Welcome to Greater Nashville UU Congregation
The transforming power of love is our core belief.
We embody a sanctuary of compassion, integrity, and respect.
We champion justice, equity, and peace.
— The Greater Nashville UU Congregation Mission Statement
An Invitation
Symbols matter. They create solidarity. They rally. But, symbols must be linked to substance. They must be a short-hand for deeper ideas, for deeper commitment. The triple evils of poverty, racism, and militarism have been with us for a long time. They will not disappear overnight, but through renewed commitment and sustained effort we believe we can reach the Beloved Community.
We invite you to join us.
Find Out What’s Happening!
Visit our “What’s Next?” page for links to our weekly e-blast, announcements, and upcoming events.
Looking for the Sunday Service Link? See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC
Events & Announcements
In July and August, we host a Summer Song series of Worship services lay-led by members of our congregation. Summer Song services are a great way to learn more about a topic of interest from a member of our community.
This hybrid service will be in the Sanctuary at Greater Nashville UU Congregation and on Zoom. See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC.
Children’s Programming
Children and youth will be dismissed to programming after the Time for All Sages.
During the summer months, we shift into a more relaxed summer rhythm. Each Sunday will bring something a little different — wiggle-room play, time on the playground, arts and crafts, or games — shaped week to week by the volunteers who share their time and creativity. On Sundays when our volunteers are away, the Wiggle Room will be open with parent supervision, so families always have a welcoming space.
Curious about Children's RE or the schedule for a specific summer Sunday? Contact Kristin R. at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org.
Join Us for Potluck Lunch
After the service, join us for a potluck lunch.
In July and August, we host a Summer Song series of Worship services lay-led by members of our congregation. Summer Song services are a great way to learn more about a topic of interest from a member of our community.
This hybrid service will be in the Sanctuary at Greater Nashville UU Congregation and on Zoom. See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC.
Children’s Programming
Children and youth will be dismissed to programming after the Time for All Sages.
During the summer months, we shift into a more relaxed summer rhythm. Each Sunday will bring something a little different — wiggle-room play, time on the playground, arts and crafts, or games — shaped week to week by the volunteers who share their time and creativity. On Sundays when our volunteers are away, the Wiggle Room will be open with parent supervision, so families always have a welcoming space.
Curious about Children's RE or the schedule for a specific summer Sunday? Contact Kristin R. at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org.
Join Us for Potluck Lunch
After the service, join us for a potluck lunch.
In July and August, we host a Summer Song series of Worship services lay-led by members of our congregation. Summer Song services are a great way to learn more about a topic of interest from a member of our community.
This hybrid service will be in the Sanctuary at Greater Nashville UU Congregation and on Zoom. See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC.
Children’s Programming
Children and youth will be dismissed to programming after the Time for All Sages.
During the summer months, we shift into a more relaxed summer rhythm. Each Sunday will bring something a little different — wiggle-room play, time on the playground, arts and crafts, or games — shaped week to week by the volunteers who share their time and creativity. On Sundays when our volunteers are away, the Wiggle Room will be open with parent supervision, so families always have a welcoming space.
Curious about Children's RE or the schedule for a specific summer Sunday? Contact Kristin R. at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org.
Join Us for Potluck Lunch
After the service, join us for a potluck lunch.
In July and August, we host a Summer Song series of Worship services lay-led by members of our congregation. Summer Song services are a great way to learn more about a topic of interest from a member of our community.
This hybrid service will be in the Sanctuary at Greater Nashville UU Congregation and on Zoom. See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC.
Children’s Programming
Children and youth will be dismissed to programming after the Time for All Sages.
During the summer months, we shift into a more relaxed summer rhythm. Each Sunday will bring something a little different — wiggle-room play, time on the playground, arts and crafts, or games — shaped week to week by the volunteers who share their time and creativity. On Sundays when our volunteers are away, the Wiggle Room will be open with parent supervision, so families always have a welcoming space.
Curious about Children's RE or the schedule for a specific summer Sunday? Contact Kristin R. at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org.
Join Us for Potluck Lunch
After the service, join us for a potluck lunch.
In July and August, we host a Summer Song series of Worship services lay-led by members of our congregation. Summer Song services are a great way to learn more about a topic of interest from a member of our community.
This hybrid service will be in the Sanctuary at Greater Nashville UU Congregation and on Zoom. See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC.
