Jessica Bowman
Women's Night, Hurricane Helene Study, & RE ...

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.

Women's Night, Hurricane Helene Study, & RE News
Jessica Bowman
The Enigma of Domestic Violence - NO RE

Join us for church on May 24, 2026.

  • NO RE

  • 11:00am Service

  • 11:15am Wonder Worship

  • 12:00pm Coffee Hour

The Enigma of Domestic Violence: Moving Beyond the Caricature of the Battered Woman

The images we typically associate with women experiencing domestic violence focuses on bloody and violent acts. What if we could change that narrative to become reflective of what the day to day life of a woman experiencing domestic abuse actually entails? Using a mix of empirical data, and personal experience our guest speaker Sophia aims to demystify the discourse around domestic abuse, and encourage ongoing dialogue around supporting survivors.

TW: Domestic Violence, Gun violence, Reproductive Coercion

Wonder Worship activity will be available for youth ages kindergarten and up, during this service. It will start just after the chalice lighting.

The Enigma of Domestic Violence - NO RE
Jessica Bowman
New Service Group at HVUUC

The Hands Team is the new name for our service group. It is open to ALL! We assist church friends with low-skill “multi-handed” projects like a house move or a backlog of yardwork. All levels and types of capability are welcome, from lifting and carrying to planning logistics to providing refreshments or encouragement. Pitch in, do good, and build community all at the same time!

Join our Google Group (https://groups.google.com/g/hvuuc-hands-team) or email handsteam@hvuuc.org to get notifications about upcoming opportunities, with no obligation to participate. 

New Service Group at HVUUC
Jessica Bowman
Religious Education News

Religious Education Update – May 24, 2026

✨ Youth Lock-In Success!

Our very first Youth Lock-In was an absolutely awesome experience!

The youth kicked off the evening with a full democratic debate to establish a “rule council” for one of their favorite versions of Uno. Each candidate had three minutes to present their case and answer questions before voting began — and the silly, dramatic enforcement of those rules throughout the night made for some truly unforgettable rounds of Uno. 😆

We connected more deeply through the card game Worst Case Scenario, sang our hearts out during karaoke, and watched Logan build a giant Avatar creation that turned out to be just as fun to destroy as it was to build. The Sensory Corner was a huge hit and provided a calming, grounding space between activities.

We also got to explore Justin and Logan’s family commune-building YouTube channel, Axis Vitae — definitely worth checking out! Conversations throughout the night led to thoughtful discussions about generational shifts in social connection, online gaming, and group hangouts. As someone who grew up in the “play outside until the streetlights come on” generation, it was genuinely insightful and engaging to hear everyone’s perspectives.

A huge shoutout also goes to Justin for repeatedly saving the day by fixing the A/C so everyone could continue gaming comfortably!

As the night came to a close, Mary and Bentley became the final two standing — and Mary claimed the victory as Bentley surrendered to a well-earned mini power nap. 😄

We also had the joy of meeting some of the PRISM youth and hope to continue building connections with them during future youth gatherings. This is such an amazing group of young humans, and I’m already looking forward to our next lock-in adventure!

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Memorial Day Weekend Reminder

There will be no RE classes this Sunday due to Memorial Day weekend.

However, we will have Wonder Worship during service! ✨

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🎉 All-Ages End of Sessions Celebration

Join us on May 31st for our All-Ages End of Sessions Celebration as we wrap up another wonderful RE year together!

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💜 The REC Invites YOU!

The Religious Education Collaborative (REC) warmly invites all attendees and parents/guardians to participate in conversations surrounding RE programming and vision.

The decisions we make within RE impact each of you, and we genuinely want your voice included in the process.

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REC Meetings are held via Zoom on the first Sunday of each month at 5pm.

We also stay connected through an ongoing group text for continued collaboration and communication.

📧 Reach out to

hvuucdre@gmail.com

to be added to the group and help shape the future of RE at HVUUC!

Church membership is not required to participate.

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🌈 Stay Connected

Join our HVUUC Families Facebook Group to stay up to date on all things RE:

[HVUUC Families Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CbL7p4Lp9/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

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A Summer of Shared Ministry

This summer, instead of a traditional day camp, we’ll be offering a whole-church summer experience inspired by We Are the Builders — creating opportunities for all ages to come together in community while sharing our innate gifts, talents, creativity, and passions with one another. ✨

Keep an eye out for more information through E-News, Facebook, and the RE Bridge Board in the Fellowship Hall!

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🧩 Fidget Station Reminder

We are grateful to offer a fidget station for youth and community members who benefit from sensory support and hands-on engagement.

