WELCOME TO GLENDALE BAPTIST CHURCH
a caring community of equality and grace
Our Purpose Statement
We strive
to partner with God and follow Jesus on the Way of Love
to create sanctuary for one another with special concern for those who are marginalized
to work intentionally for mercy and justice
to sustain a creative and compassionate theological voice
to gather resources joyfully and share them generously
to love our neighbors and care for all of creation.
Our story
Glendale Baptist Church: a caring community of equality and grace, is a community of Jesus' followers who value connection, laughter, curiosity, service, and compassion. We are explicit about our welcome—totally inclusive of the LGBTQIA community in all areas of membership and leadership; learning and working out our practice in dismantling the sins of white supremacy and patriarchy; listening intently to voices representing all ages, all income levels, all kinds of previous church experience or non-experience, all ways of thinking about the Holy. We are socially progressive, theologically liberal, and individually committed to the authentic practice of faith and values.
Read Our Covenant
Weekly Schedule
Instagram Feed @glendalebaptistnashville
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Holy Week Gatherings Embodied at the Table | Wednesday at 6:30 pm A service of anointing, communion, and foot washing, following the narrative of the Last Supper. Holy Friday | 6:30 pm We will observe this day with selections from Mozart's "Requiem," readings, and contemplation.Button
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This Wednesday evening, we'll have supper together and then spend time in circle sharing songs that are sustaining us these days. Bring an instrument if you'd like! And if you don't want to sing, no worries, come tell us about music that's supporting you (and we can play it on the TV) or come listen 🎶💙 Let Kelley know if you have questions!Button
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Next Saturday, come join Darlene & Kelley for a wonder walk at Shelby Bottoms! Together, we'll listen & look for what is happening all around us this Spring. Please RSVP on Breeze or let Kelley know if you plan to come.Button
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Our next Sound Meditation is this Friday at 6:30! No need to be "good at meditation" - just come listen, breathe, and rest in the sanctuary. Wear comfy clothes and bring a yoga mat or blanket if you prefer to lay down. Some cushions will be available. If you need childcare during the hour, please let Kelley know.Button
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We gather this Wednesday at 6:30 for vegetarian chili (Cincinnati style and black bean) and catching up, then a guided creative collage experience with Annie! Let Kelley know if you plan to join, or fill out the form in Breeze.Button
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A Mindful Moment on the land at Glendale 🌷🌱💛 Take a deep breath. What sounds do you hear? How many colors do you notice? Imagine how the wind and sunshine feel. How might the air smell amongst the newly blooming flowers? May all be blessed; may you be blessed.Button
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Our Ash Wednesday worship service will be tomorrow at 6:45 pm online and in person. You are more than welcome here.Button
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Black History Month Teach-In with the Alliance of Baptists | Tonight at 6! Some Glendalers are gathering to watch this live Zoom together and discuss afterwards. You're welcome to bring your supper, or let Kelley know ASAP if you'd like pizza.Button
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Come on out this Saturday to see stars at Bells Bend! The party starts at 7 pm. Let Kelley know if you plan to join. Some folks may get supper beforehand. 🌙 🔭 💫Button
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During Glendale's Wisdom of Darkness Epiphany season, our contemplative time in worship has been centered on Sound, featuring a variety of instruments such as chimes and singing bowls. Next Friday at 6:30 pm, we'll have an extended sound meditation offering! You're invited to listen, breathe, and rest in Holy Presence. Come as you are.Button
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We'll miss singing together at choir and eating supper in the church house... but log in on Zoom at 6:30 for a time of sharing and an update from Eileen about our Little Libraries project!Button
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A dream pillow is a little trinket you fill with rice, herbs, essential oils, and most importantly, your dreams! Please let Kelley know if you plan to come so she can plan for materials. All ages welcome. ✨🌙✨Button
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Tomorrow at 6:30, we’ll gather for supper and a poetry reading by Glendaler Annette Sisson! She’ll be sharing from her recent book Winter Sharp with Apples, which a reviewer called “a poignant slice of life.” (Tyler Truman Julian, The Shore) Join us for homemade tomato soup, grilled cheese, and a wonderful time in community!Button
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This Wednesday evening, we'll gather for a special called business meeting and time around the table together. The forecast is cold, but the chili will be warm! On the menu is a black bean based recipe as well as Cincinnati chili (with the fixin's, of course). RSVP via Breeze or contact the office!Button
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Throughout the season of Epiphany, we are exploring the Wisdom of Darkness. Like the Magi who followed the star, we are traveling by night to wonder, dream, pray, and listen. 🌒✨🌌 Each Wednesday evening, we'll gather for supper & a program. And stay tuned for other special gatherings over the next two months!Button
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It's almost time! You are warmly invited to our annual Christmas Eve Lovefeast next Tuesday at 5 pm. We'll share in music, readings, and of course, coffee and buns.Button
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Next week, we'll gather over warm soup and conversation together! After supper, Kelley will lead a community Advent ritual to ground ourselves in this season. Don't forget to RSVP to the church office or on Breeze!Button
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Our youth and leaders celebrate back-to-back championships in the BYC basketball tournament!Button
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A small but mighty tribe of Glendalers cheered and walked in today’s Pride Parade in downtown Nashville. Grateful for the freedom to be, for the love of friends, and for the joy of community.Button
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Don't forget to RSVP for next Wednesday! We'll be having enchiladas with sides and toppings. See you then, and email the church office if you have questions!Button
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Tomorrow around 9:30 am, join Kelley at Bongo Java for coffee & community! She'll be there til around 11:15, so come and go as you need.Button
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Come join some Glendalers for lunch tomorrow at Scarritt Bennett! Scroll through for the menu and more details 😊Button
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Have lunch plans tomorrow? Come join fellow Glendalers at 11:30 for a meal at Scarritt Bennett! The midtown retreat center offers delicious community lunches during the week for $15. Scroll through this post for information about the location and menu (there's a map, too)!Button
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Easter blessings from the @glendalebaptistnashville family!Button
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A reminder that our Holy Friday Worship Service of Sacred Choral Music will begin at 7pm in the Sanctuary on March 29th. Erroneous start times were previously posted, so please take a moment to check your calendar for the correct start time.Button
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S P R I N G F O R W A R D. Tomorrow begins daylight savings time here in the ville of nash. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before bed tonight. See you tomorrow for Sunday school, worship, and dinner on the grounds as we celebrate our 75th birthday!Button
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Happy Birthday, Glendale! We look forward to celebrating 75 years this Sunday in worship, with a potluck to follow!Button
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Bless This Mess Lenten Study with Jan Cox-Gedmark Join Jan in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday at 9:30 AM during Lent for a cup of tea and space to honor the messiness that almost always accompanies transformative journeys. "Bless This Mess" is a resource that will give us an opportunity to travel with Jesus through the valley of the shadow of death into newness of life. From caring for God’s creation to fighting for racial justice and equality, the study's themes and activities are both accessible and challenging. Each week leading up to Easter has its own set of illustrated cards. Be sure to pick up your cards in the Sanctuary near the Orders of Worship or contact Alan if you are unable to attend in person and would like to receive a virtual set of cards via email. Thank you to Jan for holding space for us to connect with one another, work toward repairing God’s world, and look ahead to the new life of Easter morning.Button
