THE MILKY WAY GALAXY - Imagine gazing up at a clear night sky, far from city lights, and seeing a luminous band stretching across the heavens.  This breathtaking sight is the Milky Way galaxy, our cosmic home.  With its swirling spiral arms and a core teeming with stars, the Milky Way is a vast and dynamic system, housing billions of stars, planets and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.  From ancient myths to cutting edge astronomy, the story of the Milky Way is a journey through space and time, inviting us to explore the wonders of our galaxy......and beyond.

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - Donnie will guide you through the fascinating world of astrophotography using just your smartphone, whether you have an Android or iPhone.  We'll explore how, with or without a modest telescope, you can capture stunning images of the moon and planets, transforming your smartphone into a powerful tool for celestial photography.  You will be introduced to free software that can enhance your imaging experience, and we'll delve into essential techniques for capturing and editing your night sky photos.  We will also share tips and tricks to help you make the most of the equipment you already have, proving that the phone in your pocket can open up a universe of photographic possibilities. In addition, weather permitting, Donnie will bring is telescope and share views of the stars, galaxies, or the moon - whichever is most prominent in the January night sky.

THE KARST TOPOGRAPHY IN E. TENNESSEE
A study of the local Karst (limestone) features as seen on topographic maps and a very local field trip (weather permitting).  Chemical weathering of local carbonate rocks around HVUUC illustrate streamless valleys, sink holes, sink lakes, sinking streams and blind valleys.

These presentations are open to all Church members and friends of the Church.  If you have friends interested in the above presentations, feel free to bring them with you.
Note - we will not be providing refreshments at this event.

Email space@hvuuc.org with any questions.

The first of three movie nights is Friday, January 24.  If you did not buy this at the auction you still have a chance to join us at the church.

Heavy hor’s d’oeuvres will be served at 6:30 and the movie will show at 7:00.  Bring $15.00 the night of the movies. 

• January 24: “Witness”

• February 28: “Regarding Henry”

• March 28: “Sabrina”

Come join us for an evening of food, fellowship and film.  There is a sign up sheet on the kiosk in the Fred Ballroom.

Email movie@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Winter Wednesday night supper welcomes you!
Soup, potato bar, salad, and dessert…good friends and fellowship!  Join us!

Meal starts at 6pm.

Cost:

• $8.00 per person

• $15.00 per couple

• $5.00 for kids under 12

(Cash in the basket when you get there thank you!)

Email WNS@hvuuc.org to sign up or use the sign up sheet in the Fred Ball Room.

Sunday January 19th is the last day to sign up!

The Youth Group will hold their monthly meeting on Sunday, January 19th, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm in the REZ.

This month we will be starting our UUA Common Read Book "Authentic Selves." If you have not received your copy yet please reach out to our DRE, Justin Ridley, dre@hvuuc.org.

A ukulele enthusiast meetup + jam sessions are happening in this region! We have four sessions scheduled for January and February for interested community members in the general Tri-Cities region.

HVUUC facility is a central meeting spot for these initial meetings, but this is not a church event. These are community events.

Mark the dates:

• Saturday January 18, at 10-11:30 am

• Tuesday January 21, at 7-8:30 pm

• Saturday February 22, 10-11:30 am

• Tuesday, February 25, 7-8:30 pm

The goals are to meet and jam, plus a bit of business:

*Set possible future locations and dates;

* Assign co-leaders to different future sessions, so planning isn't falling on one person; (e.g. someone to host the location, someone to suggest jam songs; someone to lead one or more songs);

*Jamming in a supportive environment for all levels.

For more information,

1. go to the NUTs (web page:

https://sites.google.com/view/northeastukesters/meetings

2. There is a FB group "Ukulele Group of NE TN", https://www.facebook.com/groups/617919292006550

Weather permitting - if it is snowing or has ice on the ground that day in Kingsport or Johnson City, consider the session cancelled.

Email Ukulele@hvuuc.org with any questions.

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 January 11th 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 or to RSVP.

First Friday Women's Night, January 3, 2025 6:30 p.m. This is for all who identify as women, ages 21 and up. Welcoming and supportive. Bring a finger food to share, if you are able, but even if not, just come and enjoy. This month has a theme... read on.

This is our annual Dirty Santa (aka White Elephant) Gift Exchange Game. Bring ONE wrapped or otherwise bagged/hidden gift that SOMEONE might like. We will start the GAME at 7 p.m. going over the how-to's.

It is called "Dirty Santa" but that doesn't have to be literal. Really, the point is the laughs and camaraderie, more so than the gifts. Remember the Elton John concert shoes? The painted wine glasses? The coconut monkey mask wall hanging? We don't want people spending much! If you are repurposing that lovely gift that Aunt Millie gave you, or sharing something nice you made, or passing on a new bath and beauty basket that just ISN'T you, all the better. It SHOULD be clean and in working order.

At the end of the event, everyone gets to free trade anything they want with others. Items that y'all don't want but might benefit our local women's shelter will be collected and donated. NO leaving your gift hidden in the hosts home, thanks!

