Nov. 30, 2022

“There must be always remaining in every life, 
some place for the singing of angels, 
some place for that which in itself 
is breathless and beautiful.”

–Howard Thurman

Beloveds–

We have officially entered the winter holiday season! That can mean so many different things and elicit so many different experiences, expressions, and emotions. Wherever and however you experience this season, I hope you will treat yourselves and those around you with compassion and gentleness as often as you can. It’s been an extraordinary past couple of years, and we’re all out of practice in many ways and not sure where we are right now. 

And yet, there can be luxury in the long darkness and sparks of joy and light in our celebrations. In this season, more perhaps than in others, it is good to be human together, and I want to make sure you know you are invited into the following opportunities to celebrate this holiday season with Greater Nashville UU or to reflect deeply on the collective community we are (always, but especially this year) envisioning with our Unitarian Universalist siblings far & wide: 

1. This Saturday, December 3, starting at 5:30 pm, we will “hang the greens” (i.e., decorate) at church, and share dinner and entertain each other–see details below.

2. Our Christmas Eve service will start at 3:30 pm (on December 24, of course). Watch for more details about the service and festivities following it. For now, if you have a song (or a voice to add to the choir) or a reading or another offering to share during the service–especially on the theme of Light–please be in touch with me. (You don’t have to volunteer to participate in the service; good ideas alone are welcome!) 

3. The UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, of which we are a member congregation) is in the process of rewriting its statement of purpose and guiding values, contained in Article II of the UUA Bylaws. The Article II Study Commission is inviting your reflection and feedback. You can read about the commission's work here and study the current draft here. A revised draft is in progress, and a feedback process will be available in December. I will do my best to keep you posted, and Nathanel R. is heading up an Article II Task Force to guide our local conversations. Please let me or Nathanael know if you have questions!

Yours in hope and light and dark, as well as general holiday merriment,

Rev. Denise

Rev. Denise Gyauch
RevDenise@gnuuc.org