Calling all musicians, singers, and lovers of music!  Join us for a very important meeting about music where we will discuss how the budget for the upcoming fiscal year will affect our music program.

We invite you to grab your potluck lunch and then gather in the REZ to meet with Alesha, your Programs Trustee and Music Committee Chair, about the state of music for the upcoming year.

Email musicchair@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Hey!! Second Sunday Coming Up!!  Don't forget potluck on April 12th.  

Anticipating lots of good veggies, salads, entrees, desserts, and snacks.  Please drop your contribution off in the kitchen from 10:30 - 11:00.  Remember!  We can keep it warm but not cook it from scratch.

Email potlucks@hvuuc.org with any questions.

All those identify as male are invited to an outdoor bonfire and yard games at my place. Email mensgroup@hvuuc.com or check church directory for the address. Come by anytime during the afternoon of April 11th between 12:30 and 4 pm —arrive and leave whenever works for you.

Since we’ll be outside the whole time, feel free to bring sunblock, a hat, or anything else that makes hanging out in the sun comfortable.

I'll provide the hot dogs (meat and meatless) and buns. Snacks are totally optional, but if you want to bring something to share, simple things like chips or anything that doesn’t need forks or spoons work great. Bring your own drink, although I will have water if you forget.

I’ll have yard games and you’re welcome to bring any favorites of your own.

Our house is a blue farmhouse off the road NOT the little yellow house with all the vehicles - mailbox is across the road.

Email mensgroup@hvuuc.com or find my phone number in the church directory if you need assistance.

Please RSVP so I know how many hot dogs to buy. Also, let me know if you have any dietary restrictions or if you're bringing your own substitute.

Looking forward to a relaxed afternoon.

Multigenerational family friendly game night this Friday in the fellowship hall. Bring a snack to share if you'd like.

Have your kids bring some headphones. We are very loud but we have a lot of fun.

We want to know your thoughts about Safety and Security at HVUUC.  Please attend our in-person listening circle on April 5th, at 1pm as the Easter Egg hunt concludes, to both share your thoughts and hear where others are at with this very serious issue.

(We will also be offering a Zoom Listening Circle on Tuesday March 24th at 6:30pm on the same topic)

Find the link for the zoom event here: https://hvuuc.org/events/2026/3/24/zoom-security-listening-circle

Childcare will be provided.

Join us April 5th from 12:00–1:00pm for a joyful, and playful afternoon of connection, wonder, and shared joy at HVUUC's Annual Egg Hunt!

During service, our 6–12 class will take on a special role by preparing the egg hunt for our younger children. As part of this, they have created heartfelt notes of encouragement, affirmations, and small drawings—some of which will be tucked inside the eggs alongside candy, fidget toys, and stickers. These small surprises offer moments of joy, creativity, and care woven throughout the experience.

After service, our K–5 children will enjoy the main egg hunt, searching, discovering, and engaging in a lively and playful experience together.

Our 6–12 youth will have their own egg hunt during their regularly scheduled RE class, creating space for an experience that is just for them—playful, engaging, and designed with their age group in mind.

We look forward to an afternoon filled with laughter, movement, and meaningful moments—where each child is welcomed, valued, and free to show up exactly as they are.

Email DRE@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Ostara is a sacred celebration of the Spring Equinox, a moment of perfect balance between light and dark. From this point forward, the light begins to gently overtake the night, symbolizing renewal, growth, and new beginnings. Join us April 4th at 6:00pm.

Are you a history fan? Do you like documentaries?

In the church sanctuary we will be watching Ken Burns' American Revolution documentary. We will watch six episodes over six Saturdays from 9am-12pm.

(April 4th, 11th, and 25th, and May 2nd, 9th, and 16th)

Bring your own snacks and beverages.

Email bradley@hvuuc.org with any questions.

All who identify as women are welcome to the first-Friday Women's night in April.  Come be energized by the support of other women. April is at the Kingsport home of Wendy H. and will feature a small-group style short check-in.

