Our Values

In Summer of 2024 the gathered General Assembly of Unitarian Universalist Congregations voted to make these Seven Values part of their bylaws.  We strive to live out these values the best we can in our community here at Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church:

Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.

Services about Love:

You’ve Got a Friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqqortgVvWg

Won’t You Be My Neighbor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgXvP_lTU_E

Interdependence. We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.

We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.

Services about Interdependence:

Ayyew and Bottle Bricks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IAOCzzOXfs&t=2393s

Water Communion 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ursE2K0fvCA

Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.

We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.

Services about Pluralism:

The Variety of Religious Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWgV8-y-0ys

Festivals of Light: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8q2mU2hoM0

And Everything Else: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oMQxsMUCU4

Justice. We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive.

We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.

Services about Justice:

The Man, The Dream, The Movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqoKuHPUoXQ&t=1s

Activism as a Spiritual Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcx7H8XPoS8

Speak Truth to Power: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvsCnYdjyrM

Transformation. We adapt to the changing world.

We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.

The Five Smooth Stones of Unitarian Universalism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxftjIs0aw

Change the Only Constant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g6WIBxrMDI

From Campfire Myths to YouTube Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij_lCRRHcvw

Generosity. We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.

We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.

Brick by Brick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vahj1EZt3AU

Community of Communities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQsQ-jB_55c

Equity. We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.

We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

Services about Equity:

May Day, Yesterday and Today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7ry5LKhCM4

Silence Won’t Save Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICsQYkWWSOM&t=1s

Mental Health Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuHucMq7Uo4