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The Social Justice Committee invites Johnson City Recovery Center, a peer-led and operated recovery community center. All services are free.
This quarter's recipient of the 5th Sunday Offering is Johnson City Recovery Center (JCRC). JCRC is a peer-led and operated recovery community center. All services are free and provide advocacy training, recovery information, mutual aid support, recovery and health information, technology and internet assistance, resource mobilization, employment assistance, recovery coaching, volunteerism, yoga for recovery, social activities, etc. JCRC is a ‘recovery hub’ offering a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for those seeking recovery where all paths to recovery are welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated.
JCRC's website: https://jcrecoverycenter.org/
With any questions email sjchair@hvuuc.org
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
Join us for church on March 23, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Will the Real Rumi Please Stand Up?”
Many know and love the poetry of Persian mystic Rumi, but most of our experiences of Rumi's poetry come from translations that separate his poetry from his Muslim identity. This week we get to know the real Rumi, and see what he has to teach us.
Our website and email forwarding system was down for several days over the weekend. If you’ve emailed an @hvuuc.org address in the past few days it may not have been delivered or had a delayed delivery. Everything is back up and working now! We apologize for the inconvenience.
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
Join us for church on March 16, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
4:00pm Youth Group
“Spirit, Grant Healing: The Art of Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy”
Join us for a transformative service exploring the sacred practice of pastoral care and chaplaincy. Together, we will reflect on the art of healing through spirit, presence, and compassionate guidance. In a world marked by struggle, this sermon illuminates the path of understanding, empathy, and kindness. How do we offer solace to those in need? How do we create a community of love and support? Let us embrace the healing power of spirit and cultivate a ministry of radical love and care.
On Saturday, March 22, the Keep TN River Beautiful crew be taking volunteers in their 26-foot jon boats to clean the shorelines of Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tenn!
Our 7th annual Tennessee River Grand Slam Cleanup Series will kick off with a cleanup on Douglas Lake of the French Broad River. Our friends at Living Lands & Waters will join this cleanup with three of their boats to add to our two work boats, making this one huge cleanup!
This lake has a lot of debris from the outfall from Hurricane Helene, so we will need many hands to help clean these shorelines! Fill out the form below to register! This cleanup will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
**Please be sure to register at https://www.keeptnriverbeautiful.org/douglaslake2 to reserve your seat as space in our boat is limited!**
The Let's Chat Covenant Group is looking for New members. We meet 2nd and 4th Monday's in the REZ we start at 6:30 and runs to 8:30.
Want to meet other church members on a more personal level? That's the purpose of Covenant Groups. Latest topics were, Acceptance, Scarcity or Abundance, Humor, Gratitude, and Aging.
We will hold your information private. I do ask that; are you willing to commit to make as many sessions as possible. A copy of our Covenant is available upon request to me, Greg Kramer.
Email letschat@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
Join us for church on March 9, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Potluck
“Mental Makeover”
Every thought we have is a neural pathway in our brain, which is why sometimes our thinking becomes a bit of a rut. But we have the power to train our brain, to make over our mind. Today Rev. Tiffany explores neuroplasticity and how it's never too late to change our brains.
Hello!
We are pleased to invite you to attend the upcoming Second Annual Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit scheduled for April 2, 2025, at the Brinkley Center This summit aims to bring together professionals, advocates, and community members to address critical issues surrounding sexual assault and domestic violence.
The summit will provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions, resource sharing, and collaborative efforts to strengthen our community's response to these challenges. With a range of expert speakers, informative sessions, and workshops, this event is designed to inspire and empower those working to make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by violence.
Event Details:
Date: April 2, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Brinkley Center, 2001 Millennium Pl, Johnson City, TN 37604
We would be honored for you to participate and contribute to the ongoing efforts to create safer, more supportive environments for survivors. For additional information, please scan the attached QR code or contact us at 423-439-8025 or taylormr1@etsu.edu.
We look forward to your attendance and hope that you can join us in advancing the conversation and making a positive impact.
All best,
Ruth Taylor Read
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
How is your family vacationing this year? Did you know you that your whole family can go the a special camp for ALL ages and all kinds of activities!? The Unitarian Universalist camp in Radford Va, may be the place for you! This year it will be the week of July 20th to the 26th.
SUUSI is the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute, a walloping week long summer camp for the young and the young-at-HeaRT, a meet-up of Unitarian Universalist community, bringing together old friends and new. SUUSI is an intentional week to grow, relax, play, share and connect with others, a week you’ll remember for years to come.
For more than 50 years UU's gather from all over the Southeastern US and go to SUUSI! We have workshops and outdoor activities for people of all ages and abilities. From origami to caving and hundreds of activities in between. Special age appropriate activities for children from toddlers to 18-year-olds. Special activities for young adults, as well. Play all day and dance all night!!
