February 1st is the pagan holiday known as Imbolc. It means “in the belly” and celebrates the Celtic goddess Brigid, goddess of inspiration and creativity, healing, smith craft and poetry. Within each of us, there is a core of spirit, a spark of the divine. During these heartbreaking times, revealing that center helps us be resilient, courageous, and calm.

Join us for our February worship series, Embodying Resilience, as our Minister, Lore Stevens, shares her message, “In the Belly”.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for February is St. Paul's-San Pablo Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. For 135 years, St. Paul’s has served the Phillips community of south Minneapolis. Today, St. Paul’s serves in one of the youngest, most diverse and impoverished communities in Minneapolis. When our minister, Lóre, traveled to the Twin Cities in January, the pastor of San Pablo told the gathered clergy about how his bilingual, LGBTQ+ affirming church is largely made up of immigrant members and citizens who have transformed the congregation into an emergency mutual aid center. We believe that donating to this sibling congregation will have a direct impact on the people who are most severely impacted by ICE’s actions in Minnesota. For more information, visit https://www.sanpablostpaul.org/about.html. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After worship, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the lobby. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

The community Warming Center remains open in the building through Monday morning, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. Whenever temperatures are below 20 degrees, or more than an inch of snow is predicted, and enough volunteers are available to staff the center, it will open. Please follow us on Facebook: Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church for updates. If you'd like to volunteer or have questions, email oruucwarmingshelter@gmail.com. If you are facing a housing crisis, please contact TN Out-Reach Center for Homeless (TORCH) here in Oak Ridge at 865-318-4788 and leave a message.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal health risks and do what makes you feel comfortable this winter, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Stone Soup is a FREE monthly community meal on the final Friday of the month. Diners can park and come inside the Social Hall to enjoy a meal with others, or walk in to pick up a takeout meal for themselves or family members, a neighbor, or friend. Meals will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, or until supplies run out. Bags of non-perishable groceries will also be available. This meal is open to all! We appreciate all of the volunteers who make this meal happen each month, and our partners, the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge and Kroger Marketplace.

The symbol of our flaming chalice originated during World War II, when Unitarians worked to help Jewish people escape Nazi regime in Europe. To honor Holocaust Remembrance Day, let's go back to basics and unpack how our religious ancestors came to this decision, as well as why and how we continue to resist white nationalism today.

Join us for our January worship series, Practicing Resistance, as our Minister, Lore Stevens, shares her message, “Resisting the Reich”.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for January is Ecumenical Storehouse. Since 1984, members of ORUUC, along with volunteers from other Oak Ridge churches, have collected and distributed household goods to thousands of area families in need during emergency situations, including those impacted by fires, flooding, and family crises. This ministry has repurposed tons of useful items, redirecting them from landfills into the hands of those who need them. For more information, visit https://www.ecumenicalstorehouse.org/. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After worship, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal health risks and do what makes you feel comfortable this winter, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Unitarian Universalists, like other liberal peers, have accepted that racism is bad. But it's important that we can articulate why. To honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us examine how our various spiritual beliefs and our shared values align to affirm that no group of human beings are less worthy based on ethnicity or race, and to work for a world that affirms it with us.

Join us for our January worship series, Practicing Resistance, as our Minister, Lore Stevens, shares her message, “Why Racism is Bad”.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for January is Ecumenical Storehouse. Since 1984, members of ORUUC, along with volunteers from other Oak Ridge churches, have collected and distributed household goods to thousands of area families in need during emergency situations, including those impacted by fires, flooding, and family crises. This ministry has repurposed tons of useful items, redirecting them from landfills into the hands of those who need them. For more information, visit https://www.ecumenicalstorehouse.org/. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After worship, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal health risks and do what makes you feel comfortable this winter, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

The Civil Rights Movement didn't just occur spontaneously. It was the result of theological reflection, strategic planning, and training to withstand the hatred they were fighting and knew they must face. Let us honor and learn from the Black movement leaders who inspired our nation and the world with nonviolent civil disobedience.

