🤝 Religious Exploration Collaborative (REC) Meeting

Sunday, October 4 • 5:00 PM • Via Zoom

Everyone involved in Religious Exploration is welcome!

This month we’ll be connecting around:

• 🎃 Trunk & Treat Planning

• 📅 Calendar Review

• 🌱 Programming Updates

• ❤️ CPR Training Info for Volunteers

Come help us connect, collaborate, and continue shaping what Religious Exploration is becoming at HVUUC!

✨ Click below to join the REC Zoom meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/95967749088?pwd=oB1bgnnsjoCQVBlRdffEwEJj0molbd

Our host for the first Friday of September women’s night is Beth in her Johnson City home.  We will have a cozy  bonfire -  weather permitting!!

Bring something symbolic that you’d like to burn!

All who identify as women are welcome to the first-Friday Women's night in October. Come be energized by the support of other women.

Feel free to bring finger foods or drinks to share, but it is not a requirement. Finger foods are preferred, something you can eat on a napkin! And please bring home any leftovers.

For address and questions, contact womensgroup@hvuuc.org.

Our delicious meal and fellowship series begins again this fall with a "September to Remember".

Cost will be:

• $8.00 per person

• $15 for two folks

• $5 for the under 12s

BE SURE TO SIGN UP! Last day to sign up is Sunday, the 27th at noon-in the Fellowship Hall on the kiosk. Or, email WNS@Hvuuc.org.

Join us for a hearty fall feast and fellowship with friends. Meal will be served at 6pm
We love it if you can help clean up afterwards!

Sunday, September 20 | 4–6 PM | REZ Youth Room

Youth Group gathers again this Sunday!

Emi and Tish will lead the youth in a debrief of their Youth-Led Service, including reflections on the experience and what they learned while creating it together.

They’ll also talk about plans for using last year’s hunger-fund proceeds, explore a possible new fundraiser opportunity, and—as always—leave plenty of room for games, laughter, and social time.

The retreat offers opportunities to connect beyond “coffee hour chit chat.” Activities balance fun, relaxation, creativity, and a touch of spiritual reflection. Ultimately, the retreat becomes what each of us chooses to make it. All who identify as women are welcome!

•Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026.

•Time: 8:30 am–5:00 pm (doors open at 8:00; everyone out by 5:00 pm).

•Location: HVUUC campus .

•Who: HVUUC members & friends who identify as women.

•Cost: $15 cost to cover supplies. Cand donate more as you wish. Scholarships available.

•Food: Bring your own lunch. Breakfast, as well as drinks and light snacks provided.

•Partial Attendance: Yes — please let us know for planning purposes.

•Activities: Crafts, small groups, nature walk, sand mandala, quiet spaces.

•Childcare: Not available.

•Signup: Sheet at church OR email rosemary@hvuuc.org

Read the full FAQ here.

Tennessee UU Community Action Network (TUUCAN) in coordination with UU The Vote/Side With Love will be hosting a regional Solidarity Summit in Memphis, September 18-20th. This will be free to attend, and travel/housing will be arranged.

Solidarity Summits are interfaith justice gatherings designed to engage lay leaders, clergy, organizers, movement partners, and community leaders to organize the resources and networks to build and strengthen community-led infrastructure as we face impacts of authoritarian consolidation. Together we will learn and practice skills to respond faithfully in rapid response moments, but also harness our collective power and imaginations to build the very democratic communities and systems we are fighting for.  

The Solidarity Summits equip participants with practical tools for action, develop regional care networks, strengthen long-term relationships, and help transform rapid response efforts into durable movement infrastructure rooted in collaboration, imagination, and collective power.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please email Alesha at vp@hvuuc.org.

Thursday, September 17 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Fellowship Hall & Fred Ball Room

Our next Facilitator Training is coming up this Thursday!

If you’ve been interested in helping with Religious Exploration but haven’t quite stepped onto the facilitator journey yet, you are absolutely welcome to join us for dinner and training.
You can complete the Volunteer Interest Form beforehand here:
https://form.jotform.com/262058660418055

There are so many ways to help create meaningful spaces for children, youth, and adults—and there is room for your gifts here.

