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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
TUUCAN Fall Flock, Pumpkin Carving and Resisting Authoritarianism
The Emperor's New Clothes
Join us for church on Oct 12, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Potluck
1:30pm Music Input Circle
“The Emperor's New Clothes”
What does the fable of the Emperor's New Clothes teach us about truth, leadership, accountability and growth? Join Rev. Tiffany for a unique re-telling of this story!
Circle Suppers
Circle Suppers have been scheduled for:
Friday evening, October 24th
Saturday afternoon, October 25
Saturday evening, October 25
You may sign up by requesting a registration form by emailing circlesuppers@hvuuc.org or by completing the form available in the library area of the sanctuary.
Deadline for signup is Thursday, noon, October 16. You will receive an email indicating your host and dinner companions. This is a long-standing UU tradition that encourages fellowship and support.
What's a Circle Supper?
It is a group of 4, 5, or 6 people who select a date within a month to meet for dinner. The entire group, not just the group that eats together, will decide if each person brings something or if the host supplies the food. You may be able to use the church occasionally if hosting is a problem. The next month the people eating together will be changed (Couples will stay together unless they choose to separate), so that by the end of the cycle, you have met many new friends. A cycle may include three, four, or five months, depending on how many participants there are. At the beginning of the cycle, you will receive an email listing who meets with whom and when.
If interested email circlesuppers@hvuuc.org.
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction: An Evolving UU Practice
Before I go, I'd like to offer a final recommendation for Spiritual Direction and share what it entails. While it is an ancient practice, it continues to evolve today.
What is Spiritual Direction?
At its core, Spiritual Direction is a focused conversation where two people (or sometimes a group) listen deeply for the presence of the sacred or genuine voice within the directee’s life.
It is not clinical counseling, nor is it governed by clinical regulations.
It is not coaching, though it may contain some elements of accountability or goal-setting related to spiritual practice.
It is distinct from general spiritual or pastoral care; it maintains its own dedicated focus on exploring the directee’s relationship with mystery and meaning.
Different forms exist, ranging from those rooted in Christian traditions (such as Ignatian spirituality) to broad interfaith/inter-spiritual approaches, like the one I have been trained in.
UU Connections and Resources
Spiritual Direction is seeing a resurgence in Unitarian Universalism (UU), with a growing emphasis on adding more trained practitioners.
Organization Description & Link
UU Spiritual Directors Network (UUSDN)
Connects UU directors and provides resources. https://www.uusdn.org/
Meadville Lombard Theological School
Offers a dedicated certificate program for spiritual directors.
Spiritual Directors International (SDI)
A global professional organization for directors. Many UU directors are members. https://www.sdicompanions.org/
UU World Article
For further reading on the current UU movement around spiritual direction: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/uu-spiritual-direction-about-resources-unitarian-universalism
My Personal Experience
I have been working with a spiritual director for over a year and can personally attest to the transformative impact this work can have. I am currently nearing completion of my own training program and am accepting clients under supervision.
If you or someone you know is interested in finding a spiritual director or learning more, please feel free to reach out to me in the future.
Take good care,
Justin Ridley
Join us at TriPride!
The social justice committee invites HVUUC to join us at TriPride for the parade and festival!
Parade:
Truck Decorating: 8:30am
Arrive for line-up: 10am
Parade starts promptly at 11am
Location: S. Roan onto Commerce St - Volunteers will be at this street entrance to place groups in their staging areas
Ways to join us in parade:
1. Ride in bed of truck
2. Walk & hand out candy/stickers
3. Carry banner
Visit our tent during the festival 12pm-7pm. There are crafts of making friendship bracelets and drawing a patchwork of Pride hands!
The goal is to have fun, let our Patchwork of Pride, Rainbows Resilience shine through, dance in the streets and interact with our community.
It's going to be a great day!!
Email tripride@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Take This Soul and Make It Sing
Join us for church on Oct 5, 2025!
NO RE
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
12:30pm Reclaim the Vote Postcard Writing Campaign
“Take This Soul and Make It Sing”
Andy Brown, Executive Director of the Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council (ARCD) presents an overview of ARCD’s three core programs and how these impact our community: Farmland Conservation, Agricultural Enterprise and Nutrition and Food Access for All. Emphasis will be on the Nutrition and Food Access for All because ultimately that program has an impact for all of us. Relating this theme of nutrition/ ‘feeding the hungry” to the gospels of Jesus, and emphasized by Lao Tzu, considered the father of Taoism. And, offering a call to action that is in keeping with our UU principle of worth and dignity of every person.
News You May Have Missed
We had an ENews delivery outage for about a week. Here are some things you may have missed!
New Member Ceremony Oct 12
During our Sunday service on October 12th, we will be welcoming new members with this season’s New Member Ceremony.
If you have taken the Path to Membership classes and would like to participate in the ceremony and become a member, email PTM@hvuuc.org by October 6th. Please include 3 or 4 sentences about yourself, written in third person, as an introduction to the congregation. Your introduction will be read to the congregation as you sign the membership book. (This portion of the Sunday service is not posted to YouTube.)
If you have taken the Path to Membership classes and would like to become a member this fall but cannot participate in this ceremony, a private signing can be scheduled.
We welcome you to our congregation and look forward to hearing from you!
October 2025 Newsletter
Headlines
Scammers Alert
Voter Postcards Event
Listening Circle about Music
TUUCAN Fall Flock
Resistance to Authoritarianism
Service Auction Donations
Veteran’s Plaque
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
Voter Postcard Writing, Women's Night, Tri-pride, and Service Auction
Time to Donate for the Annual Service Auction!
Believe it or not. It's time to think about the Service Auction on November 8th.
If you’re new to HVUUC, our Service Auction is a much anticipated event every fall. Yes, it’s a fundraiser but really it’s more of a FUN raiser, where you and other congregants get together to offer a service, event, or item.
There’s no limit to the activities or the items you can “auction” off. You can offer handyman services, teach a paint party, host a dinner, auction off baked goods, original art, and more! Wherever your passion and talents lie, there’s room for it at the service auction.
Want to provide a meal but don't have the room? Use the churches kitchen for your event! You can check the church calendar on our website and reserve time and space by emailing office@hvuuc.org.
We would encourage you to donate items that can be redeemed any time during the next year.
Donate your services, event, or items using the Auctria website using the link below. Email auction@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Click here to donate now.
Fools, Wise and Otherwise
Join us for church on September 28, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Fools, Wise and Otherwise”
For years now, Rev. Tiffany has been obsessed with the archetype of the Fool. Whether it's Taoism's Wise Fool, the Fool of the tarot beginning a new journey of transformation, or a court jester who uses his outsider status to speak truth to power, the fool is often more than they seem.
We Want Your Feedback About Music at HVUUC! Oct 12th!
The Music Committee and Rev. Tiffany will be hosting a Music Listening Circle after potluck on Sunday, October 12th.
This is your chance to help shape the future trajectory of our music program. Whether you like to make music or just want to listen to it, we want your help and your input to make our future programming and staffing the best it can be for HVUUC.
Email minister@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Odd Fellow Cemetery Clean Up
The "Odd Fellow Cemetery" is a historical black cemetery in Elizabethton that has both enslaved people and freed blacks buried there. The Helene flooding really messed it up and people are trying to restore this historical site.
There are currently two dates scheduled for a clean up. Saturday Oct 4th and Saturday October 11th. Folks will be meeting at Eastside Elementary in Elizabethton at 8:45am on these days.
For more info contact 423-737-5089
For more information about the cemetery visit this local news article:
/www.wjhl.com/news/local/elizabethton-community-members-working-to-restore-historic-black-cemetery/?