Join us for church on May 31, 2026.
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
What does it mean to be a leader? Are you a leader? Probably! This Sunday Rev. Tiffany commissions our Board for their year of service and reflects on what it really means to be a leader.
Please email all submissions for the June newsletter by Monday June 1 to newsletter@hvuuc.org.
Religious Education Update — May 31
✨ The Happenings:
🌈 Wonder Worship was filled with JOY!
🎉 All-Ages End of Sessions Celebration — This Sunday!
🤝 Interested in helping shape RE?
🧸 Fidget Station Reminder
🌿 Quiet Room Reminder
📱 Join the Families Facebook Group
On May 31, Justin Hall, President of TriPride, will be speaking to the congregation about TriPride, the organization's significant work in our communities and inviting the HVUUC community to again participate in this Fall's activities and to financially support the TriPride mission.
We will be collecting our traditional Fifth Sunday collection for TriPride, which will hopefully fund a “sponsorship level” status with TriPride’s Fall Parade and Festival. Your donations are greatly welcomed. An envelope will be provided in the Order of Service for this purpose.
If you cannot contribute at church on that date and want to donate electronically, to go to HVUUC’s website at https://hvuuc.org/donate to donate via PayPal and designate special instructions that it’s for 5th Sunday. People may donate one week prior and one week after May 31. There is a 3% fee to the church for PayPal, so please increase your donation by 3%.
Don’t forget it’s Day Light Savings this week!
Join us for church on March 8, 2026.
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Service
12:00pm Potluck
On International Women's Day Rev. Tiffany explores the Seven Deadly Sins from a feminist perspective. Where did the Seven Deadly Sins come from? What is their purpose? And how can we use this framework to consider how we shape our own meaningful and happy lives?
There is so much beautiful movement happening across our Religious Education community this week — thank you for being part of it all.
K–5 RE
Kita and Sue will be guiding our young humans through the lesson “What Is Time?” This playful and thoughtful exploration will include a one-minute challenge game, creating 3D stars, and (weather permitting!) some time enjoying the beautiful outdoors together.
Families are also invited to continue participating in the ongoing Gratitude Zine challenge and to make use of the Sanctuary Fidget Station — both small but meaningful practices that support our shared worship experience.
6–12 RE
This Saturday, March 7th, those who are available will be handing out food and care bags at The Melting Pot in downtown Johnson City as part of our continued outreach efforts. If you have any questions, please email Jess Ox at HVUUCDRE@gmail.com
During Sunday’s class, youth will reflect on the service event — celebrating what felt aligned, noting what could evolve, and continuing to build upon our growing collaborative connection with The Melting Pot. They will also finalize their curriculum shift goals for the remainder of the session.
Reminder: Families registered for Stellar Sex Health (grades 6–8) are reminded that classes meet in the Meditation Room.
Adult RE 2
Byron will be facilitating this week, holding space for rich conversation, thoughtful reflection, and meaningful connection. Adult RE continues to be a place where curiosity, lived experience, and deep listening come together in powerful ways.
As our Adult RE community grows, we are exploring the possibility of adding an Adult RE 3 group to support smaller discussion circles and deeper engagement. We would love your input! Please consider sharing your thoughts through our
More Circles, More Connection Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRkninSMUUyju7xlfmmnbDRpm3vgx9faiov0xLC2szIbmzsQ/viewform?usp=header
Thank you for being part of this shared ministry — learning, growing, and building together.
Love & Light,
Jess Ox
Jess Ox and Alesha are building a gender affirmation support workshop and would love your input. This short, anonymous survey helps them tailor the experience to real-life needs and relationships within our community.
Alesha and Jess Ox are collaborating on an upcoming workshop centered around gender affirmation support.
The intention is to offer practical tools, thoughtful processes, and supportive language that help loved ones show up in ways that feel aligned and affirming — whether as parents, friends, congregants, leaders, or community members.
We know that for some, pronouns are deeply personal. For others, it may feel like new terrain. For many, it’s a mix of curiosity, care, and wanting to “get it right.”
This short, anonymous survey will help us understand:
* What pronouns mean to you
* How comfortable you feel using them
* What kind of support or tools would be helpful
* The roles and relationships you’re hoping to strengthen
Your voice helps us build something that meets real needs with compassion and clarity.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9Sx-pB-vlqLqv75i8SiRQFOgWlIVUBSTcvtMnFEfEKkdz8Q/viewform?usp=header
Thank you for growing with us
We are excited to offer Zelle giving! This allows you to donate digitally without paying a credit card fee of 3%. You can do a one-time donation, or schedule donations. Go here to see if your bank offers Zelle https://enroll.zellepay.com/
In order to utilize Zelle, you’ll go through your online banking page. You can do this both on your phone or using your computer. We’ll also have QR codes to scan in person. The information you need is below.