The September Men’s Group meeting will be at Johnson City Brewing Company on Boones Creek Rd. (I-26, exit 17)
Featuring a public Trivia event!

Wednesday, Sept 16, 6pm
“Trivia with Budds" starts at 6:30pm. We will split into teams for those who want to participate. Simply spectating is an option!

NO POTLUCK, and no pressure to buy anything on site.
JC Brewing “also serves sodas and snacks” according to their website, and word is there is usually a food truck on-site that night.
You may want to eat ahead of arriving or bring your own food!

It’s going to be an adventure!

Johnson City Brewing Boones Creek
2362 Boones Creek Rd, Johnson City, TN 37615
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GdGN8vt9bv7fX34u6

Fall 2026 Path to Membership is coming soon! Our next class will be held on September 13th, 1:15-4:15.

Content will include Unitarian Universalism and our Covenant, an introduction to how our church is governed, and ways to be involved in the community.

We will also have an opportunity to share spiritual journeys and we will hear from leaders of a few of our committees. Attendance does not commit you to membership but is a necessary precursor for joining.  

For questions or to reserve a seat, contact Lori or email PTM@hvuuc.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Near Death Experience (NDE)s. Are they real? Do they provide "proof of heaven"? All are invited to join our discussion!

Have you ever heard of an NDE or maybe STE?
Here is what Psychology Today defines as an NDE:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A near-death experience (NDE) is the conscious, semi-conscious or recollected experience of someone who is approaching or has temporarily begun the process of dying—for example, during a cardiac arrest that is followed by resuscitation. People who recall near-death experiences have described perceiving a variety of surreal phenomena, such as seeing themselves from above or passing through a tunnel of light.

Reports of these experiences sometimes include religious or spiritual interpretations and have fueled debates about whether a person’s consciousness can persist after death. Some scientists dispute that NDEs reflect post-mortem consciousness and have sought to explain them in terms of changes in brain function during the process of dying.
=======================================

We will watch a video by a renowned neuropsychologist about his experience and discuss what NDE means to each of us.

Join us September 13 for second Sunday Potluck. Bring a dish to share and then stay after the service for a time of food and fellowship!

Email potlucks@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Church Yard Sale at Bryan and Rosemary’s Home in the Tree Streets, September 12th. This allows congregants to donate bulkier and smaller items to the church and sell them to a larger audience than the Service Auction. All proceeds of sold donations go to HVUUC.

Dropping off Donations

1. Our HVUUC volunteers can come as early as 6 a.m. Saturday morning to unload big items and start setting up. Official start time is 8:00 a.m. but folks will be out early!

2. You can bring (easy to carry!) boxes of stuff to the church this coming Sunday morning, Sept 6. Set them against the wall near the front entrance, or in the Fred ball room if raining. A few of us will tote the stuff over to the sale site after service.

3. People can come by during the week to the Kleske home and drop off stuff. Contact Rosemary at Rosemary@hvuuc.org or find the information in the church directory.

Big or heavy stuff: within reason!!! Drop off at the Kleske’s home anytime between Sunday the 6th - Friday the 11th. You have to be able to haul your big stuff out of your car onto the porch, so bring yer own muscle. (Trying to bring stuff on Saturday of the sale will be way too difficult).

Important Additional Info

• Pricing donations is not required but is strongly encouraged! This will save our volunteers a lot of time.

• We are NOT responsible for breakage, theft, or injury.

• Any little leftover things left at the curb: scavengers will pick through that for freebees. Charity trucks come by and pick up leftovers by 3-4 p.m.

• We do not recommend donating precious items that you will want returned back if they don’t sell. However, if you do decide to donate something you’d like returned please make it VERY CLEAR with a written list and we will do our best.

• There is limited parking behind the house. First come, first served - but should really be for the volunteer helpers each shift. There is plenty of nearby street parking.

