We at Glendale UMC want you to know that no matter: Where you’ve come from or where you are going; what you believe or what you may doubt; what you are feeling or just not feeling; what you have or don’t have; and no matter the color of your skin, who you love or how you identify – all of who you are is welcomed into this community of faith by a God who loves you and knows you by name.

Worship for Sunday, May 18, 2025:
In Person + Live Online @ 10am

Weekly Note from Pastor Steph Dodge

Last weekend, on a whim, I decided to try goat yoga. The instructor led us in some simple yoga poses while trainers led the goats around and them climb on us.  At one point they even had us stand up while a goat was on our shoulders. It was a lot of fun and everyone was laughing, taking pictures and having a good time.

This week’s scripture texts are focused around the image of God as shepherd. As I don’t have much experience with sheep, I began to wonder about the similarities between sheep and goats. There are many likenesses between the two animals, which come from the same family, however, there are also noticeable differences. For one, goats tend to be much better climbers than most sheep species, which is why you don’t hear much about sheep yoga. Sheep are also more social than goats, preferring the safety of their flocks, whereas goats are more likely to venture out from the herd. Sheep are pickier eaters that only eat good quality grass, whereas goats will eat almost anything.

So when Psalm 23 says the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, this demonstrates that God wants us to have things that nourish our souls, and not just the weeds, otherwise it would have said the Lord is my goatherder. This Sunday we will hear more about the shepherd’s care for each of us.

Rev. Steph Dodge
Lead Pastor
Glendale UMC – Nashville

Nursery + Childcare // Sundays from 9:45am-12:15pm

For Infants through 4 Years Old

Infants & children are always welcome in worship! However, we know that it might be easier for parents, grandparents, guardians and caregivers of young kids if they play in this safe + fun place just for kids during worship.  Our nursery is staffed with experienced caregivers that have undergone a comprehensive background check. Find more information on our nursery here.

Godly Play // Sundays from 9:45-11am

For Children Ages 4/5 through 10

We’re thrilled to invite children to join us for Godly Play each Sunday! This experience is designed to help children grow in their understanding of Bible stories, deepen their faith, and engage in worship in fun and creative ways.

Each Sunday, your child will:
Hear a Bible story presented in a child-friendly, engaging format.
Create crafts related to the story.
Enjoy a tasty snack and time with friends.

We look forward to seeing your child as we journey through faith together!

Questions? Reach out to Cassie Davenport.

Worship at Glendale

Two services on Sunday, April 20th:

Outdoor Easter Sunrise Service @ 7am
Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket.
Easter Celebration Service in the Sanctuary @ 10am

You won’t want to miss Easter Sunday at Glendale for this powerful celebration as we relive Jesus’ triumph of life over death through the resurrection! We will bloom the cross as a sign of new life during both services. Following the services, we will have a photographer taking photos of families and individuals outside by the cross we bloom during the service for the perfect Easter 2024 photo!

Worship at Glendale is an inclusive experience for all people that includes a message of God’s unending love + grace, upbeat music and a growing community of people with diverse faith journeys, backgrounds + experiences, sexual orientations + gender identities. We have live ASL Interpretation and communion is served with grape juice rather than wine with an option of gluten free bread. We practice an open table where all people are welcome – no matter what. #YallMeansAll

This Sunday’s Message:

Hope and Grief by Rev. Steph Dodge

If you will be joining us in person:

Masks are optional for all indoor services + events. However, we have extra masks available for anyone who would prefer to wear one.

If you will be joining us online:

Find the worship livestream on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch or on our website here at 8amPT/9MT/10CT/11ET.

After Worship: Kids, Youth + Adult Groups

Glendale Kids Small Group // Returning Soon

We have just added our Godly Play experience for children during worship. We are working on adding another opportunity again for 11am-Noon for this same age group. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!

