Join CUUPS for our quarterly leadership meeting at HVUUC in the Rez. We will discuss projects and events scheduled for the next 3 months.
This is an open meeting. Email cuups@hvuuc.org with any questions.
The HVUUC Youth Group (grades 6-12) will hold their monthly meeting on Sunday, May 18, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the REZ. Please join us for the final session of the UUA Common Read.
Additionally, Rev. Tiffany will be hosting a meeting for parents and guardians, at the same time, to further engage with the book.
Please reach out to Justin Ridley, DRE, with any questions. dre@hvuuc.org
Game nights are the 2nd and 4th Fridays, 6:30 p.m.
We play board games and card games in the spirit of inclusion and fun. We always teach the rules to the games, so you don’t need to know anything in advance. If you are curious about it, just show up ready to have some fun. If you want to bring a game that you love (and can teach to others), please do!
Snacks (not mandatory) and all of board-game-playing age are welcome.
Email gamegroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Last Wednesday Night Supper until fall! Join us for food, friends and fellowship. 6-8pm.
Cost:
$8.00 each
$15 for two
$5 for kids under 12
Sign up by emailing WNS@HVUUC.org or on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall. (Not on F/B) Deadline to sign is Sunday, May25 at noon.
Eat and laugh together. Cash in the box as you walk in.
We love it when you can stay to help clear and clean up afterwards.
Don't forget to sign up by the Sunday beforehand so we know how many to shop for.
MORE DETAILS TO COME!!!
PROPOSED HVUUC WOMEN’S RETREAT
FRIDAY- SUNDAY, MAY 30-JUNE 1, 2025
THEME:
Radical Joy in Hard Times
PLACE:
The Peace Pentagon (www.peacepentagon.net)
88 Oracle Way, Independence, VA
We will have access to the entire campus which includes New River frontage, a babbling creek for water ceremony, turtle labyrinth, medicine wheel and peace pole as well as the picnic pavilion, bathhouse and, of course, the Peace Pentagon chapel.
CONVENER:
Rev. Becky Suzik, UU Peace Fellowship (https://uupf.org) Raleigh, NC;
Rev. Becky’s personal charity: www.joyfuel.org
The purpose of our gathering is to persist in bringing the frequency of JOY into our lives as we face difficult times. The greatest antidote to fear and separation is community, heart resonance and kindling JOY. And, yes, better together!
This gathering is flexible. Come Friday evening for a bonfire, drumming and stay on campus – rates ranging from $25/night camping to $100 for a private King bed and bath. Another option it to rent the whole house and share costs. Plus taxes.
OR – come for just Saturday.. arrive at 10 for a full day of JOY immersion.
PLANNING:
Are you interested in planning the details for the gathering? For example, food committee, leading a JOY activity, other?
REGISTRATION:
Fee: By Donation – No One Will be Turned Away;
INTERESTED? – More details as they are developed.
Email Noel: VP@hvuuc.org
The 2nd May NUTs community ukulele group meeting is May 31st at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Bryan K. is your host)
All ukulele enthusiasts of any level are welcome to attend. Are you curious or just want to sing along for now? Join us. We might even have an extra ukulele to loan out at the meeting.
Information about the meetings and NUTS group is on the official web page: https://sites.google.com/view/northeastukesters/home
Check out the Music page for the upcoming month's playlist where you can download chord sheets, and review play-along videos.
We will meet at the church at noon, drive 1hr 15 min to the mountain, have lunch, visit excellent fossil sites, and come back by 6pm.
We will be visiting several excellent fossil sites that represent a wide range of time. We will meet at the church at noon, drive up to Clinch Mountain Bakery and Restaurant for lunch (1 hr 15 min drive), view the sites, then arrive back at the church by 6pm. The trip should take a total of six hours. We will be carpooling, so prepare for that, and you might be the driver, depending on how many people come!
Wear outdoor shoes and clothing and sunscreen. No hiking is going to happen, so all ages can take part in this. Ages 8-80.
If rain is forecasted, we will cancel and reschedule.
The admission fee is a donation to the church of your choosing and money for lunch.
Please RSVP with Michael Jones as soon as possible by emailing clinchmountain@hvuuc.org
Friends and members of HVUUC have been meeting for over a year about revising the current policies around domestic abuse. Join us on the first Sunday of the the month 12:30-1:30pm in the REZ if you like policy work!