BBQ lunch and socializing at the home of William Kauffman on Saturday, Sept 5th @ 2pm. Check the directory or email mensgroup@hvuuc.org for address. Carpooling recommended.

William Kauffman is again hosting his annual BBQ on the deck at his home in Johnson City.
He's providing bbq sandwiches and drinks. Alcohol is permitted, but you'll need to bring your own.
You're encouraged to bring a side of some type, but it's not required.

William has seating for about 8, so if some will bring bring a chair it would be helpful.

The barbecue and food will be on the deck behind the house, you have to go through the house to get to the deck.

Please indicate in a timely manner if you are attending so William knows how much food to prepare.

There will be provisions for vegetarians.

All who identify as women are welcome to the first-Friday Women's night at home of Dana Y. in Jonesborough, near Fall Branch. Come be energized by the support of other women.

Sharing of easy finger-food 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. For questions, contact womensgroup@hvuuc.org.

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/

Driving and parking: Carpooling is always good. There will be a sign at the road and some balloons to help you find the turn-in. Parking can be found all around the house.

For questions, contact womensgroup@hvuuc.org.

The Annual Church Picnic is happening on Saturday, August 22, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

This year's picnic will feature a Fruit Dessert Bake-Off, raffle prizes, cornhole, board games, children's activities, and—if you've ever wanted a chance to soak someone from church—our dunk tank will be ready! Take your best shot at Reverend Tiffany and a few brave members of the Board.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, all the fixings, sweet tea, lemonade, and water will be provided. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage, and please consider bringing a side dish to share.

Whether you're in it for the fellowship, the food, the games, the desserts, or the chance to send a board member for a swim, there's something for everyone. We hope you'll join us for a wonderful afternoon together!

Volunteers to help with the event are greatly appreciated! Please contact fellowship@hvuuc.org or talk to Debbie Vasut after a service if you are able to help.  

Fruit Dessert Bake-Off!

Lemon bars, peach cobbler, apple pie, banana cake... do you love baking? Are you ready for a delicious challenge?

The Memorial Reception Committee is hosting a Fruit Dessert Bake-Off at this year's church picnic!

Your entry should:

Include fruit as an ingredient.
Be able to sit out at room temperature (not refrigerated)  

The event will be held in conjunction with the church picnic,  Saturday, August 22.  Now is the perfect time to dust off your favorite recipe or try something new!

Prizes will be awarded to the top three desserts.

Questions? Contact fellowship@hvuuc.org or speak with Debbie.

Call her a drag queen, call her a musician, call her an entertainer—Flamy Grant is ALL those things & more. And she’s coming to do a concert at HVUUC on Aug 16. Mark your calendars—you do NOT want to miss this show!

This powerhouse vocalist, intrepid songwriter & shame-slaying drag queen serves up a therapeutic, theatrical experience that is fearless, flamboyant, & full of heart.

After church we’ll share a potluck lunch, then Flamy will perform. No charge; just celebration. Family & friends are welcome.

Potluck this Sunday August 16!. Bring a dish to share, stick around after the service for potluck and then join us for the Flamy Grant concert at 1:00!

Flamy Grant is a singer-songwriter from Asheville. Beautifully blending her Appalachian roots with drag artistry & musical excellence, she has stormed stages from Los Angeles to London, New York to the Netherlands. And on Aug 16 at 1 PM - our very own stage here at HVUUC. Friends & family are welcome. Flamy’s music gets in your soul. Come share that incredible energy!

Special night for August Women's night: Friday August 14 (second Friday), Women’s night on the lake at the Kingsport home of Tish.

Feel free to come as early as 6 if you’d like more time in the lake. There are paddle boards, kayaks (with an easy launch system), life jackets and pool noodles. There is a shower indoors and outdoors if you’d like to clean off the lake water before heading home. If you’re going to swim, remember to bring a towel, though we have lots of extras.

For those less interested in being in the water, bring a chair to sit on the dock, or enjoy the view from the screened in porch on the deck. The gravel path from the house to the dock is steep, but the porch on the deck is easy access for anyone with mobility issues.

