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.

Happy Solstice! Known as Litha, the Summer Solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year, the moment when the sun is at the height of its life-giving powers.

The earth is bathed in warmth, joy and fulfilment. It’s a vital time of energizing ourselves, when we can feel life at its peak.

Soak up the radiant bliss of Litha by spending time in Nature, appreciating her gifts – from the lush greenery of trees to the wondrous beauty of flowers, abloom with vivid color and intoxicating scent.

Email cuups@hvuuc.org with any questions.

All who identify as male are invited to attend the Men's Group Meeting this month. We'll meet in the Fred Ball room to share a meal together, have a quick check-in then discuss plans for the remainder of the year including fundraising options, an annual retreat and special events we could attend.

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.

Join us for our monthly church potluck immediately following the Sunday service on 14 June 2026.  Please bring a dish or dessert to share with the congregation but more importantly, bring yourself. We look forward to great food and fellowship!

Email potlucks@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Join us for Family Game Night  a relaxed, family-friendly evening full of games, laughter, snacks, and community for all ages! We’ll have a mix of board games, card games, party games, and space to just hang out and connect. Kids, teens, adults, friends, and newcomers are all welcome.

We typically meet about two Fridays a month, though the exact schedule can vary depending on holidays, church events, and volunteer availability, so be sure to check the calendar or weekly updates for upcoming dates. Whether you’re super competitive or just there for the snacks and conversation, there’s a place for you at the table!

Our Minister and our Director of Religious Education are holding an interest meeting about providing alternative programming for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade (or equivalent ages) during the second half of the Sunday Service.

Parents of kids K-5, people interested in volunteering to work with this age range, and any who are curious about a potential trajectory we might take to support our young families are welcome to attend.

June 5th is the first Friday Women's Night at host Elsa's home in central Johnson City. All who identify as women are welcome. Come be energized by the support of other women.

Our host, Elsa, is offering a "Taste of Chicago." She returned from a trip north with favorite flavors to share with all of us, such as Portillo, Garrett popcorn, and Quonset pizza. Thus, it is not necessary to bring anything. However, you are always welcome to bring a nibble - or if you have special food needs, don't hesitate to bring a snack or beverage for yourself or to share.

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/

Street parking is ample around Elsa's home. Carpooling is always welcome.

For questions, contact womensgroup@hvuuc.org.

Join Rev. Tiffany and your General Assembly Delegates on Zoom to review items up for a vote at the 2026 Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly.

You can find the zoom info below:

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.

In 2026, we will meet at the building on the HVUUC campus up the hill on the left, and 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.

Email ukulele@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Men’s Group grilling night from 6–8pm with burgers, vegetarian options, and yard games. Bring a side or dessert and your own drink if you’d like—no obligation to bring anything but yourself.

It’s grilling season, and we’re ready to fire things up! This month the HVUUC Men’s Group will be pulling the cover off the grill and cooking burgers along with vegetarian options. All who identify as male are invited to join us from 6–8pm.

If you’d like, please bring a side dish or dessert and your own drink. There’s never any obligation to bring anything other than yourself—your presence is always enough.

We’ll also have friendly yard games, so feel free to bring any favorites you enjoy.

Looking forward to a relaxed evening of good food, good company, and good conversation.

Email mensgroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Please bring a dish to share.  All dishes are welcome, but we're concentrating on soups and salads this month.  Bring your dishes as early as 10:30. It's a good idea to label your dishes to help us find them after they've been cleaned.

PS:  We need one or two more baking/cookie sheets in the kitchen - 18 1/2" X 11 1/2"  If you have an extra one, we'd love to have it.

We commune by playing modern board and card games, every Friday at 5:30pm in the REZ building. No skills or experience needed, just a spirit to learn and have fun! This event is intended for adults and teens. Email gamegroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Wednesday Night Supper: May 6th. 6-8pm
Guest chefs: Ramesh and Marina Munjal!!

Cost is $8 per person or $15 per twosome. Kids under 12 are $5

Our last Wednesday night supper til next fall will be a very special Indian food night.
Don’t forget to sign up by noon on Sunday, May 3rd in the Fellowship Hall or email WNS.HVUUC.org

Beltane is a time of fertility, creativity and growth. It's a time to renew our connection to the natural world, and a time to celebrate our role in manifesting that world. As we witness the fruits of Nature grow and thrive right before our eyes, Beltane reminds us that we are every bit as dependent on the earth's fertility as were our ancestors.

Email cuups@hvuuc.org with any questions.