Help get the word out to our Bellevue neighbors by participating at our GNUUC booth. A signup sheet is on the bulletin board in the fellowship Hall. Help with setup is especially needed on Saturday morning before 10:00 AM. We will also need at least two people during each time slot. Please see Bonnie G. for more information.
Read MoreOur Annual Pledge Campaign runs from April 6 through April 13, 2025. During this time, we encourage you to to discern how you can support our shared ministry financially during the next fiscal year (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026).
Read the Invitation to Pledge Letter.
This an invitation to love yourself, each other, and the communities in which our congregation is embedded, to be a part of choosing who and how we hope to be together in the future, and to make plans about how you will share your time, attention, and money with GNUUC next year.
By pledging as generously as you are able, you extend our ministry in a world that needs us now, more than ever.
Please visit https://www.nashvilleuu.org/pledge and pledge as generously as you are able.
Read MoreAs we face the growing threat of autocracy in our country, it's more crucial than ever to build a stronger, more united movement for democracy.
That is why Greater Nashville UU Congregation will be hosting in-person gatherings to participate in the Rise for Freedom Training Series every Thursday for the next few weeks. We are inviting friends like you to come together and learn how to organize and mobilize diverse, nonpartisan communities to demand democracy.
Please come to any or all of the scheduled meetings. Each session is designed to stand alone and will include music, calls to action, digital hygiene/safety tips, and a core online training module, with in-person breakouts for hands-on learning, planning, and community building.
Read MoreThe American Civil Liberties Union originated in 1920 as a response to the Palmer raids, in which thousands of people were arrested without warrants or regard to constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure, then brutally treated and held in horrible conditions before deportation. The ACLU today is the nation's largest public interest law firm, with a 50-state network of staffed, autonomous affiliate offices. It appears before the United States Supreme Court more than any other organization except the U.S. Department of Justice. About 500 ACLU staff attorneys collaborate with about 2,000 volunteer attorneys in handling close to 2,000 cases annually.
Read MoreWe are thrilled to share that the Fiesta 2025 Auction raised $8,343, surpassing our goal of $8,000!
This year’s auction was a resounding success — and it was amazing to witness our community come together to make it happen. The event was a true reflection of the power of collaboration, generosity, and shared purpose. Thank you all for turning our vision into reality.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible:
-Kris T. for Auctria support and donation entry— a monumental effort!
-Jesse S-S. for thoughtfully assisting with live auction item planning.
-Dan L. for his dynamic and entertaining work as our auctioneer.
-Mirabelle S. and the Tex-Mex food crew for preparing a truly delicious meal (see Maribelle’s Thank You).
-The Women’s Group for crafting beautiful and festive decorations.
-The Saturday Setup Crew for transforming the space by setting up tables, silent auction displays, and live auction items.
-Kris T. and family (again!) for stepping up to ensure a smooth registration, bidding, and checkout process.
-To all who donated, all who attended, and all who bid — your contributions made this event joyful and successful.
Together, we created more than just an auction — we strengthened our community. Thank you!
Read MoreMany thanks to the following who helped make the Taco Bar a great success-I know I’ve missed some, please forgive me, if I have.
Bonnie, who supplied lovely Mexican cookies and rice, an homage to her New Mexico roots, and took care of the cold section;
Leisa, who prepped all the veggies and took care of the tacos and tortillas;
Mike for his delicious key lime pies;
Lisa who brought a delicious flan with chocolate cake, and with Gina, were the baristas for the delicious beverages;
Jane W. who quietly and without fuss did whatever she was called upon to do, cleared tables, and more;
Dan, who sourced 99% of the food, and was still running to Kroger in the last minutes;
And very, very special thanks to Charles and Melissa who were there when I arrived, warmed up and set up almost all of the food, stayed throughout the serving, washed ALL of the dishes, pots and pans, and serving dishes ENTIRELY by themselves- thank you - you were my rock.