Name of Business: Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
Email: treasurer@hvuuc.org
Questions? Email treasurer@hvuuc.org
To the wonderful HVUUC members and friends … our facility is in need of careful painter skills.
Both inside and outside work is available as weather permits.
Please Contact facilities@hvuuc.org and lets work as a team to improve our facilities.
Headlines .…
· Minister’s Note
· Painting Needs
· Tree Day
· Pledge Drive
· Women’s Night
· Youth Group
· Astronomy Presentation
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
Join us for church on March 1, 2026.
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
Wild Bodema is a women’s percussion group specializing in music from West Africa using instruments from that area. Bodema means “wimmin who drum” and their energetic beats are sure to call to your inner sense of rhythmic wildness. Based in Asheville, NC, the group performs regionally to share their joy of rhythm and their love of community.
Thank you to all who came together for our impromptu All-Ages class last weekend! And so much gratitude to Reverend Tiffany for stepping in as a guest teacher and sharing her wisdom around animal connections, her personal practice, and the beautiful nature-art she created. I loved witnessing the rich engagement across ages — the many wisdom-drops and the way insight and curiosity flowed between generations was truly fantabulous!
Here’s a glimpse into what’s happening in RE this week:
K–5 RE:
Sue and Greg will be guiding our youngest learners through the lesson “What Makes You, You?” — exploring identity, story, and belonging through thoughtful wonder questions. Our K–5 class continues to nurture curiosity, self-awareness, and connection in age-appropriate and joyful ways.
Families are also invited to participate in the ongoing Gratitude Zine challenge and make use of the Sanctuary Fidget Station — both small but meaningful practices that support our shared worship experience.
6–12 RE & Youth Service:
Justin and Shylah will be collaborating with our youth to explore how they’d like to shape the remaining spring curriculum. When our youth express interest in shifting direction, we listen — co-creation is part of the practice.
Their Feeding the Hungry initiative continues gaining momentum! Youth have created food bags, are assembling pet-care bags, and are coordinating a hot meal distribution in partnership with The Melting Pot in Johnson City. We are currently gathering availability input for two possible service dates — if you’d like to see how this effort is unfolding or support our youth in action, you can find the Helping Hands in Action survey here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBxV2D6l7mVQyONRYvmLcbczmGVHeuUlERgKCT3L70wZrQPQ/viewform?usp=header
Additionally, families registered for Stellar Sex Health (grades 6–8) are reminded that classes meet in the Meditation Room.
Adult RE 2:
This Sunday, Byron will be leading a discussion on The Joy of Rhythm — a reflective aperitif to the Wild Bodema Women Drummers joining us in service. Adult RE continues to be a vibrant space for reflection, conversation, and shared growth.
As our Adult RE community expands, we are exploring the possibility of adding an Adult RE 3 group to support smaller discussion circles and deeper engagement. We would love congregational input — please consider sharing your thoughts through our More Circles, More Connection Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRkninSMUUyju7xlfmmnbDRpm3vgx9faiov0xLC2szIbmzsQ/viewform?usp=header
Religious Education at HVUUC is truly shared ministry in motion — across ages, across ideas, and across the many ways we show up for one another. Thank you for being part of it!
Jess Ox, DRE
dre@hvuuc.org
Please save the date for a Memorial Service to honor the life of our own Ray Hatch, for Sunday March 29th at 4:00pm, with reception to follow.
Help with reception setup and food is always appreciated, please contact memorialreception@hvuuc.org to volunteer.
I hope this note finds you well. It is that time of the year when the Stewardship Trustee asks all our church members and friends how much they intend to pledge to the church for our next fiscal year, June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. I will then take this amount to the Board of Trustees to develop next year’s budget. The budget that the Board proposes will be voted on at our annual congregational meeting on April 26.
We have so much to celebrate this past year! It is through your generous pledges that we have been able to afford the Church Services in person and on YouTube, Religious Classes by Rev Tiffany, Covenant Groups, Religious Ed for our Adults and Children, Wednesday Night Suppers, the Giving Tree, Special Interest Groups and more!
The present preliminary budget is up 33% from last year. We have an increase in our preliminary budget because: 1) Increase of Training Budgets for members. In the past only members of means, could go to training classes. We need to pay for training for our up-and-coming leaders. With our growth in membership we have needs to hire new people or increase hours of existing employees.
