THE

Volume 40, Issue 49

A Beacon and A Bridge

SPIRE
December 3, 2012

Walk Thru Bethlehem

This Sunday, December 9 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Those who join us for the 11:00 a.m. worship Service on December 9 are invited to visit Bethlehem before it opens to the public at 1:00 pm.

Come experience the true meaning of Christmas!

First Sunday of Advent - December 2, 2012

Mission Statement
Growing Disciples of Christ by Seeking God, Sharing Love and Serving Others

Welcome to Our New Members

The Bridge Service

Core Values:
Welcoming Outstanding Worship Outreach Different Traditions Mission & Ministry On the Move Nurturing Transforming woodmontchristian.org Hanging of the Greens

Kellie Mulkey with Ali and Aliya

The Tasting Party

Kim & Brad Church

The Meaning of CHRISTMAS by Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister

manger. (Luke 2:10-12) What are we hoping for this Advent Season? R REMEMBERING But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) Will we spend some time remembering the years of Christmas past? Will the spirit of Christmas live on after December 25th? I INNER PEACE And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (Luke 2:13-14) What are the things that are keeping us from inner peace? How can we overcome them? S SHARING On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) Will we be more focused on getting or giving this Christmas? T TRANSFORMATION And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (Matthew 2:12) Will we allow the birth of the Christ child to transform our lives? M MAGIC When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. (Matthew 2:10) Can we recapture the magic and wonder of Christmas if it has faded? A ACTIVITIES The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:5) How can we participate in all the activities of December, enjoy them, but not burn ourselves out? S SPIRITUAL RENEWAL I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matthew 3:11) How can we live our lives like John the Baptist and point others to Christ? I encourage you to take advantage of all that is being offered this month. Following Walk Thru Bethlehem, we will have special Christmas music at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 15th in Drowota Hall and then again at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday December 16th in the sanctuary. On Wednesday, December 19th, at 6:30 we will offer a Hope for the Season service of music and reflection for anybody who may be having a hard time this Christmas for any reason, and if we are honest, we all do to some extent. Then, we will have our traditional three services on Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. for families with children and 7:00 and 11:00 p.m. Candle light and Communion. Catch the spirit. Dont wait too long to enjoy this wonderful time of the year. Blessings,

We have now entered the Advent season. This Sunday we will welcome thousands to our church for Walk Thru Bethlehem. It is an amazing gift that Woodmont has offered this community for many years, reminding all of us what Christmas is all about. It is the highlight of the Christmas season for many people. This year will be another great one. Thank you to everybody who is working so hard to bring Bethlehem to life! It is truly a labor of love and its always worth it.

Last December, I had the chance to speak to our Christian Womens Fellowship at their December gathering and I prepared a Christmas acronym for that day focusing on the real meaning of Christmas including some scriptures to go along with each word. I wanted to share it as we begin the Advent journey of 2012. Ive also included some questions for you to consider. C CHRIST And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for him in the inn. (Luke 2:7) Are we focused on Christ and all that he brings to our lives this Advent? Is there room in our hearts and our lives for Jesus Christ? H HOPE But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a

Rev. Clay Stauffer

The Spire is published weekly by:

Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 Visit our Webpage: www.woodmontchristian.org

(615) 297-8563 fax: (615) 297-9319 email: wcc@woodmontcc.org Kim Adair, Editor Copyright 2012

