“Live Life like a Book Tennessee Would Ban” pride shirts are now available on the FUUN website, with the proceeds going to help fund their pride activities for next year.
https://fuun.breezechms.com/form/Pride-Donations
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The Covenant Renewal service is an opportunity for NOAH's diverse membership to make a stand against the rise of tyranny, nationalism, oppression, and hate. It will be a chance to publicly demonstrate our unity in these divided times. Following the service, we will have a reception for all our NOAH members, new and old, to celebrate our shared commitment!
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Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the separation of religion and government as the only way to ensure freedom of religion, including the right to believe or not believe, for all. Please donate to Americans United through Share the Plate in July, defending freedom of religion, and freedom of belief.
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Please help us by bringing bottled water to church during July. We will deliver to the Nashville Rescue Mission. If you have a large vehicle and can help with delivery, please let us know. Please put the water bottles on the table at the back of the Fellowship hall.
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On Sunday, June 15, members from FUUN joined GNUUC for Music Sunday. More than 100 people attended in person, and over 30 attended online! After the service, refreshments were shared in the Fellowship Hall. This event was a great success for both congregations, and we look forward to more co-hosted events in the future.
Click Read More to see pictures of Music Sunday.
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The GNUUC Board held its monthly meeting on June 18, with members gathering via Zoom to discuss congregational matters and plan for the future.
Financial Update
Treasurer Jesse Spencer-Smith reported excellent financial news. The congregation exceeded budget projections with pledge income at 110% and plate income at 131% of budgeted amounts. The positive financial position will allow GNUUC to prepay next year's UUA Annual Fund contribution ($6,600) and add $2,000 to the building capital fund for future AC unit replacements.
Annual Meeting Reflection
Board members reflected on the recent annual meeting, acknowledging that some discussions became heated, particularly around budget matters. The board identified key learnings:
-Share the budget with congregants well before the annual meeting to allow time for questions and discussion
-Implement regular "meet your board member" opportunities during Sunday announcements
-Better prepare congregants for productive participation through resources like the "Be Prepared, Be Kind" guide to annual meetings
Contract to Call Update
Claire S. reported on the Contract to Call Task Force progress. The team is working to schedule a meeting with UUA representative Christine Purcell to clarify next steps.
Looking Ahead
Board Retreat: Scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 9 AM - 2 PM at Jesse S-S's home.
Shared Ministry: Rev. Denise will provide updates during Shared Ministry meetings about her ministerial activities to help congregants better understand the breadth of her work.
Appreciation
The board expressed deep gratitude to outgoing members Tina and Carol for their years of dedicated service and welcomed new members Nathaniel B. and Gabby to their roles. A special congregational meeting to officially elect Gabby to the board was scheduled for August 24, following the Sunday service.
The meeting concluded with members feeling optimistic about GNUUC's financial health and committed to improving communication and processes for the congregation's continued growth.
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The Belonging Fund was established by the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Conexión Americas, and Tennessee Justice For Our Neighbors, in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and will be used to support families impacted by civil immigration enforcement operations in Middle Tennessee that began on May 4, 2025, and are ongoing. This fund will be responsive and evolving to the community's needs as determined by the founding organizations and will be flexible to adjust to the shifting policy landscape.
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The GNUUC Board met on May 14, 2025, with all members present.
The board reviewed the upcoming annual congregational meeting agenda, approving nominations for Nathaniel B. as President and Gabby D. as Director at Large, with Theresa, Jesse, and Claire up for re-election. They noted no Secretary nomination was received despite efforts by the nominating committee. The board discussed meeting procedures, including how to handle the slate vote, and confirmed a quorum requirement of 14 members.
The board unanimously approved the 2025-26 proposed budget presented by Jesse, which shows a balanced budget with plans to use $9,938 from contingency funds. Key budget elements include maintaining ministerial compensation in line with UUA guidelines, establishing a new lay pastoral care program with Rev. Michelle Peterson as consultant (4 hours/month), and temporarily suspending UUA Annual Program Fund contributions with hopes to make a contribution from the current year's surplus instead.
