Additional Information & Resources: Knoxville Tragedy

The following announcements and resources have been provided by the Unitarian Universalist Association and are posted here for the use of UUMA members and friends. For more information please contact the UUA directly (contact information below).

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(10:30 p.m. - Aug. 3)

  • The Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church rededicated its sanctuary in a worship service held at 10:00 a.m. today.  Participating in the service were Rev. Bruce Southworth, who grew up in TVUUC, former TVUUC ministers Rev. John Buehrens and Rev. Lynn Strauss, former religious educator Meghan Henry, current minister Rev. Chris Buice, current religious educator Brian Griffin, and Thomas Jefferson District Executive Annette Marquis.  Read the Order of Service for today's worship:  http://www.uua.org/news/knoxville/117615.shtml .
  • Rev. William G. Sinkford, who was in Knoxville earlier in the week, sent a message which was read by Annette Marquis.  It said, in part:  "The unbreakable spirit of the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist community has inspired the awe and respect of the entire world, and deservedly so.  Because last week this sanctuary witnessed acts that were courageous, generous, and deeply compassionate.  It is true that the crime was shockingly profane, but your responses were, and continue to be, deeply reverent.  No murderer can take away what is sacred about this place, because your love has overpowered fear, just as your faith is helping you heal and move forward, together.  It is the presence of gathered community that makes a place holy, and today the world is moved by your example.  Your gift of courage is a blessing to us all."  Read Sinkford's complete remarks: http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/117641.shtml .
  • A new feature on the UU Trauma Response Ministry, whose members were among the first responders to the Knoxville disaster, with members continuing to remain on the scene, has been posted at http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/117614.shtml .
  • There have been approximately 500 donations to the newly-created Knoxville Relief Fund in the several days of its existence.  Your gifts will assist the Tennessee Valley UU Church and the Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and their members, and will show them that they are not alone during this time of shock and grief.  For more information:  http://www.uua.org/giving/donatenow/117168.shtml
  • A reminder:  a page has been created to hold all Knoxville materials found on UUA.org and UUWorld.org.  Visit "Unitarian Universalists Respond to Tragedy in Knoxville" for links to information and resources: http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/117156.shtml .

(11:00 A.M. - July 31)

The recent tragedy at the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville, Tennessee has generated increased public interest in Unitarian Universalism. Congregations should be prepared for an influx in inquiries and visitors. This is an opportunity for our congregations to show our hospitality and generosity-of-spirit to the seeker.

The UUA has resources to help you in welcoming:

  •  Hospitality & Belonging resources to welcome newcomers
  • “Voices of A Liberal Faith” DVD – a 10 minute introduction about Unitarian Universalism, perfect for visitors. Online order form.
  •  http://www.uua.org/visitors - This section of the UUA website is filled with helpful information. Inquiries coming to the UUA’s offices indicate that people specifically want to know who we are religiously and what we believe. Make sure your congregational brochure racks are stocked too!
  • Website tips – make sure your site is up-to-date and seeker friendly!
    For further assistance contact growthresources@uua.org, or Tracey Robinson-Harris, Director for Congregational Services; Valerie Holton, Marketing Outreach Director; Susanna Whitman, Growth Services Program Manager
    Additional Resources:
  • Listen to Monday’s worship in Knoxville: http://wms.scripps.com/knoxville/church-shooting/full-service.mp3

  • Watch a short clip: http://www.knoxnews.com/videos/detail/worship-and-hope-community-prays-peace-and-healing/

  • UUA President William G. Sinkford, who returned to Boston late on July 30 from Knoxville, issued a second statement on the tragedy. He said, “It will take time for Unitarian Universalists to mourn and to heal. But let me assure you that we will not change our beliefs or compromise our demands for social justice. Fear will not prevent us from standing on the side of love, and we will continue to open our doors and our hearts to all people. This Sunday, just like any other, more than one thousand Unitarian Universalist congregations will be open for business, and our business is to welcome the stranger, to love our neighbor, to nurture the spirits of our people, and to help heal our wounded world.” Sinkford’s complete statement can be found at http://www.uua.org/pressroom/pressreleases/117455.shtml

  • In the first 24 hours of its existence, the newly-established Knoxville Relief Fund has received more than 300 donations. The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) in collaboration with the Thomas Jefferson District has established the Fund to bring ministry, spiritual care, and practical financial assistance to those affected by the tragedy in Knoxville, Tennessee. Your gifts will assist the Tennessee Valley UU Church and the Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and their members, and will show them that they are not alone during this time of shock and grief. To make online donations or obtain further information, visit� http://www.uua.org/giving/donatenow/117168.shtml.

In other related news: