We embrace diversity within the congregation’s membership and in theology. We are committed to being a vital and growing progressive congregation within our larger community. And we promote spiritual growth, religious freedom, and ethical action.
We hope you will visit our church. Our worship services are at 11:00am; children’s and adult religious education classes are at 9:30am.
Sunday Schedule
9:30 a.m. Religious Education Classes
11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service
12:00 p.m. Coffee Hour
Past Services: HVUUC YouTube
Upcoming Services (Sundays @ 11 a.m.)
Come kick off Banned Books Week with Rev. Tiffany as we look at some of the books that were banned or challenged this year and why.
As religions are often keepers of tradition, it's natural to assume that most religions are not LGBTQ+ friendly, and this is supported by the vocal components of many world religions that equate their own bigotry with the tenets of their faith. And yet, there are strong, beautiful, and sometimes ancient queer voices in most world religions that say otherwise. This day after Tri-Pride Rev. Tiffany explores a few world religions and the LGBTQ+ voices within them.
Is the story of Persephone and Hades just an ancient myth explaining the reason for changing seasons, or something deeper? Join Erin Jenkins in discussing this ancient story, and what we can learn from its strong female archetypes even in our modern world.
On the last Sunday of October, our congregation is visited by all sorts of interesting characters dressed up in their Halloween best! Rev. Tiffany hosts a very special service where we explore femininity with Tinker Belle, fear and mortality with the Grim Reaper, and joys of competition from the cast of the Great British Baking Show, and many many other insightful characters. Come in costume and stay for the Trunk or Treat!
Our host for the first Friday of September women’s night is Beth in her Johnson City home. We will have a cozy bonfire - weather permitting!!
Bring something symbolic that you’d like to burn!
All who identify as women are welcome to the first-Friday Women's night in October. Come be energized by the support of other women.
Feel free to bring finger foods or drinks to share, but it is not a requirement. Finger foods are preferred, something you can eat on a napkin! And please bring home any leftovers.
For address and questions, contact womensgroup@hvuuc.org.
🤝 Religious Exploration Collaborative (REC) Meeting
Sunday, October 4 • 5:00 PM • Via Zoom
Everyone involved in Religious Exploration is welcome!
This month we’ll be connecting around:
🎃 Trunk & Treat Planning
📅 Calendar Review
🌱 Programming Updates
❤️ CPR Training Info for Volunteers
Come help us connect, collaborate, and continue shaping what Religious Exploration is becoming at HVUUC!
✨ Click below to join the REC Zoom meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/95967749088?pwd=oB1bgnnsjoCQVBlRdffEwEJj0molbd
A church-wide intergenerational dance party with music, a DJ and "Street Food' from around the world. Bring the kids bring your grandma, and everyone else. Music from many decades, genres, and continents (yes, Bollywood.).
Prizes!!
Come to have a truly fun evening.
This was originally an auction item. If you purchased tickets at last year’s auction, then you’re good to go. But we’re also opening this up to anyone! If you’d like to join the cost is:
$10 per person
$15 per pair
Email mary@hvuuc.org with any questions.
TriPride parade begins in Bristol, TN at noon from Shelby St parking lot.
Parade goes to Cumberland Square Park in Bristol, Va where the festival will be held.
The 7the Annual TriPride Parade and Festival is celebrating “Unbreakable, Unshakable and United!”
Lineup for parade begins at 10am at the Shelby St Lot in Bristol, TN
Parade begins at noon and proceeds to Cumberland Square Park, 200 Lee St in Bristol, Va for the festival (12p-5p)
Ways to join:
-Ride in the cab of the truck
-Walk in the parade handing out rainbow colored candy
-Help carry our banner in the parade
-Sit under a tent at the HVUUC table greeting festival goers who are invited to engage in fun, meaningful activities.
Join us for a day of celebration, community connection, pride and fun.
We Need Volunteers!
We need at least 6 folks to sign up for 1-2 hour intervals to sit in the HVUUC tent. Email pride@hvuuc.org to sign up.
We’ll also need help setting up before hand and tearing down at the end of the day. Many hands make light work!
If you have any questions or if you’d like to volunteer for a shift in the HVUUC tent please email pride@hvuuc.org or talk to Elizabeth F. during a service.
For more information about the parade and festival visit https://tripridetn.org/
The potluck in October will be held on the usual second Sunday of the month, 11 October.