Email safehere@hvuuc.org with any questions.
The Church will supply the burgers, hot dogs, buns, drinks, and condiments. Please bring a snack, side dish, salad, or dessert!
Email fellowship@hvuuc.org with any questions.
All ukulele enthusiasts of any level are welcome to attend. Are you curious or just want to sing along for now? Join us. We might even have an extra ukulele to loan out at the meeting.
Information about the meetings and NUTS group is on the official web page: https://sites.google.com/view/northeastukesters/home
Check out the MUSIC page for the upcoming month's playlist where you can download chord sheets, and review play-along videos.
the NUTs Facebook group:
www.facebook.com/groups/nuts.uke.group/
This is a community event, held at the HVUUC campus. It is not an HVUUC event.
Email ukulele@hvuuc.org with any questions.
2nd Sunday Potluck is right around the corner! May 11 after the service.
Bring a dish to share for our monthly Potluck Luncheon on Sunday, May 11. You may bring your dish to the kitchen between 10:30 and 11:00. We can keep your food warm, but we cannot cook anything from scratch. Looking forward to celebrating together.
Email potlucks@hvuuc.org with any questions.
HVUUC will be hosting a combined Religious Education time to prepare our new Peace Pole on Sunday, May 11, at 9:30.
This Sunday, May 11, all kids, youth, and adults are invited to meet on the back deck of the church to help prepare our Peace Pole that will be installed this Sunday. We will learn about the history and process of the Peace Pole, participate in a flag ceremony, and then fill out peace cards that will be placed inside our Peace Pole before it is installed. This is a combined RE event, K-12, plus adults! Please join us at 9:30 on the back deck. For additional information about the Peace Pole and flag ceremony, please visit the following sites:
Peace Pole Information: https://www.worldpeace.org/peacepoleproject/
Flag Ceremony: https://www.worldpeace.org/flagceremony/
For questions please reach out to our DRE, Justin Ridley, dre@hvuuc.org
We have tons of old photos we'd like to label and digitize, but the problem is a lot of us don't know who are in the photos, when the photos were taken, and what events were going on in the photos. So we need some help from our church elders!
If you've been a part of the church for 20+ years, your experience is required on May 10th from 10AM-1PM in the Fred Ball Room. You all can look at old photos and reminisce while the Archiving Task Force writes down your observations.
Email history@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Game nights are the 2nd and 4th Fridays, 6:30 p.m.
We play board games and card games in the spirit of inclusion and fun. We always teach the rules to the games, so you don’t need to know anything in advance. If you are curious about it, just show up ready to have some fun. If you want to bring a game that you love (and can teach to others), please do!
Snacks (not mandatory) and all of board-game-playing age are welcome.
Email gamegroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.
CUUPS will hold a Beltane ritual on May 4th at 6 pm. Ritual will be followed by a potluck dinner.
All are welcome.
We’ve reached the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. We will give thanks for the fertility of our land and the ability of the Earth to renew herself. We revel in the new growth of the season. Celebrate with us in ritual followed by feasting and merriment.
Wishing everyone an enchanted Beltane.
What to expect:
Ritual lead by CUUPS members. You may chose to participate or sit and enjoy the ritual. Unable to attend, no worries. We will hold space for you.
Everyone is welcome to attend. The event will be from 6pm till 8pm at HVUUC. Please bring a covered dish or snack for potluck.
Questions or concerns, please email cuups@hvuuc.org.
Date: May 4th
Agenda: We will leave the church at 12:00 PM, drive one hour to Clinch Mountain Bakery and Restaurant for lunch, visit several excellent fossil sites that represent a wide range of time periods, and drive back to the church.
All ages can participate! The sites are right outside the car, so no physical exercise is needed, but outdoor shoes and clothing is recommended (maybe even sunscreen). If rain is forecasted, we will cancel the trip and reschedule.
The total trip should take about six hours. Admission fee is a donation to the church—whatever you’re able—and money for lunch.
Please RSVP to Michael Jones at clinchmountain@hvuuc.org if you’d like to go as soon as possible.
