NEW DATE: Sun., Feb. 8, 1 PM: Town Hall Meeting: Contract to Call Summary Report

Dear friends,

For the past four years, Rev. Denise Gyauch has served our congregation as our contract minister. Together, we have grown in trust, deepened our shared ministry, and clarified who we are becoming as a community of faith. Now, we are entering a new and meaningful phase: discerning whether it is time to call Rev. Denise to settled ministry with the Greater Nashville UU Congregation.

The Contract to Call Process, recommended by the UUA, invites the whole congregation into learning, reflection, and conversation. The Board has created a Contract to Call task force composed of Kristin Reveal, Carol Looney, and Ryan Davison to implement this process.

Last November we had a special Sunday service, “The Call We Make Together,” that introduced the meaning and purpose of the Contract to Call Process. For a Video Recording of this service, see: The Call We Make Together Sermon.

Then, in late November and December we held Small Group Discussion sessions where members and friends reflected on these questions:

How does our Mission, Covenant, and/or Vision of Ministry guide our shared ministry?

What is working well in our church community?

What do we need to work on? Where do we feel called to grow?

How do we experience our relationship with Rev. Denise in this shared ministry?

What hopes do you have for our future together?

Is there anything else you would like to share?

The Contract to call Task Force then compiled a Summary Report that it presented to the Board and Rev. Denise in late December. 

You are invited to a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, February 8, from 1 PM - 2 PM, for a presentation of the Summary Report and to receive a copy of the report itself. Copies of the report will also be emailed to members this week.

To join online: https://tinyurl.com/gnuuczoom

This Town Hall Meeting will be hosted by the Contract to Call Task Force, Ryan D., Kristin R., and Carol L.

First, we will present the Contract to Call Report. You are welcome to read the report this prior to the meeting. For a copy of the report, see your email.

After each section, we will answer any questions about that section. The sections are as follows:

Recommendation

Basis of Recommendation

How does our Mission, Covenant, and/or Vision of Ministry guide our shared ministry?

What is working well in our church community?

What do we need to work on? Where do we feel called to grow?

How do we experience our relationship with Rev. Denise in this shared ministry?

What hopes do you have for our future together?

Is there anything else you would like to share?

We will stay as long as needed to make sure everyone has their questions answered.

We have also compiled a Suggestions for Future list based on bike rack information. This list will not be discussed at the meeting, but will be discussed at the March 1, 1 PM Shared Ministries Meeting. At that meeting, various team members could take ownership to bring the info to their teams for discussion and action. See your email for a copy of the Suggestions for Future document.

We will have the Proxy Form, as well as the Ministerial Agreement available at the Town Hall as well.

Note that Rev. Denise will not attend the Town Hall meeting.

Questions? Contact Ryan D., Kristin R., Carol L. (See email for contact information)

After the Town Hall Meeting, the we will have a Congregational Meeting on February 15, immediately after the service, to hold a vote on whether to call Rev. Denise as our settled minister. Voting members will vote by paper ballot. During the Congregational Meeting there will NOT be time allocated to questions, discussion, and comments. Please come to the Town Hall Meeting to ask questions and make comments.

Why This Matters

Whether you’ve been here for years or are a new member, your presence and perspective are essential to this discernment. Please choose to participate!

Let us approach this time with open hearts, deep listening, and gratitude for the ministry we share.

In faith and community,
The Contract to Call Task Force
Kristin Reveal
Carol Looney
Ryan Davison