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:
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.

Church-wide meal for all those who like good food and company!

Cost:

• $8 per person

• $15 for two

• $5 for kids under 12

Please pay in cash.

Sign up by Sunday, March 29th at noon by either filling out the form in the fellowship hall or by emailing wns@hvuuc.org.

April 1st give cooks a chance to play with the word Fool in the world of cooking.  We'll serve two vastly different "fools" and some non-foolish food as well!

Be sure to sign up in time so we can shop for you!

The HVUUC Social Justice Committee invites everyone to join in participating in our Reclaim the Vote Postcards writing event on Sunday, March 29, 2026 after church in the REZ.

As in previous postcard writing events, the event is non-partisan, sponsored by the Reclaim Our Vote - Center for Common Ground. We are focusing on sending reminders to registered Black voters in the Chesapeake VA area regarding the Virginia Redistricting Special Election on April 21, 2026.

Postcards, labels and stamps are provided.  We have a limited amount of colored pens and fine tip markers. Please join us!

NUTs (Northeast Ukesters of Tennessee) Community Ukulele group meetup on Saturday morning March 28, 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.

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.

We want to know your thoughts about Safety and Security at HVUUC.  Please attend our zoom listening circle on Tuesday March 24 at 6:30pm, to both share your thoughts and hear where others are at with this very serious issue.

zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99010898582?pwd=hwS9ZTXDtnHb6YuUaUyZSCgmNxpkKC.1

(We will also be offering an In-Person Listening Circle on Sunday April 5th at 1:00 pm on the same topic)

HVUUC will again be a pickup point for the Tennessee Environmental Council's Tree Day on Saturday March 21, 2026.  We bundle the trees on Friday, March 20, from 9:30AM  to about 1PM and are looking for volunteers to help with tree bundling day. 

If you are interested please email treeday@hvuuc.org.  Also we are looking for donated newspapers and plastic bags to wrap the trees in when we bundle them. There will be a box in the Fred Ballroom by the back door if you have any to donate. 

Youth Group Gathering – March 15 | 4–6pm
Location: 6–12 Classroom, REZ Building
Facilitators: Bradley & Jess

Our March Youth Group Gathering is right around the corner, and we are so excited to be back together!

Last month was full of laughter, leadership, and meaningful reflection. The youth rotated through roles in Riverbank (a high-energy active listening game), discovered that Happy Salmon is even more fun when played silently, and challenged AI with their artistic brilliance. We also held a thoughtful processing conversation about the wildly successful Potato Bowl Fundraiser — celebrating wins and dreaming up improvements for future projects.

The youth selected March 7 (12–3pm) as their rescheduled date to distribute food bags to our unhoused neighbors. We are now collaborating with The Melting Pot in Johnson City, who is generously offering space and partnership to help bring this outreach to life. A parent has also offered the use of their food truck for an upcoming hot-meal distribution — with the youth creating the menu themselves!

This month we will:
Explore these new community collaborations in more detail
Choose a fun field trip destination
Select a date for our next fundraiser — which will directly support that field trip

As always, Youth Group is youth-led, connection-centered, and full of authenticity and JOY! We can’t wait to see what unfolds next!

2nd Sunday Potluck - March 8th! Remember to bring a dish to share to the kitchen between 10:30 and 11:55.

All who identify as women are welcome to the first-Friday Women's night at the Johnson City home of Jenn C. 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/

There is ample street parking in the neighborhood. But carpooling is always suggested: the party before the party. For questions, contact womensgroup@hvuuc.org.

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.

Wednesday night supper will be held this month on Feb 25th at 6pm.

• $8.00 per person

• $15 for 2

• $5 for children under 12

Be sure to sign up before Sunday, the 22nd at noon. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall or by emailing WNS@HVUUC .org

A warm welcome to all, and warm winter food will be enjoyed together. We eat and chat, and if you can help clean up, that’s wonderful!