If your are interested go to www.SUUSI.org or email greg@hvuuc.org.
Join us for church on March 2, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Noah, his Ark, and his Incredible Cargo”
Do you remember the story of Noah’s Ark? Noah is certainly the human star but what about the experiences of and consequences for the scores of supporting characters tended to by Noah and his crew? What directives does Noah receive as he disembarks and what inspiration can we draw from the story? Member Lori Krause shares her reflection on this ancient story.
Headlines
• Minister’s Note
• RE News
• Ukulele Group
• Women’s Hiking Group
• Women’s Night
• UU Family Summer Camp
• Game Night
• WETS
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You can also find a few printed copies at our visitors table in the sanctuary.
Up to date church info is always available at www.hvuuc.org
Did you know that the Church collects non-perishable food to help local people in need? Please leave your canned and non-perishable donations in the bin in our foyer to be distributed here in the Tri-Cities.
Are you not sure about how much of your 2024/2025 Pledge you have made? Email Treasurer@hvuuc.org and ask for your Pledge Status, please make sure your name is in the email.
Hello all intrepid hikers who identify as women! We are planning to schedule hikes for those interested, one Saturday every month or so. The length and difficulty of the hikes will vary and each will be led by a designated volunteer. If you’re interested, please send your name and email. When a hike has been planned, we’ll send the details to those who have replied.
I hope many of you will consider joining us on any hike that’s planned. It will be a fun way to see new trails and get to know each other better.
Email hiking@hvuuc.org if you are interested.
Join us for church on February 23, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Small Story, Big Wisdom”
Small stories and parables can provide powerful wisdom – if we allow the space for reflection and integration of the many messages. The Buddhist parable of the two monks and the maiden seems simple, but when we explore the deeper experience there is opportunity to carry this wisdom into our daily lives, bringing peace to ourselves and the world. Church member Bob Warner shares his reflections on this time-proven parable.
Please email all submissions for the March newsletter by Wednesday Feb 26 to newsletter@hvuuc.org.
February 23, 2025 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
LUNCH: 12:30 pm -1:30 pm
Gather together & share a meal. Pizza, salad, dessert and beverages will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own lunch if you wish. It's free and open to the public!
This event is organized by the LGBTOIA+ Outreach Committee of First Presbyterian of Elizabethton, Tennessee. If you have questions or need more information, email: morellghtefpcelizabethton.org
MOVIE MATINEE: Dating Amber 1:30 pm -3:30 pm
Dating Amber Set in Ireland in the 1990s. Dating Amber is part coming- of-age story part rom-com with a decidedly LGBTOIA+ twist. It follows two closeted teens who join forces as they do their best to survive high school. Following the film, there will be ample opportunity to respond and share experiences.
LOCATION
First Presbyterian of Elizabethton
119W F St Elizabethton, TN 37643
WEB PAGE: fpcelizabethton.org
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
Join us for church on February 16, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
4:00pm Youth Group
“Lessons from the Silent Disco”
Murmurations of starlings, schools of fish, and humans gathered at a silent disco all give the appearance of moving to an unseen beat or current. What can we learn about how we build community, from observing these trends?
HVUUC has been invited to consider whether we have the capability to occasionally feed work groups coming into the area for Helene repair. Rev. Tiffany is currently gauging interest to see if we have enough to move forward in our involvement.
The Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) of Washington County is organizing many of the relief and recovery efforts in Washington County. Many work groups (including a lot of church groups) are expected to come in during the spring, and some are coming already! The LTRG is developing a list of church groups that can provide food for these relief workers while they're here. Does our church have enough interest to form a Meal Brigade group for these efforts? Is there anyone interested in being the organizer and point of contact for this work?
If you have some free time and some interest, email Rev. Tiffany at minister@hvuuc.org and let her know!
Have you noticed that our congregation is growing? While Sunday attendance varies from week to week, our official membership number has increased and our average Sunday attendance is up by about 10%!
It is a unique challenge to try to get to know everyone at this point, and that is true for member and minister alike! Dunbar's number says it's difficult to make a meaningful connection with more than 150 people in your life at one time, and the church's official membership is now at 146!
Whether you're an official member of the church, a friend of the church, or you are just visiting and considering how involved you want to be, Rev. Tiffany would love a chance to get to know you.
She has a convenient meeting scheduling app that tracks her availability. You can sign up for an hour or half an hour, and can indicate whether you want to meet at the office or on the phone or zoom.
Click here to schedule some time:
https://calendly.com/tiffanysappuu
Upcoming News and Events
Click through for a collection of upcoming news and events at HVUUC. Click the images to be directed to more information.
Join us for church on February 9, 2025!