Dear RE Teachers, Facilitators, and Volunteers,
It is time to celebrate your passions for volunteering and teaching our adults, youth and kids! Every year we make space to honor your time and commitment through a gathering for good food and community. This year we will meet on Saturday, May 3, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm here at the church.
This event is open to anyone who has taught or facilitated in our OWL, RE, or other programming throughout the past year -- please join us!
We plan to have a Nacho Bar catered by Poblano's again! There is always plenty of food so you are welcome to bring a guest. We are also working to ensure childcare will be available. Pizza and drinks will be provided for the kids in the nursery.
RSVP Form: https://forms.gle/862Uj7UjKimvy3jD7
It would be helpful for planning if everyone could RSVP by Monday, April 28.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you for making it another great year through your efforts!
Email DRE@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Congregants are invited to share their art work for the month of May!
This is an open invitation to any friend or member of our church who creates "hangable" art to bring one or several of your works for display in our sanctuary during the month of May.
Paintings, drawings, collages and photographs are all encouraged. Be sure that the work is original, hangeable and consistent with our UU principles and values.
If the work is particularly valuable, be check that your insurance will cover it while it is out of your home for a month.
We will be at church on Saturday, May 3 from 10am to 1pm to welcome your creations. They will be hung that afternoon and will remain on display until Saturday, May 31.
Thank you for brightening our sanctuary for a while!
Queries and questions should be addressed to art@hvuuc.org
All who identify as women are welcome to the First-Friday Women's night on May 3rd at the home of Wendy H. near Colonial Heights. Come be energized by the support of other women, and bolster others with your support.
Sharing of snacks and libations are always welcome, but it is not required to bring something to attend; bringing food should never be a barrier. For the host's comfort, please bring all food and drink home with you when you leave.
Parking is limited, so carpooling is highly recommended. There are two driveways; one leads to the upper level of the house and should be reserved for women with mobility issues. The second driveway leads to the lower level of the house and has space for several cars. Parking across the street is discouraged.
The address can be accessed by contacting WomensGroup@hvuuc.org. Alternatively, it is posted on the private women's group FB page. www.facebook.com/groups/womensgrouphvuuc/
Food with friends on a Wednesday night. Join church friends for a fun time of fellowship and good food. The meal is served at 6pm.. Your help with clean-up is greatly appreciated!
$8.00 per person
$15.00 for two
$5.00 for Kids under 12
Sign up in the Fellowship Hall or email WNS@hvuuc.org by Sunday, April 27th at 1pm so we know how many to shop and cook for.
Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 27 in the Sanctuary, following the church service (12:20pm). Childcare will be provided. Anyone who has been an official member of HVUUC for at least 60 days as of April 27th is eligible to vote at this meeting. Over 50 voting members will need to be present in order for there to be a quorum (enough people to conduct business).
Items on the agenda will include:
· Vote on the slate of Nominees for the 2025-2026 Board of Trustee positions recommended by the Nominating Committee.
· Vote on the slate of Nominees for the 2025-2026 Nominating Committee.
· Vote on the 2025-2026 Budget.
Any other items as needed.
HVUUC’s by-laws allow members to add items to the agenda at the Annual Congregational Meeting. If you have an issue you feel should be added to the agenda, please submit it to president@hvuuc.orgby April 7th. Please submit items in the form of a motion (“I move….”). It would be helpful to discuss your motion with the President to develop wording that makes it actionable with the fewest possible modifications.
You will receive a complete agenda, as well as a finalized budget of congregational approval at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
The slate of nominees for Board positions and Nominating Committee will be sent out at least 20 days prior to the April 27th meeting. Additional nominations may be made by members provided that the notice of the nominees has been given to the President (president@hvuuc.org) at least ten (10) days in advance of the Annual Meeting.
Please contact Tish Kashdan at president@hvuuc.org, if you have any questions.
NUTs (Northeast Ukesters of Tennessee) Community Ukulele group’s next meet up is Saturday April 26th at 10:00am.
All ukulele enthusiasts of any level are welcome to attend. Are you curious or just want to sing along for now? Join us. We might even have an extra ukulele to loan out at the meeting.
Information about the meetings and NUTS group is on the official web page: https://sites.google.com/view/northeastukesters/home. Check out the Music page for upcoming month's playlist where you can download chord sheets, and review play-along videos.