Write to WomensGroup@hvuuc.org for the address: it is not published for security reasons.

Parking: There is shotgun parking in the driveway for three-four cars (first in, last out), and 3 spots in the back lot in the alley. Beyond that is neighborhood street parking.

Our tradition continues! We will meet at Dane Faulkner's at: 10:15 to leave at 10:30. Email greg@hvuuc.org for directions.

This tradition goes back years and we will continue on. This is a difficult hike, parts of the trail are so steep, a rope handline is used. The usual hot tea will be provided by at the abandoned airport light tower. For those who want to walk to the West end we will take in the view and pay homage to Dave Calvert's remains. A hearty snack is advised and WATER! It can be windy since we are on the mountain top, so extra warm clothing is advised.

Join us after Pancakes and Jam on Dec 29th to tidy up the sanctuary and return it to it's original state. We'll need help cleaning candle holders, organizing the candles, returning everything to storage. Greens will be taken down and we'll need to put other items or furniture back where they belong. We'll need a ladder for everything up high.

Sarah Sanders will be on hand to direct everything being returned to its proper place. Many hands make light work, and we appreciate any and all help for this effort!

Our beloved New Years tradition returns! A group of our men from the MACHO group will volunteer to cook a delicious pancake breakfast with some toppings and sides. Alongside the eating there will be an informal, open-mic style show of talent. And if musicians want to, we'll end with an on-the-spot group jam session.

Doors open at 10:30, music starts at 11!

You can sign up to perform or ask questions by emailing Rosemary at pancakesandjam@hvuuc.org. Please try to sign up at least by the day before so we have a good head count of who to expect. Also remember there is no RE this day, but your kids are more than welcome to eat and jam with us!

Join your church home for an informal Christmas Eve gathering to sing all your favorites.

Celebrating Yule: The Returning of The Light

Yule is a Pagan celebration of the winter solstice, marks the longest night of the year and therefore the return of the sun. On this day, the earth's axis tilts away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and the sun reaches its greatest distance from the equatorial plane. Slowly but surely, the days start to get progressively longer.

Because of this meaningful shift in seasons, the overall theme of Yule is about rebirth and renewal.

When we celebrate Yule, we reflect on the year that has passed while looking forward to the year ahead. It's a time of year for reflection, connecting those we love and spending sacred time in nature.

So come and celebrate Yule with CUUPS. The ritual will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.

The festive evening will begin with a ritual followed with a feast. All are invited to attend.

Don't forget to bring a love offering for the moneta basket. You can contribute a small donation of money, candles, or other ritual supplies.

Please feel free to dress up in your festive attire. We love to see you sparkle!

Also, we will be playing Dirty Santa, gift limit $25.00 maximum, and handcrafted items always welcomed.

Questions? Please email cuups@hvuuc.org.

Christmas Caroling, Sunday December 15th at noon.

After Festivals of Light stay for soup and then we will carpool to sing Christmas Carols for some of our members and  friends.

Email minister@hvuuc.org

Join in helping with the "greening of the sanctuary" on December 14th. One of HVUUC's many traditions is the decorating the sanctuary in preparation for the Festivals of Light service. We bring nature into the sanctuary in the form of beautiful boughs of various evergreens. Fragrant pines, firs, iconic holly, bushy junipers, and the like.

Anyone interested and able to help is welcome. Bring yourself - several will help guide what is needed, and set you free to do it. Come for as long or little as you can.

You can also bring any of these items to use or share:

• various healthy evergreen boughs and branches from yards and fresh Christmas tree discards

• garden gloves

• Tarps for hauling debris

• branch snippers

• ladders

• Floral wire

• green twine

• a willingness to help with hanging things up high or table level

• a few to help with cleanup

• a spirit of camaraderie

Coffee and pastries will be provided. It helps if we know you are coming, so write to rosemary@hvuuc.org. But if you just feel moved to show up, great!

Sunday Dec 8 from noon to 2pm is our annual Green Arts Fest. Shop for the holidays after church in the Fred Ball room and support local craftspeople, many of whom are part of our church community.

If you’ve never been before you will be impressed by the variety of handmade high quality items available for purchase. Bring cash and be ready to shop!

CUUPS will be holding space to work on crafts. Homemade soup will be available.

Please email cuups@hvuuc.org so we may prepare enough supplies and food.

First Friday Women's Night December 6th at the home of Linda G. in Johnson City. 6:30-9 p.m.

All who identify as women are welcome to the first-Friday Women's night. Come be energized by the support of other women and share in holiday spirit. We will be packaging items for the Giving Tree at the event. Ziplock bags and strings will be provided. Giving Tree donation items are welcome.

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.

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

Cookie Exchange:  Bring a batch of favorite cookies to the kitchen before church on Sunday, December 1.  During coffee hour, take a taste test of a variety of choices.  If you would like to share your recipe, please email it to fellowship@hvuuc.org by noon, Friday, November 29.

It’s time for our annual Giving Tree decorating on Friday, November 29 at 11am!   Our tree number is #113 and will be located in Kings Commons Park. Everyone is invited to this joyous occasion, including all ages and abilities.   A tall ladder would be great help if you have one.  