Advent by Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care

than the world's darkness that threatens to cover our inner light, more than the commercialization of the Sacred, more than the fragility of our humanity. How do we make this year different? What will it take for us to look up into the dark night and locate the Star, listen for the angels singing, and for once invite God to truly break into our perfectly tinseled lives and offer us more? I don't know about you but I need to believe in percolating miracles. I need to believe that when that baby over 2,000 years ago took his first breath, he unleashed a Love into our world that still to this day has the power to work a miracle on my heart. In these sacred weeks of Advent, I offer up a challenge. May we not ignore or suffer from indifference to the real possibility of the mystical, the mysterious, the lump-in-your-throat wonder of where Advent promises to lead us. Simply put, may we not get in the way of the percolating miracles of Christmas. We all know a different road can be taken to arrive at Christmas. A path paved with too many trips to Target, too many C hristm as parties , too m any Christmas cards, too many artificial lights and tinsel. Before we know it, we have allowed the business of Christmas to scaffold over our yearning souls. Our Christmas takes on the polish of the gaudy, the shallow, the empty. On December 26, we feel intimately a shadow descend over our spirits instead of reveling in the Divine glow. experience of Christmas. I feel like being a mother of four, almost five, working part-time in ministry, and my writing, all these responsibilities demand discipline. And yet, without the ears to hear, the spiritual eyes to see, there is a great probability that I could miss that holy Star in the sky. I could wake up on December 26, no epiphany to speak of, no experience of a sweetness deep in my soul, no breaking through of the Divine into my little life to remind me that miracles are happening inside every breath. As the story goes, plenty of people claimed they had no room in the inns of their lives before Mary and Joseph took up residence in a stable. You must know those innkeepers 2,000 years ago were kicking themselves on that first Christmas morning. They missed the opportunity to welcome the birth of a Savior in their midst. Heaven forbid, we don't make the same mistake. Maybe this year we become more disciplined in our stepping down the path of Advent, silently intoning the words, "There's room in my inn. Come, Emmanuel, Come." Maybe we slow down, light a candle, sing Silent Night, linger in the stillness of an evergreen-scented chapel, and allow the glow of Christmas to sweeten our humanity and remind us of our divinity. Maybe we take the first step in understanding what it truly means to live in hope.

Is it all sewn up-my life? Is it at this point so predictable,

so orderly, so neat, so arranged, so right, that I don't have time or space for listening for the rustle of angels' wings or running to stables to see a baby? Could this be what he meant when he said Listen, those who have ears to hear... Look, those who have eyes to see... O God, give me the humbleness of those shepherds who saw in the cold December darkness the Coming of Light the Advent of Love! ~Ann Weems Advent is a pilgrimage. The path is laid before us each year, the journey is four weeks in the making, the destination is a miracle. Will this be the year that we leap forward into the mystical unknown, ready to experience more profoundly the birth of holiness onto our planet? Will we allow our spirits to be anointed by the supernatural glow emanating from inside a humble stable?

Live in Hope, Advent nudges the spirit towards Farrell the holy truth that just maybe there is more here than meets the eye. More I am wary of calling for spiritual than the cycle of birth and death, more discipline when it comes to the

Special Music this Sunday, December 9

Join us for Special Christmas Music by the Norris Twins at the 9:30 a.m. service. The Woodmont Vocal Ensemble will serenade us from the balcony with a Christmas Madrigal at the 11:00 a.m. service
3

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by Kathryn Welch, Ministerial Intern

asked the children in Childrens Church whether they though Jesus would ask Santa for anything for his birthday. While the question may have been a little heretical, the answers were anything but. The kids thought that Jesus would ask Santa for world peace, or that everyone would get along and be nice to each other, or that everyone would follow Jesus, or that everyone would love each other. I think Jesus would want all of us to ask Santa for these things every year. giving Christmas Eve. We are waiting for the Christ child to come into our world once again, and in response to that Holy Night, the night of profound love, let us think about what it means that God gave Gods only Son to us and learn to give of ourselves during this Christmas season. Santa gives us a wonderful example of self-less giving and he also teaches us that each child is a child of God and deserves to feel loved every day, but especially on Christmas morning. Perhaps we could all take a lesson from Santa in how we respond So does Santa take the Christ out of to the Christ child which is both here Christmas? I dont think so. But I do and not yet. think we have to teach our children I would also like to thank you all so and remind ourselves what the true meaning of Christmas is. In the much for a wonderful send-off this childrens movie, Santa Claus is past Sunday. Woodmont has become Coming to Town, the narrator a home and a family for me and I am explains why Santa chose Christmas so grateful for your kind words, your Eve to deliver presents. He says, it support, and your love. I will miss this wasnt a hard decision to make. He place and all of you very much! Thank chose, of course, the Holiest Night of you for everything! the year. The night of profound love, ~Kathryn which was the perfect night for

A few weeks ago we had a discussion amongst the staff about how you talk about Santa Claus during Christmastime without losing the essential part of Christmas, Jesus. This got me to thinking In my family, Santa is a HUGE part of our Christmas celebration. We have always had a Santa tree (one with just Santa ornaments), we read The Night Before Christmas before going to bed on Christmas eve, and Santa always delivers presents on Christmas morning. However, there was also a profound reverence for the Nativity scenes which were spread throughout the house and a sense that Advent was the time of anticipation, preparation and waiting for a miracle to happen. In our world it is important to be able to hold the secular and the sacred in tension with each other. This past Sunday after a long discussion about Santa and Jesus, I