We also have a Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nuts.uke.group/
This is a community event, held at the HVUUC campus. It is not an HVUUC event.
Game nights are the 2nd and 4th Fridays, 6:30 p.m.
We play board games and card games in the spirit of inclusion and fun. We always teach the rules to the games, so you don’t need to know anything in advance. If you are curious about it, just show up ready to have some fun. If you want to bring a game that you love (and can teach to others), please do!
Snacks (not mandatory) and all of board-game-playing age are welcome.
Email gamegroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.
HVUUC has an opportunity to help with the ongoing Hurricane Helene disaster recovery. On April 25-26, we are gathering a group of folks from the congregation to work with the Appalachia Service Project. They have received a grant to work on 200 houses in Northeast TN and Western NC, and we can be a part of that effort.
The ASP is looking for folks at all skill levels from raking leaves to hanging sheetrock to painting or building a deck or front porch. In years past, HVUUC participated frequently with the ASP, and several members of the congregation still talk about what a great opportunity it was to provide service to our community. Now, you are needed!
We won’t know until a week before the 25th as to where we will be located, and what we might be doing. Please join us!
Please go to asphome.org, and click on “Volunteers” at the top of the page. When it drops down, choose “Group Members” and then complete the registration information. Our group number is 16422. You will be prompted to complete a medical form as well as information about your skills and the tools you may be able to bring to the work site. You will also need to have a background check completed.
On that website, you will see a typical day outlined. That only applied to those folks coming from out of our area who will be housed near their work sites.
Please let Dottie (pastpresident@hvuuc.org) or Emily Hand (sjchair@hvuuc.org) know as soon as possible if you are able to join us in this great project to help provide some needed transition after Helene!
All voting members of Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church are invited to attend a special Social Justice Call to Action Meeting to vote on a Public Statement in support of U.S. Immigrants.
According to our bylaws, in order for the church to make a public statement about a social justice issue, that statement must be approved in a special Call to Action meeting by three-quarters of the members that attend the meeting.
The meeting will be on Zoom on April 22 at 7:00PM. Here is the zoom link if you wish to attend:
https://zoom.us/j/91821080851?pwd=j06ZMSMOjCpc6My4TbSQFswqizYWHe.1
Members who cannot be present at the meeting but want to make a statement about the public statement to those of us gathered to discuss and debate may do so by submitting a statement of 300 words or less to sjchair@hvuuc.org
Click below to read the attached statement:
HVUUC Statement of support of U.S. immigrants facing oppression, violence, or alienation.
The Youth Group will hold their monthly meeting Sunday, April 20, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm upstairs in the REZ. We will be doing part 3 of the UUA Common Read book Authentic Selves.
Please come even if you haven't read the whole book (copies are available). The parents, guardians, and adults will not meet this month, but will pick up with a final session in May.
Email dre@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Join us on Sunday, April 20, at 12:00 pm after the service for an Easter Egg Hunt!
The RE Collaborative is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for kids on Sunday, April 20, at 12:00 pm following the service. Kids should meet on the back deck after the service to get a bag and wait for the hunt to begin. Come ready for a good time and a possible appearance by the Easter Bunny!
Casual open-mic style music jam on the back deck during our regular Easter festivities after church service.
Calling all musicians to join us for a very laid-back musical jam, directly after church on Easter during our usual coffee hour time. The kids can hunt eggs, anyone can sing or play an instrument, and we might get a visit from a furry long eared friend to dance with us!
Email alesha@hvuuc.org with any questions.
CUUPS will be leading a workshop on Ecstatic Trance as described by Felicitas Goodman's work.
This will include a short lecture and set up.
Participates are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, bring mats, pillows, and journaling items.
There is no potluck with this event but participants are encouraged to bring a snack.
Email cuups@hvuuc.org with any questions
Mobile Pop Up Store for the community 4/19/25 12pm-5pm at Melting Pot parking lot, Munsey Church, 201 S. Roan St., Johnson City, TN
https://tricitiesmutualaid.org/freestore/
Tri-Cities Mutual Aid (TCMA) is doing a popup free store in downtown Johnson City once a month. TCMA sets up at noon and goes until 5 or as supplies last. This largely serves our unhoused and housing insecure neighbors, but like all our projects is not means-tested. TCMA takes donations and supplies and gives them for free to anyone who needs it. Supply donations can be brought on the day, or arranged ahead of time. The types of supplies we tend to have are food, first aid, hygiene and clothes. TCMA sometimes has other things to give out, as well.
This is a monthly free store that happens the 3rd Saturday of the month in Johnson City.
Second Sunday is just around the corner. That means...Potluck!! Bring a dish and a smile to share
with old friends and new.
You may bring your dishes to the kitchen between 10:30 and 11:00. We can keep them warm, but we cannot cook from scratch. Looking forward to potluck!
Email potluck@hvuuc.org with any questions.
The first game night in April is on Friday April 11th. Game nights are the 2nd and 4th Fridays, 6:30 p.m.
We play board games and card games in the spirit of inclusion and fun. We always teach the rules to the games, so you don’t need to know anything in advance. If you are curious about it, just show up ready to have some fun. If you want to bring a game that you love (and can teach to others), please do!
Snacks (not mandatory) and all of board-game-playing age are welcome.
Email gamegroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.
All ukulele enthusiasts of any level are welcome to attend. Are you curious or just want to sing along for now? Join us. We might even have an extra ukulele to loan out at the meeting.
Information about the meetings and NUTS group is on the official web page: https://sites.google.com/view/northeastukesters/home. Check out the Music page for upcoming month's playlist where you can download chord sheets, and review play-along videos.
This is a community event, held at the HVUUC campus. It is not an HVUUC event.
Social Justice Committee invites everyone to join our Postcards to Voters. We will be sending non-partisan reminders to Virginia Voters to vote in the upcoming Governor's election. All supplies will be provided. Donations towards stamps/expenses gratefully received but not required by any means! Thank you very much!
Email sjchair@hvuuc.org with any questions.
We will devote a segment of the service on April 6 to the induction and welcoming of new members. If you have taken the Path to Membership classes (recently or in the past) and would like to sign the book, become a member, and participate in this ceremony, please contact PTM@hvuuc.org by or before March 30. Please include a brief 50-word biography (written in 3rd person) which will be read aloud to introduce you to the congregation.
For anyone who has taken the Path classes and would like to join, but cannot or does not wish to participate in the New Member Ceremony , a private signing of the membership book can be arranged.
We are happy you have found this church and we welcome you to become a member of our congregation.
First Friday Women's Night on April 4th, 2025. For all who identify as women. Based in Nickelsville, VA, the host, Jasmine, will offer a farm-tour plus firepit and s'mores-makings.
Where: the Nickelsville, VA home of Jasmine.
The address, plus tips, can be accessed by contacting WomensGroup@hvuuc.org. Alternatively, it will be on the private women's group FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/801122696605963
Driving and parking: Carpooling is suggested. ONLY USE GOOGLE MAPS TO GET THERE. All other GPS will get people lost. There will be a space for parking at the top of the driveway on the lawn.
Bring: your own camp-chair for around the fire-pit
Details: the main area is relatively flat and not hard to walk around. If it rains, we can all gather in the kitchen/dining room and the front porch.
Activity: farm tour, firepit with s'mores, and host will have basic drinks.
Food: snacks and libations are always welcome, but it is not required to bring something to attend; bringing food should never be a barrier. If bringing food, it should be easy to grab and handle on a plate. And for the host's comfort, please bring all food and drink home with you when you leave.
All are welcome to attend the Social Justice Committee meeting in the REZ after church on March 30th. We will be discussing several important topics including several social justice congregational statements of support.
Email sjchair@hvuuc.org with any questions.
The Youth RE will be hosting a bake sale fundraiser during coffee hour on Sunday, March 30. They are raising money to work against hunger in our region.
Please come out to see what delicious goods they bake this time! Email DRE@hvuuc.org with any questions.
NUTs (Northeast Ukesters of Tennessee) Community Ukulele group is continuing to meet at HVUUC in March!
All ukulele enthusiasts of any level are welcome to attend. Are you curious or just want to sing along for now? Join us. We might even have an extra ukulele to loan out at the meeting.
Information about the meetings and NUTS group is on the official web page: https://sites.google.com/view/northeastukesters/home
This is a community event, held at the HVUUC campus. It is not an HVUUC event.
Email ukulele@hvuuc.org for more info.