Children’s Programming
Children and youth will be dismissed to programming after the Time for All Sages.
During the summer months, we shift into a more relaxed summer rhythm. Each Sunday will bring something a little different — wiggle-room play, time on the playground, arts and crafts, or games — shaped week to week by the volunteers who share their time and creativity. On Sundays when our volunteers are away, the Wiggle Room will be open with parent supervision, so families always have a welcoming space.
Curious about Children's RE or the schedule for a specific summer Sunday? Contact Kristin R. at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org.
Join Us for Potluck Lunch
After the service, join us for a potluck lunch.
Tennessee Solidarity Summit is from Friday, September 18th through Sunday, September 20th at Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church in East Memphis.
Tennessee UU Community Action Network (TUUCAN) in coordination with UU The Vote and Side With Love will be hosting a regional Solidarity Summit in Memphis, September 18-20th. This will be free to attend, and travel/housing will be arranged.
The summit will be hosted by Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church 7350 Raleigh-LaGrange Rd, Cordova TN, 38018.
This summit is designed to be an interactive learning experience, training participants to organize resources and networks as we face impacts of authoritarian consolidation. Together we will learn and practice skills to respond faithfully in rapid response moments, but also harness our collective power and imaginations to build the very democratic communities and systems we are fighting for.
The Solidarity Summits equip participants with practical tools for action, develop regional care networks, strengthen long-term relationships, and help transform rapid response efforts into durable movement infrastructure rooted in collaboration, imagination, and collective power.
If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please email Caren S-S.
Saturday, September 26, is Rev. Denise Gyauch’s installation service.
An installation is the congregational act of formally entering into shared ministry with their professional minister. Offering and accepting a call to parish ministry is a life-changing event that gives us the opportunity to embody our Unitarian Universalist history and theology in a meaningful way.
Rev. Denise Gyauch joined Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation as a contracted minister in the Fall of 2021 as we started to meet again in person after the pandemic. During these years together, our congregation has grown and become more grounded. Earlier this year, our congregation held a vote to call Rev. Denise as our settled minister.
We invite everyone to participate in the preparation of the installation service and join us that day as we celebrate this important milestone for GNUUC, our third permanently called minister in our 34 year history.
Founded in 2016, The Equity Alliance is Tennessee’s most influential Black-led organizing force, promoting intentional, unapologetic, innovative, and culturally relevant year-round civic engagement among Black communities. We’ve registered over 90,000 voters and mobilized communities across Nashville, Memphis, and Clarksville, with plans to expand into additional communities across Tennessee.
Our approach is simple: meet people where they are–from the trap house to the White House–and give them the tools to transform the systems that govern their lives. We don’t just want a seat at the table. We’re building our own tables. We educate, empower, and mobilize Black people to take action and keep our government in check.
When Tennessee expelled two Black legislators for standing with their communities, we led the fight to get them reinstated. When the state tried to criminalize voter registration, we fought back and won. These victories prove that Tennessee isn’t a lost cause–it’s fertile ground for transformation.
Our 501(c)(3) foundation handles nonpartisan civic education, leadership development, and community research. Our 501(c)(4) advocacy organization leads direct policy campaigns and legislative advocacy without lobbying restrictions. The Tennessee Black Voter Project focuses specifically on voter registration and election mobilization. Our economic development entity works on wealth-building initiatives and community investment. This structure allows us to educate voters, advocate for policies, run campaigns, and build economic power–all while staying coordinated and strategic.
We build independent community power through organizing and mobilization, while simultaneously placing allies in key institutional positions where decisions get made. This creates pressure from multiple directions that drives real change.
Current Priority Campaigns
Universal Childcare (#Childcare4All) - With 41% of Tennessee families spending most of their income on childcare, we’re fighting to cap costs and increase state funding.
Housing Justice -Creating pathways to homeownership, fighting displacement in gentrifying neighborhoods, and ensuring development benefits existing communities
Environmental Justice - Addressing environmental racism and ensuring Black communities have a voice in decisions affecting their health and safety
Voter Happy Hour #2
Saturday, July 11, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Em & Me Cafe
1244 3rd Ave N
Come chat with the Integrated Voter Engagement team about how we need to engage voters in this election season and beyond!
