Posts by Kris Thresher
Thursday, April 10: Rise for Freedom Trainings

As we face the growing threat of autocracy in our country, it's more crucial than ever to build a stronger, more united movement for democracy.

That is why Greater Nashville UU Congregation will be hosting in-person gatherings to participate in the Rise for Freedom Training Series every Thursday for the next few weeks. We are inviting friends like you to come together and learn how to organize and mobilize diverse, nonpartisan communities to demand democracy.

Please come to any or all of the scheduled meetings. Each session is designed to stand alone and​ will include music, calls to action, digital hygiene/safety tips, and a core online training module, with in-person breakouts for hands-on learning, planning, and community building.

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April 2025 Share the Plate:  ACLU Foundation

The American Civil Liberties Union originated in 1920 as a response to the Palmer raids, in which thousands of people were arrested without warrants or regard to constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure, then brutally treated and held in horrible conditions before deportation. The ACLU today is the nation's largest public interest law firm, with a 50-state network of staffed, autonomous affiliate offices. It appears before the United States Supreme Court more than any other organization except the U.S. Department of Justice. About 500 ACLU staff attorneys collaborate with about 2,000 volunteer attorneys in handling close to 2,000 cases annually.

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Thank You to All the Volunteers for the Fiesta Taco Bar!

Many thanks to the following who helped make the Taco Bar a great success-I know I’ve missed some, please forgive me, if I have.

Bonnie, who supplied lovely Mexican cookies and rice, an homage to her New Mexico roots, and took care of the cold section;

Leisa, who prepped all the veggies and took care of the tacos and tortillas;

Mike for his delicious key lime pies;

Lisa who brought a delicious flan with chocolate cake, and with Gina, were the baristas for the delicious beverages;

Jane W. who quietly and without fuss did whatever she was called upon to do, cleared tables, and more;

Dan, who sourced 99% of the food, and was still running to Kroger in the last minutes; 

And very, very special thanks to Charles and Melissa who were there when I arrived, warmed up and set up almost all of the food, stayed throughout  the serving, washed ALL of the dishes, pots and pans, and serving dishes ENTIRELY by themselves- thank you - you were my rock.

Mirabelle

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CommunityKris Thresher
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - March 19, 2025

Minister's Report and Updates

-Rev. Denise shared that about 5 new members will be signing the membership book this Sunday
-Plans are developing for a Lay Pastoral Care Team to be supported by Rev. Dr. Michelle Pederson, which would provide support and connection within the congregation. The Board expressed enthusiasm for this initiative.
-Discussion about re-establishing both a Committee on Ministry and a Healthy Congregation Team as the congregation begins to grow again.

Financial Update

-The congregation is on track with its budget for the current fiscal year.
-Jesse reported that the Finance Committee is preparing next year's budget, which may require drawing from the contingency fund, though the amount will be clearer after the pledge campaign. He noted that we have not needed to draw on the fund this year even though it had been planned
-The Finance Committee will be working with members to help facilitate donations from Required Minimum Distributions for those who might benefit from this option.

Leadership Transitions

-Carol Looney will not continue for another term as Member-at-Large.
-Tina announced she will not serve a fourth year as President, citing the need for fresh energy and to explore other areas of service within the congregation.
-The Nominating Committee, headed by Nathanael Reveal as immediate past president, will be seeking candidates for these positions and for a Secretary.
-Tina will reach out to several members to serve on the Nominating Committee with Nathanael.

Contracts

-Rev. Denise's contract was approved and signed.
-A New Leaf contract was reviewed with minor updates, including a 3% increase and adjustments to space usage. The contract would cover 8/1/2025 to 7/31/2026.

The meeting ended early, reflecting an efficient and productive session.

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GovernanceKris Thresher
REMINDER: Food for Fiesta

All food, drinks, and desserts will be provided. Please do not bring any food, as there is no need or room. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available.

Sunday morning at 9:00 AM, assistance is needed to put out the food and clean up after lunch.

Please, can you let Mirabelle S. know if you’re available.

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CommunityKris Thresher
Deadline Approaching to Apply for Property Tax Freeze or Tax Relief

April 5, 2025, is the deadline to apply or recertify for Nashville’s Tax Relief and Tax Freeze programs for 2024. These programs are for those 65 and older, the disabled, and disabled veterans and widow(ers). This is the first year that the qualifying annual household income limit has been raised to $60,000 for the tax freeze program; the income limit for the tax relief program is $36,370. You can find more information about the two programs here and here. Download a flyer here.