Also, the tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30pm on November 30 and we’d love to see you there!

If you have questions,  please feel free to talk with Mary Williamson or Michele Markstrom-Frisch.  Our email address is givingtree@hvuuc.org.

King Commons Park

112 N. Commerce St.
Johnson City TN 37604

Gobble-gobble! Reprising a tradition from the past, let's once again have a community Thanksgiving potluck meal at HVUUC.

The basic gist:
* WHEN: Thanksgiving day (11/28/2024)
* Where: in the Fellowship Hall/Fred Ball room at church.
* Feasting begins at 2:00 pm. Show up as early as you like.
* Sign-up sheet for bringing a dish will be available November 17th, on the counter near the library.
* Feel free to bring and host any fun activities (bocce, Kubb, cornhole, singalong, etc.) for enjoyment between the meal and dessert.

Assistance with setup and cleanup is welcome! We simply ask that the dish sanitizer not be cranked up until the majority have finished their main meal.

Alternatively, email Rosemary at thanksgiving@hvuuc.org with the number in your party and the dish/dessert you'd like to bring. Or email if you have any questions.

Come join the HVUUC Youth group if you are in grades 6 - 12 or ages 12 - 17, for our monthly meeting at HVUUC in the REZ (upstairs in the Youth Room). Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please come for games, fun and community!

For questions please contact our DRE, Justin Ridley, dre@hvuuc.org

Saturday, November 16th 6-9PM  

You can review the catalog to consider what you would like to target the evening of the auction.

https://auctria.events/2024HVUUCauction

Additionally, if you know you will be unable to attend, let us know what you would like to

bid on and the ranges for bids on each item by emailing auction@hvuuc.org.

Sunday Potluck Lunch right after church. Bring a potluck dish to share.  Volunteers will set up the rooms and provide the silverware, plates, and drinks.  You may bring your contribution as early as 10:00. Please remember to take your dish home after the luncheon.

Email fellowship@hvuuc.org with any questions.

The Youth RE (6-12 grade) will be hosting a Bake Sale Fundraiser during Coffee Hour after the service on Sunday, November 3, from 12:00 - 1:00 pm.

They are raising funds in their quest to support literacy in our region. They would like to build a Little Free Library, and are raising money to get the materials needed. Please bring some money (cash only) to buy baked goods during coffee hour.

For questions please contact DRE, Justin Ridley, dre@hvuuc.org

CUUPS will have a feast and ritual to honor the holiday of Samhain.  Celebrants are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to share and a picture or memento from any ancestor, family member, pet or other significant person who as passed away as part of out ancestors altar.

Email cuups@hvuuc.org with any questions.

VENUE CHANGE!

Due to factors beyond her control, Joy regrets she cannot host. Sallie has stepped in and will host at the church facility.

All who identify as women are welcome. Bring a supportive spirit, and a snack or liquid to share. If fates conspire that you can't deal with the food aspect, just come anyway.

Any crafter: you are encouraged to bring any of your own portable "UFO's" (unfinished objects) to work on during the evening. It is not required, but just a safe space, and offers a focus for those who prefer a structure around which to socialize.

To help our host, all food items go home with you when you leave, and volunteer to help ensure the space is clean and tidy. Thank you!

Contact womensgroup@hvuuc.org

CUUPS will be having our leadership meeting.

Agenda will include officer elections, by-laws review, and events to be hosted by CUUPS from November 2024 to January 2025. Email cuups@hvuuc.org with any questions.

The RE Collaborative is sponsoring HVUUC's annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 27, at 12:00 pm in the HVUUC parking lot.

If you would like to register a trunk please follow the link and fill out the Google Form -- https://forms.gle/trLjyxuowePqyb3K8  

Or, you may e-mail our DRE Justin Ridley dre@hvuuc.org

Our next regularly scheduled 2x a month Game Night is coming up on October 25th. Starting 6:30 p.m. and can go to 9:30 or just a bit past. Spooky Betrayal at the House On the Hill theme in honor of the spooky holiday season.

Just for fun, we reprise a theme for the next game night October 25th, in honor of the season. We will have multiple copies of the game "Betrayal at House on the Hill". In the game, players come together as characters with various strengths, and weaknesses. Players must all explore a derelict mansion - there for a common goal. As they explore, they find objects, discover omens, and even trigger events, until suddenly, a haunting begins - ONE of you has betrayed the others! You all fight for survival. Will you conquer the betrayer? Or will the betrayer succeed in their quest?

We suggest ages 12 and over for this one. Games are played in the spirit of fun, patience, and fellowship. Bringing easy snacks to share is encouraged but not mandatory.

Email gamegroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Join us for good food and friendship at the last Wednesday night supper of this year! A hearty fall menu of soup, roasted roots and salad is planned. Join us for fun and food...and feel free to stay to help clean up afterwards!

Cost is :

• $8 for one person

• $15 for two

• $5 for children under 12

(cash in the basket please)

Sign up by THIS Sunday, the 20th at noon in the fellowship hall or by emailing WNS@hvuuc.org