Pronouns may be small words, but they can carry a whole lot of meaning — and sometimes, a little curiosity can open the door to a whole lot more understanding.
More Than Words is an interactive workshop for anyone who wants to better understand pronouns, and explore how the words we choose can help people feel seen, respected, and affirmed.
Together, we’ll make room for curiosity, questions, conversation, laughter, and practice — without expecting anyone to already know all the “right” words or have everything figured out.
We’ll explore what pronouns can mean to identity, why using someone’s pronouns matters, what to do when we make mistakes, and practical ways we can support the people in our families, friendships, workplaces, congregations, and communities.
Whether pronouns are something you know a lot about, something you’re still figuring out, or something you simply want to understand better, there is a place for you in the conversation.
🍲 Come a Little Early & Share the Table!
Our community potluck begins at 12:00 PM, and you’re warmly invited to join us before the workshop!
You don’t need to bring a thing but yourself. Come grab a plate, meet some lovely humans, and share a little time in community. If sharing food brings you joy, you’re also more than welcome to bring a favorite dish to add to the table. Come curious.
Come as you are. You are welcome here.
Please take a moment to complete this short survey so we can shape the workshop in ways that are meaningful for those attending:
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Get those costumes ready and start dreaming up those decorated trunks—HVUUC's Annual Trunk or Treat is coming! 🎃🚗✨
And Trunk Decorating Sign-Ups are officially OPEN!
Anyone who signs up to bring and decorate a vehicle will automatically be entered into our Trunk Decorating Contest, with prizes in three fun categories:
🎨 Most Creative
👻 Spookiest Trunk
✨ Best Overall Experience
Go big, get silly, make it spooky, create a whole experience—or just have fun with it!
Not decorating a trunk? Come anyway! Dress up, bring the family, enjoy the decorated vehicles, and join us for an afternoon of Halloween fun and community.
🚗 Sign Up to Decorate a Trunk!
https://form.jotform.com/262644541863058
Save the date: Sunday, October 25! We can't wait to see what you create! 🎃✨
You are welcome to "A Walk in My Shoes" workshop on Sun., Nov. 1st at 1 p.m. in REZ Room 1. This workshop will be an opportunity to express your journey from victim, survivor, to thriver through art.
HVUUC will display this art exhibit, starting on Sun., Nov. 22nd - Sat., Dec. 5th to commemorate the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW).
Every year on Nov. 25th, the world marks the IDEVAW, which serves as a global reminder that violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations, yet too often stays silent, hidden and unreported. Established to raise awareness, mobilize action and demand change, the day calls on governments, civil society and communities to step up.
We would love to include your art and testimony in the "A Walk in My Shoes" exhibit. Bring a shoe from your own closet which symbolizes your strength, or we will have shoes which you can choose from. Art supplies to "transform" your shoe will be provided. We will also have a short writing exercise, which pairs with the shoe, to describe your healing, recovery & growth.
Email shoes@hvuuc.org with any questions or talk to Jenna W. or Sophia P.
November 7th is our annual Service Auction.
What is a Service Auction?
Great question! A service auction is a Fun Raiser in which friends and members donate services. We, all the members and friends of this HVUUC community, can bid on these services to win them. The winning bidders will pay the church, while the donor of the service provides the service.
What does a service mean?
A service can be something like a movie night for four with snacks, a murder mystery game night, homemade soup for delivery in January, a dinner for eight, four hours of handy work or garden tending, a ladies evening by the pool, or leading a hike.
I’ve not seen anyone offer a decluttering service; do you have that skill to offer? Ideas are nearly limitless. If it sounds daunting, you can team up with someone else to offer a service. The auction is also open to donated goods for sale – solicit business gift cards or business donations, etc.
Finally - the night of the auction is a terrific social event featuring a live auction with auctioneer, and a silent auction. Substantial finger foods and libations and child-care are provided.
You'll hear more through email, the HVUUC website, and testimonials in the coming services. Email auction@hvuuc.org with any questions.
You are invited to a Giving Tree Party! Volunteers are needed to stay after service on Sun., Nov. 15th at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall to bag items in preparation for this year’s Giving Tree.
Our tree will be in need of items for children, women, and men such as: handwarmers, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and underwear. The Giving Tree donation bin will be in the Fred Ball room. You may leave items as they are, packaged or not. We will collect items all through the holiday season to keep the tree replenished. Additionally, monetary donations are welcomed, and we will do the shopping for you!
