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.
Festivals of Light Volunteers Needed
As winter approaches, so does Festivals of Lights on Dec 14! This is an annual, intergenerational service that recognizes different holidays around light that are celebrated by people in our congregation and people who have come before us.
We are looking for speakers, candlelighters, and singers. This is a wonderful chance to get involved and there are opportunities for all ages and interests.
Email Sarah at festivals@hvuuc.org to volunteer!
Halloween
Don’t forget to wear your costumes this Sunday!
Join us for church on Oct 26, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Trunk or Treat
“Halloween”
On the last Sunday of October, our congregation is visited by all sorts of interesting characters dressed up in their Halloween best! Rev. Tiffany hosts a very special service where we are taught about ethics from Robin Hood, the history of voting rights from a Suffragette, the importance of bees in our ecosystem from a bee, and many many other insightful characters. Come in costume and stay for the Trunk or Treat!
KEYS
In the interest in increasing our security, all locks at the church have been rekeyed!
If you are a Board Member or a Staff Member, your key is ready for you! Come by the office during office hours to get your key, or ask Rev. Tiffany after the service.
If you are not Board or Staff but need access to the main building or the REZ, anyone can get through the door by getting the code to the key box outside the front door. Contact a Board Member or Church Staff for that code.
Please note that front door keys will no longer open office doors. If you need office access please discuss your needs with a Board Member, and they will help you through the process of getting office access.
New Frontiers in Astronomy Presentation
Saturday, November 15, 2025
6:00 PM 7:00 PM
New Astronomy telescopes completely change our understanding of the Cosmos! Astronomers and Physicists are scrambling to understand the meaning of these new discoveries.
With just two new Telescopes, our knowledge of the universe has changed forever! The night sky is no longer a static tapestry. The Vera Rubin Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope have produced a "time-lapse movie" of the Cosmos!
The quest for life in our Solar System. Is Mars our best hope for discovering evidence of life? What secrets do the Gas and Ice Giant planets hold? Maybe their moons hold the answers!
Exoplanets -- We've discovered over 6,000 planets orbiting other stars in the Milky Way! Some are quite Earth-like! Our 2 new telescopes are giving us exciting new information on these Earth-like worlds!
Urban Lighting -- Rapid growth of bright urban lighting conflicts the night sky and handicaps ground based telescopes. How can we resolve this issue?
Weather permitting, Donnie will set up his telescope after the presentations for views of the night sky.
Email astronomy@hvuuc.org with any questions.
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.
Save the Date for Risk Discernment
Rev. Tiffany and a few lay leaders are planning an interactive workshop that was created by the UUA's Side With Love. It helps congregations work together in assessing how tolerant or averse our church is about taking risks within our efforts to uphold UU values. It's not a project meant to necessarily increase or reduce that amount of risk, but it's more about accurately discerning what kinds of things we are collectively comfortable with at the moment so we can all have a better objective understanding of each other's perspectives going forward.
This will be a great chance to voice to the Minister and two Board members where your comfort levels are at when it comes to various church actions, and to deepen your connection with leaders and congregants in that regard. It should also help everyone involved develop or improve our skills to appropriately serve our community's wants/needs while avoiding going too far or coming up short.
We would like to encourage everyone to save the date for this workshop and try to attend it if you are able, and promote it to any other congregants who might be interested. It will be held Sunday, January 25th, after church from 12:30 to 2:30. Food will be provided!
Trunk or Treat, Game Night, & Wednesday Night Supper
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!