Greater Nashville UU News Update
Sept. 3, 2025

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Minister’s Note

“Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe 
only exists because it is in relationship to everything else.” 
~ Margaret J. Wheatley

Friends,

As we turn the corner from summer into fall, I am grateful for all the ways we are in relationship: with each other, as a UU congregation, with many thousands of other UUs near and far, with neighbors, with family and friends, with the world around us and the many other beings with whom we share it…(I could go on, and on.) 

Two things I commend to your attention this week:

  1. Following our pattern of using Soul Matters themes for our programming, we will be exploring the theme of Belonging this month. I hope you’ll join us in Worship and Religious Education as we consider what belonging, and being in relationship, means in the context of our faith community and our world right now.

  2. Last weekend, your Board met for its annual visioning retreat, taking a few hours to consider how to focus our attention as a congregation as we live into our mission statement (found in the middle of this webpage) this church year.  I hope you’ll read the notes from that retreat below and plan to join the Board for the Sunday Service on September 28, to discuss this year’s vision of our shared ministry.

Yours in relationship and service,
Rev. Denise
RevDenise@gnuuc.org 

THIS WEEKEND AT GREATER NASHVILLE UU

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Sun., Sep. 7, 11 AM: Multi-Generational Sunday Service, Introduction to Soul Matters Theme: "Building Belonging" (Hybrid)

Theme: Join us as we introduce the September Soul Matters theme of “Building Belonging.” An interactive, multi-generational service. All ages are welcome!

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

After the service, join us for a potluck lunch.

Sun., Sep. 7, 12:45 PM: Teacher and Wiggle Room Aid Training (Sanctuary)

Teacher and Wiggle Room Aid Training

Be Part of Our Children’s RE Team!

Do you enjoy working with children, helping them learn, and being part of their spiritual journey? We are looking for Teachers and Wiggle Room Aides to support our Children’s Religious Education program this year.

Join us for our Teacher & Wiggle Room Aid Training on Sunday, September 7 from 12:45 – 2:00 PM. (Sanctuary)

At this training, we’ll:

  • Learn the basics of facilitating children’s groups in a UU congregation.

  • Review our class flow, covenant, and safety policies.

  • Get oriented to the exciting curriculum and upcoming RE calendar.

You don’t need prior teaching experience — just a willingness to show up, listen, and help create a loving, safe space for our children. Long-time members and newcomers alike are encouraged to attend.

If you are a Classroom Helper or Wiggle Room Aid, you will not need to prepare a lesson. Just show up!

Come be part of a team that helps our children feel seen, heard, and supported as they grow in their UU faith.

Questions? Talk with Kristin R. (kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org)

CONGREGATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

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September 2025 Share the Plate: Nashville Cares 

At GNUUC we have a long-standing tradition of supporting Nashville CARES through our share the plate program. Their mission is to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee, and help in care for those with HIV/AIDS. Nashville CARES works to achieve their mission through education, advocacy and support for those at risk for, or living with, HIV.

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Summary of the Board Retreat on Saturday, August 30, 2025

The GNUUC Board held their annual retreat on August 30th, bringing together seven board members for a day of reflection and planning focused on the congregation's future direction. 

Through structured exercises and collaborative discussion, the board crafted this year's Vision of Ministry statement: 

"This year we will be a sanctuary where every person is known, fed, and transformed through authentic connection and courageous action." 

Key themes that emerged throughout the day included 

-radical hospitality, 
-the unique strengths of being a small congregation (such as nimble decision-making and deep personal connections), and
-the importance of accessibility in all forms. 

The board also discussed transitioning toward a more hands-on "working board" model that better fits the congregation's current size, including plans to open portions of monthly board meetings for congregational input. 

The retreat highlighted core values of community care, witnessing each other's humanity, and maintaining flexibility to respond quickly to both congregational and community needs - all while celebrating the distinctive advantages that come with being a close-knit congregation.

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Shared Ministries: Find out about Volunteer opportunities, groups, and upcoming events!

On August 17, 2025, we had a Shared Ministries meeting after service to talk about volunteer opportunities, covenant groups, and upcoming events. I’m very excited about our programming and events this Fall!

To download a PDF copy of the following, click: Shared Ministries Notes & Calendar.

If you are interested in finding out more about any of the following, reach out to the associated contact. If you need the contact’s name, let Kristin R. know (kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org).

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Sun., Sept. 21, 2025, 7PM: First UU Church of Nashville Palmer Lecture featuring Rev. Justin Jones

The annual Robert C. Palmer Lecture on Human Rights was established by the church’s Board of Directors in 1983 to honor the legacy and service of the Rev. Robert Palmer, our first called minister. Rev. Palmer was a social activist on many fronts, including the United Nations, nuclear disarmament, and the Civil Rights Movement.

This event is held at First UU Nashville at 1808 Woodmont Blvd.

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SAVE THE DATE (click links for more information)