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On five of the Thursdays during this season of Lent, you’re invited to bring your lunch and gather in the Fellowship Hall from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM as we read together through Taking On the Cross: Reimagining the Meaning of Jesus’ Life and Death. In the service of full disclosure, Amy Mears is one of the book’s editors and authors; other Glendale writers include Beth Ritter-Conn and Anita Peebles. It’s a broad-ranging book that explores theologies of atonement: there’s surely something to offend everybody in this collection! Bring your sandwich and join the discussions. February 29: Chapters 4, 5, & 6; pp. 37-65 March 7: Chapters 10, 11, & 12; pp. 98-138 March 14: Chapters 14 & 15; pp. 154-177 March 21: Chapters 17, 19, 24; pp. 187-197, 210-216, 257-271 There is a copy available in the Glendale library, and additional copies are available for purchase at Good Faith Media and Amazon. Links are available in bio.Button
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Registration is now open for the Alliance of Baptists Annual Gathering 2024 We are so excited to gather with you again in April - this time in Charlotte, NC at Myers Park Baptist Church, April 12-14, 2024! This year, we’ll be exploring the theme: Decolonizing the Great Commission: Reimagining Partnership in Ministry. In 2023, we took a look at how our foundational principle of seeking God’s justice manifests today in our pursuit of abolition. In 2024, we’ll take a close look at another foundational principle of the Alliance: partnership in ministry. True partnership cannot be built when we hear Jesus’ call in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples with colonizing ears. Together, let’s discern how we can hear Jesus’ sending words with new ears for a new day as we continue to pursue partnership in ministry. Check out the website to learn more about the gathering. With such a diverse and international gathering, commitments from speakers will be rolling in as travel requirements are secured. We are thrilled to already have confirmed we will hear from Reverend Dr. Mitri Raheb from Bright Stars of Bethlehem, Reverend Dalia Juarez Fernandez from Seminario Intercultural Mayense, Bishop Rusudan Gotsiridze of Peace Cathedral, and our own co-director, Reverend Elijah Zehyoue, Ph.D. Check back frequently for updates to the speaker list, schedule, events, and more! If you've got a specific question that cannot be answered by the website, email info@allianceofbaptists.org. You may REGISTER for this event using the link in our bio.Button
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News from Luke 14:12 Luke 14:12 started serving guests at McKendree UMC last Thursday, February 15, and will continue serving every Thursday. Two sets of volunteers are needed per session – one group from 9:00-11:00 AM to prepare food, and a second group from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM to serve lunch to the guests. Please let Joy Gooch know if there’s a week that works for you! There will be an official announcement coming soon.Button
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Bless This Mess Lenten Study with Jan Cox-Gedmark Join Jan in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday at 9:30 AM during Lent for a cup of tea and space to honor the messiness that almost always accompanies transformative journeys. "Bless This Mess" is a resource that will give us an opportunity to travel with Jesus through the valley of the shadow of death into newness of life. From caring for God’s creation to fighting for racial justice and equality, the study's themes and activities are both accessible and challenging. Each week leading up to Easter has its own set of illustrated cards. Be sure to pick up your cards in the Sanctuary near the Orders of Worship or contact Alan if you are unable to attend in person and would like to receive a virtual set of cards via email. Thank you to Jan for holding space for us to connect with one another, work toward repairing God’s world, and look ahead to the new life of Easter morning.Button
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For Black History Month, the Alliance of Baptists will celebrate by offering a teach-in on the “Long Black Freedom Struggle” and what it means for the times in which we live. Led by our very own co-director, Reverend Elijah R. Zehyoue, Ph.D., we will look at Vincent Harding’s text, There Is A River, as we examine the significance of Black history today, especially as more states restrict and suppress this important history. We ask you to join us as we engage with some aspects of this powerful history and discover how we can all embrace it. You may REGISTER for this event using the link in our bio.Button
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THIS SUNDAY - Kid-Focused Field Trip to NMAMM In honor of Black History Month, Alvin Jeffery and Jamey Rutschilling are organizing a field trip to the National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville this Sunday, February 25. The museum is holding a "Soul Food Sunday" where church-goers receive half-price admission ($13/adult, $11/student, free for children under 5), and there are Meat & Two dinners ($15) provided by Barr's Music City Soul Food in the lobby. As it takes approximately 20 minutes to drive there from Glendale, we plan to start our tour at 12:40 PM, which gives us time to find each other in the lobby and/or check out the gift shop. (Tours start every 20 minutes, so if you'd rather show up earlier/later, that's no problem.) Following a brief video, the museum is self-paced, but most people spend 90 minutes touring the galleries. If you have other questions about the museum, please consult their FAQs. The entire church is welcome to join, and Alvin & Jamey will provide pre-briefing/de-briefing with the children to help them incorporate what they experience at the museum into their lives. Because the museum's food special doesn't start until 1:30 PM, Alvin & Jamey will provide a few light snacks for the kids, but you can bring lunch to enjoy in the lobby if 1:30 is too long after your breakfast :-) Parking is available in the "5th and Broadway" parking garage - if you use the 598 Broadway entrance of the retail garage and specify you are visiting NMAAM, you will receive a $17-off coupon, which covers up to 2 hours of parking. Additional parking garage rates are available if you want to stay longer in the area. Finally, if you'd like to join us, please let Alvin know. There is no advanced registration for the half-price tickets, but if we have more than 15 people, the museum would like us to give them a heads up. We hope to see you on Sunday! Alvin and Jamey Links available in bioButton
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Join Our Choir for worship on Holy Friday, featuring the Mark Hayes Requiem. As we prepare for the upcoming Holy Friday service on March 29, we are excited to announce that our church choir will be singing the Mark Hayes Requiem, and we would love for you to be a part of it! Hayes' Requiem is a powerful and moving piece, and we are seeking enthusiastic singers from our congregation to join the choir for this special opportunity for worship. If you have a passion for singing and would like to be involved, we invite you to join us for rehearsals every Wednesday evening from 6:00-6:30 PM. During these rehearsals, we will focus solely on practicing the Requiem to ensure a meaningful observance of Holy Friday. In addition to our Wednesday rehearsals, there will be an additional rehearsal time on Saturday, March 23, from 10:30-noon. Whether you're an experienced vocalist or someone who simply enjoys singing, we welcome you to be a part of this meaningful musical endeavor. Your participation will not only enrich our performance but also foster a sense of community and fellowship within our congregation. If you are interested in joining the choir for the Mark Hayes Requiem, please SIGN UP using the link in our bio and Daryl Johnson will contact you. Let's come together to create something beautiful and inspiring this Holy Friday. Thank you for considering this opportunity, and we look forward to singing with you!Button
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Alliance of Baptists’ Prophetic Imagination series presents: �Reproductive Justice: Faith in Action - Tonight at 6pm CT Rev. Lyndsey Godwin (former Glendaler) and Min. Constance Dunlap will lead us as together we'll connect the history and tenets of Reproductive Justice to biblical and theological understandings. Join us as we explore practical ways and reasons to connect anti-racist work to the Reproductive Justice Movement. Registration link available in bio.Button
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On five of the Thursdays during this season of Lent, you’re invited to bring your lunch and gather in the Fellowship Hall from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM as we read together through Taking On the Cross: Reimagining the Meaning of Jesus’ Life and Death. In the service of full disclosure, Amy Mears is one of the book’s editors and authors; other Glendale writers include Beth Ritter-Conn and Anita Peebles. It’s a broad-ranging book that explores theologies of atonement: there’s surely something to offend everybody in this collection! Bring your sandwich and join the discussions. February 22: Forward, Introduction, Chapters 1 & 2; pp. 1-27 February 29: Chapters 4, 5, & 6; pp. 37-65 March 7: Chapters 10, 11, & 12; pp. 98-138 March 14: Chapters 14 & 15; pp. 154-177 March 21: Chapters 17, 19, 24; pp. 187-197, 210-216, 257-271 There is a copy available in the Glendale library, and additional copies are available for purchase at Good Faith Media and Amazon. Links available in bioButton
