Unitarian Universalist Association Launches Knoxville Relief Fund

Many of you have asked about a way to provide aid to those most directly affected by the tragedies of July 27th.

The Unitarian Universalist Association, in association with the UUA Thomas Jefferson District, has launched the Knoxville Relief Fund, to bring ministry, spiritual care, and practical financial assistance to those affected by the tragedy in Knoxville, Tennessee. Gifts to the fund will assist members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church and Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and their loved ones, and will show them that they are not alone during this time of shock and grief.

Income from the Knoxville Relief Fund will go to the Thomas Jefferson District of the UUA to be used at their discretion to assist Tennessee Valley UU Church and Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and their members. No more than 5% of the funds raised will be used to cover administrative costs, including fees for credit card processing, before being directed to the Thomas Jefferson District. For more information on the Knoxville Relief Fund, including a link for online donations, please visit http://www.uua.org/giving/donatenow/117168.shtml .

Are You Holding Vigils and Services of Remembrance? Please Let Us Know!

We are so touched by the many expressions of support and love for our brothers and sisters in Knoxville which have appeared here. All of these messages will be shared with the Unitarian Universalists of Knoxville, who are participating in a vigil this evening.

In the meantime, if you are involved in a vigil, service of remembrance, or other event which is designed to express support for our friends in Knoxville, we invite you to email oecdirector@uua.org with information on that event. Please use the heading "Knoxville Solidarity" in the heading. We have collected all the information received thus far. It's been posted at http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/117287.shtml .

After the worship event has concluded, please send parts of the liturgy used and photos if they are available. We will be editing and posting many of these worship elements and photos to share with the larger faith community.

And please do continue to post messages of support for our friends at this site.

In faith, with love,
Deborah Weiner
Director of Electronic Communication
Unitarian Universalist Association

Welcome to this space for expressing love and support

The Unitarian Universalist Association has opened this space for those who wish to express love and support for members and friends of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and the Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. We grieve with the greater Knoxville community over the tragic loss of two individuals and the injuries suffered by six others. We know that, for those who survive, healing will take time, and will be nourished by love. In that spirit, with respect for one another, and kindness, we invite your contributions.

-- Deborah Weiner
UUA Director of Electronic Communication