Mirabelle
Read MoreMinister's Report and Updates
-Rev. Denise shared that about 5 new members will be signing the membership book this Sunday
-Plans are developing for a Lay Pastoral Care Team to be supported by Rev. Dr. Michelle Pederson, which would provide support and connection within the congregation. The Board expressed enthusiasm for this initiative.
-Discussion about re-establishing both a Committee on Ministry and a Healthy Congregation Team as the congregation begins to grow again.
Financial Update
-The congregation is on track with its budget for the current fiscal year.
-Jesse reported that the Finance Committee is preparing next year's budget, which may require drawing from the contingency fund, though the amount will be clearer after the pledge campaign. He noted that we have not needed to draw on the fund this year even though it had been planned
-The Finance Committee will be working with members to help facilitate donations from Required Minimum Distributions for those who might benefit from this option.
Leadership Transitions
-Carol Looney will not continue for another term as Member-at-Large.
-Tina announced she will not serve a fourth year as President, citing the need for fresh energy and to explore other areas of service within the congregation.
-The Nominating Committee, headed by Nathanael Reveal as immediate past president, will be seeking candidates for these positions and for a Secretary.
-Tina will reach out to several members to serve on the Nominating Committee with Nathanael.
Contracts
-Rev. Denise's contract was approved and signed.
-A New Leaf contract was reviewed with minor updates, including a 3% increase and adjustments to space usage. The contract would cover 8/1/2025 to 7/31/2026.
The meeting ended early, reflecting an efficient and productive session.
Read MoreAll food, drinks, and desserts will be provided. Please do not bring any food, as there is no need or room. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available.
Sunday morning at 9:00 AM, assistance is needed to put out the food and clean up after lunch.
Please, can you let Mirabelle S. know if you’re available.
Read MoreApril 5, 2025, is the deadline to apply or recertify for Nashville’s Tax Relief and Tax Freeze programs for 2024. These programs are for those 65 and older, the disabled, and disabled veterans and widow(ers). This is the first year that the qualifying annual household income limit has been raised to $60,000 for the tax freeze program; the income limit for the tax relief program is $36,370. You can find more information about the two programs here and here. Download a flyer here.
Read MoreMark your calendars now for NOAH’s annual banquet on May 29 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This year’s banquet will again take place at the Boone Center at Trevecca Nazarene University, with Charlene Oliver, District 19 Senator in the Tennessee legislature, as keynote speaker. More details to come. Watch this space!
Read MoreJoin us on Sunday, March 30, 2025, for the GNUUC Fiesta 2025! Our annual lunch & auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year.
Tex Mex Taco Lunch: 12:15 PM
Live Auction: 1:30 PM
Location: 374 Hicks Road, Nashville, TN 37221
Cost: $10 for Tex Mex Taco lunch and bidder number
Guests and children eat lunch for free.
Visit the Auction Website to See the Catalog and buy Tickets!
The Auction Website is LIVE! Go to the Auction website to register and purchase tickets to the auction and to see the Auction catalog. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
Can’t Make the Auction?
If you can't make the Auction date/time:
Consider using a Proxy bidder.
Peruse the online auction catalog and your proxy can make bids for you. You will be sent an invoice after the Auction, which you can pay online. Need help or a proxy? Contact Kristin at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org.Some "Intermission" concerts/events can also be purchased online right now!
There are upcoming concerts and events that are discounted if you purchase tickets at the Auction.Or consider making a donation to Greater Nashville UU with "Auction" in the memo.
Go to the Donate page at our website and choose "Give to the Auction" in the box.
John Brown, a founding member of GNUUC, died early this morning, March 5, 2025, after a year-long battle with a rare form of leukemia. John and his wife Loretta moved to Perth, West Australia, several years ago to be near their only daughter Kristen, her children, and grandchildren. Kristen was with John at his passing. Two sisters of John from eastern North Carolina, John’s home of origin, have been in Australia to be with John at the end. Many will remember John as the blind bagpipe and penny whistle player at GNUUC. John was always ready with a good tale or arcane fact. He was blind from birth and, for more than 25 years, held the record for the lowest-weight surviving birth in North Carolina. To John’s great fortune, he met Loretta early in life, and they had been married for more than 50 years. Our dear Loretta has welcomed messages from her church family. You will find her contact information on Breeze.