Topics include:
How you can get out the vote in your community
What can be done to get people more involved in voting
Redistricting and how to be heard
Integrated Voter Engagement (IVE) Phonebanking
Sunday, July 12, 1:00 pm
Join NOAH’s IVE team to get out the vote in targeted Nashville neighborhoods, because TN is Home! Location TBD.
I wanted to send a great big Thank You on behalf of the Pride organizing team here at FUUN, GNUUC and UUFC. We accomplished so much this weekend at Nashville Pride, which we could only do because of you!
Over 60 UUs and friends marched in the Parade, handing out 700 pocket blessing zines (find them here: https://foothillsuu.org/fiercetogether/) and sending love to the LGBTQ+ community of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
More than 25 UUs staffed our booth at the Festival—that’s 14% of the membership of the three congregations willing to sit or stand and talk with people about UU in the heat and rain, y’all. Many stickers, pens, pins, uu-value bracelet kits, and love cars were given out. Not to mention all the love shared with festival-goers. Using the number of folks (of all ages!) who decorated their own love car to race hate (see photo), we interacted with at least 1000 attendees.
Additionally, at least 89 folks added comments against the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s proposed revision to its Equal Access Rule that would roll back protections meant to ensure the safety of any trans person seeking HUD-funded support. This was a call-to-action from the UUSC called Pride in Action (https://www.uusc.org/action/pride-in-action/). While the campaign is over, the website has links to learn more about the work being done by UUs nationwide in solidarity with transgender, nonbinary, two spirit, and gender expansive people.
That’s amazing work you guys!
With love and solidarity,
Jeannie Haman
Our July Share the Plate partner is the Southern Alliance for People and Animal Welfare. SAFPAW is a non-profit organization serving Davidson County by improving the quality of life for people and pets in need. SAFPAW provides free pet food, supplies, and veterinary care to pet owners who are homeless or living at or below the poverty level, and so much more.
How to give
Each Share the Plate gift is divided evenly: half supports the current Share the Plate recipient, and half supports GNUUC's general fund. To direct your gift to Share the Plate, use the keyword "share":
In the Sanctuary: cash or check in a provided envelope (memo: share)
Online: visit nashvilleuu.org/donate, then click Give to and choose the “Give to Share the Plate” fund.
By text: text 615-246-5553 with "[Amount] share" (example: $50 share)
By mail: GNUUC, 374 Hicks Road, Nashville, TN 37221 (memo: share)
Each summer, worship at GNUUC becomes a chorus of our own voices. From July through Labor Day weekend, members of our congregation take turns leading Sunday services — each offering a story, a passion, or something they've come to understand over a lifetime. It's a season to know one another more deeply and to celebrate the gifts woven through our community.
We're delighted to share this year's lineup of ten members. Join us:
Sun., July 5 — Lisa Gunner, "An Exploration of Identity Through Acknowledgement and Consecration"
Sun., July 12 — Susan Timmons
Sun., July 19 — Mike Morgan, "Sharing Our Stories"
Sun., July 26 — Mir Stoedter
Sun., Aug. 2 — Denise Graves
Sun., Aug. 9 — Charles Pettigrew
Sun., Aug. 16 — Hashim Salameh
Sun., Aug. 23 — Kayla Zumbrunnen
Sun., Aug. 30 — Elizabeth Marlowe
Sun., Sept. 6 — Nathaniel Berle
GNUUC and FUUN will be joining forces in volunteering at Nashville Pride this year. You can:
Join FUUN at the Pride March. Note that at 9:15 AM Marchers (groups and individuals marching next to vehicles and/or floats) need to be lined up. Kick off at 10 am (Broadway and 8th Ave). Parade takes place on Broadway between 8th Ave and 2nd Ave.
Volunteer at the FUUN Booth at Pride.
Please click the title for the links and details for joining Nashville Pride this year.
On Sunday, June 28, GNUUC is holding a special service celebrating Pride — a morning honoring LGBTQIA+ lives and the many shapes love and family take: the families we’re born into and the ones we build by choice.
We’d love for our LGBTQIA+ members and friends to help lead and shape it. There are two ways to take part, and you’re welcome to choose either or both:
1) Read a piece of the service. We’re looking for voices to read parts of the liturgy — the chalice lighting, the meditation, the closing words. Each is short, and we’ll send you the text ahead of time.
2) Join our LGBTQIA+ panel. In place of the sermon, several members will share how this faith helps them move through the world, and how their families — born and chosen — hold them up. You’ll see the questions in advance, can skip anything that doesn’t fit, and share only what you’d like. It’s a warm, friendly room.