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In Memory of Founding Member John Brown

John Brown, a founding member of GNUUC, died early this morning, March 5, 2025, after a year-long battle with a rare form of leukemia. John and his wife Loretta moved to Perth, West Australia, several years ago to be near their only daughter Kristen, her children, and grandchildren. Kristen was with John at his passing. Two sisters of John from eastern North Carolina, John’s home of origin, have been in Australia to be with John at the end. Many will remember John as the blind bagpipe and penny whistle player at GNUUC. John was always ready with a good tale or arcane fact. He was blind from birth and, for more than 25 years, held the record for the lowest-weight surviving birth in North Carolina. To John’s great fortune, he met Loretta early in life, and they had been married for more than 50 years.  Our dear Loretta has welcomed messages from her church family. You will find her contact information on Breeze.

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CommunityKris Thresher
GNUUC Board Meeting Summary - February 19, 2025

Meeting Date: February 19, 2025 Time: 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Board Membership & Leadership

-All current board members have indicated their willingness to serve another year in their positions
-A Secretary position remains open and will need to be filled
-The board is working on establishing a nominating committee in accordance with bylaws requirements

Financial Updates

-The congregation remains in a strong financial position with healthy account balances
-Pledge income is at 81% of budget, ahead of expectations
-New Leaf has expressed interest in signing another year-long contract for space usage
-The Finance Committee will begin planning next year's budget, including adjustments to align with UUA guidelines
-The board approved exploring options for contracted maintenance support to assist with building needs

Contract to Call Process (to transition Rev. Denise Gyauch from being a contracted minister to being called & settled by the congregation)

-The board is moving forward with establishing a Call Process Task Force consisting of three members
-The task force will lead a congregation-wide ministry evaluation process
-UUA representatives have expressed support for the congregation's approach and timeline
-The process is expected to take 2-3 months and will include opportunities for congregational input

Building & Grounds

-The board approved adding a TIRRC "Immigrants Belong" yard sign to the church grounds
-Discussions are ongoing about maintenance needs and support for building operations

Social Justice & Denominational Affairs

-GNUUC is participating in the formation of a Tennessee UU Congregational Action Network (TUUCAN)
-Representatives from the congregation are serving on the steering committee

Next Steps

-The board will be working on finalizing the ministerial contract
-The Call Process Task Force will begin organizing the congregation-wide evaluation
-The Finance Committee will develop a proposed budget for the next fiscal year

The next board meeting date will be announced through regular church communications channels.

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February 2025 Share the Plate: Second Harvest Food Bank 

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to the food and resources people in our community need to thrive. For nearly 50 years, they have welcomed our neighbors with radical hospitality, empowering them to live free from the daily burden of food insecurity. They prioritize innovation and remain committed to sustainability as they strive for a future where everyone is food secure, and no food is wasted.

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Online Biblical Literacy - Open to All!

⁸The Faith Forward program out of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas is excited to offer an online session of our Biblical Literacy series for all congregations. We will offer this 11-week course in two parts, one in the winter and one in the fall. Part I includes the sessions "Approaching the Bible;" "Many Books, Many Sources," "God and Covenant," "Jesus in the Gospels," "Kingdom of God Parables," "Creation Stories," and "The Bible and Our Lives." This is a unique opportunity to view the Bible through a Unitarian Universalist lens.

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CommunityKris Thresher
January Share the Plate Partner is TIRRC (Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition)

Since its founding, TIRRC has grown from an informal network of community leaders into one of the most diverse and effective coalitions of its kind, a model for immigrant rights organizations in the Southeast and throughout the United States. TIRRC’s vision is a stronger, more inclusive Tennessee where people of all nationalities, immigration statuses, and racial identities can belong and thrive.

If you know or discover such an organization, please nominate it by using the form found with the Share the Plate Nomination form..

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Founders Dinner Success

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate our GNUUC Founders on our 30th anniversary at dinner last Saturday evening. Founders attending in person included Gene B., Ninez G., Fran G., and Mike M.. Fran played, "The Rose", we read the covenant signed by FUUN and GNUUC on December 4th, 1994, and enjoyed a dinner with pasta from Maggiano's Little Italy.

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CommunityKris Thresher
November Share the Plate - Hurricane Helene 2024 Disaster Recovery through Greater Good Charities

Hurricane Helene is now the second deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. and has left a trail of devastation across the southeastern states. Just days later, Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 Hurricane. Communities are grappling with catastrophic landslides, historic flooding, and relentless rainfall. Millions of people remain without power, and homes, streets, and businesses have been damaged or destroyed.

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