Tennessee Governor Lee has called a special session for the Tennessee Legislature beginning August 21, in which he will again urge enactment of an order of protection law, which would allow courts and law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from people for up to 180 days if a judge finds a person poses a “current and ongoing” risk of serious harm to themselves or others. This is a limited reform, but a necessary one. We should support this as well as further reforms.

He is seeking the public’s input. Let’s make sure all the comments don’t come from those who oppose sensible gun reform. Please register your opinion at: https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/specialsession_public_safety

Our Southeast Conference hopes to see YOU at Kirkwood UCC in Atlanta on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3 for the 57th Annual Meeting of the Southeast Conference, United Church of Christ.

Please be sure to register ASAP, as a headcount is needed for catering. There are many terrific opportunities that will be available during the gathering.

Learn more here: https://www.secucc.org/news-and-events/annual-meeting-2023/

If you can’t go to Atlanta, you can also attend the entire annual meeting online by registering HERE. 

If you would like to watch only the key note address (Sat. 6/3 from 9:30-11am CDT), tickets are available at Eventbrite HERE. 

The Strengthen the Church (STC) Offering reflects the shared commitment of people across the United Church of Christ to cooperatively build up the UCC. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts given by members and friends through their local congregations. The funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations. By your generosity to this offering, you build up the Body of Christ.

As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Brookmeade will collect the STC offering through Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023. You can send a check to the church office or donate online via Tithe.ly but please designate “STC Offering” in the memo line/drop-down menu on Tithe.ly.

A gathering of all Nashville–area UCC churches for a potluck brunch at Howard Congregational Church (2802 Buchanan St.) to grow in the spirit of prayer and in fellowship with one another! Special Guest Speaker: Rev. Patricia Shropshire, Lead Chaplain at Vanderbilt University Medical Center! Rev. Patricia has deep ties to the Nashville-area UCC as she was formerly Pastor for Congregational Care at Holy Trinity Community Church, and also in the past served as a worship leader at Howard Congregational Church!  Presently, Rev. Patricia serves as pastor of Mt. Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dickson County.  Will be speaking on the topic: “The Importance of Prayer in Everyday Life”. SAVE THE DATE! Bring family & friends and a brunch culinary delight to share for great UCC fellowship & inspiration!

Brookmeade members, please plan to attend our Congregational meeting on Sunday, May 7th following the worship service. For full details on what will be discussed and voted on, please see your weekly email, the Brookmeade Beat, or contact the church office!

First Sundays of the month we collect our COW (“Contribute Our Wealth”) Offering. Monetary donations are split between Second Harvest of Middle TN and Heifer International. You can also bring canned goods on Sunday morning to donate to Second Harvest. Please designate your check for COW Offering or if you give online you can choose COW offering on the drop-down menu on Tithe.ly. Thank you for supporting these important organizations and helping Brookmeade fight hunger

Our next trip to the Project CURE Warehouse (2300 Clifton Ave.) is scheduled for Saturday, May 6th from 9:30 am – 12 pm. We will be sorting medical supplies. Newcomers are very welcome! For planning reasons we need a head count for our group prior to volunteering. Please RSVP to the church office ASAP if you plan to attend. Thanks and see you there!

The May-June issue of the UPPER ROOM is now available without cost in the foyer of the church.  Published in 36 languages & distributed throughout the world, the UPPER ROOM is an interdenominational & international devotional aid for having set-aside time for daily prayer & meditation on sacred scriptures.  For those who wish to receive a copy by mail, please contact the church office.

Please join us for a “Spring Cleaning” on Saturday, April 29th from 9:30 am – 12 pm as we prepare for summer with various cleaning projects outside on our property, including clearing leaves and debris and trash, as well as sprucing up our building indoors for upcoming events. If you are able to help, please RSVP to Jon W. or the church office.

Learn & Grow meets Sundays at 9:15 am. After Easter we will use two books to guide a discussion on church growth. It will be an opportunity for self-examination and consider how Brookmeade needs to change to experience renewal and growth. “In “Prophetic Renewal: Hope for the Liberal Church” Reverend Michael S. Piazza tells the story of the Cathedral of Hope and its growth against all odds.”  We will also use “Liberating HOPE!: Daring to Renew the Mainline Church” by Michael S. Piazza and Cameron B. Trimble. “[It] provides concrete and tangible 21st century insight to those churches looking to renew their congregations through hope and optimism rooted in the resurrection.” This will be a challenging study, but we hope it will help prepare the congregation for the future.