Join us for our January worship series, Practicing Resistance, as our Minister, Lore Stevens, shares her message, “Practicing Nonviolence”.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for January is Ecumenical Storehouse. Since 1984, members of ORUUC, along with volunteers from other Oak Ridge churches, have collected and distributed household goods to thousands of area families in need during emergency situations, including those impacted by fires, flooding, and family crises. This ministry has repurposed tons of useful items, redirecting them from landfills into the hands of those who need them. For more information, visit https://www.ecumenicalstorehouse.org/. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After worship, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal health risks and do what makes you feel comfortable this winter, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Freshly arrived in 2026, let us look to the year ahead and set some practical, ethical resolutions to reduce harm and nurture mutual flourishing.

Join us for our January worship series, Practicing Resistance, as our Minister, Lore Stevens, shares her message, “Resolutions to Resist”.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for January is Ecumenical Storehouse. Since 1984, members of ORUUC, along with volunteers from other Oak Ridge churches, have collected and distributed household goods to thousands of area families in need during emergency situations, including those impacted by fires, flooding, and family crises. This ministry has repurposed tons of useful items, redirecting them from landfills into the hands of those who need them. For more information, visit https://www.ecumenicalstorehouse.org/. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After worship, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Don't forget Eggs & Pegs before worship at 8:30 a.m. today–play cribbage, eat breakfast, have fun!

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal health risks and do what makes you feel comfortable this winter, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

The Church Office reopens tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 5. 

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

As the year comes to a close, let's examine how hope is not a timid idea, but one that dares us to have faith in our best selves and the promise of tomorrow.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our December worship series, Choosing Hope, as Dr. Leah Disney, Director of Music, shares her sermon, “Hope: The Real Punk Rock.”

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for December is the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge. This community non-profit, primarily staffed by volunteers, offers free medical services to those who live in Anderson, Roane, and Morgan counties. It serves people who do not have insurance and cannot afford to pay for medical services due to their income level; it can literally mean the difference between life and death for some people. We all deserve adequate health care and to be treated with worth and dignity (our first principle). Our support of the Free Medical Clinic helps us live our principles while providing care to the disadvantaged. For more information, visit https://www.fmcor.org/. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service this morning, we invite you for coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Adult Faith Formation Classes take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Youth classes and the nursery are taking a break over the school holiday. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Stone Soup is a FREE monthly community meal on the final Friday of the month. Diners can park and come inside the Social Hall to enjoy a meal with others, or walk in to pick up a takeout meal for themselves or family members, a neighbor, or friend. Meals will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, or until supplies run out. Bags of non-perishable groceries will also be available. This meal is open to all! We appreciate all of the volunteers who make this meal happen each month, and our partners, the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge and Kroger Marketplace.

Step away from the talk of miracles and magic, the frantic busy-ness and forced merriment. Come into a calming celebration with music and story and candlelight, that just might wipe some of the tarnish off this season.

Join us this Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. for a traditional service. Pre-service music begins at 5:45 p.m.

The special offering taken this evening is for the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. The fund is available to help church members who are in a moment of financial crisis. Through the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, we’ve been able to pay a month’s rent or mortgage to help ORUUCians to maintain their housing. We can pay for an unexpected medical, dental, or prescription bill that would otherwise max out someone’s finances. We’ve paid utility bills to literally keep the lights on. The Minister’s Discretionary Fund also helps people in the larger Oak Ridge community with utility bills, food, and gas. When folks in need call the church for emergency assistance, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund is where the money comes from to pay a bill or offer relief. The fund is completely confidential: If you’re in need, only the minister need know, in order to access the fund. A bill can be paid safely and securely, with complete discretion. The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is available only through your generous contributions. Any cash or check or electronic gift you make today will help keep the Fund available to friends in need. Thanks in advance for your generosity. Please GIVE HERE as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our December worship series, Choosing Hope, and a fun UU take on the nativity story.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for December is the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge. This community non-profit, primarily staffed by volunteers, offers free medical services to those who live in Anderson, Roane, and Morgan counties. It serves people who do not have insurance and cannot afford to pay for medical services due to their income level; it can literally mean the difference between life and death for some people. We all deserve adequate health care and to be treated with worth and dignity (our first principle). Our support of the Free Medical Clinic helps us live our principles while providing care to the disadvantaged. For more information, visit https://www.fmcor.org/. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service this morning, we invite you for coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Adult Faith Formation Classes take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Youth classes and the nursery are taking a break over the school holiday. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