Whether you’ve been part of things for years or this would be your first time stepping forward, you are welcome here. If any of this calls to you — or if you’d just like to ask a question first — reach out to Kristin R. at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.orgby Sunday, June 21. You’re welcome to respond privately; nothing is ever shared without your okay.
This month's Share the Plate supports Just Us | Oasis Center, a Nashville program helping LGBTQ+ youth across Middle Tennessee be seen, supported, and celebrated as their authentic selves—a fitting partner for our "Flourishing Together" June. Learn More About Just Us.
It's a fitting partner for our June theme, Flourishing Together, and for our own commitment to being a welcoming congregation—a reminder that when our LGBTQ+ youth thrive, our whole community flourishes.
How to give
Each Share the Plate gift is divided evenly: half supports Just Us, and half supports GNUUC's general fund. To direct your gift to Share the Plate, use the keyword "share":
In the Sanctuary: cash or check in a provided envelope (memo: share)
Online: visit nashvilleuu.org/donate, then click Give to and choose the “Give to Share the Plate” fund.
By text: text 615-246-5553 with "[Amount] share" (example: $50 share)
By mail: GNUUC, 374 Hicks Road, Nashville, TN 37221 (memo: share)
Join us on Saturday, June 13, at 4 PM for Game Night! Bring your favorite board game to share.
Pizza will be provided! You are welcome to bring a side, drinks, or dessert (optional).
All ages are welcome.
Questions? Contact Ryan
Join us at GNUUC for a nationwide watch party celebrating the freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and protest. Hosted by the Committee for the First Amendment, this 90-minute concert streams live from NYC with an all-star lineup—including Bette Midler, Patti Smith, Rufus Wainwright, Julia Roberts, Lily Gladstone, and Jane Fonda. Come sing along, find inspiration, build community, and take meaningful action together. Watch parties are happening across the country, and ours is right here at GNUUC.
Watch Party Sign-Up: Rise Up, Sing Out Nashville Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalists Watch Party
Learn More About This Event:Rise Up Sing Out — A Concert for the First Amendment
To buy a ticket, purchase an ad, or pay for a sponsorship, click here. Tickets are discounted this year for those under 35!
NOAH is thrilled to announce our keynote speaker for this year’s banquet, Dr. Taure Brown, Director of the James Lawson Institute at Vanderbilt University and a sociologist, educator, and organizer from Kinston, North Carolina. His work sits at the intersection of scholarship and action, equipping communities with the tools to challenge injustice and build collective power.
All GNUUC members — please plan to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting — Sunday, May 31, immediately after service, we'll vote on:
New Board Members 2026-2027
The Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027
The floor will not be open for discussion at this meeting — questions and concerns were addressed at the May 17 Town Hall.
Proxies and Absentee ballots have been e-mailed by Kristin R. If you did not receive one, let her know.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM CT
Join us to call inactive voters and encourage them to VOTE in the upcoming elections, because Tennessee is our home and we all deserve to be heard!
NOAH’s Integrated Voter Education working group invites you to help activate inactive voters!
Register at bit.ly/NOAHMayPB.
Many members of the GNUUC congregation lent a helping hand at the Bellevue picnic on May 16!
Thank you to all who volunteered at the Bellevue Picnic on May 16 - Caren and Jesse S-S, Lisa G., Susan Timmons, Christi Witcher, Shana Summers, Larry B., Nathaniel B., Kayla Z., Kristin R., and Helena R.
Greater Nashville UU Congregation will have a booth at the Bellevue Community Picnic on Saturday, May 16, and we'd love for you to stop by.
Even better — consider helping out at the booth! Volunteers are signed up for 2-hour shifts, but even a 30-minute drop-in to give someone a bathroom or food break would be a huge help.
Booth Details
Booth hours: 11 AM – 6 PM
Want to help? Sign up by:
-Emailing organizer Caren S-S at caren.spencersmith@gmail.com
-Catching Kristin R. after service this Sunday
-Joining the Slack channel #bellevue_picnic
Bellevue Community Picnic Details
-Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
-Festival hours: 11 AM – 9:30 PM (our booth wraps up at 6 PM, but the festival continues into the evening with a fireworks display)
-Location: 655 Colice Jean Road, Nashville, TN 37221
The Bellevue Community Picnic is an annual festival hosted by the Bellevue Harpeth Chamber of Commerce, featuring live music, family entertainment, food trucks, carnival rides, inflatable attractions, exhibitors, and fireworks.