Email givingtree@hvuuc.org with any questions.
Join us for church on Oct 4, 2026.
9:30am RE
11:00am Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
“Let Books Be - Protecting the Freedom to Read”
Come kick off Banned Books Week with Rev. Tiffany as we look at some of the books that were banned or challenged this year and why.
Headlines …
TriPride
Church Dance Party
Pronoun Workshop
The Giving Tree
Service Auction
Trunk or Treat
Women’s Night
Click here to read the entire newsletter.
Click here for past newsletters.
You can also find a few printed copies at our visitors table in the sanctuary.
Planning to attend this year’s Service Auction on Nov 7? We’d love for you to bring a finger food to share! After all, bidding wars are much more fun when there are snacks involved.
Bring your favorite appetizer, nibble, or tasty little something—and come prepared to bid, laugh, and have a great time!
Email fellowship@hvuuc.org with any questions.
💜 A Note from the DRE
🤝 Join a Religious Exploration Collaborative (REC) Monthly Meeting
🗣️More Than Words: Pronouns Workshop
🎃 HVUUC Annual Trunk or Treat!
✨ Many Gifts, One Community
🎂 Happy October Birthdays!
💜 Gratitudes Across the Bridge
What is a Service Auction?
Great question! A service auction is a Fun Raiser in which friends and members donate services. We, all the members and friends of this HVUUC community, can bid on these services to win them. The winning bidders will pay the church, while the donor of the service provides the service.
What does a service mean? ….
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.
✨ Many Gifts, One Community
Religious Exploration is growing—and with that growth comes more opportunities for our whole community to help bring it to life! 💜
Volunteering with RE doesn't have to mean becoming a teacher. There are so many ways to share your time, interests, skills, and gifts:
● Lead a class and help guide exploration and conversation.
● Assist a lead facilitator and be an extra supportive presence.
● Support Wonder Worship and help create meaningful worship experiences for our youngest UUs.
● Help with communications, organization, or behind-the-scenes projects.
● Lend a hand where needed without committing to an ongoing role.
If you've been a friend of HVUUC for 3 months or longer, stop by the Volunteer Sign-Up Board in the church lobby and see where you might like to jump in!
For the safety of our children and youth, background checks are required for volunteers working directly with them and are fully provided by the church.
Our programs don't happen because of one person. They happen because a community of people chooses to show up, share what they have, and create something meaningful together.
You don't have to do everything. Come share your something. 💜✨
Join us for church on Sept 27, 2026.
9:30am RE
11:00am Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
12:30pm Social Justice Meeting
“Creativity and Capitalism: Who are We Becoming with AI?”
So much has changed, both with technology and humanity, since Rev. Tiffany last explored topics around Artificial Intelligence. So she revisits this topic, this time with an eye toward who we humans are becoming as usage of AI becomes more pervasive in our society.
Please email all submissions for the October newsletter by Wednesday Sept 30 to newsletter@hvuuc.org.
🌉 RE Bridge Weekly | Falling Into Balance 🍂 | Trunk & Treat Sign-Ups
September 27, 2026
💜 A Note from the DRE
🤝 Religious Exploration Collaborative (REC) monthly meeting.
🧸 Nursery Families — Please Register
🗣️More Than Words: Pronouns Workshop
🎃 HVUUC Annual Trunk or Treat!
📦 Small Boxes Needed!
🎂 Happy September Birthday!
✨ Volunteers Make the Magic Happen
💜 Gratitudes Across the Bridge
It’s not uncommon for scammers to pose as members or staff of the church. Please remember that no one from HVUUC will ever spontaneously reach out to you and ask for you to purchase something with promises of being reimbursed later!
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 Sept 20, 2026.
9:30am RE
11:00am Service
12:00pm Coffee Hour
4:00pm Youth Group
“Whaddya Know?”
The Rev. Jeff Briere doesn't know much, so he wants to know what you know. He wonders if we rely too much on others to know what we know.
💜 A Note from the DRE
🧭 Our RE Journey Has Begun!
🌟 Youth Group Gathering — This Sunday!
👶 Nursery Families — Please Register
🍎 Facilitator Training
🗣️Pronouns Workshop — October 11
🎃 Save the Date: Trunk or Treat!
📦 Small Boxes Needed!
💜 Gratitudes Across the Bridge
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.