Posts in Governance
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary -May 2025
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary -May 2025

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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GovernanceKris Thresher
A Message from Our Board President
A Message from Our Board President

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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Community, GovernanceKris Thresher
Annual Stewardship Campaign: $11,640 to Go! Please Fill Out Pledge Form
Annual Stewardship Campaign: $11,640 to Go! Please Fill Out Pledge Form

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

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GovernanceKristin RevealPledge Drive
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - April 16, 2025
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - April 16, 2025

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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GovernanceKris ThresherGeneral Announcement
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - March 19, 2025
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - March 19, 2025

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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GovernanceKris Thresher
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - February 19, 2025
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - February 19, 2025

Meeting Date: February 19, 2025 Time: 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Board Membership & Leadership

-All current board members have indicated their willingness to serve another year in their positions
-A Secretary position remains open and will need to be filled
-The board is working on establishing a nominating committee in accordance with bylaws requirements

Financial Updates

-The congregation remains in a strong financial position with healthy account balances
-Pledge income is at 81% of budget, ahead of expectations
-New Leaf has expressed interest in signing another year-long contract for space usage
-The Finance Committee will begin planning next year's budget, including adjustments to align with UUA guidelines
-The board approved exploring options for contracted maintenance support to assist with building needs

Contract to Call Process (to transition Rev. Denise Gyauch from being a contracted minister to being called & settled by the congregation)

-The board is moving forward with establishing a Call Process Task Force consisting of three members
-The task force will lead a congregation-wide ministry evaluation process
-UUA representatives have expressed support for the congregation's approach and timeline
-The process is expected to take 2-3 months and will include opportunities for congregational input

Building & Grounds

-The board approved adding a TIRRC "Immigrants Belong" yard sign to the church grounds
-Discussions are ongoing about maintenance needs and support for building operations

Social Justice & Denominational Affairs

-GNUUC is participating in the formation of a Tennessee UU Congregational Action Network (TUUCAN)
-Representatives from the congregation are serving on the steering committee

Next Steps

-The board will be working on finalizing the ministerial contract
-The Call Process Task Force will begin organizing the congregation-wide evaluation
-The Finance Committee will develop a proposed budget for the next fiscal year

The next board meeting date will be announced through regular church communications channels.

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GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes
Board Meeting Summary - October 2024
Board Meeting Summary - October 2024

Board Service Discussion: went into more detail about the specifics of the service

-Creating a framework of the vision of ministry to bring to the congregation

-Reflecting on last year’s vision

Discussion of Policies

-Alcohol use policy: What do we want to put in the policy, how specific do we want it to be? Emphasized need for responsible adult around if minors and alcohol are present, all Board members will play a part in crafting a policy

-Building Usage Policy: There was a motion for the Board to authorize the ability for the Minister and Administrator to negotiate prices for building usage, seconded and passed with unanimous approval

Enacted outside of the meeting: The Board approved the Restatement of the UUA Retirement Plan (to take effect 1 January 2025) on October 29.

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Community, GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes, General Announcement
Board Meeting Summary - September 2024
Board Meeting Summary - September 2024

Discussion about facility use and renters

Board service on October 27 will include vision ideas from the retreat and include the congregation

Discussion about the Board service

Work on it over Slack in between Board meetings
Give Congregation advance notice of participatory details (announcement during What’s Next? 1-2 Sundays before)

Nathaneal Reveal has resigned as Board Secretary

Next Board meeting: Oct​. 16

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Community, GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes, General Announcement
Board Meeting Summary - August 21, 2024
Board Meeting Summary - August 21, 2024

The GNUUC Board met on August 21, 2024 to discuss various matters related to church operations and planning. Key points included:

1 - Financial Update: The church ended the 2023-2024 fiscal year with income $2,431 over expenses, avoiding the need to move funds from contingency. This positive outcome was largely due to rental income from A New Leaf. For the current fiscal year (2024-2025), 34% of pledges have already been paid.

2 - Board Retreat: A retreat is scheduled for August 31st from 11am-2pm. Board members will bring mixed media items for a group project.

3 - Board Service: The board will lead the service on October 27th, which will be followed by a shared ministries meeting.

