Greater Nashville UU News Update
May 27, 2026

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Minister’s Note

May 27, 2026

Find the thing that stirs your heart and make room for it. 
Life is about the development of self to the point of unbridled joy.
~Joan Chittister

Friends,

Joan Chittister is a Catholic theologian who has spent her life (now entering a tenth decade!) as a Benedictine nun and abbess. I tell you this because I am quite certain that her idea of self-development toward joy does not emerge from a commitment to individuality, but is deeply rooted in a communal understanding of human personhood and growth and commitment to mutual service and flourishing. 

Chittister’s words move me to curiosity in several directions: 

-What makes my/your/our heart/s stir and reach for joy?
-How do we make room in our lives for what moves us? Is this a strenuous project, or more of an opening & allowing shift in attitude?
-Do we pay enough attention to our hearts? Enough of the right kind of attention? Can curiosity help?
-What would it look like to prioritize “unbridled joy” as the pinnacle of human development? (Oh my!)

No answers right now; just lots of questions–but they are questions that make me happy even in their framing…

Yours in curiosity and joy,
Rev. Denise
RevDenise@gnuuc.org

THIS WEEK

Featured
Sun., May 31, 11 AM: Sunday Service, Rev. Denise Gyauch, “Curiosity in Retrospect: An Annual Report from Your Minister” (Hybrid)

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., May 31, 11 AM - noon: Children's RE One-Room Schoolhouse

As our 2025–2026 Children's Religious Education year winds down, we want to thank the families, children, and volunteers who made it such a joyful one. At GNUUC, children are celebrated just as they are — wiggles, play, and all — and parents and caregivers are supported as partners in nurturing spiritual growth.

Sunday, May 31 is our final One-Room Schoolhouse session of the semester.

Starting Sunday, June 7, we shift into a more relaxed summer rhythm. Each Sunday will bring something a little different — wiggle-room play, time on the playground, arts and crafts, or games — shaped week to week by the volunteers who share their time and creativity. On Sundays when our volunteers are away, the Wiggle Room will be open with parent supervision, so families always have a welcoming space.

Curious about Children's RE or the schedule for a specific summer Sunday? Contact Kristin R. at kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org.

Sun., May 31, After Service: Annual Congregational Meeting (Hybrid)

All GNUUC members — please plan to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting — Sunday, May 31, immediately after service, we'll vote on:

New Board Members 2026-2027

The Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027
The floor will not be open for discussion at this meeting — questions and concerns were addressed at the May 17 Town Hall.

Proxies and Absentee ballots have been e-mailed by Kristin R. If you did not receive one, let her know..

Sun., May 31, 12:45 PM - 2 PM: UU Compass Small Group (Sanctuary)

Join us for UU Compass, a multi-generational small group (teens through adults) based on the Starting Point curriculum from Soul Matters.

Remaining Spring Dates: May 31

What is UU Compass Small Group?

Join us for UU Compass, a multi-generational small group (teens through adults) based on the Starting Point curriculum from Soul Matters.

Together, we’ll practice deep listening, share our personal journeys, and explore Unitarian Universalism as a living path of meaning and connection.

Who is UU Compass Small Group for?

Newcomers who want more than information — a real taste of UU community.

Long-time members seeking to reconnect with UU values and practices.

Teens and adults alike, eager to walk together across generations.

Whether you’re brand new or have been here for decades, UU Compass will help you find your bearings, discover companions, and chart the next step of your journey.

Want more information?

Contact Kristin R. (kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org)

Want more information? Contact Kristin R. (kristin.reveal@gnuuc.org)

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Featured
Voting Action Opportunity!

Saturday, May 30, 2026 1:00 PM -  2:30 PM CT
Join us to call inactive voters and encourage them to VOTE in the upcoming elections, because Tennessee is our home and we all deserve to be heard!

NOAH’s Integrated Voter Education working group invites you to help activate inactive voters!

Register at bit.ly/NOAHMayPB.

June 4, 2026, 6PM: NOAH's Annual Fundraising Banquet: Faithful Resistance, Rooted in Justice, Rising in Hope!

To buy a ticket, purchase an ad, or pay for a sponsorship, click here. Tickets are discounted this year for those under 35!

NOAH is thrilled to announce our keynote speaker for this year’s banquet, Dr. Taure Brown, Director of the James Lawson Institute at Vanderbilt University and a sociologist, educator, and organizer from Kinston, North Carolina. His work sits at the intersection of scholarship and action, equipping communities with the tools to challenge injustice and build collective power.

May Share the Plate: Isaiah 117 House

Our May Share the Plate partner is Isaiah 117 House. Half of all plate donations will be donated to the organization in May.

Isaiah 117 House provides a safe, welcoming home for children awaiting foster placement—offering clean clothes, warm meals, toys, and loving volunteers during one of the most frightening moments of their lives. Their mission: reduce trauma for children, lighten the load for child welfare workers, and ease the transition for foster families.

SAVE THE DATE (click links for more information)