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Room In The Inn - Volunteers Needed For over 30 years, Glendale Baptist Church has participated in Room In The Inn by offering hospitality to people who are unhoused throughout the winter season. We join other congregations throughout Nashville to provide transportation to the church from the RITI campus, overnight accommodations in our fellowship hall, dinner, breakfast, sack lunches and access to a clothes closet. But there is more to RITI than that. Every year, Glendalers share stories about their interaction with our guests and how much it means to dine and converse with them - to break bread together, to listen to one another, to share stories; essentially doing what we can as a congregation to take part in our shared purpose of “joining in God’s work.” This year we hope to host men for 5 nights December-February. To do this, we need your participation. How can you help? Be a weekend coordinator, serve diner, prepare food, dine with guests, transport guests, or serve as an overnight host. We need two hosts each evening. Hosts can arrive and have dinner with the guests or arrive after dinner (or later if coordinated with the dinner coordinator). The main responsibility is to be on site and handle any situation that might arise (these are infrequent), set out breakfast materials, and clean up on Saturday morning. One host needs to be awake at all times. Hosts typically stay in the room across from the Fellowship Hall. Hosts are needed for February 23. Our final RITI hosting session of this 2023-2024 winter season will be held on February 23-24. The link to sign up to volunteer is in the bio. A fuller explanation of roles is available in the newsletter (also available through the link in the bio for Instagram and attached to this message in Facebook). If you have other ideas or ways you would like to get involved with RITI, please contact Rand Carpenter or Darlene Panvini.Button
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Breakfast for Dinner - this Wednesday, February 21 at 6:30 PM Shrove Tuesday may technically be last week, but I say it’s a state of mind! So, join Glendalers for some breakfast favorites on Wednesday, February 21 at 6:30 PM. Kelley Doyle will make pancakes with toppings, hashbrown casserole, and a veggie frittata. Gluten free options will be available! Please RSVP (by Monday, February 19 if possible) and let Kelley know if you have questions! (RSVP Link in Bio)Button
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Bless This Mess Lenten Study with Jan Cox-Gedmark Join Jan in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday at 9:30 AM during Lent for a cup of tea and space to honor the messiness that almost always accompanies transformative journeys. "Bless This Mess" is a resource that will give us an opportunity to travel with Jesus through the valley of the shadow of death into newness of life. From caring for God’s creation to fighting for racial justice and equality, the study's themes and activities are both accessible and challenging. Each week leading up to Easter has its own set of illustrated cards. Be sure to pick up your cards in the Sanctuary near the Orders of Worship or contact Alan if you are unable to attend in person and would like to receive a virtual set of cards via email. Thank you to Jan for holding space for us to connect with one another, work toward repairing God’s world, and look ahead to the new life of Easter morning.Button
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THIS SATURDAY – The Arts in Present-day Cuba: Afro-Cuban Artist Frank M. Johnson Saturday, February 17, 6:00 PM, Tempo, 2179 Nolensville Pk., Nashville, 37211 Join us to learn more about the arts in present-day Cuba and hear from Frank M. Johnson, an Afro-Cuban artist living in Cuba and member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba. We will learn about his artistic process and his recent project, Caña Brava. For more information, please contact Bobbi Negrón. https://www.temponashville.com/Button
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Ash Wednesday daffodils are up out front at the church house and stacks of Lenten prayer cards are waiting for you next time you can drop by. Lenten blessings, friends.Button
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Lent will offer many opportunities for worship and connection. See you at the church house!Button
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Begin your Lenten journey with a time of quiet reverence, reflection, prayer, song, and the encouragement to come full circle in the love of God. All who wish to receive ashes will have an opportunity to do so. We look forward to worshiping with you this evening at 6:45pm in the Sanctuary.Button
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Don't forget to let Kelley D. know if you plan to join for pasta at the church house! You can RSVP via the link in our newsletter or send her an email. See you Wednesday!Button
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What a good thing that we are well practiced at gathering online! Due to icy conditions around the church house, there will be no in-person Sunday School, worship, or other activities at GBC this Sunday. Check your email Saturday night or Sunday morning for Zoom links for Beth Maczka’s Sunday School class on Mary Magdalene at 9:30 and for worship at 10:30. Please note that our previously scheduled afternoon meeting about children, faith formation, and spiritual nurture will be rescheduled to a later date.Button
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The latest newsletter is now available online. Highlights include 1) an ongoing multi-generational Advent Sunday School opportunity; 2) an advent playlist for the second week, peace; 3) information on tomorrow's Common Conversation with St. Marys; 4) an opportunity this Sunday after worship to hear stories and view pictures from our recent church partner trip; 5) Room in the Inn volunteer sign ups; 6) an upcoming field trip on 12/16 to see the friendly beasts that we're learning about during the children's time. Newsletters are available from the bio link in Instagram and attached to this post in Facebook. https://www.glendalebaptist.org/newslettersButton
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The latest newsletter is available. Highlights include 1) tonight's special called business meeting to vote on next year's financial plan for ministry; 2) a new multi-generational Advent Sunday School opportunity; 3) an advent hope-ful play list; 4) an upcoming common conversation with St. Marys; 5) an opportunity to hear stories and pictures from our recent church partner trip; 6) as well as Room in the Inn volunteer sign ups. Newsletters are available from the bio link in Instagram and attached to this post in Facebook. https://www.glendalebaptist.org/newslettersButton
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Dates: November 5, 12, and 19 On the first three Sundays in November, Andy Watts will lead conversations on definitions of Restorative and Transformative Justice, explore theological grounds for both, and provide examples of these two non-violent models of justice in his own academic and social advocacy work. This class will meet in-person at 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall and will also be accessible via Zoom.Button
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For those who will be at church tonight, there will be soup and sandwich ingredients available from Sunday's Great Glendale Gathering which we will heat and eat. Please join us for dinner at 6:15 - the choir would love to share this food with all who will be in attendance.Button
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Don't forget to RSVP for the Great Glendale Getaway coming up this Sunday after worship! The link is in our Instagram bio as well as the weekly email arriving in your inbox this afternoon. Please do so by Thursday so we can plan for meals. Let a pastor know if you have any questions!Button
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Glendalers, just a quick note to say that The In-Between Sessions will not be meeting this Sunday or next. We look forward to seeing you in worship!Button
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THIS SATURDAY - Larkspur Conservation Field Trip Join other Glendalers this Saturday, September 23 for a field trip to Larkspur Conservation and Natural Burial Site. We’ll experience the beauty of the location and take a short hike for those who wish to do so. The address is 155 Bear Carr Road Westmoreland, TN 37186. The drive from GBC is about an hour and 10 minutes. If you’d like to carpool, we’ll gather in the church parking lot at 12:30 PM. If you plan to come, please let Kelley Doyle know (kelleyhdoyle@gmail.com) to plan for carpooling or any weather needs. Links available in bioButton
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Wear your tie dye to worship this Sunday as we celebrate our summer together and welcome the fall!Button
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Glendale Youth are all smiles thanks to @nashvilleshakes! Thank you for a very entertaining interpretation of Much Ado About Nothing. See you again next year!Button
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This Wednesday evening, Meg from Larkspur Conservation will be leading a workshop on Celebrating the Divine through the Natural World! At 5:30, we'll share a vegetarian meal (suggested contribution of $5) and catch up. The workshop will begin at 6:15. Please RSVP to the church office if you plan to come!Button
