Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation
374 Hicks Road
Nashville, TN 37221
Federal ID No: 62-1553891

5 April 2025

Beloveds,

Every April, in preparation for our annual meeting in May, we ask members and friends to clearly communicate their intentions for sharing money with the congregation in the upcoming fiscal year (July 2026-June 2025). If you’ve been with us recently, you have (we hope!) noticed that together we are growing and doing exciting things:

  • Welcoming new and returning visitors alongside familiar faces to Sunday services.

  • Adding new members at a steady pace,

  • In the process of calling our minister to settled ministry, gathering to assess our shared ministry and identifying areas of strength and stability.

  • Sharing space with a forest preschool, which provides a budgetary boost and uses our outdoor and indoor spaces more fully and for purposes aligned with our values,

  • Co-hosting a statewide meeting of UUs organizing for justice work (TUUCAN).

  • Offering religious education for folks of all ages, like Climate Justice Workshops, UU Compass, and ever-ready Sunday volunteers to be with children of visiting families.

  • Enjoying social time together: Sunday potlucks, special events like our recent auction, Saturday afternoons and evenings devoted to workshops, trivia, movies, and games.

Last year, this letter invited us collectively “to stretch our imaginations and capacities to become people who build community and speak truth, for ourselves and for others.” One year later, we are experiencing sustained growth and stability; our imagination and capacity continue to fuel our justice work. Here is the question each of us and all of us together must answer this spring as we make plans for next year:

"What feels possible that didn't feel possible a year ago?"

Since GNUUC’s beginning over 30 years ago, we have relied on the sustained attention and generosity of members and friends. Once again, each of us has the opportunity to support our congregation’s health and in turn help heal the world. People these days need encouragement, and as a healthy, growing faith community, we are needed in Nashville and beyond. YOU are needed, now more than ever!

Let’s discover what is possible for us. Individually, let’s consider what we can realistically share financially. (Please imagine stretching, but stretch within your capacity!) Together, who knows all the possibilities, but we will discover them in good company.

Still yours in gratitude and generosity,

Rev. Denise Gyauch (Minister) and Jesse Spencer-Smith (Stewardship Drive Chair)


Please make your pledge for July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 by filling out the online form

https://www.nashvilleuu.org/pledge

Determining the amount to pledge is a personal decision that reflects your financial capacity and commitment to our congregation's mission. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) offers a Fair Share Contribution Guide to assist in this process. This guide suggests pledging between 2% and 10% of your adjusted monthly income, with specific tiers to consider:

  • Supporter: 2-6% of income​

  • Sustainer: 3-7% of income

  • Visionary: 5-9% of income​

  • Transformer: 10% of income​

For example, if your adjusted monthly income is $3,000, a Supporter-level pledge at 2% would be $60 per month, while a Transformer-level pledge at 10% would be $300 per month. ​

We understand that financial situations vary. If you're currently experiencing financial hardship, please know that any contribution, regardless of the amount, is deeply appreciated. Our community values inclusivity, and no one will be turned away due to an inability to pledge at a certain level. ​

Your pledge not only supports the operational needs of our congregation but also fuels our collective efforts to make a meaningful impact in the wider community. We invite you to reflect on what is both meaningful and manageable for you, knowing that every contribution plays a vital role in sustaining and growing our shared mission.

Online Pledge Card