Hope to see you there!
All GNUUC members — please plan to attend these two important governance events:
Town Hall Meeting — Sunday, May 17 at 1 PM
Members should have gotten an email with the slate and budget. If you did not, reach out to kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org.
We'll discuss the agenda for the upcoming Congregational Annual Meeting, focusing on:
-New Board Members 2026-2027
-The Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027
Absentee and Proxy ballots for the Annual Congregational Meeting will be available at the Town Hall and emailed out later that day.
This is the meeting for discussion and questions.
Annual Congregational Meeting — Sunday, May 31, immediately after service
We'll vote on:
-New Board Members 2026-2027
-The Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027
The floor will not be open for discussion at this meeting — please bring your questions and concerns to the May 17 Town Hall.
Documentary Film Screening
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 3:45 pm - 5:30 PM (Film starts promptly at 4 PM. Show up at 3:45 for seating and snacks!)
This is an Auction Fundraiser hosted by Mir S. It’s open to the public - invite friends!
Suggested Donation: $15 per person.
To pre-purchase tickets, see Kristin R. at Sunday potluck. Otherwise, show up at the door.
Pasha Talankin, a beloved Russian primary school teacher, becomes an unlikely dissident when Russia's invasion of Ukraine forces him into promoting state propaganda — horrified by what he witnesses, he secretly uses his role as the school's videographer to document the regime's impact on everyday Russians, from militarized youth groups to the recruitment of students for war, ultimately risking his life and planning a dangerous escape from Russia. Directed by Borenstein and Talankin himself, Mr. Nobody Against Putin is a 90-minute documentary and Sundance Official Selection that offers rare, intimate footage of how Putin's regime transforms communities and children from the inside.
Our May Share the Plate partner is Isaiah 117 House. Half of all plate donations will be donated to the organization in May.
Isaiah 117 House provides a safe, welcoming home for children awaiting foster placement—offering clean clothes, warm meals, toys, and loving volunteers during one of the most frightening moments of their lives. Their mission: reduce trauma for children, lighten the load for child welfare workers, and ease the transition for foster families.
Join us at GNUUC on May 10th at 3PM for a Mother’s Day concert featuring Dr. Arunesh Nadgir. Attendance is free and open to the public.
Dr. Arunesh Nadgir is an acclaimed pianist and educator currently serving as Professor of Piano and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He was recently honored as the 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Music Teachers Association (TMTA), where he also served as President from 2023 to 2025.
As a soloist and chamber musician, he has performed internationally across the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.
Notable venues include Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall), Jordan Hall, and Eastman Theatre.
His performances include a wide range of classical works, from Bach and Haydn to Schumann, Debussy, and Barber.
His playing has been featured on live broadcasts via Nashville Public Radio (WPLN) and New York City’s WNYC.
Dear Members and Friends,
Every April, in preparation for our annual meeting in May, we ask members and friends to clearly communicate their intentions for sharing money with the congregation in the upcoming fiscal year (July 2026-June 2027). If you’ve been with us recently, you have (we hope!) noticed that together we are growing and doing exciting things:
Welcoming new and returning visitors alongside familiar faces to Sunday services.
Adding new members at a steady pace,
In the process of calling our minister to settled ministry, gathering to assess our shared ministry and identifying areas of strength and stability.
Sharing space with a forest preschool, which provides a budgetary boost and uses our outdoor and indoor spaces more fully and for purposes aligned with our values,
Co-hosting a statewide meeting of UUs organizing for justice work (TUUCAN).
Offering religious education for folks of all ages, like Climate Justice Workshops, UU Compass, and ever-ready Sunday volunteers to be with children of visiting families.
Enjoying social time together: Sunday potlucks, special events like our recent auction, Saturday afternoons and evenings devoted to workshops, trivia, movies, and games.
Last year, this letter invited us collectively “to stretch our imaginations and capacities to become people who build community and speak truth, for ourselves and for others.” One year later, we are experiencing sustained growth and stability; our imagination and capacity continue to fuel our justice work. Here is the question each of us and all of us together must answer this spring as we make plans for next year:
"What feels possible that didn't feel possible a year ago?"