Please mail to PO Box 8383 Gray, TN 37615
OR email your pledge to pledge@hvuuc.org.
Join us for church on February 22, 2026.
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
The Unitarian Universalist commitment to love, empathy, and the inherent worth and dignity of all is always drawing the circle wider. Many of us understand that these values are for more than just humans, but all living beings who call this Earth home. Today, guest musicians PossumTrot Road and Rev. Tiffany reflect on our relationship with the rest of the natural world in this very special service, "Songs for the Animals".
Hello You Gorgeous Souls!
Our Religious Education program is seeking two volunteers to help facilitate the K–5 class this Sunday, and this is a beautiful opportunity to step into shared ministry with our youngest community members!
One of our beloved facilitators is currently taking time to heal following the passing of her husband, and several of our regular volunteers will be attending the Guardian Orientation for the upcoming Stellar Sex Health (RISE) program. This creates an opening for others in our community to step forward and help hold this meaningful space.
If you have already completed a background check, wonderful — we would be so grateful for your support!
If you have not yet completed a background check, but have been attending HVUUC for three months or more, we can get that process started lickety-split! This includes a simple background screening and a brief discernment conversation with Rev. Tiffany and Jess. Our goal is always to create a safe, welcoming, and well-supported experience for both our volunteers and our youth.
You would not be stepping into this alone — curriculum and guidance are provided, and support is always nearby. What matters most is your presence, care, and willingness to be part of the whole that nurtures our children.
If you feel called to help this Sunday, or would like to begin the volunteer process, please contact Jess Ox, Director of Religious Education, at dre@hvuuc.org
Thank you for helping create a space where our children — and our entire community — can continue to grow, connect, and thrive together!
Jess Ox, DRE
Last year there was the first Women's Retreat since COVID. It was a great event and fully subscribed. Is it time to do this again? If so, where/when? May 29-31? This is a call for those interested to join a planning committee hosted by Noel.
Interested parties should email president@hvuuc.org for more information.
HVUUC is sending four individuals to UUA's virtual General Assembly this year, June 14-21! If you are interested in leadership development and building connections with other HVUUC folks as well as the wider UU community then please submit your application here: https://tinyurl.com/HVUUC-GA2026
Learn more about UUA's General Assembly here: https://www.uua.org/ga
Email vp@hvuuc.org with questions
Please join the Tennessee Unitarian Universalist Community Action Network (TUUCAN) Safety and Security Workshop at Westside Unitarian Universalist Church at 616 Fretz Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 on Saturday, February 21st. It will also be on Zoom. The program will start with a section to reflect on individual risk assessment and then shift to conversations and best practices around protest safety, digital safety, and congregational safety.
The event runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET, with a potluck lunch and childcare provided. Home hospitality is available if needed. Registration is required to attend, and you can do so using this link-https://tinyurl.com/yc7ts8cp
Schedule of events:
9:30 AM ET- Coffee and conversation
10:00-12:00 PM ET- Spiritual grounding and discussion of risk assessment
12:00-12:45 PM ET- Potluck lunch
1:00- 3:00 PM ET- Discussions around protest, digital, and congregational safety- includes Q&A opportunity
Families/Couples attending: Please complete one form for each adult attending. If childcare is required, only complete that information on one form.
Registration link-https://tinyurl.com/yc7ts8cp
Join us for church on February 15, 2026.
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Service
12:00pm Youth Baked Potato Fundraiser
1:00pm Risk Assessment Workshop
To live our lives is to engage with risk. Which risks are worth taking for you personally, and which aren't? How does taking risks change when we're talking about taking risks as a community in order to live our values? Join Rev. Tiffany to begin addressing this vital topic for congregational life, and then stay for a meal and the Risk Discernment workshop that will be held after the Sunday Service.
Make your wishes known as the congregation discerns which risks we want to take together as a community to transform ourselves, our community and our world!
On Sunday February 15th after church, Rev. Tiffany and team of our church leaders will be facilitating a Risk Discernment workshop sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist's social justice organization Side with Love.
This workshop is designed specifically for us to gauge the risk tolerances of congregation members so that we can make better decisions about what is worth doing and what is too risky for our congregation when it comes to social justice matters. But we can't do that unless you come and let us know where you're at. We hope this workshop will be very well attended to help us get a clear sample of congregational values, hopes, and boundaries.
The youth group will be providing lunch as a fundraiser right after church, and the workshop itself will go from 1-3pm.
Please use the sign up sheet on the back table of the sanctuary, or email risk@hvuuc.org to let us know you're coming (and to help the youth prepare enough food).
