Snow may be falling, but life continues to thrive in the memorial garden.

Click link to learn about upcoming December 2021 services, plus COVID safety update.

It would be wonderful to have a few extra helpers for the Christmas Eve service. If you aren’t already signed up and are willing to help with any of the following, please email Rev. Denise (revdenise@gnuuc.org) before Thursday at 5 p.m.:

• An extra “camera operator”: Bring your own device & log into Zoom so you can provide views of our vocalists (who will be on the platform, so you don’t need to move around much). You might also provide views of the congregation if you wish.

• Bell ringers (especially youth): we will need one or two folks to make a joyful noise to welcome us all into the worship service. We have a few bells to provide, but if you have extras, bring ‘em!

• Greeters: Welcome congregants at the door, help them sign in & mask up.

• Candle wranglers: Hand out candles & paper bobeches (did you know that’s their name?!) at the doors to the sanctuary, and help collect at the end of the service.

  • Also needed: large baskets or (perhaps festively wrapped) boxes to collect candles in the hall & foyer.

• Light outener: One attentive person to help switch off lights during the service.

• Readers: If you are willing to do a reading (or be a backup in case someone doesn’t make it), we have a couple of open spots being assigned soon…

Email revdenise@gnuuuc.org to be part of the team!

This month we’ve been learning about four of the courageous changemakers with whom UUSC is partnering to advance human rights and social justice. Here are four short videos in which you can hear directly from these Guests.

All offerings during the Christmas Eve service go toward the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. If you would like to donate now or during the service, you may do so. Via text or online through Breeze. Please text “$50 mdf” to (615) 246-5553 to make a donation to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund or visit Breeze Online Giving. You may adjust the dollar amount.

You may also visit our website to make a donation. Please be sure to select the appropriate category for your donation.

Jane W. has shared a gift with our visiting feathered friends.

SWIM is a week (December 27 – January 1) of virtual UU fun, fellowship, and growth with workshops, concerts, and special events. SWIM is an intentional, inter-generational community of Unitarian Universalists and friends, including awesome people like YOU! We normally gather in South Florida in December but will again meet virtually in 2021. For further information and to register, visit SWIMUU.org

Type of event: Webinar

Email: KCharles@uua.org

Sponsor: UUA Congregational Life Staff Group

With so much uncertainty in the wider world, sometimes it can be hard to find one’s bearings.

Join us to find our collective “compass” as we explore interdependence as a path to wholeness.

Stop by Greater Nashville UU to see our new outdoor gazebo, located between the playground and the Still Spring Park. It is now open to Teams, Covenant Groups, CRE, and other groups who may want to congregate outdoors. A BIG THANK YOU to Jesse S-S, Nathanael R, Sandy B, Larry B, Eric B. (Sandy and Larry's son), Jon H. (Kristin's brother), Caren S-S, and Amelia B for their help.

The Nashville Scene article regarding the meeting on Monday night to discuss state education funding: “Parents and Students Demand ‘a Bigger Pie’ at Education Town Hall”

And from The Tennessean: “Education advocates gave Tennessee schools chief a pecan pie. Here’s why.”

Love Being Sent To You From The Gems

We need you! For each Sunday, we need 2 - 4 greeters. Greeters now play a slightly different role in ministry. We need two people to sit at the two sign-in tables (one at each door) and help people sign in, choose a name tag, and make sure they are masked. We also need one to two people to float and welcome any guest and answer questions. Please sign up! Contact Kris T at gnuuc@gnuuc.org and let her know what Sundays you are available. We’ll train you!

A few of our amazing artist members have been busy hanging their art in the church hallway. The next time you are here for a hybrid service, take a walk down our very own gallery hall!

Our Share the Plate partner for December is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Guest At Your Table Program. UUSC works around the world to advance human rights and social justice, transforming our UU values into action. GNUUC has a long tradition of celebrating our UUSC Guests. The theme of this year’s program is “Now is the Time for Courageous Change.”

Please welcome our newest members to the congregation!

We need you: The Worship Team is in need of more volunteers! If you would like to join this vital, creative, collaborative group in a contributing or leadership capacity, please be in touch with Rev. Denise or Jesse Spencer-Smith.

Helping hands needed to complete the gazebo and weed the playground.

The Board has passed an Indoor Hybrid Meeting policy! With certain precautions, we can now gather indoors. We encourage everyone who can to get vaccinated. Masks are required. Stay home if your sick. Whenever possible, especially for worship, remote options will be available. We’ll do our best to make our building safer. Trust yourself - you are the best judge of your comfort and safety. For details, click Read More.

The building is now available for indoor meetings! Plus, we have a new cedar 12x16 Gazebo between the Still Spring Park and Playground, with internet and power! Team Leaders / Group Sponsors who are members of GNUUC are welcome to request this space. Here’s how!