Read MoreThe mission of the Tennessee Justice Center is to use the law to advance economic, racial, and social justice by relentlessly working for and with Tennesseans seeking better lives for themselves and their neighbors.
Read MoreMeeting Date: February 19, 2025 Time: 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Board Membership & Leadership
-All current board members have indicated their willingness to serve another year in their positions
-A Secretary position remains open and will need to be filled
-The board is working on establishing a nominating committee in accordance with bylaws requirements
Financial Updates
-The congregation remains in a strong financial position with healthy account balances
-Pledge income is at 81% of budget, ahead of expectations
-New Leaf has expressed interest in signing another year-long contract for space usage
-The Finance Committee will begin planning next year's budget, including adjustments to align with UUA guidelines
-The board approved exploring options for contracted maintenance support to assist with building needs
Contract to Call Process (to transition Rev. Denise Gyauch from being a contracted minister to being called & settled by the congregation)
-The board is moving forward with establishing a Call Process Task Force consisting of three members
-The task force will lead a congregation-wide ministry evaluation process
-UUA representatives have expressed support for the congregation's approach and timeline
-The process is expected to take 2-3 months and will include opportunities for congregational input
Building & Grounds
-The board approved adding a TIRRC "Immigrants Belong" yard sign to the church grounds
-Discussions are ongoing about maintenance needs and support for building operations
Social Justice & Denominational Affairs
-GNUUC is participating in the formation of a Tennessee UU Congregational Action Network (TUUCAN)
-Representatives from the congregation are serving on the steering committee
Next Steps
-The board will be working on finalizing the ministerial contract
-The Call Process Task Force will begin organizing the congregation-wide evaluation
-The Finance Committee will develop a proposed budget for the next fiscal year
The next board meeting date will be announced through regular church communications channels.
Read MoreAt GNUUC, the Auction is more than just a fundraiser. We decorate, have food and entertainment, and have a great time! This year our theme is “Fiesta 2025.”
We are planning for a Live Auction and set price Intermission items/events.
Tickets are $10 and include a Tex Mex lunch and bidder number. Children/Teens 18 and under are free but must have a Teen/Child’s ticket to attend.
Lunch is Tex-Mex taco bar. (Meat and Vegetarian)
We need Auction Donations Now! Click Read More below to learn how to donate to the live auction, intermission items/events, and Tex Mex taco lunch. Please let us your donations as soon as possible. Donations are accepted until Sunday, March 23!
Go to the Auction Donation Page and fill out the Auction Donation Form.
Read MoreSecond Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to the food and resources people in our community need to thrive. For nearly 50 years, they have welcomed our neighbors with radical hospitality, empowering them to live free from the daily burden of food insecurity. They prioritize innovation and remain committed to sustainability as they strive for a future where everyone is food secure, and no food is wasted.
Read MoreWe will be having a themed “Souper Bowl” Sunday Potluck Lunch after ther service on February 9. We are asking for 4-5 soups and sides you would bring to a Superbowl Party. We are also hosting a canned soup drive for the food pantry at the same time. Any questions, contact Gina.
Read More⁸The Faith Forward program out of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas is excited to offer an online session of our Biblical Literacy series for all congregations. We will offer this 11-week course in two parts, one in the winter and one in the fall. Part I includes the sessions "Approaching the Bible;" "Many Books, Many Sources," "God and Covenant," "Jesus in the Gospels," "Kingdom of God Parables," "Creation Stories," and "The Bible and Our Lives." This is a unique opportunity to view the Bible through a Unitarian Universalist lens.
Read MoreCommemorating National Religious Freedom Day
Read More