Write to womensgroup@hvuuc.org for address.

All who identify as male are invited to attend the Men's Group Meeting this month. We'll meet in the Fred Ball room and/or on the deck to share a meal together, have a quick check-in then do whatever we feel like doing.

Feel free to bring a food item for a shared potluck. As always, bringing food is never a requirement. Bring your own beverage if you want something other than water.

Email mensgroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Discover Your Gene Keys & the Spectrum of Consciousness.

After service, enjoy an experiential exploration of a wisdom tradition based on the I-Ching, The Book of Changes, one of the oldest books in the world. We’ll enjoy a calming contemplation practice and discuss how to read your hologenetic profile.

Julia Thie has been immersed in Taoist philosophy since 1992. On her own healing journey, she was exposed to this practice while studying Chinese medicine and experienced life-changing benefits in her own recovery.

If you'd like to get your free profile, go to www.juliathie.com/genekeys

Pagan circle celebration celebrating first harvest,  including blessing of handicrafts and handicraft tools, seasonal feast

Bring the whole family for an affordable evening of fun!

Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Movie Begins: 6:30 PM
Family Game Night Continues Until 9:30 PM

Purchase a $5 raffle ticket for a chance to win exciting prizes, enjoy family-friendly games, and grab snacks and concessions throughout the evening. All proceeds will support the continued growth of Religious Education programming.

Volunteers are also needed for setup, concessions, hospitality, and cleanup.

Email dre@hvuuc.org to volunteer or for more information.

Join us on Thursday, July 23, from 6:00–8:00 PM for Healers, an all-ages community event featuring Family Yoga with Tish and activities exploring the many ways people help bring healing, comfort, and care to our communities. Free and open to all.

Email dre@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Come and see the tunnel the one day a year they allow visitors!

There is a tunnel that a train goes through in Virginia, and there's a cave within the tunnel, but you can't normally go in because of the train. One day out of the year, they don't have a train go through so people can see the cave, and that day is July 18th!

Make your way to the park yourself or carpool with a friend. Michael, a geologist of 30 years, will be there at 11:15 to provide a geologic lecture while walking the tunnel.

If you don't want to walk, the chair lift is $5 per person

Bring a picnic lunch, railway walking shoes, a flashlight, and maybe rain gear. Some will go rain or shine!

Email bradley@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Our Men's Group meeting will take place at HVUUC on the 3rd Wednesday from 6-8 pm as usual.

All who identify as male are invited to attend our monthly meeting. We'll share a potluck meal, do a quick check-in and swap stories. Anyone that wants can engage in a friendly yard or table game.
Attendees are encouraged to bring an item for our potluck meal. This is optional and is never a requirement. Water will be available otherwise bring your own drink.

For more information or if you're attending and know what you're bringing, please email mensgroup@hvuuc.com or reply to the Google group email if you're on that list.

S'mores & Stories takes place Thursday, July 9, from 6:00–8:00 PM at HVUUC. Enjoy storytelling, s'mores, and community connection at this free, all-ages event open to both the congregation and the wider community.

Join us for our monthly RE Collaborative Zoom Meeting on Sunday, July 5 at 5:00 PM. We want to hear your ideas, hopes, and feedback as we explore upcoming programs, fall planning, and the future of Religious Exploration at HVUUC.

The Pride Community & Education Center is hosting their annual Rainbow Festival on June 27th at the Philosopher's House in Johnson City, TN!

The Social Justice Committee needs volunteers to take one-hour shifts at the HVUUC booth at the Rainbow Festival between 10am-5pm on June 27th.

The center is a non-profit LGBTQIA+ community center in the Tri-Cities of NE Tennessee - pridetricities.org

Email sjchair@hvuuc.org to sign up!

NUTs (Northeast Ukesters of Tennessee) Community Ukulele group meetup on Saturday morning June 27, 2026.

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.

We meet at the building on the HVUUC campus up the hill on the left, and will move to the main building if numbers outgrow the smaller building's rooms.

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.

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.