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Tolstories was extraordinary! Here’s one of our favorite quotes from the evening: “Words are often not important on the path to wisdom. One must learn to listen to the journey.” Thank you for sharing your talents, Doug. Thanks to each one in attendance and to those who offered support to our ongoing church partnership. Online contributions are available through the link in our bio.Button
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The latest Glendale Newsletter is full of new connection opportunities. You can read about them online using the newsletter link available from our bio. Here's a preview: We will enjoy Tolstories: From Aristocrat to Holy Fool with Doug Berky on Sept 8 @ 6pm; poet Meg Wade on Sept 13 @ 6:15pm; Youth Event with T-Conn at Shakespeare in the Park on Sept 16 depart GBC @ 5:30, show begins @ 7pm; AWAB Lecture - Truth and Lies at the Foot of the Cross: The Church and God's LGBTQ+ Children on Sept 11 @ 6:30pm; Great Glendale Getaway on Oct 29. There's also a new Wednesday night schedule, this is the final week for Thursday Lunch Chats, and there are volunteer openings currently available too! See you on zoom or in the church house.Button
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Children’s Defense Fund Thriving Congregations Grant The Children’s Defense Fund and Glendale Baptist both envision a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. We also operate from a common belief that dedicating time and resources to building capacity to understand the needs of children and youth, understand how wider societal forces are impacting the most powerless among us, and how to address these needs in ways that bring longer-term systemic changes in societies and in congregations in order to respond effectively and theologically. You can read more about these ongoing efforts on our linktree page.Button
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Truth and Lies at the Foot of the Cross: The Church and God's LGBTQ+ Children We’ve all heard how everyone’s equal at the foot of the cross. That doesn’t seem to apply to LGBTQ+ people, however, according to many Christians. In fact, the disgust and hatred of LGBTQ+ people among many Christians is so great that they eagerly accept, tell, create, and repeat lies and falsehoods about the queer community and work actively to limit, roll back, and deny civil and human rights to LGBTQ+ people. Surely, however, of all places, the foot of the cross is a place for truths. On the cross, Jesus sided with the marginalized, oppressed, and despised. The resurrection was God’s affirmation of that choice, and, in his “coming out” of the tomb, Jesus offered hope, possibility, love, and welcome. We’ll explore truths and lies at the foot of the cross, drawing from the latest headlines, biological, medical, and social sciences, gender studies, and theological and biblical studies and make a specific case for Baptist welcome of God’s LGBTQ+ children. See link in bio for more information.Button
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The In-Between Sessions: Everything Is Sacred At 9:30 AM on August 27, Deborah Lynn will continue to lead a time of engaging sacred writings from contemporary and ancient authors; experiencing sacred breathing; and exploring connection through words and silence. Come, see where the Spirit leads. The group will gather in the room on the Fellowship Hall level beside the Music Office. Zoom access is available upon request.Button
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Join Glendale for Doug Berky's show "Tolstories: From Aristocrat to Holy Fool" on Friday, September 8th at 6 pm. Stay after the performance for a reception with snacks and a silent auction. Doug is offering this program as a benefit for Glendale's partnership with Iglesia Bautista Alberto J. Diaz in Santa Clara, Cuba. Tickets are by donation ($15 suggested and free for students) to support our partnership! For over 40 years, movement theatre artist Doug Berky has been delighting audiences with his comic antics and stories. Doug returns to Nashville with his newest production, "Tolstories: From Aristocrat to Holy Fool." This stage adaptation of three of Leo Tolstoy's short stories reveals Tolstoy's prophetic voice in difficult times. Changed by the Sermon on the Mount, Tolstoy renounced his title and privilege and became an international advocate for non-violence. These stories are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. Come and be challenged and inspired.Button
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More information and a registration link are available in our bio.Button
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This week's newsletter is now available online. Highlights include Saturday's Open Table Mayoral Forum, Sunday's new Adult Sunday School offering on Climate Neighbors and Neighborhoods with Emily Askew, next Wednesday night's in person gathering and Quarterly Business Meeting, as well as Tie Dye next Saturday and a Mary Magdalene retreat later this month. Whew! All that *and* ongoing Thursday lunch chats. We'd love to get to know you at any of these events and especially on Sunday mornings in the church house or on zoom for worship. Link available in bio.Button
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Adult Sunday School – July 16, 23, 30, and August 6 Climate Neighbors and Neighborhoods with Emily Askew in the Glendale Library Together we are going to think and talk about the ways that climate change is altering human migration worldwide and in our own city. We will learn about the origins of climate gentrification and the ways it is remaking neighborhoods both in Nashville and nationwide. We will learn about the plight of climate refugees, a category of displaced person driving much of the movement of people into over crowded cities which result in increased violence. We will share prayers for these displaced persons and learn about the acts of resistance to migration taking place in our own city and at the US/Mexico border. Please join me in spending some time with the faces and hearts of those displaced by the increasingly dire conditions brought on by climate change. There will music, poetry, prayers and art work supporting and proclaiming these justice issues. See you in the library beginning this Sunday.Button
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Housing for All Mayoral Forum - this Saturday! Open Table Nashville and Renters Union Nashville are co-hosting the Housing For All Mayoral Forum this Saturday from 2-4 pm at the Downtown Public Library Auditorium (615 Church St). Candidates will respond to a series of questions that will come directly from constituents renting and experiencing homelessness here in Nashville, followed by a round of housing and homelessness focused trivia, and will end with time for live audience questions. The event is free but you can RSVP using the link in our bio.Button
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Rescheduled! Join us Saturday, July 22nd at 10:30 am for a time to tie dye together. We'll have lemonade and snacks as we celebrate summer! There'll be an opportunity to participate in a group craft project, too. Email Kelley Doyle if you plan to come (to plan for supplies) or have any questions! kelleyhdoyle@glendalebaptist.orgButton
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Glendale Baptist Church A Caring Community of Equality and Grace We strive... to partner with God and follow Jesus on the Way of Love to create sanctuary for one another with special concern for those who are marginalized to work intentionally for mercy and justice to sustain a creative and compassionate theological voice to gather resources joyfully and share them generously to love our neighbors and care for all of creation. Join us tomorrow, Sunday, July 2 at 10:30am for communion and worship either onsite or via zoom. DM for more info.Button
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Many thanks to Jimmy Davis for constructing these new cedar benches for the fire pit area. What a lovely place to anticipate gathering this fall!Button
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Join Nashvillians on July 9 at 3pm as they hear from the 2023 Mayoral candidates at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, 1203 9th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208.Button
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Tacos and Tie Dye Postponed Stay tuned for a new day and time for a tie dye event in July! Date coming soon. See you tomorrow for worship and our conversation with the Property Stewardship task group!Button
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What’s involved in building and maintaining a place where Love lives? That’s on our minds and hearts this summer. Your voice is most welcomed in the conversation. Fellowship Hall is open on Wednesday night for brown bag dinner at 5:45pm and on zoom at 6:30. Fellowship Hall is also the location for Thursday’s brown bag lunch chat from 11am-1pm and Sundays Church-Wide Community Conversation after 10:30am worship. Bring a dish to share or a brown bag for yourself on Sunday. Come, let us build a house where love can dwell. All are welcome in this place!Button
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This week, June 21, is our first Wednesday Night Supper of the summer! Bring your supper and gather at the tables in the Fellowship Hall around 5:45. At 6:30, we'll turn on Zoom to share some time with those who can't make it in person. Hope to see you there! Mark your calendar for future dates: July 19 and August 16.Button
