On Saturday, March 22, the Keep TN River Beautiful crew be taking volunteers in their 26-foot jon boats to clean the shorelines of Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tenn!
 
Our 7th annual Tennessee River Grand Slam Cleanup Series will kick off with a cleanup on Douglas Lake of the French Broad River. Our friends at Living Lands & Waters will join this cleanup with three of their boats to add to our two work boats, making this one huge cleanup!
 
This lake has a lot of debris from the outfall from Hurricane Helene, so we will need many hands to help clean these shorelines! Fill out the form below to register! This cleanup will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

**Please be sure to register at https://www.keeptnriverbeautiful.org/douglaslake2 to reserve your seat as space in our boat is limited!**

The Let's Chat Covenant Group is looking for New members. We meet 2nd and 4th Monday's in the REZ we start at 6:30 and runs to 8:30.

Want to meet other church members on a more personal level? That's the purpose of Covenant Groups. Latest topics were, Acceptance, Scarcity or Abundance, Humor, Gratitude, and Aging.

We will hold your information private. I do ask that; are you willing to commit to make as many sessions as possible. A copy of our Covenant is available upon request to me, Greg Kramer.

Email letschat@hvuuc.org with any questions.  

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Did you know that the Church collects non-perishable food to help local people in need? Please leave your canned and non-perishable donations in the bin in our foyer to be distributed here in the Tri-Cities.

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.

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.

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.

Please email all submissions for the March newsletter by Wednesday Feb 26 to newsletter@hvuuc.org.

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

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.

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.

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?

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!

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