The board scheduled a transition meeting for June 18th to welcome new board members, and Claire reported on the Contract to Call Task Force progress. Board members also recognized the need to review bylaws in the coming year to better fit the congregation's current size and structure.
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Thank you to all who attended the Congregational Annual Meeting on Sunday, either in the sanctuary or via Zoom. It is your unceasing dedication that allows the mission of GNUUC to thrive.
I also want to thank GNUUC for choosing me to serve as your president for these past three years.
I have had the honor of working alongside some awesome folks on the Board, with a plethora of talents. Each one of you brought something unique and valuable to the table, every single meeting, and you all have found ways to keep GNUUC strong. I am awe-inspired… Nathanael, Caren, Ryan, Sandy, Theresa, Jesse, Eddie, Carol, Claire, and thank you to Rev. Denise for your continued thoughtful conversations and encouragement.
One door is closing, and another will open for new opportunities of service with GNUUC.
GNUUC is one of the most welcoming environments I have been a part of. I do think that we can carry this welcoming spirit to every person we come into contact with. You never know what someone is going through… a smile, a quick hello, or a wave might give that person the lift they need in that moment, and you will receive the same one day. That’s the way it works!
Tina
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This Sunday (May 25) please bring easy to serve picnic food. Think sandwiches, chips, fruit, vegetables with dip, cookies, etc. No silverware needed. If weather permits we will eat in the breezeway.
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We will no longer be hosting Rise for Freedom trainings in person at the church.
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Join us at the Bellevue Picnic. Many members of the congregation have volunteered at our booth, which will be open 10 AM to 7 PM. Come by and visit us!
May 17th, 2025: Bellevue Picnic
In the recreational area behind Bellevue Middle School
10 am until 9:30 pm!
655 Colice Jeanne Road Nashville, TN 37221
To learn more about the Bellevue Picnic, visit: https://www.bellevueharpethchamber.com/bellevue-community-picnic/
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This month we are honored to share our offering with Free Hearts, a Tennessee-based organization led by formerly incarcerated women. Rooted in Nashville, Free Hearts works to support and reunite families impacted by incarceration through education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing.
In partnership with the National Bail Out collective, Free Hearts is participating in the 2025 campaign to free as many Black mothers and caregivers as possible in time for Mother’s Day—offering not only release, but reunion, dignity, and healing.
Free Hearts also leads Nashville’s Participatory Defense Hub, a powerful community initiative where families and loved ones come together each week to learn about the court system and advocate for justice. Since 2017, these efforts have resulted in more than 1,100 years of incarceration avoided—a testament to the transformative power of collective care and resistance.
Your generosity today helps Free Hearts continue this vital work: reuniting families, shifting power within the criminal legal system, and imagining a world where love and liberation prevail.
To learn more about Free Hearts, visit https://freeheartsorg.com/.
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Dear Members and Friends,
We are grateful to share that we have raised $68,360 so far in our annual pledge campaign. To fund our programs and commitments, we still need at least $11,640.
If you have not yet submitted your pledge card, we invite you to do so as soon as possible. Even if you are giving to sustaining pledge, we like to know that you plan to continue. Your continuing pledge has not been included in this year’s total.
Please visit nashvilleuu.org/pledge to make your pledge today. Your generous support sustains our shared ministry and strengthens our beloved community. (If the form is complicated, you are welcome to email Kristin at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org or call her directly. Email for phone number.)
With gratitude,
Jesse S-S, Pledge Drive Coordinator
Kristin R, Finance Chair
This year’s banquet will again take place at the Boone Center at Trevecca Nazarene University, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Charlane Oliver, District 19 Senator in the Tennessee legislature, will be our keynote speaker. Tickets may be purchased here. The deadline is MAY 15 for ticket purchase. GNUUC folks can share a table. For information about NOAH and some of its recent accomplishments, opportunities to purchase ads in the banquet program, as well as different levels of sponsorship, click here.
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Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee currently includes Nathanael R (past-president), Caren S-S, Ryan D, Gina A, and Elizabeth M. The committee faces a challenge finding a President from among the congregation, and board members are encouraged to consider suggestions.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 18th. The board voted to move their regular meeting from May 21st to Wednesday, May 14th to prepare for the Annual Meeting.