9:30am Religious Education
11:00am Sunday Service
12:00pm Potluck
“From Genesis to the Universe Story”
The Genesis Creation and Fall stories in the bible are foundational to our Unitarian Universalist Heritage. What does this 3000 year old myth mean to Unitarian Universalists today? Longtime member George Cross shares some of his thoughts about the Adam and Eve story.
BEYOND THE CHURCH WALLS: REIMAGINING THE BOUNDARIES OF RELIGION IN APPALACHIA
PRESENTED BY DR. JENNIFER AXSOM ADLER
Saturday, February 15th, 10:00 a.m. First Presbyterian Church Elizabethton 119 West F Street, Elizabethton, TN
First Presbyterian Church Elizabethton is sponsoring a free lecture on Sat , February 15, by Dr. Jennifer Axsom Adler, titled "Beyond the Church Walls: Reimagining the Boundaries of Religion in Appalachia." This event will be conducted at the church and also streamed live from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Refreshments will be offered. For a head count, please register by going to fpcelizabethton.org. Thanks go to the Christian Education Committee for coordinating the program.
According to Adler, religion in Appalachia is much more complicated than is commonly recognized. "It is often imagined as predominantly Christian, with Baptists playing a particularly central role," she asserts. "But a thorough examination of the history reveals a much more complex and diverse narrative. For church groups, this exploration could offer a fresh perspective related to their own congregations histories.
A native of Bloomington, Indiana, Adler is currently an assistant professor of history at ETSU. She holds a bachelor's degree in government from Harvard College and a master's and doctorate in religion from Vanderbilt University. From the lecture, Adler would like attendees to gain deeper- appreciation for the rich diversity of religious practices and identities in the region. In addition, she plans to introduce the concept of 'vernacular religion," which scholars define as "religion as it is lived: as human beings encounter, understand, and interpret it." This concept offers a valuable framework for examining the lived experience of religion in Appalachia .
According to our Congregation's policies, any time a new policy is proposed to be added to our Board Policy book, there is a "first reading" during a Board meeting where the Board votes to approve the policy. It is then shared with the congregation along with an email address to submit comments to the Board about the proposed policy. After the comment period, the Board will have a "second reading" where they can make amendments and vote on the policy. Only after going through this process does a new policy become part of the Congregation's Policy Book.
The following policy has been voted by the Board of Trustees (BoT) to send to the congregation for comment:
The BoT has developed a new policy about types of groups within the church and the privileges granted to them. There are some groups at HVUUC that are integral to the operation of the church like Choir, Social Justice, Small Group Ministries, Youth Group, etc. There are other fellowship groups that use the church facilities but do not ask for funding from the Church as a line item on our budget like MACHO, Women’s Group, BUUK Group, etc. And there are, or may be, other fellowship groups that would like to use the Church facilities and be funded as part of the church budget. To address the differences in the way both fellowship groups would be handled, the Board proposes the following:
Types of Groups and Their Privileges
The definition of a ‘Group’ is the following:
· A number of people, including church members and friends
· People gather to do one or many activities for fellowship or education
· They are not a standing Committee of the church
· Their existence is acknowledged by Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
· To form a Group, a minimum of (5) church members or friends must be committed to being members of the Group. Group of this size is called a ‘Level One Group’.
Privileges of a Level One Group are the following:
· Having a church email address
· Receiving support from the office and minister
· Having the ability to reserve the building or rooms in the church building
· Having the Group’s events in the church calendar and e-news
· Level One Groups do not have a line in the church budget nor are they provided funding from the church.
If a Group would like funding from the church, they would have to become a ‘Level Two Group’. The requirements to become a Level Two Group are:
· At least five (5) members of the Group are church members and friends
· A written structure of organized leadership, including a process of rotating leadership
· A written internal covenant with the leadership and its members
· A written covenant with the Board
· A mission statement
· Meet at least four (4) times a fiscal year
· A record of attendance of every meeting submitted to their designated Board Trustee
· A yearly report submitted to their designated Board Trustee
The privileges of a Level Two Group are all privileges of a Level One Group as well as the ability to be funded by the church. In exchange for being funded by the church, Level Two Groups are required to do at least two (2) of the following every fiscal year:
· Conduct and clean up Coffee Hour at least four (4) times a fiscal year
· Provide a Sunday service one (1) time a fiscal year
· Provide a Sunday potluck and clean up at least two (2) times a fiscal year
· Offer at least one item or service at the annual church auction
· Have at least 75% of Group members participate in church work days
· Conduct a fundraiser where the proceeds will be donated to the church
· Any item(s) or service(s) that is approved by the current Minister
The Board has full oversight and final say on funding Groups and which Groups qualify.
If you have any comments for or against this policy, please email your comments to president@hvuuc.org by February 16, 2025, so that your comments can be reviewed prior to the Board's final vote on this policy.
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