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Tacos & Tie Dye: Saturday, June 24 at 5:00 PM Join Kelley for supper and a summer craft! Let’s share a build-your-own taco bar and then take part in an (optional) tie dye opportunity. We’ll provide the supplies but please bring a shirt or other item to dye - white cotton or other natural fiber works best! You can sign up to bring food and/or RSVP at the Sign Up Genius link. Feel free to let Kelley know if you have any questions! Her email is kelleyhdoyle@glendalebaptist.org. Link available in bioButton
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Join the Alliance of Baptists next Monday, June 19 at 11:00 AM CST as we hold space to remember and honor those enslaved people who were robbed of their freedom. While Juneteenth has its origins in Texas, it has become a nationally and internationally recognized holiday which celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people all over. This year Juneteenth is especially important as many states across the country roll back significant progressive legislation and attack Black history. As an organization dedicated to becoming anti-racist, this Juneteenth we will use our platform and our space to counter those movements by celebrating Black history, acknowledging the many contributions of Black people, and working to preserve the sacred legacy and traditions of African Americans. We hope that you will join us for this important annual ritual. Registration link available in our bio.Button
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We are Glendale Baptist Church: a caring community of equality and grace. We strive to partner with God and follow Jesus on the Way of Love; to create sanctuary for one another with special concern for those who are marginalized; to work intentionally for mercy and justice; to sustain a creative and compassionate theological voice; to gather resources joyfully and share them generously; to love our neighbors and care for all of creation.Button
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This Saturday, June 17 - Save the Morris Panel Event National Museum of African American Music, 2:00-6:00 PM 510 Broadway, Nashville, 37203 Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Community Members, We invite you to join us as we hear from civil rights leaders and advocates about the significance of this building and history of our city. African American culture has played and continues to play a vital role in Nashville’s story, and it is time to honor and memorialize this history by saving the Morris Memorial Building and establishing an African American history museum inside it. We are excited to have an amazing panel speaking about the history of our city, and the importance of preserving history for future leaders! We are also excited to have the Black Opry performing! Join us in celebration of the African American history and culture in the city of Nashville for this JUNETEENTH weekend event. All proceeds and funds raised go to creating an African American & Civil Rights museum in the Morris Memorial building. You may register and purchase tickets using the link in our bio.Button
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Worship at Glendale is one of the great ties that bind us together. We value warmth, engagement, movement, diversity, music, silence, and cohesion. Bringing those values into our virtual gathering for worship strengthens our connections with one another and with the Holy. An added gift of worship these days is that we can see one another’s faces as we pray, sing, reflect, listen, and speak together. Join us! The Zoom link usually opens at 10:15 on Sunday morning – our virtual foyer where we can greet one another before worship begins at 10:30. Following the worship service, we stay online for Happy Hour, 30 minutes or so when we hear from one another what has been life-giving this week and how we can be present with one another, holding cares and joys as community. If you'd like to be included in the weekly online worship invitation, please contact us using the link in the bio.Button
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The church calendar and newsletter are great ways to stay connected to worship, fellowship, justice, and educational opportunities. Links available in bio.Button
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Adult Sunday School Class - 9:30 AM Finding Our Way: A Post Pandemic Study will be led by Eileen Campbell-Reed. The class will gather in the library at 9:30 on Sundays in June. Here’s what Eileen tells us about the class: I’ll be teaching a new study written by Erin Robinson Hall based on my findings in the #PandemicPastoring Report. We will be “finding our way” in the three-session study by opening conversations on: • how the last three years impacted lay leaders and ministers in different ways; • what our community has faced in accumulated losses, changes, and grief; • how we can hear each other so we don’t get stuck but can continue moving forward with renewed vision; • when we can give ourselves permission to do the small and large things we are called by God to do; • how to dream together and tell future stories for a new era of shared ministry. June 4 - FINDING OUR WAY June 11- BEARING WITNESS June 18 - Reflection and conversation about the study thus far June 25 - REVEALING HOPE Zoom participation is available. Look for the link in the weekly Saturday worship email. Study materials are available through our bio link.Button
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Let's Get Together! Second Sunday Swim Drop by the Moreland Jones home and enjoy a dip in the pool or a chat on the deck with other Glendalers. June 11 July 9 August 13 Wednesday Night Supper Bring your supper and gather at the tables in the Fellowship Hall around 5:45. At 6:30, we'll turn on Zoom to share some time with those who can't make it in person. Hope to see you there! June 21 July 19 August 16 Thursday Lunch Chat During that long season when we couldn't gather safely indoors, we enjoyed casual conversation face-to-face under the tent once a week. We are bring that practice back for the summer. This time we'll have the benefit of the AC! Each Thursday between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm some of our church staff will be in the Fellowship Hall. They'd love to see you there. Drop in and chat for a while. Bring your lunch if you'd like.Button
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Need a break? Take a virtual walk through our Memorial Garden and enjoy some of Earth’s most beautiful gifts. May Peace be with you today and in all the days that follow.Button
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Worship at Glendale is one of the great ties that bind us together. We value warmth, engagement, movement, diversity, music, silence, and cohesion. Bringing those values into our virtual gathering for worship strengthens our connections with one another and with the Holy. An added gift of worship these days is that we can see one another’s faces as we pray, sing, reflect, listen, and speak together. Join us! The Zoom link usually opens at 10:15 on Sunday morning – our virtual foyer where we can greet one another before worship begins at 10:30. Following the worship service, we stay online for Happy Hour, 30 minutes or so when we hear from one another what has been life-giving this week and how we can be present with one another, holding cares and joys as community. If you'd like to be included in the weekly online worship invitation, please contact us using the link in the bio.Button
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Tomorrow, Sunday, June 4 at 5:30 PM, we will celebrate summer at our annual Ice Cream Supper at the church. Bring a churn of your favorite flavor to share. Sprinkles, fruit, nuts, whipped cream, and other toppings are always a treat — and don’t forget the cherry on top! We will gather in the parking lot/grassy area just outside of the Fellowship Hall entrance. Instruments and tunes are welcome. See you there!Button
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Finding Our Way: A Post Pandemic Study will be led by Eileen Campbell-Reed. The class will gather in the library at 9:30 on Sundays in June. Here’s what Eileen tells us about the class: I’ll be teaching a new study written by Erin Robinson Hall based on my findings in the #PandemicPastoring Report. We will be “finding our way” in the three-session study by opening conversations on: * how the last three years impacted lay leaders and ministers in different ways; * what our community has faced in accumulated losses, changes, and grief; * how we can hear each other so we don’t get stuck but can continue moving forward with renewed vision; * when we can give ourselves permission to do the small and large things we are called by God to do; * how to dream together and tell future stories for a new era of shared ministry. June 4 - FINDING OUR WAY June 11- BEARING WITNESS June 18 - Reflection and conversation about the study thus far June 25 - REVEALING HOPE Zoom access is available. Please message for details. More info through link in bio.Button
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"My Queer Faith" with Kimayo Friday, May 26, 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) Blakemore UMC, 3601 West End Ave., Nashville, 37205 During this one-hour donation-based event, Kimayo invites you into her life and faith journey. Through storytelling and live music she breaks down walls allowing for solidarity and possibility. Kimayo’s songs, humor, and transparency flow together forming a beautiful and sacred experience. This concert is open to adults and mature teens with parental discretion as this event contains sensitive topics relating to physical and mental health. link in bioButton