PLEASE be SURE to sign up! We can't feed you if we don't know you are coming!!

Middle School Stellar Sexual Health Education

Dates

Mandatory Guardian Orientation: Feb 22 [if you cannot make this orientation, please reach out to Cindi Huss as soon as possible to arrange an alternative]
Classes

Mar 1

Mar 8

Mar 22

March 29

April 12

April 19

April 26

May 3

May 16, 17 (class and lock-in on the night of May 16, final class and celebration at the regular time on May 17

Time: 9:30-10:45 (except for May 16) during regular RE time.

Where: Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 136 Bob Jobe Rd in Gray, TN, uphill in the religious eduction building, 2nd floor meditation hall on the right (please remove shoes when entering)

Ages: 6-8 graders

Cost: Free!

________________________________________

Youth will learn about the power of language, anatomy, puberty and other life changes, body image, gender, attraction, bias, consent, relationship dynamics, , media literacy, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, STIs, and prevention.

Stellar Sexual Health Education (by RISE: Healthy for Life) engages participants in an expansive exploration of their inner and outer space. It fundamentally changes the way we do sexuality education. Free of judgment, Stellar dismantles stigma and invites honest, compassionate curiosity about bodies, identities, and relationships.

________________________________________

RISE's programs are interactive and engaging. They are inclusive, affirming, and fact-based. This is not your grandma's sex ed!

Guardians are welcome to reach out to Jess Ox at dre@hvuuc.org with any questions/concerns about the program.

________________________________________

If you can make a donation to help support RISE programming, please visit:https://risehfl.org/donate

REGISTER HERE FOR STELLAR SEXUAL HEALTH: https://risehealthylife.betterworld.org/events/middle-school-stellar-sex-ed-at-2

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED YOUR CHILD FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AS WELL, PLEASE DO SO HERE:
https://hvuuc.org/religious-education-registration-form

In an effort to better align with UU values and promote an inclusive environment, "MACHO" will no longer be used for the Men's Group.

The Men’s Group will now be meeting the third Wednesday of the month in the Fred Ball Room, from 7 to 9 . All who identify as men are welcome.

Our first meeting will be this Wednesday, February 18. Please join us for community and fellowship.

Email mensgroup@hvuuc.org with any questions.

New Small Covenant Group on UU History - The group discussion will be based on a 6-part UUA video series titled “Long Strange Trip” series by Ron Cordes that explores the history of Unitarian and Universalist thought and practice from the early, liberal strands in faith at the beginning of the Christian era to what we know today as Unitarian Universalism. Each part of Long Strange Trip is approx. 1 hour in length and will be emailed to the group prior to the meetings. 

The group will be facilitated by George C and Bryan K and meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings, beginning Feb. 17 and ending May 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at HVUUC.  If feasible, will have a carpool group from Johnson City available. There is a UUA study guide that will be used as a basis for discussion and sharing.  Email George at uuhistory@hvuuc.org for questions or to sign up or sign up at the announcement board at HVUUC.

Youth Group meets Sunday, February 15 from 4–6pm! Join us for connection, creativity, and reflection as our youth celebrate their Potato Bowl fundraiser, plan Feeding-the-Hungry initiatives. Youth Group is a space where young people are welcomed exactly as they are — a place to belong, to be heard, to laugh, to reflect, and to grow alongside one another!

As always, Youth Group is guided by the energy and voices of the youth themselves — with plenty of room for spontaneous fun, laughter, and meaningful conversation. This month will also include a few special moments of reflection and planning as they continue bringing their ideas to life:

Fundraiser Reflection
Earlier in the day, our youth will help host the Potato Bowl Fundraiser, and during Youth Group we’ll take time to reflect together — celebrating what worked well, what felt exciting, and what they might do differently next time. Reflection is how leadership grows.

Feeding the Hungry Planning
The group will revisit their Feeding-the-Hungry budget and begin making concrete plans around the ideas they’ve been envisioning. This is where their compassion meets action, and their creativity begins shaping real change in the world.