Since GNUUC’s beginning over 30 years ago, we have relied on the sustained attention and generosity of members and friends. Once again, each of us has the opportunity to support our congregation’s health and in turn help heal the world. People these days need encouragement, and as a healthy, growing faith community, we are needed in Nashville and beyond. YOU are needed, now more than ever!
Let’s discover what is possible for us. Individually, let’s consider what we can realistically share financially. (Please imagine stretching, but stretch within your capacity!) Together, who knows all the possibilities, but we will discover them in good company. Visit our Online Pledge Card or turn in a physical card on Sundays. The pledge drive runs through April 19, 2026.
Still yours in gratitude and generosity,
Rev. Denise Gyauch (Minister) and Jesse Spencer-Smith (Stewardship Drive Chair)
Early Voting
Early voting begins today, April 15th, and continues through Thursday, April 30th. The County Primary Election is on Tuesday, May 5th. If you missed NOAH’s School Board Candidates Forum this week, you can read about it in this article from the Nashville Banner or watch a video of the forum here.
And don’t forget the judicial candidates on the ballot!
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 16 — Don't miss "Transformational Justice: The People's Voice in the Courts", a community judicial candidates forum at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church (6:30 pm). Register Here
Thursday, June 5, 6 PM — Join us for NOAH's 2026 Banquet — Faithful Resistance, Rooted in Justice, Rising in Hope at the Boone Convocation Center at Trevecca. Buy Your Tickets Now!
Upcoming Task Force Meetings
Affordable Housing Task Force
Monthly Meetings on the 3rd Sunday, April 19 @ 2:30 pm
Register HERE
Economic Equity, Jobs & Transportation Task Force
Monthly Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday, April 21 @ 5:30 pm
RegisterHERE
Greeters Needed! Would you like to be a Sunday morning greeter? It's an easy and fun way to contribute your time to the congregation! If you're interested, simply show up at 10:45 any Sunday and find Lisa G. — she'll review the guidelines with you and greet alongside you your first time. If we can get 7 more interested people, we can each be assigned one Sunday per month to volunteer. Questions? Contact Lisa G.
TUUCAN Representative We are actively recruiting a representative to TUUCAN — the Tennessee Unitarian Universalist Community Action Network. Meetings are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10 AM via Zoom. Last month's meeting featured guest speaker Makaela Webb of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood (TAPP), who spoke about the state of reproductive rights in Tennessee and TAPP's legislative priorities during the current General Assembly session. Your only responsibility would be to attend the monthly meeting and write a brief summary for the e-blast, which will also be posted on the bulletin board.
UU the Vote: Igniting Solidarity, Reimagining Democracy On March 25, Side with Love launched UU the Vote: Igniting Solidarity, Reimagining Democracy! This initiative honors the work UUs have done over the last six years protecting democracy and combatting fascism, introduces partners from around the country, and unveils the resources, programs, and tactics we'll be focusing on in 2026. Caren S-S has generously volunteered to watch the launch recording and write up a summary to keep our congregation informed on what's ahead. If you are interested in learning more, visit UU the Vote.
NEW: Rev. Denise and UU leaders across the state have been meeting with UU the Vote staff to start planning a Solidarity Summit in Tennessee (probably in September); stay tuned for details of this opportunity to gather with our UU siblings from across the state for fellowship and training in preparation to defend democracy in our very own state!
General Assembly Banner Great news! Linda B. is working on designing a General Assembly banner for us to use this year — stay tuned for more details!
It's a busy stretch for community action! NOAH has several upcoming events you won't want to miss:
This Saturday, April 11 — Kick things off at a Voter Happy Hour at Plaza Mariachi (2:00 pm), where NOAH's Integrated Voter Engagement team will discuss what's at stake in the May 5 elections. Register Here
Sunday, April 12 — Attend the MNPS School Board Candidates Forum at Kairos Ebenezer AME Church (4:00 pm), featuring candidates for seats 2, 4, 6, and 8. Register Here
Tuesday, April 14 — Join the monthly Membership/Board Meeting at First UU Church (6:30 pm).
Thursday, April 16 — Don't miss "Transformational Justice: The People's Voice in the Courts", a community judicial candidates forum at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church (6:30 pm). Register Here
Ongoing Action — Moral Budget: NOAH is calling on Nashville to invest $30 million in the Barnes Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing. Contact your councilmember today! Send a Message to Your Councilmember
Save the Date: NOAH's 2026 Banquet — Faithful Resistance, Rooted in Justice, Rising in Hope — is set for June 4, 2026.