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On Sunday, June 4 at 5:30 PM, we will celebrate summer at our annual Ice Cream Supper at the church. Bring a churn of your favorite flavor to share. Sprinkles, fruit, nuts, whipped cream, and other toppings are always a treat — and don’t forget the cherry on top! We will gather in the parking lot/grassy area just outside of the Fellowship Hall entrance. Instruments and tunes are welcome. See you there!Button
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Worship at Glendale is one of the great ties that bind us together. We value warmth, engagement, movement, diversity, music, silence, and cohesion. Bringing those values into our virtual gathering for worship strengthens our connections with one another and with the Holy. An added gift of worship these days is that we can see one another’s faces as we pray, sing, reflect, listen, and speak together. Join us! The Zoom link usually opens at 10:15 on Sunday morning – our virtual foyer where we can greet one another before worship begins at 10:30. Following the worship service, we stay online for Happy Hour, 30 minutes or so when we hear from one another what has been life-giving this week and how we can be present with one another, holding cares and joys as community. If you'd like to be included in the weekly online worship invitation, please contact us. https://linktr.ee/glendalebaptistnashville (link is clickable in the bio)Button
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Glendale welcomes all children through grade 6 to gather in the church house each Sunday at 9:30 AM for a variety of Faith Formation opportunities. Our general schedule will look something like this: First and Second Sundays of Each Month * Older Children join Alvin and Jamey for activities and Bible Study upstairs in the former handbell classroom. * Younger Children join Frenchie and Judy for activities and Bible Study downstairs in the classroom across from Fellowship Hall. Third and Fourth Sundays of Each Month * All children join Bobbi for an art-based lesson. * All children join Kelley for a music-based lesson. Fifth Sunday Months * All children join Ms. Rose for play and readings from her book about Seasons. Each week teachers work very hard to prepare lessons and to include outdoor experiences as often as the seasons and weather allow. There are plans to plant zinnia seeds and care for them during the summer months. The children may have opportunities to share these flowers and drawings or notes with our Glendalers who are no longer able to attend in person services. We also plan to plant and care for vegetables this summer. Email Kelly at kellymorelandjones@glendalebaptist.org if you’re interested in being a part of the ongoing fun!Button
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Glendale welcomes Suzanne and Alan Robertson back home for a visit during the Sunday School hour this Sunday, May 21. Join them in the library at 9:30 to hear first hand about their relationship with Cecil, a man on death row who was eventually executed by the state of TN. The story began with an invitation during Glendale's Wednesday Night Gathering years ago when folks were encouraged to visit those imprisoned on death row. It became a transformational relationship for both Cecil and the Robertsons. Ellen Sims will convene the conversation around He Called Me Sister, authored by Suzanne through May 28.Button
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Help our friends at TIRRC (Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition) support our new neighbors TIRRC has been working with a family who recently arrived in Nashville and is in need of basic supplies and food. One of the family members has a chronic health condition and requires monthly medication. They were able to cover this month's expense, but need help covering the next couple of months as they look for housing and work. Monetary donations towards these prescriptions as well as gift cards are needed. The family has easiest access to Aldi, Kroger, and Walmart for using store-specific gift cards. You can mail gift cards or donations to the TIRRC office at 3310 Ezell Road, Nashville, TN 37211 to the attention of Emily Baird-Chrisohon. For additional information, email Emily at emily@tnimmigrant.org.Button
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On Saturday, May 20 at 7:00 PM, join us in the fellowship hall for an evening of poetry and music! We’ll have tea, decaf coffee, and treats as we hear from Glendale’s own. There are just a couple spots left (one 10 minute set and two 5 minute sets) so check the church announcements to sign up.Button
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Book Signing & Conversation with Dr. Monique Moultrie Thursday, May 18, 6:00-8:00 PM Raintree Room at Scarritt Bennett Center Event Fee: $30.00 Rev. Kelli X, Director of Racial Justice Ministries at Scarritt Bennett Center, will have a conversation with Dr. Monique Moultrie about her new book, Hidden Histories: Faith and Black Lesbian Leadership. Buy a book. Get it signed. Enjoy good food and conversation! Dr. Monique Moultrie is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Georgia State University. Her scholarly interests include sexual ethics, African American religions, and gender and sexuality studies. Complete event and registration details are here https://linktr.ee/glendalebaptistnashville (link is clickable in bio)Button
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Children’s Defense Fund Grant This Wednesday evening, May 17, Eileen Campbell-Reed, Lauren Plummer, and Amy Mears will bring a report and some reflections from the time we have spent thus far with a cohort of congregations and leaders from the Children’s Defense Fund. Glendale has been awarded one of the CDF’s Lilly Endowment grants from the Thriving Congregations area. The goal is to help our 10 congregations plan and carry out new initiatives that enhance the well-being of children and youth in our community. Come with your good ideas and help Glendale engage in full and meaningful ways with Nashville and with our own children and grandchildren and families. Want to join? Contact us. https://linktr.ee/glendalebaptistnashvilleButton
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Hi, Friends! This week's newsletter is now available. The calendar is still being updated. https://www.glendalebaptist.org/newsletters (link is clickable in the bio)Button
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"My Queer Faith" with Kimayo Friday, May 26, 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) Blakemore UMC, 3601 West End Ave., Nashville, 37205 During this one-hour donation-based event, Kimayo invites you into her life and faith journey. Through storytelling and live music she breaks down walls allowing for solidarity and possibility. Kimayo’s songs, humor, and transparency flow together forming a beautiful and sacred experience. This concert is open to adults and mature teens with parental discretion as this event contains sensitive topics relating to physical and mental health. link in bioButton
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Youth Family Meeting On Sunday, May 14, all youth and their families are invited to a brief meeting after worship to talk about Baptist Youth Camp and other summer opportunities! You’re welcome to join in person or via Zoom. For those already signed up for camp, we’ll also have forms available to fill out.Button
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Worship at Glendale is one of the great ties that bind us together. We value warmth, engagement, movement, diversity, music, silence, and cohesion. Bringing those values into our virtual gathering for worship strengthens our connections with one another and with the Holy. An added gift of worship these days is that we can see one another’s faces as we pray, sing, reflect, listen, and speak together. Join us! The Zoom link usually opens at 10:15 on Sunday morning – our virtual foyer where we can greet one another before worship begins at 10:30. Following the worship service, we stay online for Happy Hour, 30 minutes or so when we hear from one another what has been life-giving this week and how we can be present with one another, holding cares and joys as community. If you'd like to be included in the weekly online worship invitation, please contact us. https://linktr.ee/glendalebaptistnashvilleButton
Our Latest Blog Posts

The Sundays in Advent have a few out-of-the-ordinary opportunities! Elementary aged kids are invited to join an inter-generational Sunday School event each Sunday in the Fellowship Hall. Lauren Plummer (and several others) will be leading sessions in collage creation. It will be relaxed and a chance to be involved with some new folks in chatting and creating together. Younger children (babies, preschoolers, and Kindergarteners) are welcomed to continue preschool Sunday School as usual upstairs with Lori and Thomas Williamson. All ages (literally!) will gather in the sanctuary at 10:30 so that families can enjoy the first 10 minutes of worship together before the preschoolers go to Worship Care. There will be bells, music, the processional, a hymn, lighting the Advent candles, and the Time with Glendale Kids. Then the youngest Glendalers can move into the Worship Care time. There will be quiet activity stuff in the kids corner in the back of the sanctuary — but there should be plenty of movement and sights and sounds to entice the interest of all. For more information, go here.
