September 8, 2021: Hello!

Beloveds,

It’s been a whole week since I became your minister, and I am having such a good time! Thank you for the warm welcome and your generous gifts of time and attention to the process of getting me oriented. 

During this week, I’ve moved books into my office, discovered some bits of GNUUC history and memorabilia tucked away on shelves and in drawers, been taught how various locks and keys work, joined you for worship, sent a few emails and read more of them, and met with congregational leaders both in-person and virtually. I’m beginning to learn where all the things live--both in our building and among all the online tools we use. (I’m brand new to Slack, but finding it very useful.) 

The annual Board Visioning Retreat (which was delayed so I could participate) was a highlight of my first week--we spent an evening & a morning together exploring and articulating a vision for the congregation’s ministry this year. On the side (y’all are an amazing group of multi-taskers!), we figured out a few things about hybrid meetings, with some in-person participants and others joining online. It was a couple of days steeped in possibility (which happens to be our Soul Matters theme for September), and I think you will be inspired when you hear about this year’s Vision of Ministry from the Board during the worship service on Sunday, Sept. 19. I can’t wait to see how we transform lives together this year!

As I begin my ministry with you, part of my personal vision and an important goal for the year is simply to enjoy the process of getting to know you all. Over the next several weeks, I will be joining various regularly-scheduled groups and teams, but I also look forward to getting to know you individually. I am a half-time minister, which means you’re not likely (especially in this still-pandemic-haunted season) to find me by simply dropping by the church, but I would love to hear from you by email and would be glad to schedule a time to talk by phone or Zoom or to meet in person. 

Until Sunday, I am 

Yours in possibility,
Rev. Denise

Rev. Denise Gyauch
Minister, Greater Nashville UU Congregation
RevDenise@gnuuc.org