The new November-December issue of the UPPER ROOM daily devotional is now available without cost in the foyer of the church. In this issue, along with the daily meditations, is an introduction to the spiritual practice of visio divina. Visio divina invites us to encounter the Divine through prayerful consideration of, and interaction with, an image or a work of art. The UPPER ROOM always has captivating cover art. This issue features the fantastical painting of contemporary American artist Daniel Bonnell: “The Annunciation” of Mary, and on it takes us through the steps of visio divina. This issue of the UPPER ROOM also offers other Advent resources for private & public worship. Pick up a copy in the foyer of the church, or contact the church office to have a copy mailed to you.

Our Learn & Grow Adult Sunday School Class meets Sundays at 9:15 am. Our new study begins this Sunday 10/19! “Living the Questions: An Introduction to Progressive Christianity” is for those who are yearning for something more than the shallow platitudes that too often pass for theology in our churches. It’s for those who are looking for a faith conversation that encourages questions and open dialogue.”

October 19: An Invitation to Journey

October 26: Taking the Bible Seriously

November 2: Thinking Theologically

November 9: Stories of Creation

November 16: Lives of Jesus

November 23: A Passion for Christ: Paul

November 30: Out into the World: Challenges Facing Progressive Christians

🎃 Pumpkin Painting & Popcorn Picture Party 🎃 6:00 pm @ Brookmeade 🎃

Join Brookmeade UCC and the Circle Community Church for a cozy fall evening of fun! We’ll kick things off with pumpkin painting, share dinner together (pizza provided — bring a favorite side or dessert if you’d like!), and then settle in outdoors for a family-friendly Halloween movie under the stars.

💵 Suggested donation: $10 per person — this covers your pumpkin and movie ticket.

🍿 Pizza, popcorn, candy, and soda provided!

👉 Please sign up online so we can make sure a pumpkin is ready for you.

Bring a friend, bring your creativity, and let’s enjoy fellowship and fall fun together!

Exclusive Member Offer: Save on Life Line Screening!

We have great news! Brookmeade will be hosting a Life Line Screening event on Friday, 10/24/2025. Life Line Screening is the premier provider of stroke and cardiovascular disease risk screenings since 1993. Click here (www.llsa.social/habc) or call 800-324-9458 to schedule your appointment (use the code HABC001 for a discount)! A simple screening can be worth a lifetime.

Life Line Screening is extending a discounted offer to all Brookmeade and Circle Community church members which will identify your risk level for the following diseases:

1. Carotid Artery Disease
2. Peripheral Arterial Disease
3. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
4. Atrial Fibrillation
   

The Neighbors in Need offering supports ministries of justice and compassion, with one-third of the offering given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds supporting UCC justice ministries. In 2025 the Neighbors in Need Offering supported 26 grant recipients across the UCC who were engaged in projects of direct service and advocacy. Thank you for your support and generosity! You can send us a check, or donate via Tithe.ly – choose NIN Offering in the drop down menu.

Join our Project CURE Volunteer Group Saturday, October 4th from 9:30 – 11:30 am! We help sort medical supplies on the first Saturday of every month at the Project CURE warehouse (2309 Clifton Ave. 37209). These are surplus supplies that are sent to countries all around the world that need them. No training required to participate! Please RSVP to the church office if you plan to attend. Thank you for helping support this important ministry.

“Nashville Pride is in a state of emergency. At a moment of unrelenting attacks on LGBTQ+ people, we are fighting to keep our city’s largest celebration of queer joy, visibility, and resistance alive.

Corporations have never defined Pride, but their dollars have helped cover the costs. With many sponsors abruptly backing out, including those who supported us for years, a massive hole has been left in our budget, putting the future of Pride in jeopardy.

We need to raise $250,000 by October 11, 2025 TO ENSURE OUR FUTURE & SAVE NASHVILLE PRIDE. Nashville Pride is a nonprofit; every dollar goes right back into the festival and year-round programs supporting our community. If we don’t meet this goal, we risk losing not just a weekend of celebration, but a safe space for tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies all year long. The future of Nashville Pride is at stake, and we’re asking for your support to Save Nashville Pride.” 

To learn more and donate visit: https://www.savenashvillepride.org/

There will also be a “Get Out, Get Loud” Nashville Pride Benefit on October 5th at 7:30 pm at Marathon Music Works! Tickets available NOW!

There will be a special election for Davidson County District 7 on October 7th.

Davidson County recently purged 80,000 voters. Check your voter registration ahead of the 10/7 Congressional Special Election Primary by clicking HERE. 

Early Voting for the 10/7 Primary is being held 9/17-10/2. Find the locations and hours by clicking HERE (or see image above).

Learn more about the candidates running by clicking HERE. 

The new UPPER ROOM daily devotional for Sept-Oct is now available without cost in the foyer of the church.  Published in 32 languages & distributed throughout the world, the UPPER ROOM celebrates its 90th year of publication in 2025 as a valuable devotional aid for setting aside daily time for prayer and meditation on sacred scriptures.  Pick up a copy in the church foyer, or contact the church office to have a copy mailed to you!

This will be a potluck brunch gathering of our three Nashville-area UCC churches (Brookmeade Congregational Church, Circle Community Church, Howard Congregational Church) to grow in being closer to God and one another. Event site: Brookmeade UCC @ 11:00 am. Meeting theme: “The Importance of Morning Prayer”. Special Guest Speaker: Rev. Patricia Shropshire, Lead Chaplain at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Rev. Patricia was for many years the Pastor of Congregational Care at Holy Trinity Community Church (now titled Circle Community Church). She was also a worship leader & a member of the ministry team at Howard Congregational Church for many years. So, she is well known in both UCC congregations and dearly beloved by all who know her! All are invited to come on Sept 20th @ 11:00 am to hear Rev. Patricia speak about the spiritual practice & importance of morning prayer & meditation as Jesus practiced (Mark 1:35-39) to start our days off right and to make a real difference in our daily lives. Bring family, friends, and a brunch dish for great UCC fellowship and inspiration!