June 10, 2026

“We can save our insects, our birds, and nature itself. 
But we have to change the way we landscape to do it.” 
~Doug Tallamy 

Beloveds,

A few of us (administrator Kris T., Building & Grounds chair Lisa G., and member Gina A., and me) spent time yesterday afternoon with Tennessee Certified Naturalist candidate Brenda Huff. We discussed the possibility of Brenda completing certification requirements by donating time and expertise to our congregation. Then we toured our memorial garden with Brenda, who has some wonderful ideas for tending and improving our sacred space, making it more sustainable and welcoming. All agreed that this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

In the course of our conversations, Brenda introduced me to the idea of certified bird sanctuaries, as encouraged by The Habitat Connection, a local organization whose “goal is to empower Middle Tennesseans to regenerate native habitat on their properties in order to improve ecosystem health and connectivity for birds and other life forms, including us.” The quotation above is from their website. As I read it, I had a moment of synchronicity: remembering our service on Sunday, which introduced our monthly theme of Flourishing Together, while entering into partnership with someone who is glad of an opportunity to provide us with skilled services and advice and imagining how many creatures (humans old & young, birds and insects, and plants) will benefit from Brenda’s work and our continuing stewardship of the garden and hillside. I look forward to the fruits of this collaboration!

Yours in the pursuit and joy of flourishing for all,
Rev. Denise
RevDenise@gnuuc.org