Glendale Youth // Sunday @ 11am

All youth are invited to join us this Sunday in the Youth Room from 11am-Noon for a time of connection, fun, and faith. Whether you’re new or have been with us for a while, this is a great chance to get to know each other better, dive deeper into God’s word, and enjoy some fun activities. Questions? Reach out to Cassie.

Adult Group // Sunday @ 11am

Stay after worship as we continue our exploration on the sermon and scripture of the day.  We will review the main points of the sermon and then do a deep dive into the Bible passage it was based on to discover what other lessons we can draw from it, share how we may have been inspired by the passage, and explore what practical actions we can take to live out God’s Word in our faith journeys.  Come + bring your thoughts and questions with you each week! Questions? Reach out to Ben.

Glendale Sunday Brunch

Sundays Following Worship @ 11:15am

Want to go grab a bite to eat after worship? Come and eat with us at a different nearby restaurant each Sunday! This will be a great time to meet someone new or deepen our friendships over some delicious food. Meet up with the group leader (who will be holding up a sign) after worship each Sunday and we will head on over! All are welcome to join! Questions? Reach out to Steven.

Roleplaying Tabletop Gaming Groups

Most Sundays after Worship @ 11:30am

Two adventures open to all regardless of prior experience. Explore a treacherous jungle in a fantasy campaign inspired by Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park, or become a space scavenger in a sci-fi campaign inspired by Killjoys, Firefly, and The Expanse. Both games meet on alternate Sundays after church at 11:30 AM. No long-term commitment is required. Questions? Reach out to Pastor Derek or Brandon.

Want to join a LifeGroup?

These groups are intentionally smaller gatherings of our church community that meet regularly to journey together in faith + life. Our groups meet at restaurants, in each others’ homes, coffee shops and other places around the Greater Nashville Area to deepen their faith, have fun and serve in mission together.

If you are interested and/or have a question about our LifeGroups, reach out to Chris.

Glendale Prayer Team

Meets Weekly on Tuesday Mornings @ 10am

We meet in the fellowship Hall each Tuesday to pray for the prayer concerns of our church and community. This will also be a time of devotion and meditation. Please join us and find spiritual comfort from our supportive community. Questions? Reach out to Gwen W.

Thanksgiving For All Community Meal at Glendale

Thursday, November 28th from 2-4pm

We are hosting a special Thanksgiving potluck dinner on Thanksgiving Day at Glendale.  This event is both to support those in our church family as well as members of our community who would otherwise spend the holiday alone. We need a few volunteers to help set up, clean up, and to bring food for the event.

Please invite anyone you know who would appreciate a place at this open community table on Thanksgiving.

Be sure to RSVP and find the sign-up to bring food (if you are able to) here.

Women’s Group at Glendale

Meets Monthly on Tuesday Evenings from 5:30-7pm at a home nearby the church

This group will:

Support one another through fellowship, love, respect and prayer.
Share how our lives were going and support each other’s joys and concerns.
Provide meals to those going through rough times.
Service projects that the group chooses to do.

Come and join us! Questions? Reach out to Gwen.

LGBTQ+ Support Group

Glendale Foodies

Meets Monthly on Thursday Evenings

Looking to check out new restaurants around Nashville? This group is for you! We will find a new local eatery each month – all ages are welcome to join! Questions and RSVP: Reach out to Ben

Have questions about any of our small groups or are we missing something you would be interested in? Email Pastor Steph

Even though we are not able to meet in person, your financial gifts still support ongoing mission + ministry – check out these ways you can easily continue to help support Glendale:

1. Send in your check to Glendale UMC, 900 Glendale Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.
The mailbox is checked daily.

2. Donate via Venmo, Cash App or on PayPal.
via Venmo by searching for @GlendaleUMC
via Cash App by searching for $GlendaleUMC
or via PayPal directly at PayPal.me/GlendaleUMC

3. Donate online at GlendaleUMC.org/Give.
(You can also set up weekly or monthly recurring giving so you
don’t have to worry about it in the future.)

4. Give on Facebook through the DONATE button on our Facebook page here.