsletter
UU Summer Camp for the Whole Family - SUUSI
How is your family vacationing this year? Did you know you that your whole family can go the a special camp for ALL ages and all kinds of activities!? The Unitarian Universalist camp in Radford Va, may be the place for you! This year it will be the week of July 20th to the 26th.
SUUSI is the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute, a walloping week long summer camp for the young and the young-at-HeaRT, a meet-up of Unitarian Universalist community, bringing together old friends and new. SUUSI is an intentional week to grow, relax, play, share and connect with others, a week you’ll remember for years to come.
For more than 50 years UU's gather from all over the Southeastern US and go to SUUSI! We have workshops and outdoor activities for people of all ages and abilities. From origami to caving and hundreds of activities in between. Special age appropriate activities for children from toddlers to 18-year-olds. Special activities for young adults, as well. Play all day and dance all night!!
If your are interested go to www.SUUSI.org or email greg@hvuuc.org.
Noah, his Ark, and his Incredible Cargo
Join us for church on March 2, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Noah, his Ark, and his Incredible Cargo”
Do you remember the story of Noah’s Ark? Noah is certainly the human star but what about the experiences of and consequences for the scores of supporting characters tended to by Noah and his crew? What directives does Noah receive as he disembarks and what inspiration can we draw from the story? Member Lori Krause shares her reflection on this ancient story.
March 2025 Newsletter
Headlines
• Minister’s Note
• RE News
• Ukulele Group
• Women’s Hiking Group
• Women’s Night
• UU Family Summer Camp
• Game Night
• WETS
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
Food Bank Donations
Pledge Status
Are you not sure about how much of your 2024/2025 Pledge you have made? Email Treasurer@hvuuc.org and ask for your Pledge Status, please make sure your name is in the email.
Women's Hiking Group
Hello all intrepid hikers who identify as women! We are planning to schedule hikes for those interested, one Saturday every month or so. The length and difficulty of the hikes will vary and each will be led by a designated volunteer. If you’re interested, please send your name and email. When a hike has been planned, we’ll send the details to those who have replied.
I hope many of you will consider joining us on any hike that’s planned. It will be a fun way to see new trails and get to know each other better.
Email hiking@hvuuc.org if you are interested.
Small Story, Big Wisdom
Join us for church on February 23, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Small Story, Big Wisdom”
Small stories and parables can provide powerful wisdom – if we allow the space for reflection and integration of the many messages. The Buddhist parable of the two monks and the maiden seems simple, but when we explore the deeper experience there is opportunity to carry this wisdom into our daily lives, bringing peace to ourselves and the world. Church member Bob Warner shares his reflections on this time-proven parable.
March Newsletter Deadline
LGBTIA+ Movie Matinee at First Presbyterian Elizabethton
February 23, 2025 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
LUNCH: 12:30 pm -1:30 pm
Gather together & share a meal. Pizza, salad, dessert and beverages will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own lunch if you wish. It's free and open to the public!
This event is organized by the LGBTOIA+ Outreach Committee of First Presbyterian of Elizabethton, Tennessee. If you have questions or need more information, email: morellghtefpcelizabethton.org
MOVIE MATINEE: Dating Amber 1:30 pm -3:30 pm
Dating Amber Set in Ireland in the 1990s. Dating Amber is part coming- of-age story part rom-com with a decidedly LGBTOIA+ twist. It follows two closeted teens who join forces as they do their best to survive high school. Following the film, there will be ample opportunity to respond and share experiences.
LOCATION
First Presbyterian of Elizabethton
119W F St Elizabethton, TN 37643
WEB PAGE: fpcelizabethton.org
Hurricane Work Meal Brigade, Wed Night Supper, and Meeting with Rev. Tiffany
Game Night, Movie Night, and Path to Membership
Lessons from the Silent Disco
Join us for church on February 16, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
4:00pm Youth Group
“Lessons from the Silent Disco”
Murmurations of starlings, schools of fish, and humans gathered at a silent disco all give the appearance of moving to an unseen beat or current. What can we learn about how we build community, from observing these trends?
Determining Interest for a Meal Brigade
HVUUC has been invited to consider whether we have the capability to occasionally feed work groups coming into the area for Helene repair. Rev. Tiffany is currently gauging interest to see if we have enough to move forward in our involvement.
The Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) of Washington County is organizing many of the relief and recovery efforts in Washington County. Many work groups (including a lot of church groups) are expected to come in during the spring, and some are coming already! The LTRG is developing a list of church groups that can provide food for these relief workers while they're here. Does our church have enough interest to form a Meal Brigade group for these efforts? Is there anyone interested in being the organizer and point of contact for this work?
If you have some free time and some interest, email Rev. Tiffany at minister@hvuuc.org and let her know!
Meet with your Minister
Have you noticed that our congregation is growing? While Sunday attendance varies from week to week, our official membership number has increased and our average Sunday attendance is up by about 10%!
It is a unique challenge to try to get to know everyone at this point, and that is true for member and minister alike! Dunbar's number says it's difficult to make a meaningful connection with more than 150 people in your life at one time, and the church's official membership is now at 146!
Whether you're an official member of the church, a friend of the church, or you are just visiting and considering how involved you want to be, Rev. Tiffany would love a chance to get to know you.
She has a convenient meeting scheduling app that tracks her availability. You can sign up for an hour or half an hour, and can indicate whether you want to meet at the office or on the phone or zoom.
Click here to schedule some time:
https://calendly.com/tiffanysappuu
Game Night, New Group Policy, & Religion in Appalachia
From Genesis to the Universe Story
Join us for church on February 9, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Potluck
“From Genesis to the Universe Story”
The Genesis Creation and Fall stories in the bible are foundational to our Unitarian Universalist Heritage. What does this 3000 year old myth mean to Unitarian Universalists today? Longtime member George Cross shares some of his thoughts about the Adam and Eve story.