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.

Your Weekly Note from our Lead Pastor

There is an Improv Everywhere video that never gets old for me.  The video is of a completely ordinary little league baseball game that the improv group chooses to secretly show up and support.  If you are familiar with the work of Improv Everywhere, you know that they like to do things on a big scale.  So they get the names of all the players beforehand so that their group is cheering for the players on both teams by name.  Then they unveil an NBC Sports trailer with a jumbotron where actual sports announcers call the plays like they would in a major league game.  At one point the Goodyear blimp flies over scrolling the names of both teams on it and at the end of the game the fans ask the players to sign autographs.  It is an unimaginably encouraging experience for these kids knowing that few, if any, of them are likely to play baseball beyond high school, if they even continue with the sport that long.

The story reminds me of God’s grace, because like all of the unexpected surprises that Improv Everywhere brought to the little leaguers that day, God’s grace isn’t something that we have earned.  It is something that God chooses to give to us because of who God is.  We can’t repay God for that gift of love, but we can give thanks by sharing that same grace with others.

This week will look at the importance of encouraging others, even when they may not deserve it.  Worship alongside us LIVE this Sunday at 10am CT here or in person as we continue to learn the way of the saints.

Rev. Steph Dodge
Lead Pastor, Glendale UMC – Nashville

What’s Happening this Sunday | October 25, 2020

This Sunday’s Message:
The Way of the Saints: Encouragement by Rev. Steph Dodge

Worship LIVE alongside us online at 10am CT here or in person on the lawn!

If you are joining us in person (we hope you will):

Before you arrive:
Do you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of illness? (If yes, please stay home.)

Be sure to bring:
Face mask(s) for each person that comes with you
Lawn Chair(s) or Blanket(s) for the ground

When you arrive:
Please remember to stay physically distanced from one another. Please avoid hugs, handshakes – and even fistbumps – so we keep everyone safe + healthy.

Small Groups 

Glendale Book Club

Sundays @ 1pm CT via zoom
Our weekly book club is reading “Inspired” by Rachel Held Evans. You can get it on Amazon (find it here: http://ow.ly/Y16F30racmW) or at your local library. Message us for the Zoom meeting link – we hope you will join us – it is not too late to join in!

Justice Education Initiative

Next Gathering: Monday, October 26th @ 7pm CT
Interested in learning about the racial disparity that pervades the U.S. criminal justice and prison systems? We hope you’ll be part of this group that will find ways to support our siblings who are currently incarcerated and will put our faith into action and work and advocate for change in our justice and prison systems. Join us for our kick-off gathering this Monday night: find more information here.

Tuesday Morning Prayer Group – Virtual and In-Person

1st, 3rd + any 5th Tuesdays @ 10am CT via zoom and 2nd + 4th Tuesdays @ 10am CT at the church
We will continue our virtual prayer group on Tuesdays at 10am for anyone wanting to join remotely. All are invited to be part of our prayer group gatherings as we pray for our community and the world while working to deepen our individual prayer lives.

Thursday Evening Bible Study

Thursdays @ 7pm CT via zoom
Come join us for an awesome time together as we check-in with one another and work through the book of 1st Corinthians. Bring all your doubts and questions with you!

Have questions, want the Zoom links or would like to start another small group that is missing here? 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.