Youth Happenings
Week of December 3, 2012

Adult

Education

We are very proud of and grateful for the spirit and effort you put forth during Hanging of the Greens! You were splendid! Final Reminder: Wednesday 5-Star Dinner and Youth Bible Study are suspended until the New Year. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2012 9:30 a.m. CYF Worship in Sanctuary Chi Rho Sunday school 10:30 a.m. Jubilation Rehearsal/Youth Gathering 11:00 a.m. CYF Sunday School Chi Rho to Worship with Carla 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Walk Through Bethlehem (We sure hope you will be involved!)

Wednesday Night - December 5

6:30 p.m. DivorceCare Surviving the Holidays Workshop in the Boardroom - Led by Anne Alexander Stauffer and Janet Wall (NOTE ROOM CHANGE)

Sunday School - December 9 No Adult Classes Will Meet - WTB

Classes Resuming Next Week, December 16: 9:30 a.m. Disciples Class (105) Challenge Class (200) Young Adult Class (Boardroom) Spiritual Journeys Class for Women (Bay) 11:00 a.m. Second Hour of the Spiritual Journeys Class (Bay) Reflections Class (200) Points of View (105) College & University Aged Young Adults (107) New Class During Christmas Break

Have a great week! Thom & CJ

Priye Pou Haiti (Pray for Haiti)

Last week Deb & I traveled to Haiti. This time we traveled to Sous Savanne, a small village near Leagone, which was the largest city near the epicenter of the 2010 earthquake. While only 26 miles from the airport, it took 2 hours by bus to get there. In the US, these roads would be considered unimproved. Once you get to Sous Savanne, the roads become goat paths. We went with Hope Force International (HFI), which is actually headquartered in Brentwood. Rene & Marianne Lako were our hosts. We met 3 other folks for the first time at the airport in Miami, before going on to Haiti.

During our week, we worked side-by-side with Haitians to build homes (200 square feet!), visited the homes of many locals, assisted with the monthly food distribution, went to church and even taught Bible and health classes in a local school. Many times, we had to carry ladders, 5-gallon buckets of paint, and all of our tools over the paths to the job site. HFI has built 14 houses in Sous Savanne this year, and hope to build 20 more next year. They use a local contractor to do the rough construction. This assists to put money into the local economy, and provides a way to get around some of the corruption involved when larger donations come in all at one time.

Everywhere we went, we were surrounded by beautiful, beautiful children. They would come running from everywhere just to say bonjoo or bonswa, and often walked with us and would hold our hands. We ask that you would pray for the people of Haiti. Many still lived in tents since the earthquake, only to have those ripped away by Hurricane Sandy. And as for Sandy, please pray for those all along the Eastern seaboard whose lives were wrecked by this massive storm. We also ask for your prayers for Rene & Marianne. They are special people giving everything to serve the Lord. ~Steve LaForge

Walk Thru Bethlehem

SPECIAL NOTE for Everyone taking part in Walk Thru Bethlehem this Sunday, December 9th:

Are You Facing or Following a Separation or Divorce? You May Need Fresh Hope for the Holidays . . . "Surviving the Holidays" Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. December 5 (Boardroom) and December 12 (The Bay)
Walk Thru Bethlehem Costume Checkout
Last Date/Time at Mansion:

Please check the Walk Thru Bethlehem website to confirm work assignments and times. The website is www.wtbwoodmont.com. If there are any questions or concerns, please call Steve Smith at 414-5899 or email at steve@sska.com.

Bread Bakers Needed for Walk Thru Bethlehem

Are you looking for a way to help with WTB? Bread baking is your answer. It's fun, easy, and makes your home smell wonderful! Please contact Lisa Pitts at 332-8368 or e-mail, lisadpitts@yahoo.com, if you would like to bake or have any questions.

Wednesday, December 5: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Beth Sowell at 512-2242 or email, bethsowell@comcast.net.