In Special Called Business Meeting on Wednesday evening September 28, Glendale’s Leadership Council recommended 1) approval of a Minister of Music job description ( viewable here ) and 2) that the Music at Glendale Task Group shift their responsibilities and become a search committee. The recommendation was unanimously approved. The Minister of Music Search Committee will be accepting letters of application and resumes through Sunday, October 23. Please pass this information along to those you know who might be interested. Applicants can send material to gbc@glendalebaptist.org . Please remain mindful and prayerful as the Search Committee goes about their new work. Thanks to every single person who has planned, led, and staffed Glendale’s musical efforts since Easter!

“Are you enjoying your new tires,” asked the tire guy at Sears. I had bought 4 new ones a month before and had brought them back in for the free balance-and-rotation thing. And then the ridiculous question. Was I enjoying my new tires? How on earth does someone enjoy a tire? Or even 4 of ‘em? There are books that I enjoy over and over and over again. The Little House books when I was a kid; Prodigal Summer holds the favored position in adulthood. I enjoy baking a brown-sugar-pecan pound cake and I enjoy eating a slice. I enjoy inspecting my garden boxes and wildflower garden and cutting garden each day. I enjoy the feel of the cool water running down the kayak paddle onto my arms on a hot day. Tires? No. No, I was not enjoying my tires. Not even remotely. Tires do their work down there on the 4 corners of the vehicle. Best-case scenario: I think about them when I’m getting ready for a road trip and go to the tire place for inspection and rotation. Worst-case scenario: the imagination sprints. They do their job, lord willing, and I rely on their appropriate functioning. What a boon, then, to experience those things that are, in a fairly thankless setting, doing their job and being enjoyable! I speak, of course, about my co-workers. The Glendale church staff and the Glendale Leadership Council are diligently, creatively, energetically, inquisitively, adventurously doing their work in the 4 corners of the congregation with such grace. The Glenterns add laugher and spice and reality. Alan and April and Alvin and Beth and Delvakio and Don and Eileen and Jake and Jon and Kelly and Lauren and Selena and Summer are attending their service to the Sacred through their service to Glendale all the time. And they’re being pleasant while they do it. They’re checking on you and they’re checking on me and they’re checking on each other and they’re checking on their neighbors. They’re learning new technologies and teaching them to me and some of you with such kindness. They’re asking what we can do better; they’re asking who we’re not seeing and how we can best make contact; they’re paying attention to finances and children and disinfecting the church kitchen and youth and the lectionary and microphones; they’re wondering how best we can thank Glendale for the privilege of sharing life here. A global pandemic did not cause any of these things. They were already in place. The pandemic has, however, given time and opportunity to recognize and give thanks for life’s blessings. These people are at the very top of my long list of blessings. I am enjoying doing church with them and with you. Thanks be to God.

Dear friends, I received an email this week from a journalist asking me to contribute to an article about our current church-life situation. Here’s the invitation: “I’m working on a story about how adaptations and innovations during this time might produce practices with lasting effect. What are you and your congregation doing now as a result of the pandemic that might continue as a good practice well after the crisis?” Here is my response: Thanks for your email invitation. Here’s my thinking on: Pandemic’s Positive Lasting Effects ~It’s possible that there will be long-term recovery of the hand-written gesture. People have been moved to write to one another—especially people that they perceive would be lonely or particularly isolated. Our kids’ Sunday School teachers mail care packages of material for the children to open in the usual Sunday School time when they’re together by zoom with the teachers. Everybody has been delighted with that experience. ~The congregation has a stronger understanding of the importance of affinity groups and other small groups. There is a fairly broad sense of concern for people who aren’t obviously or visibly connected to other church members. ~There exists a certain intimacy in worship by being up close and personal with worship leadership. Maybe it’s because the worshiper’s face is literally 12-18” from the person who is leading/preaching/praying/singing. It is the absolute opposite of the “theater-seating” kind of worship experience that seems to have engaged a significant part of the worshipping world of late. Every worshiper is face to face with almost every other worshiper (a few only connect through audio.) “Intimate” is the only word that comes to mind. I’m not sure how we that sense could be incorporated when we are back in the sanctuary. I have a hunch, though, that our sense of connectedness will be enhanced in the long term. ~Church members are experiencing an increase in active awareness of who might need care. There’s always been a generalized kind of benign attention. “Who could use a phone call or a card?” kind of thing. Now there are earnest volunteers to care for folks as though lives depend on it. Who needs our help? Groceries? Cards? Call? Pharmacy runs? WILL YOU LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP? I’m hoping that sense of urgency continues. ~I’m feeling an enhanced connection because of being all up in each other’s faces for several hours a week. The isolation has contributed to more consistent attendance at events. Church members I would only see in passing on Sunday mornings I’m now face-to-face with for an hour and a half on Sundays, an hour and a half on Wednesdays, and a half hour on Fridays. The feeling that we know each other better is sure to live on past the cloistering. ~More people are using online giving platforms. It’s possible that this will continue. That will require us to do what people have been asking for (and we’ve been remiss in delaying): placing “I gave electronically” cards in the pew racks so that everybody who gives can respond to their encounter with the Holy by bringing something forward in worship. (We bring offerings forward rather than having them collected by passing plates. We formed this habit when we were connected for a couple of years with a congregation in NOLA’s 9th ward after Katrina. Worshiping with them taught us the importance of physically moving in worship as we embody our gratitude and response to the work of the Holy in our lives.) ~There is already an enhanced sense of the importance of remembering those who have moved away as being a significant part of what makes us who we are. As we’re gathering for worship or prayer or storytime or whatever, long-timers are introducing new Glendalers to people who used to be here but now live far away. Who would have thought that a pandemic would bring together people formed by their church life 15 years ago and our brand-new members? ~In a related thought, there is an enhanced understanding of the importance of this place, of our particular way of experiencing church, on people’s lives—especially on young ministers. We’ve been joined in worship, just in the last 2 weeks, by TEN Glenterns (the name by which we lovingly know our interns.) They’ve come in from Flagstaff and Detroit and Seattle and all over to, well, I suppose to do several things. To experience worship that they’re not having to lead, maybe. To get ideas for their own use as worship leaders. To re-connect with people who were critically important in their own formation as ministers. It has been a moving thing for us to see these young pastoral ministers in worship. ~Because we are zooming worship live—each worship leader from their own home—everybody “present” is sitting forward in anticipation of what’s going to blow this time. (Something usually blows.) It reminds me of the Annie Dillard quotation about worship: "Why do people in church seem like cheerful, brainless tourists on a packaged tour of the Absolute? … Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping god may wake someday and take offense, or the waking god may draw us to where we can never return.” I saw an email reminder of a Holy Week service this morning that said, “Tenebrae Service: watch at 6:30 on Facebook.” I hope that Glendalers will retain the sense of expectation when we return to worship in the sanctuary. It’s not a spectator sport. So these are some of my random thoughts. Hope they spur your own creativity as you write! Peace, a good Holy Week, and wash your hands, Amy

