Greater Nashville UU News Update
May 8, 2024
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Minister’s Note

“The earth laughs in flowers.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Ones–

Ah, the flowers! And this thought from Toni Morrison:

“At some point in life, the world’s beauty becomes enough. You don’t need to photograph, paint or even remember it. It is enough.”

Yours in laughter, beauty, and enoughness,
Rev. Denise
RevDenise@gnuuc.org

P.S. Remember that this Sunday we are celebrating both Mother’s Day–with a special luncheon in memory of Barbara Belfiglio–and Flower Communion. DO NOT bring a dish to share (lunch is courtesy of Barbara’s family), and DO BRING a blossom (if you can) to add to this distinctively UU tradition of flower communion.

P.P.S. Thank you to all who participated in the informational meeting offered last Sunday by the Board. I look forward to continuing the conversations we’ve started.

THIS SUNDAY AT Greater Nashville UU

Featured

Sun., May 12, 11 AM: Interactive Sunday Service: Flower Communion & The Gift of Pluralism (Hybrid)

An interactive, multi-generational service introducing the Soul Matters theme, “The Gift of Pluralism.” Wiggle room is available for those that need it. All ages are welcome!

During the Time for All Sages today, we will celebrate Flower Communion.

Flower Communion is an annual ritual that celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, and community.

Originally created in 1923 by Unitarian minister Norbert Čapek of Prague, Czechoslovakia, the Flower Ceremony was introduced to the United States by Rev. Mája Čapek, Norbert's widow. This piece on WorshipWeb, by the Revs. Teresa and David Schwartz, tells The Story of Norbert Čapek's Flower Ceremony.

In this ceremony, everyone in the congregation brings a flower. Each person places a flower in a shared vase. The congregation blesses the flowers, and they're redistributed. Each person brings home a different flower than the one they brought. (If you forget, don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of extra flowers!)

Celebrating the Flower Ceremony is an excellent opportunity for Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations to express their commitment to our Sixth Principle: We covenant to affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.

Mother's Day lunch after service

The Belfiglio family has once again sent us a gift of funding for a post-service luncheon in memory of Barbara! (Thanks to Jane S., Mir, and Gina for planning and executing this event.)

Please note that all food and beverages are being provided on Sunday. Please come and enjoy!

CONGREGATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Featured

May Share the Plate: Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi

Our May Share the Plate organization is Planned Parenthood - Tennessee & North Mississippi, a nonprofit healthcare agency. They provide essential reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care. Abortion is still legal in many states, and it's legal to go to a different state to get an abortion. If you live in Tennessee or Mississippi and need an abortion, our Patient Navigation team offers needed resources.