4 - Greeters: Carol shared insights from UUA greeter training and suggested implementing a monthly rotation for greeters. The board discussed incorporating safety training into the greeter role.

5 - Memorial Garden: The board discussed concerns about the Memorial Garden space.

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Community, GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes, General Announcement
Update from Finance
Update from Finance

This past Sunday we met for our Annual Congregational Meeting and passed our annual budget for the GNUUC 2024-2025 Fiscal Year. Please drop me an email at jesse.spencersmith@gmail.com if you’d like to have a copy of the approved budget.

It’s important to note that we do not draw on contingency funds for our budget for the year! Thanks to your generous pledges, a well-planned and successful auction, and New Leaf Preschool renting our RE space for the full year, we are able to plan a budget that is balanced for the first time since the pandemic.

Some important highlights of the budget:

We are budgeting support for the Unitarian Universalist Association after not being able to budget for this last year. The UUA depends on congregations for their support, so this is an important improvement.

We have increased the budget for Buildings and Grounds to help address the cost of painting our building.

Due to a technical glitch, pledge request letters went out AGAIN on Tuesday, May 21. Know that we HAVE gratefully received and recorded your pledges. As I noted in a follow-up letter, I would not mind this technical problem, except for the fact that it went out before we had a chance to send out our thanks to each of you for your loving, generous support of GNUUC.

--

Jesse S-S

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Community, GovernanceKris Thresher
Annual Stewardship Campaign: Pledge Forms are due!
Annual Stewardship Campaign: Pledge Forms are due!

Our Annual Pledge Campaign ran from April 14 to April 21, 2024. We are still missing about seven pledges from members. Friends and visitors, consider making a Pledge to GNUUC for our July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 Fiscal Year.

This year, we celebrate Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s 30th Anniversary. In the summer of 1994, we first met as a congregation and were recognized officially by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Since then Greater Nashville has been a home for those seeking a liberal religious community, a place to raise their children, a supportive institution, a gathering of friends.

Now is the time to make a commitment. If you are member, now is the time to strengthen your support. If you are a new visitor, new friend, now is the time to consider joining us and pledging your support — and consider joining us as a member. Reverend Denise would love to talk to you.

By giving our time, our talents, and our money, we can support those in need, and serve as a voice of love, acceptance, and hope in a world that needs to hear these things. Our pledges this spring will resource the first year of the NEXT 30 years of our congregation’s mission: to transform ourselves, our community, and our world through the power of love; to embody a sanctuary of compassion, integrity, and respect; and to champion justice, equity, and peace.

Pledge what you can for the new year. Know that if your circumstances change, you can adjust your pledge. If you can give more, do so, knowing that you are contributing more in a time when others can contribute less.  Please visit https://www.nashvilleuu.org/pledge and pledge as generously as you are able.

Now is the time. This is your invitation.

To read this year’s pledge letter, click Invitation to Pledge.

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GovernanceKristin RevealPledge Drive
Summary of Extra Board meeting on April 24, 2024
Summary of Extra Board meeting on April 24, 2024

The Board discussed the extension of the A New Leaf school lease for an additional 12 months and received an update on the annual stewardship drive. The Board discussed the importance of welcoming and membership in the coming year. The Board planned the agenda for the upcoming May 5th briefing of the congregation and confirmed that the meeting will be hybrid. This is a preliminary Q&A session in advance of the Congregational Meeting on May 19. The Board put plans in place to start congregational visioning for the next 30 years with a progress assessment scheduled around December 2024.

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Community, GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes
April Board Meeting Summary
April Board Meeting Summary

The board confirmed that the current members are all likely willing and able to continue to serve on the board if asked. The board discussed the ongoing occupancy of the RE building by A New Leaf school. The board began making plans for congregational meetings and training priorities for the upcoming 2024/2025 fiscal year.

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Community, GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes
Board Update March 2024
Board Update March 2024

We discussed ways to improve communication and simplify and open up processes at the church to better reflect our current staffing and volunteer capacity. We discussed the open slots for delegates from the congregation to UUA General Assembly 2024. The Board will encourage interested people to contact Rev. Denise. Board members will inform Tina about their wishes as far as continuing to serve during the coming year.

