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

The HVUUC Youth Group will hold their monthly get together on Sunday, October 20, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm in the Youth Room in the REZ (upstairs room on the right). Please join us if you are in grades 6-12 for fun, games, and snacks. Please contact the DRE, Justin Ridley if you have questions dre@hvuuc.org

The Music Committee at HVUUC is proud to bring you another Coffeehouse Concert!

On October 19th at 4pm, we will have two musical acts and seasonal food to fundraise for the church and its music program.

A few of our regular musicians will open up the evening with some relaxing and laid-back jazz, followed by a selection of upbeat rock music by local church talent Wendy Hearl.

Menu will include hot apple cider and coffee (with the option to include pumpkin spice), as well as both apple and pumpkin pies. We will also have decaf and gluten free options.

Donations to attend will be $10 at the door and $5 for food. Come see us and enjoy kicking off a crisp and cozy autumn season!

Email musicdirector@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Plan on bringing a potluck contribution to church on Sunday, October 13, for everyone to enjoy after the service.  Everything from hors d'oeuvres to dessert! The church will provide plates, silverware, napkins, and drinks.

Email fellowship@hvuuc.org with questions.

Lots of info incoming for Tri-Pride!

The parade itself starts at 11:00 am sharp on Saturday, October 12th at Cumberland Park in Bristol. We will line up in the Bristol TN City Hall/Court House parking lot off of Anderson St and encourage everyone to be there no later than 10:45 am, since they will start without you if you aren't there!

We will not have a float this year, but we will be passing out candy! 

The festival is from 12 pm - 7 pm. We need volunteers to sit at the booth throughout the day for 1 hour at a time, anyone wanting to volunteer can reach out to lgbtqia@hvuuc.org. We also need 2 volunteers for set up at 7 am, and for take down at the end of the festival. 

For anyone wanting to just attend the festival for fun, it is a free event. 

Shuttles for patrons attending the TriPride Parade and Festival will run from Virginia High School. The shuttles will drop off at the corner of Cumberland St. and Lee St. Patron shuttles will begin at 10:00 a.m. and run every hour until 8:00 p.m. 

The municipal parking lot at the corner of Cumberland Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (WCYB) will be open to the public and designated as accessible parking on a first-come first-served basis. Although this is at the end point of the parade, it may make it easier later in the day for you!

The Social Justice Committee will be hosting another postcard writing campaign after Coffee Hour on October 6, starting at 12:30. The campaign is for the November General Election.

We had great success with the previous postcard writing campaign and plan to have another one! The event is again sponsored by the Reclaim Our Vote -Center for Common Ground and is focusing on Florida- Orange voters.

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.  Additionally, we will 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.

THE KARST TOPOGRAPHY IN E. TENNESSEE
A study of 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.

First Friday - October 4th at 6:30 at the Kingsport Home of Cindy H. open to all who identify as women!

Write to womensgroup@hvuuc.org for the address, it is not far from the Tri-Cities airport. The advice on parking is to pull up Cindy H's very long driveway and park in the driveway, or on the lawn if needed. Carpooling is encouraged.

Plan on camaraderie, strong women supporting each other, and good food. The host, Cindy H. will provide beverages that are non-alcoholic as well as some spirited beverages. Feel free to bring a snack or beverage to share, but don't let not having something stop you from attending.

This Earth is the only home we have: a place of beauty, wonder and interconnectivity.  As time marches on more and more of us grow concerned about the sustainability of the way we live upon the Earth.  Come join like-minded and like-hearted people for a half-day exploration around the Climate Justice and interconnected topics of environmental and social justice. 

There will be facilitated conversations and activities designed to create a vision for a thriving community, an exploration of the challenges involved, building our resources for caring for each other, and charting a course with transformative action.

There will be engaging activities for school-aged children and youth (K-12), and childcare for any younger kids, in addition to our adult program. Lunch will be prepared by some of the best cooks in our congregation.

Register

Register to let us know that you’re coming, what your dietary needs are, and if we can expect to see any of your children.  Look for that at hvuuc.org. We’d like to have your registration no later than Wednesday, September 25th so that we can plan for food and space.

Register here: https://forms.gle/m9M6ZpB6cetc3K7w8

Please email climatejustice@hvuuc.org for more information.

CUUPS will be holding a ritual to celebrate the second harvest and vernal equinox.  

Saturday, September 21st @ an off-site location. Please email macho@hvuuc.org for full details and location.

MACHO (men achieving community helping others) extends an invitation to all those that identify as male to join us for barbeque sandwiches and fixings. Non-meat eaters are welcome too. Please indicate if you desire to have a non-meat meal. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side or dessert to share.

Drinks will be served. Alcoholic drinks are permitted but you'll need to bring your own. There is ample seating, but bring a chair just in case. This is a low key event meant to stimulate conversation and build community while enjoy food and drinks.

Please let us know in a timely manner if you are attending so our host knows how much food to prepare by emailing macho@hvuuc.org.

It is time for our monthly Youth Group get together here at HVUUC. The group has decided to meet regularly on the third Sunday of each month. That means our September date is fast approaching.

Please join us if you are youth in grades 6-12, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Sunday, September 15, at the church for games, snacks, and fun! For questions please reach out to our Director of Religious Education at dre@hvuuc.org