CWF Circle Meetings - Tuesday, December 11

Circles 1, 2, 6 & 7 - Will meet at the church at 10:30 a.m. for a Christmas Program in the Sanctuary. Lunch will be served following the program in the Gathering Hall. Circle 3 - 10:30 a.m. in the home of Pat Malone (4012 Newman Place, 37204) Circle 4 - 10:30 a.m. in the home of Dale Herrick (9404 Green Hill Circle, Brentwood, 37027); Co-Hostess: Gail Reinhard 5

Congratulations to

Jim & Betsy Hendrick 50th Wedding Anniversary

on Saturday, December 1! who celebrated their

Heavenly Helpers assist with a mailing at Monroe-Harding

You are not alone If you need a confidential and caring Stephen Minister to talk with when you go through life's transitions or difficult times, call Kathy Patten (838-4957).

Looking for a Nice Christmas Idea?

Woodmont Many Gifts, One Voice Audio CD
Many Gifts, One Voice, is a compilation of 15 stylistically diverse music performances, comprised of over 70 soloists, duets, groups and ensemble contributions from the instrumentalists and singers at Woodmont Christian Church (WCC) in Nashville, TN. It was recorded over a nine month period at six different recording studios and venues in Nashville, TN. This is a monumental effort that was conceived and implemented by Executive Producer B. James Lowry over two years ago, with the assistance, guidance and support from WCC Music Director and Associate Producer Michael Graham. The CD costs $10* and is available for purchase at Spire Books. It will make a perfect gift for the holidays!
*The sole purpose of the creation, recording and distribution of this music CD, is to be used as an outreach utility asset, with all sales proceeds going to benefit the numerous ongoing outreach ministries at WCC.

Wednesday, December 19th at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary A service of music, carols, reflections, and hope 6

Special Service at Woodmont Hope for the Season

New Member Meet & Greet

Thursday, November 15 at the Stauffers

Sunday School Lessons and Volunteers

THIS WEEK AT WCC:

Sunday, December 9, 2012 9:30 a.m. - Children's Moment 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 11:00 a.m. - Children's Church 1:00-7:00 p.m. - Walk Through Bethlehem

December 9, 2012

Stars (2 Yrs) Advent Jane Clay Meadors LeAnn Stokes or Sarah Drury Pandas (3 Yrs) Advent Becky Griffith Liz or Chris Smith Frogs (4 Yrs) Advent II: Mary & Joseph Kim Sheridan Joy and Gloria Jackson

Monkeys (5 Yrs/K) Advent II: Mary & Joseph Denise Sesler Christy Hermann Children's Church Kathryn Welch Kaitlyn Asher Christy Brown Christ Quest Walk Thru Bethlehem Behind the Scenes Tour Donuts Still Needed

Happy Birthday To:

12/6 Santino DiNapoli 12/9 Tanner Silva 12/10 Cole Wright

ChristQuest Memory Verse Luke 1:30-31 "The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus."

Woodmont Christmas Cards Now Available Christmas Cards 15 for $10 Church Bookstore or Kids Commons All money goes to help Lester (our CFCA-sponsored child in Guatemala)

Bulletin Board

Opportunities at Woodmont
Wednesday, December 5 6:15 a.m. Men's Small Group (107) 7:00 a.m. Men's Bible Study (105) Younger Men's Bible Study (BR) 6:30 p.m. Divorce Care (BR) Stephen Ministry (105, 200, Library)

Elders Prayer Corner

The Elders Request that the congregation join them in prayer for: Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; thanks to Him and praise His name Our Angel Tree friends at Fannie Battle For all our families during the Christmas Holiday Shut-ins and those who cannot come to worship

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

IN THE HOSPITAL: John Thomas Rogers, friend of Steve & Deb LaForge, Vanderbilt, Burn ICU Beth & Daniel Ellis, niece and nephew-in-law of Betty Brent (Daniel: UT Medical Center, Knoxville, TN) NEW CONCERN: Joe Bandy CONTINUING CONCERNS: Emily Duncan, MD Anderson-Houston (out-patient) Joyce White Joann Tomlin Mike Fuller Bob Bruce Peggy Johnson Amy Alexander Red Warnock Jeannette Miller Penny Stelling
www.caringbridge.org/visit/pennystelling
(Continuing Concerns continued)

Thursday, December 6 9:00 a.m. Library Workday 7:00 p.m. Restore on Thursday Classes (Chi Rho, Jubilation)