Please encourage your children to help clean up the area after use and return borrowed fidgets so this resource can remain available for everyone.

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🌿 Quiet Room Reminder

Our Quiet Room is available for anyone needing a calmer, lower-stimulation space during services or RE time.

Please help us keep this area peaceful, welcoming, and accessible for all who may need it. 💜

Religious Education News
Jessica Bowman
Hurricane Helene Study

Want to share your Hurricane Helene experience? We want to learn from you!

We are a team of university researchers studying how disaster relief was provided after Hurricane Helene and the impacts of aid delivery on communities. If you lived through the storm, we want to hear about your experiences accessing aid. Your participation could help other communities affected by disasters in the future.

What is involved?

Take part in a 1-1.5 hour interview related to your experience during Hurricane Helene.

Are you eligible?

You lived in the greater Tri-Cities area during Hurricane Helene.

You are 18 or older.

Have questions about the study? Contact the lead researcher,

Dr. Samantha Penta, at spenta@albany.edu.

You can find more info here or scan the QR code below.

https://www.albany.edu/cehc/disasters-as-destabilizers

Hurricane Helene Study

Regaining Our Senses

Regaining Our Senses

Join us for church on April 19, 2026.

  • 9:30am Religious Education

  • 11:00am Service

  • 12:00pm Coffee Hour

  • 4:00pm Youth Group

Regaining Our Senses

Our senses are the means by which we experience our world and our life. While our five senses haven’t changed over thousands of generations, our experience in using them in the modern world is unlike any time before us. We are in a time and sensory bubble called modernity. This week Charlie Mattioli explores what we have won and what we have lost and why it matters in our lives and spiritual journey.

WETS Donations for Radio

WETS Donations for Radio

Do you enjoy listening to NPR and WETS? We can help support them and, in return, get information about HVUUC aired on the radio to let the community know who we are.


Just write your check to HVUUC with WETS noted on the memo line or enclose cash in an envelope marked WETS. Drop these in the offering basket or the donation dropbox on the back wall. Then we will bundle these donations and listen for our church name on the radio!  

Holy Humor

Holy Humor

Join us for church on April 12, 2026.

  • 9:30am Religious Education

  • 11:00am Service

  • 12:00pm Potluck

  • 1:00pm Meeting about Music

“Holy Humor”

Holy Humor: The Sacred Art of Not Taking Ourselves Too Seriously. Brought to us by Rev. Eric Coleman, his message will reflect on using humor as spiritual resistance and community building.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday

Join us for church on April 5, 2026.

  • 9:30am Religious Education

  • 11:00am Service

  • 12:00pm Egg Hunt

  • 12:30pm Security Listening Circle

“Easter Sunday”

This Easter Sunday Rev. Tiffany and Alesha Chaffin explore the different ways we Unitarian Universalists relate to Jesus and the symbolism connected to Christian belief and practice.

Executive Session Board Report

Executive Session Board Report

On 08/19/2025, the Board appointed a special task force to review policy around those who are survivors of domestic abuse. At a special Board meeting on 01/06/2026, the Safe Here Task Force reported back to the board with; a letter, a statement of conscience, a proposed Abuse Response Policy, appendices, and a proposed charge if the Board determined to create the suggested Survivor Care Collaborative. The Board reviewed the documents over the next two months, consulting with the UUA and an attorney. In an Executive Session at the Board’s meeting on 03/17/2026, the Board voted unanimously to move forward in the following ways to address concerns of survivors and those who are close to survivors, security, and covenantal living:

Church Annual Meeting

Church Annual Meeting

HVUUC will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 26th at 12:30 in the church sanctuary at 12:30. All members are encouraged to attend to vote on the proposed slate of officers for 2026-2027, as well as the proposed budget and other church business. Childcare will be provided.

Email president@hvuuc.org with any questions.

The Neurodiverse Universe

The Neurodiverse Universe

Join us for church on March 29, 2026.

  • 9:30am Religious Education

  • 11:00am Service

  • 12:00pm Coffee Hour

  • 12:30pm Reclaim the Vote Postcard Writing Event

“The Neurodiverse Universe”

In the beauty and complexity of this world, no two brains are alike. The Neurodiversity alliance estimates that 15 to 20% of the population is neurodiverse whether they have ADHD, are Autistic, are Dyslexic, or some other unique way of looking at the world. This Sunday Rev. Tiffany explores the Neurodiverse Universe that we live in, and takes a look at how our community is stronger and better because of the neurodiversity within our congregation.