ORUUC has a long tradition of marking the turning of the year with a service that includes song and story, the lighting of a Yule Log, and acknowledging blessings that emerge in the dawning light of a new year.

Join us this Winter Solstice Eve at 7 p.m. for this annual service. Refreshments will be served in the Social Hall following the service. Childcare is provided. All are welcome!

The symbol of Unitarian Universalism is the flaming chalice, an image with both ancient origins and modern history in assisting Jews to escape Europe during WWII. Let us celebrate the eternal flame of Judaism with Hanukkah as well as its descendent in our beautiful, hybrid holy symbol.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our December worship series, Choosing Hope. Our minister, Lóre Stevens, will share her message, “The Flaming Chalice”.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for December is the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge. This community non-profit, primarily staffed by volunteers, offers free medical services to those who live in Anderson, Roane, and Morgan counties. It serves people who do not have insurance and cannot afford to pay for medical services due to their income level; it can literally mean the difference between life and death for some people. We all deserve adequate health care and to be treated with worth and dignity (our first principle). Our support of the Free Medical Clinic helps us live our principles while providing care to the disadvantaged. For more information, visit https://www.fmcor.org/. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service this morning, we invite you for coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Adult and Youth Faith Formation Classes take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Our annual Soup Potluck begins at noon, followed by Cocoa, COOKIES, and Caroling at 1 p.m. The Holiday Cookie Exchange is back! If you plan to participate, please bag cookies by the half dozen and label the bags clearly. And this is an exchange–so please bring as many bags as you would like to take home.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

A reminder that Angel Tree gifts are due back at church TODAY! The gifts should be wrapped and tagged. If you have any questions, please stop by the nursery and speak with Susan. Thank you for helping make the holiday season brighter for these local children! 

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Joshua Reid Hogan, 37, of Knoxville, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, passed away suddenly on November 26, 2025.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.

Joshua is survived by wife Janessa Bettis, his daughter Ruby (6), his son Ryden (14) and Julian (12); his mother, Laura Davis, his father, Dennis Hogan, brother Paul Hogan, and nieces Nola Lowe & Molly Hogan.

Joshua had a heart of gold and would always be willing to help anyone. He was hard-working and dedicated. He spent 15 years doing carpentry. He was employed at Knox County Highway Department for several years. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family.

Although Joshua did not like any attention at all, he deserves to have the recognition of fatherly love that he showered upon Ruby and Ryden, and the encompassing and abundant love he shared with Janessa. He was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He enjoyed fishing, disc golf, and working on cars. His love for camping was something he shared with his children, leaving a memory that will never fade.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for any donations be made to help support his beloved daughter and son’s education. Joshua’s focus was always his children Ruby, Ryden, and Janessa. Any donations are greatly appreciated.

One of the highlights of Unitarian Universalism is our interfaith nature. This never shines brighter than in December, when the Northern hemisphere grows darker and its religions, almost in unison, bear the light together. Let us celebrate this season of light together.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for the first Sunday in our December worship series, Choosing Hope. Our minister, Lóre Stevens, will share her message, “Season of Light”.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for December is the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge. This community non-profit, primarily staffed by volunteers, offers free medical services to those who live in Anderson, Roane, and Morgan counties. It serves people who do not have insurance and cannot afford to pay for medical services due to their income level; it can literally mean the difference between life and death for some people. We all deserve adequate health care and to be treated with worth and dignity (our first principle). Our support of the Free Medical Clinic helps us live our principles while providing care to the disadvantaged. For more information, visit https://www.fmcor.org/. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service this morning, we’ll be holding our annual December Congregational Meeting, followed by a potluck lunch and tree lighting! Please remain in the worship Zoom for the meeting if you’ll be joining us virtually. If you’re joining us in person, bring a dish to share, and an ornament to hang on the tree! We hope you will join us for these and other special happenings this holiday season. All Adult Faith Formation hour classes are canceled today. Youth are invited to participate in the Holiday Craft Party in the Social Hall during the Congregational Meeting. 

Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

A reminder that Angel Tree gifts are due back at church by next Sunday, December 14. The gifts should be wrapped and tagged. If you have any questions, please stop by the nursery and speak with Susan. Thank you for helping make the holiday season brighter for these local children! 

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon! 

In October, UUs from all over Tennessee gathered in Nashville and online for the Tennessee UU Community Action Network (TUUCAN) Fall Flock. Join us to watch the recorded worship service that was planned especially for this event by TN ministers including ORUUC's own Lóre Stevens.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our November worship series, Nurturing Gratitude.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for this fifth Sunday is the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. The fund is available to help church members who are in a moment of financial crisis. Through the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, we’ve been able to pay a month’s rent or mortgage to help ORUUCians to maintain their housing. We can pay for an unexpected medical, dental, or prescription bill that would otherwise max out someone’s finances. We’ve paid utility bills to literally keep the lights on. The Minister’s Discretionary Fund also helps people in the larger Oak Ridge community with utility bills, food, and gas. When folks in need call the church for emergency assistance, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund is where the money comes from to pay a bill or offer relief. The fund is completely confidential: If you’re in need, only the minister need know, in order to access the fund. A bill can be paid safely and securely, with complete discretion. The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is available only through your generous contributions. Any cash or check or electronic gift you make today will help keep the Fund available to friends in need. Thanks in advance for your generosity. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

Stone Soup is a FREE monthly community meal on the final Friday of the month. Diners can park and come inside the Social Hall to enjoy a meal with others, or walk in to pick up a takeout meal for themselves or family members, a neighbor, or friend. Meals will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, or until supplies run out. Bags of non-perishable groceries will also be available. This meal is open to all! We appreciate all of the volunteers who make this meal happen each month, and our partners, the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge and Kroger Marketplace.

Life is hard. And it’s difficult to maintain a positive outlook. But, by cultivating mindful gratitude practices, we can often reframe our world as for which one we are grateful.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our November worship series, Nurturing Gratitude, as lay leaders guide us in worship.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of November is the Tennessee Out-Reach Center for Homeless (TORCH). TORCH was founded in 2012 to assist those in Anderson County who have recently lost their housing and have nowhere else to go. TORCH is a small organization–the only one of its kind in Anderson County. Demand for their assistance is very high. ORUUC has partnered with TORCH the last two winters to host a Warming Shelter in our building during the coldest days and nights. Each winter, TORCH spends a significant amount to help families with children, disabled, and sick folks in other ways. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

The Haudenosaunee nation has generously shared their Thanksgiving Address with all people. Let us honor all the parts of nature with which we are connected.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our November worship series, Nurturing Gratitude, as our minister, Lóre Stevens, leads worship.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of November is the Tennessee Out-Reach Center for Homeless (TORCH). TORCH was founded in 2012 to assist those in Anderson County who have recently lost their housing and have nowhere else to go. TORCH is a small organization–the only one of its kind in Anderson County. Demand for their assistance is very high. ORUUC has partnered with TORCH the last two winters to host a Warming Shelter in our building during the coldest days and nights. Each winter, TORCH spends a significant amount to help families with children, disabled, and sick folks in other ways. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

Shop over 20 vendors and find special gifts for the holidays! Pick up some homemade baked goods and mulled spices, or get a cup of coffee or a meal from a local food truck! Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will be located indoors in the Social Hall and hallways, and outdoors in the parking lot. This event will take place rain or shine. For more information, contact the church at 865-483-6761 or office@oruuc.org. Follow updates through our Facebook event! https://www.facebook.com/share/1GYKVjLQmy/

