Greater Nashville UU News Update
Dec. 17, 2025

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Minister’s Note

“There are endless ways to reach home.
Just keep walking, and I’ll meet you there.”
~Carrie Newcomer (“All Saints’ Day”)

Dear Ones,

This is a big time of year: Each time fall moves into winter and a new calendar year looms, we are likely to think “this year is so different”. It can feel that way for so many different reasons–and perhaps simply just because life is life and human beings are human beings. (And it’s hard to be human.) Often, it’s because we get fooled into thinking there is some ideal way to celebrate our dearest dreams of home and belonging and love and peace. For me, some years find me easily throwing myself into the “holiday spirit”; other years, I worry that I’m missing something that everyone else is enjoying; and most years are a mix of all of that and more!

Whatever you are feeling this season, whatever your journey through the holiday season (now or in the past or future), I hope that you know there are people who love you and will meet you wherever you end up. (This is one of the great good reasons to be part of a supportive faith community!) There are endless ways to move through life, or through any given season. Just keep moving; we’ll be looking for you and happy to see you.

Yours in hoping and keeping an eye out for each other,
Rev. Denise
RevDenise@gnuuc.org

P.S. The next two Wednesdays are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, so we will be sending the weekly email on Tuesdays for the remainder of December.

THIS WEEKEND

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Sun., Dec. 21, 11 AM: Sunday Service, Guest Speaker: Rev. Gary White, “The Shortest Day and the Longest Night” (Hybrid)

To suggest we live in challenging times is to not do a fair counting as to the current state of our nation’s health. This holiday season arrives laden with crisis and peril, but it may also have a stowaway that will provide the hope we desperately need to win this thing.This hybrid service will be held in the Sanctuary at Greater Nashville UU Congregation and on Zoom. See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC.

This hybrid service will be in the Sanctuary at Greater Nashville UU Congregation and on Zoom. See How to Join a Virtual Service at GNUUC.

Children and youth will be dismissed to programming after the Time for All Sages.

After service, please join us for a potluck lunch.

Sun., Dec. 21, 11 AM - noon: Children's Programming

Welcome to the 2025–2026 year of Children’s Religious Education at Greater Nashville UU! This fall we’re creating an emergent faith formation space—a community where kids learn, play, and grow together while exploring our UU values.

Remaining Fall Dates:

-One-Room Schoolhouse (Pre-K–6th): Dec 21
Stories, games, and activities from the Soul Matters themes.

-Wiggle Room/Playground Sundays:
Dec 28 (parent supervision only).

At GNUUC, children are celebrated just as they are—wiggles, play, and all. Parents and caregivers are supported as partners in nurturing spiritual growth.

For questions or to get involved, contact Kristin R.

CONGREGATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Sun. Jan 4, 2026, 1 PM: Auction 2026 Brainstorm Session - Everyone Welcome!

Come to GNUUC on Sunday, January 4 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM for an Auction brainstorming session.

New and previous auction planners - join us!

We need many different strengths in our Auction team: volunteers to plan the silent and live auction, volunteers to organize food, volunteers to organize entertainment, volunteers to help with marketing, and volunteers in charge of decorations.

This year, Dan L. has volunteered to be our Auction Coordinator, as well as Auctioneer. THANK YOU, DAN!

The Auction Planning Team will set this year’s theme and divide up roles in our January brainstorming session!

About the Auction

At GNUUC, the Auction is more than just a fundraiser. We decorate, have food and entertainment, and have a great time! It is one of the best social events of the year. Items are priced so that everyone goes home with something. Join the Auction team - we have so much fun planning this event!

The date of the 2026 Auction is set for the afternoon of Sunday, March 29, 2026. It will include a themed lunch, a live Auction, and fun intermission silent action items.

Our December Share the Plate partner is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) through its Guest at Your Table program. For half a century and counting, UUSC has worked with faith communities across the country to bring our partners’ stories and experiences to your family table. The long-running Guest at Your Table program is a chance to learn about our partners’ work and support our shared efforts to advance human rights.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Dec. 21, 2025, 6PM CST: UU Ministry of Earth, “Blanketed in Beauty”

On December 21, celebrate the Winter Solstice with this special ritual offered by the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth.

Blanketed in Beauty: Honoring the Gifts of the Darkness

December 21, 4pm PT / 7pm ET - ON ZOOM - Register Here

Rev. Dr. Ryan Burge is a professor of practice at the John C. Danforth Center at Washington University in St Louis. His research focuses on the impact of religion on American life. He is a well-known data analyst with work appearing in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, POLITICO, and he has appeared on 60 Minutes.

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