Jane Drury, sister of Mark Drury Martha Riddle Schwartz, Alive Hospice Tony Anderson, father of Christy Waller, Knoxville, TN MILITARY PRAYER LIST: Graham Heilig, brother of Kirsten Lowe Cody Bender, husband of Ashley Wilson Bender; son-in-law of Steve & Judy Wilson Clay Perry, son of Tim & Diane Perry Dan King & wife, Ashley King, brother and sister-in-law of Stephen Daniel King THOSE SERVING ABROAD: Katie Pickens, Global Ministries Missionary in Haiti Jesse Garrison, Peace Corp in Armenia

Sunday, December 9 Second Sunday of Advent & Walk Thru Bethlehem 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School Youth and Children Only 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship 1:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m. Walk Thru Bethlehem

Monday, December 10 4:00 p.m. Small Group for Men (BR)

Carole Baker Koonce, Houston, TX

www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolekoonce

Tuesday, December 11 9:00 a.m. Women's Prayer Group (CS) 10:30 a.m. Christmas Program & Lunch CWF Circles 1, 2, 6 & 7 (SANC/GH) 10:30 a.m. CWF Circles 3 & 4 (Away) 6:00 p.m. Handbell Practice (234)

June Stewart, mother of Margie Quin, Gary Jones, father of Pam Groom, Louisville, KY

*Please Note: Continuing Care Concerns will now only be listed for up to one month. If you wish to have a continuing concern remain on the list after one month, please renew your request each month by calling the church office.*

Let Us Know:
Have information about someone in the hospital or with another ministry need? Please notify the church office during the week (297-8563) and Let Us Know.

PLEASE - NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE SANCTUARY

Woodmont Christian Church

3601 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215 615.297.8563 woodmontchristian.org
Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization U S Postage PA ID Nashville, Tennessee Permit No. 1204

UPHOLDING OUR CHURCH

BY OUR PRESENCE AND OUR GIFTS
Date Sunday School November 11 250 November 18 263 November 25 259 December 2 291 Total Atd. 653 732 713 792 Operating $ 20,904 $ 36,016 $ 61,409 $ 48,946

DEACON SCHEDULE
December 9, 2012
Communion Prep: Service Coordinator: Video Camera: Kristen Malone 9:30 - Robert Howell 11:00 - Rich Sanderson 9:30 - Nicole Clayton 11:00 - Leigh Ann Agee 5:45 p.m. No Service Walk Thru Bethlehem

ELDERS SERVING SUNDAY

December 9, 2012

WORSHIP SERVICES: December 9, 2012

Second Sunday of Advent & Walk Thru Bethlehem 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Clay Stauffer, Preaching 9:30 a.m. Sermon: "Experiencing the Wonder of Christmas" Jack Derryberry Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-6; Luke 2:1-16 Marcella Derryberry David Reynolds 5:45 p.m. - The Bridge No Service Due to WTB Alex Waddey Carols in the Sanctuary Anne-Marie Farmer 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Katherine Hartle Billy Crawford Weekly Prayer Partner Betty McHugh Bellevue Christian Church, Nashville, TN 11:00 a.m. Dennis Beck Cynthia Beck Don Mitchell Jeremiah Pyron Teri Diamond Monte Good Jean Ramsey Mart Sesler

9:30 a.m. Susan Batson and Chip Phinizy 11:00 a.m. Richmond Williams and Betty White 5:45 p.m. WTB

WOODMONT CHRISTIAN CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister Farrell Mason, Minister of Family Life & Pastoral Care Dr. C. Roy Stauffer, Minister of Church Life Rev. Justin Gung, Minister of Families & Young Adults Rev. Trey Flowers, Minister of Children & "The Bridge" Thom Schuyler, Youth Director Carla "CJ" Schooler, Minister of Jr. High Youth Tallu Quinn, TNFP Director & Outreach Min. Michael Graham, Director of Music Ministry Sarah Huffman, Accompanist Kim Adair, Administrative Assistant Andra Moran & Stephen Daniel King, Directors of Music & the Arts for "The Bridge" Kathryn Welch, Ministerial Intern Mary Clare Carpenter, Parish Nurse Ginny Tharp, Director of Preschool Linda Whitson, Staff Administrator Stasia Spivy, Receptionist Beverly Honeycutt, Housekeeping Shirley Taylor, Housekeeping Steven Austin, Housekeeping Sam Marsh, Property Manager - Housekeeping Supv.