Communion Every Sunday // An Open Table for All

We believe that The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion or the Eucharist – whichever you want to call it – is open to ALL people. There are no barriers or conditions to receiving Christ’s invitation to the table. Not baptized? No problem. Not a member of The United Methodist Church or Glendale? Definitely no issue there! Communion is one of God’s many gifts that are given freely to us – it is a tangible act that we are each invited to celebrate with one another in community.

Communion at Glendale is always served with grape juice – not wine. We also have an option of gluten free bread. This provides a truly open table experience that all people can be apart of.

Baptism // God’s Gift Offered Freely

Through our baptism as United Methodists, we are each called to “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.” In baptism, we reject the power of sin and begin our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Haven’t been baptised? We provide a safe community of faith to explore, start, restart (many of us have been there) and/or deepen your relationship with God. Want to talk about baptism or your spiritual journey thus far? Pastor Steph would love to grab coffee sometime! Reach out to her here.

About Glendale UMC – Nashville

Glendale Methodist Church was founded in 1945 in the growing Glendale neighborhood of south Nashville. In 1968, with the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, this community of faith became Glendale United Methodist Church.

Rev. Steph Dodge became our Lead Pastor in July 2017. Throughout the last few years, this community that we call Glendale has experienced a rebirth. Many people (who have either been hurt by the church in the past and those who are looking for a new church that puts their faith into actionable + meaningful change) have decided to call Glendale their church home.

By a unanimous congregational vote on August 11, 2019, we became an official Reconciling Congregation – an intentional step in continuing our church’s mission to share God’s love + grace to all people with no exceptions and no exclusions.

We are intentional in opening our space up to the community in a variety of ways – workshops on racial justice and LGBTQ+ justice, virtual learning space for our Pencil Partners schools Glendale Elementary and J.T. Moore Middle and our ministry with those experiencing homelessness, Room In The Inn – just to name a few. Our church campus also includes a Retreat & Hospitality House where church groups, travelers, or people simply seeking a quiet retreat can come to deepen their relationship with God. We provide space to our community ministry partners who offer spiritual direction and counseling. Right beside the sanctuary, an outdoor labyrinth sits, where all are welcome to take some time to slow down and enter into a time of prayer and on the front lawn, our new “Nathan’s Playground” is open to the community that provides a safe and fun space for all the children in our neighborhood.

We invite you to come + check out any of our small groups, events and worship services in person or LIVE online here each Sunday morning @8amPT/9MT/10CT/11ET. All worship services will continue to be livestreamed for those at home or outside of the Greater Nashville Area. Come check out Glendale – we’re all on this journey of life together. You will find a community that loves all of who you are.

Pastor Steph

Lead Pastor | she/her

I am a 2012 Graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary.  I entered into ministry because I believe that everyone should be a part of the loving, supportive community that Christ offers each of us. In my free time I enjoy riding my bikes, working out, reading, and watching movies.

[Learn more about Pastor Steph here.]

 

Austin

Music Director + Staff Pianist | he/him

I was born and raised in Washington, Illinois and graduated from Millikin University with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance. I then went on to Northern Arizona University where I earned a master’s degree in piano performance. During the day, I am a staff accompanist/professor of music theory at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. I’m so excited to contribute my music to this welcoming and inclusive community!

Sveta

Youth Director | she/her

I was born in Irkutsk, Russia and came to the USA when I was 9 months old. Living in Nashville almost my entire life, I have come to love southern culture; however, finding an inclusive and affirming church proved to be difficult- especially as someone part of the LGBTQ+ community. I found Glendale and am thrilled to be a part of the accepting community at Glendale. I have an associates degree in Anthropology and a strong background in teaching kids and working with youth. I also have a partner and 3 bunnies at home, all of whom I adore!

[Learn more about Sveta + Glendale’s Youth Group here.]

Kaylee

ASL Interpreter | she/her

I have lived in Nashville for 12 years and feel blessed to be a part of the Glendale UMC community. I am grateful for the non-judgmental, affirming people of Glendale who truly love like Jesus. I received my bachelors degree in ASL Interpreting where I specialized in performance interpreting. When I am not interpreting, I teach line dancing with New Boots Line Dancing. I have cheered for the Tennessee Titans and have 4 rescue chihuahuas that are my world!