Greater Nashville UU News Update
February 19, 2025
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Minister’s Note

“Take courage … you are not alone.”
~Wayne B. Arnason (UU minister)

Dear Ones,

Resistance is important, but it is neither enough to live on nor our only tool in response to injustice. Today, a poem for you about resilience:

“Optimism” by Jane Hirshfield

More and more I have come to admire resilience.
Not the simple resistance of a pillow, whose foam
returns over and over to the same shape, but the sinuous
tenacity of a tree: finding the light newly blocked on one side,
it turns in another. A blind intelligence, true.
But out of such persistence arose turtles, rivers,
mitochondria, figs — all this resinous, unretractable earth.

(from Each Happiness Ringed by Lions: Selected Poems)

So resolve to make like a tree, my friends–when light is blocked, turn another way–the light is not gone. And surely between the trees and the turtles, the rivers and the figs–we are never alone.

Yours in resilience, love, and the strength of community,

Rev. Denise
RevDenise@gnuuc.org

Welcome to February! This month we will be exploring the Soul Matters theme, “The Practice of Inclusion.”

THIS SUNDAY AT GREATER NASHVILLE UU

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Sun., Mar. 2, 2025, 11 AM: Multi-Generational Sunday Service, Introduction to Soul Matters Theme: "The Practice of Trust" (Hybrid)

Theme: Join us as we introduce the February Soul Matter’s theme of “Living Love Through The Practice of Trust.”

An interactive, multi-generational service. Wiggle room is available for those who need it. All ages are welcome!

This hybrid service will be in the Sanctuary at Greater Nashville UU Congregation, as well as on Zoom. See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC.

Sun., Mar. 2, 2025, 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM: Auction Planning Session at GNUUC - Join Us! (Wiggle Room)

Auction Planning Session

Come to GNUUC on Sunday, March 2 from 12:45 - 1:30 PM for an Auction planning session. We will plan to meet tin the Wiggle room, but can move to the RE building if more space is needed.

New and previous auction planners - join us!

We need many different strengths in our Auction team: volunteers to plan the live auction, volunteers to organize food, volunteers to organize entertainment, volunteers to help with marketing, and volunteers in charge of decorations.

So far Dan has agreed to be our auctioneer and steer the Auction Team. Mirabelle has agreed to coordinate food. Kristin will coordinate donations and Ryan will gather gift cards.

The Auction Date has been set for Sunday, March 30, with lunch & then Live Auction starting at 1:30.

The Theme this year is Fiesta! We will have a Tex Mex Taco Bar and more!

Questions? Contract Dan L. or Kristin R.

About the Auction

At GNUUC, the Auction is more than just a fundraiser. We decorate, have food and entertainment, and have a great time!

Sat., Mar. 8, 2025, 5 PM - 8 PM: GNUUC Trivia Night (Fellowship Hall)

Join us on Saturday, March 8 at 5:00 PM for dinner and an evening of trivia! All ages are welcome. Questions? Contact Kristin

Sun., Mar. 9, 2025, 1 PM: Worship Team Meeting (Hybrid Sanctuary/Zoom) Newcomers Welcome!

The Worship Team has changed its meetings to in-person/hybrid on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 1 PM in the Sanctuary.

Please join us if you are interested in the Sunday Worship Service content, volunteering as a Service Leader or Service Designer, volunteering to play music or sing, or joining the Tech Team. We would love to have you!

If interested in joining on Zoom, the link is in Slack at the top of the Worship channel reach out to revdenise@gnuuc.org to join this channel.

CONGREGATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

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GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - February 19, 2025

Meeting 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.