Connecting Across RE
We’ll also explore ways to involve younger members of our Religious Education community in future projects. Our youth are powerful examples of shared ministry in action, and it’s beautiful to watch their care, courage, and collaboration ripple outward!

Make your wishes known as the congregation discerns which risks we want to take together as a community to transform ourselves, our community and our world!

On Sunday February 15th after church, Rev. Tiffany and team of our church leaders will be facilitating a Risk Discernment workshop sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist's social justice organization Side with Love. 

This workshop is designed specifically for us to gauge the risk tolerances of congregation members so that we can make better decisions about what is worth doing and what is too risky for our congregation when it comes to social justice matters.  But we can't do that unless you come and let us know where you're at.  We hope this workshop will be very well attended to help us get a clear sample of congregational values, hopes, and boundaries.

The youth group will be providing lunch as a fundraiser right after church, and the workshop itself will go from 1-3pm.

Please use the sign up sheet on the back table of the sanctuary, or email risk@hvuuc.org to let us know you're coming (and to help the youth prepare enough food).

Our 6–12 Religious Education youth are cooking up something cozy, creative, and downright delicious — and they can’t wait to serve you!

Join us during Coffee Hour (12–1pm) for our Youth Potato Bowl Fundraiser, where you’ll be invited to craft your very own potato masterpiece at our self-serve toppings bar.

For $5 per bowl or baker, you can choose between:
a potato bowl — a comforting bowl of diced potatoes ready to be loaded with goodness, or
a baker — a whole baked potato, warm and ready for your favorite toppings.

Pile it high. Keep it simple. Make it uniquely yours.

This fundraiser is part of the youth’s expanding Feeding-the-Hungry initiatives, where they are learning what it means to live their values through generosity, service, and care for others. Each bowl shared helps fuel their efforts to make a real and meaningful impact in the world around them.

The Potato Bowl takes place immediately following service and just before the Risk Discernment Workshop, offering a beautiful chance to nourish both body and spirit. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to be served by the incredible youth who are helping build the world they wish to see — one potato at a time.

It's going to be spud-tacular!

First Friday Women's Night, 6:30 p.m. Friday February 6 at the downtown Kingsport home of Linda W.

All who identify as women are welcome to the first-Friday Women's night. 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 your food and drink home with you when you leave.

There is street parking across the street, and a few spots on the driveway to the right as you are looking at Linda's home. This event will happen regardless of weather, as the home is in an area that is typically not that affected, and flat. If there is inclement weather that day, use your best judgement for your situation.

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

February movie night is this Friday, February 13 at the church. If you didn’t buy it at the auction you are still welcome to come and pay the $10.00 at the door.

Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 6:30 and the movie starts at 7:00.

This month’s film is the multi Oscar-winning film “Moonstruck” Starring Cher, Nicolas Cage and Olivia Dukakis along with other stars. 

We look forward to seeing you there,  Denee, Tish and Beth

Email movies@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Come celebrate with CUUPS of HVUUC. Imbolc celebrates the decrease of stress caused by the scarcity of winter. It marks the end of the darkest of days. This ritual will reassure your mind, body, and spirit that brighter days are coming. It's a time of hope.

Take what resonates with you and leave what doesn't.  

Potluck Dinner
Please bring a dish to share
Join us in Fred Ball Room

Email cuups@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Spring 2026, Path to Membership is coming soon!
Our next class will be held following potluck lunch on February 8th, 1:15-4:15.

Content will include Unitarian Universalism and our Covenant, an introduction to how our church is governed, and ways to get 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 your seat, contact Lori or email PTM@hvuuc.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

February 8:  Chili Cookoff!  If you would like to compete in a chili competition, please let us know at potlucks@hvuuc.org. 

Judges will range in age from 5 to  87.  Might be hard to please them all!  Are you up for the challenge? 

Everyone else, think about sides, salads, desserts, and chips.