Church Yard Sale at Bryan and Rosemary’s Home in the Tree Streets, September 12th. This allows congregants to donate bulkier and smaller items to the church and sell them to a larger audience than the Service Auction. All proceeds of sold donations go to HVUUC.

Dropping off Donations

1. Our HVUUC volunteers can come as early as 6 a.m. Saturday morning to unload big items and start setting up. Official start time is 8:00 a.m. but folks will be out early!

2. You can bring (easy to carry!) boxes of stuff to the church this coming Sunday morning, Sept 6. Set them against the wall near the front entrance, or in the Fred ball room if raining. A few of us will tote the stuff over to the sale site after service.

3. People can come by during the week to the Kleske home and drop off stuff. Contact Rosemary at Rosemary@hvuuc.org or find the information in the church directory.

Big or heavy stuff: within reason!!! Drop off at the Kleske’s home anytime between Sunday the 6th - Friday the 11th. You have to be able to haul your big stuff out of your car onto the porch, so bring yer own muscle. (Trying to bring stuff on Saturday of the sale will be way too difficult).

Important Additional Info

• Pricing donations is not required but is strongly encouraged! This will save our volunteers a lot of time.

• We are NOT responsible for breakage, theft, or injury.

• Any little leftover things left at the curb: scavengers will pick through that for freebees. Charity trucks come by and pick up leftovers by 3-4 p.m.

• We do not recommend donating precious items that you will want returned back if they don’t sell. However, if you do decide to donate something you’d like returned please make it VERY CLEAR with a written list and we will do our best.

• There is limited parking behind the house. First come, first served - but should really be for the volunteer helpers each shift. There is plenty of nearby street parking.

Join us September 13 for second Sunday Potluck. Bring a dish to share and then stay after the service for a time of food and fellowship!

Email potlucks@hvuuc.org with any questions.

Near Death Experience (NDE)s. Are they real? Do they provide "proof of heaven"? All are invited to join our discussion!

Have you ever heard of an NDE or maybe STE?
Here is what Psychology Today defines as an NDE:

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A near-death experience (NDE) is the conscious, semi-conscious or recollected experience of someone who is approaching or has temporarily begun the process of dying—for example, during a cardiac arrest that is followed by resuscitation. People who recall near-death experiences have described perceiving a variety of surreal phenomena, such as seeing themselves from above or passing through a tunnel of light.

Reports of these experiences sometimes include religious or spiritual interpretations and have fueled debates about whether a person’s consciousness can persist after death. Some scientists dispute that NDEs reflect post-mortem consciousness and have sought to explain them in terms of changes in brain function during the process of dying.
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We will watch a video by a renowned neuropsychologist about his experience and discuss what NDE means to each of us.

Fall 2026 Path to Membership is coming soon! Our next class will be held on September 13th, 1:15-4:15.

Content will include Unitarian Universalism and our Covenant, an introduction to how our church is governed, and ways to be 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 a seat, contact Lori or email PTM@hvuuc.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!

The September Men’s Group meeting will be at Johnson City Brewing Company on Boones Creek Rd. (I-26, exit 17)
Featuring a public Trivia event!

Wednesday, Sept 16, 6pm
“Trivia with Budds" starts at 6:30pm. We will split into teams for those who want to participate. Simply spectating is an option!

NO POTLUCK, and no pressure to buy anything on site.
JC Brewing “also serves sodas and snacks” according to their website, and word is there is usually a food truck on-site that night.
You may want to eat ahead of arriving or bring your own food!

It’s going to be an adventure!

Johnson City Brewing Boones Creek
2362 Boones Creek Rd, Johnson City, TN 37615
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GdGN8vt9bv7fX34u6

Tennessee UU Community Action Network (TUUCAN) in coordination with UU The Vote/Side With Love will be hosting a regional Solidarity Summit in Memphis, September 18-20th. This will be free to attend, and travel/housing will be arranged.

Solidarity Summits are interfaith justice gatherings designed to engage lay leaders, clergy, organizers, movement partners, and community leaders to organize the resources and networks to build and strengthen community-led infrastructure as we face impacts of authoritarian consolidation. Together we will learn and practice skills to respond faithfully in rapid response moments, but also harness our collective power and imaginations to build the very democratic communities and systems we are fighting for.  

The Solidarity Summits equip participants with practical tools for action, develop regional care networks, strengthen long-term relationships, and help transform rapid response efforts into durable movement infrastructure rooted in collaboration, imagination, and collective power.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please email Alesha at vp@hvuuc.org.

The retreat offers opportunities to connect beyond “coffee hour chit chat.” Activities balance fun, relaxation, creativity, and a touch of spiritual reflection. Ultimately, the retreat becomes what each of us chooses to make it. All who identify as women are welcome!

•Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026.

•Time: 8:30 am–5:00 pm (doors open at 8:00; everyone out by 5:00 pm).

•Location: HVUUC campus .

•Who: HVUUC members & friends who identify as women.

•Cost: $15 cost to cover supplies. Cand donate more as you wish. Scholarships available.

•Food: Bring your own lunch. Breakfast, as well as drinks and light snacks provided.

•Partial Attendance: Yes — please let us know for planning purposes.

•Activities: Crafts, small groups, nature walk, sand mandala, quiet spaces.

•Childcare: Not available.

•Signup: Sheet at church OR email rosemary@hvuuc.org

Read the full FAQ here.

Our delicious meal and fellowship series begins again this fall with a "September to Remember".

Cost will be:

• $8.00 per person

• $15 for two folks

• $5 for the under 12s

BE SURE TO SIGN UP! Last day to sign up is Sunday, the 27th at noon-in the Fellowship Hall on the kiosk. Or, email WNS@Hvuuc.org.

Join us for a hearty fall feast and fellowship with friends. Meal will be served at 6pm
We love it if you can help clean up afterwards!