Our annual Soapbox Sunday is coming up on July 6th. We need speakers to give a 3-5 minute talk about a topic important to your heart. You are "getting up on your soapbox" to tell it like it is. Our youth are invited to participate, as well!
Soapbox Sunday is a long-standing annual tradition where we - friends and members of HVUUC - exercise our freedom of speech. This right is not to be taken for granted.
If you have questions or want to run a topic by me, or explore a creative method of delivering your Soapbox talk, please contact Rosemary at soapboxsunday@hvuuc.org
Join us to look at common experiences from history, discuss how we can show that we are safe and welcoming to others, and explore ways to make our communities more supportive and healthy for everyone. Free and open to the public.
Throughout history, people have found ways to connect with others who have similar experiences or skills. For those who face danger, like people escaping slavery in the U.S. or early Christians, these connections could be a matter of life or death. Queer people have also developed subtle ways of figuring out who is safe to trust and who is not.
Please arrive 15 minutes early if you do not complete the pretest ahead of time.
Please expect to spend about 10 minutes after the workshop completing the assessment.
Please feel free to bring a meal to eat during the workshop.
In this workshop, we will look at common experiences from history, discuss how we can show that we are safe and welcoming to others, and explore ways to make our communities more supportive and healthy for everyone.
FREE and open to the public.
Join Matthew Gardenhour (TriFACETS) and Cindi Huss (RISE: Healthy for Life) for "The Secret Life of Queer Folks." Please register ahead of time so Matthew can send the research information to you.
You are welcome to participate in the workshop whether you engage with the research or not. The workshop is appropriate for high schoolers as well, but only folx 18 or older are eligible to participate in the research.
ETSU student Matthew Gardenhour worked with RISE: Healthy for Life to develop this trans-affirming program for community members in Appalachia. This summer he is researching its effectiveness.
The July NUTs community ukulele group meetup is July 8th 7 pm to 8:30 p.m. (Just one meeting in July)
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.
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.
DATE: July 11, 2025, 6:30-9:00
At the JC home of Elsa J.
All who identify as women are welcome to the second-Friday Women's night. Come as you are, and be energized by the support of other women.
p.s. This event is the 2nd Friday this time due to the first Friday falling on a national holiday.
Our host, Elsa, is having a Southern Ladies Night with Peach Cobbler and a fun beverage provided. In addition, 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.
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: there is plenty of street parking.
July's potluck Sunday is July 13 directly after the service. Please bring a dish to share and join us for a time of fellowship and fun.
Email potlucks@gmail.com with any questions.
Please join CUUPS in celebrating the first harvest ritual; commonly called Lughnasadh or Lammas.
We will hold ritual at 6 pm followed by a potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to share. All are welcome.
Email cuups@hvuuc.org with any questions.
How do we understand religion in Appalachia beyond familiar church steeples and denominational labels? Join Dr. Jennifer Axsom Adler, a historian of religion at East Tennessee State University, for a workshop that explores the surprising diversity of religious life across the Appalachian region. Dr. Adler invites participants to explore how sacred landscapes, lived experience, and vernacular religious practices have shaped Appalachian identity, often in unexpected ways. This workshop offers an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, reflect on your own community’s religious history, and gain new insight into what religion has meant—and continues to mean—in Appalachia.
Dr. Jennifer Axsom Adler is an assistant professor of history at East Tennessee State University, where she teaches courses in world religions, American religious history, and religion in Appalachia. Her research focuses on sacred space, material culture, ritual practice, and lived religion in American life. A first-generation college student and native of Indiana, she earned her A.B. in Government from Harvard College and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Religion from Vanderbilt University.
The Church will supply the burgers, hot dogs, buns, drinks, and condiments. Please bring a snack, side dish, salad, or dessert!
Email fellowship@hvuuc.org with any questions.