The Last Supper 2009 John August Swanson During Holy Week we are reminded of the last supper Jesus shared with his friends. As you already know, the scene will change from community table fellowship to desperate garden prayers alone, betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, death, and, finally, resurrection. Not gonna lie… It all feels particularly heavy this year. I’m on the edge of my seat, leaning in to new life in every way possible. I hope you are too. But first, I want to talk about tables. What might they signify? They invite community . Don’t get me wrong, the idea of community sounds great to me. Right now it also scares me like no other thing on the planet. It is messy. It is complicated. It forces me to get out of my head. And, often, I rather like it there… The solace of being alone means no one can hurt you. But that also means no one can love you. They get turned over . We typically read that Jesus story as a win, right? I don’t disagree with that interpretation. Jesus was legitimately angry and he wasted no time upsetting the prescribed order so that all could experience God’s love. But what about all the brokenness that was left when the tables flipped? Do you sweep it up and throw it away? Mend it and make it more beautiful as a kintsugi artisan might do? I hate destruction. But without it nothing new is born. Some of them are headless . When I came across the above image of the Last Supper, that was my first observation. Nobody’s at the head of the table. Who is in charge of this group of diners? Who is keeping the conversation flowing? Making sure glasses are filled? For someone whose primary orientation in the world is to take charge in the absence of leadership, I am deeply concerned about that bunch. Also, I wonder if they are all in charge of loving each other and if that somehow magically works? Some of them welcome everyone . That was my second observation to Swanson's rendering. The shift from exclusively cisgender males around the table to the inclusion of feminine and androgynous figures is a significant theological proclamation. Who does the Holy welcome to be nourished at the table? Everyone. That's troubling if the table you're setting doesn't do the same. As we gather around our respective tables this holy week, we might consider remembering these life-giving gospel truths… “Behold I am making all things new.” –God “Taste and see that God is good.” –The Psalmist “Let us love one another, because… God is love.” –John the Evangelist “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” -Jesus “I give you Peace. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.” -Christ I’m holding each of you close and look forward to seeing you via Zoom on Holy Friday at 7pm and again on Easter morning at 10:30 for worship. I love you. Kelly P.S. Scriptural references include, but may not be limited to, Matthew 21:12, Isaiah 43:19, Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:15, Psalm 34, 1 John 4:7-8, John 14:27. Special thanks to Vanderbilt for Swanson’s art. More information is available at http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56552

“bi·fo·cal /ˈbīˌfōk(ə)l/ adjective (usually of a pair of eyeglasses) having lenses each with two parts with different focal lengths, one for distant vision and one for near vision.” Dear Friends, It was inevitable, I suppose… this need to correct my failing vision. Last week I began adapting to life in new glasses. Some observations: 1. I look down a lot. What’s that about? Can I not trust my own feet to take me where I need to go? When I look at them with these new eyes they are distorted and the ground is weirdly shaped. My brain is somehow tricked into thinking there are hills while my feet feel straight, solid ground. I wonder why I’ve been in the habit of not trusting my feet to take me where I need to go. I wonder why I feel the need to look over them, to watch them. I wonder why I’m afraid to fall. Have I always watched my feet so carefully? If not, when did I start? Why don’t I look straight ahead, reaching for what is right in front of me? 2. I look through the wrong part to see what I need to see. “It’s a simple neck tilt.” That’s what the optician told me. “Look here to see into the distance, here for your computer, and here for books.” My body is still learning these tricks. My eyes can’t see everything from the same location. They must adjust. Making my eyes behave has been difficult. They are a part of me, after all. Which is to say, stubborn. I’m learning that if I want to see clearly the beautiful life unfolding in front of me, I have to change behaviors. 3. They don’t exactly fit. They arrived the day we were ordered to shelter at home, so I didn’t get a custom fit. No human to human interaction… we might kill each other. I get it. I’m not arguing about that. Just an observation that in the absence of human communication, vision is compromised . In the absence of one saying what is too tight or too loose and the other hearing those words and making adjustments accordingly, the places I’m supposed to look (see item 2 above) slide around all over the place. It makes it harder to see properly. Here’s the long and the short of it... I just want to be able to make my way through this world . And I don’t think I’m alone in that. Artist Lauren Wright Pittman seems to understand. I love her 2018 work, pictured above, called Multitudes . When asked about the work she says the following, "I’ve been thinking a lot about the journey to finding and expressing voice. I wanted to image snapshots of this journey, and highlight the beauty of this unfolding— especially of those who have a more difficult struggle in finding space and freedom to lift their voice." Do you see what I’m saying? Love, Kelly P.S. Thank you to Vanderbilt for the use of Lauren Wright Pittman's art. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=57092

Dear Kelly, What would happen if you did not save dying for the end of your life? Love, God That is the lingering question of my seminary journey and the current lament of my Lenten life. For the record, I do not recommend going to seminary during middle age, particularly if life as you know it is pretty dang good. Especially if the definition of good involves words like ordered, controlled, prestige, or power. If you can foresee a global pandemic crushing your last year then you might *really* reconsider. Here’s what I’m trying to say: God may take you on a journey that calls you to die to the “good” life you have known forever. And then you’ll have a choice. Die to the life you’ve known and live in the one God has prepared for you… The one God has prepared you for... …Or… Go back to the former “good” life, live a lie, and die later. Some context… That question arose from a reading in my Pastoral Care class a couple years ago. The author suggested that we imagine the whole of our lives as a cyclical process of living, dying, and being resurrected to new life. The challenge was to imagine doing that before our physical deaths… to imagine burying whatever wasn’t life-giving and following Jesus into a new, resurrected existence. Interesting, I thought. Also, impossible. Fast forward two years and we arrive at the present pandemic stage of history. Like a lot of you, I’ve tried to calm my nerves by reading. Because I enjoy punishing myself, I picked up Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver followed by Glennon Doyle’s Untamed . (If you are expecting juicy gossip in this next paragraph, then you’re gonna be really disappointed…) Barbara renewed my appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things – the Earth, insects, plants, animals, humans – and love in all its passionate, perfect forms. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful book. I loved every page of it. The problem was that I read it while being quarantined from the community I need most in this world. (It may be important to recognize that I sucked in every ounce of air in the room after I wrote that last sentence…) Then there’s Glennon’s book... I’m still processing that impact. Here’s the passage that is screaming loudly to me right now: “(Kelly,) There are two orders of things: There is the seen order unfolding in front of us every day on our streets and in the news. In this visible order, violence reigns and children are shot in their schools and warmongers prosper and 1 percent of the world hoards half of all we have. We call this order of things reality. This is the way things are. It’s all we can see because it’s all we’ve ever seen. Yet something inside us rejects it. We know instinctively: This is not the intended order of things. This is not how things are meant to be. We know that there is a better, truer, wilder way. That better way is the unseen order inside us. It is the vision we carry in our imagination about a truer, more beautiful world – one in which all children have enough to eat and we no longer kill each other and mothers do not have to cross deserts with their babies on their backs. This better idea is what Jews call shalom, Buddhists call nirvana, Christians call heaven, Muslims call salaam, and many agnostics call peace. It is not a place out there – not yet; it’s the hopeful swelling in here, pressing through our skin, insisting that it was all meant to be more beautiful than this. And it can be, if we refuse to wait to die and go to heaven and instead find heaven inside us and give birth to it here and now. If we work to make the vision of the unseen order swelling inside us visible in our lives, home, and nations, we will make reality more beautiful. On Earth as it is in heaven. In our material world as it is in our imagination.” (Untamed, 65) My dying seems inextricably tied to the birth of a “better, truer, wilder way.” Yours might too. Love, Kelly