Though our culture can be allergic to ageing, we honor elderhood as a blessing. Join us to honor the sages among us, who share the wisdom of experience.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our November worship series, Nurturing Gratitude, as our minister, Lóre Stevens, leads worship.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of November is the Tennessee Out-Reach Center for Homeless (TORCH). TORCH was founded in 2012 to assist those in Anderson County who have recently lost their housing and have nowhere else to go. TORCH is a small organization–the only one of its kind in Anderson County. Demand for their assistance is very high. ORUUC has partnered with TORCH the last two winters to host a Warming Shelter in our building during the coldest days and nights. Each winter, TORCH spends a significant amount to help families with children, disabled, and sick folks in other ways. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

Shop over 20 vendors and find special gifts for the holidays! Pick up some homemade baked goods and mulled spices, or get a cup of coffee or a meal from a local food truck! Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will be located indoors in the Social Hall and hallways, and outdoors in the parking lot. This event will take place rain or shine. For more information, contact the church at 865-483-6761 or office@oruuc.org. Follow updates through our Facebook event! https://www.facebook.com/share/1GYKVjLQmy/

Let us gather for our annual observance of All Souls, a day to honor our loved ones and community friends who have passed away in the past year. Bring a photo or memento to add to the ancestors' altar.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 EST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our November worship series, Nurturing Gratitude, as our minister, Lóre Stevens, leads worship.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of November is the Tennessee Out-Reach Center for Homeless (TORCH). TORCH was founded in 2012 to assist those in Anderson County who have recently lost their housing and have nowhere else to go. TORCH is a small organization–the only one of its kind in Anderson County. Demand for their assistance is very high. ORUUC has partnered with TORCH the last two winters to host a Warming Shelter in our building during the coldest days and nights. Each winter, TORCH spends a significant amount to help families with children, disabled, and sick folks in other ways. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

Stone Soup is a FREE monthly community meal on the final Friday of the month. Diners can park and come inside the Social Hall to enjoy a meal with others, or walk in to pick up a takeout meal for themselves or family members, a neighbor, or friend. Meals will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, or until supplies run out. Bags of non-perishable groceries will also be available. This meal is open to all! We appreciate all of the volunteers who make this meal happen each month, and our partners, the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge and Kroger Marketplace.

Join us at ORUUC on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. for our Annual Trunk or Treat celebration! Tons of treats, games, and fun!

What if the things that scare us most are asking not to be slain, but to be seen? This Sunday, join ORUUC member and pop culture historian April Garner to explore how Unitarian Universalist values—compassion, justice, and radical empathy—can guide us through a frightening world. Together we’ll look at what it means to tend the things that scare us, and how compassion can thrive even in dark times. Costumes optional, courage required.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 DST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our October worship series, Cultivating Compassion, as lay leaders guide us in worship.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of October is the Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence. Blossom Center is a non-profit childcare facility serving children from Oak Ridge and surrounding areas. The Center’s program is academically oriented, intended to bridge the gap between home and school in order to improve educational outcomes, especially for underprivileged children. Blossom Center is open during extended hours when other childcare facilities are closed, and allows children to attend based on a sliding tuition scale commensurate with family income. They have also partnered with Alpha Kappa Alpha to pack backpacks of food for area children. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship this morning.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls on us to be healers in our world. How can we do this in a world where negativity, cynicism and fear are rapidly spreading? Perhaps the cure for what ails us is treating those we see as already infected while also recognizing ourselves as potential carriers of the virus.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 DST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our October worship series, Cultivating Compassion, as lay leaders guide us in worship.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of October is the Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence. Blossom Center is a non-profit childcare facility serving children from Oak Ridge and surrounding areas. The Center’s program is academically oriented, intended to bridge the gap between home and school in order to improve educational outcomes, especially for underprivileged children. Blossom Center is open during extended hours when other childcare facilities are closed, and allows children to attend based on a sliding tuition scale commensurate with family income. They have also partnered with Alpha Kappa Alpha to pack backpacks of food for area children. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. ORUUC, in partnership with Kroger Health, will host a Vaccination Clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All you need is your insurance card, ID, and a vaccine consent form (copies are available in the lobby). If you’ve been meaning to get your flu shot or Covid booster this fall, roll up your sleeve and get it done after the service!