Budget Draft
Draft budget was discussed, but will be finalized after all pledges forms are returned.
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the successful auction fundraiser, which exceeded expectations.
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The American Civil Liberties Union originated in 1920 as a response to the Palmer raids, in which thousands of people were arrested without warrants or regard to constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure, then brutally treated and held in horrible conditions before deportation. The ACLU today is the nation's largest public interest law firm, with a 50-state network of staffed, autonomous affiliate offices. It appears before the United States Supreme Court more than any other organization except the U.S. Department of Justice. About 500 ACLU staff attorneys collaborate with about 2,000 volunteer attorneys in handling close to 2,000 cases annually.
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We are thrilled to share that the Fiesta 2025 Auction raised $8,343, surpassing our goal of $8,000!
This year’s auction was a resounding success — and it was amazing to witness our community come together to make it happen. The event was a true reflection of the power of collaboration, generosity, and shared purpose. Thank you all for turning our vision into reality.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible:
-Kris T. for Auctria support and donation entry— a monumental effort!
-Jesse S-S. for thoughtfully assisting with live auction item planning.
-Dan L. for his dynamic and entertaining work as our auctioneer.
-Mirabelle S. and the Tex-Mex food crew for preparing a truly delicious meal (see Maribelle’s Thank You).
-The Women’s Group for crafting beautiful and festive decorations.
-The Saturday Setup Crew for transforming the space by setting up tables, silent auction displays, and live auction items.
-Kris T. and family (again!) for stepping up to ensure a smooth registration, bidding, and checkout process.
-To all who donated, all who attended, and all who bid — your contributions made this event joyful and successful.
Together, we created more than just an auction — we strengthened our community. Thank you!
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Many thanks to the following who helped make the Taco Bar a great success-I know I’ve missed some, please forgive me, if I have.
Bonnie, who supplied lovely Mexican cookies and rice, an homage to her New Mexico roots, and took care of the cold section;
Leisa, who prepped all the veggies and took care of the tacos and tortillas;
Mike for his delicious key lime pies;
Lisa who brought a delicious flan with chocolate cake, and with Gina, were the baristas for the delicious beverages;
Jane W. who quietly and without fuss did whatever she was called upon to do, cleared tables, and more;
Dan, who sourced 99% of the food, and was still running to Kroger in the last minutes;
And very, very special thanks to Charles and Melissa who were there when I arrived, warmed up and set up almost all of the food, stayed throughout the serving, washed ALL of the dishes, pots and pans, and serving dishes ENTIRELY by themselves- thank you - you were my rock.
Mirabelle
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Minister's Report and Updates
-Rev. Denise shared that about 5 new members will be signing the membership book this Sunday
-Plans are developing for a Lay Pastoral Care Team to be supported by Rev. Dr. Michelle Pederson, which would provide support and connection within the congregation. The Board expressed enthusiasm for this initiative.
-Discussion about re-establishing both a Committee on Ministry and a Healthy Congregation Team as the congregation begins to grow again.
Financial Update
-The congregation is on track with its budget for the current fiscal year.
-Jesse reported that the Finance Committee is preparing next year's budget, which may require drawing from the contingency fund, though the amount will be clearer after the pledge campaign. He noted that we have not needed to draw on the fund this year even though it had been planned
-The Finance Committee will be working with members to help facilitate donations from Required Minimum Distributions for those who might benefit from this option.
Leadership Transitions
-Carol Looney will not continue for another term as Member-at-Large.
-Tina announced she will not serve a fourth year as President, citing the need for fresh energy and to explore other areas of service within the congregation.
-The Nominating Committee, headed by Nathanael Reveal as immediate past president, will be seeking candidates for these positions and for a Secretary.
-Tina will reach out to several members to serve on the Nominating Committee with Nathanael.
Contracts
-Rev. Denise's contract was approved and signed.
-A New Leaf contract was reviewed with minor updates, including a 3% increase and adjustments to space usage. The contract would cover 8/1/2025 to 7/31/2026.
The meeting ended early, reflecting an efficient and productive session.
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