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

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.

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

RSVP for Voter Happy Hour #2

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.

RSVP for 7/12 Phonebanking

See flyer inside for more opportunities to get involved!

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.