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Community, GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes
February Board Meeting Summary
February Board Meeting Summary

The treasurer presented the finance report, noting pledge income may come in lower than budgeted. Insurance and asphalt repairs have increased expenses significantly. Getting additional asphalt repair quotes was discussed.

Discussing the congregation's 30th anniversary coming up in 2024, suggestions included celebrating with a special pledge drive theme highlighting the past 30 years and vision for the next 30. A homecoming event in the fall was also proposed.

The Board conducted a self-assessment. The facilitator closed by thanking the Board for their self-reflection.

Continued progress on visioning the future and sustainability goals will help ensure GNUUC's next 30 years are as strong as the past 30 have been.

Please email board@gnuuc.org if you have any questions or suggestions.

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Community, GovernanceKris ThresherGeneral Announcement
Jan. 17, 2024: Board Meeting Summary
Jan. 17, 2024: Board Meeting Summary

Financial Review

- Reviewed budget to actuals and financial position. Insurance costs have increased significantly due to claims, but new revenue sources (facility rentals, donations) help offset this.

Timetable for Pledge Campaign

-The pledge campaign is planned for April 7 and April 14 (materials will be distributed). The goal is to finalize pledges by April 21 to inform budget planning and stewardship celebrated. The date of the congregational meeting is tentatively set for May 19th.

Creating a Culture of Periodic Self-Assessment

- An assessment task force proposed establishing an annual self-assessment for key church groups/teams. The goal is to empower teams and build community. The board will conduct a self-assessment in February using the governance policy document as a guide.

Discussions on Rev. Denise's Contract

- A small task force comprised of Jesse Spencer-Smith (Treasurer) and Claire Stanton (At-Large) will meet with Rev. Denise to discuss potential updates to her contract for the next fiscal year. These early discussions allow time to finalize details aligned with the budget by March/April.

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GovernanceKris ThresherGeneral Announcement
November 15, 2023: Board Meeting Summary
November 15, 2023: Board Meeting Summary

Lease with the New Leaf Preschool: The members discussed updates regarding the proposed use of the RE Building by New Leaf. This continues to move forward appropriately. It was proposed that liaisons be appointed from the congregation and New Leaf, with Rev. Denise potentially being the representative from the congregation, as she was already in contact with the school.

Share the Plate Conversation: As part of her monthly report to the Board, Rev. Denise briefed the board on the pastoral care issues related to conversations about the November Share the Plate partner.

Parking Lot Concerns: We discussed the few incident reports regarding the parking lot. These discussions were focused on addressing the challenges posed by the parking lot's location and its potential attractiveness as a secluded spot. Solutions such as improved lighting and security measures were discussed, but the consensus was that we are doing all that is appropriate at the moment. Non-police intervention will continue to be used, with police intervention used as appropriate.

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GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes
Board Meeting Summary for October 18, 2023
Board Meeting Summary for October 18, 2023

- Claire will send a list of small congregations in nearby states to Carol to potentially reach out to about governance models. The goal is to learn how other small congregations operate and make decisions. 

- A New Leaf preschool representative visited to view the rental space for a potential lease. Discussions are ongoing. 

- A job description was created for hiring a bookkeeper on a contract basis for around 7 hours per month. The board approved hiring someone and will use contingency funds to pay them.

- The board agreed to spend the last 5 minutes of each meeting reviewing and approving a summary of the meeting to be shared with the congregation. This will be sent to Kris for the weekly eblast and also printed for the bulletin board. 

- The board reviewed the monthly finance reports. Pastoral care funds may need to be supplemented given low remaining balance. A bookkeeper will be paid from contingency funds, not added to the budget.

- The healthy congregations team currently includes Jane Spears and Gene Bryant. Reverend Denise works with the team.

- The board formally created a 2 person task force of Caren Spencer Smith and Reverend Denise to continue the dialogue on assessment.

- There was discussion around a UUA request for assistance for a program to support transgender individuals traveling through Nashville. Reverend Denise will inform the congregation of this opportunity.

Overall, the meeting focused on improving transparency through posting board meeting summaries, making progress on important administrative needs like hiring a bookkeeper, and having generative discussions to support the congregation's mission and needs.

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GovernanceKris ThresherBoard Minutes