The Bylaws Committee will be hosting a Listening Session at 11:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary to discuss a set of recommended changes that address the Membership article. The Committee invites the congregation to attend and share any questions or suggestions regarding these proposed changes. Copies of the proposed changes are available in the lobby. Another listening session will take place Thursday, October 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom.

Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship this morning.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

Join us for our first ever Secret City Pride! All ages welcome! Secret City Pride is sponsored by PFLAG of Oak Ridge and our inaugural event is being hosted by the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church on October 12th, 2025. Contact pflagoakridgetn@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information! Check out more about the event here: https://secretcitypride.wordpress.com

Some consider pride a sin, but when you've been told to be ashamed of who you are, pride becomes a liberating virtue. Join us for a Pride-centric worship followed by the first ever Secret City Pride!

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 DST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our October worship series, Cultivating Compassion, as our minister, Lóre Stevens, leads us in worship.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of October is the Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence. Blossom Center is a non-profit childcare facility serving children from Oak Ridge and surrounding areas. The Center’s program is academically oriented, intended to bridge the gap between home and school in order to improve educational outcomes, especially for underprivileged children. Blossom Center is open during extended hours when other childcare facilities are closed, and allows children to attend based on a sliding tuition scale commensurate with family income. They have also partnered with Alpha Kappa Alpha to pack backpacks of food for area children. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship this morning.

Beginning at noon, ORUUC, in partnership with PFLAG Oak Ridge, will host the first ever Secret City Pride event. This free, family-friendly event will feature informative groups, great local entertainment, and more! Visit https://secretcitypride.wordpress.com/ for updates. The event runs until 4 p.m.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

St. Francis of Assisi is revered as the Catholic saint of animals. He preached to birds and considered all beings as siblings. Join us for a Blessing of the Animals service by bringing pictures of your beloved pets, past and present. Bring pet supply donations for the local animal shelter, or visit this link: https://www.chewy.com/g/friends-of-oak-ridge-animal-shelter-or-foras_b88678699 to donate directly.

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 DST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our October worship series, Cultivating Compassion, as our minister, Lóre Stevens, leads us in worship.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of October is the Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence. Blossom Center is a non-profit childcare facility serving children from Oak Ridge and surrounding areas. The Center’s program is academically oriented, intended to bridge the gap between home and school in order to improve educational outcomes, especially for underprivileged children. Blossom Center is open during extended hours when other childcare facilities are closed, and allows children to attend based on a sliding tuition scale commensurate with family income. They have also partnered with Alpha Kappa Alpha to pack backpacks of food for area children. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation, and a multi-generational Pet Fest in the Social Hall. Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Youth Faith Formation classes and the Soulful Home Parenting Group will not meet during Oak Ridge Schools’ Fall Break; classes resume next Sunday, Oct. 12. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship this morning.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

Our worship service will begin at 10:00 DST this morning in person and on Zoom. Join us for our September worship series, Building Belonging, as our members share their stories of Belonging to ORUUC.

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate offering recipient for the month of September is our Stone Soup ministry. Since 2010, on the final Friday of each month, volunteers prepare and distribute free meals to the community. ORUUC also maintains a pantry and gives out bags of non-perishable groceries as needed. Financial contributions from ORUUC and our community partner, the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge, keep Stone Soup going every month, along with a donation of fresh fruit from Kroger. Thanks to ORUUC for your continued support of this vital service! Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After the service, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the Social Hall. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal risks and do what makes you feel comfortable, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We ask that if you have symptoms or have had a COVID exposure, please stay home and join us on Zoom. For more information on Covid, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!