Join us on Saturday, April 18, at 4 PM for Game Night! Bring your favorite board game to share.
Pizza will be provided! You are welcome to bring a side, drinks, or dessert (optional).
All ages are welcome.
Questions? Contact Ryan
Join us Saturday, April 25 from 10 AM–2 PM for our Climate Justice Workshop as we continue our work on the UU Green Sanctuary 2030 program — building toward a sustainable and just world for all.
The Four Essentials of Climate Action that guide this work are:
Mitigation — Reducing emissions from energy usage, transportation, waste, and consumption
Congregational Transformation — Working together to improve the ways we organize and collaborate
Community Resilience — Cultivating communities of care to prepare for and respond to climate disruption
Justice — Partnering with those most harmed by climate change to build thriving communities
This month we'll continue exploring Mitigation and begin diving into Congregational Transformation.
You do not need to have attended previously — everyone is welcome!
Lunch will be provided. To help us plan, sign up at Sunday lunch, or email Kristin at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org with any dietary restrictions. Or simply show up on Saturday!
To learn more about the Green Sanctuary Program, visit: https://www.uua.org/environment/green-sanctuary
AI for Good (good for you, good for the congregation, good for the community). You can use AI right now, and we'll show you how.
More importantly, we'll show you how to use AI to make a real difference in this congregation, and in the community.
Bring a laptop if you have one, or your phone.
No technical background needed--EVERYONE WELCOME.
Date: April 26
Time: 12:45-1:45 Workshop, 1:45-2:45 Work Session.
Facilitator: Jesse S-S.
Since its founding, TIRRC has grown from an informal network of community leaders into one of the most diverse and effective coalitions of its kind, a model for immigrant rights organizations in the Southeast and throughout the United States. TIRRC’s vision is a stronger, more inclusive Tennessee where people of all nationalities, immigration statuses, and racial identities can belong and thrive.
Tennessee has a rapidly growing immigrant population, and while these communities bring vibrancy and value to our state, they don’t always have access to the same opportunities as their neighbors. For this reason, in 2003, immigrants, refugees, and allies came together to fight for change. Since that time, the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), a statewide immigrant- and refugee-led organization, has continued building power with and for refugees and immigrants in order to strengthen our communities, build belonging, and transform Tennessee and the South.
Our Ministries
Worship
Sunday worship services are the congregational communal event for individuals searching for connection to one another, and to the wholeness and possibilities known by many names, including Love. Sermons, music, stories, readings, and meditations are intended to open our minds and hearts that we may be reasoned thinkers and compassionate doers in service to love, mercy, and justice. Our ritual of sharing joys and sorrows allows us to bear witness to the stories of our lives.
Faith Formation
For Unitarian Universalists, religious education programs include more than classes. Programs may incorporate social justice and community service activities, worship opportunities, or creating art to share with the congregation.
Find Out More About Faith Formation
Social Justice
The Greater Nashville UU Social Justice ministries serve as a catalyst for peace and social justice to realize our shared UU values within our fellowship, the Metro Nashville area, our country, and the global community.
Find Out More about Social Justice
Community
Greater Nashville UU is a family sized community that also has fun outside of worship, social justice work, and faith formation.
Gatherings like our Sunday Potlucks, Movie Nights, Games Nights, Trivia Nights, the festive "Hanging of the Greens," and the Annual Auction provide opportunities for us to connect, building friendships and fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond the weekly worship service.
Plus we volunteer together to help our building & grounds, our home, flourish.
Still Spring Park
Did you know Greater Nashville UU owns 4+ acres of wooded land on our property that include a memorial garden, wooded trails, meditation area, and playground?
Good Trouble Lives On!
Early voting for the August 6th election starts Friday, July 17!
Click here to find out when and where to early vote in Davidson County!
And speaking of exercising our right to vote, don’t miss the annual John Lewis Way March this Saturday, July 18, from 8:00am to noon, starting at the Tennessee State Library and Archives at the corner of Jefferson Street and Rep John R Lewis Way.
The fight to protect voting rights never ends. Six years after John Lewis’ death, we carry the torch to continue his legacy and pass it forward to future generations. Register here to join us! See flyer for details.